Back from India vacation 2013

Had a gr8 gr8 time, will pen down some of the happenings soon.
Right now getting back to normal working mode.

Liebster is back with a bang

Thanks to some really nice friends in the blog world, I got awarded the Liebster twice in one week.

One is from Arya at http://keepcalmandjustwrite.wordpress.com/
And second from Sreeja at http://thealertmind.blogspot.com/

Sorry for the delay, was busy with Diwali functions and then my baby's birthday and now soon to happen India trip. Without further ado let me jump to the rules:-

As the rules go:-

è Tag back to the person who tagged you

è Answer the questions posed by him/her/them

è Tag 11 ( some say 10 ) more bloggers , with no more than 200 followers

è Post 11 ( some say 10 )  Questions for them to answer !!

è And tell them that they have been tagged , so that they continue the chain

Arya wanted us to answer the same questions so here goes:-

1. What does your name mean? Border

2. What are your hobbies? Reading, Writing, Quilling Cards

3. According to you, what was the driving force that let you into the blogging world? Boredom, yeah it's true..Initially I started this blog thinking I would capture all my endeavours on my third trip to US but apart for a blog here and there did not write much. I still remember how I was sitting in office with not much work and was so thoroughly bored that I started writing a poem on the blog and then felt really great about it.

4. What was the most recent compliment you’ve received and savored?

When my 4 yr old told me on the diwali function --mamma, I like ur dress, u look like a queen.

5. What are the top three qualities that draw you to someone new?
How much attention is given while talking (nowadays with phone, everyone is on it). how well a converstaion is held and language.

6. If you could eliminate one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be?

Procastinating things.

7. What was the best news you ever received?

When my sis was pregnant

8. If you could hold on to just one memory from your life forever, what would that be?

The time that I spend with a friend and we laughed and laughed for 3 hours

9. What’s your favorite dessert? I love anything sweet, my absolute favorite would be Tiramisu.

10. What are the top three things on your bucket list?
 To write a novel or short story and get published(it's hardwork I do know that), To travel other continents, to live peacefully

Now over to Sreeja's questions

1. Describe yourself in a perfect sentence of five words :P
I am corageous, confidant and intelligent.. oops that was 6 words
(Killer combo)

2. Imagine you are stranded in an isolated island. What’s the one thing you’ll miss the most ?
I dont think I am attached to anything so much that I would miss it.

3. What / who is the first thing / person you think of when you hear the word, “Intelligent” ?
My daddy. If I only got half his brains I cant even imagine the things I would be capable of. Whiz with numbers and can talk on any topic all over the world.


4. What’s your greatest insecurity ?
I am not insecure about anything. I am a very satisfied person.

5. Which quality do you admire the most in your parents ?
The fact that they enjoyed their lives together, took lots of trips by themselves and with kids and taught us to live life at it's Best.

6. Your favourite writer and your favourite of his books
Jeffrey Archer: The Prodigal Daughter

7. If you could become a cartoon character for a day, who would you choose to be ?
Popeye--To eat spinach and be strong

8. If you are asked to change three things about the world, what would they be ?
Corruption, Violence and Global Warming

9. Love, for you, means….. ?
Peace of Mind

10. What makes your best friend, your best friend ?
 She knows to keep our secrets

11. What’s your take - A forest trek or a Halloween party ?
 A forest trek definitely


I tag the following nice people
Vincy from http://scramblesofamaverick.blogspot.com/
Rekha from http://soulsearchingdays.blogspot.com/
Priyanka from http://priyankavictor.blogspot.com/
Preethi at http://tulipsandme.blogspot.com/
Remya at http://suhana-safar-remz.blogspot.com/
Avadakedavra at http://ashscerebrations.com/
Scorpio at http://scorpio-blogs.blogspot.com/

Questions for them:
1) What is your favorite word or phrase?

2) What holiday makes you sad?

3) What is the most cheekiest thing you have done till date?

4) What is the last meal that you made for yourself?

5) What was your best birthday ? Why?

6) What would you do if you won the lottery?

7) If you had a warning label, what would urs say?

8) Have you ever got sweet revenge on someone?

9) Who was your first best friend?

10) What is the most scariest thing you have ever done?

