tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92277782024-03-24T03:02:38.263+09:00Profound GibberishSometimes Profound. Mostly Gibberish.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-87629198369217703432011-04-30T18:30:00.004+09:002011-04-30T18:32:33.017+09:00I moved!It's been a while since I moved over to <a href="http://angelinebhavya.wordpress.com">angelinebhavya.wordpress.com</a>. I don't know how much profundity or gibberish I am letting out right now, but do hop over and find out!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-54051066511483491922007-02-25T00:06:00.000+09:002007-02-25T00:08:39.525+09:00Arbit<span style="color:#336666;">I read a quote the other day, by Martina Navratilova, and it said "Go out there, and do what you gotta do."<br />Is it just me, or has someone heard this said before?<br />I like the simplicity and the rawness of this quote, but is it really a 'quote' in that it's a phrase we all have heard at some point in our lives? But as a friend told me the other day, as long as they aren't quoting Paris Hilton's 'That's hot!', it is tolerable.<br /><br /><br />I stop by again at the water cooler for a (surprise) glass of water. And as I gulp it down, I look at the map of the floor I work in, with a complicated colour-coded plan to exit in case of an emergency like a fire. And of course, it says 'Don't Panic'.<br />I think, in case of a fire, even the calmest person would not completely panic till he/she saw this map, and would freak out trying to look for the 'You are here' and then pass out before he/she figures out how to get out.<br /><br /><br />I was in a bus the other day, and there was this large lady who seemed like she could bully anybody if she wanted to. She occupied most of the seat she was in, and fumbled around with two mobile phones. Finally she called somebody, and within a few minutes, in the loudest voice, started talking in baby-ese. You know, how one talks to a baby? She was really loud and the whole bus had to pretend they didn't hear her. I, of course, could not hold on any longer, and so increased the volume of the music I was listening to. But hear her, I could. And I looked at another lady, who was a just about to explode with laughter, and I was just about managing the same, and she looked at me, and we burst out at once. Fortunately, BabyTalker didn't hear us.<br /><br /><br />If you think this post is random, you probably haven't seen some of the communities on Orkut. Yes, you hate that place. You are on it, aren't you?<br />Of course you are. </span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1165147886980360772006-12-03T20:36:00.000+09:002007-02-25T00:12:44.177+09:00Changed<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Have a great week, we'll see you next sunday. God be with you."</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Lynn woke up from her seat, looking around for familiar faces, as the crowd walked out of church. Everyone headed for the food stalls right outside, where homemade lemon tarts and brownies waited for the mob. Being quite shy, Lynn waited for somebody, anybody to come up and talk to her. She fiddled around with her mobile phone, looking through the phonebook, reading old messages in her inbox. Every now and then, she looked up. She waved at a few folks, who smiled at her as they left the building. Time to leave, she thought, as she munched away at her brownie. Suddenly she felt small hands clinging to her waist. Looking down, she saw a little girl, with bright eyes and an infectious smile. Quite alarmed, Lynn looked around to see who this kid's parents were. When she couldn't find them, she looked back at the girl, who was still holding on to her.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Hi!" said Lynn.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Hi!!!"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"What's your name?" asked Lynn, smiling, as she pointed at the little girl's nose.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Mira!" came the loud reply, as if the girl had just realised that her name was indeed a nice one.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Mira! so where's mummy and daddy?"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"No mummy, no daddy" said Mira, still smiling away.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Oh..." Lynn was now uncomfortable, not knowing what to say next.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">As if she read her mind, Mira went on.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"I live at orphanage!!" she shrieked, and nodded, to say it was a lovely place.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">They met again the next sunday.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Auntie!!!" Mira screamed as she ran towards Lynn and hugged her tight. Lynn melted instantly and hugged her back.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"I have to go! bye!" Mira ran, holding her friend's hands.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">One sunday, Lynn was greeted with a familiar hug, this time along with a question.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">"Why you not come last week??"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Lynn smiled, very surprised that little Mira had sensed her absence.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">These days, Lynn walks out of church, and looks for a pair of bright eyes. And smiles as soon as the spots them. Sometimes she's the one asking for a hug from the little one, when Mira forgets to promptly deliver them.</span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1157116032853045872006-09-01T21:50:00.000+09:002006-09-01T22:11:05.506+09:00How to win blogs and influence bloggers<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Dear blog,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">I know you have difficulty recognizing me. I don't update you very often, and sometimes I don't know what to say to you. I'm sorry for the times you felt embarrassed to show your sorry un-updated face to frustrated visitors who wanted something to read. I'm sorry for the couple of times I've written up things and backed out before hitting 'publish'. I hope that someday you will take pride in who you really are, and not gather your identity by who's reading you and who's not.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Sure, your buddies tell you that their bloggers type away at their text boxes and some others get lucky twice a day even.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">But I want you to listen to your inner blog. Yes, the one that refuses to give up on its blogger. The blogger who cheated on you by pouring her heart out to some 'other' blogs to enjoy the benefits of anonymity, but still has come running back to you.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Always yours,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Angel</span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1154278999989156252006-07-31T01:38:00.000+09:002006-08-04T17:03:04.760+09:00Mindfreak<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://noizrulz.blogspot.com/2006/07/where-is-my-mind.html">Jacko</a>, my faithful tagger, has done it again. (this one's for TAAM, gimme five, man!)<br /><br />On to more interesting people...ME, for instance.<br /><strong><em><br />I am thinking about...</em></strong><br />how tags are SO last year!<br /><br /><strong><em>I said...</em></strong><br />It's not all okay. But it's all okay. (think about THAT!)<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I want to...</em></strong><br />Walk on a beach and feel small beside the majesty of the ocean.<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I wish...</em></strong><br />I could read the minds of some people.<br /><br /><strong><em>I hear...</em></strong><br />tomato prices have gone up again. (Is this true?)