Koffee Shop

a new beginning, a new me

2008-04-25T22:40:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone,

I think I have been away from Koffee Shop for a long long time. Almost a year isn't? Wow, but the funny part is I kept reviewing other people's blog everytime I got bored (failing to leave a comment or updating my own).

Since one year, lots has changed! It's a new beginning for me, I am still excited and can't wait to share my stories. I can see most of you are still keeping your blogs alive unlike me.

Now that my life has finally slowed down from all the excitement, I will take out time to enter my own koffeeshop. Make it lively once again. Stay Tuned...

Regards, Shama

Back, back, back!!!!

2007-07-15T11:53:00.001-04:00

My fellow bloggers! How is everyone doing? It feels so exciting to post after such a long time! I am getting the same feeling I got when I posted my first post.

Wow, it has been a long vacation. I came back a few months ago, though it took me a while to settle into the life here in Toronto. Yet I still feel homesick...more than I have ever felt before.

I think I have been away from the blog for too long. However, though I abandoned Koffeeshop, it's something that I don't want to let go for sure. For me, Koffeeshop is a space where I created myself discreetly. It really is an accomplishment for me because I have made such awesome friends, whom I have never met, yet have a sense of bond with them. Our stories hold us together, and that's something I want to hold onto.

Before re-starting my blog, I wanted to change a few things. Some of you have noticed my new blog header (Harsh, Sunrise). Thank you. It's a start, I am still not final on the design. And yes, my peotry blog has definitely been given a new makeover! I have some new poetry to share with you all. So do drop in your comments.

Thank you again to all of you for your continuous patience. Thank you for the e-mails and the messages when you dropped by. It just showed me that koffeeshop matters.

I will keep my stories from India for my next entry. Trust me, you will crave for more!

Best Regards,
Shama

p.s. fellow bloggers, I will catch up on your blog, forgive me if I take a bit of time, but I promise I will pay a visit.

a new year...a new beginning

2006-12-17T22:20:00.001-05:00

Many of you are probably surprised to hear from me. You see I got busy. But in the midst of a new job, exams, and even moving to a new home, I never once forgot about koffeeshop. I never thought of abandoning it, but it happened. Now I am back again, though this time, a short farewell to all of you.

My fellow bloggers, I have some good news. Finally my dream is coming true. I am going back home. That's rite, I am coming to India. Ah, I just can't wait. Perhaps koffeeshop will take a new turn as I embark upon a new journey in the new year. Many more stories to share, many more reactions, and oh many more contemplations. I just hope while I am away, Diya would be able to keep the blog going. Someone asked me, and yes, I do blog more than her. Perhaps, my going away would give her a chance to put her presence more.

Right now, I am busy packing. The excitement! *jumping in joy* I may post again, or maybe not. But do remember, whenever I get a chance, I will drop by. I have come across such awesome bloggers, that it's hard to keep away from you guys for too long :). Till I return, adios from my side. Oh and before I leave, one last comment - make the new year, a new beginning.

Peace, Shama

At no cost...

2006-11-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

I am not the kind of person who participates in online contests or giveaways from companies. I mean really out of the millions, is there any chance that I would get anything?

Last month, I visited a web site of a magazine that I read online. They had a new section on "Fun Stuff". Tempted to see what this was, it was basically a new feature on their site - Giveaways. Not just any giveaway, but daily giveaways of full-sized products (not samples). The catch? Well there was none, except one had to give their name, address, birthday (to make sure you were 18) and to sign up for newsletters (optional).

As much as I didn't want to, the giveaway that day was a dual eyeshadow from Neutrogena (funny, I didn't know Neutrogena had beauty products??) Anyway, me being a total eye shadow obsessed freak, just HAD to fill out the form. So I did, except I faked my birthday (hey, I had to lie about something). I hit submit and was quite anxious about receiving this free gift. The next day, completely forgot about it, went on with my life.

Now the best part. A few days ago, I received a bubbled envelope in my mail. Not having one bit of hint, I opened it and my eyes lit up. Voila...it was the eye shadow...and yes it was a full size! Yeah okay, it's not like winning something highly prized but hey free is free :P

I want to know if any of my fellow bloggers have received anything for free, whether as a giveaway or because he/she won something. It would be nice to hear some stories.

p.s. The web site now has replaced it's daily giveaways to contests. Perhaps there were just too many cheap people out there ;)

Making a mountain out of a molehill

2006-10-24T15:41:00.000-04:00

Ok so imagine this, you have an argument with someone, scream on top of each other's voices, turn around and walk away 10 minutes later. Next thing you know, that someone is telling someone else about what happened and totally distorting the story.

