Not for me

Last night xyz and y along with a few more from work were going out for drinks. I don't drink so said, 'no' when xyz asked me to join. But then felt bad about not being a sport. So I decided to join them. Everyone ordered "drinks" I ordered a pop! And it was all downhill from there...after 4-5 drinks the guys (I was the only woman) were talking loud and talking about things that I didn't particularly care for. The only good thing was it was an out door bar in the heart of downtown, among beautiful buildings, perfect weather.

I must admit I am a bore. I don't like going out, I don't like crowds, and just make it difficult for others to enjoy by not participating in conversations, in drinks or food (non-veg food).

I am comfortable with (family and close friends), listening to music, reading a book, watching a movie, walking in rain. Just being without wanting to impress with cars, homes, iphones, etc...I am born in the wrong century and living in the wrong country.

Tagged!

1. Song: "Husn-e-jana idhar aa" song is playing in my mind for the last two days. Before this it was "Meri tammanon ki taqdeer" it seems like Mukesh is haunting me!
2. Lipsticks: I love to wear dark lipstick...it accentuates my white teeth. I currently have 9 lipsticks in my cosmetic bag.
3. School: I spent way too much time in school! And in different schools. And different courses.
   
4. Firsts: Movies: First hindi movie I saw in a movie hall was "Bombay". First English film was "Police academy." Novel: Heidi
5. First crush: When I was 9 (Oh if you must know...an actor!)
6. I me myself : I was/am the quite type. school farewell memento said "Still water runs deep" I still have that memento!
7. Time pass: Reading blogs is a daily routine for me! Websurfing, and music, occasional t.v.
8. I bite my nails :))

Phew!

Long distance 2

So the next day was my first day at my new job. The only good thing was I was going to work with xyz and yw. There were so many new things as it was different from what I was use to doing, so I kind of had to put in 150%. (What all you have to do for money *rolls eyes*) So everything else had to take a backseat.

It took a while before it dawned on me that now it was different. Trip across India, and jetting back home, new job in a different city, everything exhausted me physically and the separation exhausted me emotionally. This continued for about a month. Then things just become routine and life goes on...We talk on yahoo everyday and we spend the whole weekend together online. With the webcam its feels we aren't that far away. I start my day by reading his offlines, and end my day by talking to him. It feels great to be loved so much...everyone tells me I have bloomed since my marriage.

Long distance - 1

***On the cold dark February night that I left Delhi, fighting back tears as I waved to Dad and to D...I felt I couldn't bear this separation this pain, I had always hated airports and goodbyes but this was by far the worst. Dad told me to be his "brave girl" and D was already so sad that I didn't want to make it more difficult for him. But as soon as I was inside the airport...I could not control my tears anymore...at that point of time I would have given up all I had worked so hard for...my "struggling" years of constantly broke student status...to job hopping to make up for the lost time and middle of the night dreams of Immigration woes!...all to be with D...with some one who I had known for a month or so. I knew I couldn't do that I had to be pragmatic...
Coming back to my breaking down at the airport prompted this older couple to come to me "Are you alright dear? Who are you leaving behind?" She guessed from my by-now-light-mehndi and chooda that it was my husband. "You just got married? Oh my dear, my dear he will join you soon" They consoled me all the way to the transit city in Europe. They came to visit me a couple of hours during the flight. And even after 7 hours my tears refused to subside...When we got down both of them hugged me and wished for me. (Talk about kindness of strangers.)

What I hate as much as flying and goodbye at airports is waiting for the connecting flight...I would say it is even worse...being in a strange land, where there was no one that you could call your own...my mind had become numb by now. I tried to call D from the airport but couldn't get through.

I finally got home...Toronto. The familiar streets provided some solace. Familiar people provided relief.
D had asked me to call him as soon as I reached home. I told him it would be around 2.30 A.M. but he had said it did not matter. So I called him as soon as I got home he picked up the phone on the second bell "P----" "Yes, I just got home" I couldn't say much, neither could he...
The next day I had to join my new job...

To be continued...depending on my mood.
***No exaggeration!

