I know, its been a really really really long time! Well, I was pretty busy with work and stuff!!!
I made Twitter updates as much as I could, but unfortunately, LoudTwitter had some server issues, so they couldn't ship the tweets to my blog! :(
Anyway, I'm here now, to catch up with whats happening!
A lot of things are happening, actually. I got a new iPod Touch, yeah, I already wrote about it! Then I went to Madison for an interview with Epic Systems, and they had something fishy going. Ha ha!
And I've been working on a lot of interesting projects, and that is the reason I've not been able to blog for a long time. But generally browsing, I found a lot of links that might definitely be interesting. I'll post those links eventually! I'll try to post some today. And I've also drafted a few recipes, that I should post very soon, hopefully! ;)
I have some great news to share! My mom is coming to the US to stay with me for awhile! Woo Hoo!! My dad might come sometime too, but depends on how many days he can get away from work. I've asked her to get a load of goodies for me from India!!! :) Cant wait to see what she's getting! She's coming next month, and would be here for about 3 months! Yay!
Hey, know what? Today's my star birthday! :) Nakshatra Purandanaal! (Adi Krithika/Karthigai)
Well, but there's some confusion about it as well! The star Krithika, this year, is on two days during the month of Aadi - June 17th, which is today and August 14th! So I guess I'm the lucky one who has 2 star birthdays! Yippee, so I get in total 3 birthday! He He!! I didn't get to do anything special today anyway! :( Just work work work!
OK then, I should be back very soon with more posts!
XOXO,
Purple Poise
My first iPod; and its an iPod Touch!
Guess what? I got a new iPod Touch! I know, its awesome! :) Yay me! Wanna know how?
Well, its kind of a long story. Earlier, the Macbook I bought, I actually bought it with another good friend of mine; that time we were sharing the laptop, and I was primarily using the Macbook given to me in one of my workplaces, the New Media Innovation Lab at ASU. But then, I had to return that Macbook because they were upgrading all the laptops before checking them out to students. So sometime in May, I decided to buy another Macbook and keep it for myself, so my friend could keep the other Macbook. So, yay! I had a new Macbook, again! That was on May 13th.
Then, after about two weeks, I got a mail with an offer: Buy a Macbook for college and get an iPod Touch free. (You might want to check out that offer. Pretty good! Its valid till September 8, 2009.) And I had just bought that new Macbook 2 weeks earlier. How mean of Apple to have this offer after I buy the Macbook! X( I wanted to make use of this offer, and was thinking of ways to do it, and so I called up the Apple store, and asked them what I could do to make use of the offer, and they asked me to come to the store.
So I went to the store, praying all along the way, that somehow they should work out something to help me get the iPod Touch. Fortunately for me, God decided to answer my prayers, and the representative there worked up some magic*, and lo! I had my first iPod in my hands! My first ever actual MP3 player, and it was the latest iPod Touch! Woo Hoo!!! Of course, it was the 8 GB one, but who cares! It was free**!
Its been about 3 weeks since I have it, but I haven't been able to load much into it, except download a few apps and games, and about 1/1000000 th of my favorite songs! I hope I find some time to upload more songs...
Keep Reading,
XOXO,
Excited 'n' Exhausted
* The representative logged it in as though the Macbook was returned and bought again on the day of the offer. Luckily I was just a day from the return deadline. I got real lucky there!
** It was a rebate. I had to pay an extra 300 something, and I would get back $ 229 back, but it would be mailed out to me as check. And the rest of the amount goes as tax and stuff. X( But on the bright side, I get 229 back! :)
Well, its kind of a long story. Earlier, the Macbook I bought, I actually bought it with another good friend of mine; that time we were sharing the laptop, and I was primarily using the Macbook given to me in one of my workplaces, the New Media Innovation Lab at ASU. But then, I had to return that Macbook because they were upgrading all the laptops before checking them out to students. So sometime in May, I decided to buy another Macbook and keep it for myself, so my friend could keep the other Macbook. So, yay! I had a new Macbook, again! That was on May 13th.
Then, after about two weeks, I got a mail with an offer: Buy a Macbook for college and get an iPod Touch free. (You might want to check out that offer. Pretty good! Its valid till September 8, 2009.) And I had just bought that new Macbook 2 weeks earlier. How mean of Apple to have this offer after I buy the Macbook! X( I wanted to make use of this offer, and was thinking of ways to do it, and so I called up the Apple store, and asked them what I could do to make use of the offer, and they asked me to come to the store.
