Hyderabad Calling

Kyaaaa bol re yaaaaron?

Ismail Bhai kaisi baate karre the malum?!! Charminar pe baitthe uno :-D

Recognize the dialect and tonality? …

For those who have been to this city, and watched The Angrez, it’s an easy one.

Hyderabadi.

(Angrez is one of my all-time favourite movies, an absolute laugh riot and a certain recommendation - unless you’re the toffee-nosed, snooty types who only appreciate things that are high-class, polished and pretentious. Bah humbug!)

I was in Andhra Pradesh for a week in December. (You may not have realised my absence since the blog kept updating itself due to write-ups posted in advance.) I’d gone to Hyd for the advanced phase of my human process lab; the next step of the ISABS Basic I’d attended in Goa in May 09.

I’d tremendously enjoyed and benefitted from the BLHP (Basic), and obviously my expectations from the ALHP (Advanced) were high. Unfortunately, while my trip was great, my lab experience was all right, not extraordinary. Of course, the week was totally worth it, considering I got to meet some interesting people and listen to some enlightening revelations and analysis, plus the food and stay at the outstanding Novotel hotel and my reunion with cousins!

You might recall what I’d shared with you from my Basic lab days. In the Advanced, I did tackle some issues that were bothering me, like why I feel the need to be felt special and wanted... like why I want people to like me and invite me in their groups/activities be it tea breaks, planning meets or recreation... Didn’t get the answers, but showed me a few paths that I can try and decide upon. Along with the observation and assurance that this need of mine isn’t strange and unique to me, but extremely normal and commonplace :-)

I also acknowledged that I'm blessed and other people have troubles that far outweigh my meagre everyday concerns. The lab sensitized me more than touched me... And also earned me feedback that I didn’t quite agree with, but chose to stay with and explore...

Some of you might have switched off mentally coz what was written above sounded like Greek or Latin. For those of you who are clueless about what a human process lab is - it’s a T-group process where you are the element that is put inside a “laboratory” to experiment with your behaviour and others’, and see how you react to other elements. It makes you aware of your own needs and behaviour patterns, and the impact of those on yourself and others. Sounds complicated, but it’s super interesting. At least the Basic is what I’d personally recommend to everyone alive. Go for it. More info here… http://isabs.org/winter2010.pdf

About the location, whew! The hotel I stayed at was a beautiful multi-star near the airport. It had a marvellous buffet replete with 20 salads, 20 desserts and an equal number of main course dishes and cuisines. A little glimpse? A variety of cheese and breads, smoked salmon, chicken salami, tenderloin and lamb, prawns, potatoes, corn, cottage cheese, pasta, risotto, delicacies cooked Italian, Chinese, French, South Indian, Punjabi and Mediterranean style, pastries, chocolates, ice-creams, Indian sweetmeats, puddings and pies, mousse and eatables with names that I can’t remember let alone pronounce!! It was terrific - my dessert portions were thrice the size of my main course consumption, and I absolutely loved meal times :)

After 6 days of the lab (and 11 meals, 6 breakfasts and a Papaya body polish later), I met my cousins and spent a day and half with them. Watched the movie Tron Legacy (which doesn’t deserve to be viewed in 3D though the film is quite exciting), bought a pair of gladiator sandals and enjoyed an amazing Death by Chocolate Pancake at a place called Chocolate Room that serves everything from choco-shakes to choco-pizza and chocolate fondue. I polished off an entire double pancake with choco-chips, chocolate sauce and chocolate ice-cream, and that's a lot considering I often pick at my food... This place in Himayat Nagar is a must-visit for anyone that loves this divine brown creation!!

The return trip from Hyderabad to Pune was a nightmare. A complete letdown by Jet Airways. They first cancelled my direct Hyd-Pune flight. There was no other option with them or any other airline so I had to opt for a connecting flight the next day. I wasn’t complaining; I got an extra day to spend with relatives. What sure wasn’t amusing was that Jet rescheduled this other flight for the first leg rendering my second leg (Bombay-Pune) useless. I had to run around and book myself on an Air India flight which I thankfully got coz I reached the airport way before time.

Of course, I missed meeting some friends for who I'd come early in the first place. But that's destiny... You can’t have everything planned and going right all the time... So I somehow got to Bombay, spent 2 hours in the Jet lounge and reached Pune. I’m going to avoid flying by Jet in future, and would advise others the same.

That’s my story, and a lengthy one at that (though I still haven’t touched upon half the things I’d like to share in detail!)

Pune’s friggin 6 degrees celsius right now! It’s unbelievable. I spent Christmas with my sis-in-law and nephew in Mumbai, and mind you, that city doesn’t know what winter is. Hyd was ok, cool and comfy. I wonder how much colder Pune’s gonna get! It’s nice though… The chill… Colorful sweaters and mufflers… Steaming chai and warm blankets… Hot showers and cosy sunshine… I love winters!!

The icing on the cake? An award at IBM :-)

(Won the GEM award for Going the Extra Mile by motivating and engaging the employees with my initiatives and driving performance. When I thanked my manager for acknowledging and appreciating my work, she turned around and said, “Thank YOU Anuja for being in the team and doing what you did!” My mind was numb and body shivering with exhilaration – to be recognized in the first 6 months in a mammoth company with team members far senior to me in knowledge and experience – spellbinding!!!)

Thanks for your best wishes, all.

Thank you God… Love you!

Stay with me in the new year and for ever...

- Princess

Baby I'm Addicted...

This goes out to most boys (and some girls, too) who drink for any and every reason, any and every day.

Why do you drink so much?

What is it about alcohol that is so irresistible and makes you so desperate?

It’s ridiculous.

Honestly.

I won’t deny the desire and pleasure of a drink now and then when you’re very stressed of extremely happy, or you want to celebrate a particularly significant occasion in your life.

But drinking coz you can afford it and drinking coz booze is available is downright stupid.

And the fact that you can’t control yourself in the presence of alcohol is disgusting.

I’ve seen more than a few folks who drink almost every single day for no other excuse than they’ve been to office or they have nothing else to do. Guys get together after work and lounge at someone’s place with bottles of beer, rum and whisky maybe because it makes them feel cool, or could be because they believe that it is essential. A day without alcohol makes them feel incomplete and bored. As if they’ve wasted one day of their life. Now how wise and exciting is that?!

I can fathom a few logical reasons for drinking (if any reason for drinking CAN be termed logical). One, it’s just something you do when you gang up with a bunch of friends/colleagues. (As if just sitting around munching on snacks and listening to music isn’t happening enough.) Two, it’s a-given that guys drink whenever they can, so this agenda doesn’t require any planning or discussion. Three, people are addicted. Either truly or they believe they are. In my opinion, it’s more psychological. “I’ve had a hard day, and I NEED a drink.”

