I am moving..

..to word press ...here is the new URL.

http://myamusingmind.wordpress.com/

Why ...the reason is the same ...I wanted to write certain things for my ownself ...and so I want to keep them password protected and blogger doesnot allow that ..hence ..

Aryan blog remains where it was.

I hope and I wish to see all of you there ..soon :)

Awarded for Brillance

Yes ! Some of my blog friends think that my blog is brilliant.
Mama-Mia said that I speak my heart and mind with equal ease and puja said that my posts have the "feel good" factor.

Thank you ladies , I am on cloud 9.

Here are the details about the award.

"The Brilliant Weblog Award- a prize given to sites and blogs that are smart and brilliant both in their content and their design. The purpose of the prize is topromote as many blogs as possible in the blogosphere. Here are the rules to follow:

When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, togetherwith the name of who has given it to you, and link back to them.
Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or even more) that you find brilliant in content or design. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing them that they have been awarded with the ‘Brilliant Weblog’ award.
Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional) to."

So now I go on passing this award to 7 brilliant blogs :

Gauri : Her blog is my guide to motherhood. She writes about two super smart kids and how she manages to raise them the way they are !
Manasi : She is the woman of today , creative and innovative.
Indian Home Maker : Her blog is my food for thought :)
Soliatre : Her blog is like a breeze of fresh air to brighten my day.
PG : She , her thoughts , her kid and her kitchen stories , I totally adore all of them :)
Vidooshak : I look upto his blog for all thats happening around the world :)
Trishna : I love her blog for the honesty with which she writes and for the antics of Aadya :)

Please explain..

Why am I expected to waive off any money less than Rs 10 , to auto drivers , street vendors and service providers ? Is it wrong on my part to wait or ask for my money ? Does that mean I am money minded ? Does that mean I am a miser ? Does that mean I am not BIG at heart ? Is it the only and the right way to show my generousity ? Why am looked with a strange hatred when I do so ? Please explain..

To all the Blog Buddies ...

For my 200th post ...

..Thanks for being there !

Happy Independence Day To All!

Treasure!

Treasure is where you look for it !

Inspired by ~NM and the photo contest on "Freedom" in office , this my entry for this months topic of 'Treasure' at the monthly contest at Point & Shoot.

Just to say Hii!!

Ladies and gentlemen , Thanks for checking on me , yes I am still in this space. Life has been super duper busy at work. Plus with in laws at home , I am not able to give time to the internet even at home.

But its been good so far. Inspite of being busy , I am enjoying , both at work and at home. Aryan is so so so happy these days. Good that I listened to all your advice and allowed him to have a blast for a month. But his happiness will not last for long now.

My in laws are going back tomorrow and I get shivers thinking about the fact that I will have to leave hom to day care from Thursday. Its worse than when I left him to day care for the first time. That time he was small and did not understand much. But this time after a month of fun , with different set of grand parents , I am not sure how he will react to day care. He has been missing my parents since they left inspite of being with Anupam's parents and enjoying with them. Now he will miss all of them like hell :(

Anyways , Lets take life as it comes ! As of now I am happy to see a smiling and excited baby all the time !

I hope to blog a little more often in the near future , and I hope to read all of you more often as well and I hope I will not leave your page before commenting , as I do these days , but no promises till work gets better !

Innovative Film City - Bangalore

Visited Innovative Film city (a new fun park) last sunday with inlaws and a cousin , after first hand reviews from Mama-Mia. And absolutely enjoyed!! Due to lack of time , this time I would just let the pictures do the talking. If you wish to read a great review , here is the place.


The Gate

The Gate from distance

Wall of Fame :)

Aqua Kingdom

Lovely Statues

Metal Circle

Louis Tussad Wax Museum - You guess who is who !

Louis Tussad Wax Museum - You guess who is who !

Louis Tussad Wax Museum - You guess who is who !

Louis Tussad Wax Museum - You guess who is who !

Louis Tussad Wax Museum - You know them!

Louis Tussad Wax Museum - You guess who is who !

Rippleys -Believe it or not!

Rippleys - From Shark's Tummy!

Rippleys - South America's Original Shrunken Head ! Innovative way to pay tribute!

Rippleys - Six Legs Cow!

Rippleys - Double headed calf!

Cartoon City!

Dinosaur World!

Running At My Best

P.S Lot of work at office , I may not be seen around for a few days !

Don't Test Our Patience !

