tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-378468658518013242024-03-13T14:18:49.587+08:00PotpourriA cocktail, a concoction of diverse topics. A potpourri of my thoughts.Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-59153863777450835162018-01-06T11:10:00.000+08:002018-01-26T17:24:58.573+08:00I walk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk with song in my step,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with wind in my hair;<br />
I walk with wings in my legs, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with sand under my feet.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk with dreams in my eyes,<br />
with a hand in my hand;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk with noise in my heart;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a lull in the air.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I walk with a hole in my heart,<br />
with water neck deep;<br />
I walk with weight on my shoulders,<br />
with finger pointing ahead.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk, for there are reasons to walk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a garden at the end I hear,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with an angel in there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Questions in my heart;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
doubts in my mind;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
perhaps the angel can hear,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
perhaps the angel can clear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk, I walk and not ask why.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its not time to stop,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is no time to stop.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-87481968260749212962016-10-04T21:59:00.000+08:002018-01-26T17:31:48.364+08:00Story of a wallet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_CJsC8-ogrRZpHJvdtiPd5Oy8yXIaDok32MyOy2Ghe8aLB9c9sipsnMJo_u-8eRVfmsHvaISfnfEn0QVy4kg5blGV7wcXkAbleyBMg0XCC4dlfVoEVU0TYx-3wL3GPDP8YFE_pUTgg/s1600/IMG_6679.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_CJsC8-ogrRZpHJvdtiPd5Oy8yXIaDok32MyOy2Ghe8aLB9c9sipsnMJo_u-8eRVfmsHvaISfnfEn0QVy4kg5blGV7wcXkAbleyBMg0XCC4dlfVoEVU0TYx-3wL3GPDP8YFE_pUTgg/s320/IMG_6679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A wallet apeared at the coffee table</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">seemingly ordinary and mundane.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Multiple hands pried at it</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">something wasn't right.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It contained all the ordinary things</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">money, coins and cards.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not a thing was out of place</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but something wasn't right.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was brand new;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It wasn't torn, it wasn't soiled,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">neither stuffed nor overused;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but something wasn't right.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It wasnt the only wallet there,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it didnt contain riches</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It wasn't branded, infact, the opposite.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Yes, something wasn't right.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It wasn't flashy, it wasn't cute,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it didnt have diamonds;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it even wasn't pink.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And that was what was wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A woman carried a man's wallet</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that was what was wrong.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A wallet was <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/declancashin/itsaboygirlthing?utm_term=.de08zWeGp#.crKPrjgkZ" target="_blank">genderized</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That was what was wrong.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-80774741542331024422016-09-15T16:17:00.000+08:002016-10-04T22:20:08.719+08:00Emotions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I was reading something the other day and it caught my attention. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">How many emotions can you name? Think about it, 5? 10?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Are those the only emotions you feel? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do you have the vocabulary to describe all the emotions you feel?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Do you know the meaning and exact feeling of all the below emotions?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Adoration</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Alarm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Anger</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Anticipation</span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Anxiety</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Awe</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Boredom</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Compassion</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Contempt</span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Confused</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Curiosity</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Despair</span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Disappointment</span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Dismay</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Disgust</span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Dread</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Eagerness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Embarrassment</span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Envy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Exasperation</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Excitement</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Fear</span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Fondness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Frustration</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Gratitude</span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Grief</span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Guilt</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Happiness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Hate</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Hope</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Horror</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Hostility</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Humiliation</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Hysteria</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Irritation</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Irk</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Joy</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Love</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Lust</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Loathing</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Misery</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Panic</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Passion</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Pity</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Pride</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Rade</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Regret</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Resentment</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sadness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Scared</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Shame</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Shock</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Shyness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sorrow</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Spite</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Surprise</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Suspicion</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Terror</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Vengefulness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="260"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Worry</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br />Does English even have words for all the emotions that you feel?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br />What about the feeling you get when you have to get on stage to talk in front of hundreds - My daughter calls it "nervous-cited" - Nervousness + Excitement. Just those two feelings ? That's an understatement. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br />What about the feeling that occurs from a sudden realization of a grave mistake? The feeling where your heart seems to have dropped into your tummy and your body is all tingly? Is there a word for this feeling?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br />There are even many words for feelings in your mother tongue that you cannot translate to English. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Then how do you communicate?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-29180530444894030802016-05-27T08:53:00.002+08:002016-05-27T08:56:25.735+08:00Dreams, Stories and Mr. Murakami<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you experienced something that you cant explain?<br />
<br />
I have been able to successfully explain everything that I am feeling, everything that I want to say. I can put my thoughts to paper and convey the intent, may be not very eloquently, but pretty much. We all know that one person who very passionately explains something for a long time but then you have no idea what he/she is talking. You just don't get it. They ask "You know what I mean" and you nod, just not to be rude.<br />
<br />
But I have something that I am not able to explain. This book - Blind willow sleepling woman by Haruki Murakmi. I cant explain this.<br />
When I read a book I must be able to answer few simple questions.<br />
"Is the book good?"<br />
"Would you recommend it to someone else?".<br />
I cant explain this. The answer should be simple - yes or no. Sometimes a "may be" followed by reasoning.<br />
But Mr. Murakami? I don't know. I don't know.<br />
<br />
I was drinking coffee at office with a friend and she could tell I was preoccupied.<br />
I tried to explain this to her "I am reading a book, its a collection of short stories. You know its so frustrating to read". She stated simply, "Do you have to finish all the books that you start? Why dont you stop reading it?". I couldn't.<br />
<br />
I went on to explain.<br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText">Very roughly speaking, a short story has a beginning, story buildup and an ending.<br />This book collection have stories that are like this. Follow me for a while please.<br />1) Just the beginning: The "story" goes on randomly for several pages but just 6
lines about the title itself, the story begins and that is it!! THATS IT.<br /><br />2) beginning and build up, but no ending: They abruptly end without any closure. And then you are frustrated because you did not get your closure. And you read more, hoping that some other story has answers and you end up getting even more frustrated.</span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br />3) what's-the-point stories:<br />There
are some stories that were so painful to read and I was wondering what
was the point of writing it. Mr. Murakami is a critically acclaimed author. So there has to be something, right?<br /><br />Story: A Perfect Day for Kangaroos<br />The whole "story" is about a couple who goes to the zoo to see a baby kangaroo in its mom's belly pouch. They buy some food and then they see the baby and mother kangaroo.</span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText">Story: A year of spaghetti.<br />A lonely man eats spaghetti every day of the year alone. </span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span>
<span class="readable reviewText">OK .. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText">Mr. Murakami seemed to be smiling through the pages and saying "There, you have a beginning, build-up and ending. Why are you complaining?" </span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span>
<span class="readable reviewText">Are we being mocked? <br />This was crazy, I thought. Offcourse there has to be something, some more meaning to the story. Something intelligent that I just dont understand.</span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span>
<span class="readable reviewText">My friend looked at me like I was going crazy over a book. </span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText">She didn't get it.</span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span>
<span class="readable reviewText">Are you one of those that remembers your dreams?</span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"></span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="readable reviewText">Dreams. </span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="readable reviewText">You know those dreams that start safe, warm and slow; with people you know and then branches out, literally. </span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText">To a place you have never been, to a situation that you are absolutely sure is dream like. </span><br />
You see people you have never met, places you have never been to, creatures you have not imagined.<br />
You fight a poisonous multi limbed monster; you fear an ant.<br />
You brave a huge wave in the sea; you drown in a pool.<br />
<br />
Dream that makes you think that surely cant be happening, you are just in someone else's dream.<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span>
<span class="readable reviewText">But you are in the dream, you are orchestrating it. You understand it. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="readable reviewText">It all makes sense. But not after you wake up.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Dreams. They are not connected, they do not have a structure, they do not have a story. They are just random frames pieced together.<br />
Or is it not? Is there a meaning?<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span>
<span class="readable reviewText">Do you understand what I am saying?</span><br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><br /></span></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-64291687617610294972016-04-22T16:13:00.002+08:002016-04-22T16:14:18.842+08:00I was wrong about Kindle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was wrong about Kindle.<br />
I was wrong about not wanting to buy Kindle. Here is why:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Books are one-click away from reading, at any time of the day. I didn't realize it was this convenient.</li>
<li>You do not have to wait to find a bookstore or go to the library to get your favorite book. </li>
<li>Kindle editions are much, much cheaper compared to the paper edition.</li>
<li>Love the vocabulary builder feature of Kindle. Simple tap to lookup a word in dictionary and it is stored in your vocabulary builder. </li>
<li>Some books can be very heavy and a pain to carry around in handbag. Kindle is very light to pop it in handbag and pick anytime to read. Waiting in queues has never been so much fun.</li>
<li>It is much more ergonomic to read with my new kindle. I do not have to stress my wrist to scroll pages. All it needs is a light touch of finger to navigate. </li>
<li>My new kindle even comes with an experiment browser that lets me check my mails and do quick google searches!! </li>
<li>I can share my amazon account with my family and friends to share books with each other. </li>
<li>Kindle comes with my favourite book social website - Goodreads. I can read and write reviews, share my books and find my next goodread from my kindle. </li>
</ul>
Bonus: I got 5000 free e-books with my purchase which includes a lot of books from my to-read list and much more.</div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-82520919576174554912015-12-15T22:11:00.001+08:002015-12-15T22:11:24.762+08:00Tales of swimwear shopping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was out shopping for a swimwear last
weekend. Even before I left home I knew that I was going to spend an awful lot
time in shopping for that one perfect swimsuit. Since I am regular at swimming,
my utmost requirement is comfort. How hard can it get, you say? Well, Very!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I entered a small shop that welcomed
with a colorful array of skimpy swimwear for women. There were a plenty of
options to chose from, from the chic and sexy 2-piece suit to athletic to
conservative full-limbed suits. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First, there were dresses with jewels
and gems; those were the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">party wears</i>.