And of course, when you drink, you sure NEED a smoke…

Why am I getting so worked up about it? Well, simply put, it ANNOYS me.

What’s with drinking everyday ya? Or every alternate day for that matter? Or every weekend even?

So fine you drink one day coz you feel like it. Fair enough. And then you drink the next day coz a colleague wants to drink. Nonsense! And then you drink the day after that because one of your team-mates got promoted. Haa! The next day it’s someone’s birthday, so a drink is in order. And obviously, you catch up with friends over the weekend or visit a new hangout, or your girlfriend wants to go partying …

Loser!! Get a grip on yourself. Whoever said that booze available is booze that needs to be drunk?!! Whoever said you can’t say no? Why the hell do you think that if you refuse to drink, someone might get offended or ridicule you?

I seriously don’t understand.

I mean, you’re educated enough to know that you are making yourself dependant on this poison. You might convince yourself that you’re not addicted but your actions and emotions speak otherwise. If your will power cannot hold you back from regular binge, then dude, you gotta serious problem. Indulgence is one thing, overdoing it and being unable to control yourself – deep shit you’re in, mate. And what sucks is you don’t even realise or accept it.

You’re screwing your own health – physical, mental and emotional. You’re jeopardizing the life of others who depend on you – your family, whether born or unborn yet. And how fair is that?

No… I do not believe you when you say you know what you’re doing. I do not believe you when you say you are in control. Drinking more than twice a week and more than 4 times a month, is a grave concern. And if you can’t stop yourself, lord save you.

Stop calling your girlfriends, siblings, spouses and parents nags just coz they care for your health and ask you to refrain from drinking.

Stop thinking you’re cool and drinking is a way to prove that.

Stop supposing that there is no better way to enjoy life. Recreation and rejuvenation has better modes than this ugly habit. Exercise. Watch a movie. Hang out at a club or park. Pick a hobby. Play cards or chat with relatives and friends. Learn how to dance or speak a new language. Do something creative. Find ways to make your loved ones feel special. Do all the things you miss out on coz you waste half your breathing time making merry after a bottle of booze.

Life is much more than a high, buddy.

Quit the alcohol. Kick the pot. Chuck the cigarette.

It’s not worth it, trust me.

Why am I saying all this?

Coz I care.

And you know I do…

I hope you care for me, too…

Be good!

Princess

Washroom chronicles

Hey there!!

I wrote about Wardrobe Chronicles 2 years ago…

And this time, here’s a sneak peek into the woman’s private zone…

Are you excited yet?

Well, if you think what’s so great about a woman’s lavatory, think again.

(In fact, if you DO think that there’s nothing special about a woman’s restroom, it’s all the more reason for you to read this post. Brush up on your GK, dude!! Dobara mat poochna!!)

For women, a washroom is not merely a place to freshen up, but an essential part of living… If walls had ears, the restroom walls would have been a part of the Guinness World Records for holding the most secrets…

Women crying.

Women gossiping.

Women sniggering.

Women discussing latest fashion.

Women reminiscing about the good ol’ days.

Women experimenting with new looks and make up.

I haven’t mentioned half the list yet…

Now do you see?

Now, again you would think why I’m sharing all this with you non-members of this private and beautiful zone. Am I not a woman who loves this space? I do, which is why I’m showing you just how important and exciting this place is…

Why else would a woman excuse herself to go to the washroom the minute she steps into a home, restaurant, office or club?

Men don’t do that, do they? At least not the (comparatively) macho ones that I know…

So, women obviously sit on the pot as they chat with their friends and boyfriends, either bitching or whispering sweet nothings.

Or they could be wailing coz their boss shouted on them for something that was frivolous (according to them). Maybe a boyfriend giving them grief. Or coz they were feeling unwell and some supervisor acted rude and insensitive. No dearth of reasons to cry – we’re women after all!

The powder room, as it is also called at times, is a must visit for any woman who enters a pub or workplace. (Or anywhere for that matter, if one lives in Mumbai – the sweat and muck, yuck!!)

Staring at themselves for hours in the mirror. Curling their already curled (or straightened) hair. Lining their eyes with mascara for the tenth time in 10 minutes. Painting their already shining lips. Peering at marks (both visible and invisible, real and imaginary) on the face and elsewhere. Adjusting accessories or the dupatta or the t-shirt… And once all of this done, staring at themselves from top to bottom again – a quick check to see if everything’s in order.

Being a woman isn’t an easy job, fellas! It’s a lot of hard work…

And I bet you don’t mind when you see the great outcome that steps outta the washroom. Worth the wait, right?

The venue is also a breakout zone for a gang of giggly girls who want to catch up on lost time and updates. Like who’s dating whom, who fought with whom, what’s the masala in the work world and movie world.

I know this is taking it too far, but once I even saw a girl sipping coffee as she chatted up her pals in the washroom! Takes the cake, eh? LOL.

Well, well… Women who are taking offence, pardon me. But I honestly don’t understand the concept of wasting time in the loo. The loo is meant for a particular purpose, one that I often finish in less than a minute. And when I see chics spending a good 15 minute break at work in the loo… It kinda surprises and amuses me.

And we laugh on…

Cheerio!
Princess

Who's Loss Is It Anyway?

I’m a sore loser when it comes to losing people.

I HATE ending relations. I wail and I flail and I make life difficult for myself and the person involved.

(Of course, considering that most people these days are quite business-like, detached and impersonal, they do not experience the same trauma that I do. Fair enough. We’re not created equal, and thank god for that…)

Amazingly, despite the innumerable times that I’ve lost close and not so close friends, I’ve not turned numb to this phenomenon yet. Each time it happens, I experience the same amount of grief and restlessness.

As most ladies would readily agree, it’s tough being a woman.

However, the one time when I truly regret it is when my guy friends fall in love with me. I used to be a tomboy (still am, in a few ways, and proud of it!) and I continue to share excellent rapport with all my guy friends as well as the girls. Yet, when these very chaddi buddies tell me they’ve fallen for me, the chemistry goes to the dogs and life becomes all topsy-turvy. Nothing’s the same again. Unless of course, both of us bounce back and understand and accept the other’s desires, decisions and emotions.

It’s not funny how relations change when the dynamics of love and infatuation force the doom of your camaraderie and oneness. To cut a long story short, it hurts enormously when someone you believe to be close and “apna” disowns you owing to a romantic interest that you do not reciprocate.

Of course, there were other times when I was left feeling alone and miserable. Like when a very close friend (two actually, both girls) abandoned me and went away for goodness knows what reason. They’re both back with me now, but I can’t begin to tell you how enraged and lost I felt for the first few months without each one of them.