In my opinion, when fights happen between two people, it should remain between them. Sure we all want to tell our close ones about what happened, but that just elevates us in the argument. How many times do we admit our mistakes when we tell someone what happened? Most of the time, the blame is always one sided. You end up telling not only the story but also throw in other previous negative encounters with them to emphasize the cruelty of this person. And eventually the person listening to your story starts to feel the same way without even hearing the other side.

I am not saying don't talk to anyone about what happened. I mean we all need someone to talk to, to calm us down, to advice us. But if you are not going to admit your mistakes and put down the other person, then its worng. You want to say something, say it to the person, not behind them.

Anorexic beauty

2006-10-15T20:19:00.000-04:00

Yes, long time indeed. However, I have organized myself and am back on track :)

One thing that I have been conscious about since the past few weeks is the way how women are represented in the media. My social work class on eating disorders is to be blamed. I have learned that nowhere are women depicted as thin flawless creatures than in Western society. I have also learned that out of those people who develop eating disorders, 90% are women.

Wherever I look, from television to billboards to magazines, all women look the same. They are all thin, flawless, and are proud of it! Nowhere do I see normal looking women being advertised. Why? Is it because being healthy is not valued in our society?

Every single reality show from Bachelor to America's Next Top Model have skinny models. People say that outer appearance is not as important as your inner beauty. But how is one suppose to believe that if outer beauty is valued so much around us? Women are criticized for having abnormal facial features, having unhealthy skin, being chubby, etc. Why is it that men are not depicted in the same way. Why is it that men can be any way they like but when it comes to women, all women have to look the same? In a society where men and women are treated equally, I think we have still not moved ahead from our double standards.

I remember watching a hindi movie and listening to this dialogue which I think sums it all up:

Ladka chaahe kaise bhi raho, ladki usse gori hi chahiye
(No matter how the boy is, all want a fair girl)

I personally don't think we are moving ahead. In fact we seem to be going backwards. The standards set for women have never been stronger.

- Shama

A little update

2006-09-27T23:35:00.001-04:00

The first thing that came to my mind was...September 3rd?? That was almost a month ago?? What the heck were we thinking??

Ok seriously, we were a little busy (okay maybe a little more than that). You know, universities have opened up, taking up part-time jobs to pay for the ever-rising tuition fees (!!!) and added to that, Ramadhan has started. People say time flies by when you keep yourselves busy...ahan! I don't want to even think about refuting that.

I am just so glad that my fellow bloggers have still taken the time to comment on our blog regardless that we have stopped the contribution on our part. We do apologize for the delay in updates but hopefully, will keep the ball rolling.

It will take me a while to read other's blogs which I am sure have had tons and tons of posts but I do hope to read each and everyone's blog, so please pardon me if I take some time:-)

Anyway, don't really have something to talk about but instead just wanted to drop by and say that I am only hiding! Adios!

- Shama

Expectations

2006-09-03T18:43:00.000-04:00

Thoughts on one of the questions asked by Endevourme
Is it correct not to dream, saying that expectations give pain later?

Expectations - Something we do throughout our lives. We expect from ourselves and from others all the time. You expect too much from yourself/others, and end up gettin hurt. You expect too low and can never get out of your box. And you cannot cannot stay away from having expectations either. They are a part of how we understand and give meaning to people in our lives.

Having high expectations is never right. You judge the person according to your expectations, it's not fair to the person, and it's not fair to you. Eventually, it all leads to getting hurt. And once you do get hurt, you promise yourself not to have high expectations from anyone, but then again you still do. It's almost like, you like to believe that the person who hurt you was because of his/her fault and not yours. But sometimes it's not the other persons fault but yours. You had expected too much of the person, he/she was the same.

Some say we shouldn't expect anything from anyone, but is it the way to limit your chances of getting hurt? Sometimes, the people you least expect, hurt you the most. Why? Because it was the person who hurt you who put expectations on you.

Regarding endevourme's question, "khwaab dekho, zaroor dekho, bas unhe pure hone ki shart mat rakho" (dream, but don't put expect them to come true) - DDLJ

Worst Top 10

2006-08-26T16:52:00.000-04:00

Bollywood movies have a lot of good songs. Set the button to "repeat" and play them again and again. Considering each movie has to come out with at least an average of 6 songs, we do wonder if they ever run out of ideas. Sadly, they do. Sometimes, the most pathetic, time-wasting, stupid, oh and not to mention quite hilarious songs! Here's a list that am sure most of you will agree on...

