I, CR and Blore ! FUN FUN FUN !

I always wanted to blog about my trip to Bangalore for conducting seminar somehow I forget to write. Today let me narrate the best fun I ever had during my college days.

Initially when I prepared myself to stay at Bangalore for more than a week, I was puzzled about my stay. I asked my friend Sharanya CR as to where will I stay? Without any hesitation she said, stay along with me at my sister’s place. I was happy to hear it from her. Thank u CR. I was much relaxed and felt so much secured.

I have not been to outstations alone, this is my first time and I was so much thrilled. Our train to blore was at 11:45 pm, so I went to cr’s place by 8:30 pm. We chatted for a while and started to central station. We had little talk with our other classmates at the platform and got on to the train. Since I am travelling to blore alone I did not know about the climate, Cr warned me to get a sweater, I did not mind her words and didn’t bother to bring one.

3:45 am she got up and said get ready next is our stop. I was almost blinking at her. It was pitch dark and where she wants to get down In the middle of the track. Then she said about Bangalore east stop, I did not have any idea about what she was telling and got ready and stood near the door. I casually opened the door, that’s allllllll. I never felt this cold in my entire life. Already it was damn chill and train is moving at jet speed, chillness was tremendous. Literally my teeth were typing and my eyes became all dry. CR was laughing at me as if she saw a clown shivering.
She gave another shock saying train will stop only for 2 minutes. Now, next tension for me; what if train starts before I get down? What if my dupatta gets stuck to the door? Blab blab. When the stop came, I literally jumped out of the train, CR started to laugh at me. Its okay! First time nah. Almost 20 people got out of the train in 2 minutes without any mess. I told to myself, good one tension over.

There came auto wallah, not like Chennai drivers, so I was walking out of station as if I know blore for some 15 years, we got into an auto and reached JB nagar. I entered her sister’s house with full fear (didn’t show in my face) her sister welcomed me very nicely at 4:45 am. She is damn sweet. Thank u akka.

I probably cannot draft everything but will tell certain things which I cherish. Commercial Street, the best place I could ever see in blore. Again thanks to cr, she was patient enough to suggest me what to buy and where to buy stuff.

Next is the walk which I and cr will never forget. I made her walk from shivaji nagar to Langford road. Lol. She could not stand my torture, yet, damn sweet enough to come along with me. I was excited crossing signals next to chinnasamy stadium, we sat in a bus stop and took pics (cr really went mad being with me) then again started to walk, in-between she forgot the way and asked traffic police man, every person showed one-one direction. She somehow figured out our destination point and directed me.

On our way we used to comment about the passersby’s and she will be telling some new info’s about blore. The best part is climate was excellent which made us walk that long. If I had walked 5kms in Chennai at 11 am…………. I don’t even want to think of the consequences.

We went to citizen matters office at Koramangala. That was another super experience, we took an auto and all way she explained about each road. Thanks again to her. Then I remembered about Shiva temple at Kemp fort, I asked her to take me there, again without hesitation she took me there. I have never seen Lord shiva that huge in my life. It was nice being there. We again took pics, and killed time as far as possible.

The whole blore trip was supposed to be educative as we had to organize media seminar, but for me it became an excursion. Everyday akka used to make super food. I enjoyed eating blissfully and playing with taarika and her kuti friends.

We killed time by watching chandramuki, 3 idiots, vetaikaran movies. So much of laughter, giggles, gossips, comments. The house was filled with full joy. The best man I met in blore is Bava, Vidya akka’s husband. He is a real super bava who talks very nicely and damn jovial. CR is lucky to have such an athimber. We had gala time at restaurant, I think its Tamarind, right cr?. I got absolute craze for guitar when we went to musical shop to get mouthorgan for bava. Yes, he plays it, he used to generally wake whoever is in deep sleep by playing it, I still remember akka pressing her ears hard when he starts to play. hahahah. Real fun.