Friday afternoon Bangalore was struck with serial blasts. We were asked to head for home at around 4.00 and transport was arranged. Evening was spent in front of TV , watching the details on TV , anticipating who it could be , thanking God on not much damage , thanking God for the fact that we were not the victims , thanking God for no near and dear ones were the victims , calling and answering calls by near and dear ones.

But what after that ? Saturday life resumed to its normal. We went out for our weekly grocery shopping. Took around my parents who are visiting us these days. Called over some relatives for dinner.Sunday was also similiar.

Ofcourse life did change for the victims(thankfully not too many in Bangalore) and their families , for some of them that change would be BIG. But no change is bigger than life. We miss loved ones when they go , but life moves on.

So YOU who wants to create panic , forget it. YOU who wants to bring our lives to still , forget it. With each of these incidents YOU make us stronger emotionally , mentally and may be physically also , to fight against YOU. Do not forget that India has lost no battles and it will not loose this in house war too.

P.S : Read an interesting analysis , of why Bangalore and Ahemdabad were the chosen ones here.

My Heart Breaks :(

Today we left Aryan to his day care after a 3 days holiday. He cried out and clinged to me so badly. I still feel like crying for him. He wanted to spend time with his Nana Nani , whom he was missing for a LONG time. But then we thought of sending him to day care alternate days , in order to maintain his habit. Or may be ask my dad to pick him up by afternoon.

Just to tell you the back ground Aryan is very attached to his maternal grand father and paternal grand mother.My parents are here for 10 days and then with Anupam's parents for another 15 days.

After today's incident , I am in a fix. I am asking too much from my little boy :(( May be I can just have him a blast for a month and see what happens when we start the day care again after they are all gone. I know he will be totally disappointed then , but then that will last for a week or so , while he will cry everyday if we go by what we planned.

P.S. : The Birthday Bash post is up , here.

Happy Birthday Son!

Today is second Birthday of my little boy , I am so short of words , just like last time. I would just like to say what I said once before, your unconditional love has made our lives beautiful. We love you baby , May God bless you with all the happiness in life !

Keep Walking !

Quite Interesting forwarded email ..........

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Check this out ...

The Organs of your body have their sensory touches at the bottom of your foot, if you massage these points you will find relief from aches and pains as you can see the heart is on the left foot.

Typically they are shown as points and arrows to show which organ it connects to.

It is indeed correct since the nerves connected to these organs terminate here.

This is covered in great details in Acupressure studies or textbooks.

God created our body so well that he thought of even this. He made us walk so that we will always be pressing these pressure points and thus keeping these organs activated at all times.

So, keep walking...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Head to Heart - A Dialogue

Head:
"Life is full of competition , we need to work hard to stay in competition , upgrade your skills , work hard"
Heart:
"But where is the time , I need to spend time with Aryan and Anupam. I need time to relax
Head:
"You need to find time somehow , don’t give excuses"
Heart:
"But my family is my responsibility. I got married and have a baby and seeing him happy is a priority"
Head:
"Yeah , and that’s why I say work hard to give him a good life , then only he can be happy"
Heart:
"You mean he is not happy now"
Head:
"No I mean , you can make him happier by giving him a better life. And for that you need to work hard and keep your other interests to side."
Heart:
"Okay , you mean my time with myself , the little time and with husband."
Head:
"You need to strike a balance and you decide how you do it. Work hard , otherwise you will lag behind your peers"
Heart:
"Balance , I thought I was doing so :( Happiness is a state of mind is what everyone says , I think I am happy."
Head:
"But will you stay happy forever , as of now you are successful but you will not always be called successful if you stay here."
Heart:
"True , I need to move on and evolve , But I do not know how. I cannot cut my time with family." Head:
"Then cut your time with yourself , your sleep , your fun"
Heart:
"Fun , what fun ? I don't go out except with family , I don't watch TV , No music , only alive hobby is my blog. Sleep , I think I need that, to feel fresh."
Head:
"If you don't want to change I cannot do much for you , don't complain that I never warned you. Look at your friends , they have been working harder"
Heart:
"I don't really know at what cost but... Well , I understand all what you just said , but you know me , I cannot change so easily , please be my side."

P.S : Why does it happen with me always. My parents are coming on friday and office will get busier from tomorrow , busier means BUSIER ..and I will have daily calls as well :( I may not be able to pick them up from station. I may not be able to take 1/2 day for Aryan's Birthday also :(
Why do I always struggle so much for small pleasures , tiny-winy kinds ???? Please let me know , if you know :(

And We Met ...AGAIN!

