Instant Chargers

HT city has started a new column called "Celebrity and the City"....where every day some celebrity posts his/her write-ups.....I really like Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Deshmukh's posts....men are hardly this intelligent these days.....however a couple of days back I read an interesting one posted by Genelia D'souza....she named it "God of small things".....it goes something like.....things which give you a high everytime....and that really inspired this blog of mine ("inspired".....to avoid plagarism :) )

So I decided to put down the 10 Instant Chargers in my life....here they go:

1) Playing with my babies (I mean my pets) after a hectic day.....whether had a bad day at ofc.....or down with some illness.....or trying to get hold of my indecisive mind.....5 mins with my babies and I am fresh as lime... :)

1) Catching up with school friends.....and we start off immediately talking about the good old school days at Loreto....we were a bunch of rowdy girls....and our Principal never had it enough shouting at us....day in and day out (will blog about my school days sometime soon....) .....but never knew then....that these would become such memorable moments in life....I mean we can talk about the same story over and over and yet never get bored.....thats the best part about geing girls I guess.....I'd say girls and not ladies coz when we catch up its always the girls in us......we never grow up in this mad gang....here I need to mention Nimisha's name.....its only her who makes these meets possible.....whenever she is in town.....she makes it a point that all of us (whoever is in Kolkata then) get together even if its for a couple of hrs.....thanx a ton darling :)

1) Having a "piece of heaven"....Oh! I mean a "Black Forest" pastry at Nahoum's.....I needn't explain much about Nahoum's to ppl in Kolkata.....for others.....it is one of the oldest bakeries here......situated in New Market......and is famous for its fruit cakes....but every one who's been to Nahoum's will surely have their favourites....and mine is the "Black Forest" that they make.....I mean it is indeed a "piece of heaven".....must try it.....only then u'll know what I mean!!!....and yes make sure you visit Nahoum's before 6 in the evening.....coz after that they are generally out with the "Black Forest".....such is the demand buddy.

1) Chatting for hrs with friends who live out of town.....busy with their lives.....but still always have enough time for me.....I love it when ppl pamper me....so just don't mind even if they call me at 2 a.m in the morning :)

1) Shopping.....buying anything from a nice dress to a steel plate....it is definitely therapeutic......I'm sure every lady would second that.....it is never tiring....and never enough :)

1) Cutting my birthday cake......though this happens only once in a year....but most of the times I happen to cut more than one cake on that day.....and I just love it.....it makes me forget that I have become a year older.....so what....a year wiser too!!!

1) Buying a piece of Silver Jewellery from Chamba Lama at New Market (again)....the thing is every woman loves jewellery.....diamond and gold are generally the favourites.....but come to think of it.....if u get it as a gift....nothing better.....but when u buy it urself.....after a while u start worrying about ur pocket.....but silver jewellery saves u from that part.....and if it comes in such beautiful designs as those in Chamba Lama.....what else do we need.....and ladies.....if u still haven't checked that out....u are missing something!

1) Working with Cognizant Outreach.....Outreach is the association in Cognizant that helps the society in very many ways.....I have been an active participant in their ventures.....and feel so so happy and proud of this......from teaching kids at NGO's....taking them out for picnics......visiting and helping schools for the underpriviledged......to organizing blood donation camps.....everything they do....is so fulfilling that I love being a part of this team

1) Getting drenched wet in the rains......it actually takes away all the tiredness.....and makes me feel so relaxed.....why spend so much in a spa when this works so very well...lol

1) Dancing and partying hard....I bet this will be common for most of us :)

I know they are all numbered as 1).....it is not a ctrl+C ctrl-V mistake....I just didn't want to put them in any order.....they charge me up equally....so all of them are at number one

Hey just an idea.....why don't you try putting down the 10 instant chargers in your life.....it does give u a great feeling of joy I tell u.....and yes while doing so.....notice the smile that these bring to ur face.....see that is why I called them "Instant Chargers".

Adieu

There is a story between us and every person that we meet in life....some stories end shortly....some lasts for a lifetime.....however short or long a story is....the last word of the story is 'Adieu'.

Every time it may not become necessary to say it verbally.....at times one does not even get an opportunity to bid bye.....or may be....sometimes we don't even want to say a 'bye'...
It is this unsaid 'Good-bye' that we remember the most....

I lost one of my cousins this morning......he was all alone when he expired.....couldn't say 'Adieu'....not to a single soul.....may be he didn't get an opportunity to say so....now that he has left....without saying a word.....it is hard for us.....as we expected a 'Bye' at the least..... we all will miss him for life....
Working for an IT firm.....every now and then ppl switch their jobs......on that person's last working day we get a mail saying 'Good-bye' and keep in touch.......even if I hadn't interacted with him/her ever....the mail does make me feel sad.....reminds me that......here it is.....end of another story.
I remember the last time i got a personal 'Adieu' mail from a friend.....we had separated our ways....since there were a lot of ego hassles that over-powered our friendship which fell short....it feels bad to hear a 'Adieu' from a friend.....this is one such situation where I think a 'Bye' is better not said....
Its time for another good friend to leave.......and I know things will never be the same again.....rather things have already changed....it hurts when u think u know a friend enough and then suddenly u realize that the person u knew was not a friend......or the friend u knew cannot just be this person........and how things didn't matter to my frnd when it did matter me to that extent.......but still I don't wanna say 'Adieu'....hoping that roads might cross again....but knowing that we'll try our best to not let that happen.....so I guess I will not even give myself a chance to say 'Bbye'.....however would wish my friend the best in life.....