Permanent writers block

T had told D that I write well(?) So D is like write something for me. The thing is writing for me is an outlet...most of my writing/fiction revolved around Vishal because he was unattainable and it was in fiction that I could make him do what I wanted ;)

Now that vishal is history (I am over him) and D loves me more then I can ask for there is no need for fiction so how do I write something for him? But I had promised him I would so I have been thinking and thinking...but I can't seem to write...I am usually so exhaused after work-and ghar-ka kaam that I have lost my ability to write anything worth reading.... :( except blogs :)) or may be not even those :)

Its been almost an year since I wrote a piece of fiction...I try but nothing comes to mind.

Beautiful...in your eyes

Punds blog kind of inspired this...
When I was 20 year old (thats like gazzilions of years ago!) I had a waistline that I can only dream of now *Sigh* I had dense hair, clear skin and big bright beautiful eyes...but I felt I was not pretty. Now, years later that waistline is an elusive dream(...and suffice to says eyes, hair and skin have seen better days too) but now I don't believe people are mocking me when they say "Beautiful" because...I know better now...

1. I feel my nephew is the cutest and pretiest kid in the world...because I just don't see him i see all his shararats
2. I feel abc is the most dashing because...abc held my head and kept my hair out of the way when I was throwing up (Sorry to gross you!)
3. I feel Delhi is the most beautiful city...I see it from the lens of sweet memories

(And I don't particularly find efg that beautiful since I saw efg shouting and humiliating efg's spouse in front of everyone...)

I know I am "beautiful"* in the eyes of some people...

*(Shoot can't even claim I am gorgeous since most of you have seen me!)


Song fit for the occasion....and a dedication to all the beautiful people in the world...they just don't know that they are the most beautiful in someones eyes :)

You’re my piece of mind, in this crazy world
You’re every thing I've tried to find
Your love is a pearl
You’re my Mona Lisa (or the male equalent)
You’re my rainbow skies
And my only prayer is that you realize
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes...

A bunch of things

The other day, the topic at lunch was "how we met" stories. So everyone had a fasinating story of how they met their spouse, most claimed to have "known the minute they met" but not necessarily love at first sight (?) that was kind of fasinating.
So when it came to me...I just said "It was an arranged marriage" and it was almost end of lunch time...sure enough everyone wanted to know all about! Arranged marriage fasinates these folks so much! Mostly questions around "how do you know if he is right for you?" My answer, well most of you claimed to know the minute you met them, and secondly, do you really know people when you say you know them (I have been wrong plenty of times in that department)...

Your thoughts?
And any interesting "How we met stories"?

For T

"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."

We all have some people in our lives that we can count on...mostly its family...occasionally its friends. I don't claim to have many, but among the onces I do, T has a place no one else does. It was sometime last year that she called me, and from the sound of my voice realized I was feeling down. I remember her attempts to cheer me up...great new job, independent, young, etc but it didn't work...I had freshly realised people did not see me the way I saw myself. Not many people see you the true you but some make the effort...(and in return I can only give her my friendship and well wishes)

T knows me extremely well...she knows me since 2000...7 years! She knows D's family for generations. She told D about me. She told D's family about me...and when they were convinced she told me about D. I was skeptical, but I knew T wouldn't bring up anything casually she must have a pretty good reason to introduce us (and she did!)

So it was her in her mind that D and I first met. Through this post I just want to say thanks T for everything...first for being a wonderful friend and more recently for bringing D into my life.

Ma in Law

Mother in law is such a funny set of words...its like there is something legal about it! But its better then "saas" and the connotation that goes with it. I had never heard anything good about mother in laws from anyone...from my sis, my cousins, my friends they all cribbed about m-i-ls. But I had made up my mind to "deconstruct" all preconcieved notions and give the most important woman in D's life a fair chance and I expected the same from her.

So I was as nervous about meeting D as I was about meeting his mom.
She had come to Delhi few days before our wedding. She was expecting me to recieve her but I couldn't. So the first time I met her was at my wedding (Although I had talked to her over the phone a couple of times). So on that day...this lady comes to me and she has the biggest smile and she said "I am mummy" She kept looking at me for a while! And I could tell she liked what she saw (hehe). She talked to the others from their side I couldn't understand much of what they said but seemed like things were good (Sigh of relief!)

