Love Songs

It started with some old Hindi tunes I would hear growing up. The place where I grew a fondness for instruments in sync, melodies with magnitude and tender heartfelt lyrics. The list grew with Sinead O'Connors' Nothing Compares. A song I had been hearing for years but it never really touched me until this year. The love grew with 311's Love Song. The melody, lyrics and the heartfelt feeling behind the words! A more genuine declaration of love in music you don't often hear.

While I believe Phil Collins is the epitome of a heartbroken musician, the list wouldn't be complete without other artists who have lyrically captured the feelings of unrequited love.

I revel in some of these tunes. Seriously. I actually find them uplifting. Some find it amusing that I'm such a huge Phil Collins fan. :) How could you not like Mr. Collins!? The man is greatness and oh so humble.

I think my list is pretty crafty! I've picked the BEST of the best. So enjoy!!

1. Love Song - 311
2. Against All Odds - Phil Collins
3. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O-Connor
4. Written In the Stars - Elton John, Leann Rhimes
5. Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt
6. These Days - Jackson Browne
7. With or Without You - U2

My Hindi Favorites!!! These can be found on you tube. My picks are simply irresistible.

1. Chalte Chalte Yunhi Koi Mil Gaya Tha - Lata Mangeshkar
2. Khabi Khabi Mere Dil Me - Kishore Kumar
3. In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke - Asha Bhosle

I have to add another favorite that got left out of the original list.

Flightless Bird - Iron and Wine

Comfy Sweats and Crocheting Hats

These chilly winter days has me wondering whatever happened to those pink sweats I wore back in high school days. These sweats were perfectly worn in. Oldie but goodie! Drawstring pants with ankle elastic so not to let any cool air in. Soft, cozy and many memories.

I have an assortment of flannel pants that are working as OK substitutes for now. I'm still looking around for those pink sweats though!

I got a sudden impulse to crochet an orange hat. You see, I purchased a woolen orange hat early in 2009 from Club Monaco. I was so proud of that stylish hat. But the hat disappeared with no trace less than 2 weeks after being in my possession.

I decided to turn my frown around this winter when thinking of my orange hat, and decided to get busy knitting. I got all the necessary supplies and sat down one evening. I didn't quit working until I had two hats made!! I'm keeping the second one.. this beret. My little sister will get the first one..a little more snug for my large head. :)

It's not as easy as it looks. My fingers ached. Tired and blue from the taxing labor.
Takes patience and improvising skills. I think I just have a knack for crafty things. I just like to create. Hats and scarfs for everyone this Christmas! I'll be one busy elf. :)

Jalepeno Cheese Grits

I've really done it this time. My kitchen and the state of my apartment is one horrific, crime-scene-looking, tornado-hit-it-aftermath mess.

I think I'm finally 'mentally' prepared to tackle the mass-chaotic state of my abode. Of course, I've also called in for outside help. This mess has become bigger than me. :)

That's always the hardest part. To get myself prepared to face it. That's right!! I called an intervention on myself. What's a girl to do? I finally reached a point of embarrassment. I'm sure I could've survived a few more days, maybe even a week or two but the stench may have alerted the neighbors. Ok, so not quite that bad. But that's just not good quality of life. The thought of coming back to relax at my apartment was starting to feel not-so-relaxing anymore.

So, my lovely is on his way. I asked him to please help me. He obliged. He's coming with his pepper mill. I asked him to cook me some jalapeno cheese grits too. What a sweetie!!

November

So I'm waiting for this test to end
So these lighter days can soon begin
I'll be alone but maybe more carefree
Like a kite that floats so effortlessly
I was afraid to be alone
Now I'm scared thats how I'd like to be
All these faces none the same
How can there be so many personalities
So many lifeless empty hands
So many hearts in great demand
And now my sorrow seems so far away
Until I'm taken by these bolts of pain
But I turn them off and tuck them away
'till these rainy days that make them stay
And then I'll cry so hard to these sad songs
And the words still ring, once here now gone
And they echo through my head everyday
And I dont think they'll ever go away
Just like thinking of your childhood home
But we cant go back we're on our own
Oh,
But i'm about to give this one more shot
And find it in myself
I'll find it in myself
So were speeding towards that time of year
To the day that marks that you're not here
And i think I'll want to be alone
So please understand if I dont answer the phone
I'll just sit and stare at my deep blue walls
Until I can see nothing at all
Only particles some fast some slow
All my eyes can see is all I know
Ohh..
But I'm about to give this one more shot
And find it in myself
I'll find it in myself
Doo doo doo(x9)

