Teacher wrote my name because.......

29 April 2009
Yesterday dinner time, three of us, Achu, Sumedi and myself were having light talk. Me and Sumedi were trying to get stories from Achu regarding her school - teachers, friends, happenings etc. It's really sweet to hear the narration from a 4.5 year old. So, while describing one of the incidents she said:
"Amma, teacher wrote my name on the board!!"
Sumedi asked " is it because when teacher went somewhere you were talking?"
She replied " No, its because I went somewhere, teacher wrote my name" :D

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At Marina Barrage on a Good Friday!!

10 April 2009
Its both exciting as well as tiring to be pregnant. So, decision was unanimous that we will go out on this Good Friday to a place where we need not walk around. Sajeev suggested Marina Barrage and we decided to go there. Its one of Singapore's newest tourist attraction!!




Since it was a national holiday, highway showed signs of heavy jam. So we took alternate roots and managed to reach around 12:30 pm. It was a very sunny day, but we could clearly see some rain clouds forming.

The Marina Barrage is a dam in Singapore built across the Marina Channel between the reclaimed lands of Marina East and Marina South. It is a result of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s vision nearly two decades ago. What a great visionary he is!!
During heavy rain, a series of nine crest gates at the dam will be activated to release excess of water into the sea when the tide is low. As it rained in the afternoon, we were fortunate enough to see a live demonstration of this. The view of fresh water flowing into sea water could be distinctly seen by their colour difference.


We had packed Idli, Sambar and some snacks and water. Thanks to our wonderful maid Sumedi. Its always fun to have food outside and having it in a place between fresh water and sea water was a unique experience. From the dam we had a great view of the new resort- Marina sands, the Esplanade and the great Singapore Flyer along with lots of high rise buildings in the city. Even though its open to public since 1 November 2008, work is still in progress. We could see lot of activities going on around it without disturbing the visitors. Achu had nice time doing fashion show in the resting place along the dam and later we had a satisfying lunch after which I wanted to have ice cream. :) Let me blame the sunny weather ;)

After having ice cream at a cafe in the second storey, we went to the top most level. And as there were lightning warnings, we were not allowed to stand in open air. We could see rain approaching from the main land. The heavy drops making impressions in the sea as it moves closer to us.

We came down and had a visit to the 'Sustainable Singapore gallery' which tells us the whole story of Marina barrage from the great vision of Minister Mentor to the current architectural excellence. There is a mini display of how the whole system works. It suddenly felt to us that we could see a live demonstration. We ran to the second storey again and yes, the gates were open, water was flowing from fresh water reservoir to the sea.




Since it was raining heavily we decided to take rest for a while. Lots of people were sitting along the corridors , some were playing monopoly, some were enjoying their lunch, kids were playing around. We found a nice cosy place where we could get a nice glimpse of the rain. Rain always bring nostalgic feelings...something very close to heart.




Sky was clear after almost half and hour and we walked back to our car. It was a lovely day, we would definitely come back and have a great time here again.




For more information on Marina Barrage-




http://www.pub.gov.sg/marina/Pages/default.aspx

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She lives in our memories!!

10 April 2009
The priest's voice echoed in my ears, "Is there anyone else who wants to see the face one last time?". There was pin drop silence, and then the white clothe was pulled over her face!! I wanted to shout, I wanted to cry , I wanted to scream that I wont let go of her!!. In my mind I was a helpless child running around searching mom, wandering all over the places to see that face. No matter which ever corner of the world I travel to , the world cant show me that face again, never ever...

She always used to say, "I still remember the first glance of your face when you were born!!". Likewise, the image of that lovely face, the last glance of her eternal sleep will live in me forever.

Picture on the right is the last glimpse of her ashes dissolving in water. From nature, back to nature!! Is death just the absence of life? It leaves a vacuum in our minds which can never ever be filled by anything else.

She could be with God now, but could that spirit remember us? Could it be seeing us ? Lot of questions are in my mind. The very reason for my origin is suddenly vanished from the earth. The very prayers which kept me from all evil, all illness are vanished from the earth. You could have lived with us for more time mommy, you shouldn't have left us so early. I will never forgive u for this!!