10
Hoton pe bas, tera naam hai (Movie: Yeh Dillagi)
Shama - A cheap song of seduction...I mean really, thoda to class mangta

9
Dhak dhak karne laga (Movie: Beta)
Diya - Although i do like the song.. the video juz suxs

8
Baarana de (Movie: Insaaf)
Shama - Wooing a girl by begging for money..and that too a "baraana", need i say more

7
Teri kurti sexy lagti hai (Movie: Vaada)
Diya - I hate to put this song on the list cuz iz sung by one of the best singers shaan. but then again, what was he thinking singing this song

6
Ande ka phanda (Movie: Jodi no.1)
Shama - The whole song is on an egg? Till now, I have been trying to figure out if this is some sort of symbolism used in the movie

5
Amma dekh a dekh (Movie: Stuntman)
Diya - It mite b a funny song.. but come on.. cheap tapori song

4
What is your mobile number (Movie: Haseena maan jaayegi)
Shama - 911..HELP! (seriously, how do you have a smile number?)

3
Tera bina dil, lagta nahin, kya karoon (Movie: Deewana Mastana)
Diya - Kya karoon? ....get a life!
Shama - It seems as if the lyrics guy just sat there while first writing the song, wondering..."kya karoon, kya karoon"...voila, he got his lyrics!

2
Hasde hasde (Moive: Abhay)
Diya - The jokes are pretty cheap.. the laughing a lil too scary
Shama - This song is just sad

1
Mujhe kuch kehna hai (Movie: Mujhe kuch kehna hai)
Diya - WILL U JUST SAY IT!!!!
Shama - If any guy comes upto me singing this song, please get lost. Didn't you already spend 5 minutes saying that you want to say something?

First debate..

2006-08-19T19:06:00.000-04:00

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1888987.cms [please read the article...and enter the debate...]

Diya- If you don't assign any value to the things that go on in your life...then does it mean you can get over sumthing quicker. There are soo many things in life that makes us go through painful things.. like a broken relationship.. the more value you give to it.. the more it gets harder to get over it. "[According to the article..] The way to let go and not feel attached any longer is by treasuring the time you had with it, knowing that it is always in your heart, and there it remains, for eternity." Wouldn't this make you go through more than what your already going through?.. if your not giving worth to the issue.. your just letting it go much more easier..

Shama - I agree with Diya on the point that yes, when one doesn't let go of an incident, memory, or whatever, it means that there is probably something in it that is not making that person let go. Something that makes it meaningful to remember. You may feel you have moved on but you find yourself remembering it again and again. Not because you want to but because unknowingly you just don't want to let go. As much as it hurts, you find pleasure knowing that it was once part of you.

Diya, when I read "The way to let go and not feel attached any longer is by treasuring the time you had with it..." I took it in the sense that you remember those things that you can't let go because you fear of accepting the reality of losing them forever. But once you accept, treasure and take it as part of your life's experience, you are basically learning to move on in life.

Thought for the day...

2006-08-14T19:30:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I found this blurb while going through old conversations. I don't know if you remember Diya, but it was you who shared it with me. It hit me then when I read it, and it hit me again when I read it today. A small thought yet holds a lot.

"The night has thousand eyes, and the day but one, yet the light of the whole world dies, with the dying sun. the mind has thousand eyes, and the Heart but one, yet the light of the whole world dies, when the love is done."

--Shama

Diya - My first post!!!

2006-08-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

hi all...Its diya here.. After 3 months of torturing of the surprise and constant begging for sum hints.. shama finally told me wen she came to visit me. I must say I was quite speechless and excited. We had planned it for so long and seeing it up and running.. hats off to shama. I guess it wasn't meant for us to work 'together'.. but now we join hands again.

A little about me.. I share similar interests with shama, except I am not into soccer. I am totally a computer and tech person. I love bollywood songs, usually updated with the upcoming movies and try to update shama as well.. but hardly works. I love reading books, specially by Indian authors.

And yes.. you can definately expect a lot more additions to the blog. Shama has definately kept it lively and wonderful and I hope to raise it a little more.

And she's back!

2006-08-07T21:01:00.000-04:00

Yes Shitrint (and everyone else) Diya is back! Finally, my koffee shop can live up to its name.

She returned today in the afternoon..I spoke to her for a few minutes welcoming her back (don't want to tire her after a long journey). I am soooooo excited to tell her about the blog. It's gonna be so much fun to FINALLY tell her about the surprise. I can't wait to see her reaction. The next time I talk to her, it will be revealed.

The next post hopefully will be posted by her. Stay tuned bloggers!

T.O. Under My Feet

2006-07-29T19:56:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I updated this. Actually my uncle and aunt were visiting us from California, and so we have been showing them around Toronto for the last couple of days. Kept me a little busy throughout the day.

A few days ago we all decided to show them the entire Toronto and what better way then seeing it from the top of the CN Tower. Man, it's like you can see the entire Toronto in a matter of seconds. Anyone visiting T.O. or those who haven't been to the CN Tower, I highly recommend checking it out once.

