Enjoyment of Dahi Handi, ATT Update, and Getaway

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Poonam

I can’t remember the last time I was in India during the wonderful time of Janmashtmi. After watching Headline News and everyone enjoying so much with the dahi handi, I wish I was also there. Not necessarily participating, but I know that the dahi handi competitions would happen in the galli (internal road) where my nani’s house is in Mumbai. We could watch from the 3rd floor and would have an awesome view.

Oh well that dream will be fulfilled one day…I know because Neeraj has told me that he is going to fulfill all of my dreams. :razz:

So I have been trying to call AT&T for 2 days and never am able to talk to a “live” person. Finally today, after being on hold for 25 minutes, I finally got to talk to someone. Found out that they have lost my online order..and this is something “normal”, the gentleman tells me, that happens at AT&T. Nice. :grumpy: So they couldn’t find my address on the phone, and the Address Dept was closed, so then he said, call back tomorrow. Nice. :fiery:

And….since yesterday we are planning…..yes…planning…what are we planning? Well…its time..

Time I said. Its just the right time. Do you think its the right time? :roll: Ok Ok. It is time. :grin:

Time for what? Its time……..for……..a………………


G-E-T-A-W-A-Y. :grin: Finally. Yes. Its going to be a plan – but now, where do we go? New York, Vegas, NC, or a cruise? I know what Kaush is going to say….but am not sure yet whether it will happen. :lookaround:

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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GoodBye August, Welcome September!!!

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Poonam

Today is the last day of August.  From my professional life, I am glad this month is over.  Its been a very tough month with lots of ups and downs.  From my personal life….well, I haven't had a chance to think about my personal life this whole month so I hope that September brings me more time to spend on a personal level. :smile:

I can't believe that there are only 3 more months left in this year, and then we will be in 2011.  It would be great if I can stop time to just savor the moment, but its not possible.  There are so many things that are going on our life that sometimes it feels like it is passing by right in front of my eyes. 

As I look back in this year, I see that Neeraj and I have been very committed to (3) major things with the first item given the highest priority:  (1) Office/Job, (2) School, and (3) Family. 

The office/job has taken over our life this year…and sometimes I wonder if that is the right way that should happen because you always need some "time off" from the office atmosphere, but for us, this hasn't been that year.  I think also expectations have increased, for both of us, in our specific groups in Corporate America which has required us to work many more hours, including weekends, to get the job done.  

Then school.  That has been totally due to us.  We have wanted to get done (hope to complete by Dec 2011), and we have invested the time to get through 4 classes this year (3 have completed, and 1 will start in 2 weeks).  After our 4th year of doing our MBA, Neeraj and I have felt to put it in high gear to get it this completed because its time, just time to begin that next part of our life.

You know that people say that you should have kids when you are ready, and I always wondered, "How do you know that you are ready", and now, I know.  When Neeraj and I were thinking of getting married, he talked about having kids immediately after marriage, and it freaked me out.  I wanted to spend time with just "us", and of course the responsibility that comes with having a kid was overwhelming at that time.  But now, I am ready for that responsibility - I see how my colleagues are able to separate their work and personal lives because they go to a busy personal life with kids.  I would have said earlier, "Oh I can't handle my life as it is today, I don't know what I will do when I have kids", but now I am slowly realizing that it won't be as bad as I think.  The toughest part is getting through the first 9 months. :smile:  

Lastly family. Those that are close to us know that we went through the roughest part of our life last July when we lost Neeraj's eldest sister, Shobha Didi.  Today, we have taken high strides to rebuild that life, not only for ourselves, but for our family.  Shobha Didi left behind 2 wonderful children, Shubham and Himanshu, who mean the world to us.  She wanted them to have the best education as possible, and that is the major decision that we made this year, when we changed schools for Shubham, and Neeraj's niece, Gudden, both the same age, and enrolled them into a boarding school.  Though adjustment has been key, I think that we have made the best decision for those children.  They are learning and experiencing things that they would have never known about otherwise, and its for the best.  The most important thing that they are learning the difference between analysis and memorization. 

Sometimes I wonder why we work so hard….for what?  Where is the value?  But the value is there…because we are grateful to be living the life that we are living, being able to do what we are doing, and giving back where we can to our family that has given us so much.  I think that is the one thing that keeps me going every single day.  The easier part would have been to just quit…because those days also do come up :smile: (sometimes more frequently :grin: ), but you have to keep going….in order to gain something.  Thankfully, the power of prayer has power…and that is soothing. 

Alvida.  Jai Mata Di.