So I went to the store, praying all along the way, that somehow they should work out something to help me get the iPod Touch. Fortunately for me, God decided to answer my prayers, and the representative there worked up some magic*, and lo! I had my first iPod in my hands! My first ever actual MP3 player, and it was the latest iPod Touch! Woo Hoo!!! Of course, it was the 8 GB one, but who cares! It was free**!
Its been about 3 weeks since I have it, but I haven't been able to load much into it, except download a few apps and games, and about 1/1000000 th of my favorite songs! I hope I find some time to upload more songs...
Keep Reading,
XOXO,
Excited 'n' Exhausted
* The representative logged it in as though the Macbook was returned and bought again on the day of the offer. Luckily I was just a day from the return deadline. I got real lucky there!
** It was a rebate. I had to pay an extra 300 something, and I would get back $ 229 back, but it would be mailed out to me as check. And the rest of the amount goes as tax and stuff. X( But on the bright side, I get 229 back! :)
Ice Breaker - Stressful Times
Hey Everybody!!!
I know its been quite a while since I posted an entry. Well, I've been pretty busy for sometime. But I've collected a few bits and pieces from the web that I would like to share with you guys. So very soon, I shall put them up. You wouldn't believe, but I have about 43 drafts, waiting to be properly written and published!
Its been quite hectic for me. Working 40 hours per week, and then working on my thesis, and then there's the housework - cooking, washing vessels, washing clothes, drying clothes, folding clothes, ironing clothes, cleaning etc... Then there's eating, sleeping, etc... God, there's so much work to do but no time! I sleep at 3 and I need to wake up at 6 or 7! Till then, I have some work. Its been quite some while since I actually saw a movie, or series or did anything for leisure! :(
Wish I could go back to India! But you know what? I'm planning on getting my mom here to stay with me! Hope things turn out well!
Don't stop reading my blog! I shall be back soon, with plenty of posts. I know I promised some long back, but don't worry, I'll try to post something when I can. Also, I have a lot of recipes as well. Just need to upload photos. :)
Keep reading. (And waiting! Heh heh!)
See you soon.
XOXO,
Purple Poise
I know its been quite a while since I posted an entry. Well, I've been pretty busy for sometime. But I've collected a few bits and pieces from the web that I would like to share with you guys. So very soon, I shall put them up. You wouldn't believe, but I have about 43 drafts, waiting to be properly written and published!
Its been quite hectic for me. Working 40 hours per week, and then working on my thesis, and then there's the housework - cooking, washing vessels, washing clothes, drying clothes, folding clothes, ironing clothes, cleaning etc... Then there's eating, sleeping, etc... God, there's so much work to do but no time! I sleep at 3 and I need to wake up at 6 or 7! Till then, I have some work. Its been quite some while since I actually saw a movie, or series or did anything for leisure! :(
Wish I could go back to India! But you know what? I'm planning on getting my mom here to stay with me! Hope things turn out well!
Don't stop reading my blog! I shall be back soon, with plenty of posts. I know I promised some long back, but don't worry, I'll try to post something when I can. Also, I have a lot of recipes as well. Just need to upload photos. :)
Keep reading. (And waiting! Heh heh!)
See you soon.
XOXO,
Purple Poise
RECIPE: Dal Curry
SERVING SIZE: For 5 people
PREPARATION TIME: 20-30 mins. (Depends on pressure cooker cooking time)
INGREDIENTS:
- Moong Dal or Mung Beans - 1 cup (The yellow variety)
- Onions - 1 nos.
- Tomato - 2-3 nos. (small sized)
- Green Chillies - 1-2 nos. (Depends on desired spiciness)
- Oil - 7 -8 tbsp.
- Jeera (Cumin Seeds) - 1-2 tsp.
- Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp.
- Coriander Leaves (Cilantro) - To garnish
- Salt - to taste
- Lemon Concentrate - 2 tsp.
- Water - as needed
METHOD:
- Cook the dal in the pressure cooker for about 2 whistles, keeping 1:2 ratio of dal to water and 1/4 tsp. of turmeric powder.
- Meanwhile chop the onions and keep aside.
- Chop the tomatoes and keep aside.
- Pour the oil into the kadai.
- Add the jeera into the kadai and fry for sometime until the jeera is slightly darkened.
- Slit the green chillies and put them into the kadai.
- Now put the chopped onions and fry until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and fry for until the tomato pieces are soft.
- Now, once the dal is cooked, mash it well so that no individual lentil is seen.
- Add the mashed dal to the kadai.