Then there was this other guy who said he loved me. And then he went back to his hometown, not even bothering to keep in touch, or say goodbye.

And this other friend, who …

If I start counting the number of people I’ve lost this way, I’d turn 60 and still be counting.

Umm… Ok. That’s an exaggeration. Maybe not 60…

The point being, I get really attached to the people in my life. And somehow, I believe that I matter to them, too. So, when they move away from me without a sign or twitch, it hurts. Hurts real bad. I want to hold them like a rowdy baby, shake them and ask, “What the hell happened? I thought you were my friend? How can you just go away like this?”

They look at me like I’ve lost it.

Maybe I have. How come they don’t feel a pang of sorrow and loss?

Are they so out of touch with their emotions? Are they so strong and hard-hearted as to not feel any despair? Did I never matter in the first place for me to expect such a difference in their lives?

So what really troubles me is not the fact that they choose to not be in my life anymore, but the fact that they think their life can be intact (and maybe better off without) me.

Call me egoistic, but that’s the truth.

I realize that things were a lot different a few generations ago when people who did not meet each other for decades, still went out of their way to be there for their childhood mates and acquaintances. My uncle and his friends for instance. They studied together in the US, and when they see each other, sometimes after 30 years, they talk and behave like they saw each other just the previous day.

The warm generosity and unassuming openness is like a slap in the face for someone like me who stays in the 21^st century and frequently interacts with individuals who know they each exist in others’ life for some temporary reason or agenda. Be it school friends, college buddies or work allies, we’re programmed to being best pals when we’re together, and then smoothly roving our own paths when fate brings us to the crossroads.

Without bothering about keeping in touch with those that we spent most of our waking hours with not so long ago, we go our lonely ways and become faded memories for each other, remembered with mirth, horror or apathy.

Nothing’s permanent, said the Lord in the Bhagwada Geeta.

We live it every day.

At least most of us do.

And I’m not one of them.

I seek to get back in touch, and I forgive with the intention of reliving the beautiful past.

Happens sometimes. Fails at other times.

I shrug and walk away; at least I tried.

But I never forget.

It’s the least I can do for someone that made a mark in my life.

You all have.

And I shall forever remain indebted.

Thank you.

And please don’t go away :-)

Cheers!
Princess

Rosesh ki Inspirations

No doubt you know what I’m talking about.

The brilliant, entertaining and one of a kind – Rosesh Sarabhai, and his mind-blowing poems. Compiled from the show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, that was aired on Star One not so long ago.

Some of his “choicest” creations, assembled from the net and memory… Enjoy!

In the living room of Sarabhai's, Hogi Saahil Bhai ki sagaai,
Agley mahiney, Priya Bhabhi phuli na samaai.

Momma tum sabse pyari, Tum bin jaise main raaste ka andha bhikhari,
Blessings daan me de do, Thodi mamta tumhari, Momma ho momma ho.

Ek Common Man Ko Mili Hai Pari, Jaise Chikoo Ke saath Ho Strawberry,
Aage Aage Mummy Aur Piche Piche Daddy, Jaise Tom And Jerry.

Ghanan ghanan ghanan ghanan, Badalo se aaye pehle surya kiran,
Daaton ke liye dant manjan, Aur pet ke liye kaayam chooran .

Hawa mein hain khushi ki aroma, Jeet gayi momma, jeet gayi momma,
Say hi to happiness and tata to trauma, Jeet gayi momma, jeet gayi momma .

Jelly giri zameen par, To awaaz aayi PLUP PLUP!
Baccha usme haath maare, To sunai deti hai THUP THUP!
Jelly par kabhi fungus na lage, Uska swaad kabhi bhankas na lage,
Agar bachaani hai hume hamari country, Toh jelly ko banana hoga pradhan mantri .

Tumhe samjhe toh mujhe bhi samjhana,
Kyu hai mera jeevan itna khokla,
Jaise koi baasi aur sada hua khaman dhokla.

Popat Kaka ki atma ka Popat ud gaya ud gaya ud gaya rey...
Shristi ke sajjan haath se popat jud gaya jud gaya jud gaya rey...

Humpty dumpty sat on the 'gaadi', Gaadi pe baitha tabhi aa gayi daadi,
Daadi ne kaha aaja mere paas, Kyuki gaadi pe baithna is just so middle class.

Pud pud pud pud ubalta paani, Paani mein uble chawal ki jawani,
Jawan hokar chawal sajayenge thali, Seene se lagayenge daal kali kali.

In the bathroom of Sarabhai, hogi Monisha bhabhi ki pitaai,
Rakhti hain apna ghar woh ganda, jaise dal makhani mein paneer pasanda.

Momma ka bday karein celebrate, Age hai 53 but u look 28,
Monisha bhabhi ne banaaya hai khaana, Jise hum sab karte hain hate.

Tugduk tugduk tugduk
Momma ne bola Rosesh Ruk ruk ruk ruk ruk ruk,
Maine peche dekha, Look look look look look look,
Momma ne mujhe di ek horse riding ki,
Book book book book book book.

And the TOP CLASS POEM… Teen pair wala kutta…

Yeh hai teen pair waala kutta, Isko kabhi bhagaana nahi padta,
Susu karte waqt use pair uthaana nahi padta.

Haha! Just how awesome is that…

One complimentary poem by Kachha Kela during poetry session: (This one;s my all time favourite – just like the Hips Don’t Lie joke)

Main Lukkha Hoon...

Duniya chahe meri puja kare,
par, Main lukkha hoon.
Bhale meri burayi na koi dooja kare,
par, Main lukkha hoon.

Mujhe raaj gaadi pe na bithao,
Nahin raja kabhi banna mujhe.
Mujhe mehngi cheezein nahin chahiye,
Jo mango le lo, de do gaana mujhe.

Stay safe, be happy.

Watch out for some more laughs…

-Princess

Still Together...

How do I feel when I am with you?

Lovely.

Complete.

Protected.

Special.

Content.

What do you do to make me feel this way?

At times, something.

Most of the times, nothing at all.

I just feel that way coz I love you and I can sense your love if not directly experience it at a given moment.

I just put my head on your shoulder and I forget all the worries and sorrows in the world.

Cuddled in your arms, I hear your heart beating against my palm, and time comes to a standstill.

I can’t stop smiling as I look at you coz I’m struck by the fact that I love you like crazy.

And I think of the way you look at me, and I know you love me too…

Isn’t it beautiful, this thing that we have?

So what if we fight? So what if there are times when we can’t bear each other? So what if we’ve often contemplated going our separate ways?

