tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175968812024-03-23T10:48:47.954-07:00Archana's WorldSomethimg i wanted to do for a long time...its just some writings i wanted to share with all... thoughts that have been penned down...this blog will only deal with articles on relationships...lemme also tell u that am not against marriage...in fact i have actually married someone...and every minute i just feel how my dream has actually come true....these articles are just a reflection of reality that keeps haunting me...its just facts about relationships that we take for granted...read on....archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-85911424382261886552010-05-06T04:14:00.000-07:002010-05-06T04:15:16.352-07:00Good hair day, everyday<h2><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?p=7100" title="Good hair day, everyday"><br /></a></h2> <!-- <p class="byline"> By <a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?author=11" title="Posts by Krithika R">Krithika R</a> • February 25, 2010</p> --> <img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/f-hair.JPG" alt="Good hair day, everyday" class="feature" /> <p><strong>MANE MATTERS </strong>Poker- straight hair is ‘in’ but make sure you maintain it by using only suitable professional products. <strong>ARCHANA SUBRAMANIAN</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/25nxg_p05_look-good_gp4e52b8125nxg_look_good.jpg" title="25nxg_p05_look-good_gp4e52b8125nxg_look_good.jpg"><img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/25nxg_p05_look-good_gp4e52b8125nxg_look_good.jpg" alt="25nxg_p05_look-good_gp4e52b8125nxg_look_good.jpg" width="368" height="437" /></a></p> <p>How many times have you craved for the perfect hairstyle? How many times have you thrown away the comb in anger wondering when you would ever get rid of those knots? And how many times have you woken up praying for a good hair day? The answer is an obvious – “innumerable times!” One of the solutions to a perfect, problem-free hair would be to go in for straightening. Straightening gives you the added advantage of letting your hair fall straight effortlessly, hardly ever knots up and will remain the same way even after you wake up. But, like other treatments, straightening too needs to be taken care of especially to make sure treated hair stays healthy and does not get dry and brittle. Experts at Matrix tell you how and why.</p> <p><strong>Why professionals?</strong></p> <p>Hair straightening is a very technical service and it’s advisable to get it done only by a professional. Permanent straightening product should never be applied to the scalp. One has to keep it at least 1.5 cms away from the scalp. The application has to be quick and the hair has to be maintained straight throughout the service to avoid waves and frizz. A good rinse-out of the straightening crème from the hair is extremely important, as also the ironing of thin sections before the neutralising.</p> <p><strong>Specialised products</strong></p> <p>A professional range has been designed specifically to care for the needs of straightened or rebounded hair. Its intense formulae blend ingredients like Shea butter, Silk amino acids and Apricot kernel oil to help condition the hair, repair damage and smooth frizz for healthy, sleek hair with hi-gloss shine.</p> <p><strong>Tips and things to do at home…</strong></p> <p>Hair is more delicate when chemically straightened and has special needs. Straightened or Rebounded hair, if not properly cared for, can turn dry and brittle causing frizz, breakage and split ends. Use a smoothing shampoo which will take care of the cleansing part as the Silk amino acids and Shea butter soften texture, tame frizz, improve manageability and add shine. A smoothing conditioner will ensure detangling problems as it moisturises with ingredients like Apricot kernel oil and Shea butter. This also adds intense smoothness for frizz-free sleek hair. An intense smoothing mask will treat your hair as it’s enriched with Shea butter and Silk amino acids and this mask intensely conditions the hair to smooth texture and discipline frizz, leaving hair soft, sleek and manageable. The use of split end serum is a light and non-greasy formula infused with Apricot kernel oil and Shea butter to repair frayed tips and help prevent split ends.</p> <p><strong>Treatments to opt for at parlours…</strong></p> <p>Make sure to go at least once a month for a spa treatment and to tell your analyst that your hair has been straightened and that you would require a smooth and seal treatment Also, regular deep conditioning is a must for hair that is chemically straightened. The smooth and seal service nourishes parched hair and smoothens it, while protecting the hair from future damage. It combines the intense nourishment of the mask and sealing properties of the split end serum to give you replenished silky-smooth hair.</p> <p><strong>How long does it last and when should you go in for re bonding?</strong></p> <p>The longevity of a straightening or rebonding depends on the home care regime and regular in-salon treatments. One will need to get a re-touch done when the new re-growth is about four to six inches, which will happen in about eight to 12 months.</p> <p><strong>Do’s and don’ts post a straightening service…</strong></p> <ul><li>Do not shampoo or wet your hair for 72 hours after a straightening or rebonding service.</li><li>Using hair clips, pins, bands etc can create bends and stress points in the hair, which can lead to dents in the straightness or even cause breakage.</li><li>After a straightening and rebonding service wait for a minimum of 14 days before applying any permanent hair colour.</li></ul>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-51068775428375531942010-05-06T04:11:00.000-07:002010-05-06T04:12:15.206-07:00Ladies’ day out!<h2><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?p=7228" title="Ladies’ day out!"><br /></a></h2> <!-- <p class="byline"> By <a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?author=11" title="Posts by Krithika R">Krithika R</a> • March 11, 2010</p> --> <p><strong>EVENT </strong>International Women’s Day saw more than 300 women enjoy themselves at The Hindu Metroplus Heels on Wheels Car Treasure Hunt. <strong>ARCHANA SUBRAMANIAN </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_logo.jpg" title="11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_logo.jpg"><img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_logo.jpg" alt="11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_logo.jpg" width="140" height="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_hunt2.jpg" title="11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_hunt2.jpg"><img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_hunt2.jpg" alt="11nxg_p12_treasurehunt_gp5gfspj111nxg_hunt2.jpg" width="382" height="216" /></a></p> <p>Here are three clues for you — 110 cars, Citi Centre, Sunday. Go on, rack your brains and find out what we are talking about. It’s the all-women car treasure hunt, Heels on Wheels, organised by The Hindu last weekend. The event held at Citi Centre saw more than 110 cars lined up packed with enthusiastic team members, some of whom even managed to colour coordinate themselves to make the perfect team. Geared with enthusiasm and the spirit to win the treasure hunt was flagged off by danseuse Priyadarshini Govind.</p> <p><strong>The hunt begins</strong></p> <p>A briefing, some tips and tricks each team was charged enough to give the car engines a run for its power. As the clock ticked, Chennai saw various cars scurrying across roads each wanting to outdo the other. The tabloid given was similar to a newspaper except that each article was related to the question that one needed to answer on the sheet provided. Not only do the stories lead you to the answers, they also hint the route you should be taking for your next answer. Twenty seven such questions took the teams from Citi Centre, Secretariat, Flower Bazaar, Parrys, Mint street, Nehru stadium, Ritherdon road, Kilpauk to Anna Nagar. At the first pit-stop, the first sheet had to be submitted and a second tabloid was given, which covered areas like Annanagar, Shanti Colony, Nelson Manickam Road, Greams Road, Mount Road and back to Citi Centre.