It was terrible to lose the opportunity by 0.5! I prepared it for almost 2 weeks ever since I came to know about it... Though I was part of the organizing team, I am supposed to undergo the examination before I could participate. You may not even believe, in the last week before the examination, I took all these as part of my diet
Drumstick in all forms (in Sambhar, poriyal etc)
Drumstick leaves - Greens - cooked gravy
Pomegranate
Papaya
Pretty much all types of fruits
I thought taking these will increase my count...
Finally the day arrived!
On the morning, I took a full meal again drumstick leaves sambhar. :))
I reached office. I motivated every one in my team to participate in this... However, they also need to qualify, else they will get rejected... (There is no wild card entry :)) )
I went to the spot along with my team... After checking my weight, age and other particulars they let me in. One of the persons there punched my finger, took a drop of blood. After a few moments, 'hers is 12'. The physician in front of me said, 'come after lunch' and wrote 'unfit' in my blood donation form...
Yes, I am talking Blood Donation camp arranged by my company with Lions Club. It is a very noble act... It is about saving life. So, I was very particular about donating. Knowing my health condition I thought I prepared well... But I lost it by 0.5. Had my heamoglobin count was 12.5 or more, I would have qualified.
When you lose, you can lose by a big margin. No issues. Getting very close to the winning mark and then losing is miserable...
Many of my team members whom I urged to give blood, qualified and they all donated blood... I was happy, atleast I could do that!
But the real bad part is my entire team teases me like 'Oh! she failed the test', 'She got rejected', 'Oh poor... She lost it' having seen my interest in this entire episode :))
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Good touch... Bad touch!
This article is going to be one, which can leave a bad taste in your mind, you may want to carry a disgusting look at me... But never mind, I am penning it down!
I thought I was the only girl in this country rather in this world, to be sexually exploited when I was around 7 years of age... And this was a long buried secret in me for a very long time. Later, slowly I came to understand my friend, friend's friend, my next door aunt, sister, kids were also affected like me.
About seven years back, I was in a group of more than five hundred women and we were asked to share their deepest secret, which bothered or hurt us the most. I thought people would come up with life loss, near and dear lives lost. I was shocked, terrified when more and more ladies of different ages stood up, choked, cried and shared their molestation agony... and that too by whom? Step father, uncle, cousin brother, servant etc etc.
Now what really bothered me is that not many of these ladies could come out of these incidents even after many many years. That was still the most painful incident in their life. Somewhere it left an indelible scar in them.
Some ladies have become introvert, some girls have become eternally fearful, it had a deep impact in their personality. [This is my personal feeling... and I am definitely not an introvert!]
Even before I came to know of this, I was reading so many articles around this... Not that I was doing any research... Just every other day's newspaper carried such news.
When I was in my pre-final year of Engineering, someone asked 'what is your field of interest'. I remember I said, 'Fight Child molestation'. Few of the girls around me had a weird look at me... like 'What... Yuck' and by then they also knew I am kind of a girl to give such replies :))
From then on, I want to do something about it. The first thing that came to my mind was to educate parents, especially mothers on this topic.
What mothers can do about it.
1) Never leave your child alone with anyone(Day care centers and schools are exceptions. We got to trust them anyway)
2) Educate your kid - Good touch, Bad touch.
Someone touches their sensitive areas - Nay, it is a bad touch. Train them in such a way, the moment some thing like that happens, they report to you. You can train them like a play. Like while giving them a shower, tell them 'this is your private part... Only mom can touch for cleaning. If someone else touches, you will tell mom'
Child psychologists say 'Good touch, Bad touch' is an effective tool to protect them against this kind of an act. Atleast we will get a fore warning about such people, the first time when an attempt is made.
Good age to introduce this 'Good touch Bad touch' game is 3 years. This is applicable to toddlers of both sex.
Take care of your little precious one against this kind of barbaric act!
Finally please pass this message to as many people as possible.