In the few days that I stayed with her I tried to bond with her...she told me all about D's childhood and other such stuff. She had expected a NRI bahu to be full of herself, so she was pleasantly surprised. The first time I made something (tea!) for everyone she hugged me.
Then one evening she heard me in the kitchen while everyone else had gone to sleep, and on seeing me warming salt water for D to gargle (he had a sore throat) tears almost came to her eyes...as she said "Now I don't have to worry about D, I know he is in good hands"

I just hope I can meet her renewed expectations...I will try.

twice in an year?

So D has been asking me to visit him in August...and he is pretty persistent, my mom and sisters empathize with him and so when i talk to them I get to hear so when are you coming...here is the deal I am new at this job took 1.5 months already...and my last trip to india was almost 7 years ago...so twice in a year is well odd.
I do want to go...the pampering, the attention, the no-work-no-cooking-cleaning-commuting is tempting but what is difficult is coming back..it took me 2 months to recover from the leaving behind my loved onces....still thinking...but I know I will go...weird...whats happenin to me?

In retrospect

Its almost 2 months since I came back from India...and I got plenty of time to think and count my blessings.

I live here, I love it here...but it does get a bit lonely, had it not been for the two wonderful people I live with, it would be so difficult.

When I went to India my parents always had someone or the other over. When I gave my consent for the wedding, within 10 days people gathered from around the world (ok just north america and europa) and some from other states in India to be with me! Everyone pitched in to have everything ready within 10 days....I didn't lift a finger and everything got done...I realised that I am not alone in the world...a feeling that I often felt here...

I am not saying, I regret being here...far from it...but I do realise that I am missing out on a few things by being here...but then again Kisi ko mukumal jahan nahi milta kisi ko zameen kisi ko aasma nahi milta

The concept of "Jhootha"

Growing up, we were never encouraged to eat anything that was "Jhootha" and that still remains somewhere in my head. I can't eat stuff that someone else has eaten. But over here people don't get "it". So when someone lovingly offers a sip of the drink they've been drinking or offers something to eat...its really difficult to say no...(not to the food but to the person). Funny, after our wedding, D and I was just given one plate of food (My sis' idea!) I was like can I get my own plate :)) (I don't mind eating with him anymore) but others I still can't bring myself to!
Even if it means awkward moments like the other day at work, xyz offered a fruit salad.
xyz: "Its so good, try this"
me: "I've just had a big meal, thanks though"
xyz: shrugs

This is the nth time this has happened with different people.

Weekends

Its almost been a month into my new job and my coming home from India. Out of nowhere (ok...let me honest here from xyz) came this fab new job offer and circumstances just made me take it (yes, money). Going in I knew it was going to be a challenge, because it requires a different kind of personality...an outgoing kind...so I have to go out to meet clients and get them to "buy in" to what we offer. If they do, I train them on it. So a few days ago I was out of station staying in a hotel and having the company pay the expenses (first time that has happened). This week again I have to go train people but this time I am on my own. So the weekend was to be spent in front of the mirror as I practice material delivery...I was suppose to do that today but D was online whole day watching the match and I got the commentary from him and my plans went for a toss...wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

Gauri Pooja with a difference!

In some parts of India there is a wedding ritual in which the bride brings the groom to her family shrine and shows gauri the groom she is responsible for bringing in the brides life...we don't have that ritual in my family but when I had read it long time ago (Anthropology course!) I found it very fasinating...so when I got married I wanted to show my husband to durga ma...the one to whom I always pray...so we went to Vaishnu Devi...

I couldn't have walked 14 KM, that too steep at most places...without D. Perhaps mata rani knew that I couldn't have climbed on my own (what with age (ok and weight!) catching up! )...that she sent D to help me! But I did go there on foot...with his help of course...

When we talked for the first time, I had asked him if he was religious and he said an honest "No" but for our honeymoon he took me to Vaishnu Devi because he knew it would mean soooo much to me...He mentioned that the most radiant he has ever seen me was in the bhavan after more then 8 hours of walking....

