Monday, December 29, 2008

Suggestions

Christmas gift suggestions:
  • To your enemy, forgiveness.
  • To an opponent, tolerance.
  • To a friend, your heart.
  • To a customer, service.
  • To all, charity.
  • To every child, a good example.
  • To yourself, respect."
~ Oren Arnold



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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!!!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas!!!!

I have always loved Christmas... My earliest memories show me putting cookies and drink for Santa to have on Christmas Eve. And then trying to keep awake just to meet Santa :)


Wow!!! Such happy memories. :)


Speaking of memories, this is what I wrote 2 years ago….


It’s that time of the year when cheer and happiness is in the air. It’s "goodwill to all men" time. With Jingle Bells and Christmas Carols being played in all the shops and on all radio stations!!! It’s really hard to remain immune to this particular festival :) But then who would want to be!!!

So it’s not surprising that I just love Christmas. I am still a child at heart ;) and just love receiving presents and more than that I love giving gifts and seeing people's eyes light up with joy. Can't carry a tune to save my life but still sing loudly "Long time ago in Bethlehem..." Especially and only when I'm alone :). There is just something about this which makes my heart go pit-a-pat. sigh!!!
And not forgetting the cakes... Mum has been telling me that she has been baking up a storm so I have my job outlined for me.

Already I can't wait to go home. For me Christmas starts tomorrow. This year I'm all alone coz my sweet brother is in Europe and therefore I'll be princess of the house (tongue in cheek)
(Hey bro hope you read this and realize what it means)

Just Kidding!!! :)

Every year our Christmas and New Year are extra special coz it coincides with my brother's birthday and this year is the first time that he won't be here with us for all of it. His presence will be missed alot...

So away from all those thoughts... the reason for my writing is that I wanted to note down my love for Christmas and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas...

Hope it brings as much joy (if not more) to everyone as it does to me :)

Merry Christmas :)


The only difference this year is that it has been 2 years since David left and that this year I have begged Mum not to bake any cakes… I just can’t resist her cakes :(
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2008 - Time to Reflect...

2008 has been a great year for me...

It did have alot of ups and downs but this time I was prepared to handle it. I can't recall any time when I was sad over anything other than a movie :) I do tend to get very involved with books and movies and everyone close to me know about this. However, they never ever comment on this odd habit of mine. :)

January:
My year started with a new job... Its sort of stress free and I like it. Good thing is that I'm not on call 24 hours a day. And I am not covered in cement dust!!!! Only thing is that I have to follow all rules that of a Food Industry...

February:
Nearly lost Mum. Scared the living daylights out of us but finally found out what was wrong with her and the reason why she was sick so much all the time... she is allergic to salicylic acid which is found in alot of vegetables as well as in asprin... after eliminating certain food produce I have seen a remarkable improvement. She hasn't had any attack so far!!!

April:
Dad had become very very sick. Doctor had sort of given up. The problem with my dad is that he is not interested in food. He will only eat when he is forced to eat... (How I wish I had inherited this trait.... I just love my food which I think is a curse at times.... :( ) So got Dad to listen to me. Sat him down and spoke to him about how I want him to live for us now... And so far he is doing great.

September:
I started contruction of my house. My dream house for my parents. The house is designed by Mum and its a thank you gift for my parents. Hopefully everything will be completed in February 2009 and we'll be able to move in March.

October:
I had a short business trip cum vacation in NZ. Beautiful place and beautiful people. 5 days was just too short a time to tour the place. I am defintely planning a return trip for sometime in the near future.

November / December:
Got rid of alot of excess baggage that I was carrying. I should have done this a long time ago but I don't know why I didn't. Maybe I wasn't ready then. Whatever the reason... I am relieved and happy now.

I am so excited about the New Year - 2009. By March I would have accomplished everything and fulfilled every promise that I had ever made to my parents. These promises were silent promises which were only made in my heart and never uttered to the people concerned. Promises which have taken 20 years in fulfilling... So right now I am the only one who knows what next year will mean to me. And this is one reason why I'm eagerly looking forward to March.
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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Momsies... Reason for Being!