- Mix well, adding water in small quantities to get the dal to proper consistency - it shouldn't be too thick nor too watery.
- Add salt and the lemon concentrate and stir well.
- Chop the coriander leaves and add that as well, and stir lightly.
- Dal curry is ready!
- You can use even Masoor dal for this.
- If you want to give it more flavoring, you can add some Garam Masala as well.
- Lemon concentrate gives it a slightly tangy taste. I like it that way, but it would turn out well even if you didn't add it.
- You can add some cooked, chopped spinach and that would be Dal Palak!
XOXO,
Purple Poise
RECIPE: Palak Paneer
Okay, I haven't been able to post all those entries I promised last time. But I shall do them now. I have about 20 entries in drafts, waiting to be completely written and published, so don't think that I've forgotten about my blog! :)
Remember Popeye, the Sailor Man? He used to have spinach to get strength. Well, some people I know aren't quite fond of spinach. I'm not sure this recipe would be interesting for them, but maybe it could attract them because it has Paneer in it, which is a favorite for most people! Well, not exactly Paneer, its Tofu, which is much healthier than Paneer, but you wont know the difference!
But before I go ahead, let me tell you this. There are several ways of making this, actually. Right now, I'm just writing how I made it, with the form of the ingredients I got here, but I shall write the variations below in the Purple Tips Section. :)
SERVING SIZE: For 5 people
PREPARATION TIME: 20-30 mins.
INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
XOXO,
Purple Poise
Remember Popeye, the Sailor Man? He used to have spinach to get strength. Well, some people I know aren't quite fond of spinach. I'm not sure this recipe would be interesting for them, but maybe it could attract them because it has Paneer in it, which is a favorite for most people! Well, not exactly Paneer, its Tofu, which is much healthier than Paneer, but you wont know the difference!But before I go ahead, let me tell you this. There are several ways of making this, actually. Right now, I'm just writing how I made it, with the form of the ingredients I got here, but I shall write the variations below in the Purple Tips Section. :)
SERVING SIZE: For 5 people
PREPARATION TIME: 20-30 mins.
INGREDIENTS:
- Main:
- Spinach - 400-500 gms, Chopped (Or one box of frozen chopped spinach)
- Onions - 2 nos. (small sized) or 1.5 nos. (medium sized)
- Paneer/Tofu - 500 gms cube (Or one box of Tofu - preferably extra firm)
- Green Chillies - 1-2 nos. (Depends on desired spiciness)
- Ginger Garlic Paste - 1/2 tsp. (Or ginger pieces and garlic pieces)
- Oil - 7-8 tbsp.
- Curd or Cream - 2 tsp.
- Spinach - 400-500 gms, Chopped (Or one box of frozen chopped spinach)
- For the Masala:

- Cardamom (Elaichi) - A small pinch (Powder) or 2 nos.
- Bay Leaf - 1
- Cloves - 2 nos. (small)
- Cinnamon powder - A small pinch
- Coriander Seeds (Dhania Seeds) - 1 tsp.
- Cumin Seeds (Jeera) - 1 tsp.
- Fennel Seeds (Saunf) - 1/2 tsp.
- Fenugreek Seeds - 1 tsp.
- Cashew Nuts - 5-8 nos.
- Cardamom (Elaichi) - A small pinch (Powder) or 2 nos.
METHOD:
- Chop the green chillies.

- Fry all the masala ingredients in a small amount of oil, until the smell of the masala comes out.

- Blend the masala ingredients with the green chillies and keep aside.
- Cut the paneer/tofu into small pieces - either cubes or small triangular pieces, like shown below.

- Fry the tofu pieces in little oil, enough to take away the excess water in them.
- Keep the tofu pieces aside.
- Dice the onions and cook the onions in the microwave oven for 5 mins. This will allow the onion to get fried and cooked quickly after blending.

- Blend the onions to a thick paste.
- If using frozen chopped spinach, thaw the spinach for sometime and then cook it in the microwave oven for about 7-8 minutes until the ice is gone.

- Blend the spinach to a paste.
- In the kadai, pour oil, and fry the jeera.
- Add the blended onion paste.

- Heat until the paste turns slightly brown.
- Then add the blended masala, and fry for sometime.

- Then add the tofu pieces to this gravy and let the tofu absorb the masala for sometime.

- Then add the spinach paste and let it boil.
- Add salt to taste.
- Pour some cream or curd over it and stir well.
- Palak Paneer or Palak Tofu is ready!