The planning for the party started more than a month ago and Poppin's Mom volunteered to host it. The date was decided when Tharini announced her visit with dates. People raised hands to join the party and we were more than 15 bloggers in the list ,


Aargee , our host of the last time , Abha a.k.a Mamma Mia , aka.Monica , COS , Noodlehead . 6. Choxbox, Compulsive Dreamer, D, Orchid: a.k.a Orchie, Bangalore Mom , JLT , Tharini , Usha and Sue.


Pretty tempting isn't it , to meet so many new people and catch up with the ones I met last time.


It was different this time for , it was on a weekend, kids were invited as well and plus it was open for husbands too :) But I was never sure I would make to it because


It was quite far and I have never been to that part of city. Reaching there in auto / taxi with Aryan was quite a task for me.

Not many husbands were joining and so I ws not sure of taking Anupam along and making him feel out of place.

Aryan developed severe cough and cold from last sunday and it was going worse day by day.

I feel guilty to go out for fun leaving Aryan behind on a weekend(if I decide so). Plus Aryan wants to be with me and considering the distance , I would be almost 4-5 hours. And who wants to come back to an irritated husband and toddler after such an nice evening.


So I was never sure I will go. But then I never said NO to PM because

I did not want to loose a chance to meet everyone , esp the people who came from out station and who did not make it last time , like Tharini , Sue , Usha , Shruthi etc.

I wanted Aryan to socialize and have fun.

And BECAUSE I WANTED TO GO. PERIOD.

Abha came to my resort by saying that atleast her hubby would join for sure. And so Anupam would atleast have some company in PM's and Abha's Hubby. Aryan's cough was still a problem. On thursday I almost decided to call up PM and say NO , because I did not want to go with a sick baby. Anupam asked me to wait till saturday morning and see if he improves.

But PM called me on friday evening to ask me if I am picking up something for the party and I shamelessly said, "NO". I did not even ask her , if I should for the fact that I was not sure about my own plan. She did ask me if I was coming and I shared my problem with her and just toold her that I would let her know tomorrow if I am not coming. Now that was bad on my part..Sorry PM..please you do not mind.

OKAY ..I know I am supposed to talk about blog meet ..but you need to know the background as well :)


So Saturday , we headed towards the venue, a party hall on terrace at PM's place. On the way I got a sms from Abha , to ask me if I am coming and that I should come fast. I replied that I need a helicopter to avoid the traffic :) Anyways , we reached at 4.15 PM , lesser than expected time.

In the lift I met CubbyR and his dad and believe me CubbyR is so so so cute :) So we landed up in a room full of ladies and kids. All of them playing around. Nice tasty food was served , including Samosas , Puffs , Chips , Cutlets , Cold drinks and a Yummicious Choclate cake. The cake was the yummiest cake I ever had. (Whoever got the cake , please let me know from which bakery was it ..please) And Pasta for the kids , which Aryan loved!

I made self introduction to the people whom I never met and when Sue told me her real name , I asked her to please tell me her blog name for me to connect :P

Time just passed chatting , eating and playing with kids. PM got bubble makers for the kids and since Aryan saw that for the first time he was fascinated. In attempt to make bubbles on his own , he resulted in a head bath :) COS was sweet enough to make bubbles for the kids. And KT took Aryan by hand to play with her.

Aryan made friends with CubbyR and BonBon also and they played along. Aryan's favourite aunties were Abha , Noodlehead and COS.



Outside , on the terrace were some swings and it was a treat for the kids. All of them played along and a blast. Breeze was nice and so we enjoyed chit chatting as the kids played.

About the people , well you know all of them well and some of them ofcourse I wrote about last time as well, but still I would like to mention the little details that formed memories for me.

Tharini , she is a simple, quiet and smiling person. Frankly I never imagined her to be an introvert person. But when she talks to you, she is a great listener. Winkie is an energetic kid. He ran around the entire place. Made friends with the men. And he told me, "Let us play. What shall me play" :-)

Sue was beautiful, tall and slim and full of energy. She was looking stunning in the sari and she made me feel envious. Her son was quiet but naughty and cute :)

Aka Monica's son was the youngest baby and he least wanted his mom. He was happy playing with all the aunties.

D got her elder daughter along and she found a company in winkie. Both of them had a nice time.

COS , I must say was the only mom (of older kids) who spent most of her time with the kids. KT was such darling that any words are less for her. She gave me a hug and a kiss :) COS got goody bags for the kids as well.