Day 1

My didi, jiju and dad had come to recieve me at the airport. I was meeting my sister after 7 years!!! She came running to me and hugged me. Jiju waved, I said namaste to him and hugged dad.
Reached home around 12.30 AM. Mom and nephews were up waiting. Nephews were bit shy in the begining but we got friendly soon enough!!! Mom was happy that I was finally where she wanted me!
Didi and family left for their place. It was just dad, mom and me. It was over 2 years since we were together. And over 7 years since I was under my fathers roof...the sense of comfort and security cant be put in words. I slept at around 3.30 got up at 6.30 to the sound of India :)
Got a call from my sister that D. had called her and wanted to know if we should meet today or tomarrow. I called him and said today is good. I wanted it to get over asap. I had talked to him for over 9 months and it was about time that we met in person. We had seen each other in pics, in video clippings but its different in person.
My mom and dad had a talk with me in which they told me that they really like him a lot. And that they would be happy if we liked each other.
I went back to sleep. He was to come in the evening. My mom woke me up an hour before he was to come and asked me to get dressed. I had a bath, shapooed/conditioned my hair, wore indian cloths, wore some face powder and lipstick and contact lens. My sister called urging me to look good, my mom insisted that i should look presentable but I stood my ground. This is how I usually am so this is how he should see me.
He came around 15 minutes late. My mom opened the door. I could over hear them my mom offered him water. And called out to me. I said a quick prayer to Durga ma and went to the living room. I said hi, he said hi vi (my nick name). I don't know if he even looked at me he immediatly took out flowers (red roses...I always wanted those) and sweets. He didn't seem to look at me may be because my scorpio gaze was too much for him. I stared at him trying to see what he actually thought of me. My mom was in the kitchen...we were alone in the living room. "So, what do you think?" I startled him ;) He said, "You look much more beautiful in person then in pictures and video clippings." He paused and then asked what about you? (Meaning do you like me?) I said yes. (He looked much better in person then in pictures too-- advise to the rest of you never judge a person by photo alone) As if on cue my mom brought refreshments (I have a feeling she was tuned in). I finished my drink and went in my mom asked him, and he said its yes from her too!
He called out for me and I joined them in the living room again. This time I had a cardigan and shawl wrapped around me (Delhi is cold!!! teeth chattering cold!)
His mom called on his cell phone, he talked to her in a language I don't understand but I could see that he was happy. His mom talked to me. She asked if I liked her son...(how could I not he is TDH personified). I saw affection in his eyes, they twinkled brighter then the polar star!

That night I couldn't sleep until 4 am. I knew I had just met my husband. The man that I would spend the rest of my life with....

***After the wedding he told me that he missed his metro stop because he was mesmerized with me that I was so much more prettier in person ---- I like to believe he was being honest and not just being nice ;)***

Of Vice and Virtues

Wrath is considered one of the grave sins and when wrath is teamed with pride...thats a deadly combination.
And it can have consequences...like having to wake up an hour and a half earlier every day....meaning I friggin quit my job in a moment of intense anger and pride.

When I cooled down I realised what I had done. But too late. I couldn't believe what I did. I came out of that meeting seething with anger but composed from the outside. I came to my desk called xyz and said "Is that job that you offered to me two months ago still available" He said "Yes"
A week later I had another meeting with xyz, my boss sensed that I am about to take off, so I was given a "achievement award" what am I a kid, that here is a candy and be happy?

I convienetly forgot the certificate in the meeting room. Which my collegue bought to my desk.
We did the formalities for the other job --- interview, reference, and the stuff. I sent in my acceptance letter.
And on the 2nd gave my boss my resignation with 2 weeks notice 4 days this week and rest from my pending vacation from last year.

He was shocked and said, is there anything we can do to make you change your mind? More vacations, increase in salary?
I said no.
He asked what happened.
"A better opportunity presented itself"
"Vi think about it...if there is anything I can do to change your mind let me know."
Pride and integrity (I can't ditch xyz now!!!) made me say. "No, but I appreciate your words"

I had read something like this about scorpios (and thought what bull but no its true!)

Their sensitivity, together with a propensity for extreme likes and dislikes make them easily hurt, quick to detect insult or injury to themselves (often when none is intended) and easily aroused to ferocious anger. This may express itself in such destructive speech or action that they make lifelong enemies by their outspokenness, for they find it difficult not to be overly critical of anything or anyone to whom they take a dislike.

I don't want to be a scorpio anymore!

Happy new year!

Happy new year folks....2007 is here!!!