</p> <p>The last leg had some clues at Citi Centre too. Besides the attractive prize money, there were some extra mileage points that could be earned using your camera: by clicking as many photos from the list that was given. Four hours seemed too short a time but only till you understood how to go about it. Spirited teams also got mehendi and caricatures done. Quizzes and on-the-spot talent contests were some of the other highlights. The women multi-tasked as they chopped onions, painted logo and applied make-up in three minutes. There were also a few events for the couples. MP Kanimozhi distributed the prizes to the winners of the event and the talent contest.</p> <p><strong>Sponsors</strong></p> <p>The title sponsor was Pothys. The Associate sponsors were Naidu Hall, Sowbhagaya and Mustafa. The Venue Partner was Citi Centre. The TV Partner SS Music, Radio Partner was Chennai Live, Water Partner was Sabols and Food Partner was Mc Donalds. The Gift sponsors were Witco, La Belle, Palam Silks, Srinivasa Silks, Aspen Watches, Viveks, Kerala Jewellery, Taj Coramandel, Courtyard by Marriott, Ambassador Pallava, Hero Honda, O2 Health Studio, Bubbles Family Salon and Spa, Mahavir Optics and Melange.<br />Winners<br />In first place was team no. 39 Vinatha Hari, Geetha Prakash, Shweta Vinod, Vaidehyi Kandaswamy. In second places was team 73 Vanitha Karunakaran, Pradhiba Gnanavel, Kayalvizhi Manikandan and in third place was team 83 Dr.R.Priya, Dr.Vanathi, Dr.Kavitha and Dr.Divya</p>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-38550483118553774122010-05-06T04:05:00.000-07:002010-05-06T04:09:57.807-07:00Stories I tell<h2><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?p=7281" title="Stories I tell"><br /></a></h2> <!-- <p class="byline"> By <a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?author=11" title="Posts by Krithika R">Krithika R</a> • March 18, 2010</p> --> <img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/f-craig.JPG" alt="Stories I tell" class="feature" /> <p><strong>STORYTELLING</strong> Craig Jenkins on his experiences in India and his love for stories. <strong>ARCHANA SUBRAMANIAN</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/craig.JPG" title="craig.JPG"><img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/craig.JPG" alt="craig.JPG" width="486" height="326" /></a></p> <p>“Excuse me Mr. Kandaswamy… oru coffee kudipom…” Not the lines you expect to hear from a foreigner. But Craig, or <em>anna</em> as the children in Kattaikuttu Gurukulam, Kancheepuram, call him, is different. “I love stories… be it reading or telling… I love the oral tradition, especially that of Indian origin. And perhaps that’s why I took it up as a profession.”</p> <p><strong>Finding his goal</strong></p> <p>This is said with so much passion that you understand how an offbeat profession like storytelling was a dream come true. At 24 years, when others of his age were busy experimenting, Craig’s summer internship at Vayu Naidu’s school helped him decide what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. After graduating in Drama and Film Studies, he decided to specialise in storytelling.A professional storyteller from London, he now pursues his art in Kancheepuram, in the Kattaikuttu Gurukulam where he is teaching students English. He also plans to stage an English play with them. His contemporary style of telling stories was instrumental in his being selected for this programme. “My task is to make these stories appropriate for teenagers. I trained for nearly two years in various community projects, which included both refugee kids and troubled children from the U.K. I use storytelling to help and empower the troubled children using these techniques. They have no representation in society and telling them stories helps them connect and understand their culture.”</p> <p><strong>Cultural inferences</strong></p> <p>Craig feels that as cultures undergo rapid changes, people forget the power of stories. Stories about one’s land and culture, he insists, help them reconnect and perceive it better. “I have always used the knowledge of where I’m from to help me narrate better. So with the refugee kids I learnt some of their songs; here in Kancheepuram I use the local flavour… this increases interaction. I have always been interested in using my techniques in another culture. Since I loved the Indian context I was thrilled when the Vayu Naidu company asked me to take up the Kattaikuttu Gurukulam offer. Two months here and then I go back!”A month has gone by and Craig is so attached to his students and the school that he wants to keep coming back.</p> <p>He not only hums and sings Tamil songs, he loves sambar and rice too! Storytelling as an art is very interesting. The only pre-requisite is to take note of local flavours and use them to keep the audience engaged. In the first 45 minutes of Craig’s class, the students not only tell him stories they heard but also how and from whom. Craig believes in following his style. “Follow your strengths because, unlike other arts where you need props or story, here you need to become the character and present it to the audience.” Following an untrodden path at least in his family, Craig has proved that it pays to be different!</p>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-13929321769367735532010-05-06T04:01:00.001-07:002010-05-06T04:01:48.649-07:00Good health, at your feet<h2><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?p=7336" title="Good health, at your feet"><br /></a></h2> <!-- <p class="byline"> By <a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?author=11" title="Posts by Krithika R">Krithika R</a> • March 25, 2010</p> --> <img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/25nxg_p05_look-good_g25ihogt125nxg_foot_reflexology.jpg" alt="Good health, at your feet" class="feature" /> <p><strong>REFLEXOLOGY </strong>An ancient healing technique that lets you de-stress and calms you. <strong>ARCHANA SUBRAMANIAN</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/25nxg_p05_look-good_g25ihogt125nxg_foot_reflexology.jpg" title="25nxg_p05_look-good_g25ihogt125nxg_foot_reflexology.jpg"><img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/25nxg_p05_look-good_g25ihogt125nxg_foot_reflexology.jpg" alt="25nxg_p05_look-good_g25ihogt125nxg_foot_reflexology.jpg" /></a></p> <p>How would you describe bliss? There are probably more than 100 answers …but some like me would say it’s a one-hour reflexology session at Spa Influence. Foot reflexology, according to senior therapist Wayan, involves massaging various points of the foot, each of which corresponds to a part in the body. Massaging each point has a beneficial effect on the corresponding body point, say reflexologists.</p> <p><strong>Pamper session</strong></p> <p>A session begins with your feet being washed and dried. Then you are led into a cosy room, which is also dark. All you need to tell the reflexologist is whether the pressure is fine or if you need a little more. Oil is heated over the candle and then applied to aid relaxation. Cucumber cream cools and helps soothe aching feet. First the leg is massaged from knee down.Reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural functioning of body parts. This system dates back to more than 5000 years when the massage worked to improve balance. For us today, however, foot reflexology works as a de-stressor and tension reliever; as nerve endings are stimulated. By the time the session ends, all you want to do is fall asleep, and the soothing music in the background adds to the feeling.</p> <p><strong>Benefits</strong></p> <p>Take a look at some of the benefits: Toe-tips for example. Just 20 seconds of pressure is said to help those with sinus problems get relief from the pain and breathe better. Just below the toe are reflexes for the eyes ears and nose and the cerebrum. Pressure applied here eases eye strain, blocked nostrils and recurrent headaches. Similarly the middle of the foot has reflexes connected to the lungs liver, intestines, genitals and the lower most part of the foot has reflexes for the sciatic nerve. Reflexology is commonly used to treat sciatica or inflammation of the nerve, which runs from the buttocks down the back of your thigh. Towards the end a hot towel wrap seals in all the effect and helps you reap the benefits.And now that you know your feet are the meeting place for all the other parts…this massage makes sure you have good health at your feet!