I thought I was the only girl in this country rather in this world, to be sexually exploited when I was around 7 years of age... And this was a long buried secret in me for a very long time. Later, slowly I came to understand my friend, friend's friend, my next door aunt, sister, kids were also affected like me.
About seven years back, I was in a group of more than five hundred women and we were asked to share their deepest secret, which bothered or hurt us the most. I thought people would come up with life loss, near and dear lives lost. I was shocked, terrified when more and more ladies of different ages stood up, choked, cried and shared their molestation agony... and that too by whom? Step father, uncle, cousin brother, servant etc etc.
Now what really bothered me is that not many of these ladies could come out of these incidents even after many many years. That was still the most painful incident in their life. Somewhere it left an indelible scar in them.
Some ladies have become introvert, some girls have become eternally fearful, it had a deep impact in their personality. [This is my personal feeling... and I am definitely not an introvert!]
Even before I came to know of this, I was reading so many articles around this... Not that I was doing any research... Just every other day's newspaper carried such news.
When I was in my pre-final year of Engineering, someone asked 'what is your field of interest'. I remember I said, 'Fight Child molestation'. Few of the girls around me had a weird look at me... like 'What... Yuck' and by then they also knew I am kind of a girl to give such replies :))
From then on, I want to do something about it. The first thing that came to my mind was to educate parents, especially mothers on this topic.
What mothers can do about it.
1) Never leave your child alone with anyone(Day care centers and schools are exceptions. We got to trust them anyway)
2) Educate your kid - Good touch, Bad touch.
Someone touches their sensitive areas - Nay, it is a bad touch. Train them in such a way, the moment some thing like that happens, they report to you. You can train them like a play. Like while giving them a shower, tell them 'this is your private part... Only mom can touch for cleaning. If someone else touches, you will tell mom'
Child psychologists say 'Good touch, Bad touch' is an effective tool to protect them against this kind of an act. Atleast we will get a fore warning about such people, the first time when an attempt is made.
Good age to introduce this 'Good touch Bad touch' game is 3 years. This is applicable to toddlers of both sex.
Take care of your little precious one against this kind of barbaric act!
Finally please pass this message to as many people as possible.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
New husbands!
Most new husbands I have seen are choked between their mother and wife. I had a casual conversation with my husband on this. While we were discussing about it, he made a comment, 'Any husband who loves his wife will do what is required for the situation. He will not sit through as the rift grows between the most two important ladies in his life'. I was actually shocked to hear this from him. Because it was quite blunt, second he puts the entire onus on the husband to strike a balance between mom and wife...
Now, as I think about it, I would say what he said is true... assuming you have good wife and good mother-in-law in your mother (mothers can never be bad, but mothers-in-law can be), if the husband does the mediator job properly, their marriage life can be very successful.
What if, they are not... some new brides are never understanding... they don't consider the MIL as their mother. Well, I also agree the feeling should be mutual. but c'mon someone has to start it...
and some MILs don't give the necessary time and space for the new girl to settle down. They don't realize the youngsters are having the most memorable time in their life. They are impatient and want to judge their daughter-in-law too soon, with their insurmountable expectations on her.
Oh yes, yes... there are plenty of reasons! If you watch any of the serials in Sun TV just one day, you will get to know... and if you watch it for a week, you may even commit suicide, beware of that channel!!
The message I am trying to convey is that husband plays a huge role in building the bridge between his bride and his family. If he is not interested in taking the right step, all three or the entire family's happiness is doomed. He should look through the situation or the problem with his maturity glasses and take the right action. Lots of tactfulness and diplomacy is required, in chiding or cajoling any party involved.
Ah... how easily said! But my dear gentlemen, give it a shot! :)
Now, as I think about it, I would say what he said is true... assuming you have good wife and good mother-in-law in your mother (mothers can never be bad, but mothers-in-law can be), if the husband does the mediator job properly, their marriage life can be very successful.