WHY GOD MADE MUMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the sticky tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.


How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mum just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.


What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.


Why did God give you your mother and not some other Mum?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's Mums like me.


What kind of little girl was your Mum?
1. My Mum has always been my Mum and none of that other stuff
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.


What did Mum need to know about Dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?


Why did your Mum marry your Dad?
1. My Dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mum eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My Grandma says that Mum didn't have her thinking cap on.


Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mum doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mum. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mum is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.


What's the difference between Mums & Dads?
1. Mums work at work and work at home and Dads just go to work at work.
2. Mums know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but Mums have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Mums have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.


What does your Mum do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time..
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.


What would it take to make your Mum perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.


If you could change one thing about your Mum, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mum smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Perfect Setting




I love these pictures.... its so perfect especially for a autumn wedding :)
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Autumn in Czech


Its that time of the year again... Autumn and that too in Czech...

10th December marked the 2 year anniversary for David. This was the day that he left for Czech.... Really miss him :(
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Monday, October 06, 2008

Business Trip- cont'd

My trip to N.Z is only for 4 days!!! :( sob!sob!sob!

So I can't plan much... I don't think I'll even get time to do shopping :( And THAT is really disappointing...

I do plan on going for a vacation either later in the year or first half of next year... I just have to choose a destination. Anyway I now have more time for extra planning...
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Settlements!!

Settlements... Such a weird word... Infact right now I do not have any other way of describing it... I wonder at times that why do people choose this particular word any way ....

Well just to back track a bit here. BTW "settlements" mean "marriage".

And no.... I am not being touchy here. Its just that I'm wondering at the reasoning...

Why is "settlements" synonymous with marriage? Any particular reason??? Those people who are not married... are they not settled? Is with marriage only a person deemed well and truly settled? Those of us who are still single - are we balloons floating around?? Waiting to be settled???

This term is archaic and should be used only with extreme care. Well around me anyway. Nowadays people tend to get settled before marriage. Most like to be well and truly secure both financially and professionally before tying the knot. And it makes sense as well...

Anyways these are my thoughts... So till later!!!

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Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Business Trip

Guess what!!! I'm going Auckland in 3 weeks time :)

Its only a short business trip and I'm going to attend a Trade Show on Food Tech and Packaging Technology. I'm specifically going for Packaging Technology but while there we might even go to some Beverage Industries... actually alcoholic beverages :) Too bad I don't drink... But I'm excited nevertheless. :)

More details can be obtained at

I wish that I had more time there coz I really want to visit/ tour South Island. I love nature and greenery and would love to visit the National Parks. From the footage shown in movies its spectacular!!!

Anyways I don't know how long I'll be in N.Z but will definitely try to make some plans...

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

My Pet


Check my Sonu out :)
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First Stage - House

The first stage of the house construction was done yesterday. Now the contractors will work on the foundation and the walls.

Construction is moving very fast. The builders are determined to finish by mid December. Now we have to look for a good joiner to do the "extra" furnishing that we want :)

Life has become sooo hectic!!! And the worries... Despite having contractors to do the damn thing I am having sleepless nights... Worrying about everything!!!
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Muttley - The Dog

Muttley (the Doggy Tale) has been part of every Saturday's Newspaper. Its an article following the life of a dog. Well only last week we came to know that he has been diagnosed with a big heart.... and does not have long to live!!!

Tragic news.

And sooo saddening!!!

My heart goes out to his family. :(
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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Lipstick

Men and lipsticks!!!

Hmmm Just think about it!!! If you are a guy then what comes to your head when you read the word "lipstick"?

Colour? Flavour? Taste? or how to apply lipstick?

Crazy huh.... But then why the big difference between Lipstick, lip gloss and chapstick... Ladies use lipgloss ... whereas Guys only use Chap Stick.... :) Only difference is Lip and Chap!!!