Happy 4th Birthday to my Bumbe Bee

ON 12th Nov 2013 my baby turned 4 years.

This year we decided to do a low key affair, just @home we wanted to invite a few kids and do cake cutting. Since I wanted to entertain the kids and not have games etc like usual parties, and to be different I decided to host a magic show.
We had our annual Diwali function on 10th Nov and hence I did not get much time to plan and prepare. Even then I did a circus theme, made red velvet cupcakes, had popcorns, mini doughnuts, bread pizza and some kulfi.
For drinks I had magic colored drinks. The kids were amazed at some of the tricks. My baby even had his mount open in a big O during one of the tricks. After that I gave them 2 big chart paper to color and put stickers and then when they were leaving I gave each of them a magic wand.

Diwali 2013

Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali! This time I did nothing, not even light a diya at my place. Grandpa is not well and admitted in hospital, another sickness at sister's in-laws place so not feeling much like it either.

Sat morning we went out to get some pictures of the fall colors, came out good, noon watched movie and tried not to sleep but couldn't control and slept for 2 hrs, woke up , had tea and then a friend called as he was bursting fire-works,  took the kids down and had a fun time, made gobi paneer paratha at night.

Sun- Daylight savings started so we went back by an hour, made poha in the morning, noon had chicken curry, again decided not to nap at noon but couldnt control. By the time I woke up at 5:30 it was so dark thanks to the time change :(.
Cooked dinner of sambhar, bhendi sabji. Few friends stopped by and gave sweets.

That was our Diwali, hope all of you had a good one.

TOUCH Thursday No 3

This is the 3rd TOUCH Thursday entry:-
For more details visit here http://justamotheroftwo.blogspot.com/2013/10/touch-thursday-no3-and-results.html

Today's prompt is If you are a woman, write 3 things (or more)  that you really want from men

When I was young and naive I wanted a guy who would talk a lot, pamper me to the hilt , make me laugh all the time yaada yaada.
Now I realize that these things are not very critical in everyday living, so today my thoughts are reversed. I need a man who will

1. Respect his and my family. For me family is very important. I would never do anything to hurt my or his parents and I want someone to reciprocate the same feelings. Someone whom I know that even if things go wrong among us will not hurt my parents.

2. Peace of Mind:- I have known to have the jealousy streaks so much that it eats into my mind. I am grateful to be in a relation where I do not have that kinds of stress and can be peacful and relaxed.

3. Let me be Myself:- Just allow me to do the things that I really like to do and be a constant support.

Falling in Love Again

My boy is a mamma's boy, not that he clings to me all the time or anything like that but between him and his Dad, I am the Preferred one, we fight, we argue, we dance together, we laugh at silly things so much so that his Dad feels left out.

So last nite when we were in bed I told him 'Baby, Daddy was complaining that you are not kissing him and hugging him etc, you only do all that to Mommy, at this my little one makes a funny face and says "But Mommy --you are the cutest na, so I like to kiss you all the time"
Awwwwwwww--after that I was only smiling.

Yet Another Week-end Went By in A Jiffy

This week being Navratri Friday 11th Oct 2013 we had garba nite in our apartment complex. The time given was 8:00 - 11:00. Me & R got ready and went to the party hall at 8 with the speaker system. We waited for 45 mins till others started trickling in.
We went back and had dinner and came by 9 by the time most people had come. We started garba dance but it the jhor shor of last time was really missing.
To add to it it was very hot and we were sweating after doing some 4-5 rounds itself

By 10 pm most of them left, so even we wrapped up for the day. Went home and slept.
Sat was a friend's kid bday part so we were at the party hall decorating. Lunch they ordered pizza, then played VB from 4 - 6. Got ready and went to the party which went on till 10:30 pm

13th Sun --Last day of Navratri pooja, went to a frinds home in the morning for pooja, came home and made brociili paratha, slept, played VB in the evening and then night made yummy lamb biryani.