Here are a few bird's eye view pictures of Toronto from up high. The coolest part is the glass floor (third picture) for you to walk on. I was assured by the guide that it won't break (the glass has the capacity to withstand the weight of 14 hippos) *sweet*

Friends Forever

2006-07-17T14:18:00.000-04:00

People say that no matter the distance, if your friendship is true, it will survive. Perhaps the friendship will survive, but does the closeness?

It's sad when I look back and realize that I have lost so many good friends because we failed to keep in touch. We all went to the same high school. A group that started with two, ended up with 10 girls. We took classes together, shared lunch, decorated each other's lockers on birthdays, made fun of each other,walked to school together, played snowball fights, and basically were always there for each other. We grew closer and closer every year until nothing could keep us apart. But then came graduation, the day when we laughed and cried together for the last time. From this day onwards, we would each be going separate ways, unsure of where destiny takes us. But it was also the day when all 10 of us promised to be friends forever.Yet today I wonder, what happened to that promise?

Today, these friends are nothing but friends. Occassionally we see each other at the mall or the bus stop and exchange quick glances and hesitant smiles. Perhaps we have all moved on. We have moved on to create new rules, new identities and new friends. Perhaps we have come so far from what we were, that we don't want look back. The only memories that holds our group together is the graduating yearbook with each other's signatures and the old handmade birthday cards signed by everyone.

Out of the 10, I am still friends two and we are just as close. Why specifically these two? Well because we chose to go to the same university. Sometimes I wonder if we had went separate ways, would these two still have been that close.

Now and then when I look back, I realize that whatever happened, happend for a reason. One of life's experiences that should always be taken as a lesson to be learned. I know that you don't need to spend time with your friends 24/7, but you need to keep in touch with each other once in a while. I know the friends that I have today will always be remembered no matter where I go. These are the friends that we have seen grow from a teenager to an adult. We have created new memories even more cherishable than before.

Distance does not undermine the friendship but it does create silences. And it's only communication that breaks the silence.

One step ahead

2006-07-11T12:19:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I turned 20.

In the midst of all the phonecalls, text messages, e-cards, e-mails, hugs and gifts, I realized it wasn't such a big deal after all. I have left my childhood and teenage years behind like any other birthday, except this time it's one step further down.

It's not like I feel any older than I did yesterday, but I have to admit - for some reason, I feel a difference from yesterday's and last year's birthday. Maybe the whole psychological thing of turning "20". Though, I can still pass as a kid anywhere, anytime...

For everyone, here's a piece of my celebration (yay, it's pink)...enjoy:)

p.s. Arz000n, that was a good guess about my birthday...how'd you do that?

Surprise

2006-07-10T11:44:00.000-04:00

I spoke to Diya yesterday and every time I speak to her, I realize how long it has been since I last saw her. But it's all ending soon. Can you believe there's only 27 days left and she's back on Canadian soil by August 7th! I am soooo excited to see her.

She tried to ask me once again about the surprise I told her is awaiting when she comes back. Diya asked me to give her a teeny meeny hint, now how can I do that? One hint leads to another, and she will start thinking of possibilities and before you know it, she will figure it out.

Hahaha... nothing is more exciting than suspense. I can't wait to see the look on her face:)

The Firsts

2006-07-06T18:40:00.000-04:00

Okay so my professor gave us all a new assignment of finding out the history of our names. As in how we got our names, what was the reason, is there any thing special behind it, etc.

I came home and asked my mummy and she said "Go ask Baba" (she wasn't the one who picked my name...fair enough). So I went to Baba and he said "Go ask Mummy" (What the...!) How helpful. My parents couldn't recall how they named me. How can you not remember why you chose your child's name? I told Baba to really dig into his memory and try to remember something, anything. C'mon, there has to be some reason why he picked my name out of a million names out there. After a few minutes of interrogation, he finally responded "Ohhhh, you know...I think I heard it somewhere, liked the name, and named you." Okkkkk....that was worse than not knowing. I am soooo failing this assignment. I am thinking of making up a whacky story. Hey, it's not like the prof's gonna confirm it with my parents. Plus, the crazier the better:)

Anyway, this whole incident made me think. Okay so my parents can't remember why they named me (maybe there was no special reason) but then how important is it to remember your child's firsts. I remember once flipping through those "baby's firsts" books at a store and I was surprised to see some of the firsts that were mentioned. Do parents really have that much time to notice and write down every single detail?