<br /><br /><strong><em>I wonder...</em></strong><br />why I just brought up the tomatoes!<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I regret...</em></strong><br />not having played enough sport in the past four years.<br /><br /><strong><em>I am...</em></strong><br />wondering who came up with this tag!!<br /><br /><strong><em>I dance...</em></strong><br />like no-one's watching. I mean...WHEN no-one's watching. I make sure they don't.<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I sing...</em></strong><br />all the time. Sometimes just inside my head.<br /><br /><strong><em>I cry...</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><br />when I feel overwhelmed or extremely happy or helpless or deeply sad or...<br /><br /><strong><em>I am not always...</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><br />This boring. Sometimes I am...*yawn* what was I saying?<br /><br /><strong><em>I make with my hands...</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><br />two thumbs up to the guys who came up with the remote control.<br /><br /><strong><em>I write...</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><br />whenever I feel like. (but you knew that already)<br /><br /><strong><em>I confuse...</em></strong><br />people when I try to tell jokes...I tend to get into the technicalities, hence killing the humour slowly but surely.<br /><br /><strong><em>I need...</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><br />to make myself clear.<br /><br /><strong><em>And finally...</em></strong><br /><em></em>how high ARE those tomato prices???</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />On demand, this tag is passed on to one <a href="http://tonguezapped.blogspot.com">busybee</a> who's rather lazy these days.<br /><em></em></span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1153775495669343072006-07-25T05:57:00.000+09:002006-07-31T16:50:46.563+09:00More Gibberish Cometh!!<span style="font-family: verdana; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">After a series of fake-posts, I realised I couldn't fool my readers any more...(yes, the two of you who still come to check for an update...thank you!). Here's my little trial at a comeback...hoping to entice you with this new template. (AND buy time to think of material for a REAL post.)</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Most of my blogger-buds who were very active back in those days when the Indian government didn't try to kill our fun, have become rather quiet these days. One of them was heard saying, "I'm trying to get a life offline." (yes, there IS such a thing, who knew??) I'm hoping he didn't take tips from Opal Mehta.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Here's me signing off, hoping to follow this post(!) up with yet ANOTHER tag, and then hopefully back to the usual posting. (yes yes I hear the cheering!!)</span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1143145189442418122006-03-24T05:04:00.000+09:002006-07-31T16:55:18.533+09:00DAYdreaming<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;" >I spent all of yesterday thinking it was wednesday when it was actually thursday. Although I was glad that I was closer to the weekend, I felt a little cheated...I was my wednesday self on a thursday.</span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1139432867840099212006-02-09T05:53:00.000+09:002006-02-09T06:15:06.993+09:00Soulmate tag, Angel style<a href="http://brainfreezetoo.blogspot.com">Shrutz</a> and I had a conversation once about characteristics we would like in our soulmates...and we came up with quite a list...mostly because I'm a list freak, and it kind of rubbed off on her.<br /><br />After a while, here's what happened:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">me</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: how many frogs will need to be kissed before THAT guy shows up!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">shrutz</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: *sigh* millions</span><br /><br />a little later:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">shrutz</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: funny thing is, the guy who might satisfy all this will be looking for<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">shrutz</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: tall beautiful fair convent educated HOMELY girl</span><br /><br />So, there you have it, people. Two cynical, single girls doing the standard 'the one' talk.<br />But of course, at the end of that conversation we agreed that no-one can be judged as a worthy or unworthy companion on the basis of a checklist.<br /><br />Which is why I kind of twisted the funda of the tag!<br /><br />My soulmate would be somebody I can sing these to:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You are the bearer of unconditional things</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You held your breath and the door for me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Thanks for your patience</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You’re the best listener that I’ve ever met</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You’re my best friend</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Best friend with benefits</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> What took me so long...<br />(<a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/alanis-morissette/5455.html">Head over Feet - Alanis</a>)<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> It's always been a mystery to me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> How two hearts can come together</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And love can last forever</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But now that I have found you, I believe</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> That a miracle has come</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> When God sends the perfect one</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Now gone are all my questions about why</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And I've never been so sure of anything in my life</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I wonder what God was thinking</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> When He created you</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I wonder if He knew everything I would need</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Because He made all my dreams come true</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> When God made you</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> He must have been thinking about me...<br />(<a href="http://www.lyricskeeper.com/newsong-lyrics/204853-when_god_made_you-lyrics.htm">When God made you - Newsong</a>)<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You see everything, you see every part</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You see all my light and you love my dark</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You dig everything of which I'm ashamed</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> There's not anything to which you can’t relate</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And you’re still here ...</span><br />(<a href="http://www.lyrics007.com/Alanis%20Morissette%20Lyrics/Everything%20Lyrics.