Travelogues, parenthood and other musings

Our New Year Resolutions

2012-01-14T08:43:00.010-05:00

A 2007 study involving 3,000 people showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends. Since peer-support makes a difference in success rate with New Year’s resolutions, I decided to share our resolution with you.

A few days ago I asked Ritesh what his New Year resolution was. After a long silence (and a look that meant “Do I really have to answer this?”), he responded “Spending quality time with you and the kids.”Needless to say, I was utterly pleased to hear that notwithstanding the fact that he spoke one sentence in a 15 minute drive when it was just the two of us in the car and when he was asked a question and he didn’t really have a choice but to answer it. Irrespective of that, I totally endorsed his plan since he planned to make a new beginning in the New Year.

My instant response was “So what’s your action plan to achieve your goal?” His response was a quizzical look! Only after we reached our destination did he respond, “I will be more involved.” OOOOOH! The pearls of wisdom had finally been uttered! Of course, I am not the kinds to let go of such moments that deserve celebration apart from the fact that I am a very supportive wife. So I promised him that I would help him achieve his goal. That evening, when the kids needed help with their homework, despite protest from the boys I directed them to their dad who was busy on his iPad at the moment. And then when the boys wanted help in analyzing their chess game, I, dutifully guided them back to their dad who was lying horizontal on the sofa watching a game of football. This time the kids were the one who gave me the “What?! Dad?! Really?!?! look. By this time, Ritesh, a man of few words, looked completely helpless but I remained steadfast in my support to his cause and gently suggested that one way to demonstrate involvement in the family would be for him to load the dishwasher. For good measure I even pointed out towards the dishwasher lest he gives me the excuse “I don’t know where the dishwasher is!”

Soon it was time for story-telling and to put the kids to bed but before I could utter a word Ritesh had that “Come on! You don’t have to take my resolution that seriously” look, so I took Taran and Roshan to bed and told them a story. Fortunately, for all of Ritesh’s reticence and reserve, I can talk for the both of us!

And this brings us back to the first point stated in this post - “88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail” and women succeeded 10% more when they made their goal public. So this one’s to you Ritesh - I intend to celebrate your New Year Resolution with a glass of wine, a whole lot of loquaciousness, and by making your goal public. May you spend QUALITY time with us!

P.S: In line with the norms of full disclosure this post has been published with Ritesh's complete approval and he was not subjected to any duress.

Holiday greetings from our home to yours - 2012

2012-01-04T12:07:00.017-05:00

Hello again,

Welcome to this year’s edition of the Idnani household newsletter. We wish to share with you how the family fared in 2011 and welcome 2012!

Taran and Roshan turned 7 this May. They are happy 2^nd graders. Recently Roshan directed and acted in a “Ramayana” skit in his class. But he is still not convinced about the reasoning for the battle between Ram & Ravana. He insists the non-violent way to resolve the conflict would have been for Ram to get Ravana’s wife since the latter had taken the former’s wife! The boys also continue to progress in chess with Taran winning the North American championship in the U8 group. The win resulted in FIDE (World Chess Federation) awarding him the title of “FIDE Candidate Master”. They are also enjoying tennis lessons though they seem to focus more on imitating Djokovic’s court histrionics than on tennis skills. Nidhi couldn’t help analyzing that Roshan has been spending 38% of his rather expensive tennis lessons on bouncing the ball!!!!! Can anyone please ask Novak to stop bouncing the ball 22 times before serving?

Ritesh went back to school to participate in an Executive Education program at Wharton. He kept describing how intensive the course was. Interestingly he made these calls from the Wharton bar where he was apparently discussing the case study for the next day! He was also selected by SSON, the largest and most established community of shared services and outsourcing professionals as part of their G6 list - the top 6 outsourcing visionaries in Europe and North America for 2011. The kids instantly imbibed best practices and attempted to outsource their homework to their mom!

This year Nidhi took up the position of “Treasurer” on the PTO of The Albrook School organizing events and managing the finances for the school. Reminds her of her banking days and keeps her away from retail therapy, thereby saving Ritesh’s tiny treasury. Nidhi also tried her hand (and legs) at kickboxing. As a result, Bob, the kickboxing dummy’s obituary was published in The New York Times. Ever since, Ritesh and the kids are very supportive of her Friday lessons.