- Adding green chillies is more healthier and tastier than adding red chillies. That's the reason I added green chillies.
- I usually like the spinach blended. But you can also use the spinach in the chopped form as well. It would be have more pulp.
- If you don't have the masala ingredients, or don't want to make the masala yourself, you can use garam masala instead. But I prefer making the masala on my own! :)
- You can fry the tofu to the extent you like, maybe even deep fry it. Its up to you.
XOXO,
Purple Poise
President Obama's Speech at ASU
A few of my friends are graduating this year, so I got a few tickets to the commencement which was held at the Sun Devil Stadium at ASU. My roommate S and I were getting ready to go to the stadium to listen to Obama's speech and encourage our friends who were graduating, including my other roommate S. (Hey, we're three S's in our house! Well, not anymore; the S that graduated left to Colorado on Saturday. Miss you, S!)
So, S and I left to the Metro Rail stop outside our apartment complex, and we saw a huge line right there. We went and joined the line, assuming that the line was for boarding, and after about 15 mins in the scorching heat of the bright Arizona sun, we found out that the line was for purchasing the ticket from the vending machine, and not for boarding the train! We felt really dumb because we were waiting unnecessarily in the line; we had our Student Passes for the train and didn't need to purchase tickets. Then after about 10 mins, a train came along - it felt like I was in India! The train was literally bursting with people! The doors opened, and it looked like people would fall out from within the train! Unfortunately, we were not able to get into that train and let it pass. Then came another train in 5 mins and thank God it wasn't full. In fact, it was quite free; we were able to get a couple of seats. The train ran only till the University Drive and Rural Road Stop, as that was the stop nearest to the stadium - so that meant it was one stop from our place. From there, we went on a bus shuttle to the parking lot near the stadium, and we walked toward the stadium only to join a HUGE crowd at the end! We kept going and going, and finally stopped and joined a queue. The sun was literally burning us up. My feet already showed signs of tanning! Finally we got past the security checkups and metal detectors and went in. That was the first time I wa
s going to the stadium. It was amazing! It is so huge! Our seats were in Sector 245, which was in the second level. After climbing up and making our way through a pushing and pulling crowd, we finally reached our sector and went inside and climbed up to our row and found our seats. And that meant some more sun - our sector was directly facing the sun (sometimes, I felt that the sun was deliberately right in front of me!) and our row must have been like the 10th or 15th row from the ultimate top of the stadium! People down looked like red dots (students had their maroon graduation gowns)! S and I were speechless - not in a good way, though! After sometime, the stadium became packed with people. The Sun Devil Stadium is supposed to seat around 75000 people, and looking around, I just couldn't believe that I was looking at about 70000 people at the same time! This is the first time this was happening in my life! Wow! I guess the entire population of the city must have been there!The program started around 6:30, with a band singing some stuff (pardon me, but I wasn't really concentrating neither was I too attracted to the "songs"!) and then, we saw some cheering and dancing from the cheerleaders (they looked like tiny yellow and white figurines from where we sat) and then finally, at about 6:55 or something, we saw the police cars and sirens and the black cars, and we knew that President had come. After a while, people gathered on the stage and they sang the United States' national anthem (nope, I haven't learnt it yet!).
The president of ASU, Michael Crow gave his speech, and they introduced the students who had made tremendous achievement (there was a 17 yr old girl who was graduating, and another girl who was graduating with 4 degrees! Way to go girls! Girl Power! ) and finally, the most awaited event - President Obama's address to the crowd. Once he got to the podium, there were so many camera flashes among the audience, it felt like that night the stars from the sky fell over the audience and glittered from amongst us. I have taken a video of that - seriously, twinkling stars from the audience; simply beautiful! See for yourself!
I have always been bored by speeches, and especially those coming from political figures. But this speech, I will never forget in my life. It must have probably been one of the very few speeches that I have been completely attentive to, and the most inspiring speech of all. It was more of a wake up call for me. President Obama talked about the present economic situation and how it has affected us. But he also talked about how we can help others and how we can give back to the community. He never once looked at the paper and most importantly, the words were simple, elegant words; no verbose language. Simple, easy to understand, down to earth language, yet packed with so much power and energy that would have definitely inspired every student and every person in the audience.Here are some of my favorite lines from the speech - ones that really touched me.
... I come to embrace the notion that I haven't done enough in my life; I heartily concur; I come to affirm that one's title, even a title like President of the United States, says very little about how well one's life has been led -- that no matter how much you've done, or how successful you've been, there's always more to do, always more to learn, and always more to achieve.
