Happy 2008 Everyone!

Merry Christmas To All

Boo!

I ordered a Sesame Street Giggle Medical Kit from Amazon last weekend along with a few other items. This particular item was sitting “To be shipped” status for the past 5 days. I finally emailed them today AM about it and the response:

Updated Delivery Estimate: February 29, 2008 - March 3, 2008. Please approve this delay by Jan, 18.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

This is totally depressing! This means now I have to drive to the mall, park someplace far, walk in the cold, look for the toys, stand in line and drive back!!




(Picture courtesy of Microsoft office clip art)

Online "Window Shopping" Anyone?

Amazon.com is a great website – I love it! Great products, at good prices. Having bought tons of things from it, it’s become one of my first stores for online shopping. Now here’s the issue – I never, that is until last week, gone on a shopping spree at Amazon. Unfortunately, I have realized with this Christmas shopping spree Amazon is not built for window shopping!!!

Here’s why (I hope someone from Amazon reads this!):

I am looking to buy something for Kutie – I don’t want to spend too much, but might consider buying a couple of items (more boxes under the tree) for him. I go to the toy department at Amazon. The big banner says “Deals” – Ok that’s good, it caught my eye and I go for it! Now here’s the problem. Sorting by age does not work! (Ok go ahead try it, I know you want to. Try Age 2 – 4 and you get a bunch of items that for “Recommended for 4 – 6 years”). I guess the engineer did not do a good job at filters. Of course its age 4 thats throwing it off, but come on I am sure there is some complex algorithm to fix it!

Another quibble, is the limited amount of pages that gets displayed, I cannot jump around! Maybe these are the effects of using Google for everything, but wish Amazon did the same. Only 3 pages displayed the first time, and then if you hit next its not 4, 5 & 6 but just 4!

Sorting by price may or may not work (I think I have figured out that it’s because of the category that you fall into). But when it works, it displays some crabby doll for $1 (this might be just me, but what do you do when genders dictate that I get cars for boys!); and when you want to move some pages ahead, you can’t – because it doesn’t display it!! Also, could you please tell me how many pages are there in all? I want to know ahead of time, if I need to go through 10 pages or 20 before I get to the last item!

Arrgh!

Of course, the argument against all of the above needed features is to give customers less options. But when filters are not working, and no end is in sight I would prefer to be given the choice of choices. Thank You!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

As the post title suggest, its dad’s birthday. It sort of had slipped out of my mind until yesterday when I happened to check the date. I wondered how I could make it special for the man that I adored, the handsome guy who taught me how to ride the bike and play badminton. He was always jovial and had a mischievous smile about himself (tha I now see in Kutie). Now retired, he keeps telling me that he seems to have a lot of time, but to me he is busier than ever. Traveling all across Bangalore in his little scooter – the new found freedom seems to have done wonders! The twinkle in his eye as he dashes across the busy streets is just of pure joy of being able to do things his own way!

Kutie seems to enjoy his company now as well. And in true grandfather mode, ‘Muthu’ is always in defense of the little guy. Often to my dismay, he would burst out laughing to his little antics that most likely would be one of the ‘wrong’ things that he might be doing. But I guess its grandfather’s prerogative.

But back to making the day special for my dad, I got him one book (since he is into reading), waited from Kutie to wake up to get him to give him the present. I was thinking of going out someplace, but with no car (another story, another time) we were restricted to our walks. But it was a great day and we did have a good walk. Overall it was a great day, and since it was weekend, it was nice relaxing Saturday. And I am happy to report with another holiday tomorrow it can be an extended celebration for the big guy!

Happy Birthday Dad/Muthu. Hope it’s was a great day!

The joys of holidays

- Elbowing into a parking spot
- Shopping
- Busy malls
- Long lines
- Crying babies on Santa’s lap (see what I mean here)
- Gift lists
- Not finding them
- Re-writing lists
Ah! The never-ending process!

Here's to 2007!

Few weeks remaining in 2007, so what do I do …. Make a list! What else did you expect?