Ritesh and Nidhi have started running!!! No, not away from each other but - towards a common goal! They ran together at the Rutgers Big Chill 5 K – a fundraiser for children. They hope to participate in many more runs next year. They will be happy to have more running partners so give them a shout if you are interested.

Sports continues to be a big part in the Idnani household with Football nights becoming sacrosanct. But cricket still takes the number 1 slot with the family holding a World cup finals party and the boys having a “Kids vs. Adults cricket party” on their birthday. Needless to say, the kids wiped the adults out. Shhh! We didn’t mention anything about match fixing!

This was also the year of a few more new experiences - the kids watched their first musical at Broadway (Mary Poppins was enthralling) and their first Jazz festival in Montreal. Ritesh and Nidhi also watched a few comedy shows in New York City with a wonderful group of friends. They also went for their first camping trip to Vermont with family where apart from hiking in Quechee valley and sightseeing, they gorged on s’mores and handmade ice-cream, the results of which were prominently displayed on the weighing scale.

The Idnanis spent time with friends and family in Toronto, upstate New York, Dallas and Virginia, paid their annual visit to Washington D.C, explored Montreal (Old Montreal was stunning as was the Bio-dome), relaxed for a week at the Wildwood beach in the summer, enjoyed a few nights (and museums) in New York City and travelled within the state and outside for chess tournaments.

2011 has been spectacular and we hope that 2012 is even better. We wish you and your loved ones lots of happiness, good health and good luck in the New Year.

Stay in touch!

The Idnanis

Hail Tiger Mom

2011-02-25T19:55:00.006-05:00

The whole nation or at least moms have been talking about the controversial “Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother” by Ms. Amy Chua, a second generation Chinese American (interestingly, it was only Ms.Chua's grandparents who lived in China; her parents were raised in the Philippines). I had read the article based on the book in WSJ and Time magazine, seen the CNN HLN program where she was interviewed by Joy Behar and had followed the almost vitriolic debate that followed it. But I ordered the book only when a very good friend of mine (who coincidentally and ironically happens to be Chinese) asked me to read it. This friend encourages her kids to enjoy all the activities that Ms. Chua prohibits. And I have no doubt in my mind that these kids will be accepted in Harvard, Yale, Princeton or any other Ivy League school. The contrasting views motivated me to read Ms. Chua’s book. One thing was already clear: I could not generalize “Chinese moms”.

The book was a quick and easy read. With all that I had heard about the book, I was expecting to read a very strict “How to parent” guide. But I was pleasantly surprised to read a self-deprecating (in parts), witty and honest memoir. Just as Ms. Chua has stated in many interviews, I am a bit surprised to notice the polarizing views this book has generated. But, on the other hand, I am not stunned either. Ms. Chua may seem extreme to many, yet there is a sizeable population that identifies with several of her parenting tenets such as “To get good at anything you have to work, and children on their own never want to work, which is why it is crucial to override their preferences” or “Not allowing kids to play computer games or watch TV”. The difference, however, is the degree or the extreme to which Ms. Chua may have adopted these tenets. For example, I know several parents who insist on taking their kids to Kumon, Karate or, in my case, Chess. There may be times when the kids would rather watch TV or play, instead of doing math, yet parents insist (and probably rightfully so) that the kids have to go for lessons or practice their “extra-curricular activity”. It is just that most parents may not insist that the kids practice for 3 hours every day. Likewise, I, for one, do not encourage my children to play video games or watch TV for an extended duration but they are allowed to watch sports on weekends, play the DSI on long drives and flights and occasionally at home. What may have caused the umbrage is her extreme style. But what seems to have been missed out completely by most people is her self-deprecating style of humor in this book as when she insisted that her children will not be allowed to become lazy especially “not on my watch” or when she decided to apply Chinese parenting to her dog.

A contributing factor to the wrath against her is her generalization about Western parents who she refers to as weak-willed. In the beginning of the book she did state that she was using the term “Western parents” loosely. But that statement gets quickly nullified by the several comments she makes against their parenting style. The reality is that parenting is very personal and therefore these broad over-generalizations that Western parents encourage mediocrity and tend to give up easily can be a source of indignation to most Western parents.