TOUCH Thursday no 2

Here is my entry for TOUCH Thursday Prompt 2
For more details visit here-  http://justamotheroftwo.blogspot.com/2013/10/touch-thursday-no2-and-also-results-of.html

Hi Mark,
Heard that you were planning to visit India. Though we may not know each other so well I wanted to ensure your stay here is satisfactory. At first sight you might feel uncomfortable at the pollution, the soot and dust and the huge population but let me tell you, soon you will find that India is a people's country , the warmth and love that you will get form all of us here will be cherished by you for a lifetime.
Since this is your first visit here obviously you will want to do some sight-seeing. You must have heard about the interesting palces to visit like the world famous Taj mahal, the beaches in Goa, the forts in Jaipur or the more exotic places in Ooty, Kanyakumari, Kovalam but there are some hidden gems of places that you should just not miss. I am listing some of them here for your reference.

The Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh.

This part of Greater Himalaya called "moon on earth" consists of naked peaks and deep gorges which you should absolutely not miss.

Cherrapunji - Just 56 kilometer away from the state capital Shillong (capital of Meghalaya),  is a heaven’s garden away from the reach of city life.The sky scrapping hills offer a view of the lush green area, the floating clouds and the rustic lifestyle of the local residents.

Tarkarli Beach - Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city known for it's shopping, architecture and Bollywood cinemas but if you drive a few hours , you will reach the  land of pristine waters, Tarkarli. It is a heaven for the adventure lovers who love to do snorkeling and scuba diving. You can still feel the tranquil whispering of the sea waves in this less tourist frequented beach of Maharashtra.  

Daman & Diu - is the 2nd smallest Union Territory in India. The reflections of both Gujarati and Portuguese lifestyle can be seen in this part of the country. The far stretching shoreline adds on enchanting charm to this beautiful abode. Dotted by forts and churches, Daman & Diu is a good choice to explore the unexplored.



Athirapilly Falls - This famous waterfall in Kerala is not just calm and sweet, but something really wild and natural. The word ‘picturesque’ hold true while I talk of these giant natural wonders.

Apart from these you should also try the various cuisine of India. It is heaven for your taste buds to savour the variety of food you will get from each and every State of India.
Have fun while you are here and do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information.

The week-end that Was

I was waiting for the week-end eagerly and once it came It went by so fast.
Fri went o play Indoor Volleyball ,was there till 10 pm and then went out for dinner at GreenMill(we were given Green Mill vouchers for winning the Eden prairie League)
Sat morn my baby neice S came home played with her and then made some brocolli paratha, another friend of mine gave birth to a baby boy so went to the hospital to see baby & mom. Evening wanted to get a nap but R did not allow me to sleep, he was jumping and playing all over. Evening went for my run after a very long time, it was beautiful weather and picked some flowers on my way, went for Dussera pooja to a friend's place, night went to casino , played Bingo and came home by 1 am.

Sun I had kept dussera pooja at my place, woke up, made prasad, kadala sundal and sweet pongal, everyone came by 11, finished pooja by 1, had dinner and then slept till 5:30.
Evening played with kids, made dinner and done for the day. 

TOUCH Thursday no.1:

Preeti of http://justamotheroftwo.blogspot.com/ is launching her 5th book and as a result has put up these wonderful prompts for 6 weeks.

Do go here http://justamotheroftwo.blogspot.com/2013/10/touch-one-you-cannot-have-thursday-no1.html  for more details.

If I could have anyone I choose as my 'forever friend'/ 'life partner' , I would choose...............................................
I would choose him -- The One I cannot Have because circumstances put us in such a relationship that we cannot be together. He is happily married and so am I to our respective partners but we are bonded by blood and soul. He started out by being my best friend, the one with whom I can discuss about anything. He can make me laugh a lot, we can laugh together at the silliest of things, he can infuse in my relatively peaceful mind the fierceness of jealousy and possessiveness, he can make the child in me come out with all it's playfullness. He made me realize the meaning of the words, "To the world you may be somebody but for somebody you are the world".

Note:Our backgrounds are not similar, I am a Post Graduate, he is not cleared his 12th std.
I earn 20 times more than what he earns but yes, Aisa bhi pyaar hota hain.

