Rip off!

Airlines charging extra for passengers wanting to check in luggage.
Reason: Rising fuel costs.

Sun glasses etc

One of the most important accessories I cannot live without. I lost my Anne Klein glasses at work last week, and yes the day came to a grinding halt for me. But my husband bought me another one this weekend. And I dug my out a brand new Rayban for myself from my closet, its been a year since I got them and I forgot about them.

Made another fun trip to Boston.

Veggie Hotdogs

Toronto/Canada is the first place where I have seen Veggie hotdogs being sold along with the real hotdogs. As a vegetarian, must say I am glad. Still havent got myself to try it - the image of a hotdog being made with meat is still stuck in my head.

Exhaust emissions

I wish they put the exhaust pipes of buses on the roof than at the base of the bus in India like it is here [Canada and other places]. Since we have more people riding two-wheelers and Auto-rickshaw commuters who are exposed to the exhaust emissions directly, it could prevent the smoke blowing right on the face at least.

Forced to eavesdrop!

Some people can be really loud in public. They sit right in the middle, in a subway or bus and talk all their personal issues, and that too so very loud. A few weeks back there was this Indian guy on the bus, talking in Hindi so very loudly. The whole bus could hear it. The rest of them must have been pretty bugged. As a language it made sense to me obviously though it was painfully loud and it was about some cell phone model this guy went on and on about (he didnt make any sense either). But to hear a foriegn language spoken loudly is mostly irritating. Atleast I tend to cringe a little when I hear people talking in a couple of specific languages I dont understand, to be very honest.

Today was ultimate, this really obese lady yelling out on the phone to some Gym instructor that she needs to really excercise and lose weight and, no one in her family should know! Okkkk, (everyone was rolling their eyes, and exchanging glances) who the heck is interested? I dont know if these people are strange or simply have a 'dont-care' attitude or are attention seekers, whichever, but surely the loud discussions are not appreciated.

Kaadhal

I treated myself to a movie Friday night - Kaadhal. I am not into Tamil movies at all or songs for that matter. These days I prefer more fiction than those 'realistic' movies (though I end up watching all types!). Yes! isnt there already a lot going on in the 'real' world to watch them again in movies.

Kaadhal was definitely a must watch. The down-to-earth characters and direction was very good. Some very typical characters you see in real life were depicted so very well - body language and all, its truly commendable. The nagging old lady at Aishwarya's house, the pomp when she gets her first period, can I call it 'small-town-mentality' when neighbours observe every small thing going on and gather when they hear some commotion at a house. What definitely stood apart for me was the mechanic boy (representing the insignificant child labour lot), his street smart expressions were so good (the scene when Muruga leaves to elope and rubs his head affectionately, the boy scared moves back with the fear of being slapped/beaten). The final scene also is a very 'action speaks louder than words'. And to even imagine this is a real story, its actually scary.

To Indy and back

Had my first work trip to Danville, IL plant. Took a flight to Indy and drove down to the plant. I think I saw one of the remote places in Midwest. I might have also been the only Indian at that point of time in that city (I lie, but its very much possible!). Great to be back to the hustle-bustle of Toronto!

Takeaways from the trip:

• Learning is a never ending process (re-emphasis)
• Not everyone is willing to share their knowledge
• I am a city person, I need to see P.E.O.P.L.E walking about, vehicles, stores, some/limited noise and hustle-bustle etc.

Genesis 3:19

I came across this quotation when making notes for a poem in English Literature, god knows when, maybe I was 12 or 13 and it just stuck to me since then.

Remember O man, dust you are and unto dust you shall return

Coincidence? Really?

Sometimes these zodiac predictions seem pretty accurate and so do the characteristics of my zodiac sign describing me whether as a Leo or a Rooster - the positive and negative traits. Is this plain coincidence? All the Leo women and Roosters in this world are more like me?

Yeah right?

Subway

I dont know if this sounds weird but I have always associated subways with two things:
1. The movie 'Ghost' (Demi Moore's)
2. Law and Order series

Now that I am more routinely taking the subway I dont think of the above as much. It is pretty interesting to take the subway gives me ample time to watch, observe different people, their mannerisms etc....

Mundane

Work is keeping pretty busy. Even one day in the two day weekend is spent working now. No complaints. Busier the better. Last weekend I met with my relative in Toronto finally. I met this Uncle of mine after probably 20 years - yes I dont remember him at all, but their family still made me welcome and bonded so well. This is what makes me proud of my family, warm, modest (besides a whole lot of other good things :)) - I have to keep this thing going. And without any hestitation I can say I have only shown that side of me to some chosen people. (I am not perfect you know ;) very choosy :)) ). But sometimes some experiences make you lose trust and I decided to keep distance with certain people who bring out the worst in me......I guess that will differ individual to individual.

BTW my family is so spreadout that we have covered North America pretty well. Once again I have to be proud that the last generation in my family was very enterprising and bold. Forty years back how it would have been in Toronto ?.... I dont even want to think.....

......and the clock keeps ticking!!!

:)

One of my very good friends from school had a baby girl couple of months back and I am so happy that they have named her Ishanvi - the name I suggested! I can almost say I named her eh? :) I somehow loved the name when I heard it; has that traditional Indian touch and yet a bit new/modern.

Observation

They say offence is the best form of defense. I think so is 'self-glorification'.