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Everything - Alanis</span></a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Come away with me on a bus</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Come away where they can't tempt us </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> With their lies</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I want to walk with you</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> On a cloudy day</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>(<a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/n/norah-jones/101709.html">Come away with me - Norah Jones</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Darling did you know I dream about life together</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Knowing it will be forever</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'll be yours and you'll be mine </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And darling when I say </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Till death do us part</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I'll mean it with all of my heart </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Now and always faithful to you...</span><br />(<a href="http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Wait-for-Me-lyrics-Rebecca-St-James/6DC630483583A4B748256EBB001239C6"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wait for me - Rebecca St. James</span></a>)<br /><br /><br />And of course, I wouldn't <a href="http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Michael-W-Smith/Love-Of-My-Life.html">mind</a> <a href="http://www.lyrics007.com/Jesse%20McCartney%20Lyrics/Beautiful%20Soul%20Lyrics.html">being</a> <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/d/dc-talk/37666.html">serenaded</a> <a href="http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/thebigchill/mygirl.htm">either</a>.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1139426219427487832006-02-09T04:11:00.000+09:002006-08-04T17:03:44.156+09:00MusicologyI got tagged by - <a href="http://noizrulz.blogspot.com">Jax</a>, the rhythm behind my vocals!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Total volume of music on my computer</span>: About 8 GB<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Title & Artist that I last bought/borrowed </span>: 'This Generation' by Sonic Flood.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Song I am playing right now</span> : "Hey Jude" by The Beatles<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Five+ Songs that I like/have been hooked onto</span>:<br /><br />Audio Adrenaline - "Ocean Floor"<br />The Archies - "Sugar, Sugar"<br />Dave Mathews Band - "Everyday"<br />Jamie Cullum - "All at sea"<br />Jennifer Knapp - "A Little More"<br />Mariah Carey & Westlife - "Against all odds"<br />The Fugees - "Killing me softly"<br />Joss Stone - "Fell in love with a boy"<br />Bruce Springsteen - "Secret Garden"<br />Oasis - "Champagne Supernova"<br />B.B King feat. Sheryl Crow - "Need your love so bad"<br />U2 - "The sweetest thing"<br />Jars of Clay - "Unforgetful You"<br />Switchfoot - "Meant to live" and "Let that be enough"<br />Lifehouse - "Hanging by a moment"<br />John Mayer - "Daughters" and "Why Georgia"<br />Norah Jones - "Nightingale" and "Humble me"<br />Sixpence none the richer - "Kiss me"<br />Alicia Keys - "If I ain't got you"<br /><br />I pass on this tag to those who feel like doing it.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1138967890657966132006-02-03T20:57:00.000+09:002006-08-04T17:05:12.126+09:00The price of a tag!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been tagged by <a href="http://noizrulz.blogspot.com">Jax</a>(thanks a LOT, man!). It's that 20 things tag that I've been reading on other people's blogs. I remember feeling all relieved that I hadn't been tagged with it. I mean, I'm the one who thought "7 is a LOT!" when <a href="http://profoundgibberish.blogspot.com/2005/11/seven.html">I got tagged with the 7 tag.</a><br /><br />Tags are the cyberworld equivalent of Reality T.V, are they not? They're attempts at getting to know the blogger behind the blog, and later the readers realise they were better off NOT knowing the real blogger!! After all, there is such a thing as "a little too much information".<br /><br />But, I shall stop being the partypooper and join in the festivities!<br /><br />So here are 20 totally random things about yours truly that you never asked for:<br /><br />1. One of my favourite childhood recollections involves an act of audacity that I still can't seem to believe I commited. It was the annual day programme in my school, and I think I was in the second standard.<br />So, here I am sitting in the second last row, and having trouble getting a good view of the stage, so I do what every little kid instinctively does: I stand up on the chair.Stage visible, problem solved. What I don't know is that the last row has the big gang consisting of 12th standard 'bhaiyas', all known for their rowdiness and bellbottomed pants( yeah, they liked to personalise the school uniform). They're quite amused and a little irritated with this little girl blocking their view. So, they all cry in unison "Hey kid, sit down...can't you hear us? SIT DOWN!!"<br />And there I was, all engrossed in the play or folk dance or whatever it was, and getting a little annoyed with the mean boys and their low voices screaming at me. And then, I do what no kid has ever done before. I turn around, give them a cold look and say "WHY DON'T <span style="font-style: italic;">YOU</span> STAND UP?"<br />*silence*<br /><br />True story, people.You heard it here first!<br />Can you believe it? I still can't.<br /><br />(For those of you who're scratching your heads, going "you call that BRAVE?", shut your traps and stop ruining my fond memories :) )<br /><br />2. I once had a Mariah Carey phase. When I was 13, I had memorised most of the songs on the #1s album. Believe me, my rendition of 'one sweet day' is something that American Idol nightmares are made of. I also thought her duet with Brian Mcknight "Whenever you call" was really romantic. <span style="font-size:78%;">I still do.</span><br /><br />3. I can't dance. I wouldn't say I have two left feet, and I do enjoy busting a move occasionally (mostly when no-one is watching), but I have to admit that I'm not a natural. In school, I was part of a 'fairy-dance', complete with white flowy gown and magic wand, but that doesn't count.<br /><br />4. I love to sing, read and think.<br /><br />5. I like taking online personality tests. (Tickle.com has found a regular visitor in me!)<br /><br />6. Till I was about 14 or 15, I would pride myself over the fact that I'm not the sentimental idiot who cries while watching movies. And then I saw 'A river runs through it' in which Brad Pitt dies. And then it happened folks, Angel shed a tear!! It took Brad Pitt's death to get ME to cry. Then of course, there's Jerry Maguire and the whole "you complete me" scene which always manages to get me.<br />So yeah, now I am one of those sentimental idiots. But I mean, not every movie...only if...well, not exactly....what the heck, you're already laughing your head off.<br /><br />7. I slapped a boy when I was in class 6. (And I did feel sorry about it later...but it still is a fond memory!)<br /><br />8. I once took part in a T.V contest, and won a 'Star Plus' umbrella, keychain and cap. Yes, each thing had 'Star Plus' written all over it.<br /><br />9. I am very curious by nature and like to google almost everything.<br /><br />10. I love masala dosa, vada and strong coffee that one can only get in those south Indian fast food restaurants.<br /><br />11. I am a foodie.<br /><br />12. I enjoy animated movies, romantic comedies, as well as fantasy and adventure movies. I'm not really a fan of horror and action movies. I don't like sad endings, and I hate when people walk away from a theater while the credits roll...I find it disrespectful. Besides, those bloopers are fun to watch.<br /><br />13. I can sometimes be annoyingly idealistic.<br /><br />14. I once e-mailed a radio show requesting for a song, and they did play it. I screamed when I heard my name and later cringed when the R.J read out the long list of friends that I had dedicated the song to. To my relief, not many people I know had tuned in that day.