Keep Calm & Carry On

I have a mantra for certain times. Times when my mind is in turmoil. Conflict. Brewing a storm and a riot is waiting to surface. A deep breath and calmness is the most soothing. It breaks the currents and subdues the deluge.

Thanksgiving

It's not my favorite holiday. It's a pathetic excuse for a holiday. I only really enjoy the day because it's a national day off and so I get to spend time with my loved ones and bake green bean casserole.

It's a holiday that is just there. Mostly it is obnoxious. To deal with turkey corpses and all the fuss about this crappy holiday. I don't even like the premise of this day. Why kill all these turkey's so we can celebrate being thankful for having food and complain about stuffing ourselves after over-indulging??! Seems barbaric and pathetic. Taking a turkey's life so humans can enjoy feasting over them in the name of giving thanks.

The holiday just seems like a lost cause on me.
Have we come that far that we need a national holiday to remind us that we should spend more time with family and being thankful for the daily bread? And why be forced to spend time with obnoxious family members that you would not give a hoot about otherwise?

The Native Americans probably were not the least bit thankful that their land got swiped from underneath them by some greedy Europeans that traded it for junk and diseases. The Natives were better off before Thanksgiving and so would we.

Simply Dogwood

Colorful dogwood leaves in the fall. Simply simple and magnificent.

Late Night Impulse Buy

I was supposed to be reading a very boring textbook. My bad. I couldn't concentrate. And then I couldn't help finding myself on FB when a photo of this little hot item came up on Live Feed.
Sure, I had never heard of this product in my life. Who knew there had been such a technological breakthrough in hair removal while I had been stuck in the dark ages with my Shick Quattro razors, hot waxes and gooey unknown substances!? I did my research extensively in the minutes before I hit 'one-click' and purchased away. And now this innovative number, which is a major step in advancement for human civilization, will be delivered to my doorstep in 48 hours or more.

Dear Amazon,

You have made it entirely too easy. No transgressing back to a former life to try and remember my secret password. You've made purchasing easy enough for a half-witted baboon with that one-click. It all happens so fast. No chance to even blink or think it over additional clicks.

And why did you allow me to set a password that I have no problems committing to memory? And safely store my credit card information in your data bank, easily activated with the typing of my secret word? A word which you and I know is not really that secret. An actual English word! No codes or string of gibberish that no one bothers writing down.

You must've figured out that rote memorization was never my strong suite growing up. Yes, I will admit. Those nonsensical words evaporate faster from my brain than white lines of happy dust from front of a feigning addict.

Lots of love,
Your Biggest Fan

Jokes aside, the product makes sense and customers seem to be pleased with it. 866 customers can't be wrong, averaging the rating at 4.5 out of 5 stars. Promises of smooth, hair-free skin for up to 4 weeks! Well, duh. How else do you get an ordinary girl to feel like she's fit for a tea party with Her Behindness of The Royal Family? How was I to resist?

The process is not pain-free though. That was never a concern for me. Removing unwanted hairs from the root is far too rewarding of a process to be worrying about pain. I'm definitely not a wuss when it comes to enduring pain for vanity's sake. But just for all you curious folks, I'll report back with an actual testimony once I get my hands on this.

Empire State of Mind

This tune has me in a New York state of mind!
Yea...Jay Z is such a Balla.

Firey Weekend

I had a quite allright weekend. :)

I lit all the candles. I'm drawn to fire.. Yea, yea and it's the female touch. :)
I can't take credit for preparing any of the food. I provided the inspiration is what I like to think. My job was to taste the dark chocolate and two varieties of awesome home brew!
The full moon has all around me peaking at their creativity. :)


Mike, a jolly neighbor and one of the best brewmasters, came over with his latest dark brew. It was simply delicious. He called it witches brew. So rich and flavorful of dark chocolates, coffee and stout. He couldn't stay too long. He sneaked out for a quick getaway from a birthday party over at their lovely home.