... graduates, Class of 2009, that despite having achieved a remarkable milestone in your life, despite the fact that you and your families are so rightfully proud, you too cannot rest on your laurels ... You can't rest. Your own body of work is also yet to come.
...The same principle is true in your personal life. Being a parent is not just a matter of paying the bills, doing the bare minimum -- it's not bringing a child into the world that matters, but the acts of love and sacrifice it takes to raise and educate that child and give them opportunity.And best of all, his definition of "young":
...when I say "young," I'm not just referring to the date of your birth certificate. I'm talking about an approach to life -- a quality of mind and quality of heart; a willingness to follow your passions, regardless of whether they lead to fortune and fame; a willingness to question conventional wisdom and rethink old dogmas; a lack of regard for all the traditional markers of status and prestige -- and a commitment instead to doing what's meaningful to you, what helps others, what makes a difference in this world.
...Acts of sacrifice and decency without regard to what's in it for you -- that also creates ripple effects -- ones that lift up families and communities; that spread opportunity and boost our economy; that reach folks in the forgotten corners of the world who, in committed young people like you, see the true face of America: our strength, our goodness, our diversity, our enduring power, our ideals.Well, this doesn't just go to Americans, this speech is for each and every student in each and every part of this world. Honestly, I feel this speech should also be seen by our lazy, selfish politicians in India. Each person in India, as an individual should also take in the words of the speech. We should all strive to do something not for ourselves, but for the others. We should all strive to make a difference in other's lives.
One speech that I will never forget in my life, and that I will always look back at for motivation, when I feel lost or helpless.
Watch the full video below. It includes Michael Crow's introduction as well as the actual address by the President.
XOXO,
Inspired 'n' Ignited
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! Especially mine! I love you, mom!
Well, you all must be wondering why I didn't post this entry yesterday, when it was Mother's Day, and instead I'm posting it today. I wanted to post the entry after collecting all my thoughts, feelings, and expressions that I experienced through out the day.
A mother is very important in a person's life. From the moment our life was conceived in her, we owe her so much. Not only did she give us life, but she gave us the courage and love to help us lead the wonderful life that we have. Mother, she has been there for you, from the beginning, literally. We started our life within her. And then, she brought us into this harsh world, telling us that she will protect us no matter what, and that she will always be there for us.
The word mother does not just refer to the biological mother, but also to the women who brought up other children as their own. And from the wonderful, culture rich country that we come from, India, the terms Amma, Ma, etc are used to call any girl or woman who shows the compassion that only a mother can, to someone unknown, or known. Hence, any girl or woman, who has expressed the sort of compassion to someone is regarded and respected as a mother, by the person receiving it. Remember the beggars outside the temples back in India? If we show them concern and give them some food or money or anything, they gratefully say, "Amma, you will live happily". Importantly, they call us Amma. Because someone showed them compassion. So, maybe, I would say, Mother, or as we know her in India, Matha, Ma, Amma, etc, is that embodiment of love and compassion without whom we would not have known what love means.
And now, to my dear mom, this is what I have to say to you...
Dear Amma,
When I was a little baby, you held me in your arms, and looked at me with all those dreams you had for me. You dreamt of making me a wonderful girl, and a wonderful woman and be proud of what I would turn out to be. When I first started to walk, you held my hands, and you were there to catch me when I fell, but you were so careful with me, that you didn't let me fall. When I was sleeping, you used to be awake, to make sure that I slept well.
When I started going to the Montessori School, in Dubai, you would pack my tiffin, dress me up, and send me off to school and after I returned, you would listen to all my nonsense. When I started dancing little steps looking at the dancers on TV, you and Appa joined me into a dance class, for which I am always grateful to you both. You used to take me along with you when you went to your Veena class, and I still remember falling asleep listening to the music, on your lap, while you rested the veena on the other lap. You never complained, although I'm sure your lap would have got numb several times.
You ended up having to go for work while I was still in school, maybe when I was in the 2nd grade, but even then, managed to spend time with me. I used to go to my friend's house after school, and you would call up to their house to make sure I came safely, and then come and pick me up to take me home. You instilled in me, slowly, the confidence and the courage to be independent, and responsible - you gave me my set of house keys so that I can come back home directly, after school. I was never afraid to be alone, when kids my age would've definitely been frightened. I used to call you once I reached home and you would call me every hour to make sure I was alright. And then, when you came home, you used to get me a toy sometimes, or a Barbie Doll. And then, in the evening, you would ask me to practice dance, and then say my prayers, and every night tell me stories before I went to sleep.