What if, they are not... some new brides are never understanding... they don't consider the MIL as their mother. Well, I also agree the feeling should be mutual. but c'mon someone has to start it...
and some MILs don't give the necessary time and space for the new girl to settle down. They don't realize the youngsters are having the most memorable time in their life. They are impatient and want to judge their daughter-in-law too soon, with their insurmountable expectations on her.
Oh yes, yes... there are plenty of reasons! If you watch any of the serials in Sun TV just one day, you will get to know... and if you watch it for a week, you may even commit suicide, beware of that channel!!
The message I am trying to convey is that husband plays a huge role in building the bridge between his bride and his family. If he is not interested in taking the right step, all three or the entire family's happiness is doomed. He should look through the situation or the problem with his maturity glasses and take the right action. Lots of tactfulness and diplomacy is required, in chiding or cajoling any party involved.
Ah... how easily said! But my dear gentlemen, give it a shot! :)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Fulfilling experience...
Do you remember the day you came to know that you are going to become a mom or dad? Have you savored each and every moment, the first time you held your child? Heaven isn't? I thought my life was made! It was definitely the most intense experience next to being with my Guru.
After being a mother, almost each day I underwent agony, when I see underprivileged children. It is even more agonizing to witness myself just being a passer by...
What am I doing to these children? I carry a heavy pay check home. But I know I live an unfulfilled life. I can't adopt all those children and provide food and shelter to my soul's satisfaction. Should I leave them like that because I didn't carry them in my womb. I want to do something, but.
What about providing food and education to a rural village girl? She has the will to learn, but doesn't have a school near by. She dreams of becoming a doctor, but her parents are struggling for the next meal. Majority of India's next generation only "dream" of a happy living...
How about participating in the democracy, enriching my nation's future generation with good health and sound mind?
I came to know of Isha Vidhya! I sponsor a child. Her name is Padmasree. Isha Vidhya takes care of her education and they provide healthy meals. I have been sponsoring her education for the last 2 years. Now she is in standard IV. I have seen her, she has written to me in that little hand writing... I was moved to know what a difference I have made in her. Ever since, I sponsored her education and meals, its like I adopted her virtually. I see her progress report every term. I write to her asking to concentrate on the subjects she should improve. It is a very wonderful relationship I share with that kid.
All I did is, I donated Rs.10000/year for her wellbeing. That's all it takes. I don't need to bother if she is doing her homework, if she is having her meals properly. Because, I know she is in the safe hands of Isha Vidhya. What else can I expect!
Isha Vidhya has constructed matriculation schools equivalent to a city school with computer facilities in remote villages. They have a very nominal fee structure. But most kids in that village couldn't afford even that. So, they have come up with a unique opportunity for every one of us to participate in rural village children's education. More than 60% of the pupils studying there are sponsored by people like me.
I request all the city folks, especially the ones who are in the lap of growing and blooming IT industry, to please sponsor a child. It only takes Rs. 10000, 200USD, 150 Euro. You may not realize until you sponsor and receive a letter from that little one thanking you for the help, what a new fulfilled experience it is. If you sponsor a child, please don't stop sponsoring midway. The kid has to look for another donor. Try to sponsor them until they reach their matriculation standard.
My sponsored child, Padmasree is now having good meals and education. She even aims to become a great professional and a super great human being! Because she is brought up in love and grace!
More details please visit http://ishavidhya.org
After being a mother, almost each day I underwent agony, when I see underprivileged children. It is even more agonizing to witness myself just being a passer by...
What am I doing to these children? I carry a heavy pay check home. But I know I live an unfulfilled life. I can't adopt all those children and provide food and shelter to my soul's satisfaction. Should I leave them like that because I didn't carry them in my womb. I want to do something, but.
What about providing food and education to a rural village girl? She has the will to learn, but doesn't have a school near by. She dreams of becoming a doctor, but her parents are struggling for the next meal. Majority of India's next generation only "dream" of a happy living...
How about participating in the democracy, enriching my nation's future generation with good health and sound mind?