Today somehow my colleagues (male friends) started talking about lipstick... And then they started showing me and telling me on "How To" apply lipstick!!!! They were pouting at each other and making faces and demonstrating with a make believe lipstick :) Utter fun.... I had no idea that they THINK about this.... But then when I think about it.... they DO comment whenever I wear lipstick :)

I think I should bring some makeup to work and leave it on my table... you know... just for emergencies... or maybe for some demonstrations!!!! :)
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

My House

Ground Breaking for construction of our house was last week on 10th September 2008. The actual planning has been one long project and until it is completed we cannot have any peace. Now here are some of the things that I'll be going for.

1. Pine Decking at the Back for those lazy afternoons and b.b.q's
2. Small pond for lotus, fish and water plants
3. Big Bulk under the decking for storage
4. A closed off cook's garden for the vegetables and herbs
5. A greenhouse for the plants.
6. Going Solar for all my lighting needs. Plan are to go completely solar but this move is heavily dependent on cash flow so most likely will go in installments.
7. Have solar A/C 's in all rooms.

We are trying to go green with our house and somethings of note are:
1. Growing own vegetables
2. Go Solar (Lighting/A/C's)
3. Have compost bins
4. Collect all water (rain) for all gardening and washing purposes.
5. Practice the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

These are the plans anyway.
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Living in Paradise

Jump into the pool and then straight into the sea :)


Company Villas - For Employees :)


Million Dollar View!!!

Now why would I want to go anywhere else...???
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Gotta Love This One :)

When I say I'm Broke -- I'M BROKE

A little old lady answered a knock on the door one day, only to be confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner.

"Good morning," said the young man. "If I could take a couple of minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners."
"Go away!" said the old lady. "I'm broke and haven't got any money!" and she proceeded to close the door. Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and pushed it wide open..

"Don't be too hasty!" he said. "Not until you have at least seen my demonstration."

And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto her hallway carpet.

"If this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this horse manure from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder."

The old lady stepped back and said, "Well let me get you a fork, 'cause they cut off my electricity this morning.'
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A very good question indeed !!!

Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.

The question: What do women really want?
Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man, and to young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But, since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by year's end.He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the priests, the wise men and even the court jester. He spoke with everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would have the answer.

But the price would be high; as the witch was famous throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged.The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first.

The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend!Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life.He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible burden; but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur.He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table.Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus:

What a woman really wants, she answered...is to be in charge of her own life.

Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared.And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding.The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for an horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened.

The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth, be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half.Which would he prefer? Beautiful during the day....or night?

Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day, a beautiful woman to show off to his friends, but at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch? Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night, a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous intimate moments?


What would YOU do?

What Lancelot chose is below. BUT....make YOUR choice before you scroll down below. OKAY?


Noble Lancelot said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.


Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life.

Now.....what is the moral to this story?

The moral is.....
If you don't let a woman have her own way...
Things are going to get ugly.
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Saturday, August 16, 2008

Pills

The doctor who had been seeing an 80 -year-old woman for most of her life finally retired.
At her next checkup, the new doctor told her to bring a list of all the medicines that had been prescribed for her. As the young doctor was looking through these, his eyes grew wide as he realized she had a prescription for birth control pills.
Mrs Smith, do you realize these are BIRTH CONTROL pills.
Yes they help me to sleep at night.
Mrs. Smith, I assure you there is absolutely NOTHING in these that could possible help you sleep.
She reached out and patted the young Doctor's knee. Yes, dear.
I know that. But every morning, I grind one up and mix it in the glass of orange juice that my 16 year old granddaughter drinks. And believe me, it helps me sleep at night.
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Life

Great men say, 'Life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness. In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must have the ticket of a good conscience.'
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Wise Words

