DECEMBER 2009

It's  December  and the year is ending !!! Unbelievable , it's just like....I've just blinked and the time to bid 2009 a good bye ! It's been such an exciting month so far with the Christmas mood , holiday season and sales of course ! That also mean it's time for us to be prepared , rewind the past events , good , bad and the ugly , learn from mistakes and keep going to face life.

Oh... it feels like just yesterday I was in school....! Overall 2009 was  a good year , but I do have a feeling that I've lost my grandma. Certain things are just beyond our hand. I am soooo missing Malaysia and India.

Tahoe revisited !

It was a great experience visiting the Napa and we thought it would be good to chill down over the snows. Totally a last minute plan , we decided to revisit Lake Tahoe again for this snowy season. Overall it was an average trip due to the extreme cold , and I ended up getting frostnip on my fingers as a result of playing with the snow on the top mountain. Tahoe is a beauty , for the first time I saw the frozen lake , cant believe my eyes that I actually dipped myself in that lake during the summer ! Extra ordinary creamy snow , rather it was scarry to drive !

Thanksgiving Day 2009

It was an awesome weekend I get to go out after my wisdom tooth extraction ! Yay ! Mother nature was glowing in beauty like a perfect woman. We started driving all the way to Napa Valley , it was a great journey enjoying every side of  green Bay area. Here are some pics to share ! xoxo.

Long absence , away from Blog :))) My Wisdom toothache !

For all friends who've been so nice and mailed me asking why I am not active in blogging , thank you for all your concern and care !

I've been a little out of mood due to my wisdom toothache. It's been a hectic , busy week since Diwali festival , trying to re-organize myself in many ways. It was all of sudden I developed an infection in my impacted wisdom tooth which were supposed to be extracted long time back :)

Finally went to Dr.Maccaulay's office and then to one of the best oral surgeon , Dr.Kim. Aaah...what a caring person he was ! I am almost curing now , actually had my chinese eggplant meal yesterday :)

I will certaily get back to my blog write up once I am all well ! Thanks once again all !

Moonlight Birthday

It was an awesome day , with lots of greetings and blessings from near and dear ones , friends as far as thousands of miles away , wishes flooded my emails and phone calls.........I am much speechless to express my gratitude on all the sentiments expressed by them !!

I must admit this is definitely one of the best birthdays ever ! Spent a lovely time at SFO ! Thank you once again for all the wishes , I am humbled by the love shared !

The headaches back home!

2 years and I'm still waiting when we will be really having a break away from work and California. Since we were travelling between India, Malaysia and so on, we couldn't make it for the pre wedding photo shoot :( 

Mom kept getting phone calls from Sufy , the girl I've booked my package with , hmmm why cant Malaysians leave their email id  out so that I can catch them online. Life is so tough living abroad when you have things to do back home!

The paid bill :(

Another headache is on discontinuing the streamyx connection at home. It's 2 am and I've been hanging on phone trying to connect the inefficient TM customer service. To disconnect the internet, I have to be present in Malaysia, you mean anyone living out of  Malaysia have no rights to cancel their service signed on years ago ?  It's ridiculous and frustrating.Anyway keeping my fingers crossed I hope that by sending an authorization letter and a copy of my IC asking my brother to disconnect the line works.

 This is driving me nuts!!

Festival of Lights , Diwali

An auspicious day to look forward for all Hindus in the world....because it's time to light up our home with the light of joy and happiness ! It's Deepavali / Diwali joy.The Festival of Lights signify the victory of good over the evil within us…

As a child , I've always looked forward this festival. On this  festival day , everyone starts  waking up early in the morning before sunrise and having an oil bath… and the whole day, we will be in the festive mood… New dresses… Sweets… Bursting crackers… Watching the special TV programs and visiting friends home. Aah.. those days of childhood where we visit our grandma's home in Port Dickson.... she would do some traditional sweets like laddoos and ghee balls. Such a fun filled childhood. Diwali really means a lot for kids.

Whenever we speak or think about this festival, we would be getting the thoughts of above joy and happiness… In one side as we all are celebrating in the festive mood… there is another side of people that we have to think about…

Right now my  thoughts are on the other side of people , who are celebrating the same festival by just looking at the colorful lights in the sky…? Yes… Children in orphanages… Aged people in homes… Helpless men, women & children on roads… It is not that these people don’t want to celebrate the festival as we do… It is that they are in a situation that they cannot…and I can truly understand how they feel. The most beautiful thing in the world is sharing. I wish I could share all my joys and happiness and light up someone's life.... ! It hurt me the most when I first visited India , a scene which I've never seen in my life before. Do such scenes still exist in the world ? I could not just control my tears seeing small babies , ladies carrying infants and begging for a rupee. There are parents who've been abandoned by their own children. When everyone screams of joy and happiness , what do these people deserve loneliness and pains.... just looking at others...  I want to do something instead of feeling pity for them…when I get the right opportunity.

I am looking forward the real "Ananda Deepavali" ie Joyful Diwali where I can really share the happiness of lights with people who are less fortunate. I also cant wait to meet my family back in Malaysia and India. No festival is perfect without family members around us.

The words of Swami Sivananda have been ringing in my ears..... "All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of inner light of the self. Merge yourself in this light of lights and enjoy the bliss of the brightest of lights - God".