We’re still together… Still going strong… (Just like Shania Twain said…)

You have the power to make me feel like the most beautiful woman on the planet, and you can also make me feel stupid and helpless. I effortlessly label you a complete jerk, and my trust in you can help you move mountains.

If not love, what is it?

You get me flowers I love and gifts I don’t like, I give you chocolates you relish and gifts you don’t find stylish enough.

We’re both learning. We’re both growing. As individuals and a couple. And there’s tons more to come. A zillion more experiences in the wings, waiting for us to embrace them and come out stronger.

Closer.

Inseparable.

The simplest of things that I do with you become my most cherished moments. Something as routine as making tea to making love. The way you tease me and I poke fun at your mannerisms and habits. The funny things we say to each other in fights and tricky situations… It’s all so adorable.

Unforgettable.

I love you.

Will it last?

I think so.

Relations die. Love never does.

So what if you irritate me by acting silly? So what if I stress you by asking for more than you think you can do? So what if we want to pull out each others’ hair for crazy reasons?

We’re still together…

And I know we can live through this.

Isn’t that what love is all about?

True, things won’t be exciting all the time. There will be times when we think we’re better off alone.

But are we?

Am I?

Not when I think of the beautiful memories you’ve given me.

Are you?

(You’re definitely not, if you ask me. You’d wreck your life if you were allowed to do your own thing.)

I can visualize our perfect life together. Where you don’t drink every day, and I don’t have to nag about pending chores. Where you don’t feel lonely, and I don’t feel detached and forgotten. Where we both know that we’re meant to be. Happy and faithful. Together. Till death do us apart.

It won’t be easy. Nobody said it would be.

But together we’ll do just fine.

Trust me.

(And mend your ways before I flog you!)

Love,

Princess

BPO Bloopers

Once in a BPO, you get stamped in a variety of ways.

I’m not talking about prejudices people harbour or accusations non-BPO people hurl at you. I mean working in a BPO develops some traits in you that are peculiar to this industry.

For example(s)…

I now get ready to swipe my identity card whenever I happen to pass any door. It’s so spontaneous! As soon as I reach a doorway, whether I am at home or at a restaurant, my hand reaches for my I-card (which is obviously not hanging where it does when I’m at office). As we know, security and data privacy are top concerns in a BPO, so you are required to be frisked when you enter/exit and permitted admission to certain areas.

Another really funny thing - most call centre agents (also called customer service executives/representatives) pick up their personal telephones/mobile phones with the call opening they use at work! No, I’m not kidding you… as any agent will readily tell you… So, when a friend calls, the sleepy young man unpretentiously quips, “Thank you for calling XYZ. This is Amos. How can I help you today?” And the caller goes ha ha ha, making the person feel foolish and mortified. Yet resigned to the fact that that is how it is…

All part and parcel of being in a BPO.

Just like losing track time of time, and not following schedules.

I know people who work for BPOs and can sleep for entire days at a stretch. Sleep becomes the be all and end all of their life. They work their shift (which is usually not 9-5) and then their first and last priority remains to catch up on sleep. And considering that most of them stay alone, or with friends, and consume alcohol fairly often, sleeping indefinitely is no great challenge.

They have no clue whether it’s a Tuesday or a Thursday (for obvious reasons, nobody forgets the weekend, nor does anyone forget Monstrous Mondays – assuming that week offs are on weekends). They eat at any odd hour and are not particular about lunch time and dinner time. And more often than not, they are not punctual. Invite or plan something with a BPO employee, and they will definitely arrive an hour late. It’s the just the way they are…

(Yes, I said they. I’m a very organized person, in case you don’t remember/know, and I work by the clock, setting frequent alarms to remind me of various engagements and appointments.)

And well, if you’re late all the time, you can’t get all your to-do’s done for sure. Which means you keep putting off and postponing activities. And then you lose motivation and interest. Procrastination. One of the many things I hate the most. Extremely common among most people employed in the IT and ITeS sector.

This evil, unfortunately, I have acquired over the last few months.

I mean, c’mon ya. When you’re working 5 days (or more) a week and you’re frazzled, you just want to put your feet up and relax over the weekend. There are some chores that do manage to carry out, but others that are optional get pushed away week after week. So I arrange to have my bills paid in time in order to avoid the late fee, but I keep changing the reminder date on my schedule for other non-deadline tasks like shopping, checking out a particular place or catching up with a particular person. My weekends are spent doing nothing with good friends, or spending time with the family so that they don’t complain…

Another thing about being a part of this industry that I do not favour… Smoking and consumption of alcohol. The excuse is “we lead stressful lives, and our jobs give us much agony”. I fail to understand how other professionals are unruffled, it’s not like they have easy jobs. However, we shall abandon that debate for now, considering most people these days smoke and drink. A common word for them all – it’ll ruin you, stop it. If it’s for fun and you know you’re in control, well done. But if you are a compulsive addict, you’re in deep s*** baby.

Oops. I get a feeling I’m getting into the critical/patronizing mode. So, let’s call it quits.

Also, week-offs become more important than weekends (unless you’re in support functions and get fixed Saturdays-Sundays off). So, weekends cease to be forever exciting and motivating… The buzz-word is “weekly off”. And sometimes it’s split… But let’s not get into that snag.

Politics, hypocrisy and gossip – also a part and parcel of BPO life? Well maybe it’s omnipresent. No point condemning just this industry.

However, perception… That’s very important. Like I’ve shared before, you gotta manage your perception better than your performance. If people SEE what they want to see, then your performance can be fudged or fabricated. (That’s not the way I function, though I’ve noticed several people utilize this very effectively and successfully).

Now when I mean perception, I don’t mean only as regards work. It’s also about the things you say and the way you say it. So, what you mean as a joke could become an HR issue if the other person does not take it in the same jovial sense. You gotta watch what you do and you gotta treat people as colleagues, not friends. For most BPO-ittes, colleagues are colleagues and not friends. A lesson I seriously need to learn…

On that note, I say ba-bye… Have a good day!

Be back soon…

Cheerio!
Princess

Lost in Transition

It’s funny when two people love each other, and still can’t seem to lead a happy life together. So many things get in the way – lifestyle, routine, habits, preferences, expectations, desires, prejudices, anxieties and apprehensions…

When I came across this couple, I was really not sure if they were right for each other. Strange are the ways of fate. They fell in love not so long ago, and they seem to be going strong in spirit, even though their daily life is a far cry from blissful and ideal.

His idea of leading a good life is letting each one have his own way and not complaining. Hers is about living each moment together and being one in every way possible. When her philosophy intrudes upon his, she is upset and this, he handles, by cracking silly jokes in a bid to avoid an argument. No points for guessing that the outcome is the exact opposite.

How do I know? She told me.

