I am so very grateful to each one of you who is reading this post right now. I got so many mails, so many kind words, encouragement for starting my new service that I thanked Kanhaji for making me meet you in this life! I am blessed to have a friend like you!!

I’ve decided to name my service as “Times-To_Treasure”. T2T for short. Hope you’ll like my newest baby.

Of all the mails that came, there were some common queries which I thought would be prudent to address in a blog post like this.

The biggest one was: “Why are you doing this? What do you gain by giving your service free?”

Here’s why: I am the most kind, considerate and helpful friend you ever have come across. I have endless supply of money with which I do not know what to do. And since I do not have to work for money, I thought of working for humanity.

Crap. I know that does not make sense at all. (Although I am hoping the first sentence comes close to what you think about me.. Selfish, but that’s me )

This service has a strong business model. It is free. For you. But I’ve taken an affiliate membership with ZoomIn, which means every time you click on my link to buy something from them, they pay me commission. Now I thought that if I were to ask you to go through the trouble of clicking on my link, you should get something worth in return. And one thing which I have to offer is ‘my creativity’.

That’s the whole deal really.

The second question people had was, “how will this work”? That is work in progress still and I was hoping to resolve it by now, but looks like it is glitch-ier than I thought.

I have been talking to ZoomIn support guys to help me out on this, but currently they have no way that I can create something over your photos and share the creation with you so you can pay. So I thought of using PayPal to invoice you for the money you owe to ZoonIn and when I receive payment, I make payment to ZoomIn and get the item delivered to your shipping address. Should worked, right? Of course it should!

So, I conceived this idea of starting a service of my own. I planned and planned and worked and worked my brain. Connected with others, networked with friends. Even got support people @ ZoomIn involved.

Things looked good.

And then, ‘ouch’!!!

I was so very confident that PayPal would be my thing to create invoices etc., but turns out they do not support Indian Rupee as a currency. No plans to do so anytime soon too. Checked out several others but again either they support only limited clients or limited invoices or are very very expensive!!

Aargh.

So may be I’ll have to find a ‘work around’. My software buddies will raise eyebrows, I know. I know I cannot possibly meet the friendship day deadline. But I think I can make it in time for Raksha Bandhan.

Pray for me as you always do. Kanhaji will find a way!

Amen.

P.s. Most people who deal in Indian currency seem to prefer bank transfers for receiving payments. Do you think I should consider that route? Would you be willing to use it? Do let me know.

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I modified this exercise just a little bit here and there to make it more like the ‘W’ in SWOT analysis.

So here’s a list of my top 10 vices that irk (some sinless) women…

1. I prefer the company of my lappy, my digicam and books to the TV.

2. When there are plumbers or carpenters or painters in our house, I am the one asking them to do things differently. Often experimenting with their tools.

3. I don’t like to wait for some male member to come over and change the light bulb. Or fix the plug. Or carry my lappy around for me.

4. I do create jewelry (and yes, it is quite beautiful) but don’t like wearing jewelry myself. I also feel uncomfortable carrying any artificial colors on my skin and nails. I like me just the way I am.

5. I like to shop but only for others. I am extremely lazy when I’ve to go get a new dress or shoes or anything for myself. The same is with beauty treatments or haircuts. Buying books is a different ball game, though.

6. I love big bikes and tall cars even SUVs. During my first US visit I was in awe of the 12 wheeler trucks and seriously envied the truckers.

7. My favorite TV channel (once in a few months when I do watch it), is Disney and not Zee TV or Star Plus. Also I can’t sit straight for 3 hours and watch a typical romance unfold in front of me with predictable twists and turns. I would rather create another pair of earrings.

8. Love to watch car racing or horse racing or even wrestling. (Yeah, John Cena!)

9. I can (barely) manage house work. But please, NO ironing. And no keeping a tab about how and when I do the cleaning and cooking.

10. I hate sitting and yapping about what’s happening in whose life. If it ain’t concerned to me, I don’t care how they do it. At the same time, if it is about me, I get involved without waiting to be asked.