2006 Hits and Misses
Canada is home permanantely!
(Jan-April)Job A then Job B(April-) back to Job A (decided, not joined)
As always my faith came to my rescue
People notice "vi" even though I am as quite as ever
Take baby steps towards...next phase in life...I get anti wrinkle eye cream!!!
I realise my scorpio traits are deeper then I thought....I never forget and never forgive hahahaha...

Yo Yo Day

Highs Lows Highs Lows...thats what my life is. But so many highs and so many lows just since this moring (its not even 1 yet!) so last night nephew said "Mashi come earlier" so I said what the heck money comes and goes I am going home this saturday...looked up flight rates around 2K in additition to what I have already shelled out on the tickets (they are not refundable). So this morning I give him (travel agent) a call...Mez all exicted even told xyz when he called that I am going home this weekend....even called T (she is already in India!) that I am coming! Travel agent calls says no seats available and there is one for 1 jan thats like 3 K I am like can't afford it. exictment out the window! Now I have to tell T not coming :(

Had met xyz earlier this week. And he was hopeful about something. He called and said he might have good news...mez all exicted again and then an hour later he calls and the news is not that good...mez feeling really not so good. All this rollercoaster made me want to talk to someone so I dailed abc's number and darn he has his switched off...ok this day better end on a high because I am in no freakin mood to be low!

Song fit for the occasion? Zindagi kaisi hai peheli hai...kabhi ye haansey kabhi ye rulaey...

Count down!

Less then a month left for me to fly home!
My suitcase is packed and ready to go (already) I must say I am very excited. I have gone shopping every single day for the last month. Got my newphews a PSP and video games, books, toys, cloths (I have yet to get them chocolates!) Since one of them has never met me and the other was a baby they don't remember me so I have to make a good impression ;)

But I think I have bought the most amount of things for myself! not-my-type sleepwear (whats wrong with me?) and other fancy shmancy stuff (really what is wrong with me?) and Tons of cosmetics. There is more then necessary red in my wordrobe...

And I have such huge plans to see the Taj mahal, go to Vaishnu Devi, explore Delhi, eat yummy food. I can't wait! I am surprised at my own enthu :) so little time so much to do!

Blogger Friends - How we met!

When I started blogging about 1.5 years ago, I didn't know I would still be doing this after 1.5 years! (Wow, what wisdom! LOL) But looking back its been a fun ride...thanks to my "regulars" and this blog is dedicated to them :)

Alphabetically

Aria...was flower-fist-bestial-wail at Sulekha. Her blogs were very entertaining, and people's reaction to her blogs was almost equally entertaining;) Her writing is no ordinary writing and I always enjoyed her blogs...She kind of reminded me of Delhi because Delhi was mentioned off and on in her blogs. From what I know about her through her blogs she is really cool! She moved to blogspot and since we have kept in touch on blogs and once in a blue moon chats/emails

Ginko was Gi at Sulekha and he wrote these blogs about traveling in public transport in US, I could so identify with his blogs. Needless to say he is a major flirt...and always managed to tease me...but that has changed since he found the love of his life Aish...and now he is married :) I wish him and Aish a very happy married life! We keep in touch through im...And he never did send me the invite (you don't need the address for that GI, a virtual one would have been enough!)

Nandu...was gopeenandu at Sulekha. He had posted some light hearted comments on my blog over at sulekha and he was always very charming and the fact he had a snake as pet kind of made him stand out. Once he sent me an invite to the "group" @ Sulekha, since the email had his full name, curiosity got the better of me and I ended up googling him. Little did I know what a sneaky fellow (Joking Hon) he is -he found out that someone in Toronto visited his website and asked me if it was me...I said yes... Nandu is the first one among bloggers to see my pic abiet an old one ;) I just love Nandu's sense of humor. He evokes an image of being a chubby cheeked kid with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.....and yes, he calls me "Didi".

Punds
I was familiar with punds from Suleka. But we didn't interact much there. I think it was beginning of this year that we began visiting each others blog regularly. What I particularly like about Punds is his sensitivity and the heart of gold. And also his short stories. And I must admit, his love for "her" is something I can relate to...

And of course there are the occasional visitors like Jeenu, Rays of Sun, Cheti, Parikarma, Priyamvada, Priya Sivan, Dev Kumar, Sumeet, Oz and most recently Tushar...

All of the bloggers are such interesting people...and its because of that that 1.5 years is going to continue to ...hmm don't know how many years!