And she also said what follows… albeit not in the same words…

(This is for you, sweetie… I know how you feel… Don’t worry. Things will be ok, whatever destiny has in store for you and him.)

How do I know? HE told me. The one above :-)

How right is it I wonder; with you around me, I still feel so forlorn.
How right is it – this loneliness of the mind and soul…
Is this how it’s meant to be?

I am so livid; you just don’t seem to understand...
When the one person who should know what I feel,
Stares back at me asking “What’s wrong with you?”

Stop telling me you’re smart and perfect; you’re not.
You are intelligent, and that’s why I am with you…
There’s no need for you to prove it every half hour.

I look at you and see a person so beautiful and wise.
Why then does the splendour turn a shade dull and bright in turns?
I feel like I mean nothing, and yet I know you love me much.

I don’t know what to do, to avoid or to pursue.
If I do the latter, I know you get frustrated.
And if I do the former, I’ll loom in the distance and keep you at bay.

You behave self-sufficient, you critique in ways shockingly mean.
Why do you not believe that I am a part of you?
You can let your guard down, it’s ok; it’s just me, the one you love…

We kicked this off with a smile, and commenced our journey of faith.
Why then do I feel it dwindling – your words have a million unintended meanings.
I’m lost, confused; I don’t know what’s happening within your mind and mine.

I know our life could be divine, if only we’d will it to be,
I see the flame inside you that could light up my life like a thousand torches.
Yet I see that you’re curbing it, not trying hard enough, I wish I knew why.

Is this what you want - this remoteness that makes you feel free and in-charge?
Am I still a choice that you’ve not completely made?
Coz I think that way… I feel that way… And I hate it.

I could keep pushing this turmoil, we could pretend that everything’s fine.
But is it? How right is it – this procrastination and hypocrisy?
Is this how it’s meant to be?

Help me…
Help me help you…
Coz I love you, and I don’t wana go away…

- Princess

Roaring Rajnikant

As promised fellas!

Here’s a dose of Rajnikant-isms to keep you roaring :-)

Rajnikant doesn’t wear a watch, he decides what time it is!!
Rajnikant’s house has no doors, only walls that he walks through.
Rajnikant once ate an entire bottle of sleeping pills, they just made him blink.
Rajnikant’s every step is a mini whirlwind. Hurricane Katrina was the result of his morning jog!
Where there is a will, there’s a way. Where there is Rajnikant, there is no other way!!
Rajanikanth can build a snowman…. out of rain.
Rajnikanth can strangle you with a cordless phone.
Rajanikant can drown a fish.
Rajanikanth can play the violin….on a piano.
When Rajanikanth enters a room, he doesn’t turn the lights on ….he turns the dark off.
Rajanikanth makes onions cry.
It takes Rajnikant 20 minutes to watch 60 minutes.
Ghosts are actually caused by Rajanikanth killing people faster than Death can process them.
When Rajanikanth looks in a mirror the mirror shatters, because not even glass is stupid enough to get between Rajanikanth and Rajanikanth.
Outer space exists because it’s afraid to be on the same planet with Rajnikant.
Rajnikant is so fast. He can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.
Rajanikanth’ calendar goes straight from March 31st to April 2nd, no one fools Rajanikanth.
Once a cobra bit Rajanikanth’s leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.
When Rajanikanth gives you the finger, he’s telling you how many seconds you have left to live.
Rajanikanth can kill two stones with one bird.
Rajanikanth was once on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and was the first to spin. The next 29 minutes of the show consisted of everyone standing around awkwardly, waiting for the wheel to stop.
Leading hand sanitizers claim they can kill 99.9 percent of germs. Rajanikanth can kill 100 percent of whatever he wants.
There is no such thing as global warming. Rajanikanth was cold, so he turned the sun up.
Rajanikanth can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.
Rajanikanth once shot down a German fighter plane with his finger, by yelling, “Bang!”
In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Rajanikanth could use to kill you, including the room itself.
Behind every successful man, there is a woman. Behind every dead man, there is Rajanikanth.
Rajanikanth destroyed the periodic table, because Rajanikanth only recognizes the element of surprise.
Rajanikanth got his driving license at the age of 16 Seconds.
When you say “no one’s perfect”, Rajanikanth takes this as a personal insult.
Rajinikanth once kicked a horse in the chin. Its descendants are today called giraffes.
Rajinikanth killed the Dead Sea.
Rajnikanth can divide by zero.
Rajinikanth did in fact, build Rome in a day.
Rajinikanth never wet his bed as a child. The bed wet itself in fear.
Rajinikanth doesn’t breathe. Air hides in his lungs for protection.
Words like awesomeness, brilliance, legendary etc. were added to the dictionary in the year 1949… the year Rajinikanth was born.
Rajinikanth has already been to Mars, that’s why there are no signs of life there.
Rajinikanth doesn’t move at the speed of light. Light moves at the speed of Rajinikanth.
Rajinikanth knows Victoria’s secret.
Water boils faster when Rajinikanth stares at it.
Rajinikanth got small pox when he was a kid. As a result small pox is now eradicated.
Rajinikanth leaves messages before the beep.
Rajinikanth can answer a missed call.
Rajinikanth doesn’t need a visa to travel abroad, he just jumps from the tallest building in Chennai and holds himself in the air while the earth rotates.

Some facts about Rajnikant from his films:

Rajnikant has a Brain tumour which, according to the doctors can’t be cured and his death is imminent. In one of the fights, our great Rajnikant is shot in the head. To everybody’s surprise, the bullet passes through his ears taking away the tumor along with it and he is cured! Long Live Rajnikant!

In another movie, Rajnikant is confronted with 3 gangsters. Rajnikant has a gun but unfortunately only one bullet and a knife. He throws the knife at the middle gangster & shoots the bullet towards the knife. The knife cuts the bullet into 2 pieces, which kills both the gangsters on each side of the middle gangster & the knife kills the middle one.

Rajnikant is chased by a gangster. Rajnikant has a revolver but no bullets in it. Rajnikant waits for the gangster to shoot. As soon as the gangster shoots, Rajnikant opens the bullet compartment of his revolver and catches the bullet. Then, he closes the bullet compartment and fires his gun. Bang… the gangster dies…

Salute to the prodigy!

Keep smiling!


- Princess

Johny Don’t Lie No More

OK so I bet you’ve heard the song Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira, and also the nursery rhyme we learnt in kindergarten. The one that goes “Johny Johny. Yes Papa. Eating Sugar. No Papa.” Right… that one…

Wanna know one of my all-time favorite jokes that nobody but I crack up on?

Well, you got no choice. I’m obviously telling you.