Edited to Add: This post won the 1st TOUCH Thursday
For more details visit
http://justamotheroftwo.blogspot.com/2013/10/touch-thursday-no2-and-also-results-of.html

Fun Filled Week-ends

This week-end was again busy like all week-ends. On Friday I baked some garlic rolls (which were super tasty) and made my lemon cake again. Sat was BIL's bday and cake sutting was organized at 12.00. Since me and Ritvik slept we could not make it.
Sat morn we woke and i cooked some yummy vermicilli upma followed by tangy mango dal for lunch.
Evening we had to go for a birthday party at Pump It Up. We reached at 6 and kiddo had a great time playing around. It was a small get-together and even we had great fun.
Returning home played cards till 11:30 and off to bed.
Sun morning was a friend's baby shower at our party hall. i tried to drape a saree fo rhalf an hour, failed miserably and then wore my salwar.
Function started at 12:00, food was served by 1:00. It was very yummy, had lots of ice-cream and gulab jamun, napped in the afternoon, then went to play volleyball, night made 2 pachadi's (mango and pavakya)

Thus ended the lovely week-end, waiting for the next one.

Yellow Stone Day 2

For part 1 go here
http://myendeavours.blogspot.in/2013/08/yellowstone-trip-day-1.html.

Day 2 (July 4th):- We all got up by 7 ish and had breakfast of eggs/bread/jam. We also made Tomato rice and packed to take for lunch. We all were ready by 8:30 am to leave and then the morning ritual happened.
On the first day too we all were ready but could not find the keys to loc the house, the owner had mentioned it would be in a tiny box, we all kept searching for like 45 mins until we finally realized we were searching near the back door and the tiny box was at the front door entrance. on Day 1 we locked and left and when we returned we unlocked the door and placed the key back in the tiny box.
On Day 2 the tiny box refused to open, it had a pin, no amount of entering the keys would budge the tiny box. We again wasted around 30 mins trying to open it and finally left the house unlocked.

We decided to take the West Entrance to the park and cover the Upper Loop. We first stopped at a rest area in Madison and from there we went up to Gibbon Area. On nearing the palce one of our friends realized that they had left their camera bag at the rest area, so we all stopped there while two of them went back to get the bag. We took loads of pictures here. Then we decided to go up to Norris. On the way we passed Gibbon Falls.
We spend a good time exploring the Norris Geysers, the geysers are beautiful with bubbles emerging from the hot springs, some complained of the sulphur smell but I was not bothered. They just looked beautiful.

 From there we travelled to Mammoth Springs, on the way we stopped for lunch. By the time we reached Mammoth it began to rain, we waited for the rain to subside and then went to see mammoth. It is beautiful with all the various colors that you can see, we clicked a lot of pictures , on top there is a rock from which fumes come out , it really looks like Shiv Lingh. We then returned to our vehicle and decided to take the route "The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone". It began to rain heavily and we did make 1 or 2 stops . We also stopped mid-way to make tea in our portable stove.
At 7 ish we decided to head back to our cabin, on the way we stopped at many little geysers, in the evenings with the rains all the geysers were very alive fuming out hot smoke. On the way we saw many bisons and elks, infact when we were nearing the exit park a family of moose walked out to greet us.
Evening we ordered pizza and buffalo wings from KFC and then head back home to rest. 

Ona Sadhya 2013

This year for Onam I again decided to have a traditional Onam Sadhya by inviting my friends over for lunch.
The last time I did that was in 2009  here
http://myendeavours.blogspot.com/2009/09/ona-sadya-09.html

Since Onam was on the 16th a workign day I decided to host the sadhya on 14th (Saturday)
Menu was once again:-
Rice
Sambhar
Parippu
Puli Inji
Cabbage Thoran
Carrot beans Thoran
Kadla curry
Pachadi
Banana chips
Sarkara vartti
Papadum
Pickle
Banana

I had invited around 20 adults with 6 kids at 1 pm. Luckily they came in batches and we could accomodate all of them.
Ritvik had fever Fri nite and so payasam was made by another family.
After the sadhya we played pictionary and cards, made tea for all and they left by 5.

Receipe for all in previous post except for kadla currya
Boil soaked overnight kadla in cooker with ginger, cinnamon,bay leaf,and a pich of salt
Grind in mixie fried cocnut, coriander and red chilly powder
Add this to the boiled chana and cook well.