Then come those with the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">breathtaking</i>
(literally) underwire (google for it means if you don’t know).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there are the ones with a tiny skirt. I
don’t even get this; why have a skirt that floats on the surface of the water
once you are inside. It is to give you the allure, I suppose. Just not for me
and I move on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There were swimsuits in conservative
category. These swimsuits do not show any skin but leaves nothing to
imagination. They were dangerously thin, flimsy and hug the contours of one’s
body like second skin. All the above options are available for little girls
starting from the size of infants. Why does an infant or for that matter, a 5
year old needs a bikini style 2-piece suit, I can’t fathom. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s when I spotted the rack of fully
comfortable and functional swim shorts on the farther remote corner of that
shop. The salesgirl was quick to point out that it was the men’s section. I
told her that I would still take a look. She gave up on me and turned her
attention to other shoppers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This rack had the short, flimsy, body
hugging material of swimsuit (competition category suits). But it also had a
lot of other comfortable options. Most of the swimsuits were not body-hugging
kind yet tight at the required parts. The material was thick and durable. They
even had inner lining material. I almost cried out at the unfairness. Those
shorts could easily pass off as casual outdoor / sports shorts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These are my requirements in a
swimwear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Underwire should be banned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No thin, flimsy and clingy material.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thick fabric and durable material
(Inner lining is an added bonus)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Something that I can wear comfortably
to a grocery shop and jump into pool afterwards. (What? Is this too much to
ask? My husband does this all the time.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I ended up buying one of the shorts
from men’s section that passes all of the above criteria. I also bought
competition category women’s swimwear. It didn’t pass any of the above criteria
but over time I have learnt to be comfortable wearing it to the pool. </span></div>
</div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-45854029729540080012014-01-05T16:01:00.000+08:002014-01-05T16:01:58.624+08:00Party ke side effects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First of all, Happy New year all you lovely people!!<br />
<br />
I have something really important to share. Being an Indian and a girl, I really have to talk about this and share my experience. <br />
<br />
Being outside India, I have been leading an absolutely harassment free
life here. I do not worry about what I am wearing, what time of the day
it is, where I go and how late I step out of the house. I am usually
with my husband or other friends, so I feel very safe when I am outside.
Partying till very late is the normal lifestyle of every 20 somethings
and above here in Singapore. Nobody makes a big deal out of this. Even families with young kids stay out as late as 12AM.<br />
<br />
An incident happened this new years eve when I was out with my husband and a few of my very good friends in a beach party. One of the parties that night was a foam and shower dance floor with great DJ. Naturally that was the most popular and crowded of all parties that night. We entered the party after midnight and the foam had stopped for some time. The crowd was waiting for the foam rain to start again. And so it started, as promised, with fantastic music. The crowd went wild.<br />
<br />
As if out of nowhere a hand appeared to pinch my belly. I looked around but couldn't spot anything funny, so I dismissed it and went back to dancing. And then I felt it again. This time I was fast enough to catch the hand that was pinching me. I started pinching the hand as hard as I could all the while holding tight onto the re-treating hand. In no time, I spotted the face associated with the hand. Without thinking anything else, as a response, I started slapping the face just about everywhere that I could reach. I must have easily hit the face about 6-7 times.<br />
<br />
At that moment I didn't think all these but thinking about it now, hitting him across his face felt good, real good. I was not afraid. I was not worried that he might challenge me. I was glad that I hit him right across his eyes and nose and on his head. Right then, I was high without any drink.<br />
<br />
The person (he was of Indian origin, I can tell that much), disappeared into the crowd soon after that. I was back to enjoying the party with my husband and friends who were close enough to see all this. Everything happened so quickly that they couldn't react. Once we were out of dance floor I spotted the face again and I tugged at my husband's hand "It's him". I didn't expect that my husband would make a mad dash towards that guy who had starting running away after recognizing me. My husband confronted him and I vaguely remember my hubby holding his collar. I felt extra brave with my dear husband backing me up and I pushed the guy a couple of times as if to challenge him (dhakka marna). But when the guy didn't make sense and appeared scared I asked hubby to let go of him and pulled him out of the scene. I should have let him continue so that the matter would escalate to security personnel.<br />
<br />
This sounds too cliched but there is some charm in your man fighting for you :) I had a new-found respect towards my hubby dear that night. My husband was worried slightly that the incident would spoil my mood, he wasn't sure how I would react. When I was very casual and told him that I actually enjoyed all these (who wouldn't enjoy hitting the wrong-doer!) he was relieved. <br />
<br />
<br />
The rest of the night passed without any untoward incidents. For such a huge party, stray incidents like these are expected, unfortunately! Will this stop me from going to the night party next time? No way! Next year we will make sure to get such guys expelled.<br />
<br /></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-74802068445293332612013-06-27T22:49:00.002+08:002013-08-29T16:30:42.140+08:0010 life lessons <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwcQSsixZZlNCfOm-Oqt_LcOEyw6Xib4iMvWagUtFbQFm5cyynjpQV2wg_YfBVedMZcTi-fjaRc7vEMc68xjv4u57lp9opRouBh84_1hyTrQ2XwHPHQvAt69gxvEEGAtQhEE_VZdWGQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwcQSsixZZlNCfOm-Oqt_LcOEyw6Xib4iMvWagUtFbQFm5cyynjpQV2wg_YfBVedMZcTi-fjaRc7vEMc68xjv4u57lp9opRouBh84_1hyTrQ2XwHPHQvAt69gxvEEGAtQhEE_VZdWGQ/s1600/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Life is too short to waste it by hating someone.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Every problem has a solution.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. You will cross the bridge when you come to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. If there is something to crib about, it has to change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Eat. Delete.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. Don't compare yourself to others."Why would you compare how tangy an orange is compared to a beach? They’re not similar things."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. Simplify your life, relationships, expectations and possessions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. Change is the only constant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. What other people think of you is none of your business.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. You can love unconditionally.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-37487894953061092702013-06-22T16:38:00.001+08:002013-06-23T09:36:00.353+08:00Singapore Haze<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Smoke from forest fire in Indonesia has shrouded Singapore with Pollutant Standard Index(PSI) hitting all time high at 401. Anything above PSI 100 is unhealthy and 300 is just hazardous.<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
PSI Value
Air Quality Descriptor 0 - 50 Good 51 - 100 Moderate 101 - 200
Unhealthy 201 - 300 Very unhealthy Above 300 Hazardous - See more
at:
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/air-pollution/psi/psi-and-pm2-5-readings#sthash.qK6Uq0bp.dpuf</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDccQ8_JaisqC0W0Vl-i4xerTDGJMr32oJpy5z16oGNhhIdZg4gjaaGZFTVKjl_IhrtLA57McvoM2yqUKWwnHfSlVonaTHVEn3LcehINAClaHAE3r5JiP2vyc9MqcBymf9VdCYTyA3gQ/s1600/PSI_401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDccQ8_JaisqC0W0Vl-i4xerTDGJMr32oJpy5z16oGNhhIdZg4gjaaGZFTVKjl_IhrtLA57McvoM2yqUKWwnHfSlVonaTHVEn3LcehINAClaHAE3r5JiP2vyc9MqcBymf9VdCYTyA3gQ/s1600/PSI_401.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Singapore eye at PSI 401- Yahoo photos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is an yearly event for Indonesian farmers to burn their plantation just before mansoon. But this time the fire is intense because of extreme dry weather. Even Indonesian oil companies have participated in annual burning of farms by burning their palm oil plantation. This has escalated the situation in Singapore and southern Malaysia with PSI hitting hazardous levels.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-YxM8sjnt3uiSsWZt7r7U1ILx7l4tfizMmUjCVvpdMrD9zN0cfD2zS8BeAO5zKVIcGk-HXqENSLC2K_D8IjFVjE86GfJDPOnipmbAVYPGEYjlEVvgdJum4gFux8Bse556AbLupr60w/s1600/haze_from_I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-YxM8sjnt3uiSsWZt7r7U1ILx7l4tfizMmUjCVvpdMrD9zN0cfD2zS8BeAO5zKVIcGk-HXqENSLC2K_D8IjFVjE86GfJDPOnipmbAVYPGEYjlEVvgdJum4gFux8Bse556AbLupr60w/s1600/haze_from_I.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yahoo photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In an otherwise safe Singapore we have major drama ensuing because of haze.<br />
<br />
- Politicians are blaming and <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/hazewatch/news/singapore-will-insist-on/717704.html" target="_blank">pressurising </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=37846865851801324" target="_blank">Indonesia</a> (rightfully) for the haze situation.<br />
<br />
- Indonesia in response has chided Singapore for <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/hazewatch/news/indonesia-chides/717798.html" target="_blank">behaving like a child</a>. It has responded positively too, by deploying fire fighting planes as haze worsens in Singapore and Malaysia. Indonesia has also released names of <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/hazewatch/news/indonesia-identifies/719768.html" target="_blank">8 companies</a> which may be involved in starting forest fires. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tKWPRm2ybUHNLlQto7KvSuACMtWtNtiMfKyw6j_h1yDbUc-XUwi6QVB7ChXHMaG6-_Au8S04jF-KL-g_uoTc3xf29sU4nAHiBwJ06iUW66yv5FTwQRZ5J5GnZpHzuoNoZhSWZY7PIw/s1600/NASA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tKWPRm2ybUHNLlQto7KvSuACMtWtNtiMfKyw6j_h1yDbUc-XUwi6QVB7ChXHMaG6-_Au8S04jF-KL-g_uoTc3xf29sU4nAHiBwJ06iUW66yv5FTwQRZ5J5GnZpHzuoNoZhSWZY7PIw/s1600/NASA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NASA Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- Malaysia shut down schools when the PSI hit 300. This has caused anxiety and frustration among Singapore residents. Singapore PM Lee has maintained that there will be no closing down of businesses in Singapore and that life must go on. Assessing the situation there might be reduced work hours and outdoor exposure but that is as far as what we can expect.<br />
<br />
- Amidst all these there is <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/hazewatch/news/n95-masks-run-out-at/719948.html" target="_blank">panic</a> among residents for getting respiratory masks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOGnZkzosT40Y0DUEnHBnUmDwIfheiHvCZcNrSLwSBrNEq9X2i_IkNmmlXb_rmZFY36S3nuSqlYQETpuVWvRrnYK866TyGytoQm8LaDYhmBCUm2MQX3eY-w8D9dtXpgSkWa5UEovDvA/s1600/Masks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOGnZkzosT40Y0DUEnHBnUmDwIfheiHvCZcNrSLwSBrNEq9X2i_IkNmmlXb_rmZFY36S3nuSqlYQETpuVWvRrnYK866TyGytoQm8LaDYhmBCUm2MQX3eY-w8D9dtXpgSkWa5UEovDvA/s1600/Masks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People queuing up at hospitals for N95 masks. Yahoo photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A colleague of mine had purchased masks at 20$(original price 10$) on 20th June. When some of us from office went to purchase masks from the same shop on 21st afternoon the guy had run out of masks but was ready to take advance orders at 75$ per pack!! He claimed that he has to hand carry masks from Australia!! Simple theory of Demand and Supply!!<br />
<br />
We haven't opened doors and windows in house for the past 4 days. Its very stuffy to stay indoors. Haze visibility has improved today but the smell and pollution still persists. PSI was high even today morning at 322. This is expected to continue for another month or so but may be not at high PSI. Thank god for air conditioner at homes that life is going easy despite haze. <br />
<br /></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-41538251508514566012013-06-07T13:19:00.003+08:002013-06-07T13:22:57.785+08:00Austrailian food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Australia is a foodie's paradise. With people and culture so diverse, one can imagine the diversity in food, its range and quality. There is Greek precinct with an array of Greek cafes and restaurants, Chinatown precinct for Chinese delicacies, Lygon street for Italian and so on.<br />
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Being a vegetarian is not at all difficult in Australia. Every food place has quite a few vegetarian options. As I was in budget mode I couldn't explore restaurants in Australia but here are some of the things that I tried in food courts and mid range cafes.<br />
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Mine and your favorite <b>Coffee</b>: <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpZJoKMI-hI/UFHip21vnLI/AAAAAAAABB8/5JFW_DH9aF8/s1600/DSC00523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpZJoKMI-hI/UFHip21vnLI/AAAAAAAABB8/5JFW_DH9aF8/s1600/DSC00523.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Australians love their coffee to the point of obsession. They take their coffee as seriously as their beer. Australians whose families migrated from Greek and Italy introduced coffee culture in Australia. Australia can be considered one of the world's great coffee lovers.</div>
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<b>Vegemite</b>, Concentrated yeast extract:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHemo1z16CFSEzOdrElCo5KkeP2u8iWVt4SpgZJLU2omMY7eYH60P5shHuR8yo3kd6qW97q_Ny659w0uvjq-4wohg8q0gcozMa_v80ga4B6-iOs_dZKiFsDYhaiIZ3y1uAc4kj7b3M5w/s1600/Vegemiteontoast_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHemo1z16CFSEzOdrElCo5KkeP2u8iWVt4SpgZJLU2omMY7eYH60P5shHuR8yo3kd6qW97q_Ny659w0uvjq-4wohg8q0gcozMa_v80ga4B6-iOs_dZKiFsDYhaiIZ3y1uAc4kj7b3M5w/s1600/Vegemiteontoast_large.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Wikimedia</td></tr>
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This is one of Australia's very own, most widely eaten as breakfast. It is a thick black gooey "spread" eaten with cheese crackers and bread. This is a byproduct of beer brewing, a concentrated yeast extract. This is more of an acquired taste, like Durian of Malaysia/Singapore. It has a bitter and sour taste that shocks you on your first bite. </div>
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<b>Greek</b> - Veg Souvlaki:<br />
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This is a traditional greek food. Souvlaki is Pita sandwich of crispy vegetable(/chicken) kebabs in a bed of crunchy lettuce and onions with tzatziki(creamy cucumber yoghurt) sauce. This sandwich was so filling that I could only finish half of it. I have nothing to compare this to. This was my first taste of any kind of Greek cuisine. I will watch out for this one. Love.</div>
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<b>Italian</b>: Pasta, one of my comfort food. <br />
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Penne pasta with roasted cauliflower, red onion and garlic breadcrumbs, spiced with chilli flakes. </div>
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Y-U-M.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Asian</b>: Asian food is popular in Melbourne. I could find more vegetarian options in Melbourne than in any Asian countries.</div>
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Thai food - Sweet and spicy vegetarian fried rice and crunchy fried sinful spring rolls complete with sweet dipping sauce.</div>
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Stir fried vegetables in fiery Thai red curry and rice. </div>
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Creamy Alu-matar-palak(Potato, peas and spinach) and spicy, tangy chole (chick peas) with yellow rice. Cooling thick Mango lassi to go with. Wish they had soft rotis to go with all the yummy side dishes. </div>
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Gado gado is an indonesian salad that had many levels of texture to it which was what I loved about this dish. There was stir fried crunchy vegetables, fried tofu, boiled cauliflower and raw lettuce. This was served with rice and strong flavorful peanut sauce.</div>
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One thing that I <b>regretted</b>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0iQLIbLYVz3XoMfBh1JLlK9nSIgvb0B-qav5grj6nsYWKn0VJZ4CuAadac1L2CVwd0LxfjRnELCYX0S8KMhBZa-GJBPvLWpEyLKcrqgGktqOwHhTPjAi8hou7s7dygWfg5dJV-Cx4g/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0iQLIbLYVz3XoMfBh1JLlK9nSIgvb0B-qav5grj6nsYWKn0VJZ4CuAadac1L2CVwd0LxfjRnELCYX0S8KMhBZa-GJBPvLWpEyLKcrqgGktqOwHhTPjAi8hou7s7dygWfg5dJV-Cx4g/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was served as stir fried noodles. Utter disappointment.</div>