 Wishing everyone a very happy , prosperous and safe Diwali !

Amma....Mommy....Mom...being a Great Mother !

Parenting is a skill , this is what I've learnt throughout my life , I must admit that being a teacher back in Malaysia has taught me a handful of  knowledge on child psychology .There are ways of being a great Mom ! Discipline is the keyword , teach them that discipline is a form of  love.

1) Patience is everything. It’s easy to lose our patience, and infinitely more difficult to reign it in and redirect it toward a more positive route. Yet allowing our children to see us overly frustrated is never a best case scenario. Go for a walk, take a deep breath, count to ten… or 100. But practice patience from the beginning and you will likely find you have raised a patient child. Remember that children emulate what they see !

2) Reading session -  Make sure you read your daily newspaper in front of your child. You have every tool you need to help your children grow up smart. Endowing children with powerful vocabulary at the earliest possible time is critical to their cognitive development. Start when they are babies, and don’t stop just because they are suddenly able to read the words themselves. Reading with your child is not only a wonderful time for mutual bonding, it also helps to establish a habit that your children can carry forever. Read to them positive stories , inspire them with historical places or people. Try seeding the fruit of knowledge to your child at an early stage.

3) Time - Treasure  your time with your little ones. The years will turn to vapor soon enough. Today , almost all the moms are working full-time. This gets them so busy handling their own frustrations and doing their own things. Most of the people that I've known send their kids to baby sitters or leave them with grand parents ( especially in Asian countries ! ). Nothing can be compared to what a PARENT teach their kids. I have seen mothers who blame the grand parents for the discipline failure ! This is so wrong , no matter what , after work at the end of the day , mother / father must sit together with the child and ask whats going on his/her mind. This will not only build your relationship with your kid but also a signal that you care for the child. One should never miss seeing the child's growth !

4) Daddy - Treat dad with respect. If you show disrespect to your man , you are crushing a part of your child’s soul and damaging a bit of their future. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, respect is always free.  Remember, children learn by example and you are their constant model. Show your son how to properly treat a woman and show your daughter what to look for in a man.

5) Attitude - Show good  behaviour. Don’t do things in front of your child that you wouldn’t want them to do.Never ever argue or fight in front of your child , the behavior will be registered  in your child’s eyes and mind. The same goes for all bad manners and negative attitudes like greed, laziness, making fun of others , anger, and the like. Be yourself, but be your best version as long as your children are watching. Show love and commitment to each other , definitely the child will grow up to be a good father / mother !

6) Give a chance. Children are often far more capable than what many adults allow themselves to believe. The earlier you start inoculating your child with independence, the more they will be able to help you and themselves to become more capable, well-rounded people. Yes, it can feel frustrating to take the time to teach a two year old to do something that you could do in a fraction of the time, but soon she will be three and have a strong skill set you can easily build upon. You can raise a child with a “Yes I can!” attitude, if you start with “yes you can” first. Dont keep feeding them , let them carry their plate and attempt their meal , yes they will mess up a little but at times we need to let them be and learn at young age. Let them do their own colouring.

7) Individuality. Each of us are unique, yet it is all too easy to project ourselves and our desires onto our children. This rarely does them or us any good. It’s okay to guide them in the right direction, but we should never try to mould our children into what we want at the expense of allowing their true selves to flourish. The best you can do as a parent is to instill your child with the best values you can until those valued are internalized, then stand back and wait for the tree to bear fruit. You want your child to be their best, but sometimes they have to find it themselves. Dont keep nagging to study , play or forcefully do something. Every child is blessed with a talent. Some are good in sports , music or science.... so identify what makes them to excel rather than making them to do what you want them to do.

8) Unity. Never allow your child to think they can come between you and dad. Unless there is blood or vomit involved, it is probably best to agree in front of the extra set of tiny eyes, and then settle your differences in private. Mom and Dad must always be a team and stand together with every decision. If you want your child to know they can’t penetrate the perimeter of your unity, you have to prove it. And on that note, it’s okay to say NO and mean it when you do. Don’t surrender to their whining or you are only teaching them that it is an effective means of getting their way.

9) Be human. Yes, almost all of us are required to work and no, we can’t always be attendant to our child’s every need. But we can do our best with the time we have, and never make our children feel as though they are a burden to our schedules. Make sure to set aside sacred time each day exclusively for them, and don’t allow anything frivolous to breach the significance of that time. Plan your time to spend with your child , be it running around the park , shopping , playing basketball or even cleaning your home. This will also discipline them to take care of themselves !

10) Be real. Just be yourself. Let your children see all sides of you. Be funny, strict, tender; affectionate, serious and vulnerable. By allowing your children to see all sides of you, you will be helping them to understand themselves infinitely more.

No list of  tips will make you a better anything, not without application placed behind the principles ! Do your best every day and if you fumble, do your best to start over tomorrow. The best tip, however, isn’t on the list above....use common sense and know that your children are watching everything you do. Though you might not realize it, you are the world to them. Do all that you can to make that world a pleasant place to live.

Beauty Tips....

These were the magical words of Audrey Hepburn......... simply love her !

For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness.


For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.


And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows !

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi. Great soul.

“Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood.” – Einstein

It all started on a fine night , when I sat with my mom and dad to watch Gandhi film ( Sir Richard Attenborough ) , I was only 4 years old then ! I clearly remember how my parents forced me to sit next to them and watch this movie of the century ! I have started liking Gandhi since then. I must say that in fact , Gandhi inspired me to  read Law  :) For the ever first time in my life , I toured  India in 2002. We're blessed to witness the spirituality , that's when I started telling my friends that India is a Land of  Miracle ! We're lucky enough to visit the Kanya Kumari district in  Tamil Nadu , India and see the famous Gandhi Memorial ( Gandhi Mandapam ). I fell in love with the portrait of a young Gandhi , whom graduated as a barrister ! I just adore him for his ways and teachings. Practicing  his teachings are definitely an accomplishment in life !

Gandhi’s teachings in our daily life ,  all his message about peace and non-violence ( Ahimsa )  is more pertinent than ever before today.

The six golden words or key lessons are :

1. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

This is possibly Gandhi’s most famous phrase and tells us that before we can go and change the world, we have to change ourselves.From the being, comes the doing and ultimately the having.So we now have the message – “Do the change you wish to see in the world”.


Focus on changing yourself and being the change you wish – and soon we can begin to look at the bigger picture and solve the world’s challenges.

There is this anecdotal story about how a mother came with her son to see Gandhi. She wanted Gandhi to tell her son to stop eating too much sugar as it was harmful for his health. He asked her to come back a month later by which time he himself had cut down on his own sugar intake.

The point is that before you can get anyone to take on your own teachings, you have to apply them to your own life. There are various phrases to reflect this message such as “practise what you preach” and “walk the talk”.

“Let your life be your message” – Gandhi

Is your life the message you want to give the world?


When will you be the change you want the world to be?


2. Reduce, reuse and recycle

“There is enough in the world for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed” – Gandhi

Even in Gandhi’s time there was vast disparity in the world between the rich and the poor. He could see how the world’s resources were being pilloried to satisfy the excessive demands of the West whilst most people in the rest of the world were barely surviving.


3. Live a simple, minimalist life.

Gandhi lived a very simple, frugal life. He died with very few possessions and he preached simplicity and minimalism in all areas of life.

He also dressed simply and even persisted with his simple Indian loin cloth when he visited England and met the King. When asked if he was under dressed for a meeting with the King, Gandhi replied that the King had enough clothes on for both of them ! Minimalism is something I am beginning to apply in my life too. Start living a simpler minimalistic life from today – and you will release a lot of time and energy to bring more of Gandhi’s teachings into the world.


4. If no one walks with you, walk alone

Believe in your cause, follow your truth and stick to your journey even if you have to walk the path on your own. Gandhi at the end of his life was said to be heart broken with the partition of India as millions were killed and displaced. Even then, he still had a message for the world – it takes just one man to make a difference.

If no one responds to your call, go forward alone.


If no one talks to you, oh luckless one,


If everyone turns away from you in fear,


Reveal your thoughts and express your ideas to yourself.


If everyone leaves you while you are travelling a dangerous road,


If no one wants to look after you,


Walk on alone, on the road strewn with thorns, trampling on them with bleeding feet.


If no one shows a light, if in the dark stormy night everyone shuts their doors,


Use your rib as a torch, lit from the fire of thunder. – Rabindrantah Tagore


So anything and everything you do counts and will make a difference.


5. Get your power through humility

Gandhi was a very humble, down to earth, ordinary human-being but therein lay his power and authority. His power came from being very clear about who he was, his values and his mission. So the clearer you are about who you are and what you stand for,the more power you will exert in the world, whilst remaining humble and as down to earth as you wish. Power what I mean here is not the power that corrupts but one that changes the world and makes a positive contribution.

6. Start today

“The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would solve most of the world’s problems” – Gandhi

Believe that what you do matters, and that it will make a difference.

You can’t save the whole world single-handedly, and we can’t all be a Gandhi or a Mandela, but you can certainly make a difference to one person at a time. So look for ways to contribute. Ask yourself what special skill or knowledge you have that can solve a problem or make the best of a situation and that will help or support others.


Start small – and get started no matter what. They too started small one day at the beginning of their own life journeys.

So fear not – you already have and know enough – new skills will come for sure as you progress on your journey. And whatever you choose to do, it will make a difference.


The point is that everything we do matters and makes either a positive or a negative impact on everything around us.

You can start today to apply Gandhi’s message in your life, simply by focussing on this one question:-


How can I bring more love and peace into my life today?

Just know that every little bit helps and by you being more loving and peaceful, the rest of the world becomes more loving and peaceful too.


After all, we all have a “Gandhi” inside of us, just waiting to emerge.



What makes one person a Gandhi or a Dr Martin Luther King? Is it pure coincidence or do such inspirational historic figures have some special powers?

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify and vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as crazy, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs, Apple

(  The Salt Satyagraha was a campaign of nonviolent protest against the British salt tax in colonial India which began with the Salt March to Dandi on March 12, 1930 ).

Slow down to enjoy life !

In this modern world , everything seems to moving extremely fast that we at times even need some "air" to breath !! I just dont understand the concept of  multi-tasking :))

Early morning , I see women who applies her mascara whilst driving , how ridiculous is that ? Rush , rush , rush hours. I feel this will only shorten our life span !