I never met NoodleHead before , not do I read her much(confession) but she was easy to gel with.(I would read now :)) Her daughter was looking like a princess on earth. I managed to click 3 pics of her :)

Abha and M form a sweet and jolly couple and little CubbyR is a darling. CubbyR and Aryan had a race on their fours :)

Poppin was a quiet , sophisticated , ever smiling kid. She was on her own all the time and never messed up with any of the kids. I managed to shake hands with her and I came to know that she is fond of jewellary. PM , please put a kala tikka for her , I loved her chubby cheeks :)

PM and her hubby were great hosts. They had a perfect place for the party of its kind.We had so much that we skipped dinner and they packed for us as well. Thank you so much.

We missed a lot of people like BM, JLT, Usha, CD, Shruthi, Choxbox and Orchie. You were missed badly ladies :(

Special thanks to my dear husband , who gifted me such a nice evening. It would not have been possible without his support.

When I think of friends...

When I think of friends,
And of the oldest
Can't think beyond two, the best.

The ones who have seen me grow,
And have stood by me in the highs and lows,

The ones who have spent those sleep less nights,
To see smile all the while,

The ones whom I have let down a thousand times,
But who say I am wonderful and nice.

The ones whom I told my deepest fears,
And the ones whom I will think of when death is near,

Do I have to say , who are they ?
I think you know and so do they.

Thanks Mummy and Papa.

P.S : I saw oldest friend on Sunday scribblings. I thought of all my friends who have been with me for long. I thought my husband , who has been by my side for 3 years. But then when you say oldest , by age or by time ..no one else qualifies :-)

Thanks for bearing with my horribe poetry ;-)

Another Year of Aryan, But The Same Old Me

I am excited and mad about Aryan's Birthday all over again. Just like last time , this time as well I am not able to digest the fact that he will be another year old. In just about 14 days , he will be TWO. TWO can you believe this ??

Just like last time I do not know how do I plan to celebrate his special day. What would be the best way ? What will that he will enjoy ? He doesnot like too many unknown faces and so I have almost ruled out a party . His dear Nanu-Nani will arrive on 18th and I am sure that he will have a blast. But me being me , I am not contented. I want to do something special for him. Something nice. And me being me , I don't know what :-P

I have few things in mind , like taking a cake to his day care (though he doesnot like cake AT ALL) and some gifts for the kids, going out for a day out , not on the day , but previous or following weekend , inviting our only relative in town for dinner , getting him a gift (don't know what though) and thats about it. But with just all this , will he know that there is something special about this day ??? Will that be enough to make him feel like a king , considering the fact that he has all our attention on all other days as well. Cake doesnot make a difference to him (though he enjoyed balloons and candle on cake at the 18th month silly celebrations ), gifts he gets otherwise as well. We did have a small get together last time as well, but then I do not know if he actually knew that its for him.

So whats that will make it special ? Any ideas welcome.

Am I a materialistic person ?

Today I donated Aryan's old clothes to an organization called Goonj. So while I was going to do that , I was feeling sad and happy , all at the same time. Happy , ofcourse you know , for being able to do little for the society but why sad ?

I was feeling sad looking at those old clothes. I did not want to part with them. Each of his T-shirt reminded me of days when he wore them for the first time. How he looked cutie in them. I felt like parting away with those memories. I felt like hugging those clothes.

Am I a materialistic person ?

What an Idea Sir Ji

I am sure all of you in India ould have noticed Idea Cellular advertisements, featuring Abhishek Bachhan. I must say they are among the most innovative advertisements of the recent times.

The one, where a Panch of the village orders people to be identified with their mobile numbers rather than castes.Addresses a big problem of leaders winning elections due to their caste.

The one, where a deaf and dumb communicates through sms. Tells you that being differently abled doesnot stop you from enjoying the life.

And the recent one ,sees Abhishek as the head of an educational institution. When challenged by the traditional, physically bound classroom methodology that prevents spread of education, he uses mobile telephony to overcome the barrier.

Advertising is all about innovation. And if advertising comes with a social message , nothing like that.Whoever is the brain behind these campaigns , I would like to say to him , "What an Idea Sir ji"


Could not find the image/video of the latest campaign. Read about it here.

Stars, Moon And Ball :-)

Thought of posting it on Healthy and Tasty , but then I am not sure if it qualify as a recipe. Potato cutlets in various shapes for the prince of the house.

Aryan first look was of surprise. Second he tried pasting them to sky. Third he took a few bites :-) Worth the effort..what do you say ?