And then, when we came to India for good, in 1997, for my seventh grade, I asked you to stay at home, since you went to work earlier. And you agreed. It was a big sacrifice for you, but you never hesitated. I always complained that you left me and went to work, ignorant of the reason. Now I understand that you went to work that time, to make my future, which is present now, possible. You went to work along with Appa, to provide for my future - engineering degree, graduate studies in the US, dance etc. You have made so many sacrifices for me, to make me what I am today.
Every time you used to ask me to practice dance, I kept whining. But then, now I realize, that if you hadn't pushed me to practice, I wouldn't have been able to dance well now. I wouldn't have probably had the urge or interest in dance or the fine arts. During my arangetram practices, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to dance. You kept pushing me to practice, and encouraged me to do better every time. Even now, during every dance program, you are always on your toes, nervous, and constantly praying that I should perform well, and nothing should go wrong. It was all those prayers that have made me the person I am today.
You slowly made me independent and gave me the strength to take care of myself, by taking me to classes by the PTC buses. And encouraged me to travel alone and stand on my own, so that I can take care of myself in future; maybe that is one reason why I am able to take care of myself while living here alone without you here in the US, as a student. You taught me to be self-sufficient and responsible.
You protected me from the world, and at the same time, exposed me to it in such a way that it would only make me a better person, and not hurt me. You gave me the freedom to make my own choices, and at all times, you have always stood by me, and supported me in all times of good and bad. Every time I got injured, it was you who felt the pain more.
More than everything, you have always been there for me and still continue to be there for me, in all walks of my life. What I am today, I owe it all completely to you.
And I will always hold you at the pedestal, and I will never ever let you down or let tears come out of your eyes. I am proud to be your daughter. You mean the world to me. All these years you took care of me. Now, it is time for me to take care of you. I will never let any one hurt you or Appa for that matter. And I shall work hard and become the wonderful dancer you want me to become, of course with the help of Vijay Anna, my dance master. And I shall make you proud by being the wonderful woman you always wanted me to be. But also remember, I am still your little darling daughter. :)
Love you always.
Your darling little daughter.
To all the wonderful women out there, Happy Mother's Day!
XOXO,
Purple Poise
Well, you all must be wondering why I didn't post this entry yesterday, when it was Mother's Day, and instead I'm posting it today. I wanted to post the entry after collecting all my thoughts, feelings, and expressions that I experienced through out the day.
A mother is very important in a person's life. From the moment our life was conceived in her, we owe her so much. Not only did she give us life, but she gave us the courage and love to help us lead the wonderful life that we have. Mother, she has been there for you, from the beginning, literally. We started our life within her. And then, she brought us into this harsh world, telling us that she will protect us no matter what, and that she will always be there for us.
The word mother does not just refer to the biological mother, but also to the women who brought up other children as their own. And from the wonderful, culture rich country that we come from, India, the terms Amma, Ma, etc are used to call any girl or woman who shows the compassion that only a mother can, to someone unknown, or known. Hence, any girl or woman, who has expressed the sort of compassion to someone is regarded and respected as a mother, by the person receiving it. Remember the beggars outside the temples back in India? If we show them concern and give them some food or money or anything, they gratefully say, "Amma, you will live happily". Importantly, they call us Amma. Because someone showed them compassion. So, maybe, I would say, Mother, or as we know her in India, Matha, Ma, Amma, etc, is that embodiment of love and compassion without whom we would not have known what love means.
And now, to my dear mom, this is what I have to say to you...
Dear Amma,
When I was a little baby, you held me in your arms, and looked at me with all those dreams you had for me. You dreamt of making me a wonderful girl, and a wonderful woman and be proud of what I would turn out to be. When I first started to walk, you held my hands, and you were there to catch me when I fell, but you were so careful with me, that you didn't let me fall. When I was sleeping, you used to be awake, to make sure that I slept well.
When I started going to the Montessori School, in Dubai, you would pack my tiffin, dress me up, and send me off to school and after I returned, you would listen to all my nonsense. When I started dancing little steps looking at the dancers on TV, you and Appa joined me into a dance class, for which I am always grateful to you both. You used to take me along with you when you went to your Veena class, and I still remember falling asleep listening to the music, on your lap, while you rested the veena on the other lap. You never complained, although I'm sure your lap would have got numb several times.