I found that log and put it in the fire.

Critical Thoughts Approaching a Full Moon

I need to revamp my closet and bring my wardrobe back to life again. I've been too busy staying out of malls and shopping temptations. It hasn't been that difficult. Just more selective of what I like I guess.

Yes, I think what's missing in my closet is cashmere, silk and color!
Also, while I'm at it, I need to get rid of some shoes, old boots I'll never wear again and bring in the new.

Bharatnatyam originated in Tamil Nadu. What a beautiful dance!
It is the manifestation of the ancient idea of the celebration of the eternal universe through the celebration of the beauty of the material body.



This tiny dancer is simply hypnotic to watch. It would normally take a dedicated dancer 15 years of practice before their arangetram (debut). Harinie made her solo debut after only 5 years of devotion to the art. Even her hand movements are carefully choreographed to flow with the rhythm.

Domestic Diva

I've been exploring some of my hidden talents. I'm adding cooking to that secret list.
My oven is getting a nice workout too. It's nice to let my domestic diva side out on occasion. I just love eating food prepared at home. The secret ingredient is cheese, I mean love. :)
I'm using the cooking momentum for good. My friends are certainly benefiting.


Here is the latest creation! Veggie Lasagna. Yes, sometimes it does strike me as odd when I take photos of my food.
The leftovers are even better.

Bundt Cake Experiment

I've always been envious of people who could whip up awesome cakes from scratch. Secretly, I've always wished I had some skilz in that department.
I decided not to leave it to chance and try out this "gourmet" double chocolate cake mix with orange glaze. The box suggested baking in a bundt cake pan.
This cake was supposed to have been cooked a week ago. I guess the chocolate urge wasn't there then. I finally decided to get busy with the cake preparation as I've been sort of on a momentum with whipping stuff up in the kitchen.Here is the final product.

I would really like to post something inspiring, so once I find it, I'll share.
Feels like life has been bogged down lately with meaningless stuff to do and things that have to get done. I'm still not sure what the greater purpose of those things are, for my future in particular.

I don't have much of an appetite today. Strange because last night there was something very particular I had in my mind that I wanted to eat. I never did satisfy my craving and today it's just not there. Nothing is. Not even for this delicious pink sprinkle cupcake that is sitting in front of me. Except the day is beautiful.

I need to go out and find my appetite! Where am I gonna go?? I don't know yet. I've been taking too long to decide and my stomach growls, but I'm not sure what to do with it. It's the same with finding what satisfies the hunger for that drive inside of me. It's there, but I can't seem to find it lately.

Apple Bottom Jeans, Boots Wit The Fur...

In a quest for warm toasty feet while I stroll the windy city next week, I've been on the hunt for the perfect boots.
I settled with these fake fur boots. I tested them out last night and while they look great, they provide no real warmth. It is fake all the way- from the upper material and the fake fur material.

I justified a second boot purchase this week because the fake fur boots weren't going to cut it for warmth. I ordered some classic tall Ugg Sheepskin boots and they should arrive just in time. These boots may be Fuugg, but my feet feel like they're on clouds when I wear them. :)

A Butterfly Event

Last weekend was rainy, wet and fun.
After a quick 12 miler Saturday, I stopped at the Greenspot to find a little farmers market set up in the parking lot.
I chatted with a local honey supplier there, some friendly bee advocates who told me about the butterflies at the Discovery Gardens. I purchased a jar of wildflower raw honey with honeycomb. Yum!

Here are some photos of the butterflies at the Discovery Garden. It's a great place for toddlers, and many of them were there. I was easily transformed to carefree, younger, butterfly-watching, days. I totally got into the fun and even got a temporary monarch butterfly tattoo applied to my face. No pictures. :) It was fun.
The butterflies dance and fly to their own rhythm. They were so colorful, with flirty wings. So pretty and free to look at.
I couldn't get a photo of them fluttering through the air. The darn critters move too fast for action photos.

Cheers, it's 9/9/09!!!