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The noodles were slimy, the sauce sour and vegetables overcooked.This was a confused dish. It seemed like the cook started with pasta in mind but midway he decided to change it to stir friend noodles!! *Shudder*</div>
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Finally for Austrailian <b>dessert</b> - Lamington cakes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTGoSQv-hxrpZ3iNT2lAFwWHaFMrNsDH5ITOpl53GDlZdRk6jUFqHjLA4pFXY-TtuOefy0oy-VuvUN-10vl4gnbk9GP_t03PFwZ_6AUBiMujp7BVKFyUaQ0zLQayy_whzMDb3c5E2bw/s1600/21612_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTGoSQv-hxrpZ3iNT2lAFwWHaFMrNsDH5ITOpl53GDlZdRk6jUFqHjLA4pFXY-TtuOefy0oy-VuvUN-10vl4gnbk9GP_t03PFwZ_6AUBiMujp7BVKFyUaQ0zLQayy_whzMDb3c5E2bw/s320/21612_l.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.taste.com.au</td></tr>
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Vanilla cake in a generous coating of chocolate ganache and rolled over dessicated coconut.</div>
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I remember eating 2 pieces of this simple yet delicious cake. </div>
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<b>Licorice</b> Raspberry bullets:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPXrTXxRfdPgdcAAgWdjYHn-HGpY9q79DY7vUNhArbXfE3u_6lmmswiEQ4Rh0kUzLaOWr3kYjrL2b2z_1-9s1gEWdeUT-rV0D0pLh0SaITeOTQjPTIslxP2xPsVKOZ_Fk9oLkjtPJrg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPXrTXxRfdPgdcAAgWdjYHn-HGpY9q79DY7vUNhArbXfE3u_6lmmswiEQ4Rh0kUzLaOWr3kYjrL2b2z_1-9s1gEWdeUT-rV0D0pLh0SaITeOTQjPTIslxP2xPsVKOZ_Fk9oLkjtPJrg/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chocolatefish.com.au</td></tr>
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A friend of mine recommended these chocolates to me and I thank him for that. These are nothing like I have eaten before. It has a soft melting outer layer with Raspberry jelly at the core. I bought a big packet to share with colleagues and friends but everyone loved it at home so much that we finished it all by ourselves :-)</div>
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These are just a few things that I tried. Some of the food that is associated with Australia are non-vegetarian like Fish and Chips and kangaroo meat delicacies. And off course there is Australian beer & wine. I didn't get a chance to try Australia's pavlovas. <br />
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Food sets my mood and I have enjoyed eating in Australia. Melbourne will remain in my memory as a city with mouth watering, wide variety of food.</div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-22297210341430527762013-05-28T23:16:00.003+08:002013-05-29T18:22:23.481+08:00Australia - The land down under<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Recently I spent a week in Melbourne city - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_most_livable_cities" target="_blank">World's most liveable city</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have always wanted to visit Australia. Firstly because its closer to Singapore and affordable to travel on budget. Second, Singaporeans have a fascination towards Australia and being in Singapore I have heard so many stories about Australia. Australia is a famous destination for budget travelers, students who couldn't get into American universities for further education and for those who want to explore Australia on a work visa. Third, I hadn't been to southern part of hemisphere and Australia is the land down under. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wasn't disappointed a bit. Melbourne is multicultural and diverse city. Off course my comparison is with Singapore which is every bit glossy and glamorous. In contrast Melbourne has a rustic, small town charm to it. Melbourne is a very young city which had its first settlement in 1803 by a group of victorian sailors. The city has huge victorian era buildings that gives it a feel of London. Melbourne of today has Victorian era gothic structures and modern sky scrapers side by side.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The city itself is very small but energetic; bustling with people who are very laid back and chilled out "<i>Don't worry maite"</i>. Australians know how to slow down and enjoy their lives. They have a relaxed working hours, almost no one works long hours. Evenings are for beer and trust me, people really get drunk. Australians love their coffee and are sports fanatics. Greeks followed by Italian and Chinese form the majority of Melbourne population. Greek, Italian and south east asian cuisine is readily available in Australia. You could even find Indian ready-to-eat food in supermarkets. Australians come across as very direct and straightforward people. Asians of all people, are definitely taken aback by this straight forwardness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Australia is very easy to travel by budget. There are enormous choices for budget hostels with bars specifically for backpackers. Cost of living is high in Australia but rentals and accommodation is not so expensive. Australia has an option of "working holiday" visas that lets you have temporary jobs to sustain and fund your travels. Labour costs are high in Australia so by working even as a waiter or cleaner you could survive, save and travel within Australia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am surprised how is Melbourne the "most liveable" city because of two reasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First safety concerns. While in Australia we were advised not to venture out
after dark. If you
encounter muggers or drunkards, its better to leave everything you have
and just run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Second reason is the weather. Summer and winter weather is too extreme. This is winter time in Australia. Temperature was allright, around 8degrees but the wind was too rough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most liveable city or not, it is a very interesting city. I would have loved to stay longer if not for my life and job back in Singapore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Couple of more Oz posts coming up, watch out this space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-19226916591920744392013-04-14T11:43:00.001+08:002013-04-14T12:17:17.329+08:00Why Asian women definitely can't have it all?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Social Media and Internet is abuzz with discussions after the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg called to reboot feminism with her new book <span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://leanin.org/book/" target="_blank">Lean In - Women, Work and the Will to Lead</a>. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Based on one of the article - <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-cant-have-it-all/309020/" target="_blank">Why women can't have it all</a>, my personal opinion is that an average Asian Women*, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">across all economic barriers and all sections of the society,</span> definitely cannot have it all. Here are 10 reasons for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Asian society is inherently patriarchal<span style="font-size: small;"><i>.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span><i>Men are breadwinners and Women are caregivers.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Most Asian societies prefer a male over a female child. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Family tree is traced by the male members of the family.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Education is unequal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> My father didn't have the money to give equal education to all of us, only boys went to good schools.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Marriages<i> </i>are unequal. <i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> I want marry a girl who is less ambitious.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Women are expected to be selfless and maternal with kids on top of their priority list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i>I don't have any problems with my fiance wo<span style="font-size: small;">rking</span> till we have a baby.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. Women are groomed to backup men and not compete with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> Why do you want to study so much? What more do girls these days want?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Men (and Women) do and say sexist things, without even realizing it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <i>What is the need for her to work when her husband has such a high profile job.