<br /><br />15. I am a closet romantic (and by saying that, I have negated the first part of that term). This means I utter my share of awwws, and secretly love movies like 'Ever-after' and 'Beauty and the beast'. But if you mention this the next time you talk to me, I'll probably laugh it off...hence the term 'closet'.<br /><br />16. Once when I was about 15, while playing the recorder for 'Away in a Manger' during a christmas programme, I suddenly got nervous, and stopped abruptly. The crowd went silent, I heard gasps, and I wanted to crawl under a chair and die. Then I heard a calm voice from behind me, saying "Start again".I did. I still have no idea who it was ( A fellow-angel, perhaps? Although logic tells me it was someone from the choir). But somehow, it was a profound and special moment for me.<br /><br />17. I have rapped twice, publicly...once for a large audience, and once for a smaller one. In my defence, I was young and impressionable and I won't do it again.<br /><br />18. I have two older sisters, and I totally love doing midnight girltalk with them!!<br /><br />19. I have really straight hair, and although I do like my hair, I think straight hair can get boring. Curly-haired folks seem more effervescent...but that doesn't mean I'm gonna perm my hair!<br /><br />20. I am not too fond of tags. They make me talk, and worse, confess! I can't believe I got to #20.<br /><br />Phew!<br /><br />This tag is passed on to:<br /><br />1) <a href="http://doctorpissed.blogspot.com">Doctor Pissed</a> (THAT'S gotta piss you off)<br />2) <a href="http://ohwhatevernevermind.blogspot.com">Sahil</a> (what was that you were saying about tags being revealing?)<br />3)<a href="http://timepassphilosophy.blogspot.com"> Savitha </a>(Let it all out!)<br />4)<a href="http://tonguezapped.blogspot.com">Lizzypooh</a><br /><br />P.S : <a href="http://brainfreezetoo.blogspot.com">Shrutz</a>, I'm on it...!<br /></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1137610328823934312006-01-19T02:54:00.000+09:002006-01-19T21:29:36.626+09:00You've got a friend<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">[*Nostalgia and mush alarm*. Don't blame me for the warm and fuzzy feeling you might experience. OR the ewwy feeling!]</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Have you ever laughed really hard?<br /><br />When I ask myself that question, I can think of myself when I was around eight or nine years old, and I had a 'best friend'. E and I were inseperable. I had the best time when I'd hang around with her.<br /><br />We were dreamers, both of us. Every other day, we would come up with a new plan to make history, to inspire. So, come lunch break, we'd grab our little pencils and write songs, that would later be turned into catchy tunes. Then there was our Childcraft phase. We'd ask the tall kids to get us the Childcraft books on the top shelf of the Reference cupboard at the library, then we'd lose ourselves in the glossy pages, thinking of substitute ingredients we could use and make our version of the crafts. Whenever there was an opportunity to sing on stage, we'd go together, and sway as we crooned into the mic. My sister still imitates that and tells me how funny we looked.<br /><br />We'd talk about a lot of things, like how both of us wanted to get locked in, inside our school library, so we could read all we wanted, without our librarian telling it's time to close. In the classroom, we'd sometimes have our little 'boys vs girls' fights, the way only nine year olds can. We'd try to go explore the 'forbidden areas' of the school campus, where no primary school kid had ever been before.<br /><br />After five years of knowing each other, we had to part ways. She had to move to another school, and needless to say, I was shattered, for I hadn't imagined a world without her. Five years is a long time, and longer in kid years! I felt a part of me die when she left, even though she was moving to a school in the same city.<br /><br />What unravelled next was another dimension of our friendship, when we'd write each other letters, (yes,snailmail) and we'd try to cram up all our experiences into that inland letter, sometimes scribble little drawings. We did visit each other in person, but by then we'd grown older and had become more like penpals.<br /><br />By the time we both turned thirteen, and later went to class ten, the frequency of letters dwindled down.We learned by then that we hadn't shared our crucial years together, and our lives were pretty much on different paths by that time.<br /><br />Nevertheless, that ocassional phone call brought back some of our memories together. The last time I met her in person was about three years ago, a little before she joined medical college. I remember that day, we both talked and talked, realising just how different our personalities were.<br /><br />I haven't spoken to E in a long time, but I do have with me all the letters she wrote, and with that, childhood memories that refuse to go away.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1135276454842709712005-12-23T03:33:00.000+09:002005-12-23T03:34:14.843+09:00Yet another useless questionnaire...Are you online 25 out of 24 hours a day?? Are you out of control? Have you forgotten that there are windows in your house...other than the one you keep typing nonsense into??<br />As you read this, are you saying to yourself,"Nah, I'm not THAT bad!"<br />Well, here's how to find out!<br /><br />Answer the following in Yes or No.(and no, there's no 'don't know, can't say' option...why not, you ask? Well, don't know, can't say!)<br /><br />1)You have introduced yourself to someone using your IM username.(in the real world)<br />"Hi, I'm netfreak2000, nice to meet you"<br /><br />2)You include emoticons on your answersheet in the exams.<br /><br />"The Indian guns slackened their fire because their powder was insufficiently protected :|, but when the Indian cavalry charged in the hope :) that the British guns had suffered similarly they were sharply repulsed by heavy fire :(( ."<br /><br />3)You cried the last time you saw "Cannot find server".<br /><br />4)When someone asks you,"So, tell me more about yourself"...you give them a link.<br /><br />5)You think 3 hours spent looking for a cool free font is time well spent.<br /><br />6)You check this blog for an update everyday.(100 more points if you say "Of course not.I have a bloglines account!")<br /><br /><br />The 'real world' is highly over-rated, don't you think?Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1132241143662438442005-11-18T00:11:00.000+09:002005-11-25T21:01:25.516+09:00SevenIs the season of the tags over?<br />I was in the mood to do something other than what I was supposed to be doing...and then I remembered, <a href="http://dlc22.blogspot.com/">Neil</a> had tagged me...with the scary SEVEN tag...<br />I couldn't think up seven points for each of the questions... and if I were to answer the same questions tomorrow, I doubt I'd give all the same answers. These are just right off the top of my head...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Seven things I plan to do before I die!!!</span><br />1. Accomplish that which I was created for.<br />2. Master at least one musical instrument.<br />3. Learn french.<br />4. Travel a lot.<br />5. Take my nieces out to the zoo or some such place that kids like to go to...<br />6. Sing a lot.<br />7. Probably write a book.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Seven things you can do!!!</span><br />1. Sing.<br />2. Smile/giggle for no reason.<br />3. Daydream.<br />4. Remember names and faces.<br />5. Talk loudly when I'm excited.<br />6. See the lighter side of a situation.<br />7. Watch cartoons back to back. (Sometimes even Nick Junior!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Seven things you can't do!!!...(YET!!)</span><br />1. Cook good food.<br />2. Get up early every morning.<br />3. Talk long hours on the phone.(There are always exceptions!)