The fun did not end there. Our seminar day came, I and cr almost did not sleep that night, every one hour either she will open her eyes or I will. We went to seminar hall, phew! Only empty blue chairs. Slowly students started to come, and the hall was filled. happy :) Somehow seminar got over, thank god one more tension over. On our way back, auto driver took us till Hyderabad national highway and dropped us home. We had to pay more than usual about 100 I guess. CR got so pissed and said one dialogue ‘andha panatha nai kowindu podium, emathinan andha auto karan thapa kutindu poi’ ie(A dog will snatch the money as he took us in wrong direction purposely) the way she said with her angry tone was hilarious, since then I did not stop laughing. Whenever I remember her say this I burst out laughing like how I am doing now. She is real fun to be with.

Likewise we came across many funny things and I did not feel even a bit that I am staying at someone else’s place. I felt like living at my own home.

There are lots more to write but I will stop with this. I can never forget this blore trip in my life. Zillion thanks to CR, Vidya Akka, bava and kuti Taarika. Truly amazing family.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S :)

''So no one told you life was gonna be this way (clap clap clap clap) Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A. It's like you're always stuck in second gear When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year But …………….I'll be there for you (when the rain starts to pour) I'll be there for you (like I've been there before) I'll be there for you (because you're there for me too)''

Yes, it is the title song of the famous serial F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Is it ever possible to watch a serial million times? It’s not just me who watches this incredible sequential friends, but a whole lot of people who think there is no best comedy series better than friends. I really wonder how Kauffman and Crane drafted such a script which makes people laugh across the globe. They really deserve claps. Complete entertainers.

It’s been almost 6 years since the show got over, yet whenever I see it again, I watch it with full excitement. I love to recollect the dialogues which those 6 excellent characters converse. When I am in complete stress during exams or projects or something, I switch off my mind and switch on friends, I must say I completely forget the fact that I should get back to my stress.

Thank You F.R.I.E.N.D.S for being there for me always :)

Autos should run on meters in Chennai !

I wonder how Chennai city is given Metro identity. As far as my understanding goes a city with almost all the facilities such as proper sanitation, pucca transportation system, less crime rate etc are given Metro status. We cannot expect more on sanitation and crimes but why do we have such a bad transportation system? Does constructing flyovers alone make the city look posh? Why can’t these ‘yellow criminals’, yeah I meant the autos, run on ‘meters’? When other metros has autos running on meters why not Chennai? I really do not know the answer for it.

A week back I had to reach a shop at besant nagar before 8 pm, and I was at Adyar bus stand at 7:45 pm, I did not get any direct bus to besi so I decided to take an auto. When I asked a auto man ‘besant nagar poganum, evlo’ (how much u charge?) without even thinking he said ‘aaruvadhu ruba kudunga’ ie. Rs.60/- OMG I got damn irritated, how dare he can ask 60 bucks? It hardly takes 5 minutes from adyar to besi by auto. I was thinking whether I should bargain, as I was sure he will not come for 20 bucks which is actually more if there was meter system in autos. Yet, I started to bargain; to my surprise in Chennai every auto man speaks economics to me. They speak as if they are the only community in this whole India who suffers from fuel hikes.

There was no limit for my irritation, felt like slapping, but obviously I could not, I reserved all my anger and turned around, I got a direct bus to besi. Thank god. I am lucky; I spent only 2/- bucks to reach besi by bus.

But sometimes I have faced situations like I will bargain for 50/- from 70/- and the whole way, the auto man will keep blabbering as if I stole his whole life with that difference of 20/- rupees, you will really feel like jumping from auto rather than to hear him speak economics and politics. But actually even that 50/- bucks which I give is more.

Chennai brought helmet system, now I see almost 100 people in the city driving without helmets, they also had seat belt system, I can spot 1000 people in the city driving without wearing a seat belt, they had yet another law ‘no smoking’ in public, I find about a lakh people in the city who fags on road. In the same way, Chennai also once had this meter system, but none knows when they implemented and when they lifted, for that matter you can see two sets of autos, 1. There will not be anything like a black box fitted in left side of the auto known as meter or 2. There will be a meter but it will be covered with a plastic cover and sealed. So, the point is anyway it’s useless.