So (tee hee hee) there’s this elephant that kills the zebra (ha ha) and the giraffe is investigating the matter. A hippopotamus is witness to the murder (LOL), and the elephant pleads him not to reveal the facts. When the giraffe goes up to the hippo, the hippo calmly discloses (smirk smirk) all there is to say. The elephant goes all snotty and sad and confronts the hippo.

Elephant to Hippo : “So, dude, why did you not protect me? You could have covered my a**.”

Hippo to Elephant: “My dear friend… You know what they say… Hips don’t lie.” (ROFL)

Ok… ridicule me all you like. I still love this joke. So what if no one but me laughs?!!

Right. Getting back to the point. I’ve not written this post to tell you jokes and poems. It’s to share with you one of my greatest learnings, whatever little I’ve managed to grasp in my twenty years (and five).

DON’T TELL LIES.

Bet your parents and teachers drilled it into you when you were young. Their intention was to make you a good, honest human being.

My intention is the same too (god bless your merry soul), but the motivation is entirely different - You’ll goof up and be trapped if you lie. So better tell the truth than be caught with your pants down.

It’s like this, you gotta remember all the details if you ever hide something. And trust me it’s too much of a bother. You can afford to forget trivialities when you’re on the right side of the line. Not when something sudden comes up a year or two later (or even a month or week later) and you can’t recall what you’d said when you’d shared the facts originally.

No way am I preaching, nor am I saying that I’ve been as truthful and scrupulous as the great Harishchandra all my life. There have been many times when I told white, grey and black lies… And though I wasn’t caught each time (thank heavens for that), I certainly didn’t enjoy the few times I was.

Like when I told mum I was going to Mumbai for my friend’s brother’s wedding, and instead went for a modeling show. Or when I met a friend without informing another friend. Gosh. Extremely embarrassing moments. Especially for someone like me who always wants to show how honorable and faultless I am.

However, I admit it, and I apologize for all the worry and hurt I’ve caused. Trust me, it wasn’t worth it. Telling the truth would have led to a spat, but it’s better than to blunder by lying.

Now let’s look at the other side of the coin. Why do we lie? Coz someone does give us the confidence, freedom or opportunity to tell the truth. Someone’s reactions to the outcome of our actions may forbid us from sharing the reality with that person.

I knew my mum would not approve of my going for a show to Mumbai. She was dead against my modeling in the first place, and for me to be walking the ramp wearing costumes magnificent and modern, no way was she going to be happy. And I wanted to go. Had not going been an option, I would have discussed it with her, and accordingly made a decision. But nope, I HAD to go, and there was no way I could do that without offending or worrying momma. Bingo! Lie in place. Caught a few weeks later. Sorry, Maa… Didn’t mean it that way, you know that… Sorry, and love you.

And… hiding the truth is as good as telling a lie… No arguments.

I won’t go as far as to say that I admire all honest folks, that’s not my only criterion to like or dislike a person. However, I do find it extremely brave when people accept their mistake or oversight. In the corporate world, the blame game is very popular. So, when an individual comes out in the open and admits an error, it’s worth appreciating.

Talking about admiration, I’m mad about the creative team at Vodafone. What a brain these guys got! First it was Pug, then ZooZoo and now the Blackberry Boys jingle. Proves that you don’t always need an Amitabh or Shahrukh or Akshay or Aamir to sell a product. Sometimes, good melodies and great ideas can do the trick. Hats off to you guys, if you’re reading this! Good job.

Waise, Vodafone comes across as quite an exciting employer. My bhabhi worked there for a year, and it was superb to hear her telling us about the various events they hosted and the wonderful goodies they gave out every now and then. Talk about keeping internal customers happy, and Vodafone would come out tops. Innovative way to brand your products and market value. Cheers again!

Who else do I admire? Rajnikanth! Hahaha… It’s true. That guy rocks! At his age, to have a fan following that tremendous and passionate – not a feat anyone and everyone can manage! I was eager to see Robot, but didn’t find the time or company! Definitely gona catch it when I can...

On that note , I’m gona share some amazing Rajnikant jokes… Yenjoyyy!!

Rajnikant has counted to infinity-twice.
When Rajnikant does pushups, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the earth down.
The Bermuda Triangle used to be the Bermuda Square, until Rajnikant kicked one of the corners off.

Ain’t that super cool? But there’s one more “R” I heartily adore…

Rosech / Rosesh Sarabhai! I miss that serial. Wonder why they don’t come up with a new season… Wana read some of his poems? Here you go!!

Title: Momaa ka purse

Momaa ka purse jaise hospital ki pyaari si koi nurse
Purse mein rakha tissue paper karta hai paseene ka ilaaj
Aur lipstick ho jaise bhookhe honton ka anaaj
Momaa ke purse ka hai makhmali sa sparsh
Momaa ka purse
Momaa ka purse.

Another one…
Khatar khun khatar khun khatar khun
Sun mere dil ki dhun
Tere pyaar ki oiling mil gayi isey
Toh khatar khun ka ho jaayega gun gun "

Come back next time for some more killers by Rajni and Rosesh!

And feel free to share Rosesh and Rajnikanth's awesomeness on the blog, You can comment by clicking the link below that says comments...

And I’m not lying :-)

Cheerio!
Princess

Order Placed... Or Maybe Not

I often get a very nostalgic and weird feeling when I’m travelling over long distances. While the plane or train zooms ahead, I can physically feel the distance separating me from the place and people I know. It’s like there’s no going back and there’s no one you can reach out to; you’re on your own.

I had a similar kind of feeling two days after my supervisor at work left for a sabbatical. Don’t ask me why… It was very spontaneous and unintended…

Miss you, Phil. (Though I know you’re not reading this.)

As a friend. (I refuse to not regard you that way despite your telling me to not treat colleagues as friends.)

Enjoy your sabbatical in Australia!

Time to move on to my topic of the day…

How would it be if you could choose your partner? As in order a custom-made spouse? Something like the way you assemble a laptop online at Dell with various features and parts…

I mean we all whine that our soul-mates have this shortcoming and that attitude and peculiar habits and annoying characteristics. But are you sure that if you could choose what you wanted and did not want in your partner, you’d be happy and never complain?

Well, think again.

I’m certain that it would not be a flawless process with a fool-proof outcome.

My reason(s) for saying this? Here you go…

One, I might say / want something (or the opposite of something) without really considering the details of the new aspect that appears desirable. For example, when I say I want my partner to be full of life and not monotonous or passive, I only mean that he should not be boring, not that he needs to be spirited and exciting at every moment day in day out. There’s only so long that you can remain in that animated state; you gotta come down in order to go back up again, else it becomes stress and nothing else.

You might find yourself bugged with your partner coz he / she is aggressive. How about if he / she was docile and dumb? Maybe he / she needs to be that way for a particular reason (like maybe pushing you towards your goal, or ensuring that things are right and systematic). Both of you would go downhill if there was no drive or ambition.