<br />4. Hold a grudge for too long.<br />5. Knit.<br />6. Listen to Daniel Bedingfield's 'If you're not the one' more than once.<br />7. Stop organising music into playlists.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Seven things that attract you to the opposite sex!!!</span><br />1. Sense of humour.<br />2. Calmness.<br />3. Positive attitude.<br />4. A fashion sense that's classy and funky at the same time.<br />5. Chivalry.<br />6. Good conversation.<br />7. Creative outlook.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Seven things you say most!!!</span><br />1. Oh puhleeez<br />2. Yeah right<br />3. DUDE!<br />4. Hmmm<br />5. Errr...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Seven celebrity crushes!!!</span><br />1. Peter Gallagher. (the guy who was sleeping in 'While You Were Sleeping')<br />2. Rob (one of the guys who won the first 'The Amazing Race')<br />3. Harry Connick Jr (in Hope Floats)<br />4. Keanu Reeves (in Speed).<br />5. How could I forget MATT (Damon, who else??)...Loved him in Good Will Hunting...<br />(I better stop at that!)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">People that are tagged with this now are:</span><br />(*drum roll*)<br />1. <a href="http://vigvg.blogspot.com/">Vig</a> ( I know you won't do it, I double-dare you to do it!!)<br />2. <a href="http://denselm.blogspot.com/">Densel</a><br />3. <a href="http://doctorpissed.blogspot.com/">Doctor Pissed</a><br />4. <a href="http://theloonietunes.blogspot.com/">Loonie</a><br /><br />Peace!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1131305260392965192005-11-07T03:53:00.000+09:002006-01-19T02:54:21.206+09:00Elevation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/1600/PA150131.1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/320/PA150131.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Goa was everything that I expected it to be. I've been talking about it ever since I came back.Some good listeners became the victims of my animated minute-by-minute commentary of every single day of the trip.(God Bless Y'all!).<br />And strangely enough, everytime I sit down to write about it, I feel like I can't seem to do justice to the good times.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Maravanthe beach</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153);">Dolphin</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:85%;" >Boat ride</span> Singing <span style="font-size:130%;">Calangute</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">seabreeze</span> walking into the sea <span style="font-size:180%;">scary waves</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">shopping</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">midnight walks</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-size:130%;" >fish markets</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:100%;" >silly games</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:78%;" >portugese architecure</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">seashells</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:78%;" >temporary tattoo</span> Cashews <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">tamarind toffee <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 255);">bright colours</span> seafood <span style="font-size:130%;">Evening cruise</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:78%;" >Dancing</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Hooting</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Miramar</span> <span style="font-size:78%;">birthday</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">chocolate cake</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">fine, white sand </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >3AM</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-size:85%;" >all truth no dare <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Jog falls </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">French lessons</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Kannada movie Shimoga 8:45 pm</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Built up your curiosity on that last one, haven't I?</span><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/1600/PA140050.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/320/PA140050.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/1600/PA140088.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/320/PA140088.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/1600/PA160216.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5487/663/320/PA160216.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />[P.S: Yes, <a href="http://vigvg.blogspot.com/">Vig</a>.Your idea ;)]Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1129053932944178982005-10-11T23:32:00.000+09:002005-10-12T03:10:34.363+09:00Go(a)ing away!- I went out and got a <a href="http://livestrong.org/">Live<span style="font-weight: bold;">Strong</span></a> bracelet. I understand how something like this becomes a trend or a status symbol, but for me, it means hope and I'm with <a href="http://www.eagletribune.com/news/stories/20050219/LI_006.htm">her</a> on this one. Maybe two months from now I won't know where I left my bracelet, but I'll know that one can't afford to lose hope. For now, I am encouraged when I look at the bracelet, to live outside of myself and to live on purpose.<br /><br />- My good friend has something up in her life, it's something significant that could change the course of her future. I know something's up, she knows she can tell me, but we've been out of touch for long.Maybe too long. And so when we met up, she couldn't even tell me about it, except that there is something up. And I couldn't keep asking her, because I felt like I'd lost that position in her life, to have that right to know...because we're not in school anymore. Things have changed.<br /><br />And at the same time, I meet someone for the first time and discover that there's no ice to be broken, we're on the same page from the start, and within a few moments, a most satisfying conversation is had, meaningful stories are readily exchanged.<br /><br />- Here's an update somewhat related to <a href="http://profoundgibberish.blogspot.com/2005/04/11-woohoo-things-to-do.html">this</a> post. No, none of it is coming true, not yet anyway ( Any wellwishers, sponsors, ANYBODY??). But I <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> going to Goa this weekend, with my classmates. It's that final year thing, you know. Suddenly everyone starts having that 'US' feeling. And so, fun events are being organised as I write, by the ones with enviable leadership qualites, so that we can be spontaneous and unwind (when we are scheduled to, of course! what part of FUN did you not get??).<br /><br />Anyway, I shall come back with some good memories. Some of which might actually be blogworthy!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1127503023340597462005-09-24T04:06:00.000+09:002005-09-27T21:24:32.593+09:00Breaking the long silence...with 55 words.<a href="http://mumble_jumble.blogspot.com/">Shrutz</a> thinks it's time I got back to blogging.<br />And as a Welcome-Back gift she gives me no bouquet, but a tag!<br />The tag asks me to write a 55 word story that has to make sense.<br />Well, the must-make-sense part was as challenging as the word limit.<br /><br />------------------------------------------<br /><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">They walked into the hall.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“So, where do you want to sit?” he asked.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">“Well, anywhere, I’m not fussy” she replied.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">“Okay, let’s sit here then.” </p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">“Hmmm, no. Let’s sit there, those seats seem nice” </p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">He was confused, and stayed silent.