Aside from 9 being my favorite number, today is a genuinely rare day! Maybe not as lucky a day as 7/7/2007 but 9 can hold its own.

Most of us will not get to experience another single digit date in our lifetime. The next one won't roll around until 1/1/2101.

As the final numeral, the number nine holds special rank. It is associated with forgiveness, compassion and success on the positive side as well as arrogance and self-righteousness on the negative, according to numerologists.

Multiplying by nine reveals a mirror symmetry among numbers. Any grade-school student could tell you, for example, that the sum of the two-digits resulting from nine multiplied by any other single-digit number will equal nine. So 9×3=27, and 2+7=9.

Multiply nine by any two, three or four-digit number and the sums of those will also break down to nine. For example: 9×62 = 558; 5+5+8=18; 1+8=9.

Sept. 9 also happens to be the 252nd day of the year (2 + 5 +2.

The Chinese pulled out all the stops to celebrate their lucky number eight during last year’s Summer Olympics, ringing the games in at 8 p.m. on 08/08/08. What many might not realize is that nine comes in second on their list of auspicious digits and is associated with long life, due to how similar its pronunciation is to the local word for long-lasting (eight sounds like wealth).

Nine is also strongly associated with the Chinese dragon, a symbol of magic and power. There are nine forms of the dragon, it is described in terms of nine attributes, and it has nine children.

The number 9 is revered in Hinduism and considered a complete, perfected and divine number because it represents the end of a cycle in the decimal system, which originated from the Indian subcontinent as early as 3000 BC.

Cowtown 2009

It only took about 6 months but I finally received the Cowtown race completion certificate.
Then I pirated this photo off the race results website. I'm getting way too good at ripping off race photos.

Marathon day felt like the coldest day in Cowtown history.

Running Barefoot

Lately I've became more interested in finding ways to be more self-sufficient and analyzing my consumption as a whole. I like the idea of living with less and purchasing less gadgets if I can get away with it . It's so easy to get caught up in all the things we don't have but really don't even need.
At at an after-race party a few weeks ago, I was introduced to the idea of barefoot running from a chiropractor runner. I was most interested in learning how this could actually be better for my feet and running form. He had only been training in Vibram Fivefingers for about a month and spoke of many benefits from his turning to barefoot running.

I started doing some research of my own and came across some helpful websites.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/
http://runningbarefoot.org/

This really got me thinking. I had seen the occasional barefoot runner; and I don't mean the ones in third-world countries. I never understood why these people wanted to punish their feet when they could easily afford a pair of running shoes.

I am really coming around though.
I guess the way I am starting to view running shoes and the running shoe industry in much the same way as drugs and pharmaceutical companies. Their goals are similar- to sell more product. In the case of running shoes though; the product is not a necessity to be able to run and run with good form. In fact, it might even be a hindrance. According to the running barefoot organization, our bare soles are a guide to when we feel pain. Through this guide, a barefoot runner is able to take the sensory feedback and run sensibly.

It seems like barefoot running has started to become an acceptable option by many. I have started doing some short walks and runs barefooted, but nothing serious yet. I see a good possibility of me trying out one of those barefooties. They aren't exactly as cheap as running with nothing, but still a little less than a new pair of running shoes.

Hot Weather Run Prep

Trying to stay cool and hydrated before running in triple digits temp starts with a cold beverage and a fruity ice-cream dish. Natural vanilla ice-cream with mango slices, pistachios and some really good honey. Next, need someone to cook me a meal.

How Cool is this!

Freckles be gone!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1152303/Teenager-face-burnt-aerosol-explosion-regains-skin--loses-freckles.html

Staying Refreshed

Lately I've been trying a lot of natural products on my skin and getting creative with my drinks.

Avocado Face Mask: I love avocados so much that I even wear it on my skin. They're yummy sliced on the side with scrambled eggs and it also makes a cool face mask. Just mash one up and slop it all over your face and neck. I let it sit so the avocado oils can soak up in my skin. After rinsing with cool water, my skin feels extra soft.

Lassi: It's a yogurt drink I grew up drinking but I've modified it by taking away the sugar and substituting it with honey. It's really easy to prepare. Just take some ice, desi yogurt, honey and blend in food processor and tada! You've got a tasty, cool treat.