11. I speak my thoughts, often thinking out loud, not really getting worried about who will think what.

12. I’ll try to do everything myself until the last moment. Only give up when I know I’ve exhausted my ways of dealing with things. (Yeah, I am working on this one! High time!!)

There. My sins. Laid bare for the whole world to see.

I am trying to change the last one, since it is causing nuisance to my own peace of mind.

Other than that, I think I am perfect! I love being me.

So, friends who have blogs, go list out similar vices for yourself and may be a couple action items. If you want to do it in the original style, head over to IHM’s blog and ask her to tag you.

Or, you could always list them out as a comment to this post! Well, why not?

Have fun!!!

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I owe each one of you a HUGE and heartfelt "thank you". I mean it.

8th July was my birthday. Completion of my 32nd summer on this blue heaven. (Yeah I know, I don’t look like 32.

And yeah again, I do count “summers” not "Sawan" as they do in Hindi. You can take a beach bum out of Goa but you cannot take the summers out of her…)

My day started with a very sweet birthday wish from my loving husband at  midnight on the day before.

Morning came with the announcement from Princess Diya – "Aaj mumma ka birthday hai, isiliye mein school nahi jaunga!".

This followed by the chorus "Happy Birthday, Chachiji" by my nieces and nephew.

The whole day my cell phone kept ringing. (and I smiled each time I picked it.).

My Gmail overflowed with notifications from facebook when people all over the world left messages. (and I smiled each time I checked the unread mails.).

Went to the temple and was greeted by a whole new picture of My Kanhaji on the wall. It was as if he dressed specially for my birthday. I was mesmerized. ("Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder…", heard somewhere?)

Then we went to get treat items for dinner party at home. When we came  back, another surprise awaited us. The kids had arranged a mouth watering pineapple cake, candles that said "32" and even balloons….

We had a blast. 

I know this was one of the most memorable birthdays I ever had. Thanks for each one of you for making it so special for me…

I know I’ve been going through rough times these last few months. It was as if my Kanhaji was flooding my day with happiness, making each of you as an instrument of His wish in communicating to me that happy days are just starting. I was overwhelmed.

I also took a moment to be introspective. Here’s what came out… (Most of this is personal, but I am counting each of you as my best friend and sharing it as-is with you. I do not mean to hurt anyone’s feelings or pass comments etc. These are just my views. At this time and place. Nothing more.)

• It is easier to change yourself than to change others.
• You only have so much time to appreciate this life. You only have so much time to value things like friendships, love. To reach out to people. To give.
• It’s pointless wasting precious time chasing things you don’t think are worthy. I don’t think giving up material pleasures entirely is the way to live. But know what you need absolutely and what you can do without.
• Envy, greed even guilt and fear are emotions not worth keeping with you.
• A super-mom lives only in myths and fairy tales. And yes in television daily soaps. So do super-employees, super-wives, super-dads, super-<anyone>. Real life is all about balance. Each of us plays multiple roles in a day. Each of us are better at something, good at something else and not-so-good at some other stuff. It’s worthless trying to be super-good at everything.
• Each person you meet is intended to bring meaning to your life. Each smile you exchange is special. Don’t waste a single opportunity to smile.
• A successful Marathi actress once mentioned in a TV show – “Apal bhav-vishva sambhalun milavlel yash mhanaje khar yash.” Meaning, “when you achieve something while taking care of your emotional universe, that is real achievement.”
• It is not that important what people think about you. What matters is what you think when you stand in front of yourself. Your inside is far more important than the whole outside world. This is the most important lesson that life has taught me.

Hmm.. The list does not end really here. But I do not want to be too 32-ish, right on day 5 of my 32. So, I’ll save the rest of my ramblings for some subsequent posts.

I do sincerely hope this post and the others on this blog are helping you in some way – some giving you a handy tip on parenting, some on practical business plans, if nothing else, at least my words are making you think some new and worthy thoughts.

If there’s anything you would like to read here, please email me at varada dot sharma at gmail dot com or drop a comment on any post. I always try to respond to comments. 