Invite others towards good with WISDOM.
LIVE LIFE with NO EXCUSE and LOVE with NO REGRETS.
When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 REASONS TO SMILE.
FACE your past WITHOUT REGRET.
Handle your present with CONFIDENCE. PREPARE for the future without fear.
Keep the FAITH and ERADICATE the fear.
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Playing with Words

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: 'I am blind, please help.' There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, 'Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?'
The man said, 'I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.'
What he had written was: 'Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.'
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the Story:
Be THANKFUL for what you have. Be CREATIVE. Be INNOVATIE. Think DIFFERENTLY and POSITIVELY.
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

On Top

I had a really exciting day today :) We went up a hill to inspect Weather Station and the view was breathtaking. Attaching some pictures which were taken by my colleague....




View of the Ocean over the Hills and Mountains


You can see me here :)

The Winding River (Mango Trees are dotting the banks)


The Winding River


A long shot of where I work!!!


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Monday, August 11, 2008

Olympics - More Pics

More Photos (Source: Official Beijing Olympics Site)


Footprints from Fireworks signifying previous Olympics.

Ladies from Tank Dynasty


Tang Dynasty

Birds View


Birds View - Globe

Globe


Lighting of the Olympic Cauldron


View of the Cauldron

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Beijing 2008 - Olympic Games

What a Start!!!

I saw the opening ceremony and I found it breathtaking!!! Exhilarating and very beautiful. I'm lost for words here... I wish I was there to see it first hand... But the live telecast and the photos did ease my disappointment :)

Here are some of the Photos (Source :- Official Olympics Website)



Giant Scroll Unfolding


Dancers on Giant Scroll


Dancer depicting Silk Route


Tai Chi Practise - Kata


Taiji Performance

Chinese Opera


Puppet Show


Olympic Rings


Olympic Rings


Drummers



Globe (Overview)


Globe Suspended in Air


Movable Columns


Puppet Show


Birds Nest - in Birds Nest Stadium :)


Birds Nest - View


Dancers


General View of Drummers

Fireworks

The fusion of colors was SPECTACULAR !!!

Art performances were also called Beautiful Olympics. :) (No guesses why)
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Sunday, August 10, 2008

Destiny - Greatness


A Budding Einstein!!!

(Photo taken on Cyprus 1-8th June 08)
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Friday, August 08, 2008

08-08-08

I almost missed it.... Its happening alot lately. When I leave home I have a list of things to do but when I get home in the evening I didn't do half of it.... coz I either forgot all about it or I just didn't get around to it.

Today being 08-08-08 is very very special for me. Reasons :
  • I will not see another 08-08-08 in my lifetime - once in a lifetime thing.
  • Olympics - officially starts today :)
  • Its my friend - Niraj's Birthday today.... He will be 29 today :) Hope he celebrates the day with his Fiancee in India. They will be tying the knot or taking the plunge or getting married at the end of the year....
So yeah.... its a special day and I can't believe it that I was so close to missing out on posting today....

So Niraj if you do read this.... "Many many Happy Returns of The Day!!!! " Have fun....
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Thursday, August 07, 2008

Honorary Doctorate

Lately I have seen that many use the title of a Doctor when addressing someone who has been given an Honorary Ph.D. Is it ok to do so? I'm not so very sure so I did a bit of research... and this is what I found:

Source: Wikipedia
Recipients of an honorary doctorate do not normally adopt the title of "doctor". In many countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, it is not usual for an honorary doctor to use the formal title of "doctor", regardless of the background circumstances for the award.
I know of someone who was granted a Ph.D after proving that one of the articles published in a Scientific Journal was not "correct" and he wrote to the Journal with full explanations and after alot of "work" he was given a Doctorate BUT he never used it and infact is currently completing his Ph.D.

Well each to their own I guess....
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Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Fifty Dollars!!!