Happy Onam 2013

Wishing All my near and Dear Ones a Very Happy Onam

From my Home garden

Some pretty flowers

Jalapeno peppers

Tomatoes

Beans

To my darling Bumble Bee (3 yrs 9 months)

When I was pregnant I only wanted a girl but God though otherwise and gave me a baby boy, I cannot thank him enough for putting this bundle of pleasure in my arms.
He takes care of me more then my hubby. I still remember for my birthday he kept insisting his Dad to get a Princess cake for Amma. I had invited all my girlf friends over and so hubby and kiddo went out. After all had left he returned and was playing with a gummy bear carton. Suddenly he assembled all the gummy bear on the sofa(compact) , put the carton top on my head like a crown and said, this is a cake, go ahead and cut it. While I pretended to cut it with a knife he started singing "Happy Birthday to you Amma princess" Oh! it was priceless. I wish I could record it, I asked him to sing again but he did not oblige.

He will be the first to compliment me on any new dress that I wear if he likes it. Similarly when I cook he will tell if the food is yummy or not. We do like to spend time with each other, reading books, simply giggling, fighting, kissing, hugging. If I get hurt he will immediately kiss the wound and tell me it will be okay. He wanted a roller skates which he got him 2 months back, within 2 days he could roller skate wonderfully on his own. He started learning phonics on his own and hence I had to also learn it to make sure I can answer his questions correctly. He can also ride his chotu bicycle without the training wheels. Whenever we go on trips he his happy to be with his friends, eat his food and do all other activities by himself and it is no trouble at all for me.
A picture of my precious

WON the Eden Prairie Co-Rec Sand VolleyBAll Wednesday League

We WON. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Team Players: - Amarnath V, Udhay,Karthi,Gopinath K, Seema,Yashu and Kavita. I did not update our results the whole of Aug but we did end up 3rd in the final Standings. After this were the play-off's where we won and on Aug 21st we had the Semi-Finals and Finals on the same day. The Semi-Finals was agaisnt Panini Bros Hit Squad. The first set we just won with a score of 23/25. The next set we won very comfortable and went to the Finals. The Finals was against the top team SandyDrawers. We won the first set, they won the second and the third was a tough one with a 15 pt match. Luckily we got a lead and went on to win 8-15. Yours truly did a dive to win the winning point. Proud moment.

From not knowing how to swim to floating in the lake

I have come a long way...

Broadmoor Summer Fest 2013

The Broadmoor Summer Fest 2013 conducted was a great SUCCESS. Will update with more details and pictures.

Birthday Pictures

So it has been 15 days since I have put my updates here. There is so much happening and I am not getting the time to track down everything. First of all let me put up some pictures of hubby's bday cake and the celebrations.

This is the final product. It was the most moist cake that I have made till date.

Alphabet Meme

I felt like doing a meme and I know of this site that hosts a lot of them. I am doing part two of the alphabet meme. More details here: http://sundaystealing.blogspot.com/ Massive Alphabet Meme, part two

The Letter N Do you have a nickname? --Yes, Paapu
What is your favorite number? 3, My bday and hubby's bday fall on this date
Do you prefer night or day? Day


The Letter O What is your one wish? To become a writersome day.
Are you an only child? No, Have an elder sister
Do you wish this year was over? Nope, Want to enjoy every second that I am living.

The Letter P What is one fear that you are most paranoid about? Dying early
What personality trait would you look for in someone you wanted to date? Should be able to hold a balanced conversation

The Letter Q Are you quick to judge people?Nope

The Letter R Do you think you are always right? Nope
Do you watch reality T.V.? Actually I do, mTV Roadies and MTV Splitsvilla
What is a good reason to cry?I dont think there is any reason to cry. Why waste time crying, just act on whatever is making you cry.

The Letter S Do you prefer sun or rain? Sun, Sun more Sun
Do you like snow? Yes, it looks beautiful the first time but when you have to endure it everyday it gets irritating.
What is your favorite season? Summer

The Letter T What time is it? 10:35 am
What time did you wake up? 8:15 am
When was the last time you slept in a tent? 2 weeks back when we went camping

The Letter U Are you wearing underwear?Yes
Do you open your eyes when under water? Trying to a little nowadays

The Letter V What is the worst veggie? Cannot think of anything
Where do you want to go on vacation? Italy
What was your last family vacation together? Yellowstone, Wyoming