It’s just like they say… Be careful what you wish for… You might get it.

Do you really want your partner to be the exact opposite of what he / she is right now? If yes, and if you ever happen to meet a genie who can make that wish come true, you better have your terms and conditions and details communicated clearly, right down to the last letter and punctuation.

Something like… I want my partner to be cool and free when I want to meet my friends, and yet be 40% possessive about me just so that I can feel adored and special, yet not as much as to have him cancel and object to my meeting my guy friends, but I would surely enjoy having him ask me what we spoke about and what we ate, just so that I can see the envy and/or interest in his eyes... Get the drift?

So, think before you pray… Don’t drink and wish…

Do you really want your partner to be a certain way? Do you want him/her to be that way ALL the time? Do you REALLY get annoyed with what he/she does, or do you secretly enjoy it and want it to continue? Is the idiosyncrasy something you cannot live with? Think long. Think hard. Your answer could shock even you…

Next point - when I say I want someone who can make me feel a certain way (say beautiful, loved and pampered) - It needs to be genuine, not a façade. Anyone can see through something that’s put on, and that’s not really what one would desire, right? The concern, the wish to stay connected and the eagerness to love and want someone… if it’s not real, it worse than when absent.

So, I want that… but I also want it to be natural. If he/she just pretends to feel that way to please me, it won’t stay hidden for long, and it will make me feel like a jerk. More so, if he mentions that it’s not really him to do a particular thing, but he’ll bear with it coz I want it that way. Like he’s doing a favour. And you know how the deal is between me and favours. No deal. Thanks but no thanks.

Of course, stuff like wanting spouses to be reliable, loyal and truthful is non-negotiable. I’ve heard of adultery in relationships and I’ve heard of concepts like spouse-swapping in high class societies. However, for most middle class families, such behaviours are taboo, even the thought is revolting. We’re going to leave it at that… But honestly, if you want to be married, please be faithful to your other half, else end the relation. It’s not fair. You’re being unjust to your partner, to the kids, friends, families and other people in your life.

Anyway, I’m just digressing. Talking about made-to-order spouses… It wouldn’t be fun at all. There would be no surprises. For instance, I might think of my partner as extremely subtle with praise, thereby he has the opportunity to stun me with a lovely poem or love letter. If I knew for an unalterable fact that he was inexpressive without scope of being/doing the opposite, then there would be no fun times where I could be pleasantly surprised.

The best part about being a particular way is that you have a chance to be someone/something else. You have the freedom to change so that you can show someone how much you love him/her and how much you want that person to be happy and satisfied with you. It is the best way to show someone how much they and their presence in your life mean to you. And it’s no good just talking about changing and promising that you will. Forget the words and promises, just do it (as aptly said by Nike).

I’ve told a lot of people a lot of times, speech is a bucket-load of crap unless its’ backed by solid action. You may not say a word, but your actions (whether complimentary or contradictory) will demonstrate your true intentions and temperament. Focus on the deeds, chuck the statements. And ensure that your efforts are consistent. It’s no good screwing up ten times and saying sorry and you’re trying to change. Avoid these situations entirely. Let life be perfect. Read your partner. Know him/her inside out. Feel what he/she feels before they even say or show it. I bet you know that people remember one bad thing more/better than they remember 20 good things. Don’t give your partner a chance to feel that way.

It’s the least you can do if you call yourself (or want to be called) a soul-mate and lifelong partner…

Wish you luck!

- Princess

Thank You to You!!

Apparently January 11 is International Thank You Day.

I'm not gona wait that long, gorgeous readers.

Here is my Thank You to you :-)

2 months in advance...

Vote of thanks was never quite my favorite part of any meeting or conference. One, coz it’s predictable and boring. Two, coz more often than not, I was expected to deliver it. Often at a minute’s notice. Grrr…

But hey, I gotta say it here.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen!!

“Life…” is now 51 followers strong, and has 33000+ clicks till date. For a personal blog roughly 3 years old and 370 posts thick, I think it’s a great achievement. For me, and for you…

For staying loyal and interested throughout the times I’ve written about the same old topics, for coming back and checking despite there being no updates, for passing on the word and popularizing my blog… I remain grateful to you all. A million thanks!

I’ve been blog-rolled by many, and quite a few of you have added your name to my followers list. It’s always a pleasure reading the comments you make about the topics and writing style, irrespective of whether you consent or criticize. A vast chunk of you still prefer to be nameless and tiptoe in and out, leaving your footprints on my reader tracker. To all of you, I am indebted.

At times it gets a little scary and burdensome, knowing that there are so many of you out there, reading what I write and passing judgments about me based on what you interpret from my writing.

It freaks me out sometimes that there are people that I personally know and do not know who have more than adequate knowledge about me, my life, my thoughts and attitude.

I won’t deny that I’ve occasionally censored my words and evaluations because I know someone might get offended or shocked by me and my confessions.

And then I wonder whether I really wanted my blog to be this well-known. What started out as a personal diary online, has now become sort of a commercial magazine. And the difficult part is, I don’t know who’s reading it and who’s not!

Not that I mind really. Being a Leo, seeking attention and reveling in it is an innate trait. Yet, I sometimes want to tone down my description or emotion, just to ensure someone does not fret or lose sleep.

Any time a stranger, colleague or friend tells me that he/she has been reading my blog, I feel a little surprised as if I don’t know what he/she is talking about. I feel pleased that he/she would take the time out to read what I’ve written, and that he/she would care two-pence about my values and experiences. It feels great. And I mean it for every one of you. I honestly do. If you’ve been reading my blog long enough, you know I don’t mince words or tell lies. Thank you once again. It really means a lot to me.

Even if I don’t know who you are, where you’re from. As long as you love me and my blog.

(Yeah, I know that thought’s not very creative. But I can’t be blamed if Backstreet Boys made it famous before I voiced it!)

I do apologize for the times and words that have made you feel bad or misjudged. Trust me, the intention was not to hurt any one of you, but to share my perceptions and emotions. If I’ve ever mentioned you in my blog – directly or indirectly – it was because I felt something for you or the incident, not coz I want to ridicule you or tout my brilliance. Of course, confidentiality is vital, and I would never compromise on your faith in me or make you the butt of humiliation by sharing your true identity.

I’m running outta words here… Extraordinary, isn’t it?!! But really. I don’t know what more to say to express my gratitude.

Just a warm thank you and a bear hug to all if you.

Each one of you.

Keep reading.

This blog would be nowhere without your love and appreciation.

I thankfully remain,
Anuja (aka Princess)

Diwali Dhamaka!!