</p> <p><strong>Price:</strong> Rs. 900 plus tax for a 45-minute session.</p> <p><strong>Contact:</strong></p> <p> No.91, Poonamalee High Road, Near Hotel Dasaprakash, Chennai-8. Ph: 429716444/ 42964444 </p> <p>3/4, Wallace Garden, 3rd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034. Ph: 45038436Price: 900 plus tax – 45 mins</p>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-35668529010218182442010-05-06T04:00:00.000-07:002010-05-06T04:01:10.537-07:00Getting creative<p><strong>YOUNG DESIGNER</strong> Suchitra believes that one always has an edge when starting out in a profession that’s also your passion. <strong>ARCHANA SUBRAMANIAN</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/15nxg_p05_suchitra_gsel9n67115nxg_suchitra_choksi.jpg" title="15nxg_p05_suchitra_gsel9n67115nxg_suchitra_choksi.jpg"><img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/15nxg_p05_suchitra_gsel9n67115nxg_suchitra_choksi.jpg" alt="15nxg_p05_suchitra_gsel9n67115nxg_suchitra_choksi.jpg" width="272" height="293" /></a></p> <p>Short, flowing salwaars, intricate and detailed work, bright colours, extreme styling and contemporary cuts… these are the first things one notices on a visit to Suchitra’s Studio. Spotted at the Vimonisha Private Collection India Summer 2010, this is the Mumbai-based designer’s first venture in Chennai. The Vimonisha show did leave her speechless for a few seconds as the crowds floated in and out of her stall to see something different. And then when she did begin talking she could not imagine or believe that Chennai could offer her so many buyers.</p> <p><strong>Starting out</strong></p> <p>Though the studio is just two years old, Suchitra has been in the garment industry for quite some time. So it was not new for her to start her own enterprise. What started out as an export company has now entered into the domestic sector. Though she has not really studied fashion she has an edge over others because of her experience. She feels studying fine arts has helped her by adding that creative touch to her work and wishes she had studied more to have a technical edge too. But she feels she could design for anything, be it homes, accessories or clothes. Suchitra’s strong point is giving her customers quality garments, good design at affordable rates. She believes in making clothes that are wearable and not just bought to designing your shelves in the cupboard!Being relatively new she has not yet diversified though she does not close that option. Suchitra has not limited her lines to any one particular style. “I just consider seasons. We just let thoughts flow after that,” she adds.</p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>One can spot Poonam Dhillon, Rina Shah, Sharmilla Khanna among the other Page 3 celebs who own a Suchitra’s. And though she has not yet decided when to start venturing into films she says she will take it one step at a time. So for all those who are looking for something different make sure to check out her clothes as they offer just that!</p> <p><strong>Suchitra’s style</strong></p> <ul><li>Her speciality is western wear, ghaghras and bridal wear.</li><li>Designs just about anything from western gowns to Indian clothes.</li><li>Believes in designing affordable and wearable dresses.</li></ul> <p><strong>Conatct:</strong> Suchitra Choski @ +919920223140; e-mail: Sk_choski@hotmail.com</p>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-2819945499274594492010-05-06T03:57:00.000-07:002010-05-06T03:59:53.177-07:00Still losing it?<h2><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?p=6007" title="Still losing it?"><br /></a></h2> <!-- <p class="byline"> By <a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/?author=11" title="Posts by Krithika R">Krithika R</a> • October 22, 2009</p> --> <div class="entry"> <p><strong>FOLLOW UP</strong> Two months after the NXg Honey, I Shrunk Myself programme ended, what have the participants been upto. <strong>ARCHANA SUBRAMANIAN</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/2009102204k04ef7bv02.jpg" title="2009102204k04ef7bv02.jpg"><img src="http://www.go-nxg.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/2009102204k04ef7bv02.jpg" alt="2009102204k04ef7bv02.jpg" /></a></p> <p>Two months after Honey I Shrunk Myself came to a grand end, we decided to ask the contestants what they’ve been up to. Was HISM a one-off? Or did it really make a difference to their lives? Have they succeeded in maintaining the gains from the programme or have they gone back to life as before?</p> <p><strong>Keeping up the change</strong></p> <p>Sneha sees a new dimension to workout and life since HISM. “Simple things like drinking a lot of water has made a significant impact on me and I follow that till date. I stay in a hostel, so food does take a back seat but I do gym every day for an hour at least. I did put on one and a half kilos but with exercise I have managed to shed it.”Jenny realised that exercise alone is not enough to lose weight and a proper diet was equally important. “HISM has taught me to be aware of what food is good for me and what I should avoid. I am very conscious about what I eat. I have also made a lot of friends and look a lot better and toned. My exercises are not what I used to do…the physios have changed my exercises and I am following a new chart, which makes it more interesting. With regard to my diet it has been modified but I do tend to cheat once in a while.”</p> <p>Exercises and a diet chart can not only modify your daily schedule but also change your lifestyle. Bhargav feels that HISM has been a blessing in disguise for him. “It helped me realise the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Though I have not been able to exercise regularly, I’ve been strictly following the diet, which has helped me to maintain my weight. From this I have also understood the value of a proper balanced diet.” Rajesh says, “HISM helped me a lot especially when it came to gaining confidence and will power. In the beginning it was bit challenging but as the days went by it was a lot of fun and I knew I would achieve my goal. I was a chain smoker struggling to quit for about four years but after joining HISM I have stopped smoking. I have put on two kg but I know that getting back to shape is not difficult anymore. I manage to avoid fatty foods. My goal now is to get a six pack.”</p> <p>Others like Sarvanan have gone a step ahead and reduced more weight proving that being regular does pay. “HISM helped me to reduce 13 kg in two months but continuing with it has helped me reduce another five kilos. It’s not just the weight, but I have also managed to shed my fears, and have gained confidence and the right attitude!”</p></div>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1143263808474290352006-03-24T21:09:00.000-08:002006-03-24T21:16:48.490-08:00My LOng delayed vacation....Hey all<br />well I had been to pondy over the weekend...a beautiful weekend...very scenic...and Jessu (u guys remember her my class mate from JNC) we left from Chennai at around ten...and had a quick dinner at a place called galloping gooseberry...and left to pondy by eleven fifteen...we reached pondy by twelve forty five...had wine and chips...and crashed...