But Ms. Chua also stated that over a period of time she started questioning her own parenting style. And yet, she received death threats! I am not sure how many of her critics have actually read her book and if they have, I would like to state that ultimately Ms. Chua did point out “All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. The Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that.” So, please, cut Ms. Chua some slack. Or, go buy her book – at least for all the threats she has received, her book sales have sky-rocketed. Ms. Chua (Chuha means “rat” in Hindi – no offence intended), irrespective of your parenting style, for all your honesty, humor & candor, my vote goes to you. May this rat keep roaring & growling!

Holiday greetings from our home to yours - 2011

2011-01-11T14:22:00.006-05:00

Hello,

It is that time of year again to share with you our adventures in the year gone by. 2010 has been another year of magic and wonder…

Taran and Roshan turned 6 this May. How time flies! They have continued to do well at chess winning the State Championship and several other tournaments. The boys joined a new school for first grade. They are happy learners and have made many new friends. They did their first stage performance in school and are now busy interviewing agents to represent them in Hollywood.

Ritesh started the year with additional responsibilities at work. But magically somehow found time for events such as the Australian Grand Prix, golf at St. Andrews, “Making your own scotch” event at Scotland and enjoying the verdant rainforests and white sand beaches of Rio. We are a little confused about his profession – it seems he is employed by Lonely Planet rather than Infosys. We will update you when we have more clarity on the same.

Nidhi had set a goal for herself this year to learn swimming. She is so proud of finally learning the skill (at about the same time when the boys learnt it). Finally, neither of them needs a life jacket to swim in the deep. Ritesh, on the other hand, continues to swim (or in his case, fly) in the oceans of outsourcing. One blog compared him to George Clooney’s character in “Up in the Air”. Ever since, Nidhi has been very receptive of his travels. George Clooney, even vicariously, is always welcome! Ritesh, on the other hand, is more interested in the Vera Farmiga part of the equation! Good luck to him!

Sports were a big part of the Idnani family this year. The whole family bonded over the Football World Cup (soccer) this summer when Taran and Roshan were ardently following Brazil, wearing Brazilian T-shirts and growing their hair “just like Kaka”. However, the moment Brazil lost; they changed their allegiance to Spain and quickly got a haircut. So much for loyalties! They are now fast becoming NFL fans following on their dad’s footsteps. Nidhi hopes that their enthusiasm for the game doesn’t lead them to following Tom Brady’s current hairstyle.

The Idnanis were able to squeeze in a bit of travel this year. They started in the Prairies in South Dakota, were completely taken by the beauty of the Black hills and Mount Rushmore, were enchanted by the Badlands, visited Minneapolis, Canada, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Jersey shore, Miami and Disney World. The Idnanis spent the bulk of the summer in India visiting family and friends. Ritesh and Nidhi knew that the vacation in India was truly successful when by the end of the trip Taran and Roshan were singing Hindi songs and were imagining themselves to be Tendulkar and Sehwag while playing cricket. This was complete indoctrination!

We can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the wonderful year we just had and the year that is ahead of us now. As we welcome 2011, we hope it will bring good luck, good health, prosperity and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Best,
The Idnani Family

Sarah Palin's geography lessons

2010-11-18T21:40:00.007-05:00

Ok, I know it has been reallllllly long and there is no excuse for not writing. Not that there has been a dearth of reasons ....there were plenty...an awesome trip to Minnesota and South Dakota to visit friends, a trip to Washington D.C with friends from India, Taran and Roshan's "graduation" from Kindergarten, a long summer vacation in India, the mid-term polls (I really enjoyed that one ....what with a self-proclaimed "witch" and a "Manhattan madam" who said politicians are the worst prostitutes in the state and added, "I may be the only person sitting on this stage with the right experience to deal with them." WHOA!!!! But I am finally back and just could not miss out on my one of my favorite politician's proclamation yesterday. Of course, I refer to Sarah Palin. She said she was "looking at the lay of the land" to figure out if she should run for the White House in 2012.

First, I thought she was referring to the "The lay of the land" by Richard Ford but then I remembered from her interview with Katie Couric 2 years ago where it was clear that she preferred to stay away from the written word. But then the possibility appeared that she was talking about geography.

Now I am really happy for her that she finally figured out the geography. She now knows that she can NOT view Russia from her house - that even though in the world map, it looks close, on factoring some math (scale), it is pretty far from her house. So good for you, Ms. Palin. I am happy for you and will surely follow your candidacy in the near future. Good luck!