I came to know of Isha Vidhya! I sponsor a child. Her name is Padmasree. Isha Vidhya takes care of her education and they provide healthy meals. I have been sponsoring her education for the last 2 years. Now she is in standard IV. I have seen her, she has written to me in that little hand writing... I was moved to know what a difference I have made in her. Ever since, I sponsored her education and meals, its like I adopted her virtually. I see her progress report every term. I write to her asking to concentrate on the subjects she should improve. It is a very wonderful relationship I share with that kid.
All I did is, I donated Rs.10000/year for her wellbeing. That's all it takes. I don't need to bother if she is doing her homework, if she is having her meals properly. Because, I know she is in the safe hands of Isha Vidhya. What else can I expect!
Isha Vidhya has constructed matriculation schools equivalent to a city school with computer facilities in remote villages. They have a very nominal fee structure. But most kids in that village couldn't afford even that. So, they have come up with a unique opportunity for every one of us to participate in rural village children's education. More than 60% of the pupils studying there are sponsored by people like me.
I request all the city folks, especially the ones who are in the lap of growing and blooming IT industry, to please sponsor a child. It only takes Rs. 10000, 200USD, 150 Euro. You may not realize until you sponsor and receive a letter from that little one thanking you for the help, what a new fulfilled experience it is. If you sponsor a child, please don't stop sponsoring midway. The kid has to look for another donor. Try to sponsor them until they reach their matriculation standard.
My sponsored child, Padmasree is now having good meals and education. She even aims to become a great professional and a super great human being! Because she is brought up in love and grace!
More details please visit http://ishavidhya.org
Monday, December 28, 2009
Is there a solution?
It was 10.45 PM, 12/21/2009. I was on my way back home, sitting inside the cab, watching the wiper move - up - down up - down... heavy rains outside! The wipers were dutifully clearing up the vision. When I was lost in my thoughts, suddenly I heard the cab driver speak , 'I dont know how next generation is going to be' I was startled to hear that while he continued, 'this month is margazhi and there is no fog or mist in the morning... there is too much of rain now which is not good for this season...' Like this he continued... How should I feel?! While I was glad to see the climate change awareness among common people, I was immensely sad to realize what kind of Earth or environment I am leaving for my child, my future generation. We, the current residents of the earth are already victims of the pollution and other contamination we are doing to the environment.
A few generations ago, asthma was not known to many people. Now it is a very common disease. 3 out of 10 children in US are suffering from asthma.
What about India... I have a living example. My two and a half year old toddler was diagnosed of wheezing, the beginning signs of asthma.
It sends shivers through my spine.
What am I doing about it!? A few months back, I planted two saplings in some unused space near my place. For every new leaf I saw in those future trees, I carried a wide smile on my face and happiness in my heart. I know it is a very small step, but remember, little drops make an ocean!
Interested in knowing what more can be done about global warming? Read this article - Precious
Let me appeal to you, Guys and gals, Save our earth. Plant trees! That could be our only saviour, if at all anything is there. Lets be kind to our children and their chuldren. It is not some X or Y. It is my child and your child, you and me who are the victims!
A few generations ago, asthma was not known to many people. Now it is a very common disease. 3 out of 10 children in US are suffering from asthma.
What about India... I have a living example. My two and a half year old toddler was diagnosed of wheezing, the beginning signs of asthma.
It sends shivers through my spine.
What am I doing about it!? A few months back, I planted two saplings in some unused space near my place. For every new leaf I saw in those future trees, I carried a wide smile on my face and happiness in my heart. I know it is a very small step, but remember, little drops make an ocean!
Interested in knowing what more can be done about global warming? Read this article - Precious
Let me appeal to you, Guys and gals, Save our earth. Plant trees! That could be our only saviour, if at all anything is there. Lets be kind to our children and their chuldren. It is not some X or Y. It is my child and your child, you and me who are the victims!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
My husband slapped me!