<br />next morning...was beautiful… went to Auroville this no case, no creed, no religion based international city conceived long ago by the mother as they call her...its just so cool a self sustaining village...plays host to loads of firangs.. its so Cosmo in lifestyle a shame on us…anyways went till the meditation hall…and then roamed there for a bit…<br />next we went to the city of Pondicherry ten kms from Auroville…and went straight to eat… the place we went was called rendezvous Vivekh had a silver pomfret steak and Jessu had some chicken in red wine sauce…me had… vegetable shashlik…truly yummy and drowned it with beer…we also had their oh so yummy cheesecake some gateaux and mousse…<br />Then was the best part of the day... shopping…bought skirts, some shirts...and shopped everywhere for little trinkets and souvenirs. We also walked through the French colonies…truly spectacular…<br />Had dinner on the beach side...at this place called Satsanga…loads to drink and less to eat…their French and Italian cuisines are to die for…Anyways after getting thoroughly tired after our moonlight walks on the beach we decided to crash…our resort called the St. James Beach Resort had a wonderful beach...So it was perfect…<br />The morning brought us a delightful surprise…Vivekh took Jessu and me for a rejuvenating Kerala Ayurvedic massage and a French breakfast….Don’t know which was better…the massage…I bet…man it was truly…orgasmic…anyway shopping beckoned us again and we really could not resist and Vivekh who had until now been aloof and away from the shopping bug also susceptibly and willingly got smitten by it and splurged a lot in some corduroys and Pepe T. shirts…Vivekh also convinced Jessu to buy a skirt and he bought both of us some truly great acupressure kits…<br />Well lunch was on the beach road at a boutique hotel called Promenade- a hi design hotel…and obviously everything from the décor to the buffet was in keeping with the style…we had some beer, and oh Jessu had some coconut drink…and I had a strawberry margarita frozen…the buffet was good spread and though much Indian we savored every bite…<br />The drive back to the resort was gloomy because we really wanted to stay longer…and had no intentions to leave…our work and Jessu’s fight made us come back…and we really have made a pact to come back for more…<br />And I must say this was the best gift we could have given Jessu for her birthday…archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1142421891002521022006-03-15T03:22:00.000-08:002006-03-15T03:24:51.003-08:00did not know i was in demand...well guys really sorry for disappearing...<br />was really busy and caught up with my new house coming up...lets just say its my dream come true...<br />thats why i had to put in my 100% to get it to the way it is right now...just bear with me till the house warming which is next month...<br />will definitely be regular after that...<br />love<br />archanaarchies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1142421628319613952006-03-15T03:16:00.000-08:002006-03-15T03:20:28.330-08:00my dreamI dreamt some time back<br />A small house<br />A small gate<br />A small table<br />A small family…he was there<br /><br />I dreamt again<br />A small house<br />A small gate<br />A small table<br />A small family.. him me<br /><br />I dreamt again last nite<br />A small house<br />A small gate<br />A small table<br />A small family…just mearchies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1136358467254260532006-01-03T23:05:00.000-08:002006-01-03T23:07:47.256-08:00satisfactionAm I really satisfied…I’ve rarely come across anyone who would say a humble yes…I use to often question myself and others on why we are never satisfied? The answers have actually been gnawing my insides forcing me to think why we need to go a long way before we are cleansed. From relationships to materialistic needs we always yearn for more…has any one else wondered why?<br />Well a few days back a friend of mine told me that satisfaction does not happen that easily cause its beyond humans to achieve a sense of limit and therefore they cannot draw a line between how much they really need and how much they keep wanting. <br />That’s one theory…<br />There’s another one that I have…I feel the very existence of this level in our lives is significant. How else will u justify our ever increasing demands? I feel that satisfaction is the key to our growth. Its because of this drive that we keep aiming for more, set new goals in life, want to do better, prove ourselves… imagine a life without ambition. We would never live or grow…we would be stagnated and according to me stagnation is death.<br />Therefore we should only abide by this so as to help us reach our destination which is not known by us but we want to be there soon.<br />So the next time your not entirely satisfied just think that your probably already on the outskirts of your destination and a little more perfection and u will get there.archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1135761241871773752005-12-28T01:09:00.000-08:002005-12-28T01:14:01.886-08:00time of my lifeI had the best winters ever...went on this holiday with ush...am sure all u guys know her...for those who don’t she's one of my closest buddies...her birthday was on the 2nd of December and i was running out on ideas what to give her...<br />it was this point in time that we were bonding...and she told me she had never seen snow just like me..That’s what sparked off our two week long vacation. Just the two of us.. We left for Delhi on the 12th and shopped there till the 14th. on the 15th we went to shimla...shimla is scenic has a couple of architectural wonders like the place where shimla conference was held and the museum....other than that. The place is very lazy...it dies after seven.. But we were very excited as barista stayed awake with us. We chilled there for three days... ad them left for manali a ten hour drive from there..<br />haan before i forget we went by train till shimla and that was truly amazing...the drive to manali was as beautiful as ever...and even my hill sickness left me this trip...manali, kulu and naggar was truly what they all seemed like in the travel books. And we actually went until rohtang pass and a little beyond on the leh ladakh highway despite it being closed to public in the winters...the snow I mean ice from last year did need some work out. We literally broke the ice...and played with our version called snow...but what stole the entire scene were the frozen waterfalls. They were truly spectacular...i was completely enthralled the way even the ripples and folds of the waters lay completely frozen...the icicles were a treat...<br />back at Delhi...Vivekh gave me a surprise as he landed there with tickets to Agra...something he and ush had not seen...so that was another trip...we made it back to the hot and sultry Chennai through the fog...<br />Just had to share all this...it was the most rejuvenating trip...and i had a blast...<br />Merry Christmas and have a great new year ahead...<br />Cheers…archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1135746152743175372005-12-27T21:01:00.000-08:002005-12-27T21:02:32.756-08:00time of my lifearchies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1134109340080000492005-12-08T22:15:00.000-08:002005-12-08T22:22:20.090-08:00IS THIS WHAT YOU CALL LOVE?<div align="left"><br /><br /> They were married for 5 years. No attachments yet…was there a reason? She was a from a very well to do family. He had lost his earlier job and family. They were both staying with her parents. She was his wife… yet her duties were not limited to just that. Her husband was working at a pharmaceutical company or so he said and so she thought. He would leave the house each day at seven in the morning and would come back after everyone had fallen asleep. She would finish her chores, extra too cause she was a burden in her paternal house. At nights she did a different duty. She doubled up as a watchman. Neck turned 180 degree toward the bus stand she stood night after night that maybe this would the night he would come back early…<br /><br />He was an alcoholic and a chronic consumer of tobacco. The minute the tobacco starts working sending its affect to his blood, that’s when his mornings kick start. Usually it’s screaming at his wife – a reaction from last night’s hangover. He would make her keep clothes for him, make his choiced menu filed breakfast, polish his shoe, and even brush his teeth if possible…she would do them all. Make his breakfast, polish, clean the room, make his bed…her ordeal was the same each day….she always wore a pleasant smile on her face…<br /><br />I often wondered how that smile on her face never disappeared…she was so cheerful…my sister told me maybe it got stuck and now she’s stuck with it. Its amazing how someone can put up with all that and yet and want to do willingly. He beat her every night…and she never retaliated….how? I have no clue…she had no reasons for outlet…she could not cry everyone would know and she would never let that happen. She could never give up on her husband…she stood there to guard him…protecting…he was a devil and she was his angel…<br /><br />Then one day something happened and I saw that she was not smiling…when they asked her she kept quiet…but her face said it all. He had beaten her black and blue and she was sore…how could the body then smile?