She can quit and stay at home to look after her kids.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>8. It's an uphill struggle for women who wants to have it all.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> You girls do not go with the flow by fighting against the system. You are the rebellious generation.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being gentle and mellow are more likeable attributes in women.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <i>Women who appear competent are often perceived as less likeable. Men don't face this. </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">- Deborah Gruenfeld, Professor of Leadership & Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. Most women don't even dream big because they are told "women can't have it all".<i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> The word “ambition” for women is a troublesome one in Asia, often equated with evil and greed. <span style="font-size: x-small;">- </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jane Horan, the founder a diversity workplace advisory organisation, Singapore<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*My opinion is based on my experience working with many Asians and my travels to South, East and South-East Asian countries. I have no personal experience of other parts of Asia, so this generalization does not apply to North and west Asia.</i></span></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-71890118889818577682013-04-08T14:02:00.000+08:002013-04-08T14:02:11.986+08:0010 things to do on a rainy weekend<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Sleep in and wake up late in the morning. Bed coffee is a great idea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Take a slow hot shower.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Settle down near the window with a great book/music.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Have a warm bowl of noodle soup for lunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Rainy weather is a great sleep inducer. Be lazy and take an afternoon nap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. Prepare a fried spicy snack for evening coffee time - potato wedges, Indian chats or chips with spicy-tangy salsa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. Watch a good movie at coffee time. Enjoy the snacks and some popcorn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. Go for a walk/jog in rain (with or without umbrella).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. Order home your favourite dinner (if you are still hungry).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. Involve family/friends for a game session late into the night.</span>Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-90894423270356163152013-04-04T18:01:00.001+08:002018-01-26T17:31:28.662+08:00Life stands still<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The joy of camping has to be experienced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Getting back to the basics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the heat, the sweat, the cool breeze of midnight;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">huddling inside the tent when its pouring outside</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">walking on the beach in the death of night; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">sleeping to the sounds of darkness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">insects screeching, leaves rustling, wind howling;</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">therapeutic sounds of water lashing at the shore; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">waking up to the raising sun on water;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">sand, castles and bubbles;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">chirping birds, flying kites, giggling kids;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this is where life comes to stand still ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or so you wish .. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The ecstasy of camping has to be experienced. </span></div>
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Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-10644091576277511432013-03-29T22:13:00.000+08:002013-03-29T22:21:09.526+08:00Confessions of a love affair<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My friends at office introduced me to him. I was skeptical of meeting him, but they insisted. They told me that he was charming and irresistible - a dangerous combination. I laughed at them. They smiled at each other, a know-it-all smile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I didn't know what I was getting into. It initially was just a tea time meeting, he would come with my friends. If he joined us for lunch it would be a longer rendezvous. He was silently charming. I would return fresh and delighted after meeting him. He had me now. Soon, I found myself waiting for our lunch time meetings. I had a longing to meet him. I would blush and giggle like a small girl in his company. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As days passed I became restless. I wanted more of him. Meeting him just at lunch time was not enough. I wanted him all for myself. I wanted his undivided attention. I talked to my friends about him. They were surprised that in-spite of being a mother, I am doing this. They asked me if I have told my husband about it. I didn't want to answer that question. They warned me that it would be difficult to hide him in this era of social media. But I didn't care. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I began spending more time alone with him. I would meet him in between work, in break time, in free time. I would think about him all the time - in meetings, at home, while sleeping and eating. Sometimes I even ignored my daughter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then I crossed the line. I went to bed with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After this I started feeling miserable. My shoulders and back suffered, my whole body ached. I wanted to stay away from him, but it became more and more difficult to keep him away. I devised plans to avoid him. I ignored him, thrashed him and abused him. He wouldn't give up. I had decided. I had to get rid of him to maintain my sanity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And today I finally did it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I deleted him from my iPhone. I had a great affair with <a href="http://www.king.com/games/puzzle-games/candy-crush/?language=en_US" target="_blank">Candy crush saga</a>, but I have to move on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until I fall in love again, with someone else. </span><br />
<br />Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-14625009492806755652013-03-21T13:33:00.002+08:002013-03-21T13:38:09.758+08:00Find the Balance<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Originally posted on <a href="http://www.parentous.com/2013/03/20/find-the-balance-tips-for-moms-to-find-the-right-balance-in-life/" target="_blank">Parentous</a>.</span></span> <br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
you thought about how some people achieve more things in 24hours of a day than
you, how some people cruise through life without cribbing, how some people are
happy even without doing much in 24 hours? The common answer I get, silly albeit,
is that the person is either unmarried or doesn’t have kids. For such I say,
grow up.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ever
since I became pregnant, I had decided that I would not use my kid as an excuse
to crib or slack. I took a break from every other aspect of my life when my
daughter was born. I wanted to take it slow, but not forever. I had decided
that being a mom would not be my sole identity. I wanted to do a lot with my 24
hours. I knew such a life was going to be stressful.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
researcher in me awoke - searching the net and real life for inspirations. I
know women who are really ambitious, travel extensively, study after having a
kid, leave kids with parents and work in another city. On the other end, I have
seen women who dedicate themselves to child rearing and home making completely
with satisfaction. I admire those women who smile and live by their decision
confidently.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
story of my life currently is this. My daughter is now 4 years old, more
demanding than ever. I have a full time job, I exercise, I blog, I read (my
target is usually 20-25 books per year, that is roughly 2 books every month). I
spend a lot of time with friends. I indulge in simple me-time like shopping or
a massage. Adding to the chaos, we have a pet dog. There is another person who
gets a major slice of my time – not to forget my dear, loving husband, who
becomes a child as soon as our daughter gets sick.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, I
have more mature lines on my face now. Yes, I have become thinner and look less
attractive than 5 years ago. But I am happy and that is the key.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
are the tips that I would give to find the balance in life.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have a support system:</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Behind every successful woman,
there is another woman - her domestic help”</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
someone to fall back to – family, friends or hired help. You need a break once
in a while. Besides, doing everything by yourself is the sure-fire way to get
frustrated and look 50 at 30. Hire a part-time domestic help or a nanny. Know
what to give up and when. If you decide to pursue other activities, send your
kids to playschool, as soon as you can. I sent mine at 18 months - for couple
of hours. You both learn to give each other some space early on. Your kid will
get sick more often. This only helps them in building immunity early on. They
fall sick even when you put them to school at 4 years. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get your priorities right:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you think
you can do it all by yourself, you must be kidding! You are not a super woman. You
can't possibly go to work, cook three meals a day, have a spotless house, not
send your kid to playschool/daycare and have a good night’s sleep – all in one
life. Make a choice and stick to it – go to work or stay at home. Accept the
side-effects of the decision. Whenever you get those infamous guilt attacks,
remind yourself of your priorities.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t blame your husband:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
observed this in many Indian families. Indian husbands are breadwinners and
that’s what they do best. Most of the men "help" mothers in child
rearing but they play secondary roles, as backup. The sooner you accept this,
the better it is for you. Our husbands are a lot better than our fathers. We
can leave the kids with them behind for the evening and go on a ladies night
out. But it is still far for Indian men to take 2-3 kids alone to the zoo/water
park, all by themselves. I have not seen such an Indian man, so far! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If it
is of any solace, this generalization can be extended to all Asian families.