Haiti and other disasters and their impact on kids

2010-01-26T10:07:00.001-05:00

While watching CNN and BBC, the news commentator warned, “The images from Haiti that we are about to show are very graphic so please have you children step out of the room.” Indeed the pictures were graphic and disturbing. Yes, they exhibited reality. Images of piles of bodies caked with dust and blood being dumped in mass graves served the horrific jolts that the news media promised. But on the flip side I am not sure if the frequency with which they were shown was required. To me it also violated the respect we owe to anybody’s remains, irrespective of their country or religion. I am also very concerned about the impact of such pictures and news on children.

For the last several years I have noticed a surge of graphic images whether it was a natural disaster (Tsunami 2004, earthquake in China 2008) or an act of terror (Mumbai attacks 2008 or the several bombings in Pakistan). Every newspaper/ magazine has carried extensive articles and distressing pictures about these. And then there is YouTube and other websites that have heart wrenching videos and photographs that provide a bigger impact wherever and whenever you want it.

Things were different 25 years ago. I remember my childhood. My dad encouraged me and my brother to read the newspaper every day. For the most part newspapers had coverage of the government and its policies, the happenings in our nation and around the world. Pages were dedicated to business, sports, entertainment and of course the weather, but then that was largely a terror free world. Sure, natural disasters struck once in a while but the pictures were muted. Perhaps a picture of the site of an earthquake, walls broken, roof crashed on the floor, but not of human remains. Clearly, we grew up in a different world.

Don’t get me wrong. I read/watch the news everyday and totally understand and appreciate the value of the Internet. But I am perplexed when I have to explain these tragedies to my 5 year old twin boys. I do not encourage them to watch graphic images of such carnage but on the other hand I have always encouraged them to read the newspaper. In fact it is my son, Taran, who runs to the driveway every morning to get the newspaper and reads the headlines and the weather forecast to us. Over the years/ months, he and my son, Roshan, have asked me numerous questions about such events:

· Why did the earthquake strike Haiti/China?
· How many people died?
· What will happen to the houses that are broken?
· What will happen to children whose parents have died?
· Why did the bad guys kill so many people in Mumbai hotels?
· Why did they burn the hotels in Mumabi?
· Why do we have to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq?
· Why did the bad guys crash into the world trade center?
· Will God punish the bad guys?
· But how will God punish them….they are already dead?

Clearly, their questions indicate to me that they not only see the violence and carnage, they feel it as well. How do we explain such events to children without affecting their sensibilities? How do we make sure that the fear of unforeseeable circumstances, whether a natural or man made disaster, does not occupy a place in their heart and erode their confidence? Sure, we strive to give our kids the love, affection, sense of security and strength that most families give their children, but is that enough?

I don’t have the answers to these questions. Do you?

To donate to Haiti follow the link:

http://www.redcross.org/

Images above are courtesy Huffington Post and BBC

Happy 40th

2010-01-25T12:26:00.004-05:00

My ode to a friend (name withheld for privacy reasons) who turned 40.

Dear friend,

You have many avatars - the high flying executive/golfer,
The doting husband, the ever-loving son/brother
To your friends you are Mithunda, Anna and even Rajesh Khanna (Indian film stars)
The gracious guest who conjures up amazing margaritas.
You drive your friends to their destinations
And even attempt to move them from a chair to horizontal positions.

Now give us some credit. We all (your group of friends) contributed to your level of maturity.
After all life is not about age but experiences and one’s capability.
But hang on! Don’t mention this term, “maturity” to your wife (stockbroker); lest
She will calculate YTM with extra focus on rate of interest.
Or she will send you to Labquest to check your level of cholesterol
And you may end up with a prescription of Lipitor.

But medication apart, enjoy! You’ve aged like wine, you’re nice and fruity,
And you are ready to celebrate the fabulous forty.
Some may be jealous or may poke fun. Ignore them.
They are ignorant. Unaware that age equals wisdom.
After all you are aged to perfection.
But remember: the past is gone; the best is yet to come.

So dear friend, You are 40 years young today.
In your honor we all feel convivial as we jubilate.
We toast with rasam, sambhar and idli.
No shots?! :<( What else do you expect at a celebration for a "Gulti"!

Our wishes come from the bottom of our hearts despite the abstinence

Enjoy your day, your year, your life ‘coz you deserve every bit of happiness.

Cheers!

Obama's speech - collateral damage and loss of vote bank?!