Here’s to the splendid journey called ‘L.I.F.E.”. Thanks for making it a rich and fulfilling one for me.

Love you all, can’t thank you enough…

Sincerely,
~Varada

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* When Diya first learned that we were expecting, she made it a point to talk to my tummy each night and kiss Chotu good night.

* Everyone in our locality, Diya’s school, her school-bus stop friends everyone knew that a little someone would come in our family long before the due date.

* She practiced things like collecting her stuff for bath, taking a bath, brushing etc. so she could teach the same to Siya.

* She is also giving up on some bad habits like not-washing-hands-after-playing, because she wants Siya to learn good habits. This is still work-in-progress.

* The first day Diya met Siya, she had just returned from school and then she came to visit us in the hospital. Boy, was she thrilled!!! Beyond words! An hour later when she went back she kept telling each person on her way that her little sister had come. The little one would call her, ’Diya-didi’ and the little one was so pink like a tomato and the little one was so tiny like a doll. From them on for the four days I remained hospitalized after c-section, she made it a point to come daily and talk to Siya. And yes, BTW, it was Diya who decided to name her “Siya”.

* Even now when Siya cries for anything, Diya is the first one to reach her. She’ll sit besides her and talk to her, sing rhymes etc trying to console her…

Looking at all this I am often wet-eyed (officially I am blaming it on postpartum-stress!) and I silently pray to Lord Krishna to make them love each other unconditionally like this forever. Amen.

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I am mulling over such thoughts and staring at the walls of my bedroom. Staring back at me is Winnie – The Pooh, my favorite Disney character.

I’ve always loved Pooh. He is innocent, silly, funny, crazy-for-hunny, extremely kind and a great friend to have. Things are always happening in 100-Acre-Woods where he lives with his buddies – Piglet, Tiger, Rabbit, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Gopher, Heffalump and Christopher. They are always helping each other, discovering new things and simply being friendly. Pooh stickers on my wall are my personal reminders for just what we need to learn today.

Under the mad rat race in every field – relationships, business – everything, there’s a fundamental ingredient. We are all trying to find happiness. And we can find happiness in doing something only if our doing helps, benefits or simply pleases some real person. No technology is great for its own sake. It’s usage to people – whether it helps them grow their business or stay connected or simply have fun, is the crux. No business is successful if while doing it you are sacrificing precious time with your family. No amount of money is worth having if you cannot spend it for the people you love.

I know some of you might call me impractical, an emotional fool, but think about it for a moment and you’ll understand why I am choosing to stay hungry, stay Pooh-ish, stay with my little one as long as it takes for her to be healthy again even if it means stretching hard on my family budget.

p.s. Excuse me Rashmi Bansal, for naming this post similar to your book “Stay Hungry Stay Foolish”.

p.s. In case you are wondering, the above image is a collage of snaps from my bedroom wall. You too can order some wallies like the ones above from here.

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Fight-Fear-in-Toddlers&id=3613936

Don’t forget to add your valuable comments. Brickbats and bouquets both are equally welcome

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Last year on 26-Nov there were about 10 people who came to India illegally, ripped our security networks, targeted our financial capital (amchi Mumbai) and tore apart the faith of 1,139,964,932 people in our own justice and protection system. Even now I shudder at the thought of those images on my television screen. Each minute was gruesome. It was hell while it lasted.

But heck, all that is over, isn’t it? Can we take the lesson, benefit from it and move on?

There was also one other side of that midnight – people from all over India were extremely courageous, helpful even to strangers, immensely close knit during those times. Tell me how many of us ever prayed for strangers, wished to God to help innocent souls, really really meant and *felt* sympathy towards fellow Indians before? During Kargil war? I would think so. May be.

But at other peaceful times we bicker amongst ourselves over which tenant gets to park the car in front of a three storey apartment or we gossip about movie-icons and cricket-stars or indulge similar kind of nonsensical pass-times. Do we really bond as “Indians” during those times?