1. 1 year olds – I really (if I had the money) would pay the money for a time machine today. I never thought I would want to go back in time for anything but to see Kutie all over again, would be wonderful. Its with full nostalgia and pride that I tell people that Kutie is big boy now.
2. Buying a home – Ok I have owned a lot of things – books, clothes, appliances, but a house tops all of them.
3. Having parents at home – The joy of having the morning cup of tea ready!
4. Being a mom – Yes I applied and I love the job so far, even for all its downsides.
5. Blank – now we all know why I am so bad at lists! Arrr

New Job Opening

{If anyone thinking of applying for the job and to all parents & grandparents, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis.}

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :
... Long term team players needed for challenging
permanent work in an often chaotic environment.

... Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

... Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!

Travel expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

... The rest of your life.
... Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
... Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
... Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
... Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
... Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
... Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
... Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
... Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.
... Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
... Must assume final complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
... Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required, unfortunately.

On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

... Get this! You pay them while offering frequent raises and bonuses.

... A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.

... When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


FOOTNOTE:
THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!

I loved this FWD email that I received today, wish I had read it in 2006 :)

A recuring dream?

Me: (to a boy who is ready to hit the bed) Let’s go Kutie, its time for bed. Lets change your diaper, brush your teeth and get to bed.
Boy: (stamping little feet) AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Me: We can play with the cars tomorrow, now its time for bed
Boy: (inching further away, car still in one hand) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Me: Come on, let’s go.
(Few minutes pass by and we go through the same conversation again)
(Finally picking the squirming baby)
Boy: Wailing loud
Me: (trying to distract) Look at the clock, its late. See the Tweety bird, its going to fly away, if you don’t stop to cry.
Boy: (trying hard to get away) Wailing louder
Me: Almost done. There we go!

I pick up the little one, and move towards the bathroom.
Me: Let’s brush our teeth. How do we do it?
Boy:(doing the brushing action, with one hand) eeeeeeeee – eeeeeeeee
Me: Here we go, brush, paste lets do it
Boy: (looking horrified) Nooooooooooooooooooo
Me: Let’s do it together
Boy: (moving the head too fast) Crying

10 minutes later, boy still crying, but teeth clean!

Me: Ok all done, stop crying dear one. We are done
Boy: (not too sure yet) sobbing
Me: Shall we go to bed?
Boy: (Nodding yes)
Me: Shall we say ‘Good night to everyone’?
Boy: (nodding)
Me: Here’s Muthu
Boy: Gunut
Granpa: (laughing) Goodnight, little one
Boy: Ammammama ….
Grandma: Yes dear
Boy: Gunut
Grandma: Goodnight dear, sleep well
Boy: Attta
Me: Honey, he is calling you.
Boy: Atta
Honey: Ah, yes
Boy: Gunut
Honey: Good nite
Me: Shall we go?
Boy: (nodding)

Entering bedroom
Boy: Phan
Me: Ok lets switch on the fan
Boy: (smiling, jumping on the bed!)

Can you guess, whose recurring dream reality this is?

Bring out the cheer! Bring out the good-will!
Santa is coming to town!


Graphic courtesy www.coolholidaygraphics.com

A time traveller

Years ago, I had met one my dad's friends who had just retired then. When my dad asked him about how he spends his time now, he chuckled and said that he is having a time of his life! He is now able to spend hours on end with his grandson - playing, napping, eating and seeing things through innocent little eyes. He mentioned that he was unable to do the same with his own two sons, since he was often busy at work. I remember this incident now, every time I am at work, away from my little one.

Time is such a intricate part of life and its best seen through the eyes of your parents and children. Parents can tell you stories of what even you might have forgotten from your past, of bygone years, of ways to do things that are today unheard of… Today I see it though my son. Each day, he is doing something new – saying a new word or even trying to say it, because it wasn’t there yesterday and he will soon grow out it!

In another 25 years, it might be my son writing up a blogs about his mother – her ‘old’ ways that now interfere with the his ‘new’ thinking! Ah! the pains of growing up ...

Mahalo!

What a wonderful time we had. Kutie was scared of the ocean at first, but after two days he settled into it as if he had know it for ages. He played in the white beaches - running & walking. Since it was a great weather he walked around everywhere and enjoyed not being couped up inside the house.

Honey and Dad, went para-sailing and snorkeling - enjoying every minute of a fun-filled adventure. I completely forgot about work, home and everything in between in the few days of glorious sunshine.