Why dont we slow down a little bit to enjoy life ??? Have anyone felt like this before ? I hate last minute work , last minute travel plans. Doing one thing at a time makes a lot of difference.

I have had women who said it off on my face " You are very slow " and claimed  "I'm super fast in anything , I do things very quickly"  ....well to many people , blowing their own trumpet works well to gain attention or to feel better :P

I dont know why do one have to judge another from top to toe. This is correct , that is wrong... very intimidating nature. Enjoying what we are doing is important to me. I just dont like rushing as though sky is going to fall on earth !

I dont like to wash vessels in my kitchen for the sake of washing , but I prefer to wash them carefully and ensure they are clean. I dont like to hurry taking shower , I cannot eat fast , I cannot quickly finish my prayers , simply because I dont do things for the SAKE of doing it.

I love doing what I enjoy , I eat slowly and taste every bits of  it ! It's quality not quantity.

Many of  us  forget to slow down and enjoy our family , friends and  nature around us. We dont really know how lucky we are............. god's most precious gift is LIFE , so LIVE , LET LIVE and LIVE TO THE FULLEST !

The light , the change.......

Day started as usual and was surprised to hear some good news :) The journey of  a thousand miles begins in one single step ! Happy for Bujji !

Just a lazy Sunday.....

An unusual weekend.....:) spent just at home lazing and watching "Cellular" movie , being a fan of Chris Evans... and had good homemade guacamole sandwiches.... for the first time , we went for a tamil cinema together. Unnaipol Oruvan , was a good movie of Kamal.

Rotini in Salsa and Zucchini

Just an evening spent very lovely  today !

Patrick Swayze...

Loved his movies , a great actor. RIP Patrick !

Tennis mom's nite !!

Two years off to get married and become a mother, returned just to defeat Caroline Wozniacki, 7-5, 6-3.

Yesterday  night, Clijsters was the graceful participant during the ugly finish of her 7-5, 6-4 semifinal win over Serena Williams where the defending champion argued obscenely and threateningly over a late-match call for a foot fault. Clijsters won that match when Williams was penalized a point, match point, abut was denied a chance to celebrate in the aftermath.

But after beating Wozniacki, Clijsters celebrated without abandon. Her winning point was an emphatic overhead. As soon as the ball landed, Clijsters dropped to her knees. She got up in time to hug Wozniacki and acknowledge the roar from the 23,000 in the stadium as she wiped away joyous tears.

Spectacular Sunday nite , it was an awesome match ! Congrats Kim Clijsters !

Roger Federer at US Open 2009 semifinal

Just watched an outrageous "hot-dog" tennis shot from Roger Federer in the US Open Final against Novak Djokovic,  the greatest tennis shot ever! What a super shot !

A magic comeback - Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters magic comeback at US Open 2009 ! At 5-3 in the final set of a match that has brought the women’s championship of the US Open to vibrant life, Kim Clijsters urged herself on with a “C’mon” every bit as guttural and frightening as those trademarks of her one-time fiance , Lleyton Hewitt.

The magic worked. Not only is Clijsters, who is playing only the third tournament of her comeback after quitting the tour in 2007 to start a family, into the quarter-finals of the only grand-slam tournament she has won, but in doing so she put Venus Williams to the sword in an hour and half. There were so many extraordinary fluctuations that Mary Carillo, in the CBS TV booth, was moved to describe it as “whack-a-doo” tennis.

Today's match with Serena....Kim deserves this win ! Awaiting tomorrow's match ! Go Kim !!!

LOVE

"Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition".


Alexander Smith

Change your Karma !

Fall seven times, stand up eight.” - Japanese proverb

It’s inevitable: sometimes, life just doesn’t go your waychedule gets all messed up. You fail to follow your plan. Someone is mean to you. You feel like quitting something. You want to curl into a little ball and cry.

Life deals out its blows, and leaves us discouraged, angry, frustrated, depressed, drained. And once we’re in that bad place, in a mood where we just don’t care about anything, it’s pretty hard to get out of it.

But let me share a little secret to happiness and self-improvement here: all that stuff? It’s just in your head.

Yeah, it sure doesn’t seem like it. It seems that the slings and arrows of life are all coming at us. It feels like we’re a failure. But it’s true. It’s all in your mind.

How can I trivialize horrible things that happen to you like that? By making it seem like a simple mental problem? Because that’s what it is, and once you realize that, you are liberated — you have the power to change your circumstances!

It’s not an easy task, I’ll give you that. It’s incredibly, monumentally hard. Changing your mind and changing your life is a mental hurdle worthy of the titans. But it can be done. All it takes is a few mental tricks, and a lot of energy and willingness to keep an open mind.

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.” - Swedish proverb


Let me give you an example , for the last couple years, I’ve struggled with exercise. I actually enjoy running and working out, but there are days when I don’t feel like doing a thing, or when I feel under the weather, and those days can stretch out to a week and that week can stretch into a few weeks. And then I’ve fallen off the exercise wagon and it feels like I can’t get back on. Gone were those days where I used to be a fitness freak ! Oh....just name it...I've done most of it with hectic schedule , classical indian dancing , yoga , gym , running....! I played hockey and volleyball with my high school students ! It was all till I went to London in the name of studies and life took a 360 degrees turn against me.....! I survived against all the odds... despite undergoing a surgery in London , not able to walk properly for a couple of months......returning home and concentrating on health first......I've missed all the enjoyment of exercise !


