Nature's fury!

Recently someone in US had predicted an end of life as we know it. Luckily for us all he was wrong! Funnily enough he simply changed dates to 5 months later. I might have said "Budddha sathiya gaya hai" (the old man is bonkers) except that he has built a multi-million dollar empire based on this fear.

World didn't end but a lot of cities have been brought to their knees. Devastating earthquakes, tornadoes and thunderstorms taking life and property alike without mercy. Some cities like Joplin have been almost wiped out. The worst part is that it's not over yet. More thunderstorms and tornadoes are on their way!

We can only pray to God for kindness and help for the victims. Those who have survived may have triumphed death but not destruction. They have a long struggle ahead of them. Picking up mercilessly scattered pieces of their lives. Moving on. Rebuilding. Coping with loss of loved ones. How does one do all this and have a happy life ahead? Don't know!

For US and the world, these whiplashes are doing more than destroying lives. Nature is slowly but surely bringing the already slow-grinding economy to its knees. Monetarily the devastation has had huge impact on insurance, healthcare and small, private businesses. US definitely needs to redefine its policies and focus inwards. Let other countries sort out their problems on their own for a change.

It doesn't make sense that a super nation has to go build houses and schools for people who don't want their help while people in its own backyard are struggling to go through life. Even now, extremists in the war-torn countries are probably happy that there is devastation in US. I read a comment somewhere that US is being punished by God for killing innocents in Mid-East. Wonder why God would target only one western country for the act of many.

No the reason for this destruction is not God's anger. Rather Nature's fury! Why is Nature angry? Simply because in an attempt to modernise, industralise or monetise, man has attempted to subvert and control nature. Building dams, cutting off natural plant and animal habitats, trying to straighten rivers, and a recent term I learnt "weaponise weather" are all culprits either singly or collectively.

You can't tame Nature and expect not to be whiplashed. Nature isn't a lion that man can control its wild nature and make it jump hoops.

A documentary showed how building unnecessary dams has nearly wiped out salmon population. And we know that because we eat salmon. Those creatures which aren't a part of our food chain may have been wiped out without our knowledge. And now millions are being spent trying to increase their population and blowing out some dams.

It's like cutting off your legs and trying to learn how to run. Maybe we should stop and look back. As a nation, and as a league of nations. Else what legacy are we leaving for our kids?

Mother’s weekend!

It really pays to have a growing up child and an enthusiastic husband. The duo made this Mothers’ Day really special for me this entire weekend!

While I was growing up Mothers’ Day wasn’t celebrated. At least not as vigorously as it is now. Don’t know if it even existed back then….BTW back then isn’t waaaay back then, just so you know

On Friday, my husband flew in from TN and right at 12 midnight Saturday, Aditi and he put a small candle on a chocolate cupcake and brought it out singing a robust “Happy Mothers’ Day” to the tunes of Happy Birthday!

Saturday morning, slept in late. Partly because Aditi decided to crash in with us and I was therefore unable to sleep. Our queen bed was too small to encompass the revolving daughter. Finally at 4 am gave in and slept on the sofa..I was woken up to the tune of Happy Mothers Day once again and to my great pleasure Aditi n Bish had made breakfast and tea. Steaming hot idlis with baingan chutney! Deliciousso!

Lunch was Thai at an especially good Thai restaurant. Some shopping. Back home to rest. In the evening we had the best time of all. A new boardwalk has been built connecting two beaches..its about one and half mile walk. We went for a walk and Aditi took her bike along. Enjoying the scenic views and the beautiful sunset and the calm waters.

Back home Aditi and Bish got out another cupcake, a banana-walnut one this time complete with candle and a song. We topped up the evening with a re-watch of Karate kid. Am a fan of Jaden Smith & his father. The only father-son duo to have captured my heart.

And that was it! Or so I thought!

Sunday morning again got breakfast and tea! Lunch, Anda curry made by my fabulous chef husband! Alas in the evening there were no more cupcakes and so Aditi decided to improvise. She took out a bowl of halwa, warmed it in the microwave. She stuck two pretzel sticks in place of candles and sang out Happy Mothers’ Day!

How can anything compare to this kind of weekend. No resort, holiday or gift can match this. It makes all those early morning maddening rush a cupcake walk! All those irritating habits a distant memory!

Maybe that’s why such commemorative days have gained in popularity. Want to celebrate anything? Simply make it a day and announce a special date! Earth Day, Daughters’ Day, Valentines! How about a Volunteers’ Day?