<br /><br />I just kept silent…observing the harsh realities that took place in front of my eyes day after day…trying to be insensitive otherwise the feminist inside would get the better of me…but the tears stuck in the tear duct, and her attempt to smile without the body agreeing to let her…all let me know that she was probably dead in feelings lunch before she knew, much before she realized and her love for him was only because she did not even know what was happening, how could she even react…she had become comfortably numb…</div>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1132555882040300402005-11-20T22:49:00.000-08:002005-11-20T22:51:22.053-08:00Status of working women in societyGod made two images and mounted them on a stone he named one man and the other one a woman but the when someone asked him how he would distinguish between them all he did was he planted a drop of tear below her eye…<br />I mean did God already decide the fate of a woman that she would bear all the consequences and then in retaliation just cry her heart out… like it is the only way of cleansing her soul!<br />Well the status of a woman since then has not changed at all. So what if she chooses to work and help the family by contributing financially? It certainly does not relieve her of her household chores! The catch here is, it is her decision! So she has to pay a price…<br />Women's liberation has brought about changes they say but I ask changes in what ways? I mean is slogging inside and outside the house liberation? Or is liberation doing additional work because you've stayed out during the day or you stay up whole night pleasing your husband… he can't do without you remember? Questions like these are controversial but truth always hurts! I have hardly heard anyone proudly saying" my wife contributes equal money and I contribute equally in the household activities". The day men say these lines that will be true liberation and not otherwise.<br />Earlier women were not allowed to work and hence she worked inside the four walls of the house but now that she has been allowed to work why should she work double her capacity? There has been hence no change in the workload and the pressure she has from the house or outside by her boss.<br />Facts and figures prove beyond doubt that two thirds of the men do not participate in the household activities at all like they were made only to get money for the house. And among those who do help it ranges from six to eleven hours a week. And imagine her state if she has children the workload is almost tripled! And then there are no specific hours she chose to work so she can also choose to sacrifice on hours of sleep or even that one or two hours she needs for herself! If you thought that the over the years the situation has changes you are highly mistaken because it has just become the opposite. Now because of mounting pressures of finishing work on time and also juggling with her children's studies because they have testes almost every second day she has also cook, clean, dust and satisfy her husband everyday because he loves her remember?<br /><br />And then the eternal fear also rests, if she does not satisfy him then he will immediately start looking for pleasures outside!<br />What can a woman do? How does her being a woman exempt her from work? Why can't men understand? All she wants is a little bit of co-operation and understanding. She is not asking the man to quit his job but all she asks if she ever does is help her out in the chores and also make her life a little less stressful!<br />I certainly don't think that this is asking for too much women have never shirked responsibility but they have always managed to balance both the sides. The only thing which remains unsaid but left to us to be understood is that she is a human being first and not a woman!archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1131690142388064772005-11-10T22:20:00.000-08:002005-11-10T22:22:22.400-08:00this is funny...What's in a name?<br /><br />My mom has never liked parents who christen their children with names of Gods and Goddesses! If you were to ask me why I can rattle off an explanation which is not only weird but also very amusing…<br />My mom teaches in a school where she really hates it when she has to scold children… screaming at them saying " Narayan why are you such a pain?" or screaming, "Ram when will you learn to behave more decently?"…. Or perhaps, "Saraswati please come dressed properly…" They are some of the names she has never liked. For that matter it does sound very strange because it sounds like you are actually screaming at God and even though it is only a name my mom finds it very uncomfortable and keeps blaming their parents for putting her in such an awkward situation.<br />Then you have names of those people who are very much unlike what their names suggests them to be. Take for example Komal I mean how can you possibly call a loud mouthed and rough woman Komal? Why would anyone call a dusky female Ujjwala? Or for that matter why would any be named Neelkamal when he or she is not blue but wheatish? How can anyone call someone Prasad when he never wants to share!<br />Theres another incident that comes my mind every time I think of names. I had a friend by the name Sorry well you don’t have to be sorry because her parents aren't! But the best thing is that the teachers in my institute got very confused. I remember this friend of mine who once happened to ask her name and Sorry replied Sorry. "No, no what is your name?" "Sorry", this went on for about 5 minutes, both of them got very infuriated and it took some time for me to make her understand that she was christened Sorry.<br />Right from the Shakespearean times names have always been a tag attached to one's personality. They also in themselves are attributes and names always connoted the same. Agreed that virtues and vices could be the best description of a person's identity but that was then… when we did not have any underlying meaning for the same. But now I find it very funny when Sorry told me that her sister is called 'Believe me'… I mean 'Believe me' that’s her name! And that’s not all, there's another sister… and her name is, hold your breath… 'Hate me'! And this is the absolute truth, believe me!<br />Well this is just a few of the weirdest names I have ever heard. But imagine a name like Patience or Gratitude… makes no sense right? Well two of my friends in Namibia are named Love and Peace. Don't ask me why… I have no idea. For me these names are plain weird. My friend Believe me once told me how she felt very weird the first time she was dumped because she had no idea why her boy friend kept making so many attempts to convince her that he was not interested in her anymore. I believe he kept saying Believe me, believe me I think we should not see each other any more. She naturally had no idea why he kept addressing her twice!<br />So that’s what names can do. I guess parents ought to be a little more thoughtful. Because believe me, Love is actually patience and I know you will never be Sorry about it!archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1130995776425471752005-11-02T21:27:00.000-08:002005-11-02T21:29:36.436-08:00this really happened...in manipal<strong> Tiger by the tale</strong><br /><br /> Forty five minutes after I was over fed on the myths surrounding our tiger circle, I was returning to my hostel room. The road was lonely but I was contemplating if it could be true that tigers actually came evrynight and sat near the circle to hold their daily meetings?