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Later.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">“So, where shall we eat?”</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">“Well…”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He was silent. Not confused, just silent.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>-----------------------------------------<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>And that's 55 words. As for making sense, I never said I succeeded.<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>OH and I want to pass this tag along to Neil, since he asked for it ;)<br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>P.S: <a href="http://dlc22.blogspot.com/">Neil</a>, your tag's a toughie!<br /></o:p></p>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1125659908341601132005-09-02T20:13:00.000+09:002005-10-12T14:11:44.080+09:00Dare you to move<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Let's call her Priya. When she walks into a room, people stare, not because they think </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >she's gorgeous, but because they think she looks weird. She walks strange. She bobs her head a little too </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >vigourously when she speaks. When she finds someone to speak to, she tries to keep their<br />attention, </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >while the other person makes up an excuse to get away from her. She isn't their 'type'. So she's not picked and put into </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >the friend basket, like others that are their type.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Priya doesn't want sympathy, she wants a friend. Not even a best friend. Just a friend. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Priya comes up with a million things to talk about, hoping someone with those interests will come up to her </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >and make conversation. Sometimes she will go to a random person and crack a joke that no-one will laugh at. Sometimes, </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >a 'group' will call her over and ask her questions and laugh at her answers. She'll laugh with them, </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >pleased that she's being heard, oblivious to the fact that she's the joke.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Priya isn't underconfident. She isn't attention-seeking. She's just different.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Yesterday, Kriti went up to her and said, "Hey, Priya, wasn't it your birthday last month?</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > Sorry I couldn't wish you. I know it's late, but Happy Birthday!"</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />Priya stood there, shocked that someone actually remembered her birthday.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"Thanks, at least you remembered." she said, still surprised.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"So, how was it?" asked Kriti.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"Oh, my mom's abroad, so I spent it alone, at home." </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"Oh..."</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"You know, I used to remember birthdays when I was in school." recalled Priya.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"And then what happened?"</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"I don't know...." she said, as she tried to find an answer.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Soon, someone yelled for Kriti and she was back in her little clique, giggling with the others.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >She turned around and saw Priya walking off alone.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"Hey Priya...bye."</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"Bye." </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /> <br /> </span><pre style="font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:georgia;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Between who you are and who you could be.<br />Between how it is and how it should be.<br /><br />I dare you to move.</span></pre>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1124194736808491062005-08-16T21:16:00.000+09:002005-08-16T23:36:21.193+09:00Disappear within my mind<div style="text-align: left;">1. You know how you listen to a song once and then feel like you have to hear it at least 5 times every day? My current dig is All at sea by Jamie Cullum. Totally love the feel of that song.<br /><br />2. Had a wonderful friendship day, getting wishes and hugs at midnight, as I was at this lovely little getaway in the outskirts, complete with a lake and treehouse, fish pond et al. Made my way back to the city by evening, and my cousin offered to take us out for pizza. Me and my sisters shamelessly exploited his offer and ate till the cheese gave us rashes. It was really a fun time and we ended up having quite a few hurts-in-the-belly type laughter moments. Then, in the cold of the night, we had icecream as we discussed absolutely crazy things like "how do you think they put one inflated balloon into another?"<br />These are the kind of days that make you smile when in bed at night. *sigh*<br />(My cousin's gonna have a little hurts-in-the-belly moment himself when he reads this!!)<br /><br />3. Do not pluck and eat tamarinds when they're not ready to be eaten. Just don't do it.I had a whole lot of green, sour ones that made me wink and make funny sounds while eating. But the next day...oh, you don't wanna know.<br /><br />4. Meeting teachers from school is a very uplifting experience.As long as you do so rarely and have little brief conversations.Because after they're done with stuff like,"ohh look at you all grown up...what do you do now? I still remember when..." there's pretty much nothing left to talk about.You smile, they smile, you smile some more, and then nod your head<br />and move to the next teacher, answering the same questions.<br />It's uplifting because they actually believe you've become that responsible citizen...something you want to believe too but Ohhh, ma'am you have no idea.<br />That said, love all you teachers, noble profession you chose! More power!<br /><br />5. Have been having a string of fish-out-of-water experiences for quite a long time now.Getting used to that feeling, is that a good thing?<br />It is, sometimes.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> If you don’t need it every day</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But sometimes don’t you just crave </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> To disappear within your mind</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You never know what you might find</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> So come and spend some time with me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> And we will spend it all at sea...</span></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1119299653617393512005-07-01T21:00:00.000+09:002005-07-05T23:07:13.023+09:00You talkin' to ME??<div style="text-align: left;">I got book tagged. That should be a good thing for someone like me, who is currently either running short of things to say or is thinking twice before saying certain things.<br />We shall see if it indeed turns out to be a good thing, and so shall poor <a href="http://vigvg.blogspot.com/">Vig</a> and <a href="http://swaroopch.info/">Swaroop</a>, who were the eager taggers.<br /><br />After reading other book tag posts, I've learnt that it's tradition to mention these points:<br />1. I haven't read as many books as I've wanted to.