Every country has good as well as bad things. Corruption, crime infest each society. But do we really want to let a handful of evil thinkers get the better of 1,139,964,932 ? Do we let them ruin our achievements, happiness, peace & all-the-little-things-that-matter-big? Have a gala time with free publicity at our expense? Make us forget our triumph over tragedy?

I would never want to do it. Why did we do the parades, light candle etc on the day it started? Why not commemorate the day we WON over them? Why not do something special for the dear ones of the victims and let them know that they have their countrymen with them (and I just don’t mean Govt. grants and stuff… )?

India should be (and definitely CAN be) a symbol of hope over despair, light over darkness, joy over sadness. It is OUR country, our beloved “Bharat-maataa”, so who else will take care of her, if not us?

Think not about what this country did for you, instead ponder over what YOU did for INDIA….!

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The whole day was bad. I was convinced of it. I was a wannabe software engineer. I had 4 years of experience in various IT related fields. I had been a trainer, a project guide, a developer, and even a video editor in these 4 years. But all that had been “Once upon a time in Goa”. This was Bangalore and I still had to prove my worth to this electronic city.

 That day I had an appointment with CEO of a company. I wasn’t very keen on this job, but had agreed for the appointment when the HR person had called me. I didn’t think I would get many chances and whatever came my way, I had decided to go for it. During the 1 hr journey from Sheshadripuram to Airport Road, I talked myself into making a good impression, into using the chance even if it meant only to sustain out here. I knew only too well the reluctance of my parents to let me be on my own in this big city. Another 2 weeks and they would start asking me to come back. The thought of going back empty handed provided all the incentive (?!) needed to work hard over here.

Finally, I saw the familiar-by-now, Leela Palace and got down from the bus. Walking towards the office I said a silent prayer and asked God Almighty to give me what was best for everyone. Then there was a blur of activities and I found myself at the reception asking for the CEO, enquiring about my appointment with him. I was asked to take a seat, which I did and waited patiently. Minutes ticked by. My patience began wearing out.

After whole of 2 Hours, I saw a guy approach me. He asked, “What is the matter? Are you waiting for someone?” I answered, collecting all my sanity, begging myself to keep a cool head, “I have come to meet Mr. Shah. HR person has fixed our appointment. This is regarding the interview I have cleared and my posting in this organization.” Enquiring eyes almost mocked me as he said, “I am Shah, the CEO of this company. But I don’t remember anything about this appointment. Let me see…” With that he did a 180-degree turn and walked out. I hoped at least now I can speak to him and be done with it. I gathered my papers and almost perched at the edge of the sofa, ready to go. My surprise on knowing he was the CEO had saved me from bursting out at him, which, ironically, was to my advantage.

Another 5 minutes followed and then I was met by a young guy. He smiled at me, I smiled back. Almost hearing before he spoke, what I wanted to hear, “You may go in…” But no, that wasn’t what he was saying. He told me, “Sorry Ma’m. Sir is busy and cannot see you today. Our HR person will get in touch with you and let you know.” He couldn’t have cared less.

I thought of myself sitting nervously, worried about another interview which I had had to postpone because of this one. I thought of these people playing with someone else’s time, effort. That was the last straw. Something snapped inside me and I spoke in clear ringing voice, “How could you do that? It was Your HR person who asked me to come here, today. I was here before time, canceling other things for this one and now after so long you tell me to go away. Is this fair?” Futile words were exchanged and I walked back.

I felt all burnt out, cheated, betrayed and God-knows-what. I kept fretting over things, boiling blood while going over the same scenes again and again. I didn’t realize when I reached Shivajinagar and took another bus to my place. Crowded bus added to my dismay.

And then, something changed. A group of school kids entered the bus. People accommodated them. I guessed they were regulars on this bus. The driver seemed quite pally with them and some passengers too. I lost myself in their activities. So much that I almost forgot to notice that these were special kids. Challenged. Unable to communicate with language and words like us normal people. As this realization hit home, I was ashamed. Here was I: a healthy capable person, gifted by all the faculties and natural abilities. I could talk, communicate, reach out. Easily. And here were these kids: nature had cast them aside in many ways, normal things like speech which I took for granted, was a hurdle that lay in their path every moment of their life. They would be facing various types of treatments from other people, sympathy from grown-ups, ridicule from their healthy peers, may be even hate and contempt from some insensitive souls. But they had a gift of laughter about them, a survival kit of sunshine which they spread liberally.