<br />Walking through the roads of MIT, I saw the shadows of these two guys walking behind me; their shadows encroaching on mine with every light that passed me.<br />Ten minutes later, I was with my friends again. Rima, Megha and Kriti were seated in this lonely dark patio enjoying the rain. I wanted to share my renewed belief about the circle when `GRRRUNT!’ Only Megha heard the strange noise. “Oh come on I’m sure you are making it up,” said Rima. “No I hear a grunt.” she claimed. Rima retorted by saying “Oh shut up Megs, it’s probably a pig. The worst it can do is sniff you up and go." We started giggling like nine-year-olds. Just then Rima heard another grunt. “GRUNT!” No, actually it was more of a roar but in lower decibels! But trust me it was more than enough to get us scared. I laughed at Rima and then I heard it too. And so did Kriti. We were shell shocked, all of stood close together- stuck I could say. “Grunt! Grunt!” That was it .We ran screaming at the top of our voices, loud enough to make anyone deaf! But we couldn’t care less. My main aim was to reach Ananya mess or just reach the watchman. “He would certainly help us,” I assured my already worked up soul as I was leading (the race to safety). We must have reached the end of the block when we heard it again. “That hideous noise” snapped Megha. Rima stopped to look back. We all did, but could not see a soul or any animal. Sudenly, something yanked me from behind. I yelled, “Oh my god! The beast has caught me!” Turning back I realised it was only Rima. My calculative mind could only work out short-term strategies for safety. But I guess I failed (miserably!).<br /> We summoned all the might we could and ran screaming…desperately, wondering why the gates we so often see didn’t seem closer than a few miles atleast. Was it the beast that was doing this?<br />We ran through the rain, hysteric from the experience, embarrassed from our reaction, and tired from the exhilarated run (we so needed after the amount we eat each day!). Soaking wet; we looked at each other and refused to go to the bathrooms alone that night, lest the beast chose to roar up the commode as well!<br />We changed uninhibited…the beast made everything a community experience.<br />We did think about it as soon as we settled down to our normal selves…and there were many theories going about…it could have been one of those beefcakes whose shadows were passing me by an hour ago. One of them could have been a perfect ventriloquist…or could the myth of the tiger circle finally be coming true?archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1130127548696105132005-10-23T21:09:00.000-07:002005-10-23T21:19:08.700-07:00my second poem....Lost<br /><br />A log lost in the wilderness of the seas…<br />A rat lost in the mighty jungles…<br />A grain of rice lost in the sack…<br />Am lost too…among people, among the furniture and at home…<br /><br />Will I get someone I think?<br />Someone like me; I think?<br />Will it all click I wonder?<br />What’s the point whatever I think I’m lost…<br /><br />A single leaf on that huge tree…<br />A single grain of sugar in the bowl…<br />A single tealeaf in my cup…<br />Am single too…among friends, among couples, amidst family<br /><br />People say wait…you will find the guy<br />Friends say hang on he’s around the corner,<br />Colleagues keep peeping out for me…<br />I feel he’s lost too…like me…lost<br /><br />It’s going to be a while before I make my way back…<br />It’s going to be a while before I find him…<br />Its going to be a while before I stop cribbing and complaining…<br />It’s going to be a while before I say I’m lost…not anymorearchies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129957851747630762005-10-21T22:06:00.000-07:002005-10-21T22:10:51.750-07:00do u think this way?The word live- in -relationships conjures up a world of freedom and no bondage to many. But are people really happy in such a relationship? Don't you think it is more of an escapist attitude for people who like to shirk of responsibilities? And for them the best possible mode of freedom would be to enjoy all the marital bliss without actually having been in one. All they want is the excitement. And do not want any threads attached to their life thereby giving themselves an easy access to walk out of the relationship any time they want or when they find it inconvenient.<br />Nowadays this concept is gaining momentum as couples consider marriage as too much of a burden and wish to break free. Well what they conveniently forget is that marriage provides the safety and the bond that is imperative. Imagine you having a row and your partner just dumping you! Where do you go? Whom do you turn to? And supposing you are unemployed then what do you do? You cannot even claim alimony!<br />Life does not end here… it just begins. You have the whole society shunning you, calling you names which you never even dreamt of and then quoting and portraying you as a bad example of some one and something you would never get into. I don't think any sane person would get into a relationship just to enjoy and with no afterthoughts. Also couples conveniently forget that they are living in a society that does not encourage these acts, so imagine the backlashes and repercussions of it. We must always remember that we are a part of this society and that this kind of momentary bliss will not last for long.<br />What most of the couples also forget is that marriage gives you the legality to give birth to children but in a live in relationship if you have children then who takes the responsibility once you leave? And whose name does the child get? Also what is the child's identity as an individual? Isn't he answerable to his peers and the society? Well these are the very points that shake the base of this concept. Activists have drilled couples on these are as for some years now but no one till date has given any convincing answer. Well if you are the types who do not want to have children and don't like any commitments then this kind of a relationship is perhaps an answer for you. But the question remains will one be happy in such a flexible relationship? What if your partner wants to sleep with someone else while you are around? On what grounds are you going to stop him? Aren't all those grounds also you are quoting flimsy?<br />Well whatever the reason I feel one should be very careful and should be mature enough before they make any commitment. They should rationalise and work out their marriage before they delve into one. They should also decide to what extent they want to carry on this relationship. Because in the end they have no one to blame but themselves. And they must strictly remember that they have made an informed choice and they should have the guts to abide by it!archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129874328919644032005-10-20T22:55:00.000-07:002005-10-20T22:58:48.926-07:00i believe<strong><em>Homosexuality a personal choice</em></strong><br /><br />Homosexuality started as a movement during the sixties. The movement talked in terms of sexuality being as central as sociological discourse as class caste or gender. They called the males as gays and females as lesbians. However, Radical feminists have always argued that there is unequal sexual equation in heterosexual relationships. This happens primarily because of patriarchal values and the power associated with it, which expects a woman to be subordinate to man in all areas including the sexual. This has led Feminists to espouse empathy with alternate forms of sexual expression not only in terms of fulfilment of desires but also as a form of resistance to patriarchy.<br /><br />This is what paved the way for queer culture’s culmination during the sixties. And it was because of the disenchantment with social life that queer culture evolved.