Sunday, September 26, 2010

Making my day :)

It's amazing how some of the smallest and sweetest of things can make our day sometimes. A long drive in great weather, playing with one's pet, listening to one's favorite song on the radio, receiving a compliment, or having a phone conversation with a friend after really long... :) The feeling's indescribable. Just a surge of Happiness.
A school pal of mine called today. One of my besties, and we spoke for close to ten minutes. I know that's not very long for a conversation (going by my track record) but considering she's sitting in the US and shelling out a whole lot for it, it made me feel quite special. And the reason for the call, just because :)
This blog entry is perhaps one of my shortest. And anyone reading it should thank me for making their day, for having to read so little of the rubbish that I generally dole out.
As repayment, go make someone else's day too. Go call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, or help your mom in the kitchen. Let your sibling have the T.V. remote, or let your dad finish reading the newspaper supplements first. Hold out the door for someone or go scratch your dog's ears... Whatever it is, Just do it. Make their day :)

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Getting over it...

I got burnt in a fire accident almost 11 yrs ago. It took place in school, after a dance performance on our sports day. We kids were instructed to file into a matador that would circle our sports field after the completion of our dance. Dressed as Santa Clauses, complete with cushions, and raw cotton lining the red suit we were wearing, we were told to wave at the audience with lit sparklers in our hands. We were a disaster waiting to happen.
Over such a long time span, my memory of that fateful day has blurred but the repercussions haven't. I was burnt on both the legs. My calves mainly, and the area right behind the knee. For years I didn't make peace with not being able to run as fast as I used to. The reason being, I'd damaged some nerves in the accident. Worse still was enduring stares from rank strangers who'd grimace at the scars. Things like these don't do much for a eleven year old's confidence.
I almost stopped wearing shorts outside and I soon grew out of the 'skirt and blouse' wearing phase too. I'd only wear jeans and pants and the like. That's because understandably I didn't want to draw attention to the scars at all. A lot of times I'd be tempted to wear something minuscule, but the idea of getting pitying glances and having to plunge into a long story of how it happened, always made me think otherwise.
My friends did their best to bring me out of my shell, but to no avail. (And God knows I drove them up the wall by not listening) It was only when I spoke to a school friend (who'd been in the accident with me) some months ago, that I began changing my perspective...
It's true that often, people see us as we see ourselves. If one's comfortable in one's own skin, people around, are too. It's when we're apologetic about something, that most people don't know how to react. And this inturn leads to alot of awkwardness that's seen as unacceptance. Most times, the people whom we seek approval from are the ones who want to see us being happy and want us to be ourselves. Scars or no scars, irrespective.
Two months before the 11th anniversary of the fateful incident and five days shy of my 22nd birthday, I wore the most daring outfit I have, by far. A little black dress. And that's the first time in all this while I've worn something outside to show off my scars. No leggings to cover the marks and no stockings to make them less visible.
I wore it to go out partying with a bunch of friends and I had the best time ever. No one at the pub even noticed, and my pals didn't give a damn. We just had the most wonderful time and this one experience has helped me get over one of the biggest things I'd had a complex about.
It doesn't take as much strength to hold on as it does to let go... Let go of one's anxieties and insecurities. But once one has, there's no looking back. Now I want to bring on all the shorts and tiny frocks I can (much to my conservative mom's horror!)... But its wonderful when one get's past obstacles and speed bumps in life. Makes one feel confident and happy about finally getting over one's fears and issues. I'm not worried so much about my scars anymore... It's about perspective and all in one's mind at the end of the day. Amen!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Crushes, hots and what not! :D

Yes, believe it or not I've decided to dedicate an entire blog entry to everything edible and 'yumm-azing!' From smoothies and fruit crushes to spicy and hot food! Gothcha with the title didn't I?! The inspiration/credit for this entry goes to a close friend, with whom I spent two hours (during class) passing chits on every edible and tasty thing we could get our rusty minds on!
For those who know me and are my loyal readers, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm finally writing about the greatest love of my life- Food.
I've been a die hard foodie since the time I could count on my fingers ( Wait, I still count on my fingers... I mean since the time I began counting on 'em) But I'd like to give myself more credit. In my knowledge, there are foodies, and foodies and then there is me. I've never restricted myself to a single cuisine or a dish. Am not just fond of desserts or any one particular course during the meal. From soups and starters, to the desserts and paans, I enjoy them all. Immensely. A few of my favorites things to eat include... a lot of things...
From French fries to potato chips with sour cream. From paani poori (with hot channa) to extra spicy pav bhaaji. From cheese fondue with bread sticks to paneer salsa wraps. From chilly garlic mushroom starters to grilled sandwiches. From Schezwan noodles to cheese burst pizzas. From paneer dosas to chole bhature. From fried mozzarella to hot aaloo parathas. From soft hot idlies with extra dollops of ghee to stuffed steamed momos.
From blueberry cheese cakes to vanilla milk shake. From CCD's Devil's own to Cream Stone's Oreo cookie shot. From rasmalai to kaaju barfi. From homemade milk chocolate to Milky bar's white chocolate. From layered chocolate cake to banana sponge cake. From Amul's raspberry Dolly (ice-cream) to custard with jello... And just a few other hundred dishes that I shan't mention cause I'll be inflicting self torture if I do.


My apologies to everyone who's craving their next meal (like me) or whose saliva glands are working overtime (like my dog's). I couldn't help but make the entry 'cause food had been playing on my mind for long (when does it not!) and t'was time I went ahead with it. Thanks for reading and hope you have a hot meal awaiting you. Bon appetit! :)