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What a Day! TV Awaits…

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Poonam

So its been an interesting Monday, not the normal Monday that I have with meetings, but it was a good change.  :smile:   Even though I got home late today and Neeraj got a chance finally to say something to me (I usually bash him because its him that causes us to be late) it was worth having the conversation that I had today with a co-worker.  It was refreshing and enjoyable. :smile:

So I got home, and Neeraj is out lawn mowing.  I could make dinner, but we have leftovers, so I am not overly concerned yet. :wink:   So I decided to relax in front of the TV.  Normally I would be watching something on the DVR that I taped from earlier in the day, like Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, but for some reason the DVR timer was messed up with the wrong name, and it didn't tape. :sad:  

So what am I watching?  The Bachelor Pad.  Yes.  The Bachelor Pad on ABC.  Why?  Well I don't usually watch this type of shows but two reasons: (1) Nothing else is on, (2) My ex-neighbor from Morton is on the show, so I just like to see what's going on with her on the show.

But it seems on the weekdays there isn't alot of great TV shows that are on.  Neeraj and I usually just watch Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, which are repeats, and Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashma, but there aren't a lot of other TV shows that we like.  Indian Idol is done so nothing really took its spot, and Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega is ok. 

You know which show I wish they will bring back — Perfect Bride!  Oh My Gosh!  We were hooked on that show….not only us..but my parents were hooked on it!   I wonder how married life is for Hitesh and Roompa.  :smile:   Are they still together or will they become the first Indian Reality Couple that stays together?  After all, Rakhi's Swayamvar didn't bring her a var, and really, is Dimpy and Rahul Mahajan together after that major argument that they had which left Dimpy bruised?

Anybody have any good TV shows that you watch that you can suggest

Alvida.  Jai Mata Di.

Posted in Aaj ka Din, Serial, Reality Shows, that darn TV | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Another Weekend Comes to an End

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Poonam

The day started early today for Neeraj and me as we woke up at 8.30 this morning.  I tried really hard to get back to sleep…its the weekend….its the chance to sleep in, but it didn't happen. 

Neeraj had been working last night..so he got up and went to say hello to his laptop.  His "hello" ended up becoming his rest of the day, as issue after issue, he has been at it on the laptop doing his office work, even as we speak.

In between I did get him some breakfast and a snack, and now trying to determine what we will have for dinner.  I, on the other hand, started with watching India's Got Talent and then on the PC checking out whether Internet services can be cheaper than what we have today. 

Lo behold – AT&T finally provides service in our area, and I was able to order, slash our current telephone/Internet in half, AND have faster Internet service (double what we have today)!  I don't think that it can get better than that.

Then helped my bro get a design done for his new website, talk to the parents, and then start working on our own blog.  I can't believe that I have gone this long and not have posted.  It seems that life has been going in such fast speeds, that my poor blog got left behind. 

Nevertheless, I am going to try not to have that happen anymore  So spent the afternoon updating Wordpress, then updating the design, plugins, etc… Laughing

Now Chotte Ustaad is on, and I am watching to notice that Sonu Nigam's hairstyle is getting more and moer out of control. First, the long hair doesn't suit him, and Second, whatever dreadlocks type look he has today - looks awful.  Surprised   Oh well, the singers however are quite good and a joy to listen.

Alvida.  Jai Mata Di.

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NP.com is Back!

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Poonam

After a very very long hiatus…np.com is back!  Wordpress has been upgraded…theme has been updated…and refreshed mind to come back and blog. 

As I look back at since the last time I had blogged, so much has changed in our lives.  Trying to even write even those few thoughts that come into mind will satisfy at this time… :smile:

Anyway…it took me a mere 3 hours to get this back up and running, and, to think, I feel excited to see it coming together again.  :smile:

Enough for now… I will be back again.

Jai Mata Di.   

Posted in Aaj ka Din | Tagged | 3 Comments

Happy 28th Birthday Neeraj!

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Poonam

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Neeraj, this song is made for us. Everything that you do, you do for me, you do with a smile, and you make it unforgettable. I heard this song for the first time, and I knew it was made for us – because all those qualities that it talks about in the song, I can see in you.

First – wishing you a VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! May all the happiness in the world be showered upon you – may only good things happen to you – and may you continue to bring joy to all the people that surround you. :smile:

I have been thinking for quite some time to post this song, and I have been just waiting for the right occasion. Being sentimental is me, right? :yes: I can’t go without being sentimental..especially when my Neeraj is involved. :smile:

The little things that you do for me, our families, and our friends, just makes me wonder how one person can be so wonderful. Your thoughtfulness for each and every person around you makes me see God within you….just like the song says. You deserve the world’s best, and you know that I keep telling you that and try very hard to bring it to you (if you let me :wink: ).