2010-01-21T20:19:00.006-05:00

This morning President Obama announced proposals to place new limits on the size and activities of big banks. I was glued to the television while I watched the President reprimand the banks but I did not expect that his speech would have an impact on my family. Read below to know more about it.

Roshan: Ewww! What is this black black in the "Matar paneer" (peas and cottage chees)?

Me: Umm! They are onions. Sorry, they got a little burnt.

Roshan (sermonizing...or rather giving it back to me): Weren't you focussing?

Me: Well, I was watching President Obama's speech while cooking.

Ritesh (smiling): And the first collateral damage was the "matar paneer."

Me (taking it in my stride): Actually, it was the second. The first was the market.

Roshan: What did he say?

Me: Well, let me put up the link for you. (At this moment we watched the speech and I explained it to the boys as well as I could)

Taran (who was trying to process it all): Didn't you vote for Obama because he did not want to fight in Iraq? And didn't he say we should use our words and not fight with Iran?

Me: Yes, you are right.

Taran: And didn't he get the peace prize? What is it called....Nobel?

Ritesh and me (in splits): That's correct. He got the Nobel Peace Prize.

Taran (completely baffled): And didn't he like peaceful men like Martin Luther King?

Ritesh and I (rolling on the floor with laughter....much to Taran's chagrin): Absolutely correct.

Taran (with an incredulous look): And look, now he wants to fight with his own countrymen....with the banks!!! You might as well would have voted for John McCain!!!

P.S: Read/Watch President Obama's speech at http://www.cnbc.com/id/34975288

Fashion accessory to mortality

2010-01-16T21:58:00.001-05:00

I had been thinking of buying a pashmina shawl for a long time and in my last trip to India I visited a few stores to shop for one. In one such shop, the store attendant was delivering her usual sales picth, "This is handmade. It is the finest cashmere in the world. And see how smooth and warm this is. And of course, pashmina shawls are heirlooms." Immediately Roshan interjected.

Roshan: Maa, what is heirloom?

Me: Something that is passed from generation to generation.

Roshan: OHHHH! I understand. So when you die, we will get it.

Me (not really happy to be reminded of my mortality): UMM! Yes.

Roshan (very matter-of-factly): Maa, then please can you buy two? So that when you die, Taran and I get one each!!!!

Holiday greetings from our home to yours - 2010

2010-01-05T12:12:00.006-05:00

Hello,

It's that time of the year again when while bidding Adieu to the year gone by and welcoming 2010, we wish to share with you how we fared in 2009.

We moved! Yes, finally we did it. We began thinking about it when Taran and Roshan were born. But, as both, Ritesh and Nidhi, grew up hearing, reading and watching 5 year plans, it got hardcoded in our sytems. So this year when the boys turned 5, we finally decided to stop procastinating and promptly bought a house. Please visit us in our new abode. We would love to have you over as long as you don't mind the rooms that are not yet done up and the boxes that are yet to be opened. After all that is our next 5 year plan.

The house buying/selling process proved to be a blessing in disguise for the US economy.
Nidhi now knows all the Home Depot staff as if they were family. In fact Home Depot is planning to feature her in their new marketing campaign titled, "If she can fix it, so can you."

Travelling was another perk that came out of the home selling process. While the realtors and their clients were viewing the house, we were away enjoying Washington DC, Bar Harbor and Acadia (Maine), Toronto and Switzerland. While in Switzerland, we travelled extensively on the Swiss trains, thanks to the Swiss rail pass we bought on the first day of our 2 week trip. On a single day, we boarded as many as 13 trains. We have been told that it is a feat that should be recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records. On the flip side, we have been informed by confidential sources that the Swiss Train Authorities have blacklisted the Idnani family.

After Taran and Roshan's success on the ice, Ritesh and Nidhi decided to learn ice skating as well and join the boys on the rink to make it a "family sport". After a few lessons, when Ritesh began asking questions such as, "What is the statistical probability of me using the one foot glide?" and "Is my learning curve evening out?" causing the instructor to squirm in her skates, the couple decided that it is best if Ritesh sticks to his weekend siestas while the rest of the family race each other on the ice.