But then I use the first couple of tricks below, and my mindset changes. I switch on the positive attitude, and realize that my failure to exercise is actually just a stepping stone to fitness success. And looking back, I’ve had 6-7 of these failures, or stepping stones, and they’ve all led me further down the path to fitness. Today, I exercise almost every day, and I’m loving it.

The same is true of every other success I’ve had. This blog, for example, is a success in my eyes, but I’ve had points where I was discouraged by negative comments or emails. I flipped that discouragement around, however, and used the comments to help myself improve.

I had many failures along the way to eliminating my problems, but I made it there in the end, by not quitting. I have faced many tests of my patience and character, and failed not a few of those too. But through practice, I’ve gotten better, and while I’m not perfect, I know that I’ll only continue to improve if I keep the same mindset.

It’s all in your mind. Here are  tricks I use to turn anything bad into something truly awesome.

The power of positive thinking. I learned the power of positive thinking while I was quitting drinking coffee ( I used to drink 10-11 cups of coffee when I was in college ! ). When you just don’t see the point of all this suffering. And yet, if you realize that it’s just negative thinking, you can squash that negative thought like a little bug. Then replace it with a positive thought (I CAN do this!) and you’re back on the road to success. Recognize negative thoughts, squash them, and find positive thoughts to replace them. Works every time.

Failure is a stepping stone to success. This is what I tell myself every time I fall. I get up, dust myself off, and start again. Each failure shows you an obstacle you didn’t anticipate, and you can plan to beat that obstacle next time. Each failure brings you that much closer to winning. And you know what? Every single time I’ve told myself that, so far, it’s been true. I’ve succeeded. Getting back up is the main thing. The mantra is I keep on trying , not giving up.

Practice patience. This is what I tell myself when I get frustrated, when someone is difficult, when I begin to lose my patience. First, I vent somehow (talking to a friend or my mom or hubby  is one of the best ways for me). Then, I tell myself that this is a great way for me to practice my patience. Sometimes, I have to repeat this to myself like a mantra, but it works nonetheless.

Learning experience. Similar to the “stepping stone to success” trick above, but it can be used for anything, not just failure. If I make a mistake, if I make the wrong choice, if I have a bad day … I just see it as an opportunity to learn. Then I review it in my head, trying to figure out what went wrong, trying to learn from my mistakes. If you see learning as a wonderful thing, as I do, then you can see every mistake as a blessing.

Makes you stronger. “That which does not kill us only makes us stronger,” goes the famous saying. And while that’s not always true (sometimes we can be left weakened and ruined), I’ve found it to be true in most cases. Something is difficult? I will be a stronger person for having endured it. This has been the case for me when I went through problems as an adult striving hard to study and living in London , when I had stressful and trying times at various jobs , despite having friends who are not nice to you when you are nice to them ! I became a better person because of it.

Test of your character. I like tests and challenges. It motivates me to step up to another level, to see if I can meet the challenge. This is the case with my first marathon, which was very difficult for me (for various reasons). It wasn’t a particularly enjoyable experience for me, but I just saw it as a test. And when I passed that test, it was a joyous thing for me. This is true any time you go through a trying time — see it as a challenge, and try to meet that challenge. And when you do, you’ll feel great about yourself.

Turn the other cheek. Jesus said that instead of taking an eye for an eye, if someone hits you, just turn the other cheek. I don’t know many people who can meet this monumental challenge. I’ve tried it. It’s not easy, and the desire to avenge any wrongs is hard to quash. However, I believe that even making an effort at this will make you a better person. It goes not just for physical wrongs to you, but anything that anyone does to you. They call you a name? Thank them. There will be some people who say that you have to meet force with force, or people will walk all over you. To this I say, “Where does it end?” And I also say, “You are merely stooping to their level.” Rise above the pettiness of others, and become a better human being.

Love your enemy.It is one of life’s greatest challenges !  When you have anger toward another human being, give this a try. If you succeed, to any degree whatsoever, you will rejoice in this success. It is a miraculous thing.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Winston Churchill

Appreciate others and be happy !

This strategy works so well and it’s so simple. You can do this at home, at work, with friends, family or even with anyone at all.

You could even do it with a stranger. What the heck am I talking about?

I’m talking about feeling good. There is something you can do right now that will make you feel better almost instantly and here’s how to do it.

In order to feel better fast, you want to stop thinking about yourself and you want to turn your attention to others. You want to start thinking about someone else. And when you do this, you want to do something very specific… you want to tell that other person how much you appreciate them.

It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?

Well it works and here’s why. When you tell someone how much you appreciate them, you make them feel better; and when you make someone else feel better, you also feel better.

Make others feel better and you’ll feel better – and what better way to make others feel better than by letting them know that you appreciate them.

-There's nothing to lose in making ourselves happy and bringing in that million dollar smile in others ! Smile doesnt cost a thing !!!

Mother's Love

We are blessed to have wonderful parents. Today , I received a big parcel from my mom in Malaysia through USPS. In a couple of weeks , we will be getting another parcel from my in laws back in India. It's so hard to explain that the love of parents......still treating us like kids though we are all grown up ! Still a kid to our parents. God bless them always with good health and happiness. Love u all !