<br />The first two phases of this movement which lasted from 1968 to the 1980's started out with condemning the fact that homosexuality was a psychological disorder. However, it moved on from there wherein these movements gained even political identities and it also progressed to such an extent that homosexuality as a variable was brought in form of texts, in the movies and also in academics. The last phase, which began in 1980's and is still continuing, is a backlash against the gay and lesbian movements. However the whole movement has now taken a new route and as a result it started faltering. <br /><br />It has come to such a stage now where conservative ideas have crept in due to the changing times and where homosexuality began as equal power for both the individuals now a whole new identity has been created. The couples have now begun to feel the need to conform to the societal norms and hence have started indulging in marriages, adoption and also pre nuptial bonds like property etc.<br /><br />The media has, however, played up the movement and its role in the entire issue is one of sensationalising the movement. In fact till date the individuals are given an overdose of publicity which in all its 'saneness' makes them look insane and weird. The publicity given to homosexuals is absolutely hyped and the motive clearly shows that they are being projected, as they are something, which needs to be noticed, and the image is being promoted only in a negative manner. Take for example the movie Fire, even there the movie was given unnecessary publicity because of which there was a dire need to screen separate shows for men and women. The movie after censorship lost its identity from its original version and the modifications, which were made, were done to adapt to what the society demands. <br /><br />What I feel personally is that lesbians or gays it's entirely one's own discretion and we don't have any say in it. And I can speak confidently about it. This is because I feel I'm more open minded about the entire issue. Maybe this is because we've been taught about it and I know the correct and actual reasons for the beginning of the movement. Also by tracing its entire journey I have a fair idea of why its faltering and why its taken the shape as it is now. The society I feel is not acting objectively at all and is forcing the gay couples to conform jeopardising their state and thereby creating an identity crisis for them in life.<br /> <br />The feeling is that there is a need for creating awareness and not in creating them as show pieces. Lesbians or gays they have a life of their own and also they have the power to decide what they want to do with it. The media or politicians needn't make them as some manifestations of what they are not. Taking such a decision as that to go against society is already a challenging choice and living it is equally difficult. Let us not create more trouble and hassles for them. They are not queer or abnormal they are like us maybe they just prefer to be different and this difference should be seen in only in a positive way.<br /><br />I would just like to say that they do not need our sympathy if we can't accept them at least lets not certainly criticise them and make them feel unwanted. And to sum up all what I have been saying I would like to end by saying 'each to his own…'archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129696336094484042005-10-18T21:27:00.000-07:002005-10-18T21:32:17.000-07:00this is close to meX’TRA MARITAL AFFAIRS!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />My best friend was a married man. We were still best of friends. I could talk to him about anything from books and art to Newton and philosophy. Our topics of discussion were never limited. It had a ‘flightless boundary’ and I was proud of it. Mr. Saranik was all I could ask for in a friend. Perfect I would call him. I met him when I first came to my newly built house. Among the other strange faces that looked on my family and me those warm caring eyes stood out certainly… distinct.<br />I first spoke to him when we were on the first floor. If you ask him he would probably give you all the dates and timings without any doubt. “All that you say is beautiful, you are my source of my inspiration also….” he used to say. From telling him that I saw a butterfly flying to hey have you read this book? Everything was beautiful or so he said and so I thought. I was always elated at all the generous outpouring compliments he showered on me almost everyday. I was myself with him; there was no need of any masks or portrayal, probably the prime reason why I came so close to him. My family however knew I needed one friend and they were happy it was him. He was considered to be this icon of knowledge, ideas. I always looked on him with awe.... The way he mingled with others and what he spoke and why he said some stuff to me and not to others... well that was him. I remember all the song dedications and the books he recommended he was such a source of knowledge. I never even needed to ask for anything it was said even before I said anything; He helped out with grammar and maths. I was really proud that I had the best of friends. Things ran smoothly for some time………<br />Well it started when one day I heard someone commenting on the way I talk to him. At first I ignored thinking what the heck it’s my life and I know what I’m doing. Whispers soon began to become sentences and little did I know that I was the topic of every discussion in the flat. Mr. Saranik said he couldn’t be bothered and hence I kept quiet for a while. By this time our friendship had become very strong and I really depended on him emotionally. Aindrilla, his wife was very sweet and understanding we were like one family. He came to our house and no one thought anything. But these conversations never had any effect on our families but not for long!!!!!!!!<br />I still remember the walk I took with him when we had our three-day long power cut. The amount and the truth I learnt during those 30 minutes are probably what I still think of life. There is no one hand clapping that was also one very important thing I learnt that day. “Archana, you will face a lot of hurdles because of the naïve person that you are. I seriously think you should be a little more assertive and also FIRM what ever you do.” Then one day his wife screamed at him and accused him of going beyond the lines of marriage, she was very upset and she wouldn’t even talk to me. I became a victim of something I was never a part of consciously (I swear)<br /><br /><br /><br />“Extra marital affair” it was termed as. I hated that word and still do. I thought extra marital affairs were only on a physical level but maybe I was wrong. Looking back on what went on in her life, how insecure she was, another woman coming into his life, just as a friend, was enough for our relationship o be termed as that phrase I despise and loathe now. As in maybe, I was absolutely wrong…. Well he came up to me one day and told me how much he loved me, and what I meant to him and professed his undying love for me. He also said that he would go to any extent to preserve this relationship he shared with me.<br />Well I was shocked I cannot express myself very clearly because even today when I think of those moments I feel very insecure and I feel like I was taken for a ride in the name of friendship. At first I blanked out, I could see my worst nightmare coming true in front of my eyes. What the hell I thought, what relationship was he talking about what did undying love mean to him? Were they not the same things he had said he had told his wife? I soon came back to my senses and took the strongest and most difficult decision of my life. I terminated ‘our’ friendship (It’s a different matter that only I had termed our relationship that). He was not worth it I consoled myself. It really took me a long time to get over him and the friendship I was forced to abandon because of a greater cause. But now I’m proud of myself thinking of what could have happened if I had held back that day and if I had still kept in touch with him…. I still keep in touch but on a very formal basis. Maybe people will not understand why. Its because he accepted it was a mistake, a grave one too. And as usual I forgave him. And that’s the end of that chapter. I still think I’m the cause of a major diversion and also misunderstanding in their family.