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Strength

17 Feb 2009

This is not written by me, but happened to read it by chance...
Its well written and adds to your inner strength the more u read it. Here u go......

"Master self-control to tame fears or impulses to prove of what stuff I'm made. I boldly go...but a willful heart is part of my secret identity.My infinite fortitude is seen by what I do, sacrifice or defy to stand up for what I feel is right, including admitting when I'm wrong, keeping out of it or not dignifying responses provoked by moral cowards and brutes. When resolve is tested I draw on the courage of my true character from the more savage or humble virtues of my natural instincts to maintain objective by composure. This enables me to hold my toungue against bravado, repress claws at empty threats, and not turn tail in pride against passion when it's hard or inconvenient, but to persuade through self-restraint until assimilation is complete or resistance is futile."

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Over the beautiful lakes of Kerala



 Had a wonderful time floating over the vast vembanattu lake near Alleppey-The Venice of the east, for a day and a half, enjoying the natural beauty of Kerala. Watching stars and sleeping peacefully in the houseboat at night. Mouth watering authentic Kerala dishes were served on the boat. The friendly crew entertained Achu and made us feel at home. All together a trip worth remembering.

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At Mac Ritchie on a Diwali Day!!

7 Nov 2008

Diwali is a day of victory of light over darkness, good over evil and everything positive over everything negative. So, its special, it should be celebrated with great zeal. For our small family, far away from near and dear ones back at home, celebrating each special day is spending time together in a way each of us enjoy to the core. So, what we all like is OUTING ...:)

This time destination is Mac Ritchie reservoir...We are on nature hunt and determined to see each nook and corner of the little red dot. I have heard from friends that its a great place to have a peaceful family day. So, we started early morning. Weather was good, no clouds and sun smiling all the time. Packed up our lunch, pav bhaji. After half an hour drive from home we are at Mac Ritchie, Singapore's first reservoir built in 1867-68. The forest around the reservoir was protected and it gives it the natural beauty. Car park was under renovation so we had to move around a bit to find a suitable place. People are jogging, exercising and few families have already occupied the banks of the reservoir, chit chatting, enjoying breakfast and playing with kids. The water is almost green in colour and there are fishes and tortoises in abundance inside. Strict reminder not to feed them are given to the visitors, reason being feeding them make them lazy and they wont look for their own food...yup it makes sense. But, still some kids are enjoying feeding them with tiny bread pieces. Ultimately this water reaches our household after several rounds of purification, so best is to preserve it the cleanest we can.

Achu was on her cycle and we walked around. There were lot of monkeys on the loose. Playing, grooming and jumping from one tree to the other. They were enjoying the freedom. None of them were afraid of human presence. We could watch them very close. Achu was ready to touch them and bring one of them home. We clicked lot of snaps and walked around. To all of our surprise Achu was hungry...one of the rarest occasions. We decided to settle for lunch...found a nice place. Spread the mat and had a nice lunch. It was yummy. While having fruit Achu entertained us by dancing to the music in my hand phone...People who walked by wished us happy Diwali...:) I should say song was a bit loud, but we were enjoying ;).


Back to the car and we were heading to the Tree Top walk. We need to travel by car a short distance get down and then start the trekking trough a rain forest. It was really sunny when we started the trekking. Achu was enjoying collecting all that she could hold in her little hand and the most important was a long stick. I was surprised to know that such a place existed in Singapore. Its resemblance to my hometown was amazing...The same plants the same weeds, the same kind of springs...it was a pleasant surprise. We walked around 2.4 km when Achu said her legs are paining. There was still 1 km plus to the tree top walk. We decided to stop and return for the time being. Sajeev went back to get the car and we waited in front of the Island Country club. Later the guard told us that only club members can bring car inside. So with his special permission Sajeev parked the car near the main gate and we walked down. The weather was changing and dark clouds were forming in the sky. We headed back home happy to have added a beautiful day to our lives!!

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At Hort Park on a Beautiful Day!!