Wish I could have done something special for my mother. Aditi has already gotten a chance to show her mom how much she loves her and I really bless her from the bottom of my heart. And hope my heart is deep!

Mission Accomplished!

What an explosive start to May! 1st May 2011 11.45 pm the President of United States announces that US special force killed Osama Bin Laden (OSL) the most wanted terrorist in this generation’s memory.

As news trickled in of this fantastic achievement, couldn’t help feeling a rush and would have screamed “yahoooo” had it not been mid-night and the neighbours + family asleep. Felt a rush of adrenalin and jubilation. I am not American nor did I have any connection even tenuous or indirect to 9/11 victims.

But on 9/11, I was shocked to the core at the utter foolishness and depravity of some men who did not think it wrong to kill honest men and women going about their jobs and lives. In name of what? Wasn’t God! Certainly no principle or value…What principle would be worth 3000 lives?

I was skeptical when former President Bush attacked Iraq. Somehow it felt like a ploy to control Saddam’s oil reserves or some such ulterior motive rather than revenge for being attacked. Also after so many years no one really thought Osama would be caught and brought to justice..Whenever any footage of OBL was shown, the background was always mountainous rubble and caves. Coupling that with reports of war in Afghanistan between Taliban and US forces somehow took the focus away from OBL.

Even the Americans seemed to want an end to the never-ending war against an elusive figure of darkness. Dealing with their own problems of recession, unemployment, rising health costs became paramount to the the average American.

When Barack Obama was elected President, he cut an impressive figure. A man promising change and hope. 3 years down he lost a lot of support as conditions worsened. People not only questioned his leadership, some even clamoured to question the very legitimacy of his citizenship.

This man last week effectively shut the ‘birthers’ by showing his birth certificate and making a point of demolishing the chief vocalist albeit all in fun and humor. Even then he knew he was sitting on potentially the biggest Ace card a US president has ever held. And he calmly went about his business. What a fantastic political master stroke from a young politician who was a small community leader 3 years ago. He made history the first time by virtue of his skin colour but now he has earned a high post in history through his focussed leadership.

Obama was right in focusing on capturing the figure-head of a dreaded organisation. He showed foresight in not allowing bombing of the mansion. I would rather have a thinking man as the head of the most powerful country than a brash aggressive man reacting to every nudge. Obama has cemented his position as of now and his achievement will force his critics to back off. So by capturing OBL, President Obama has accomplished a lot for his country’s morale and ego! And for his own future!

Has the terrorist network been weakened to the point of demolition or will it prove to mimic the 10-headed Ravana? What is unfortunate that OBL’s organisation has grown and broken into numerous branches. Some may step up to the plate.

What is positive that some of these branches were operating in countries which themselves are going through a “Born Again” revolution. The people in some of these countries want better lives for themselves and are revolting against oppressive regimes. All power to them and hopefully the people power will finish the tail end of OBL’s creation.

Mission Impossible???

Power of planning!

The week gone was a spring break for Aditi. As my husband wasn’t going to be in town, I had an uphill task of keeping her happy and engaged on my own and without the help of the idiot box.

Earlier I thought I would simply go downtown to the library and the harbour. And then the weather turned. For the worse. Luckily advanced and accurate weather forecasts helped avoid making bad plans. :)

Instead of going out, decided to call people in. So every day of the week I arranged for a playdate for Aditi. Planned in advance what to serve as snack or dinner. Called all the moms and arranged for suitable times and set the ball rolling. Each day a new playmate and something new to look forward to. Some of them for the very first time. Some Indian, Some American.

What a success it was! Aditi hasn’t touched the TV remote for the entire week although most of the playdates were only in the evenings for 2 -4 hours. She played, ate, played and slept… :)

Each night we would go over the day and how she enjoyed playing with her friend. And plan for the next day. Each day some different game or toy based on specific tastes and likes. She loved every moment of it. Every day she helped me clean up the house for the guest and arrange things. Not a single hard moment.

I am glad I took the effort. It of course took extra effort to invite people from other cultures and keep them entertained. Bear in mind food allergies, dislike for spices or lack of desire among children to try something new. Whew this kept me on my toes! Especially the menu for the American kids. Imaginative and simple was the way to go. Each day was a success and we both hit the bed satisfied on a day well spent.

The spring break is over and now a different kind of planning is required. Early dinner, early bed time and early wakeup time. Healthy snacks and lunch for the whole week and we are set for the next week.