Asian women are the primary care givers of their offspring.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Simplify your life:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
knew this was coming, didn’t you? If you have something to crib about, that
needs to be sorted out. You have to find tips to manage that aspect. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God helps those who help themselves. </i>Be
it morning madness, bedtime struggles, irritating co-worker, idle mind or
boredom. Find ways to be happy and productive. Find a hobby, learn a new
activity and give space to each other in every relationship.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I remember
reading this somewhere: "<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #232323;">The</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #232323;"> busy man is never wise and the wise man is never
busy</span></i>” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t
be too busy to take part in the important things in your life. Take time to
slow down without being stagnant.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Care to share your tips to find the right balance?</span></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-51422516788801876442013-03-19T18:02:00.000+08:002013-03-19T18:04:06.060+08:00Cakes and bakes<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been interested in baking for quite some time now. But it's only recently that I revived my inner baking goddess. This post was triggered by a recent success story. I made a cake for a small birthday party of twenty guests. If this is any indication of how good it was, everyone, all six ladies, wanted to take home the small remaining portion of cake that was left after party.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of the easiest cake to bake are tea time cakes, also called fruit cakes. I suggest any beginner to start with this type. I also like these cakes because they can be eaten on their own and do not ask for a layer of icing, ganache or creamy cheese. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One such favorite tea time cake in our household is carrot cake. They are no way close to being healthy other than the carrot part of it. It is loaded with a generous dose of sugar and baking soda, but they are the tastiest of all tea cakes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is the version of the recipe that I tried: (from allrecipes.com)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 cup of vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla extract </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 spoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 spoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 tspn salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1.5 cups grated carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 cup chopped walnuts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Procedure:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Whip together eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla extract.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients - flour, baking soda, baking poweder, cinnamon and salt. Add this flour mixture to the egg mixture and beat till all the ingredients are mixed well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Stir in carrot and the walnuts, finally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Pour this mixture into a greased pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Bake this in a preheated oven at 175-180C for roughly 45 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While baking, the kitchen fills with the caramelizing fragrance of carrot mixed with vanilla and cinnamon, making you impatient to taste the goodness. The soft, moist, grainy textured, freshly baked carrot cake with a hint of cinnamon aroma is a real treat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">====================</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By trial and error, these are the few tips I use for baking:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Bring all the ingredients to room temperature before preparing the batter. Watch out for egg and butter(if recipe calls for it) temperature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Use exact measurements of ingredients as specified in the recipe. Invest in a good measuring cup and spoon. Some recipes are stated in grams. A weighing scale would be perfect for such recipes. Follow the recipe exactly for a better cake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Preheating the oven to the said temperature is the key for baking success. My oven has a light indicator that switches off when the oven reaches required temperature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Grease the cake pan with butter and coat with flour. This prevents the cake from sticking to the bottom and sides of the pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Fill the unused molds of a cupcake pan with water before baking. This helps in even baking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Position your rack properly. If a high rack is used for backing it might burn the top of the cake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Do not over bake. A toothpick test is generally useful - a toothpick inserted at the center of the cake must come clean. Also around the specified timing in recipe, the cake begins to pull off from the edges, top layer is evenly browned and lightly sprigs back when pressed at the center. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Give sufficient time for cooling before cutting the cake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, I only wish I had taken snaps of the finished carrot cakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-88959259542303224352013-02-28T10:35:00.000+08:002013-04-04T18:01:52.780+08:00of Tirupathi and Bangalore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are back from a short but eventful and hectic trip to India. It was just a visit to spend time with my husband's and my family. I was in Bangalore the whole time but managed to squeeze a trip to Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Trip to Tirupathi was an experience in itself. Tirupathi is a very famous and one of the richest pilgrimages of India. It is also one of the most visited temples. Devotees throng to the temple from every corner of India and Indians staying abroad. We decided to pay respects to Lord Venkateshwara this time. I had an experience of the temple and its crowd once before this. I knew what to expect. The queues to see the god even after buying a hefty priced ticket is a minimum 4 hours wait. The free entry wait time is easily 8-10 hours.All this for a blink-and-miss split second slot to see the lord!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was amazed at the efficiency of the system in place to control the crowd. Waiting people were broken into different queues to avoid stampede but mainly to control the flow of people to the main temple. There were people who used the waiting areas as toilets (highly insenitive bunch). In spite of that and huge crowd round the clock, cleanliness in temple premises and waiting area was very impressive.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Even though there was no personal boundary while in the queue and you were walking sticking to the person in front of you and behind, no one misbehaves. Majority of the crowd waits patiently for their turn resigned to the fact that there was no use pulling/pushing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the other end, Informants and monitors of queue were impatient and non-courteous. Corruption such as bribing is heavily practiced. One can't find a single item for fixed price on the Tirumala hills, not even hotel accomodation or sweet laddu offering to God. Even priests ask for money in return for extra <i>prasad.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Temples are supposed to be peaceful places to pray and meditate. One can't even see the main idol for more than a second, then why go there to pray? One can't sit in temple premises for more than a minute, what purpose does this serve? Does one go there to find out why so many people throng to the temple? I didn't understand. If you go there to use the temple premises as urinals, bribe to get an extra <i>laddu</i> or get pushed by one of the temple guard like a cow in a herd, what is the point?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To my dismay, I realized
that I have lost the street-smartness required to manoeuvre on Indian
roads - be it crossing a busy road skillfully, bargaining with street vendors
or communicating with auto wallahs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There was this one
incident that leaves me puzzled even now. I went to a roadside vendor
selling few books. I picked up a couple of them and asked for the price.
The guy behaved creepy. He looked at me intently quoting 2-3 prices and
eventually settled to 140Rs for 2 books. I asked him if he can give me
the books for 100Rs. And that's all I spoke. Before I opened my mouth
again, the guy was shouting at the top of his voice - " What are you
talking? Dont you have any shame? What do you think of these books?
These are original books. You are asking for such a low price!" I tried
to diffuse the situation "Ok, tell me for how do much you want to sell?".
There was no stopping the guy, he was still shouting at the top of his voice that I was a
shameless lady who wants to buy things at cheap prices! So I dropped the
books and being ill-tempered, I talked back to him "Don't you think I
know how original the books are?" "Then why are you buying here?" came
the answer. I left that place silently with the guy still shouting and throwing curses at me. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Was I over-reacting? Was it normal for
him to get defensive thinking that I was going to bargain real hard? Or
should I have paid 140Rs silently and gotten the book even after he
harassed me like that? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A couple of more days on Indian
streets and I would have gotten back to the game(of shouting in frustration and hurling curses to bounce off the ones coming my way), but my
skills were rusted and I needed help to get out of a situation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On a general note, Bangaloreans were very hopeful and happy about the Infrastructure development in Bangalore. People were hopeful about Namma Metro project and development of few new roads and fly overs. Also on the other end, I heard comments about people worrying about slowing economy and IT companies moving away from Bangalore because of lack of infrastructure, population and government policies.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whatever is the infrastructure, pollution or population, Bangalore has never failed to impress me. Be it in 2004 when I first resided in Bangalore as an intern drawing no salary or now, as an NRI. It remains <i>Namma Bengaluru </i>- the IT capital, the city of opportunities, the city of mouth watering food, the city where my dear ones reside, the city where my heart lies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-27559759279869664322013-02-09T11:15:00.001+08:002013-02-09T11:26:10.119+08:00Conversation with a free thinker<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was having lunch with a colleague the other day. I was getting to know her better. She mostly dominates every conversation and steers towards the topics she likes and makes it interesting for everyone. She was getting to know me as well. We started with the usual banter - work, followed by kids and then conversation was steered towards our costums, values and beliefs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">She asked me about my religion. Any topic about Indian religion always starts with the many gods we have and the main gods - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. And it invariably moves to discussing cast-ism in our society and various traditions that dominate a particular caste. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I asked her about her religion. This is how I asked her. "So what are you? A Buddhist or Christian?" Those are the two religions that a Singaporean Chinese belong to. She answered 'none'. I asked her again. She has to be something, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">to me the thought of not belonging to a religion just didn't exist.</span> She said again "none, I don't have a religion." It took me a while to understand what she was saying. She was saying that she doesn't believe or belong to any religion. She was a <i>free thinker</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />To an Indian, she had said something unthinkable. We Indians belong to one or the other religion. We are born to a religion, we do not chose our religion. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Even if an Indian