<br />2. My taste in literature is not as sophisticated as that of some of my other well-read blogger buddies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm the kind of reader that reads prefaces, forewords and acknowledgements, album dedications, a bazillion blogs and sometimes what's on the back of a carton. As a child, I remember reading abridged versions of Oliver Twist and David Copperfield, in those days when books were given away as prizes on 'annual day'.<br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;">I have fond memories of curling up with large hard-bound colourful books full of Russian short stories like 'A Handful of Stars' and 'The Adventures of Teeny-Tiny'.Those days I would devour the 'primary' cupboard of the school library and frequently ask the librarian things like "Sir, is the 'Ninth Bedtime Book' available right now?"<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">At one point of time I all I wanted to read was the Childcraft series.I went on to become a serious Blyton fan with the usual Famous Fives and the Secret Sevens, and was most fascinated by the St. Clare's and Malory Towers series. Then I had a Shashi Deshpande phase where I wanted to read all her childrens' books. That was soon over and Nancy Drew arrived with the Hardy Boys. I particularly enjoyed the Supermysteries where Nancy would flirt with Frank Hardy and Ned would be enraged.<br /></div><br />Since then, I've had the Sidney Sheldon phase, the self-help book phase, and the non-fiction phase while being addicted to Reader's Digest all the while.<br /><br />My dad used to order 1 large DIY type book each for my sisters and I through RD every year as new year presents.This included books on Sketching, Painting, Ikebana, Origami, Bonsai, Tailoring and so on. I treasure these books and can't thank my dad enough for them. He's turned me into a 'how-to' freak now!!<br /><br />Oh, I almost forgot that there's a format for this post.<br /><br />1.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Total number of books owned</span>: I guess as a family, we own about 700 books in all. This includes those RD reference books, RD issues dating back to '77, some christian literature, novels and some childrens' books that we can't seem to give away.<br /><br />2.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Last book bought</span>: Do puzzle books count? If yes, then it's the George Summers I got 2 months ago 'coz I misplaced the one I owned.(hey, stop yawning!)<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Last book read</span>: <span style="font-style: italic;">'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' by Robert Kiyosaki</span>.A book on developing financial intelligence with the usual gyaan about dreaming big.I can't say that I was moved by it, but it did make sense to a certain level.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">5+ books that mean a lot to me</span>:<br /><br />(i) <span style="font-style: italic;">This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, The Prophet</span> all by <span style="font-style: italic;">Frank Perretti</span>.<br />Great books that talk about the fight between good and evil. Perretti does a good job of depicting the present culture with different perspectives.Lots of angels and demons in these books. Read them at night if you're sure you have your guardian angel around!<br /><br />(ii) <span style="font-style: italic;">To sir with love - E.R Braithwaite</span>.<br />This I like because it's about the role that only a teacher<br />can play in influencing the choices made by a young mind.The same reason I liked movies like Sister Act 2 and Dangerous Minds.(also because this book reminds me of my english teacher from class 9 who influenced me greatly)<br /><br />(iii) <span style="font-style: italic;">The God of Small Things</span> -<span style="font-style: italic;"> Arundhati Roy </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Interpreter of Maladies - Jhumpa Lahiri</span>. Love both because the writers have captured the Indian way of living and life itself in all its awkwardness and glory.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Swami and Friends - R.K Narayan</span>.Everyone has felt like Swami<br />at least once in their lives!<br /><br />(iv) <span style="font-style: italic;">Sniglets- Rich Hall and Friends. </span>This is a collection of funny words that 'don't exist in the dictionary but should'.(Example: Anananany- The inability to stop spelling the word 'banana' once you've started.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Peanuts - Charles M Schulz. </span>I love Peanuts. Charlie Brown is a loser one learns to love.<br />I particularly enjoyed <span style="font-style: italic;">'Snoopy stars as the literary ace'</span> which was classic laugh-out-loud material.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br />(v) I just HAVE to mention these:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Treasury of Courage and Confidence - Norman Vincent Peale</span>: This is a rich collection of quotes and anecdotes that I believe are worth reading.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers - Sean Covey </span>: I read this when I was 16, I think. As I said, I'm into self-help books (giggle away!!).By the way, can someone tell me WHAT the 8th habit is??<br />And if you're asking, YES, I read <span style="font-style: italic;">Chicken Soup for the Soul</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Who moved my cheese?<br /><br /><br /></span>(vi)Some Christian books that have touched me:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When God Whispers Your Name </span>and<span style="font-style: italic;"> The Applause of Heaven - Max Lucado</span>.Nobody expresses heart stuff as well as Lucado, I believe.<br />( notice I just said 'heart stuff'?? that's why I'm not a writer!)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What's so Amazing About Grace? and Where is God When it hurts?</span> - Philip Yancey. Admire his reporter, seeker style of writing.He's very non-preachy and also very brave in his pursuit of truth as a person and as a writer.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> The Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren</span>. For its practicality, simplicity and richness.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Victory Over the Darkness - Neil Anderson</span>. An excellent self-discovery book that brings God into the picture.<br /><br />Of course I must mention the Bible itself, for the source of comfort, hope and encouragement that it is to me.<br /><br />Done. Now I must pass this on to some other book-lovers who happen to be bloggers.Let's see:<br /><a href="http://mumble_jumble.blogspot.com/">Shrutz</a>, <a href="http://jottingsfromhell.blogspot.com/">Amit</a>, <a href="http://theloonietunes.blogspot.com/">Loonie</a>, <a href="http://dlc22.blogspot.com/">Neil</a> ,<a href="http://vishnutp.blogspot.com/">Vishnu</a>, <a href="http://tonguezapped.blogspot.com/">Liz</a>, <a href="http://theimmortalverses.blogspot.com/">Eddie</a> and <a href="http://thethoughtpit.blogspot.com/">L.Hyena.</a><br /><br />And remember,<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">'Call him/her not friendless who has God and the company of books' </span><br /><br />(...and a blog, and a pet, and lots of cash. Call him/her unsocial!!)<br /></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1119290295279775702005-06-21T02:11:00.000+09:002005-06-21T02:58:15.310+09:00Update(?)I read somewhere that it is highly uncool for a blogger to post about why he/she hasn't been posting for so long. A pro blogger just moves on and pretends like nothing happened.It kinda gives everyone the impression that he/she has a life.<br /><br />So, if you're reading this, this post never happened.