There were normal things like the baby's first tooth, the first word, the first hair cut, the first friend...but then it got a little weird. It went onto things like the baby's first bath, the first nap, the first diaper change?, the first car ride, the first smile, the first "drinking from a cup", the first crawl...give it a rest. Am I supposed to stare at my baby 24/7 without blinking my eye. (don't forget, I have to note down his/her first blink)

I love babies and I really think they are the most beautiful and amazing creatures in this world. But, I don't know if I am really gonna remember (or note down) every single detail that my child does. I mean when the baby needs a diaper change, the first thing I am gonna do is give him/her that diaper change and not go grab my book and write down the day and time of when this happened. (I really would be praying that this was the first and last diaper change)

Some things are special to remember like his/her first step. But these are things that will be special at that moment...they wouldn't be after a few months when the baby starts walking.

Although, there is one thing that I will remember...his first word...especially if it was mommy or daddy...muahahaha:-D

Happy Canada Day

2006-07-01T18:58:00.000-04:00

Today is Canada's 139th Birthday!!!

With the countless number of flags on people's cars supporting their home soccer team, I feel like I need to support the country where you are able to see all this diversity from around the world.

Though I love Canada, my loyalty goes equally to three countries: one where I was born, one where I was raised and one where I live now. For now, Canada is home.

I wanted to share the famous Canadian rant showed in the Molson beer ad. It shows a little something of who Canadians really are. Oh and for those who have seen it, do watch it again. It's worth it!

Happy Canada Day Everyone!!!

Video:
YouTube: Click Here
QuickTime: Click Here

Lyrics:
Hey.
I'm not a lumberjack,
or a fur trader...
and I don't live in an igloo
or eat blubber, or own a dogsled...
and I don't know Jimmy, Sally or Suzy from Canada,
although I'm certain they're really, really nice.

I have a Prime Minister,
not a President.
I speak English and French,
NOT American.
and I pronouce it ABOUT,
NOT A BOOT.

I can proudly sew my country's flag on my backpack.
I believe in peace keeping, NOT policing.
DIVERSITY, NOT assimilation,
AND THAT THE BEAVER IS A TRULY PROUD AND NOBLE ANIMAL.
A TOQUE IS A HAT,
A CHESTERFIELD IS A COUCH,
AND IT IS PRONOUCED 'ZED' NOT 'ZEE', 'ZED'!

CANADA IS THE SECOND LARGEST LANDMASS!
THE FIRST NATION OF HOCKEY!
AND THE BEST PART OF NORTH AMERICA!

MY NAME IS JOE!
AND I AM CANADIAN!

Tagged by the T-Tag

2006-06-30T09:55:00.000-04:00

The last thing I want to see is worms...yuck! Thanks Arz000n for motivating me:P

1. Most desirable celebrity:
Sadly, I don't desire celebrities.

2. Want to do this one day:

Canoeing thru the Grand Canyon? Now that's wicked!

3. Want to visit this place:

Ah the beauty of the Alps...breathtaking!

4. Random Favorite:

Is there a girl version of this?

5. I was tagged by Arz000n:

Your threat actually worked!

6. People I like to tag:
Everyone mentioned on the far right of my bloggers list:-)

Courage

2006-06-29T18:18:00.000-04:00

There have been times when I feel an outburst of confidence within myself where I will say anything without having a second thought. But then, there are times when no matter how much I want to say something, I find myself choking and it's always regarding those things that matter.

I wouldn't consider myself as someone who lacks courage, but there are moments when my confidence just seems to disappear. How many times have I wanted to say some things but I just didn't. Sometimes a simple thank you, a sincere apology, a confession or merely share how I feel about someone. And the funny thing is, I don't learn from my mistakes. I regret and promise myself to have the confidence the next time I am given the opportunity, yet I choke.

Some people do seem to have that confidence to say anything that they truly believe in. I truly respect those folks. To have that level of confidence to express your feelings to someone regardless of the outcome is quite amazing. Then there are those who seem to say something but then just stop half way and not finish it. They would ask permission to say something and then finish off by saying "never mind, I will just let you know some other time." Really, if you had that much courage to ask someone and the other person has your total attention, just say it. You started it now just finish it...you are almost there.

Me on the other hand, forget half way, I can't even start. I am worse than all. I will practise alone in front of the mirror about what to say. I will say it a hundred times with hundred different expressions. Yet when the time comes, it's gone. It's not that I forget what I have to say, it's just that I don't know how to say it. The words are there, but somehow they just don't come out. I need something to really believe in what I have to say. To believe that nothing will happen. To believe that if someone does happen, it's not the end of the world.

May be next time, I will find that courage, that confidence to say it...Just may be...

More soccer...

2006-06-28T00:11:00.000-04:00

Wow has it been that long since I last posted something...time really flies when you keep yourself busy...anyways, like the thousands of posts out there, I just have to comment on soccer...the only sport I am crazy for....

What a world cup! More and more shockers as the game progresses....