In few years we can see auto fellows holding some big companies if they keep asking for money like this.

Chennaites know the plight of this situation and get away from these people somehow, imagine people coming from outside Chennai, its a real treat for auto men when they get to know the person is not from Chennai, they will ask as they wish. Indian part 2 movie should be made based on punishing auto men if they don’t run on meters.

I remember one of my friend’s grandparents who came from Bangalore, took an auto from nungambakkanm to mandaveli and the auto guy asked Rs.110/- if they put another 110/- to it, they can reach Bangalore itself safely by train.

If Chennai autos runs with meters I bet the city people will crown the government, but I don’t see such a thing happening or even will happen anymore. Till now I have not seen one auto driver charging based on meter, let me see how many years it takes.

Maybe my auto fare from adyar to besi will become 120/- in another two years time. I should not be shocked.

'SORRY' makes a difference !

I am a regular visitor of Thiruvelikeni Parthasarathy temple, two weeks back I had been to kovil with my Amma during a Saturday by car. Usually in Vishnu temples Saturdays will be much crowded than any other days in the week. I reach temple by entering into a small street where two vehicles cannot pass through from opposite directions. It is a very narrow street where car will not proceed to even second gear.

On a Saturday around 4:50pm when I entered that narrow street, the place was crowded with people, vehicles and to make things worse two calves and a cow was also there. My mother was all tensed and started to advice me, ‘go slow, go slow, go slow’ in an increasing volume. None except drives know how it feels when they get advices when they drive. It’s completely annoying, but in my case I am used to it.

With great difficulty I almost crossed half way, yet I could not proceed further as an auto was coming in the opposite direction with great speed thinking he is driving a BMW. I was so much irritated to keep moving inch by inch. I could have over took in that road but I did not dare to, as auto drivers would rash on my car and not mind to see what they have done. So this inch by inch continued until I turned to right.

Just then a car which was going properly in front gave a sudden brake. I did not have an option but to do the same. I was happy that I did not bang on that car, immediately within no span of time, a man in bike dashed my car from behind.

I was damn furious and was all set to blast him once I turn. I stopped the car in the turning not allowing others to proceed further and screamed at the fellow who banged.

The guy, who was about 35 to 40 years old, calmly stopped his bike, said ‘sorry’ for what he did and also said ‘if there is any damage in your car because of me, I would surely replace, you can check the car’s rear’. I immediately went and checked, a screw was broken, and the bumper was shaking a little bit. I did not feel like asking him any payment for the small smash up he made. The main reason is, I have never seen any person who would accept his mistake when they gaffe during their ride, also I have not seen any person who speaks so politely and says ‘I will compensate for any dent occurred because of me’ that too during much traffic.

After checking, I just gave a smile and said ‘nothing has happened’ and moved from that place.

I really appreciate that gentleman for his amazing attitude and honesty.

The lesson I learnt is to always remain calm whenever you drive, never lose your temper and accept mistakes if at all you have made any. It solves the problem more than compensating with money.

I hope every person who drives make sure they drive carefully and give respect to others who drive on the road. If such a thing happens there will not be any fights or unnecessary traffic and wrangles on road. Every person can drive with a smile :)

Pure Inspiration !!

   Lance Armstrong – It’s not about the Bike – My Journey Back to Life

 The book It’s not about the bike-My journey back to life, by Lance Armstrong reveals the adversity by the author who is an amazing bike racer; who fought against nonseminomatous testicular cancer and strived tough to win the championship of Tour de France.

“The truth is, if you asked me to choose between winning the Tour de France and cancer, I would choose cancer. Odd as it sounds, I would rather have the title of cancer survivor than winner of the Tour, because of what it has done for me as a human being, a man, a husband, a son and a father, says the racer after his glorious come back.