“If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. The thing is to get the work done.”
- Dale Carnegie

Panic day !

One my fav place to walk, lost my stuff under the tunnel :))

This is the second time of the year I've been under "panic attack" ! As usual went for my  4  miles walk... lost my cell phone in case with my California Driver's licence in it! Finally found it back on my return under the Guadalupe River trail tunnel ! :)) Thanks Bee !!

Ponder corner

"Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate."


~ William Arthur Ward ~

A Full moon day to remember...Sept 3

A beautiful day. A dance , words can't describe. To be dancing after 8 years...... Thank u for this beautiful day. A Pournami ( full moon day ) to remember lifelong.

Remembering The Princess of Wales

Wow! Its been 12 years since the death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997. Can you believe how fast time flies? It seems like yesterday I was waking up to get ready to college and read the morning news to find her death sprawled all over the front page. As I was always a fan, I was saddened by this. A woman who had selflessly given herself to help others in time of need. She did a lot for humanity and I certainly miss her presence here on earth.

Absolutely beautiful person inside out , she proved to be the people's princess. Princess Diana blossomed from a shy, private member of the British aristocracy into the people's princess. She was the most photographed member of the Royal Family, but the demand for pictures intruded on her private life even to her death. Truly an icon , she was a tireless campaigner for the dispossessed and disadvantaged, a woman whose support for individual organisations has been described as 'incalculable'.

I still remember the day I met the Prince of  Wales when I was in Buckingham University , where I was given the once in lifetime opportunity to welcome him with a bouquet of flowers ! It was an odd day which I did not know I was chosen to represent the students and I was in my Indian dress ! The Prince thought I'm from India and told me that I reminded him of the Princess because she loves to wear lots of Indian dresses ( Salwar Khameez ). He spoke of his fond memories , visiting Thailand when I informed him that I hailed from Malaysia :)

Happy Birthday Malaysia !

It was one sweet day when I sat with my parents , talked about "Merdeka" stories. "Merdeka" means "Freedom". A lot of stories........not just one but so many things I learnt , how Indians came and settled in Malaysia , the hard and rough times , the importance of being part of the nation.

Those were the days , sitting on daddy's lap and listening to stories about anything and everything. I appreciate what we are blessed with and the hard times all those national heroes done for us. Today we are enjoying the fruits of their hard work , the struggle they've done for MALAYSIA. Happy 52nd Birthday Malaysia !! August 31....will always be remembered no matter what :)

Those beautiful days I've spent my childhood....... for what makes me a Malaysian...... the list goes on for me to feel proud of being a Malaysian !!! Things I really miss now :

1. Nasi Lemak the pure vegetarian taste
2. Roti Canai & Teh Tarik - 12 a.m at Mamak stall
3. Mee Goreng , I ate Kakha mee , Mamak mee goreng
4. Maggie mee is our national noodles :)
5. Sri Jaya and mini bus @ Bus Mini Wilayah
6. Pasar malam ( Night market )
7. Fresh soya beans and tau foo fah
8. Rojak
9. Going to Pudu Raya station to travel anywhere !
10. Subang Jaya International Airport now it's KLIA
11. The lovely view of KLCC and KL Tower at night ( visible from my bedroom )
12. The Merdeka celebrations at Dataran Merdeka
13. The beautiful Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad
14. The tropical paradise
15. LRT , Monorail
16. Genting Highlands Theme Park , casinos
17. Langkawi Island
18. Brickfields and Bangsar as the Little India
19. KLCC shopping mall and Midvalley Mall
20. Ice Kacang !!!
21. Cendol
22. Putu mayyam and Idiappam
23. Appam balik at Leboh Ampang
24. P.Ramlee movies
25. Travelling to Port Dickson and beach fun
26. Durian
27. Mangosteen
28. Rambutan
29. Mata Kuching fruit
30. Our diverse language and dialects and mixed english !
31. All the festivals , Chinese New Year , Deepavali , Thaipusam , Hari Raya , Christmas...!
32. My FAMILY !
33. My friends !!!

Definitely , I'm proud to be a Malaysian !! Happy Birthday Malaysia !

Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy - "Liberal Lion of the Senate"

America has had a few precious individuals who are both passionate about social justice and who also understand deep in their bones its practical meaning. Ted Kennedy is definitely an American hero. A master politician called "Liberal Lion of the Senate" , who altered the shape of American life more completely than any other member of his storied political family.

A great leader , a great democrat and a great man. He demonstrated the true nobility of public service and he was an inspiration to all. We have a duty to ensure that his commitment to human and civil rights is carried on ! His passing is an inestimable loss.

Chris Gardner

Christopher Paul Gardner born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a self-made millionaire, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist who, during the early 1980s, struggled with homelessness while raising his toddler son, Christopher, Jr. Gardner's book of memoirs, "The Pursuit of Happyness."

As of 2006, he is CEO of his own stockbrokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co, based in Chicago, Illinois, where he resides when he is not living in New York City. Gardner credits his tenacity and success to the 'spiritual genetics' handed down to him by his mother, Bettye Jean Triplett, née Gardner,and to the high expectations placed on him by his children, son Chris Jr. and daughter Jacintha.Gardner's personal struggle of establishing himself as a stockbroker while managing fatherhood and homelessness is such a fact of reality which made me adore this man !