I did it! It took 5 years and several months to happen. Finally he laid his hands on me. Hey wait...! This was for a big blow! Yes, he slapped me! It was not easy for either of us. It took several hours to reconcile. Atleast to talk to each other. On top of this, we visited his mom's place that night. Did that help or cause more trouble? Lets see... With not too much of sham we did, they found out something fishy was going on between us. So we were forced to get into terms faster. I too was not interested in making them(my parents-in-law) wonder or worry for a longer time. While everyone was contemplating what caused all this, the eldest soul in the family, his grandpa (he is like my own too), decided to get some story out from me. While I didn't let out the entire drama for there is nothing much to be said, profound advice started pouring in, from e'one there (except my in-laws) on what! how to keep him (my husband) happy!!! On any day, I wouldn't have taken it. For whatever reason, I stayed calm. I went ahead to convince them, 'we will be ok' (and we were after a while). We returned home after 2 days. On the way back, I simply commented, ' There is nothing wrong with them (grandpa and others there), just this society is fabricated that way... It is a male dominated society, you cannot expect much from it' Let me also tell you, my in-laws and family are the best one could get! The entire episode along with reconciliation happened very fast. The visit did help reduce the tension between us.
However the weekend is not over yet. Isha was not OK with her health. She kept falling sick and still is... That evening, she was so adamant on eating something which is not good for her health. I admonished her with a loud voice! That's it! She broke into big time tears and started saying with her weeping voice, 'Amma vendam' (I don't want mom). I heard her say that for the first time. I was always her favorite person, not anymore :( Somewhere I am turning to be stricter mother! Thus she added more to my weekend blues which finally got over.
Uff!! I am happy it got over... I despise such weekends, I am better off without such tormenting ones!!!
Oh Yes! We are ok and happily married for 5 years and 5 months now with a little princess :)
However the weekend is not over yet. Isha was not OK with her health. She kept falling sick and still is... That evening, she was so adamant on eating something which is not good for her health. I admonished her with a loud voice! That's it! She broke into big time tears and started saying with her weeping voice, 'Amma vendam' (I don't want mom). I heard her say that for the first time. I was always her favorite person, not anymore :( Somewhere I am turning to be stricter mother! Thus she added more to my weekend blues which finally got over.
Uff!! I am happy it got over... I despise such weekends, I am better off without such tormenting ones!!!
Oh Yes! We are ok and happily married for 5 years and 5 months now with a little princess :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Baby Ramayana
I don't understand how kids like to listen to the same story again and again... I have been saying this story (The story name 'Rama Story' or Baby Ramayana) every night with little variation to my little one, Isha Krupa. She doesn't fall asleep unless she hears this story...
So now, the story... Be careful, you may doze off when you finish reading :))
Once upon a time, there lived a king. The King had four babies. First baby's name was Rama, Second baby's name Lakshmana, third baby's name was Bharatha, Fourth baby's name Shatrugna.
Baby Rama was very fond of Baby Lakshmana (in her language Rama paappa, lakshmana paappa and so on...). Every day Lakshmana used to get lots of kisses from Baby Rama.
One day, all four babies - Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrugna - went to a forest for playing. They were playing 'Ringa Ringa roses, Pocket full of roses, Hasha Busha ... All fall down' game...
All of a sudden, a big lion came that way and saw these kids playing there... Lion came close by and threatened Rama, 'Hey Rama, go home... This is our place. Who asked you to come here?' Baby Rama replied 'Lion, I am not scared of you... I have a big bow and arrow and a stick also' 'I'll beat you up'.
'More over', Rama said, 'I drink Pediasure every day so I am very strong... So you better go inside the forest. We will not go home, we are going to play another game'
and Rama and his baby brothers continued to play...
The Lion was angry, but he decided to use his mind. So he went to the big elephant of the forest. He went and narrated the encounter with Rama. The elephant listened carefully and said, 'King Lion... you don't worry about Rama and his baby brothers. I'll smash them'
The lion gleefully followed the elephant and reached the kid's play area. Rama saw them both. Elephant told the same thing as lion did. He asked them to disappear from the forest or he might get angry. Rama said the same thing that he had a big bow and arrow and he would hurt them.