 Lance says he did not know what fear is until he heard the words “You have cancer”. But it did not stop there, his body condition moved from bad to worse. Doctors finally said, he has to undergo a brain surgery and that has only 40% chance of survival, lance dint give up there either. People say if a man’s skull is open for once, it’s rigid to get back to normal life. Hearing all these as well, Lance was strong enough to accept whatever was written for him. With many things running in his mind, he just had one word clinging in his thoughts which is to “Move”

A person who reads this book will get to know more of medical terms and almost the whole thing about cancer and chemotherapy. One chapter thoroughly deals with difficulty which chemo causes and how pathetic a man’s physique gets spoiled. Lance, being a racer, had an urge to know what he is undergoing exactly, hence he collected many books which talks about cancer and its several stages. Readers would feel, it’s the end and nothing worse can happen to a person who wishes much success in his life.

The book clearly focuses on lance’s will power, courage, strength, determination; urge to be back on track and foremost about optimism. Millions in this world face problems, but the art of coming out of any crisis is being optimistic, Lance stands as a great example for being optimistic in his career and life. There where many disappointing reports which completely put him off, also many people who did the same such as sponsors, who thought Lance would die and it’s not of any good use in having his contract.

His come back includes effort of many others too, first being his mother who showed him what true champion is. His teammates Kevin, Frankie, George and others, Dr. Nichlos oncologist and a real angel LaTrice Haney oncology nurse. Kik, his wife who was supportive till he won the title. The list goes on and on.

The book almost completely covers a series of serious medical aspects from chemo to surgical procedures. Lance is frank and delightful on his relationship to wife Kristin (Kik), and goes into surprising detail about the technology that let them have a child.  

Lance sees cancer as a part of life that is meant to improve us by making us focus on our difficulties with courage and indominability of spirit. Through his book, he completely relates to the reader and makes them feel what he underwent in those stages of 16 months. Any person who reads his book will surely have tears and makes them sit through his whole life in the form of a book. He compares his cancer and his bike racing, he says both are same, both relates to lungs, as his initial cancer affected his lungs and to be a world class champion lungs are most important to control the breath.

Lance says “I am happy with the way my career went and I am happy with the way it ended.” It shows how brave he was when he underwent his 16 months of torture. He also feels cancer was infact a best thing to happen in his life. He further says “It gave me a chance to re-evaluate my life and my career. Cancer certainly gives things a new perspective. I would not have won the Tour de France if I had not had cancer. It gave me new strength and focus.”

Almost everyone asked him not to look back to his career. They said, he would strain more and catch up with more complications. Lance was confident enough to say “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”

Throughout the book Lance talks about self belief. He feels any person should believe to the maximum, there will be so many who dashes your hopes. Despite the consequences one should believe that he will be alright. More than doctors saying a patient will be alright, a patient must feel that he will overcome his illness. He says “Anything is possible. You can be told that you have a 90-percent chance or a 50-percent chance or a 1-percent chance, but you have to believe, and you have to fight.” These lines boosts up the reader and feel confident and positive.

The Book talks about passion and how to hold to your passion and struggle achieving it in anyway. Lance feels the whole of his life was carried away with a simple passion towards his racing career. Once he over came his problem he says “For me it was always a simple passion.”

The book is a complete inspiration for readers and also heightens confidence among cancer patients. Media houses such as Guardian says “Having nearly lost his life Lance Armstrong serves up his story for the rest of the world to wonder at shudder at and learn from” Scotsman says “Pure inspiration”

One of Lance’s appealing quote - “It's ironic; I used to ride my bike to make a living. Now I just want to live so that I can ride.”

His road to success was a difficult one, but hard work, perseverance, and lots of training helped him to achieve his dream. He had become one of the best, at the age of 25 and on top of the world. It’s a highly recommended book for those who live to aim and every chapter of the book makes the reader believe winning needs heart with full of confidence and courage to break all the barriers which lie on road to success.