Magical words of Chris Gardner which he quoted, could inspire everyone , even a child : -

1. "I was homeless , but wasnt hopeless , I knew a better day was coming."
2. "It's ok to fail , but you cant quit.....and most importantly you cant quit on yourself".

3. "The cavalry ain't coming. You got to do this yourself".

4. "Baby steps count , as long as you are moving forward. You add them all up , one day you look back and you will be surprised at where you might get to".

5. "Though my mom had too many of her own dreams denied , deferred and destroyed , she instilled in me that I could have dreams. Not just dreams but had a responsibility to make them a reality. My mom taught me from an early age that I could do anything I wanted to do."

With so many people wondering why their life aren't what they'd hoped to be , Gardner is a model and an idea that you can do anything to which you set your mind , but you have to do it no matter what , even if you have to do it yourself , alone !

Season's ending

Sensing Fall already !!! I'm gonna miss Summer !

Ganesh Chaturthi 2009

Ganesha Chaturthi or Ganesha Festival is a day on which Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi in Sanskrit,. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). Typically, the day falls sometime between August 20 and September 15. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi.


In 1893, Lokmanya Tilak, an Indian nationalist, social reformer and freedom fighter reshaped the annual Ganesh festival from private family celebrations into a grand public event. It is interesting to note that the festival was not celebrated in a public manner until this time but was a family affair among Hindus, who used to celebrate it in a traditional manner.


Lokamanya Tilak visualized the cultural importance of this deity and popularised Ganesha Chaturthi as a National Festival “to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins” and find an appropriate context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them in his nationalistic strivings against the British in Maharashtra.


Tilak chose Ganesha as a rallying point for Indian protest against British rule because of his wide appeal as “The God for Everyman”. It was an important festival during the Peshwa rule in Maharashtra, but acquired a more organized form all over India during the Swaraj movement (Freedom struggle).


Tilak was the first to install large public images of Ganesha in pavilions, and he established the practice of submerging all the public images on the tenth day. The festival facilitated community participation & involvement in the form of learned discourses, dance dramas, poetry recital, musical concerts, debates, etc. It served as a meeting ground for common people of all castes and communities, in a time when social & political gatherings were forbidden by the British Rule to exercise control over the population.



Ganesh Chathurthi today went well. We went to Livermore temple and had good darshan.

Vegetable Samosa

Today , I'm all energized with a new feeling..... happiness for no reason and decided to have samosa with coconut chutney.... watched Rambo movie again....simply loving the weather and people around me !

Remembering my first driving test in US

19th August is the day I got through my written test at DMV Santa Clara, *phewwwww* that was a lot of hard work ! The pressure was so high coming from the man of the house ! Well , I had all the interest to read any other book including magazines and novels BUT not the DMV book.

I know driving illegally in the US is against the law ( which I did it in fact by having only one year validity International Driving Licence from Malaysia ) therefore I started getting all geared up to be a good resident of California :D

Married to a person who is always busy , I did not even choose to train myself with a driving instructor ! My heart was pounding out because the man of my house fixed my road driving test immediately as I passed my written test.

He promised me to teach me driving on the road which I am seeing for the first time ! The rules are so different here than to Malaysia , obviously back home we followed the left hand traffic contrast to the right hand traffic in the US...*bangs forehead*.

Finally , I told myself that I might not pass this road test for the first time..... may I need a couple of trainings with the instructor , I mean with a real driving school instructor. Time was passing by , the head of my home , my dear dear dearest husband did not turn up on time , which he promised teach me at 4 and finally he arrived at 6.30 pm.

On the road.....rounding on the same Pomeroy , Flora Vista , Calabazas , on El Camino Real , the same mistakes I've been repeating with tears in my eye ( though a man can love you like a Shah Jahan , when we make mistakes , we bear the consequences of it ! ). For the real first time I saw extra frustrations on his face. Okay... I thought I am not going to pass test...*anger*

Next morning , my driving test fixed at 11.30 am. I started my day as usual with hubby driving up till DMV.... he was praying that I should not get a lady tester... because they will fail everyone. Guess what..........exactly the same lady tester came to take me up on the road !!!! Oh gosh , this time my heart was pounding up like anything......and instead of remembering the rules , the road and my confidence , my heart was jumping in the name of 'rama rama rama' I was communicating with God internally :))

I started driving the car , it was too bright and I've forgotten to carry my shades in the tension of the test. I speeded up at the corner of the road where the radar indicated I was driving at 29 mph where I need to be at 25 mph only ! Then parking test on Homestead Road... unprotected left turning... gosh what not that my head and heart boiled in the heat !

Finally.....finally..... I came out passing at 96% ( which qualifies me to be a driving instructor in California ). I could not believe that I did it. Call it luck , prayers or just I did it with caution.... I finally came out smiling from the car joking with my lady tester who passed me generously saying that my eyes are unique green...lol... , she said I did it very carefully.

Aaaaahhhhh..........what a relief !!!! Thanks a bunch to my everdearest love , for all that tears , tensions and pain. Finally I am a legal driver in California !