Pictures to come later..

Hill Country And The Heat

Our trip to the hill country was definitely memorable, and not just because of the record-breaking heat. Hills, rivers, wine and some peace and quiet was a great little get away.



First stop was a winery in the hill country called Grape something. I can't believe they can actually grow grapes here. It was 102 degrees that day but that didn't deter the tourists. A band playing some mellow tunes. It was so much fun people watching, making up stories about them while sitting back sipping on some Texas wine.





Fredricksburg, Texas and smiling.. feeling just a little tipsy from the pinot grigio. A very quaint little tourist town. The heat was almost intolerable.













I loved the bathtub on the patio deck at Bandera Station. Really, that was the only of cooling off aside from jumping in the Medina River. We did plenty of that too.



The hummingbirds made themselves at home.

Bandera

It's has been a hectic, hectic week so naturally an excursion is already in the works. Sometimes I wonder why I live in the metroplex. haha! Probably because after enough time apart I start to miss home.

We are planning a little weekend getaway to the hill country. Bandera station in Bandera, Texas. It's a unique and rustic place to stay, overlooking the hill country and Medina River.

I'll be a newbie to this place. I hope there's not too much to do. I'm looking forward to a weekend with less craziness around me.

The Grand Canyon

These photos help me forget the stress of urban living, and the past couple days have been urban living hell. It is a rather touristy place on the rims but I found ways to avoid tourist traps by taking in a 16 mile hike down Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River and back up to the rim on Bright Angel.


If that isn't a test of endurance, I don't know what is. I was definitely challenged that day.

I made some new friends at Phantom Ranch who now endearingly refer to me as 'Bright Angel' for being so brave. :) There encouraged me to buy a flashlight at the ranch in case Bright Angel turned dark on my ascend up. I obliged but made it back that evening right before sunset. Just minutes to spare. I still remember it. 7:23 PM.

Who knew there would be waterfalls and bamboo trees in parts of the canyon. I got to experience this marvel.


There is so much more to The Canyon though! The experience only made me ponder on the vastness of this canyon and what a small slice of heaven I was in.
The Colorado River was amazing. I wanted to stay longer. Next time I will.


Here I am, taking in the view from Hermits Rest on the morning after the 16 miler that nearly broke me down.. I did it though.

I can't wait to be back! I'm ready for another excursion.

A Night Out in the City

Taking a stroll in the city on a seemingly regular day.








The longest strike in American was taking place at The Congress Hotel. Workers united and picketed for fair wages and benefits. The banners and bumper stickers read "The Congress Hotel Disgraces Chicago".

I love when workers unite and bring their pickets. I collected some souvenir buttons and bumper stickers too and of course these photos and some unforgettable memories .

The music on the loud speakers was most appropriate. They were playing some passionate tunes from old-time artists like Sister Sledge. "We are Fam-a-ly! I got all ma sistas with me!! Some rockin' soul music.

After the strikers left and the hustle died out, the city returned to a marked calm.

An Afternoon Adventure

Zac Effron is a fine speci-man, but that is not the only reason why I dragged my mother out to watch 17 Again at the cheapo theaters in Buffalo Grove. It was mostly because no good movies were playing at the other theaters and who doesn't love a good deal. The movie and the theater gets an A on my rating scale. We got what we expected. Not a disappointment like Terminator Salvation.

I had been in the mood for a movie and ice-cream for days. Once my movie craving was full-filled, we hit up an ice-cream parlor in the area. The flavors and the smell in that place was just not sitting well on our palates and so we walked right out and across the parking lot to Dominics. From the assortment of ice-cream there, a critical yet difficult decision had to be made. The unanimous choice was Hagen Daz mango flavor and we enjoyed it at the outdoor courtyard nearby while taking in the fresh afternoon air.

After our movie/ ice-cream excursion, we cruised up to an open-house in Highland Park on our way to the Botanical Gardens. This beautiful 70 year old home was surrounded by luscious gigantic leafy trees and a very serene and private front driveway and backyard. The Realtor dude was overtly friendly, trying to make a sale and requested some info before he would let us make the inconspicuous exit we had in mind. We were stuck having to hear quite a bit of his spiel at the front door.