You ended up having to go for work while I was still in school, maybe when I was in the 2nd grade, but even then, managed to spend time with me. I used to go to my friend's house after school, and you would call up to their house to make sure I came safely, and then come and pick me up to take me home. You instilled in me, slowly, the confidence and the courage to be independent, and responsible - you gave me my set of house keys so that I can come back home directly, after school. I was never afraid to be alone, when kids my age would've definitely been frightened. I used to call you once I reached home and you would call me every hour to make sure I was alright. And then, when you came home, you used to get me a toy sometimes, or a Barbie Doll. And then, in the evening, you would ask me to practice dance, and then say my prayers, and every night tell me stories before I went to sleep.
And then, when we came to India for good, in 1997, for my seventh grade, I asked you to stay at home, since you went to work earlier. And you agreed. It was a big sacrifice for you, but you never hesitated. I always complained that you left me and went to work, ignorant of the reason. Now I understand that you went to work that time, to make my future, which is present now, possible. You went to work along with Appa, to provide for my future - engineering degree, graduate studies in the US, dance etc. You have made so many sacrifices for me, to make me what I am today.
Every time you used to ask me to practice dance, I kept whining. But then, now I realize, that if you hadn't pushed me to practice, I wouldn't have been able to dance well now. I wouldn't have probably had the urge or interest in dance or the fine arts. During my arangetram practices, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to dance. You kept pushing me to practice, and encouraged me to do better every time. Even now, during every dance program, you are always on your toes, nervous, and constantly praying that I should perform well, and nothing should go wrong. It was all those prayers that have made me the person I am today.
You slowly made me independent and gave me the strength to take care of myself, by taking me to classes by the PTC buses. And encouraged me to travel alone and stand on my own, so that I can take care of myself in future; maybe that is one reason why I am able to take care of myself while living here alone without you here in the US, as a student. You taught me to be self-sufficient and responsible.
You protected me from the world, and at the same time, exposed me to it in such a way that it would only make me a better person, and not hurt me. You gave me the freedom to make my own choices, and at all times, you have always stood by me, and supported me in all times of good and bad. Every time I got injured, it was you who felt the pain more.
More than everything, you have always been there for me and still continue to be there for me, in all walks of my life. What I am today, I owe it all completely to you.
And I will always hold you at the pedestal, and I will never ever let you down or let tears come out of your eyes. I am proud to be your daughter. You mean the world to me. All these years you took care of me. Now, it is time for me to take care of you. I will never let any one hurt you or Appa for that matter. And I shall work hard and become the wonderful dancer you want me to become, of course with the help of Vijay Anna, my dance master. And I shall make you proud by being the wonderful woman you always wanted me to be. But also remember, I am still your little darling daughter. :)
Love you always.
Your darling little daughter.
To all the wonderful women out there, Happy Mother's Day!
XOXO,
Purple Poise
Ice Breaker!!!
Ah! Finally, I am done with most work; well, enough to allow me post entries on my blog. Yay! Guys, don't stop reading my blog! :( I have a lot of posts coming on the way. In the next one week, there is going to be a plethora of posts on my blog!!!
There's going to be more recipes, some general musings, some more revelation of another side of me (its not what you think!), and many more to come...
So hang in there, and stay tuned!!! Here's a rush of blog posts coming right at you!!!
XOXO,
Excited 'n' Exhausted
There's going to be more recipes, some general musings, some more revelation of another side of me (its not what you think!), and many more to come...
So hang in there, and stay tuned!!! Here's a rush of blog posts coming right at you!!!
XOXO,
Excited 'n' Exhausted
RECIPE: Coriander Chutney
As a student here in the US, we end up having very stereo-typical bread sandwiches - Bread and Jam, Bread and Cheese Slice, Bread and Butter, Bread and Peanut Butter, Bread and Nutella (A favorite of mine!) etc. But if you've noticed, they all are either bland or sweet. How about giving it a spicy twist?!

Yesterday, I made a bowl of Coriander Chutney. It turned out quite spicy, actually! And one nice way to have it is with bread. I usually spread the chutney over a slice of bread and place a few cucumber slices too. You can add onion rings and tomato slices as well. It tastes even better when you spread butter on the other slice of bread. Its a quick recipe, and you can use it to accompany your dosas, idlis, upmas, vadas, etc. as well.
SERVING SIZE: About a medium sized bowl
PREPARATION TIME: 5-7 Minutes
INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
Let me know how it turned out!