2 Oct 2008
Weather prediction was that it’s a rainy day, that too with thunder and lightning. But that couldn’t discourage us. And this time we had Plan A and Plan B. Plan A an out door location—The Hort Park at Alexandra Road. Plan B an indoor location - The Museum. We left home at 10 o’ clock. Packed snacks, water and rain coat for Achu. We were hanging on to Plan A in spite of the cloudy weather and it took around half an hour to reach Hort Park. It started drizzling a bit, but we were determined. Car park was full and we had to wait a while. There is no entrance fee..its absolutely free. Achu was happy to get out of the car and walk through…Weather was just nice…there can’t be a more perfect weather for this. We started walking; it looked like an urban oasis in the middle of the concrete desert. The landscaping was perfect…enjoyed each bit of it. Wind was cool and people seemed to be very happy and enjoying…Lot of tropical plants and grass lands… It has glasshouses which grow plants in ideal condition and they were blooming like in heaven….especially daisies…one word to describe is awesome… There is a trekking path which leads to Kent Ridge Park. The Hort park is very picturesque and photography enthusiasts are seen everywhere clicking away nature's beauty. More info on the park can be seen from http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=17&Itemid=73

Sajeev's college is just next door and we had a glimpse of that. Achu desperately wanted to see Acha's class. We proceeded to the tree-top walk (Nature walk) across the Alexandra Arch. It was just great. There were small railings and Achu hesitated to walk since she was able to see the ground from such a height through the railings. We boosted her morale saying that she is such a brave girl and it paid off and she was rewarded with a handshake after we finished the walk. She was excited :) We returned back and when we reached our Mitsu, Achu whispered to it "lets go to Suntech city. ok?" ... We went to Suntech to see the Motor show and took home wonderful memories of a beautiful day!!

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At Labrador Park on National Day!

18 Aug 2008
It was a long weekend...So as usual, we were planning to go out and have a nice family time. We have covered almost all part of Singapore. And there is a list of ‘don’t want to go often’ places. Keeping all those places apart, I was searching Internet thoroughly. There are certain conditions like, the place should not be crowded (Sajeev don’t like crowded places), Achu should enjoy being there. And then I should have a nice scenery to take lots and lots of photos…Internet listed a lot of places and a name struck my eye—Labrador park. Its unique. I was curious, then my search was focused on this park. It seemed to fit all our prerequisites and there we went.

It was a lovely day, August 9, 2008, National day of Singapore. We started off in our sporty Lancer Elegance!! We almost reached the park and the first thing I noticed is the lush greenery…nature has nourished the trees and plants so fabulously. Nature untouched, if I borrow one of my friend’s words, this can be compared to a virgin forest. The British have used this place to keep arms and ammunition. It s blessed with fantastic panoramic view of the sea from a platform .So, a strategic position for wars etc. Forget about those things…Lets enjoy nature. Walking along the trails is an awesome experience, and there are sign boards which read ‘beware of falling branches’…looks cool na? We walked and saw few remnants of guns and information boards on the way describing about the war etc.

Coming down the slop we reached the sea shore. The sea is deep and we could see ships anchored not far from the shore. So, there is a safety rail between the sea and the land. Achu was obviously not fascinated since she was dreaming of playing in the sand from the moment I started talking about this park. But she got a stick, which she carried along, playing all the while and even brought it home. Its still kept safely outside our home. Whenever she see it, she will ask my permission whether she can take it inside house, I say no. It continues till date.

As usual, I took a lot of snaps and we enjoyed the day!! We will definitely go back to enjoy the serene nature and its lush greenery far from the madding crowd!!

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8 June 2008

Mommy I love you

=================

Before your mind treads into the dark realm of oblivion,

Before the delicate web of relations get tangled in your memory,

Before time travels back and forth and dazzles your thoughts,

Before sleepless nights becomes a routine and dampen your cheeks with tears

Before you forget who I am to you…..

I want to be with you!!!!!!

I have grown in you, grown with you……

We have laughed together, cried together…….

You have taught me, you have punished me…

You have shown light in my way,

I laugh and smile, crying hard inside,

I feel the happiness in my life sinking away.

I love and take care, missing your love and care for me,

None will ever bestow such an unconditional love.