Wish you many happy returns of the festive season, and may your days ahead be filled with joy, prosperity, love and laughter!!

I love the Cadbury Celebrations ad that they air on TV and radio. They’re mighty senti ads, trust me, and the first time I see one, I almost always have tears in my eyes. Like the one where Sahil (from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai) visits his old neighbour and hands him a box of chocolates to apologize for his pranks as a kid. Or the one on radio, where a mellow, sincere voice appeals to us to wish family and relatives personally rather than just calling them on the telephone. Hats off to these guys… Great script – simple yet touching, and excellent characters – visual or audio. Cheers, fellas!

I was about to say that Diwali this year seemed a little subdued and controlled as far as rowdiness is concerned... But I stand corrected... I was wondering that people were bursting fewer crackers than usual, and then I heard terrifying crackers at the crack of dawn and late into the dusk. I myself enjoy the gorgeous, voiceless anar and chakris more than the noisy bombs, but I do know how excited young and old folks get about the firework trails, and I don’t mind. It’s Diwali, after all! Sweets, shopping, gifts, diyas and making merry – bring it on!!

Talking about "making merry", most people think its a good sign to drink and gamble on Diwali eve. Whoever created that ritual? Is it one at all? Or is it just another excuse for bewdas to hit the bottle? I'm not sure, but I sure don't appreciate it. I'd rather spend time with the family in a sober state than be inebriated and worry about money lost / won in gambling... But for those who enjoy this part of the festival, cheers!!

I noticed that there are a lot more Chinese (or Japanese) style lanterns in the market now than the traditional ones. And they’re beautiful. There’s something very sophisticated about these akash-kandils that the Indian ones fall short of capturing. The one that I wanted to get for our house - a bright crimson fiery hued ball with folds like a rose - was unavailable when I went shopping. Missed it :-( So didn't get one at all in protest...

(Yeah I know that sounds silly... When did I ever say I was smart and sensible all the time?!!)

By the way, did I tell you our home is getting renovated? We’re majorly doing up the living room, trendy furniture and all, and the rest of the house will be painted. The family’s thrilled; there’s not been any mammoth change in the house since the time we (my dad, to be precise) purchased it back in 1987. Of course, we can’t do much about the ample stairs (we stay on the top floor), and the poor parking space (it’s an old construction). But we’re doing all that we can. I’m sure the results will be stunning. And ya, you’re invited :-)

There have been quite a few interesting purchases this year. The number of electronic goods and gadgets we’ve bought is not funny. I got myself a new Samsung Champ (it’s an AWESOME phone) at a terrific price, and we got a new cell phone for mum, too. Both my bro and I got new laptops (both Dell Inspiron, by chance!) and we also bought a new LCD TV and mixer-grinder in February. A refrigerator and washing machine are still on the agenda, and I won’t be surprised if we buy them (and a new microwave and music / DVD player) in the coming few months. Keep watching this space for more…!!!

I’ve been living a hectic 3 weeks – the IBM certification training is still on, and I’ve hardly caught a couple a hours sleep every night. I wake up groggy and drowsy, and I am in a constant frenzy of activity – be it anxiety and targets at work, or social and family commitments to catch up on. I’ve missed so many films, I can’t even begin to tell you. I still regret being unable to catch Robot. However, I’m far from depressed, considering that movies are not aired on TV within 2 months of being released. Also need to catch up on my reading… The bookmarks in Piccadilly Jim and BPO Sutra are fraying at the edges. Grumble.

Pardon my cribbing. It's not like it's been all work and no play. I've had a fantabulous weekend hogging on exotic satays and tempuras at Malaka Spice all for free! Plus I thoroughly enjoyed the not so amazing movie Jhoota Hi Sahi starring John Abraham and the silly, ugly Pakhi (or whatever her name is). And of course, Action Replay (however its spellt - with the multiple N's and Y's). Especially the song Zor ka Jhatka hayy Zoro se lagaaaa... Akshay, as usual is adorable, but the show-stealer this time was the young man who plays his son - Aditya Kapoor if I'm not mistaken (baal ki dukaan). And I also saw Due Date, with the stunning Robert Downey Jr... Droooooooll... Ditto review: decent movie, but not something that you just cannot miss...

Apart from that, I've been playing and fooling around with my darling nephew who seems to be growing more handsome, ill-tempered and cute by the day. He's made me act like a fool and sing all day long, and I'm not complaining. What are Bua's for?!! :-)

On that note, here’s an interesting thought that struck me the other day while I was travelling to office…

Life is a cobweb, I agree… The question is: Are you the fly or the spider?

Profound, eh?

Another one…

Life is all about choices… Or is it?

Sometimes isn’t it better to have the choices made for us? And I’m not just talking about instances where you’re between the devil and the deep sea. I’m hinting at those circumstances when everything is perfect and you have to opt for one of the two (or more) marvellous choices. A predicament that I’m facing right now. For the last few weeks actually. This is one dilemma that I definitely would like to stay clear of… The amount of confusion and strain is staggering… and frustrating.

I’m going to leave you with that food for thought.

Have a great new year!!

- Princess

Besotted with You

I miss you more than words can say,
I wish there was another way;
A way to be in your arms forever,
And watch you as you try to be funny and clever.

I look in your eyes so deep and true,
I try to imagine the dreams they construe;
They say a thousand words as they twinkle,
I read their promises unswerving and fickle.

As I walk around with my hand in yours,
I lose count of the minutes and hours;
I could live my entire life like this,
Knowing that there’s nothing I’d ever miss.

Your thoughts have me sighing all day long,
Not a moment do you leave my mind alone;
I recall and relive every second with you,
With every recollection, everything appears new.

I catch myself imagining our life together,
I look for a sign, fore and nether;
To the angel in you, my soul reaches out,
And I know it’s you, without a doubt.

A thousand what ifs cross my mind,
A million anxieties within me I find;
But when I close my eyes my heart rejoices,
And I know it’s you, amidst all the choices.

Yes, I say, I know it’s you,
This decision, never shall I rue;
Life’s not perfect, no one said it was,
But with you, I know, the bliss won’t pause.

I know I shall smile,
I know there will flights of bile;
I know I’ll sob for you to go away,
But I also know that you shall stay.

I’ll be your mum when you trip on your trail,
I’ll be your best friend when plans fail;
I’ll exult like a wife when things go right,
I’ll be your cheeky partner all through the night.

We’ve both been in love before,
We’ve had our fun and tears galore;
And yet when I see that smile on your face,
I know this time it’s for real, and all fears efface…

If not love, then what is it,
For you, that makes me yearn and posit;
As long as you pledge to be just mine,
I vow, in my sky, you’ll be the only star to shine.

- Princess