XOXO,
Purple Poise
Yesterday, I made a bowl of Coriander Chutney. It turned out quite spicy, actually! And one nice way to have it is with bread. I usually spread the chutney over a slice of bread and place a few cucumber slices too. You can add onion rings and tomato slices as well. It tastes even better when you spread butter on the other slice of bread. Its a quick recipe, and you can use it to accompany your dosas, idlis, upmas, vadas, etc. as well.
SERVING SIZE: About a medium sized bowl
PREPARATION TIME: 5-7 Minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- Coriander leaves/Cilantro - A bunch (Comes to about 2 bowls)
- Grated Coconut - 2 tbsp.
- Ginger/Ginger Powder/Ginger Paste - 1 tsp
- Green Chillies - 1/2 nos.
- Peanuts - 7-8 nos.
- Water - as required
- Salt - to taste
- Sugar - A small pinch.
METHOD:
- Wash the coriander leaves well and cut out the stems and discard them.
- Blend all the ingredients together, except the salt and sugar, by adding little amounts of water to get the normal consistency of chutneys.
- Pour out the chutney into a bowl and add salt to taste.
- Add a small pinch of sugar as well, to get a better taste.
- Add chillies according to the desired spiciness.
- You can also add Pudhina/Mint leaves to give a minty flavor.
- You can fry some mustard seeds in oil and pour into the chutney.
- You can have this chutney with idli, dosa, uthappam, upma, pongal, vada, chappathi, dhokla etc.
Let me know how it turned out!
XOXO,
Purple Poise
Simulated Brain? Its not just in SCI-FIs?!
I know its been quite a long since I posted an "actual" post. Its been just "Time Twitters" for quite some time! But it is one way you get to know what I've been doing all day! Well, at least some parts of my day! But I've come back to post quite a few posts! I think there will be an array of posts you would see on my blog in the next couple of days!
For this post, I have a very interesting stuff to share with you guys. I stumbled upon this article on BBC News, which is totally mind-blowing, or you could say "brain" blowing!
In 2005, the Blue Brain project was launched as a joint research initiative by EPFL and IBM. This project aims to "create a biologically accurate, functional model of the brain using IBM's Blue Gene supercomputer", as quoted from the project website.
The article on the BBC News site just merely says the current development stage of the project, and then when I went onto the project's website, I was quite amused! Amused is putting it mildly. I was hit with a rush of several emotions, actually - surprised, shocked, awed, inspired, anxious, apprehensive... Well, its a wonder what science is capable of, but then, as I thought more about it, this apprehension crept into me - someday, the fiction of robots ruling humans might actually come true! In a few years, we'll have a simulated brain that can think and act like a real human brain. Next, there would be robots that can think independently - oh well, it isn't next, it has already been done! Just that, they still haven't gone to the point of having Cyborgs!
I might sound crazy, but hey, think about it. We're all so dependent on machines already that life, now, without a single machine is just not possible! Hell, I don't think I can even live without a laptop now!!! Sometimes, even for social communication we end up using machines; my roommates and I sometimes communicate via email or chat or SMS while being just a room apart! Someday, we might end up not using our own brains, and we would rely on such "simulated" brains. Who knows! Anything can happen!
Take a look at thearticle and let me know what you think.
Purple Poise
For this post, I have a very interesting stuff to share with you guys. I stumbled upon this article on BBC News, which is totally mind-blowing, or you could say "brain" blowing!
In 2005, the Blue Brain project was launched as a joint research initiative by EPFL and IBM. This project aims to "create a biologically accurate, functional model of the brain using IBM's Blue Gene supercomputer", as quoted from the project website.
The article on the BBC News site just merely says the current development stage of the project, and then when I went onto the project's website, I was quite amused! Amused is putting it mildly. I was hit with a rush of several emotions, actually - surprised, shocked, awed, inspired, anxious, apprehensive... Well, its a wonder what science is capable of, but then, as I thought more about it, this apprehension crept into me - someday, the fiction of robots ruling humans might actually come true! In a few years, we'll have a simulated brain that can think and act like a real human brain. Next, there would be robots that can think independently - oh well, it isn't next, it has already been done! Just that, they still haven't gone to the point of having Cyborgs!
I might sound crazy, but hey, think about it. We're all so dependent on machines already that life, now, without a single machine is just not possible! Hell, I don't think I can even live without a laptop now!!! Sometimes, even for social communication we end up using machines; my roommates and I sometimes communicate via email or chat or SMS while being just a room apart! Someday, we might end up not using our own brains, and we would rely on such "simulated" brains. Who knows! Anything can happen!
Take a look at thearticle and let me know what you think.
Purple Poise
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