Morris and his wife Esther went to the state fair every year, and every year Morris would say, 'Esther, I'd like to ride in that helicopter.'
Esther always replied, 'I know Morris, but that helicopter ride is fifty dollars, and fifty dollars is fifty dollars'
One year Esther and Morris went to the fair, and Morris said, 'Esther, I'm 85 years old. If I don't ride that helicopter, I might never get another chance.'
To this, Esther replied, 'Morris that helicopter ride is fifty dollars, and fifty dollars is fifty dollars.'
The pilot overheard the couple and said, 'Folks I'll make you a deal. I'll take the both of you for a ride If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word, I won't charge you! But if you say one word, it's fifty dollars.'
Morris and Esther agreed and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of fancy manoeuvres, but not a word was heard. He did his daredevil tricks over and over again, but still not a word.
When they landed, the pilot turned to Morris and said, 'By golly, I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you didn't. I'm impressed!'
Morris replied, 'Well, to tell you the truth, I almost said something when Esther fell out, but you know, fifty dollars is fifty dollars!'
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Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Crabs - Fiji Style

Crustaceans are my favorite seafoods and living here in Fiji (we are surrounded by the sea/ocean) there is no shortage of crabs, mussels, prawns and lobsters. Lobsters and prawns are not so common a sight as are the crabs. Every day you'd find people selling bundles of crabs on the road side especially after 4.00 p.m.

Anyways this is how we make Crab Dish here in Fiji.


First Step -
Clean the Crabs really really thoroughly!!! We use a toothbrush to get to those "hard to reach places :)...






Second Step:-

Get the ingredients ready.
Ingredients
Onions
Currey Leaves
Chilli Garlic Paste
Fenugreek, sesame, fennel, mustard seeds
Coriander
Masala, Turmeric, Chilli Powder, Rice Flour
Salt to Taste



Saute the onions, chiili garlic paste, seeds, curry leaves until the onions turn transparent. Add the Masala, turmeric, chilli powder, rice flour, salt to taste. Lightly fry and then add your crabs.



After cooking the crabs for sometime add stock or just plain water to make the gravy.

It's yummy!!!! In fact it was so yummy that I forgot to take a picture after it was cooked :) Maybe next time.... ;)
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Monday, August 04, 2008

Flower Art


Flowers :

Note- Still using AF (I really like this one though).
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Pics


Trying out my Camera at home.... This is me holding a small brass vase (Lota) which had been decorated by Mum (for pooja purposes - Kalsa Lota)
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Weekend Excursion

3rd August 2008

Pictures from our trip to Nadi Temple.


Entrance Picture



View from the Car Park

(Pics taken using my Canon Rebel)
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Religious Weekend

The weekend was one big whirlpool of religious activities for us. Every year we have religious prayers at home. Its called "Sathya Narayan Katha" and last Saturday (2nd August) we had it at home.

Now even before we have this Pooja we have to do alot of other stuff as part of preparation.

First is spring cleaning (thoroughly cleaning the house and compound). This is what I call as preparation of the surrounding.

Next is becoming a Vegetarian for the duration. Preparation of self (spiritually)

Third is planning and preparing the menu for the day.

Fourth is confirming with the priest the time and date. (Here its ok if you have a family priest). They do not have problems with dates and timings.

Having the prayers, giving of alms and feeding the poor and needy is one way of finishing the days programme.


For me it was fun coz this is one of the activities that I can partake in with my family. Beautiful day.

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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Mere Baap Pehle Aap - Review

When translated it simply means :- My Father ... After You

Cast:

Akshaye Khanna - Son
Paresh Rawal - Father




The story is simply about a father son relationship. This movie bombed in India but I loved it. Very simple, clean and honest storyline. More to do with todays generation. And how we do away with generation gaps. I really loved the chemistry between Paresh and Akshaye. They were so comfortable in their respectful roles.


I had bought the movie mainly because my Dad prefers watching only Indian movies and in order to please him I bought this one. I, on the other hand, do not like watching Hindi films and generally engage myself somewhere else while the movies playing... But I watched this movie from beginning to end. It was sooo close to reality...

Its a must see of all those who are "great friends" with their dads or sons...

I have already got this down on my list of things (to send) to get for David


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