The Letter W What is your worst habit? Lazy
Where do you live? Currently in US

The Letter X Have you ever had an X-ray? Yes Have you ever seen the X-Games?No
Do you own or have you ever played a xylophone? No

The Letter Y Do you like the color yellow? It is a nice color on clothes
What year were you born in? 1978
What do you yearn for most? Peace of Mind and Good Health for Everyone

The Letter Z What is your Zodiac Sign? Taurus
Do you believe in the Zodiac? Not much
What is your favorite zoo animal? Zebra

YellowStone Trip – Day 1

July 3rd(Wednesday):- Finally the day arrived to get going for our trip. 2 families(ours and K) decided to fly. Our flight route was Minneapolis – Denver and then drive to the cabin. The flight was scheduled at 2 but was delayed by and hour which gave us much breathing space. In the morning I quickly prepared chapatti and capsicum paneer sabji to take on the trip. G came by 1 and we reached the airport by 2. We checked the car seat in and were told we could pick it at the destination airport i.e Denver.

Once the security check was done we had more than an hour to idle away. R and A(the kids) went to the play area and I tagged along with them. At 4 they announced the flight and we got in. We reached our destination by 5:15. The car rental office was 10 miles away from the airport and they told us they would close the doors at 6. We had to wait for the car seat and could not leave immediately. Our eyes kept glancing at our watches and back. Finally we got the car seat and we rushed out to catch a cab and reached the rental place dot at 6 pm. After completing the paperwork we went to a supermart to get some snacks and stuff. Finally we set of at 6:40 pm. It was a long tiring 9 hr drive to our cabin. The clock just wouldn’t go fast, we could feel each hour passing by. Finally at 4 am the GPS said 10 more minutes to destination. I could almost visualize myself in the bed in another 20 mins. Ah! Sweet glory.

But this was not the case to the be, the place where GPS told us was a dead-end and pitch dark. We still went someplace ahead but there was nothing just a lane going nowhere. Being so dark we di dnot want to get lost so we turned and came back to where we started. It was already 4:30 am. Now. G then called the lady and after going much back and forth we realized we were at a wrong place and had to travel another 30 mins. Finally at 5:30 we reached the cabin. It was beautiful, a lone cabin sitting in middle of acres and acres of farmland. The cabin itself was 3 storey with all the required neccessities. We got a room and crashed on to the bed. The other 2 families reached at 7:30. They had their own adventure.

We woke up by 12, freshened up, made lunch of veg pulav and at 2 set off for Grand Teton Park. On the way we stopped at Johnson Point for lunch, from there we travelled to the park. At the park we took the Jackson hole Ariel Tram Ride. This cable ride takes us to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain in about nine minutes. Guests will travel 4,139 vertical feet to get to the top of the mountain Read more: http://www.city-data.com/articles/Jackson-Hole-Aerial-Tram-Rides-Jackson.html#ixzz2bClDiBKb.

We were at the top of the mountains overlooking the entire park. As usual we clicked lots of pictures and then drove down. It was already evening and hence we decided to go back at the motel. On the way we stopped over to purchase some noodles to prepare for nite. Once we reached the cabin we cooked dinner of egg noodles and everyone was off to bed,

Happy Birthday Hubby

3rd August 2013: Wishing you a very very Happy Bday. I called few friends home for a cake cutting and when one of them asked me if it was a surprise I went back in time thinking how I have never given you a bday surprise yet.
Over the years:
2005: I was in Stamford, US and you were in MN. I send you gifts and cards. One of them was my childhood picture that you had liked a lot.
2006: We were in Mumbai, India and celebrated with your roomates and friends
2007: We were in Mumbai, India and it was only the two of us. I had decorated the house with cards, candles , got a cake with a big lotus type candle.
2008: You were in US and I was flying from India to Wisconsin. We met at Chicago and on your bday were were driving to WI. I had couriered you a personalized bottle with the sayin "Grow old with me, the Best is yet to come" (which Ritvik broke this year)
2009: TCS friends came at midnite for cake-cutting  in US
2010: In US again and had friends come over at midnite for cake cutting. You did give a treat to all our friends the next day.
2011: US: I baked an upside down pineapple cake and got flowers(bouquet) from work. Had one family friend over at home.
2012: US: MIL reached here and TCS friends came at midnight for cake cutting. I baked a readymade carmalized cake and called some friends over
2013: US: This time I baked a red velvet cake with buttercream frosting and had some friends over for cake cutting.