"Idhuvum kadandhu pogum"

Few days back I was talking to my dad about things I hate the most and those which irritate me and put me off, thoroughly. I was constantly talking talking and talking and whining as far as possible, dad was patiently listening, he did not speak a word in-between my jabber. Just then I finished he said one sentence in tamizh-it goes like this,

“Idhuvum kadandhu pogum”

It means, even this phase of problem/worry/crisis will move on. This really encouraged me. The sentence looks so tiny but has an incredible meaning to it. It boosts a person so much, further it makes us think in a wider perspective as the phase will move on. From then on whenever I face some crooked situation, I remember his words, it makes me look forward and hit upon solutions.

I wanted to share this piece of information for those who think troubles always exists and never goes from us.

So whenever you are down, say this sentence to yourself. It really works...

Keep smiling :)

Cooking Cooking and more Cooking !!

Panner butter masala, Gobi manchuriyan, Dal fry, palak panner, aalo Gobi masala etc etc. sounds delicious right? Yes! Eating all these is not a big deal, but how to make all these? Always we cannot rely on restaurants. Off late I developed little interest in cooking, but never wanted to try out in a full fledge as I am scared of kitchen work. Initially I had this impression that kitchen work is all worst, its one big time headache blah blah. But nowadays I started liking it. Currently the time has come to show my cuisine talents.

One evening I walked into Spencer’s daily grocery to buy some butter to make ghee, suddenly my eyes stopped to an attractive packet of panner, the cover of that packet had a print of panner masala. It really looked yummy! Immediately I took it and placed it along with other stuffs I bought. On my way back home, I was thinking why did I buy it? I don’t know how to make it, and my mom will also not like doing north Indian dishes. What to do? I never tried north Indian dish by my own.

Then I reached home, without my mom’s knowledge I kept the panner deep inside the chiller. I desperately wanted to have panner masala but I did not know the preparation method. After sometime I opened the chiller to see whether there is any method of preparation behind the pack. Wow!! To my surprise I saw the method, it all looked simple. I needed few extra things to make the dish. Since it was around 9pm, I could not go out and buy the missing items.

Next day morning around 8am I went to market and got the absent ingredients. I was all set to surprise my mom and brother. I told my mom not to come to kitchen as I am going to surprise her. (Thou she does not like these dishes, I wanted to show that I can make what I like and eat happily). This is the foremost time I am trying a north Indian dish completely by my own. I started to cut vegetables; onion, tomato, ginger, coriander. Eyes went real red after cutting onion. After a while I washed my face and continued to do my work. With the help of few links from internet I somehow finished the dish. I am all set to garnish the panner masala with some coriander and ready to serve.

And this is how my recipe looked :) (camera mobile, clarity will be little low)

Now I am yet to taste the recipe and all set for the first taste of it. Trust me; I was really scared how it would taste. I was praying all God’s before I was about to go for the initial tang… oops! I am afraid to taste, what if it tastes bad:(. I decided to give to my brother first, let him taste and give me the remarks.

I quietly went to my brother and showed him the dish and gave a spoon to taste; I closed my eyes when he went for it. There was silence for 10seconds and then I opened my eyes, he was so damn amazed and said “I never expected you to do such a wonderful thing in the first shot! Wow!” my face was brightened with joy, and then I felt like tasting, yipeeeee, it was awesome; next mom had a savor of it and was happy to know I can cook well. I felt very proud of myself.

Later I was all tired after doing the recipe, it is not a big work but for the first time it was bit hectic; and then I realized how mom used to feel tired after doing so many dishes. Really great. Hence I learnt one thing; eat what you like by cooking on your own, it will taste better and the best. :)

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Here is the method of preparation !

Heat butter in a kadai and add the onion puree and fry till they turn light brown in color. Add Ginger-Garlic paste to the brown paste mixture and saute for sometime. Then add the chillipowder, coriander powder, tomato puree, turmeric powder, garam masala powder and salt and saute for sometime. Now Add the soaked paneer cubes, some water and allow it to cook till the gravy becomes semi-solid. Finally garnish with coriander and fresh cream. Panner butter masala is ready :)