Seriously, I have never seen such a dirty game ever than that of Portugal and Netherlands...someone should have reminded them that you kick the ball, not the person coming towards you....gosh....what a rough play...and the referee on top of that...it's like he didn't even keep the cards in his pocket....everytime the whistle blew, I said to myself "here comes another card"....man four red cards?!??! FOUR???? Did all of em deserved it..no.

Honestly I think it wasn't as much as Portugal's fault as it was Netherlands. They were out to get anyone in their way. Considering their little "oh-so-confident" attitudes, well that's what you get. I love Portugal (especially C. Ronaldo...felt soooooo bad for him after he left the game in tears....man that was depressing)....and I couldn't believe all Bouhlarouz got was a yellow card (ya, so he got a red card later) but for that nasty play with Ronaldo, he should have gotten a red card right then!

Whatever, at the end, Portugal deserved it. After going through all that nonsense, I don't think any team would have preferred playing with Netherlands if they had won. Now it's Portugal against England....Go Portugal!! Am just too much in love with Ronaldo...Portugal has to win!

Speaking of Ronaldo, another Ronaldo made my day. What a game!! Brazil vs. Ghana..now that's what I call a fair play. Brazil really did deserve to win...especially after Ronaldo's superb shot! I can see Brazil coming into the finals again...the thing is Brazil has too many good players....my current favourite is Kaka :)...that guy has some talent..oh and Ronaldinho of course.

Though when I think about it...I don't know who to cheer for if Brazil plays against Portugal in the semi-finals....yes Brazil is great...but I love Portugal too....hmm, well I will worry about this when the time comes...

For now, I am excited about Argentina vs. Germany...what a match...Go Argentinaaaaaa

The First Step...

2006-06-20T19:44:00.000-04:00

Walking down the beach,
My toes sinking beneath the sand,
I watch the horizon ahead of me,
Like a strip of an orange peel,
The vast blue sea stretched far,
Like a sheeting for the ground beneath,
As I stroll the cold breeze rushes,
Combing every strand of my hair,
The sky is as vague as my tomorrow,
There is not a single beam of light,
I walk alone with an uncertain smile,
Concealing and ignoring my enduring pain
I have to learn to make my own path,
Rather than chasing the trails of others,
Yet I fail to find the path of my life,
All I see is darkness ahead of me,
I look back and smile sheepishly,
Countless footprints imprinted in the sand,
Forming a trail the moment I took the first step,
I turn around and continue walking...

Thought provoking...

2006-06-18T15:48:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's been a while since I last updated my blog...I was just browsing when I am came across this quotation...it was like my "wow" moment...thought should share it with everyone...thought provoking isn't it?

I’m out to fight the devil, but never fought myself,
Read a thousand books, but never read myself,
My soul's starving it needs to be fed Lord, I need your help,
Hell with the devil, my biggest enemy is myself...
-Outlandish

Soulmate con'td...

2006-06-16T18:55:00.000-04:00

Is it just me but the whole soulmate talk is getting nowhere. I was gonna let it go but no, I had to rekindle the flame again. I am just too stubborn to let go of a topic that easily.

Looks like soulmates is the current talk in bollywood. I posted an excerpt from a comment made by Karan Johar about his upcoming movie Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Okay, so I am not a huge fan of bollywood movies but you know they give a good laugh (once in a while).

There are three kinds of married people in the world. First, whose marriages are arranged. "I've never quite understood that, but I am sure they knew what they're doing. Then there are those who fall in love and marry their soul mates. These few, I believe, are the most fortunate people in the world. And lastly, there are those couples that marry for their parents, for money or play it safe and marry a friend. There are the most unfortunate ones in the world...and they don't even know it. Until one day, riding the fast train of life they run into their soulmate and are forced with the hardest question of all. What do you do when you meet the love of your life and you're married to someone else? What do you do? What do you do?"

A film about relationships, love...a love that broke all relationships

I don't understand why people have to necessarily fall in love and then marry their soulmates. What if you find your soulmates after you get married (say in an arranged marriage). And what is this whole idea of "play it safe and marry a friend???" Karan jee, you marry a friend because umm you because want to. May I remind you of Rahul and Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai? Honestly, categorizing every married person into three categories is so unrealistic. Seems to me, Karan's real life dialogues are too filmy too.

Ouch!

2006-06-13T20:04:00.000-04:00

I was outside enjoying the fresh air watching two younger boys play basketball. They were wearing soccer uniforms and cleats so I assumed they were soon off to a soccer game. A few minutes later, one of the boys approaches me and asks me if I wanted to play for a few minutes. I was resistant noticing I was wearing flip flops but what the heck, five minutes won't hurt...or would it?

Everything was going as usual, they kept scoring, I kept making faces. Five minutes gone, I had enough. The boys couldn't care less and just continued playing. As I was getting off the court, one of the boys smashes into me trying to get the ball and accidentally steps on my foot. Okay that didn't sound too brutal. Let me repeat myself. He actually crushes my big toe with his soccer cleats.