IndifictionWorkshop edition 8 - Blog Marathon 17

The 8th edition of India Fiction Workshop came up with the below plot.

There is a dilapidated old fort in a forest bordering an Indian village. The villagers believe that inside the fort is a chamber, locked shut by an ancient King, and guarded by spirits invoked and trapped inside the chamber by that king.

Unknowing of the folklore, two thieves who have escaped from a nearby prison take shelter in the fort. Thinking that there might be treasure inside, they break open the door.

Narrate the events up to and after this point, in FIRST PERSON POV of the thieves. You can choose to do it from POV of one thief, or alternating between the POVs of both.

Rules:

1. This is a horror genre story, so the story must be spooky and scary!
2. The story must be written in first person POV of the thieves. You can choose to do it from POV of one thief, or alternating between the POVs of both.
3. The major characters must be the two thieves
4. There must be no loose threads when the story concludes.
5. Minimum 2525 words and Maximum 2828 words.

The plot is accrediated to Jayashree Srivatsan.
Conceptualized by two popular bloggers TF and C. Suresh, Indifiction is a workshop for writers interested in fiction. 

For more details please visit my plot at
http://indifictionworkshop.blogspot.in/2013/06/the-spirit-of-haunted-chest.html

Edited to add: This story won this Edition. Happy me

2013 - Wednesday C-Rec C Level-Week4- Blog Marathon 16

26th June:- This week were were playing the top team so far in the league. They were unbeaten as far as the first two weeks statistics goes. Again we were short of 1 girl so we had to play 4's for the first 2 sets and then later on we had one girl join so we played 6's.
The net result..we Lost and that too miserable. It was not as if the other team were great players it was just that we played bad.
The sun and the heat was not helping at all and we lost all 4 sets.
Our strategy was all wrong, we had no communication among us.
Wrong, wrong, wrong..I am thinkin of giving up Volleyball and play tennis

On Facebook Updates, Likes and Other Statuses -- Blog Marathon 15

We all are a part of the social media and there is no denying it has entered and integrated into our lives.
There is not a single day when we do not check our emails, our FB page, Twitter etc etc.
There are so many articles written that tell about the effect Social Media has on people.
In this example I am specifically targeting Facebook as that is the most widely recognized/used media today.

It is well known that people keep in touch via FB, they also upload thier vacation pictures, their party pictures which is all fine but the problem is the effect it has on others. Friends of thiers going through a rough patch in life may get more depressed or may feel left out(if its a group of frnds which they were not invited).

What gives me the creeps is when people update thier status with cricket match scores, I am watching the match live and even following the commentary on ESPN. I really do not want you to put the ball by ball score on FB too.

Or for that matter when people who are travelling start updating their status --@Chicago Terminal, @NewYork airport. It saddens me to think that these people instead of enjoying their vacation and sightseeign or being with thier loved ones are busy updating their status.

Or for those one who like each and every status you put. For ex: one of my friends had put a status of how she narrowely escaped an accident during a snowstorm. Many of them commented asking how she is etc etc whereas there was this one friend who actually "Liked" her status. How funny was that!

Or for those who put thier awards/achievements everything on FB, Really, there are blogs where you can do that and intersted and genuine wellwishers will comment not every 504 people on your friend list.

I personally do not post status updates on FB as I dont think people even read before liking unless it is a major announcement and I need the whole world to know till then I will keep it within my blog.

What do you think?

Flowers from my Pot - Blog Marathon 14

We planted some seeds early winter and now we have tomatoes, chillies,beans growing all over. We also have some very pretty flowers.

Weekend outing - June 22,23 2013-Blog Marathon 13

The vendor that I work for decided to host a summer family fun this Saturday. There were forecasts of rains and so though hesitant we still decided to go.
It was at Como Zoo/Town. We reached by 1:15pm. Luckily for us they were still there as the official time was 11-1 pm and so we got our writst bands but no food.
We decided to roam around the zoo and Como Town. Ritvik went on the big kiddies rides as he is 42''in now.
Some pics to share..