<br />Probably that’s the reason why I can never talk freely to guys when all my friends do. Why I still feel that a guy and a girl can never be just friends… I hate to talk to guys who have girl friends, people never understand what I’m going through they feel I’m a prude and a hypocrite but one day they will…. Or maybe one day I’ll stop generalising and start feeling once again and stop holding myself responsible for everything but I know that it will take time. I just hope it stops taking its toll on me.<br />Extramarital relationships are a very common phenomenon today. Three-fourths of the world today has families ruined because of the turmoil in them due to the existence of a third person. Why should people not be content with their married lives? When will people be satisfied and stop looking for others to keep them happy? Why can’t people compromise and isn’t marriage all about giving and taking? Well all these rhetorical questions can be pondered and answered by us. That’s why counsellors are making so much of money, as this is also the reason for the increasing hypertension world-wide. Couples should be more understanding and there should be no room or space left for any third person.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some blame it on work the others say they were forced into marriages and more often the answer is” my marriage is boring and there is no spice left in it” I ask who is responsible for all this? Why can’t they themselves resolve it since they are the ones who started it in the first place? For me marriage is for keeps. I cannot imagine my married life getting ruined. A husband and wife have to work as a pair like a close unit to keep it going. They have to season it with all the spices and also add water or sweet to reduce the spice. The fire has to be simmering if the need arises and the flame has to be on continuously for the dish or marriage to be cooked well… to be relished while eating it. Some like it bland and some like it garnished. Well the choice is personal but how well they juggle between the ingredients is what makes the whole situation and the dish so very special. How can they let something bitter fall into the dish they are so skilfully labouring at and even if it falls despite all the precautions I think it depends on one’s own understanding, emotional balance presence of mind and taste how he or she would handle the situation. The end result has to be good. This should be the chief aim. And I’m sure each of us is an expert in cooking or managing things ourselves.<br />Well this experience has certainly helped me grow. I can now handle difficult experiences without many hassles. I can look at things more objectively and I have also learnt not to blame myself unnecessarily without analysing things well.archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129619323205834422005-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:002005-10-18T00:08:43.210-07:00Hey something i absolutely fell in love withIn My Next Life ...<br />In this life I'm a woman.<br />In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear.<br />When you're a bear, you get to hibernate.<br />You do nothing but sleep for six months.<br />I could deal with that.<br />Before you hibernate,<br />you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.<br />I could deal with that, too.<br />When you're a girl bear, you give birth to your children<br /> (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs.<br />I could definitely deal with that.<br />If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business.<br />You swat anyone who bothers your cubs.<br />If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too.<br />I could deal with that.<br />If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling.<br />He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.<br />Yup...gonn! a be a bear!archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129281554477537372005-10-14T02:16:00.000-07:002005-10-14T02:19:14.480-07:00one of my firsts...<strong> GONE</strong><br /><br />I let him go that day<br />I let him go today<br /><br />Why?<br />Cause he chose not to stay<br /><br />What?<br />I’m still trying to figure it out<br /><br />When?<br />Again…this noon<br /><br />I let him go that day<br />Again…todayarchies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129181021280728712005-10-12T22:21:00.000-07:002005-10-12T22:23:41.283-07:00try and see if u get this? i want to know all ur interpretations!!!!WHEN<br /><br />When the flowers bloom<br />And the butterflies hover around them…<br />When the bees suck honey<br />Then my love I will come to u…<br /><br />When the last clouds have gone…<br />And rays of the sun have wiped away the darkness<br />When the birds begin to chirp again…<br />Then I will lie in your arms my love<br /><br />When the harvest is ready,<br />And the dew is settled down below<br />When the roses are pink and red<br />Then we will go to the church to wed<br /><br />When the days are lit again,<br />And the raindrops moisten the leaves,<br />When the oak trees sing you this song…<br />Then you will think of me who is now the bird, the wind, the rain, the sun and the earth.archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129113838687730062005-10-12T03:41:00.000-07:002005-10-12T03:43:58.690-07:00The most meaningful poem i've ever written...<div align="left"><strong> …The analogy….</strong><br /><br /><br />I think of you and me as two oceans…<br />We started out as two<br />With a line in between…separating us<br />We were close in the beginning…<br />Coz at that time what we really wanted was:<br />To be together…<br />We would do anything to cross over and though we never could<br />We tried and that’s what mattered…<br />Whether it was just watching each other,<br />Or spending time<br />Listening or talking<br />We would do it all<br />Compromises and sacrifices were a parcel in our lives…<br />As time passed by….<br />We moved on…<br />I stayed and u did…move on<br />I just went a little away at sometimes…<br />When I felt we were having too may differences<br />But every step I took away from u<br />U took four…away<br />From me…<br />I stayed on hung there…<br />As I do till date.<br />Wondering whether I could give u a hand<br />Or give u a rope…<br />Yank you back to me…<br />Not that I did not try<br />But I was scared<br />Because when ever I tried<br />You did not touch<br />You did not try to swim this a way<br />U went far off…<br />Now things seems to be running away<br />From the tides…<br />Into the sunset…<br />A place where I know I can never reach,<br />U have dived off into the horizons…<br />And there I know I can never ever reach out to…<br />I listen to my heart everyday…<br />My heart says stay…<br />u will be mine… always<br />My mind says move on…<br />In this dilemma of the heart and mind…<br />Who are at loggerheads now?<br />I’m drained out<br />But not lost out on hope…<br />What I hope…<br />Though impossible…<br />The earth takes a nasty turn and…<br />Throws u back to me…<br />And u instead of having ur own path fall into mine…<br />Back to me…<br />Back to where things were<br />U and me…just bliss… nothing else.<br />And even though time has lapsed<br />We have not…<br />Time and tide …<br />Have taught us<br />The art of life<br />‘The art of love’</div>archies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17596881.post-1129099065175820792005-10-11T23:33:00.000-07:002005-10-11T23:37:45.176-07:00an honest poem...<strong></strong> BROKEN<br /><br />Do you know what breaking is<br />A relationship broken<br />A bond broken<br />A trust broken<br />My ray of hope broken<br /><br />A two letter bomb blew up my house this noon<br /><br />Built in trust, hope and wish<br />It blew into a billion pieces…<br />And with it broke the vase,<br />The chairs, the teapots, the swing, the slide<br />And our children<br /><br />No that’s all he said<br />And before I knew everything blew<br />Swept me off the present<br />Future is never mine<br />Everything is lost…nothing mine<br />Into a thousand million pieces<br />Sprung over space and time<br />I don’t know if I can ever rebuild…<br /><br />Its all gone…<br />Brokenarchies worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022034745359703288noreply@blogger.com8