I love celebrating your birthday every year because I get the a chance to get you something that normally you wouldn’t let me buy for yourself. :smile: This year, you must relax, and enjoy the time.

At this point, you just enjoy the song, if it is still playing – it might have ended :grin: , and just remember what a wonderful person you are, and how lucky I am have you in my life. You are my love…without you I am nothing. Love you dear! :smile:

Hindi – words of the song

naa kuch poocha… naa kuch maanga…tune dil se diya jo diya..
naa kuch bhoola… naa kuch tola….muskuraake diya jo diya..
tu hi dhoop..tu hi chaaya…tu hi apna paraya..
aur kuch naa jaanu..bas itna hi jaanu..

Tujh main Rab dikhta hai..yaara main kyaa karu
Tujh main Rab dikhta hai..yaara main kyaa karu
Saj de sar chukta hai…yaara main kyaa karu
Tujh main Rab dikhta hai…yaara main kyaa karu

Rab Ne Bana Di…….Jodi

English translation

You didn’t say a word…you didn’t ask for anything…whatever you gave, you gave from your hear
You never forgot…you never measured (who gave who more)…you gave everything with a smile
You are the sun…you are the shade…you are mine
I don’t know anything…but just one thing

In you I see God…what should I do?
In you I see God…what should I do?
Automatically my head bows to you…what should I do?
In you I see God…what should I do?

God has made our……pair

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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Terror Attack in Mumbai – Horrific and Ongoing

Posted on November 27, 2008 by Poonam

If you have not heard, there was a horrific terror attack in Mumbai last night (after 10pm IST) in the southern part of the city. Main terror stricken areas were: VT (CST) Railway Station, Metro Cinema, Cama Hospital, Taj Mahal Hotel (across from Gateway of India), Oberoi Trident Hotel, Ville Parle East, Leopold Cafe, and Nariman House. Other than Ville Parle East, all other terror struck areas are the posh places in South Mumbai.

As some may know, my grandmother’s home is in South Mumbai. We have spoken to them, and they are all fine. On the other point, my brother Suraj, was heading to Mumbai last night from Chicago. He was going via London, and my parents spoke to him and his friend Pratik, when they had reached London. Their flight was delayed from London to Mumbai as there was no flight crew ready to go to Mumbai. After a 2 hour delay, their flight finally took off.

My friends that had come during Neeraj and my wedding (Diane, Daniel, Beth, and Jillian), if you guys remember, we had gone to a place for breakfast before we had headed towards the Elephanta Caves. That place was Leopold Cafe in Colaba with my friends, Kunal and his wife, Bharti. That is the same restaurant where the terrorists came in yesterday and fired shots from their AK-47 rifles at innocent people.

Its very sad all that has happened, and it is high time that the Indian government take action. Stricter security controls need to be put into place in all major metro cities within India. The assault between the terrorists and the army/commandos are still going on right now at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi, and Nariman House. They need to get the situation in Mumbai in order and up the security in general in the city.

So far 101 people have been killed, and over 300 people injured.

I know that Mata Rani is going to be with Suraj and keep him safe throughout his trip. Right now I just want to hear him be with our extended family in Mumbai. I will keep you posted as the time goes by. He suppose to reach Mumbai at 12.30am IST (1pm Central US time today).

This year all the major metro cities (Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Mumbai) have been hit with bomb blasts. Mumbai’s blasts and continued terrorism has been really the worst so far. After 12+ hours, there are still multiple terrorists that are fighting against the Indian army/commandos in both hotels and Nariman House. They are in the process of destroying the major landmarks of South Mumbai by throwing grenades and reeking fire, the Taj Heritage Hotel.

May all the ones whose lives have been lost, may your soul rest in peace. May those who have been injured, recover quickly. Mumbaikars should follow police/govt orders to remain indoors in your homes. May all terrorists that done this horrific attack be caught ASAP – dead or alive.

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

Posted in Aaj ka Din, Ghar, India | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

First Post from Iphone!

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Poonam

So I just downloaded the WordPress app for the iPhone. This is my first post using the app. Right now I am in the car as Neeraj and I head back to STL from Morton. We returned from India a week from today and had come this weekend to visit the family. I know that I owe lots of updates, and I promise they are coming soon this week. We are finally over the jet lag now so I am going to be in full swing. Hope to see slot of comments from all of my readers. :smile:

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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