doesn't believe in his religion's traditions and practices, he still
belongs to that religion because he is born to parents who follow the
religion. </span>Religion forms the foundation of India, its culture and its society. Religion defines who we are, what we can achieve, what is expected from us. It has influence on politics, architecture, cuisine, dressing and thinking. There are religion and caste based reservation policies. Religion is so important in our society that you cannot understand India or Indians without first learning about their religion and its influence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How can my colleague not belong to any religion? She must automatically belong to a religion her husband follows. She said her husband's family are Buddhists but her husband himself is a free thinker. So don't they believe in God? She says no, she says that there are things that are beyond her control in this universe, but that is science, not God. How are values inculcated in them? As kids, we were told stories of God, that he is the supreme being. The fear of god, the notion of hell and heaven teaches us what is right and wrong. She says, while growing up, they were told that they are supposed to follow certain things because their parents said so. Their parents are experienced and they know better; they were the guardians, so the kids listened to their parents. They learnt values for the greater good of society and not for the fear of God or religious practices. She clarified that she or her family is not against any religion or its practices, its just they do not follow any one religion. They are free to learn from all religions and pick and practice what they like from each religion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whats the role of</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> the society in their lives? Racial harmony is one of the fundamental value of Singaporean government. All the religions co-exist in this country peacefully. Each religious group observes their traditions and government supports and encourages it. Schools and offices celebrate all the major festivals of religions here without bias. In-fact, being a free thinker is a religion in itself in this country. All official documents accept free-thinkers as a religion. There is no religious bias. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My colleague is a very warm person. She is an extremely friendly girl who is
liked by almost everyone. She makes anyone welcome in the group. She can
make witty conversations. She is a super-mom. She is very well balanced
emotionally and is seen to be calm even in stressful times. She is a go-getter. Free-thinking or not being bound to a religion obviously hasn't done her any harm!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That conversation with her left me debating within myself. <i>Free thinking</i> is</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> accepting the values of others and extending friendship by respecting their religion.</span> And since the society doesn't need you to belong to a religion you call yourself a <i>free thinker</i>. This is same as being in a religion, because your society wants you to and respecting & adopting values from other religions.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> There are many Hindus who bring home a Christmas
tree or cut a cake on New Year. Isn't this free thinking? Or is this just religious harmony? </span>Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-29335864861537347442013-02-07T10:49:00.000+08:002013-02-07T10:49:40.483+08:00Mission packing<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am packing bags again, to go on a short trip to my home country. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Packing is not tough for me, I make lists. I usually don't forget anything important. I have 2 big suitcases in which I can dump 20Kgs. Previously, I did just that. I used to dump everything into those 20KG bags. I stuffed the suitcase with everyone's clothing, gifts, food items, toiletries and literally everything that is in my <i>list. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This kind of packing was so messy. I could hardly find anything in that big suitcase. I had to search endlessly for every simple thing. There was another problem - repacking. When I go back to my home country I travel to other cities and have to re-pack a lot of times. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would unload a lot of things from my big suitcase(like gifts, food items etc) and I ended up repacking every time. </span>I would not have the right luggage size or the time and patience needed to re-pack. Also my husband and I usually split up to travel to different places and this needed repacking again! I need order with my things, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">even if it is in the form of organized mess. So I </span>ended up by being stressed about packing and re-packing. It was about time I felt that this process needed some thought and organization.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is how I am tackling it this time. As usual, I have made a list of all the things that I would need. I made the list as exhaustive as possible. And then I eliminated as below:</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Carry only those items that you really need:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This sounds like common sense. But previously, I carried too many things 'just in case I needed'. I ended up bringing back most of those things untouched. Accessories were one such thing. This time, I am carrying only those accessories I would use for the dresses I have packed. Good-to-have, just-in-case items were ticked out of the list. I also tend to wear traditional wear back home. Western wear could be cut down to bare minimum. So I chopped off a significant portion of my wardrobe from the packing list. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Toiletries:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Instead of carrying bulky toiletries, I bought travel sized empty bottles for my toiletries and filled those up with the things that I need. This reduced my baggage size and space significantly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Buy things at destination:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If there are things that might be needed, see if it can be purchased at destination. If so, tick it out of the list. Items like my daughter's snacks, specific food items, toys, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">just-in-case </span>diapers, our extra footwear were all ticked out of the list. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Layer and wear bulky items while flying:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Airport and airplane cabin temperature is pretty cold. I have decided to wear bulky items like Jeans, Jackets, scarfs, caps and shoes. I also carry books by hand which forms a significant portion in my luggage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Organize the luggage:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since there is lot of repacking required, I decided to break up my luggage into multiple small bags. All the toiletries and makeup in one bag, all our clothing separately in individual bags per person. I will stack these small bags into the big suitcase along with items that will have to be unloaded at destination(gifts, food items). This way, I will not have to repack our individual bags. We can even pick our own bags and split up and travel around without the need for repacking. Bonus, I know exactly what bag to look into for my item.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All these sounds so simple that it makes me think why didn't I do these before. Oh well, experience teaches you a lot! Hopefully, next time I wont be paying hefty price for luggage space in airfare.</span><br />
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-38370123976238271832013-01-31T11:08:00.000+08:002013-02-07T10:51:50.027+08:00What's your look?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Short plump girl"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"That short, dark girl with specs"</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>"That short girl with messy curls"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These are some of the ways I have been referred to as. These are what forms my external appearance. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We have specific physical characteristics that makes us look the way we do. It could be long hair, broad face, tall/short in height, our build - petite, slim or curvy, and other accessories like specs or jewelery. It could even be our birth marks - a big mole under lip, birth mark on cheeks and so on. These are what makes our external appearance. What if these external traits become our unique identity, like our personal postal code?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are not happy with all of our physical characteristics. No one is happy with the way they look, it is just that one learns to accept it. We always wish for that physical trait of ours to change. We wish for a generous couple of inches of height, a more curvier shape or thinner structure, beautiful hair, fairer or darker skin color or something else. What if that aspect of yours, that you hate much, becomes your identity? Like you are always referred to as "the <i>short</i>, <i>fat </i>girl", "the girl with<i> long messy hair</i>", "the guy with a <i>mark on his chin</i>", "that <i>old lady</i> who <i>limps</i>" and so on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This reference creates negativity in your mind subconsciously. Even though you have come to accept the trait, you will remember the person who made that remark. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The person might have involuntarily made that casual remark based on the impression he has formed of you.</span> But that person becomes '<i>the one who called you short</i>'. Your mind forms hostility towards that person and chances of any friendlier relationship becomes remote. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are many positive physical attributes of a person that is not hurtful or derogatory. </span>These physical traits can be an alternative to a compliment. Like <i>"the girl who has a smiling face", "the one who has luscious hair", "the guy who looks like Brad Pitt" </i>and so on. Another way to identify a person is by indicating something that he is good at. "The one who sings well", "the one who dances well", "the one who paints well".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you do not personally know someone, you can still identify/refer to him by his positive physical traits. If its an office setting, you could identify someone based on what and with whom he works. If its a family setting, it could be based on the relationship. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It takes very little effort to be a bit more sensitive towards others. It takes you a long way by not being mean or hurtful, even unintentionally. By making a mental note of a positive physical trait or achievement of every person you meet or interact, even subconsciously, you will not be making rude remarks about the person.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>"If you cant speak good about someone, don't speak at all!!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">- Anonymous wise person</span></span></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-71573564109059633302013-01-24T10:36:00.002+08:002018-01-26T17:09:08.929+08:00Spine Poetry - 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxCC8CvPYZJR8LH5GASuLCROtV_RoMt9R4y4aA_II4P6soq9jg5ATfeCmrwFySfiWm-9YEyc_wq3C9ejloKc6iSRE3VMvZCHA-eie4kpdFbztHOrFWHuORhtxdb27IPoBZSn51HZ08g/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxCC8CvPYZJR8LH5GASuLCROtV_RoMt9R4y4aA_II4P6soq9jg5ATfeCmrwFySfiWm-9YEyc_wq3C9ejloKc6iSRE3VMvZCHA-eie4kpdFbztHOrFWHuORhtxdb27IPoBZSn51HZ08g/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The God of small things,</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The lord of the rings,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Deliver us from Evil!</i> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FVRor5Jkqt3xqZ7ZoNtnCr3-ic0vrSnlElOy2cCW0X1lJj-yNAvGziYvgAnJ3i60bFKjKLZBGXbS4QrX17WjbqSRvH3ixrWJgho2iRyBjzyGRSXJHuPXt2Ca4Y-8jaHUswcDaokOxQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FVRor5Jkqt3xqZ7ZoNtnCr3-ic0vrSnlElOy2cCW0X1lJj-yNAvGziYvgAnJ3i60bFKjKLZBGXbS4QrX17WjbqSRvH3ixrWJgho2iRyBjzyGRSXJHuPXt2Ca4Y-8jaHUswcDaokOxQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Looking in the modern century, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A princess remembers the great Indian novel - The tragic story for partition. </span></i></div>