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1117992017760659282005-06-06T02:12:00.000+09:002005-06-06T02:20:17.763+09:00"Do I??"Inspired by the <a href="http://no-url-left.blogspot.com">bloglet king</a> himself, I figured I should probably try posting little amusing thoughts I think to myself and erase all doubts regarding my weirdness. Never too early to do THAT, huh!!<br /><br />Anyways, here goes:<br /><br />Brides-to-be, are you unsure if THIS is the man you want to marry??<br />Then, ask yourself: When I say "I do", will I mean, "He'll do"?<br /><br />hmmmm. Think about THAT.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1117034683777361752005-05-26T00:01:00.000+09:002005-05-26T01:18:29.346+09:00BreakawayI am from no small town. I didn't go from a cocktail waitress to a well-known songbird. I am not even Kelly Clarkson's biggest fan. But <a href="http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Breakaway-lyrics-Kelly-Clarkson/E6149A28DD674D9348256ECD000701E0">these words</a> somehow make so much sense to me.<br />There comes a time when one needs to make changes for the better.Try something that's very unlike what one would usually do.Surprise others by doing something no-one would ever think you would do.<br />Taking chances, making wishes, making changes are all new territories for me. I am quite predictable, cautious and yet I am adventurous.( don't ask ME, I've been trying to figure this out for a LONG time!!)<br />These days even when I try out a new flavour of icecream, or wear something totally unlike me, it liberates me.I love to see people react and say, "hey, what's happened to YOU?"<br />"you NEVER do that!!"<br />"you NEVER wear that!!"<br />"THAT isn't your style!!"<br />(it does get weird when I tell myself these things sometimes!)<br /><br />Don't you just love the words,"SO, WHAT?"<br /><br />So, you know what? I'm taking that leap. I'm doing it afraid.I'm facing it head-on.<br /><a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/steven-curtis-chapman/131494.html">Sink or swim, I'm diving in.</a><br /><br />I should really get some sleep before <a href="http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/1687/iwitw.html">this</a> starts making sense to me.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1116050301586006232005-05-14T14:43:00.000+09:002005-05-14T15:34:51.516+09:00Little PleasuresA combination of factors had compelled me to inhabit the real-world and abandon the virtual for a little while, giving me time to take in the <a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/indiaarie/littlethings.html">little things</a> in life that bring joy when you least expect it...<br /><br />1. Remembering a tune you used to hum LONG ago, and discovering that you remember most of the words...and as you sing it, that time of your life becomes all so clear before you...the people, the experiences, the little victories, promises you made to yourself and others...<br /><br />2. Reading your diary from when you were thirteen , laughing at your follies and pleased that you are much wiser now. Much.<br /><br />3. Meeting an old friend after a long time and realising you still get along, in the same way you used to, everything clicks, the brand of fun is same as before...priceless.<br /><br />4. Discovering that your best friend is also your sister.<br /><br />5. To see someone else more excited and expectant about your future than you are.<br /><br />6. To listen to your 6 year old niece praying...asking for others to be blessed ...her parents, teachers and all those friends of hers...she mentions their full names so God won't be confused.<br /><br />Come to think of it, these things are not SO little...are they?<br />Considering all these joys, I must be able to let go of nineteen and enter the big two O.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1113423966107704152005-04-14T04:02:00.000+09:002005-04-14T15:47:05.013+09:0011 woohoo things to do!I've been watching too many travel shows lately. I think it's great that someone goes to these incredible places and does these FUN things....<br />Oh, who am I kidding....I don't think it's great....I want to switch places with them.I want to complain about jetlag and sleeplessness because of the travel.I want to touch that aqua-blue water I see them playing around in.I want to eat an octopus in Korea...(I MIGHT be getting a little carried away here)...OK OK, I just want the moon.<br /><br />1)Go to Hawaii.Surf on a 13-foot surfboard.Buy one of those loud floral shirts.Learn to play the Ukelele and sing a song sitting on the beach.<br /><br />2)Go to Thailand, Ride on a white elephant while his ears flap over my leg.Take him to a river and pour gallons of water on him and scrub him clean.<br /><br />3)Go to DisneyLand when it's Christmas.Eat from a gingerbread house when no-one's watching.<br /><br /><br />4)Go to Hard Rock cafe, Nashville and get my picture taken next the huge guitar.Pretend to be a struggling vocal artist looking for a record deal.<br /><br />5)Go to Hershey and eat a lot of chocolates.<br /><br />6)Walk in the shade of a dozen Redwoods.Look up and strain my neck.<br /><br />7)Go to Australia .Reef.Kangaroos.Koalas.Didgeridoos.Opera House....WOW!!<br /><br />8)Go to Israel. period.<br /><br />9)Go to Africa. South Africa.<br /><br />10)Go to England. Pose next to celebs in Madame Tussad's.<br /><br />11)Go to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur.Ride a camel, shop for rich, colourful ethnic stuff.<br /><br /><br />Hope at least #11 happens soon.<br />As for the rest, sponsors, well-wishers, friends (soon to become bestest friends).Contact me.<br />(note:1-10 not necessarily in the given order)Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9227778.post-1112561377982289192005-04-04T04:46:00.000+09:002005-04-04T05:49:37.983+09:00Ready MaidThere is no dearth of interesting personalities on this planet and I have done my share of observing, analysing and smiling quietly.<br />There's those people who don't know what a frown is, and there are those six-o-clock long faces that say...nah, they don't talk a lot, do they? Then there are saintly people like my sister's hostel mates who wake her up and offer a steaming hot cup of tea..angels, they are. There are those back-benchers who sit behind me (I would be a back-bencher if I didn't arrive late!!!)...I like to listen in on their extremely interesting conversations when I'm not day-dreaming in class. Not to forget those entertaining lecturers with amusing accents and intriguing gestures.<br /><br />Belonging to this enchanting sliver of characters is my maid.She is a fascinating lady who can add spunk to the most colorless of situations.She does household chores with such a zeal that one almost feels jealous of her responsiblities.She is passionate about work and often strolls the extra mile.Housework is this woman's calling and she was born to do it.(And aren't we glad!!)<br /><br />She is definitely not the silent type.She has something to say about everything.Homemade remedies for smooth and flawless skin, how to make that perfect cup of tea, what's on TV, the weather, stories about her other satisfied customers.Highly motivated, she often stays for a couple of extra hours to make <span style="font-style: italic;">murkus</span> especially for me.(that explains why I'm going on and on about her!).<br />The other day, on April fool's day, to be exact, she came up to me and told me to go see what special fried item was waiting in the kitchen for me to munch.This happened when I was narrating my account of how I got fooled in class that day.Sucker that I am, I didn't even realise she was inspired by the topic of conversation.<br />I delightfully said, "really??" and rushed to the kitchen, lifted lids and tossed around some containers.Nothing fried, fatty or special was found.<br />"April Fool!!!" she yelled, as she got intense joy from torturing my easily tempted tastebuds.<br /><br />This woman might sometimes be silly, loud, even exasperating.But never boring.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685152204179154017noreply@blogger.com20