At first, I couldn't feel my toe. The first few steps hurt like crazy. As I started walking, I stopped and looked down at my toe. Just like I had predicted. My entire toe nail was blue, part of it chipped and started to bleed. Not a pretty sight.

The boy apologized and asked me if he could get anything. At this point, all I wanted to do was run home and put my feet under cold water. That's exactly what I did (well except for the running part). After a few minutes under water, applying a few bandages here and there, it felt a little better. But, my toe is still numb.

Flipflops are cute..but just for walking...nothing more.

...FIFA season...my toe...soccer is getting personal...:X

All the best...

2006-06-11T13:18:00.000-04:00

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”- Winston Churchill

I recently found out that the results for the B.A., B.Com and B.Sc final years are out. I am sure there a quite a few bloggers here who are in the same position.

I have made this post to wish a sincere good luck for all those students who after years and years of struggling are waiting for the moment to find out if they made it.

"Follow Your Dream" - Bobette Bryan

Trouble arrives in measures, and we stack it up real high,
until we're convinced, we have no reason to try.
If you feel defeated, you're absolutely wrong,
for if you follow your dream, you could never lose for long.
Ignore the minor set-backs that pile up and trouble you,
or you will build a mountain, out of the stones hurled at you.
The future holds great promise, your destiny unknown,
but God is always helping, and you're never alone.
Soar bravely toward your goal. Let nothing darken the way.
You can change your tomorrow, if you seek your dream today.

“No matter the results, I know you tried your level best. If you made it, I will be the happiest person. If you didn’t, I still would be the happiest because you tried. No matter where you are, my prayers are always with you. I will cheer for you for every step that you take. All the best."

Teach me 2...

2006-06-07T21:24:00.000-04:00

Ok guys, this is my part two of teach me...today I learned more stuff in just 3 minutes!!! Added to my "can-do" list is...

- tai-chi
- how to play the harmonium notes (sa-re-ga-ma-pa-dha-ni-sa)
- brush your teeth..properly
- puff pastries (ofcourse we didn't cook but we got to eat the ones made from before..yum)
- how to tie a tie
- self-defense
- simple Spanish (hola!)
- Game called "3, 6, 9"
- medidate

After one of my classmates taught us the game "3, 6, 9", I thought I should have perhaps taught the class how to play Kabaddi!! Ha! Can you imagine...now that would have been fun :D

Soulmates

2006-06-04T13:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was reading a forum on soulmates. And then I had a long conversation with a friend regarding the concept of soulmates. What really is a soulmate? Do they exist? After a long talk, we came to where we started...confused.

I know many feel that the concept of soulmates is not always based on love but can also be friendship. Hey, some people think their bestfriends are soulmates. But I think otherwise.

I think that a soulmate is your husband/wife, only because you found your soulmate and married him/her. But then I think...what if you end up in a divorce and marry again. Who is your soulmate now? Or what if you feel someone is your soulmate, but don't end up getting married to him/her? See...confused.

Nowadays soulmates is just a term used to imply anyone you truly love (excluding family and friends). When someone tells me that "he/she is my soulmate", I get the feeling that it's someone perfect for him/her. When I call someone my soulmate, I am putting a strong trust in that person that he is for me. That this is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. It is he who I have been waiting for. This is someone who I want to be with and will compromise to make things work out between us.

"Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life." - Richard Bach

So do I believe in soulmates..yes. Do I think there's more than one...no.

Rain, rain, rain

2006-05-31T11:24:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or is it too hot! It's cooler in the house, but as soon as I step out the heat gets to me. But the good news is, it's raining today!! Yay..honestly, I think rain is such a blessing. It's so exciting to look at the tiny droplets fall from the sky and hit the ground. I found this really cool rain song and decided to share it with you all. It's so beautiful....Enjoy...

"The Rain Song" - By Led Zeppelin

This is the springtime of my loving - the second season I am to know
You are the sunlight in my growing - so little warmth I've felt before.
It isn't hard to feel me glowing - I watched the fire that grew so low.

It is the summer of my smiles - flee from me Keepers of the Gloom.
Speak to me only with your eyes. It is to you I give this tune.
Ain't so hard to recognize - These things are clear to all from
time to time.

Talk Talk - I've felt the coldness of my winter
I never thought it would ever go. I cursed the gloom that set upon us...
But I know that I love you so

These are the seasons of emotion and like the winds they rise and fall
This is the wonder of devotion - I see the torch we all must hold.
This is the mystery of the quotient - Upon us all a little rain must fall.

Teach me...