And to let all of u know that.....wherever u r.....just be happy.....and remember that someone somewhere is happy becoz u r happy.....'Adieu' might put an end to a story....it certainly does not put an end to the memory that one has of u....
Wanted to sribble down a few lines from a couple of songs that is coming into my mind now....but let that be.....I think I'll let go of the thought.....Adieu

The object of my obsession

I find obsession to be so amusing....consciously we try not to get obsessed...but sub-consciously we cannot help but get obsessed...and for a kind of person like me....I always have 2 options for obsession.....I'll either get obsessed and do everything to get my object of obsession or else I'll get obsessed but let go of the object.....thats how I deal with my obsession....
When the object of obsession is mere a thing.....it is easy to control the mind....like these days I have grown an obsession for beautiful sarees....whenever I see one that I like too much....without giving a thought to my poor bank balance I pounce on it and buy it....on the other hand....I generally keep my hair short.....but had grown it for the last one year.....my frnds loved my new look.....and I too was obsessed with it.....so just the other day I went to the salon....and got that chucked....back to my short hair cut.....see how easy it is.....no big deal!
Obsession becomes a big deal when it becomes a part of any relationship.....that is when the conscious and sub-conscious mind starts playing the game that I hate.....and makes the mind real weak.....and indecisive.....it becomes difficult to control my mind.....coz I believe that it is the mind and not the heart that deals with obsession..... a frnd of mine says "Jassi you should start gymming.....not because losing weight should be your priority but to have a disciplined mind".....does that even help you to stop getting obsessed???.....if yes, I'll take your words real seriously okay.....these days I am obsessed.....and it is a li'l painful for a person like me since I really give a s*** to things that bother me.....just the other day a frnd told me "it is only when you start getting a hold of the thing you want...you get to know whether it is is even worth the wait....whatever that may be".....so true.....but even when I know that my object of obsession is not worth the pain.....still I get obsessed.....see how the mind plays the game.....consciously I really want to let go....but sub-consciously.....I try to hold on to it.....and that is where the problem begins.....it is like a fist full of sand....the tighter u hold on to it....the quicker it slips.....leaving u void.....so I have consciously decided to let go....befores it makes me completely empty......but sub-consciously....."NO"..... this time....I'll just LET GO

However I have made real good frnds in life....very few in number though.....and I just love these guys.....they help me deal with myself to a gr8 extent....I like it that way.....I find fewer ppl means fewer relationships....and an easy life.....but it is life at the end of the day.....which can be anything but easy.....even with such few number of relationships I get obsessed!!! :(
And see.....it is a close buddy again....who got me hooked to blogging.....and now I am obsessed :)

Can we just let them be...