Look at this beautiful sunset and beaches and wouldn't you thank the wonderful God for giving us an opportunity to see His wonderful creations! Mahalo!

Sunset on the beach



























Aerial view of the beach

The S word

10 Words that describe our wonderful Hawaii trip!

Sun
Sand
Summer
Shopping
Sand castle
Shore
Shells
Snorkel
Sea
Scenic

Hawaii - Here we come!

ALOHA!!!
Sun, Sands, Summer

Can't wait for the Thanksgiving holidays to hit the sunny beaches of Hawaii. I am sure it will be greatest fun for all of us. Now I only need to figure out which stores might still have a few summer dresses ...

Merci beaucoup!

Mille fois merci!

To my dear mom, who read my last post and let me know that even if I probably get just a few readers, she loves my work and helps her to be connected to me, even when we are miles apart!

LOVE YOU LOTS, MUM - YOU ARE THE BEST!

Scrapbook of Memories

Each day passes into the night
Dreams are forgotten at daylight.
A lifetime of thoughts goes unwritten,
Flights of fancy never fulfilled.

Scribbling thoughts into paper
Making them stay awhile
Strokes that now color them
Often going by unnoticed!

Why write, if no one reads it?
Why write, if no one ever finds it?
Pieces in black and white,
Can they just be a scrapbook of memories?

Growing Wiser?

Growing wiser or not! Don’t care – as long as I get flowers, chocolates, perfumes for my birthday. HA!


Thank you my dear friends and family for letting me know that I am loved each day!
Thank you!

Vineyards

Pictures from our trip

Breathtaking view of the vineyards

Up close & Personal look at the what makes a great wine!

'Tis the season

Until a few years back, winter weekends were kind of fun times – sleep-in, take it slow, watch movies cuddled up under a million blankets. Back in India and even when I moved to Dallas, winters were a welcome change from the long summer days of heat and sweat.

California winters are lot darker and bit too dreary. It often rains during the winter months making it worse. I generally don’t prefer to drive and during times like this, it puts a full-stop to any enjoyment.

With the time change, it’s official that shorter days and longer nights are here for the next few months. I feel especially sad for my little boy, whose little list of outdoor fun is down to zero. No more walks in parks, or rides on the swings. I checked lots of websites in trying to figure out some activities for the little guy, but most activities are for toddlers 2 years up. One bright spot on the horizon is the library. Twice a week I can take him there to read a few books, attend a story-time session and just meet up kids his age. One of my co-workers suggested going to the mall which seems like a good idea as well.

The one other ray of sunshine are all the festivals that are round the corner – Diwali, Thanksgiving holidays, Christmas, New Years. With a few holiday weekends round the corner, I am exited to be able to get more time to spend with family and friends and have a good time! (of course how this will impact my Lakshya is another story!)

Trrruck, Caar, Buus

Have you taken a road trip with a 15-month old? It’s bound to be eventful, I can bet that much! Today we decided to drive up to the wineries and with not that much planning ahead; we piled the car with toys and some snacks. I was dreading the loud cries that we might be subjected to from Kutie, being in the car - all cooped up in the car-seat.

What a surprise then that Kutie enjoyed the ride. He loved watching the trucks, cars and buses drive by and shouted at every one of them.

“Trruck!” “Big trruck!” “Uncle!”, “Buus”, “Caar” – was what you have heard all the way!

In-between he would do a roll-call by calling each of us out – ‘Amma (moi), Aatha (for achan-dad), Moothu (for muthashan- grandpa), Ammamma (grandma). We all had to answer & confirm that we are present. Wonder if he was a teacher in past life?

Once we got to Napa, he enjoyed the cable car ride and running around the grounds. We had beautiful warm weather and with the color-change on the leaves the place was picturesque.

On our way back, we had to stop at Mac Donald’s to get milk for Kutie – and they charged us $2 for the milk, another $2 for a cup. So note to self: Pack extra milk and variety of snacks – for you never know if your trip would turn out to be longer than expected and you cannot predict toddler behaviors!

The journey overall was enjoyable and we got home 2 wine bottles to enjoy!