2006-05-24T23:31:00.000-04:00

Ever wondered what skill you would teach someone in just 3 minutes? For my presentation and public speaking skills class, we were assigned an assignment where each student had to teach the entire class a skill that he or she is good at in 3 minutes. It could be anything, but something that the entire audience would be able to participate in.

Today was Part 1 of the day of the presentations. Boy, was it interesting!!! The best part was learning so many new skills in a matter of minutes. Here is what I learned today:

The One-Step Spin (part of an Indian dance)
Basic Salsa dancing
Shoot a basketball
Bowling the cricket ball
The "dot" game
CPR for a baby
How to negotiate
Mini acupressure activity

What did I teach? ...I taught the class how to use a henna cone. I made some miniature henna cones and gave each student a few designs on paper to practise on. Lots of fun...Gotta bring those cultural skills:D

Think for a moment. Given the chance, what is one skill that you would teach in just 3 minutes?

Craving for India

2006-05-20T18:34:00.000-04:00

For the past few days, it's been cold and rainy...the weather has trapped me inside in solitude. As random thoughts occupy my mind, I find myself always coming back to the memories of India.

Everytime I am bored, I remind myself how I wouldn't have been bored if I was in India right now. Talk about craving for India. And now that Diya has gone, everyday her stories, make me wish to be in India more and more...

I have compiled a few things that I miss most about India. Perhaps, one day I shall experience these again:

-The traffic rules of India
-Children playing on the streets
-Invitations to weddings (most of them you have no idea who it is)
-Food from local stands
-Heaps of crowd everywhere!
-The joy of riding in autos
-Constant bargaining for prices
-Eating puff pastries from the local bakery
-Playing kabaddi and kho
-The trip to the vegetable market
-Learning how to conserve water (ahem)
-Watching melodramatic soapz

I have realized that one doesn't feel belonged anywhere else than the country they are born in. I may be happy here, but India is where my heart feels content. Sadly though, as much as I love India, I know for a fact I won't be able to live there. Perhaps this is why I value India more, because I know I will never be able to capture it's essence forever.

Saare jahan se achcha hindustan hamaraa,
Hum bul bule hai is ki, ye gul sitan hamaraa....

'Overflowing' Trains

2006-05-16T17:23:00.000-04:00

Amazing picture ain't it!!!

I remember my first train ride in India...what a journey. I didn't realize it would be that crowded until I boarded the train. Forget moving myself, I couldn't breathe. It was as if that was the only train of the day and everyone had to get on it!!!!

After seeing this picture, personally I would have preferred hanging on the train, than in the train. Heck, these people seem to just find a spot to hang onto and enjoy the fresh air....:D

Run Run Run!!

2006-05-15T21:35:00.000-04:00

Wow..what an episode..!

I just finished watching today's episode (the one after their BIG ESCAPE)

After months and months of waiting, the team finally escaped. I was waiting for today's episode where they would finally find themselves in the real world except I am quite disappointed. Although the show kept my heart racing, I was sad to see the whole show being dedicated to the team just running away from the cops. Perhaps the new season will bring some new surprises (as if that isn't a new thing in every episode). Don't want to see them get caught orrrrrr worse, get shot *sniff*

"Just" friends

2006-05-13T23:11:00.000-04:00

Why is it that most people in India, especially the older generation feel that a guy and a girl can never be "just" friends? Take for example, Diya who recently went to India. She has a really good buddy in India who called her as soon as she landed in India. Her grandparents, who she is currently staying with, got very upset and said that if she wanted to continue talking, she would have to bring him over to their house. His response "mein kya shaadi karne aa raha hoon?" (Am I coming for a marriage proposal??)

I mean why can't girls and guys be just friends without having to go through the whole story of "something is up." So please, to all those uncles and aunties out there, if I am talking to a guy, it doesn't mean I am his girlfriend nor am I discussing my potential marriage with him. Maybe I am asking for directions or maybeeeee he is your daughter's boyfriend. So there.

How it all began?

2006-05-12T11:02:00.000-04:00

Finally, I have a blog! Okay fine, WE have a blog.

It all started many years ago when Diya and I (Shama) decided to start our own radio show. Well, let's just say we flew high, got lost in the clouds and then hit reality.

Then we thought of creating a web site. It started out great; we thought of a name, created the homepage and then somehow, never moved ahead from there.

Finally, we thought of creating a blog. Like everything else, we got really excited. When the time came to think of a name, we got stuck. And since then, we haven't moved past the first step.

Now that Diya has finally decided to take a vacation after four years to India, I have decided to carry out at least one of our plans! This way I can surprise her with this blog when she comes back. She will have much more stories to share than moi.

Grab your drinks and enter my Koffee shop mixed with the flavor of life and the aroma of dreams. Coffee is not my cup of tea, so you will see me with my Iced Cap:)