My friends say....that if I talk for 5 mins....2 mins out of that has to be about dogs....and I so much agree to that....though I know it does bore u guys at times.....but then I have always been very vocal about what I think and feel.....Now that I have started blogging....I have to talk about them....hey hey but its not gonna be boring I promise :)
It really surprises me when somebody misbehaves or is rude.....and ppl say "Stop behaving like a Dog!!!"....I mean I thought they are the most loyal and friendly creatures around.....if ppl are misbehaving why refer them as "Dogs"???.....with all due respect to Dharam paaji....."Basanti, inn Kutto ke samne mat nachna".....arre Gabbar is mean.....so ask her not to dance in front of Gabbar na.....what has "Kutte" gotto do with that....and then he keeps threatening them saying...."Kutte main tera khun pee jaunga".....I mean, c'mon....whenever human beings are at fault.....instead of blaming the race.....we keep blaming dogs.....that really shows how mean the human race is.....and how polite dogs are.....inspite of being ill-treated by humans every now and then......being abused to that extent....they still are known as "Man's best friend".
I haven't stayed in any other city.....not as in living.....and I just love Kolkata...to the core....and am so proud being an Kolkatan.....but this aspect of Kolkata really bothers me.....the city is known for its cosmopolitan nature.....ppl are said to be so tolerant......but where does the love go....when we talk about these stray dogs....they too are a part of the city right.....by birth.... like most us.....
My office is located at Saltlake....and I generally travel by auto.....rather most of us end up spending more than half of our salaries to these auto-wallas here.....and have u noticed how harshly they drive??.....why blame only them.....most ppl.....drive so cautiously.....when they see a child from far away.....or a man crossing a road.....but when it comes to these poor dogs.....do we even care to press the horn to make them alert.....most of the times....i don't even see that.....just drive over....so what that it is also a li'l pup.....who gets so confused by even the headlights.....or may be its a dog....waiting to cross the road....like so many of us.....they are brutally smashed....and we end up telling ourselves....."Hey, its just another dog ya....no big deal!"
Talking about strays....the Municipal Corporation is responsible to check their count.....for which I believe proper actions can be taken....but do we even give it a thought....that why do these strays fear the van???.....thats because once they are taken there they never get to return.....can we just can't stop this....I keep hearing..." a dog is burnt alive here".....or "5 pups were drowned there"......I mean aren't we supposed to be the most intelligent lot.....if this is the result of such intelligence....I wish I was a dog....at least could answer myself.....not questioning my loyalty....
My dad says.....I get too taken away by these things.....and I say....thats because....I love every bit of my city....and I feel so bad when I see the way we treat other living beings here.....there have been so many situations when I tried to save some of these dogs....and have gone up to the nearest Corporation Veteranaries.....but of no use...the suggestions that they give me....are like weird ones....clearly showing there least botheration.....I generally take my pets to the Belgachia Veterenary(I have two lovely dogs who were strays....and they mean the world to me)....where they have real good docs.....I have actually seen....a number of them getting back their second lives.....it feels so good.....when I see them doing so well.....but then again....if you notice there they also have a place where you can leave ur pet when u are on a vacation....and my God....how ill-treated they are.....thats because the person is not around....and dogs cannot complain....it is difficult to fight these situations all alone....though I do put my words whenever I can....
I haven't come across a single private organization like ASPCA in Kolkata.....who actually work towards the well being of these lovely creatures without any personal interest...if anybody is aware of any.... can u plz lemme know???
At times I see so many dogs.....of good breeds too.....who are just thrown out of the house....because they are old and cannot serve to their best....I don't blame ppl for that.....these days.....even our parents have become such a burden for us.....that we don't think twice before leaving them in an old age home.....and these are only dogs....right
I have written a number or articles here and there....to tell ppl that....we can do it better....and it really feels gr8 when I hear from a number of them saying....."Hey Jays....know what....I have adopted a stray....it is amazing ya....how it has changed my life".....I feel good....I know I'm doing my part....I see a lot of rallies.....actress Debashree Roy being one of the active participants...who plead ppl to help the strays....I mean kudos to her....that she she takes out time from her busy schedule and is doing her bit.....but are you doing urs???
May be it is not possible for all of us to adopt ....but we can atleast be a li'l more tolerant towards them.....I know Kolkata is much better than that.....It may be just a dog for u....but even it has just 1 one life.....like us....give it a thought :)

I know I am a dreamer

Hey there.....this is my first blog ever....and I am really excited about this.....however it is 4.00 am in the morning (though my computer clock shows some other time.....need to fix that).....and I cannot think of a meaningful topic.....so will scribble anything that is coming into my mind now.....so plz forgive me if this just doesn't make any sense:)
As a kid I always believed in Santa Claus.....I thought he would actually come door to door to get us that special gift that we would long for.....his sleigh along with his 8 reindeers Dasher, Dancer,Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen......(hope I've named them correctly....though I get to hear different names these days in a couple of movies).....would always amaze me :)
I have always been a very pampered child.....and have never heard a "no" from my parenst ever......still I waited for the entire year to get the thing that I craved most from "Santa" only....every Christmas eve I would pen down a small note for him.....thanking him enough for my previous year's gift telling him how much I loved it.....and then would write down....what I wanted this year.....would then fold the note neatly.....and stuff it into the long red stocking that I owned....that would be a secret....I would die but tell anybody what I had wished for.....except Mom......she was not "anybody" you see....it would always so happen that a couple of weeks before Christmas Mom would ask me "So what is it that you want this year?".....and I would readily share my deepest secret with her..... :)
I had turned 11 that year.....on the Christmas Eve we were staying over at Granny's place.....and I was really worried.....as in..."Will Santa know that I was staying here tonight? Would he make it to this place to get me my gift?".....Mom and mashi had just returned from shopping in the evening.....and I happenned to peep into Mom's shopping bag.....to check if she had got something for me or not....to my surprise....I digged out a Pink Cindrella dress with that perfect rose stitched on the waist line.....I was like...."What???"....this was actually the thing that I was about to ask Santa for this very eve....I can't explain enough how shattered I was.....to get the entire picture right.....I went up to Mom with moist eyes.....she hugged me and explained.....how she and dad would get me the gift that I wanted so much.....and how she would trick me to get this li'l info....I never told her but I did feel cheated that day....since I thought....my belief was nothing but a myth???So unreal???
But today when I think of this entire thing....I feel so special.....that not 1 but I have 2 Santas in my life....Mom and Dad.....how they would get me the best of everything throughout the year and still let me have the thing I wanted so badly.....not letting me know that its been them all through.....just because they wanted me to believe in my dreams....
Isn't it so true that our parents not only help us dream but also give us so much strength and support to live it.....there are times our dreams do not come true.....but that still doesn't stop us from dreaming right.....my take is.....dreams help us realize what we are......only a li'l encouragement can help us achieve them......
If ppl never dreamt.......guess not much could have been achieved by the human race
"You may say I'm a dreamer....but I'm not the only one
I hope someday u will join us....and the world will live as one"
- John Lennon ( a dreamer ahead of his times)
See I told you Santa is for real.....bet you believe that :) :) :)