My mother made some small talk chatter with him and thought she was being slick when she tells me in Hindi to sign the guest registry with some made-up info. Ha! That was not slick at all! I can only do some much on the spot. So I wrote some info and left some pertinent details out. Lying by omission is all right in come situations.

We had fun walking around the Botanical garden. We took time to smell the roses and walk through all the gardens. The only spot we missed was the Grape and Hops Celebration. I missed out on some tasty tastings. Mother doesn't care for fermented grapes or hops. So sad.

I remembered my camera but forget to load the battery, so no photos were snapped today. :(

Love Birds

I swoon over swans. They appear to have the mystique behind true love figured out. Yet I wonder. Are these birds ever prone to jealousy, lovers rage of fit or infidelity? Does papa swan ever forget their anniversary? Do they ever quarrel about silly things only to confess how bad they felt for the squabble?

I love the lovers love child too. It was so fuzzy and cute! Look really close, the baby bird is hanging out near mama's tail. I also like how they seem so uninterested in me as I tried to get closer to capture their beauty.

Random Acts of Kindness

This morning on my flight to Chicago, I gave up 2 hours of precious read time to engage an extremely chatty elderly gentleman in the seat next to me in conversation he decided to initiate. There are times I don't mind friendly people on the plane. Really. But just not when I already had this time set aside for myself days in advance and was looking forward to it. I really needed to catch up on my reading and was sad about the time lost.

Now, I'm not saying that our conversation was completely random and senseless. He talked a lot about his wife, family, work and life experiences in endearing ways. I asked him questions occasionally and learned quickly the conversation could go any way I wanted to steer it.
At one point we were talking about his neighbor and his failed attempts at two mail-order brides. I found that amusing.

I like to think I'm a nice person. But bagesus, I have my limits. Maybe I was engaging in a random act of kindness. Maybe I wanted to also see what I can learn from this man. I have no idea. All I know is, I gave up 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back. I'm not sure what the lesson is in all of this. Maybe nothing, maybe something. I guess I can't live in regret or try to find meaning in every experience.

I feel as if time has been wasted and I need to figure out how to get it back.
For now, I'm needing some sleep and maybe I'll make up for that time over the next few days.
The plan is to get up early tomorrow am for a long run at Busse Woods Forest Preserve.
2 hours!! Gosh darnit. I wish I had done some reading.

India is More Than Slums

It always ruffles my feathers a bit when I get asked ignorant questions about the motherland. I guess it disturbs me to realize that many culture-less people here do not understand nor appreciate much about the Indian culture other than what they have seen in fictional movies that tend to sensationalize and overemphasize the slum-like living conditions.

There is so much more to India and to Indian people. A rich culture with several hundred language and dialects, exquisite mythology, timeless traditions and colorful people are just some of the things that make up India. The Indian people go back to a time of dateless history. Traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

It is an entrancing like country that can only be experienced by being there and allowing yourself to embody what it has to offer.

From my personal experience; I can spend a lifetime in India and still only just begin to scratch the surface of who I am and where I belong. I always come back from a trip to India less self-involved and with an expanded view of the human race.

I am itching to go to India.

Here is a quote I took from Yann Martel (author of Life of Pi)..
A stint in India will beat the restlessness out of any living creature..

Surprise

I came home from an exhausting day yesterday to a lovely surprise. Flowers (a beautiful bouquet of irises and lilies) and a home-cooked meal prepared with love!


My honey decided to surprise me and cleverly so, as it was no special occasion. He even offered to take this photo when he saw me struggling to capture the perfect shot. Love his eye for angles! A man with good taste :)

Hope it's not because he's guilty of something..ha! He went through the trouble of putting everything together right before I walked in the door. The flowers were in a vase and the first thing I noticed as I walked through the door. And there he was in the kitchen, putting finishing touches on some chili noodles. What a sweet guy.

I gave him some xoxo for knowing how to bring a big smile to my face. I can't wait until the lilies come to full bloom. We're planning a fun weekend in Austin at the end of this week to celebrate my bestest friends birthday with a bang! Friday, what's taking so long?!