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Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-40059327532982434162013-01-22T18:03:00.001+08:002013-04-05T08:28:58.217+08:00Chocolate Souffle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My first attempt at fiction ... I welcome feedback .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Slowly, she moved to the dark kitchen and stood aimlessly thinking what she wanted to do. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Her mind was preoccupied. </span>She searched her busy mind for the purpose. She moved her hands on the cool kitchen top which had been wiped clean. She reached for the light switch at the end of the kitchen counter. There was abundant natural sunlight inside the house. All the rooms of the house had big windows, so the house didn't need electric lights in the morning. But it was the opposite in the kitchen, the lone dark spot of the house. Once her eyes adjusted to yellowish light, it fell on the butter at the corner of the stove. Yes! She had wanted to bake a cake.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She scooped four tablespoons of butter into microwave bowl. She added 3/4th cup of semi sweet chocolate with butter. She put this into the microwave to melt and set 40 seconds on timer. They both had not been talking since yesterday. In-spite of this, he had bought all the ingredients for cake. He knew she couldn't bake cake alone. She needed help to crack open the egg. Besides, they had always baked cakes together. The microwave beep brought her back into action. He was roaming outside in the living room as if he was waiting for an invitation to come in to join her. And she needed him. "Would you crack these eggs for me?". He quickly washed his hands and joined her in the kitchen. He wiped his hands using the towel on his shoulders. A towel on his shoulder was something that she found very cute about him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He separated 4 egg whites from egg yolks. He set on the electric mixer to whisk egg whites. They spoke nothing else, still holding onto their silence. She added 2/3rd cup caster sugar and</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">a spoon of vanilla essence to the egg yolks. She whisked it for a couple of minutes until sugar is well blended with eggs. To this she added chocolate and butter mixture.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They had always baked cakes
together. He would eagerly sit in front of oven and watch how the cake raises and browns on the top. She set the oven temperature to 220c and switched it on to preheat. He stood by and watched her delicately fold the egg white into the chocolate mixture. Using a large spatula she cut a path down the middle of the mixture with the edge of the spatula. She then gently turned half of the mixture over to the other half. She continued folding this way without stirring so as to retain the air that is in the beaten whites.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She drifted off again, to yesterday's incident. Something he did irked her very much that she had snapped at him. In retrospect it had been for a very silly reason, but she was not yet ready to talk for the fear that she might say something rude to him. During a fight he always fell silent, he never spoke rudely. But she always spoke her mind even when she was angry. That made matters worse and she had learned over years to hold back when angry. She didn't want it to turn into an ugly war of words. Its better to be silent and sleep over it for a couple of days. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"I think its done" he said. He was right. The egg white meringue was thoroughly folded into chocolate batter. Together they scooped the batter into muffin molds. He slid the muffin mold into hot oven and stood watching in front of the oven, like he always does. He watched as the souffle raised. They both were comfortable with the silence. She got busy cleaning up the kitchen top, putting away dishes to wash. The smell of chocolate baking in the oven filled the kitchen. It was nostalgic. He began washing up the dishes. Both were lost in the noise - of buzzing oven, of clanking dishes, of running tap water and of their own thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They let souffle bake for 10-12 minutes till the top settled and browned a bit. </span>Once out, they both dug in while souffle was still hot. He commented on how each souffle has turned out and she commented on what could be better next time. Together they ate their favourite dessert in the same cup. The fight was all forgotten, at-least, till there was chocolate in the cup.</span></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-55937264485939294282013-01-18T18:22:00.000+08:002013-02-07T10:56:42.425+08:00What is feminism?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Feminism encourages women to leave
their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism
and become lesbians."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Pat Robertson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson is an
American media mogul, executive chairman, and a former Southern Baptist
minister, who generally supports conservative Christian ideals).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feminism</i> evokes strong, and often, negative reactions. Some women
pride themselves in saying they are feminists while some shy away from doing
so. Some call themselves feminists but clarify that they do not hate men! Some say
they believe in gender equality but they are not feminists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What exactly is feminism?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Feminist theory aims at achieving
gender equality in areas that creates gender imbalance. Feminism believes in
equal rights in social, political and economic verticals. Any situation that
raises gender or sexuality-based injustice, it becomes a feminist issue. In
simple terms, telling a boy ‘not to play with dolls’ or ‘don’t cry like a girl’
is against feminist ideologies. The basic notion of feminism is that men and
women are equal. Making any bias based purely on gender, not considering individual
capability is termed gender bias.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Feminism is anti-patriarchy. In
patriarchy, a male figure is at the authority of social, political or economic
vertical. A woman is a man’s (father, brother and son) responsibility.
Patriarchy is when women cannot inherit the title and property of family. This
makes women lesser than men just because of her gender. Feminism opposes
everything that patriarchy preaches. And this is the reason why conservative
men and women are anti-feminists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Only men are not responsible in
making a patriarchal family/society. Women are equally responsible. Bringing up
daughters to only cook and clean is patriarchy. Providing lesser educational
opportunities to daughters is patriarchy. Bringing up daughters to share equal
responsibility and sons to respect women is feminism. If a man fights for equal
rights, he too is a feminist. If a man brings up his daughter considering her
equal to his son, he is following feminist ideologies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span> </span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Feminist movements fight for rights
of women and empowering women to help them make informed decisions about their
life. They fight for equal rights of women to education, marriage, employment
and their own body. Feminists fight for championing causes like gender
discrimination, equal pay in workplaces, prevention of marital rape, sexual
violence against women, reproductive rights, commodification of women and many
such.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Feminism is asking for
equality, not hating men! </span>Blame it on media to have maligned the notion of feminism. There is nothing negative about being a feminist. A feminist
loves his/her spouse, probably, much more because of the freedom and respect
in their marriage. A feminist loves his/her children equally without being partial
to sons or daughters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Where do I stand?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“If women want rights more than they got, why don't they
just take them, and not be talking about it.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/200277.Sojourner_Truth">Sojourner
Truth</a> (A women’s right activist)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was brought up with feminist ideologies.
While growing up, I was told I could reach and achieve whatever I want. My husband and I both
have a say in everything that happens in our family. Our daughter is being
brought up the same way too. We are all flexible because of the security and
freedom that we provide each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am not a feminism activist; I don’t go
out to demand and champion feminist issues. But I know my rights. I try to seek
and create gender equality in whatever way I can within my limits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I found good answers to two most
commonly asked questions for any feminism related topics. I leave you with the
below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Inequality happens to men too..
Patriarchy affects men too..” What wrong with this statement?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://finallyfeminism101.wordpress.com/2007/10/18/phmt-argument/">http://finallyfeminism101.wordpress.com/2007/10/18/phmt-argument/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why are you concentrating on topic
X when topic Y is so much more important?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://finallyfeminism101.wordpress.com/2007/04/12/faq-why-are-you-concentrating-on-x-when-y-is-so-much-more-important/">http://finallyfeminism101.wordpress.com/2007/04/12/faq-why-are-you-concentrating-on-x-when-y-is-so-much-more-important/</a></span></div>
Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846865851801324.post-82094584948940087592013-01-14T15:11:00.000+08:002018-01-26T17:08:48.605+08:00Book Spine Poetry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Came across Spine poetry on <a href="http://shilpaagarg.blogspot.com/2012/12/saturdays-spine-poetry-1.html" target="_blank">Shilpa's blog</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Spine poetry is books arranged in clusters so the spines(read book title) could be read like a sentence\poem. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Apparently, there is even a facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bookspinepoetry" target="_blank">page</a> dedicated to spine poetry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was hooked on immediately!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is one of the poems I came up with using my library.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoKMD1z8shjdjDDZiw1OBUUlsxjndaJONKYJYznUBzrCrqFbHo7iaC0qdI7o7gAy1xPfa4ma1KsdmQs1SAQmWRG43Pdda9iajYYX03BJKJFqCAKpbIuhKjaH3SaEJoXHRPCcZHr1SJw/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoKMD1z8shjdjDDZiw1OBUUlsxjndaJONKYJYznUBzrCrqFbHo7iaC0qdI7o7gAy1xPfa4ma1KsdmQs1SAQmWRG43Pdda9iajYYX03BJKJFqCAKpbIuhKjaH3SaEJoXHRPCcZHr1SJw/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Indira, What to expect when you are expecting?</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A thousand splendid suns!! Trust me.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is <a href="http://raodivya.blogspot.com/2013/01/mind-mapping.html" target="_blank">one more way</a> to stretch your mind to boost brain power. I am sure all book lovers will love this one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have it in my to-do list to go to public library to make some more poems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Coming up soon..</span><br />
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Divya Raohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01137996845102100671noreply@blogger.com4