Laksa noodles (vegetarian)

Malaysian famous laksa. Waited 2 years to have this and I'm so happy that I found all the ingredients at Lawrence Expressway chinese grocery.

Pan Am Flight 103 & Al-Megrahi "mercy"

Pan Am Flight 103 - : "Pan Am Flight 103 was Pan American World Airways' third daily scheduled transatlantic flight from London's Heathrow Airport to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. On Wednesday 21 December 1988, the aircraft flying this route—a Boeing 747-121 named Clipper Maid of the Seas—was destroyed by a bomb, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew members. Eleven people in Lockerbie, southern Scotland, were killed as large sections of the plane fell in and around the town, bringing total fatalities to 270. As a result, the event has been named by the media as the Lockerbie Bombing."


Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al-Megrahi , a Libyan was convicted for this act of insanity. 270 people were killed and this guy was released !!!! How sick ! 'Mercy' on a terrorist just because he's diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer ? Where is justice ???? An unjust law is not at all a Law !!! What about the innocent victims ?

I strongly feel this is not the right thing !! Libyan govt is giving compensation of USD 10 million per family of the victims ! "Blood money" to replace lost lives ? What about the mourning ? A child who've lost parent , parents who've lost their kid , students who've travelled with ambitions and goals in them ? Pain is a pain , it can never be replaced !!!! It's ridiculous to let Megrahi out. An act of crime is a crime , Scottish law now tempered with compassion !!

New York style Blueberry Cheesecake (vegetarian)

Simply love baking..... this is one of my fav.

Tribute to Guru

Life is like a train journey........ we tend to meet many people from different walks of life. Some leave at their destination and some remain....

One of the most important person that I have met in my life...... is my spiritual guru.... who have taught me the essence of living . His Grace Uttama Chaintanya Dasa , though he left the world...... his ways , teachings will always be remembered. Those memories of treating me like the baby of the class , times spent talking about Sri Krsna , serving devotees...... and most fondly...the birthday that we've shared together..... Thank you Prabhu for all the beautiful things you've said during my toughest time........ Your blessings is such a gift , all glories to the supreme Lord. You will forever be remembered as one the most finest teacher in the world !

Hare Krsna.

Splendid Summer - July 4 2009

As America celebrated her birthday with fireworks and musical treat....we decided to visit the Silver State - Nevada. Splendid summer at Carson City & North Lake Tahoe's Cave Rock and Sand Harbor Beach. A weekend to remember lifelong !

Roaring Roger !

Federer has done it - by winning his 6th Wimbledon in a heart-wrenching final against Andy Roddick, Federer staked his claim on the history books by surpassing Pete Sampras' record. Tennis history is too tangled and intertwined by various events as Rod Laver says, "You know, it's hard for anyone to come out and say who's the best ever." And here's a salute to greats of the game ! A blissful  victory for Roger to remember as he became a father of  beautiful twin baby girls :)

Summer in love with June !

It was a crisp, sunny Summer evening in Bay area. As usual , we went for a walk in Marina Park , Alviso and I was so in love with this summer. The nature and landscape  reminded me of the "Peter and  Jane" book series of stories which my mom taught me when I was 5 years old ! A beautiful summer to remember ! Sweet June !

Hates it when Karma train is late !

Strongly believe KARMA exists but hates it when the train is late :) It will arrive surely though late !

Healthy habits = Happiness !

"Whatever you dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” - Goethe


Recently I have been emotionally shaken after the death of my grandma. It was just so difficult to come out of the mode and I realized it's impacting my daily life. I then thought life couldn't take it anymore ! I learnt a big lesson that visiting chat rooms aren't the right option ! I told myself that something has to be done to come out of  such a feeling of pain ! A loss is always a loss, we cannot replace it , I did not see my grandma for the last , final time on earth before she's buried accordingly our hindu ritual way , but I believe that she've sensed my feelings. I am keeping myself happy for the sake of my loved ones and myself ! Hence, I thought there would be so many people like me , impacted by events of life , or could even be in worser situation. Therefore , for those out there , just remember , love lives !

We live in interesting times. We’re blessed that way.The world is changing rapidly.The way we work is changing, the way we live has already changed. Entire industries are crumbling, and more are growing on their ruins. People are empowered to express themselves, to create, to become a part of a global conversation and transformation, in a way that has never existed before.

What will you do with that?


What will your place be in this new, interesting world? Will you have a voice? Will you be a creator, or just a consumer?


Do something.


Do something interesting.


Be a part of the conversation, and say something remarkable. Create something unique, new, beautiful. Build upon the works of others and transform it into your own.

Just thinking..................

Just like parents usually want to monitor the television programming their children watch, we must be equally vigilant about our own mental programming. Our thoughts have the capacity to manifest destiny.



Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they come character.

Watch your character, it becomes destiny.



Our thoughts are the pathway to contentment or disappointment.

Gauthama Buddha

Dharma transmission :
"there are causes for all human suffering, and there is a way by which they may be ended, because everything in the world is the result of a vast concurrence of causes and conditions, and everything disappears as these causes and conditions change and pass away. rain falls, winds blow, plants bloom, leaves mature and are blown away. these phenomena are all interrelated with causes and conditions, and are brought about by them, and disappear as the causes and conditions change."
( pic of Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.)