Being a mother teaches us to be such good managers. Manage time, skill and temperament. And when a job is well done you have the greatest reward. A very happy customer. And this one pays with love! The most precious currency!

Mac & Cheese…yummmm!

Found this really easy recipe for making some yum Macaroni & Cheese…Absolutely easy!

Boil Macaroni..( I actually didn’t have macaroni so used whole wheat pasta..worked like a charm and was healthy too)

Once it is boiled drain water.

Switch the stove on but keep on low heat…Add milk about 3/4 cup.

Add shredded mozzarella cheese, butter and 4 tbsp cream. ( The more butter and cream you add the richer the texture).

And Lastly the necessary Salt. Keep stirring until all of the milk thickens and cheese /butter is melted. I added coriander leaves to add a touch of flavour. Voila!

Just tucked into a bowl full of soul!

Spring is here, spring is here...

Finally the cold weather front is moving away, though it still gets chilly at night… Spring is here…In everyone’s steps, in the air. Finally a daffodil blooms, and the sun shines strong.

Foggy today but 17 degrees C. Reminded me of Lonavala, where Bish and I had walked into the fog holding hands and dreams in our hearts.

We took a bus from Malad, Mumbai and although the bus operator said the bus went to Lonavala it was actually a bus to Pune. So when our stop came, the bus instead of entering Khandala via expressway exit dropped us on the expressway.

It was raining. With a suitcase in hand, we went walking down the exit (I know don’t gasp). And to our great delight saw a butta wala (roasted corn seller). The taste of garam butta on that rainy day is etched so deeply into my mind that I can taste it in my mouth right now. Aah the pleasures of simple life!

Mumbai-Pune sector is blessed. It is a very scenic drive. There are hundreds of small hamlets and each breathtaking. People are simple enough to open their doors if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Really had the opportunity to travel this road countless times.

During my internship, I used to travel to Bombay Dyeing manufacturing plant in Patalganga. Patalganga is mid-point between Mumbai and Lonavala. It used to be a 2 hour ride from Bandra but loved every moment of it. It was only while entering back into Mumbai via Chembur-Sion, that the ugliness of metro life would force itself onto my existence. TIll then I was in bliss.

Once I remember I had gone trekking with my brother and his friends to Malshej ghat. I walked through a mini-waterfall, and my friend climbed a straight rock without any climbing gear. At top of the mountain, rain and fog heavy on us.

We reached some small hamlet bus stand at 3 am and were advised by the bus conductor to not go roaming in the hills for the fear of Bhils. We spent the whole night at the bus stand. At 7 am, a food stall owner opened shop. And we were onto the tastiest Usal Pav I have ever had.

Saw a bit of interior Maharashtra while on Ashta Vinayak tour with a friend. Ate at small dhabas or stalls but the food was always fantastic. And never did I have any stomach problem. Saw how people actually lived in our villages. No electricity, no tap water. But mast! Bindaas! It was my desire to travel the konkan sector. I have read about its beauty but that place has so far been elusive.

Can I ever go there? Dont know! Would love to though..I do know some of my friends have been making the dream list of places we want to visit sans family. As girls! I pray this comes true!

That it doesn’t merely remain a desire in the heart. Luckily God has always given me the opportunity to be close to Nature and therefore Him. And I find myself more and more attracted towards The Simple Life. A bungalow in the middle of a self-sufficient farm. Hmmmmm!!!!

The clash of the titans...

India defeats Pakistan today at Mohali. In cricket!!!! For a lot of Indians (rather for all Indians) a matter of big celebration and joy. And it should be…We have a rivalry that goes back to our very origins…Like Australia vs New Zealand, England vs Australia. Cricket is a fever in India and cricketers treated like demi-Gods; provided they win. And Indian cricketers have disappointed often. I stopped watching live cricket after Kapil Dev was accused of match fixing. He is my hero. I refuse to accept he can be corrupt and therefore I stopped watching. Reports of Ajay Jadega, Azhar (all my favourites) accused and convicted of similar charges did the game no favour. I felt like a fool who gave my time and emotions to a game where the players were simply using people’s emotions for their personal benefit and to the detriment of their country. The last match I have seen is the World cup finals against Sri Lanka and my enduring memory is of Vinod Kambli crying at his inability to stop India’s massacre. Since then, I have never watched cricket. It was too heart breaking for me. Like a fool I was unnecessarily deeply invested in it. So no more cricket! Looks like history will repeat itself at least in parts. SriLanka vs India World Cup finals!