Elephant was shocked and didn't know what to do. He stood stunned before Rama. Immediately, Baby Rama smiled, 'Elephant and Lion... ha ha ha... don't be scared. I was jus kidding. I won't beat you. I would like to be friends with you, if you wish... We can play together'... Lion and elephant were so relieved for Baby Rama was not afraid of elephant and his big appearance also. They both became so happy, and agreed to the proposal. They realized Rama and his baby brothers were all so brave, intelligent, honest and friendly.
So the elephant and lion became friends with Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrugna and played every day in the forest ever after :)
By this time, Isha will be yawning... But if you stop in the middle, she'll nag you to continue...
I am writing this today for two reasons
1) One day, I'll read this story back to her :)
2) Some one reading this can use it as their kid's bed time story
This story relates to her day to day activities and teaches some morals. *like drinking pediasure makes Rama strong, lion and elephant play and that they can be Rama's playmates, how lion decided to call elephant when he was alone, how rama used non violence to conquer those mammoth animals ;-)
The list continues....
We tried Krishna story, but apparently, this became her favorite bed time story :)
Good night folks :)
So now, the story... Be careful, you may doze off when you finish reading :))
Once upon a time, there lived a king. The King had four babies. First baby's name was Rama, Second baby's name Lakshmana, third baby's name was Bharatha, Fourth baby's name Shatrugna.
Baby Rama was very fond of Baby Lakshmana (in her language Rama paappa, lakshmana paappa and so on...). Every day Lakshmana used to get lots of kisses from Baby Rama.
One day, all four babies - Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrugna - went to a forest for playing. They were playing 'Ringa Ringa roses, Pocket full of roses, Hasha Busha ... All fall down' game...
All of a sudden, a big lion came that way and saw these kids playing there... Lion came close by and threatened Rama, 'Hey Rama, go home... This is our place. Who asked you to come here?' Baby Rama replied 'Lion, I am not scared of you... I have a big bow and arrow and a stick also' 'I'll beat you up'.
'More over', Rama said, 'I drink Pediasure every day so I am very strong... So you better go inside the forest. We will not go home, we are going to play another game'
and Rama and his baby brothers continued to play...
The Lion was angry, but he decided to use his mind. So he went to the big elephant of the forest. He went and narrated the encounter with Rama. The elephant listened carefully and said, 'King Lion... you don't worry about Rama and his baby brothers. I'll smash them'
The lion gleefully followed the elephant and reached the kid's play area. Rama saw them both. Elephant told the same thing as lion did. He asked them to disappear from the forest or he might get angry. Rama said the same thing that he had a big bow and arrow and he would hurt them.
Elephant was shocked and didn't know what to do. He stood stunned before Rama. Immediately, Baby Rama smiled, 'Elephant and Lion... ha ha ha... don't be scared. I was jus kidding. I won't beat you. I would like to be friends with you, if you wish... We can play together'... Lion and elephant were so relieved for Baby Rama was not afraid of elephant and his big appearance also. They both became so happy, and agreed to the proposal. They realized Rama and his baby brothers were all so brave, intelligent, honest and friendly.
So the elephant and lion became friends with Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrugna and played every day in the forest ever after :)
By this time, Isha will be yawning... But if you stop in the middle, she'll nag you to continue...
I am writing this today for two reasons
1) One day, I'll read this story back to her :)
2) Some one reading this can use it as their kid's bed time story
This story relates to her day to day activities and teaches some morals. *like drinking pediasure makes Rama strong, lion and elephant play and that they can be Rama's playmates, how lion decided to call elephant when he was alone, how rama used non violence to conquer those mammoth animals ;-)
The list continues....
We tried Krishna story, but apparently, this became her favorite bed time story :)
Good night folks :)
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