I can’t be a better mother,

I can’t be a better friend,

I can’t be anything better than you Mom, I love you…

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Dinner time

7 April 2008
Yesterday, Achu was having dinner and I was feeding her as usual. It was a usual a time of emotional rollercoaster-anger, frustration, happiness, sadness and you name it. I had kept some fresh grapes on the table to be taken after dinner. In the middle of her dinner she ran to the table to take it…I was fuming, and my blood pressure was shooting up and I was all set to scream…Then, she came running towards me, smiling, and told me ‘amma this is for you, open your mouth’…….Girl, only you could wither away my anger in such an innocent way!!

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Motherhood!!!

31 March 2008

So, today I felt like writing about being a mother. I would say that its that moment in which you become really selfless. Your mind leaves you and dwell on another small thing that means everything to you. You stop thinking about you completely. You will start crying with that little being, sleeping with it, getting sick together with that, and everything....its so precious for you!! It happened to me three and a half years before. And the feeling is growing everyday eating the little self that remains in me...I still remember the little eyes that never took its gaze away from me...I can see it now if I close my eyes for a while...There were sleepless nights, dark circles around the eyes...but nothing mattered...all that mattered is SHE.

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Rest for two looooooooong weeks

30 Nov 2007


'Two weeks of rest', unexpected...and caught in awe, surprise, depression and what not? Talking about nothing but Chicken pox. Was on training for two days and it was fun...but there was this feeling of uneasiness, head ache, chill --not to mention the minus degree (?) inside the training room.
Enjoyed the training to the core, after all its all about Six Sigma (towards zero defect??).

Lesson learned (not from training), if you have intermittent fever, head ache, pain in the eye along with pimples appearing in the face or stomach, don't ignore and don't give ears to anybody. Just go and see your doctor..It could be Chicken pox. When doctor told me that it is confirmed, my mind was a black and white kaleidoscope of emotions...fear, surprise,concern. And the BIG questions, Why me? From where? Who passed it? How about work? How to manage family? Protect my precious ones? How many blisters are going to come up? And where? Will there be a lot? I was staring and thinking unaware of anything happening around me...I guess this is what everyone who are in that situation feel. One relief was that Achu had taken Chicken pox vaccination three months before. I think the doctor had done us a great favour. I was not happy with his suggestion and agreed to his request with half mind. So everything has a reason for its happening. True.

Doctor gave me a set of Acyclovir tablets and MC for two weeks, I liked the idea of MC for two weeks, even in that state of distress. Do I enjoy working???. We informed family abroad and friends. Flood of advices. Thanks everyone, it helped. Came home and walked into this room and has never gone out ever since.Cannot afford to take any chances. Achu was wondering why Amma was telling not to come near her. But she is the most understanding kid. She obeyed and never made fuss. Now its two weeks inside this room, alone, with me and a music set and company laptop. Doors opening three times a day for food.F.M. Oli 96.8 is a real relief. The fan is running non stop. I give it rest once in a while though. Getting time for myself after a long while...dreaming..planning...reading...surfing net--pretending to be working, and really working as requested by boss:(. Sajeev is not happy about it, but no choice. Project is in critical stage and my support is required. Rain or shine, no matter what, the show must go on...isn't it? Well, few blisters came out on the face--about five, back, front, hands and legs--very little. The medicine did magic and suppressed the breakage. Thank God!! Thanks to my wonderful husband,my most precious understanding cutie pie--Achu and a very helpful maid--Rukku. She was a bit afraid I guess. One day she told me that she had running nose, fever etc. I immediately send her to doctor...But turned out that she is fine :))

Let me give you a link to know more about chicken pox:
http://www.mamashealth.com/chicken.asp
I had Neem leaves all around me. Took a lot of fruits and curd. Friends suggested that tender coconut is superb too. Somehow, I didnt get it even after requesting several times :))

Took bath today with water boiled with neem leaf and turmeric paste. What a comfortable feeling. After that changed to fresh clothing and took a lot of pictures with my not-yet-shipped Motorola phone and tried sending to my husband only to find that he never got it, because it did not have Singapore web session..of course, it is flexed with AT&T flex...hmmm...don't worry if you don't understand a word of my musing,,its all about flexing and flashing:))

Hopefully, I can go to office from Tuesday...well, I have decided to keep away from friends for one more week.

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