More than anything any interview or the preparation there of has ever taught me, I learnt something that day. From these young ones. A line I had read somewhere flashed to my mind. “Be a sun beam. There are many people who are in need of one!!!” With a smile on my sweating face, I vowed to pursue this mission.

Note: This post was earlier posted on my old blog, “A mused mind”.

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When I was a kid, Diwali mostly was an affair to meet people, make new friends, play with old friends and eat homemade stuff from all over my Nani’s (grandmother’s) village.

In Goa and in some parts of Maharashtra / Karnataka, Diwali is a festival celebrated to rejoice for Kanhaji’s victory over Narakasur (the demon who captured 1100 beautiful princesses and he was planning to slay them). We burn the idol of Narakasur and enact the victory of good over evil. This is a grand event with competitions held across villages for the best Narakasur idol etc, which runs throughout the night before Diwali. On the morning of Diwali, mom would wake us up while it was still almost dark (if we ever slept at all) and get us bathed with Utan (wonderful smelling ayurvedic powder mixed with oil and applied as a moisturizing body lotion). Then we would  go to the Tulasi Vrindavan in our garden and with the big tow of left foot burst “Karit”, a bitter fruit and taste its juice. Begin the festival this way signified that life may be bitter at times, but there are still reasons to celebrate.

We kids and the male members of household would go from one neighbor’s place to other visiting them, wishing them and eating pohe with them. Similarly they would come to our place.

Then the whole day would unfold with games we played with all the kids. Hide & seek, “Dongar ki Pani” (mountain or water) in temple courtyard. Or we just slept for a long time, lazed around, telling and listening to stories with cousins.

Evening would mean a time to show off all our paper lanterns, and paper based decorations. Everything we had been creating and sticking, hanging around the house and garden for days before Diwali. We would have pooja of Goddess Laxmi in our house and then light some crackers. Again, this pooja was an affair made grand by visiting neighbours and friends. I remember my Nani sending us kids with dishes she made and knew that someone in the village liked it. No matter what age or caste the village people belonged to.

All the celebration was centered around keeping your household sparkling clean, kitchen smelling mouth-wateringly wonderful, rooms full of lights, warmth and welcome for friends and people in the community. In general, the financially lower class people would be made to feel a part of the village community.

We didn’t have expensive gifts or crackers, nor ready made dresses and sweets. But these things-that-money-can-buy, didn’t count so much. Because we had love of our family and friends. Is it not how we should really celebrate our festivals? Liking people and using things (instead of the other way round)? Giving back to society and sharing instead of remaining simply a “grab-it-all, make-it-mine”?

Think about it….!

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Well, I came under some “medical condition” lately, that kept me and my family worried. Days of angst -– just didn’t realize when they turned into weeks and almost a month went by without me doing anything to reach out. Now things are better. Improving. So I thought of bouncing back.

I did do a few things between these days. Mostly the things that could take my mind off the worries and physical discomfort:
1. I read books – The complete Twilight Saga series. (When I was confined to bed.)
2. Completed a couple beading projects (When I was well enough to sit up)
3. Sought help from my sister and got her agreed to keep you company in case I have to disappear from the blogosphere anytime without advance notice. She’ll be contributing regularly and will cover for me if I fall off the face of this earth.

I’ll surely post more on my beading projects and books shortly. For now let me introduce you to my sister.

Her name is Dhanashri / Pranjali. Being 6 yrs younger to me she is almost like a baby to me than a younger sister. As I spent most of my schooling time in a residential school, I was not so close to her during our childhood. But when I came home and lived with my parents for my college studies, we became really inseparable. She’s vivacious, witty and  very enthusiastic about life in general. I’ll let you watch this space for more from her instead of me doing all the talking… I’m sure you’ll enjoy her company

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