Taran and Roshan have had a spectaculor 2009. They are enjoying their Kindergarten year. They are always eager to learn and happy to share stories about their family with their class (we all know where that came from). They have also become avid chess players winning the "New Jersey State Team Championship" trophy for their school and tieing for the second spot in the state (for their grade level). They also participated in their first Nationals and won the third place team trophy and the 1st place trophy in the "Under 600 rating" section. The boys have now taken upon themselves to coach their parents. Please wish them good luck in this herculean effort. They are unaware that they are not playing with a full deck. But then maybe, it could be their 5 year plan.

Happy 2010 to all of you. May the New Year bring happiness, success, good health and good luck to you and your loved ones.

Best,

The Idnani Family

Summer activities to Bailout: An American family

2009-08-09T14:14:00.000-04:00

Circa May 2009

Me: Taran, Roshan, which activities do you want to do this summer?

Taran: We only want to do tennis, swimming, soccer, music lessons and ice-skating this summer.
Roshan: And bowling too.

Me: PHEW! Do you know how much all of this costs?

Taran: Is it a lot?

Me: Yes, a LOT of money.

Taran: Can't papa pay for it?

Me: Sweetheart, papa ONLY works for Infosys!

Taran: Papa, can't you ask them to give you more money?

Ritesh (smiling): I have asked them many times, but they don't listen.

Roshan: No problem! We can pay by check.

Me: But we need to have enough money in our bank account for that.

Roshan: No problem. We will pay by credit card. (Spoken like a true American!!!)

Ritesh: Well, but we have to pay the credit card companies back.

Roshan (with a momentary hestitation of "OHHH OHHH!" quickly figured out the solution): No problem! We will take a loan from the bank.

(By this time, Ritesh and I were rolling on the floor with laughter)

Ritesh: But we still have to repay the loan. Where will the money come from?

Roshan: We just won't repay. We will just ask Timothy Giethener and Barack Obama to take care of this.

Ritesh and me: If we don't pay, they will take our house away. We just might fall in the TARP category.

Roshan (with an "I can fix that too" expression): No problem! If they take our house, we will take theirs; we will just move to the White House! After all mom voted for Obama.

"Kumar Roshan"

2009-08-02T14:39:00.005-04:00

Circa December 2008

Our recent trips to India have piqued Taran and Roshan's interest in Indian mythology. As a result, they are all too familiar with curses and blessings that Gods have bestowed on the ordinary populace of those times that exist in Amar Chitra Kathas and Indian mythological books. But what surprised me was when I saw how it had figured into our lives:

Taran: I want to wear the Bob the Builder T-Shrit.

Roshan: No, I want to wear it.

Taran: No, give it to me.

Roshan: It is my turn today. Last time you wore it.

Taran: No, I didn't. You wore it the last time.

Roshan (Snatching it from Taran and grinning): It is mine now.

Taran (in tears): You snatched it from me!!!! WAHHHH! Ok, I curse you, you will never get married, you will always remain "Kumar Roshan".

Time out for the House and Senate

2009-02-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

Me: Taran, Roshan, did you know that the stimulus bill has finally been passed?

Taran: Really? How long did it take?

Me: A few more days than we thought.

Roshan: How much money did they give away?

Me: $787 billion

Taran: Didn’t they want to give more?

Me: Yes, the earlier plan was $820 billion.

Taran: Then why did they not give more?

Me: Because the other leaders did not agree.

Roshan: But Obama is the biggest boss. Everybody has to listen to him. Then why didn’t Obama give them a time-out?!?!

Taran: Maybe they did not have so many time-out chairs in Washington D.C.!!!!

FOCUS on your work!

2009-02-13T21:52:00.003-05:00

Taran (crying inconsolably): WHAAAAA! Mummy, Roshan hit me so hard. He just kept hitting me. WHAAAAA!

Me: ROSHAN! Why did you that?

Roshan: Mummy, you always tell me to focus on my work, like when I do writing, or math, so when I was hitting Taran, I was focusing on hitting him very well!!!!

The best man speech at Sachin's wedding that I could not give

2009-01-17T10:06:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,

My name is Nidhi Idnani and I am Sachin's cousin. Since everyone seems to be stoned here, I have taken upon myself the duty to give the Best Man speech (yeah, I know sisters are not traditionally the ones who are given this honor, but then I have known Sachin so closely that I am certain I shall fulfill this responsibility).

Sachin and I have almost grown up together, and in some ways I have been a quasi mother to him. I have watched him crawl, I have fed him, cleaned up after him just like I did last night when he was pissed drunk and hopping like a kangaroo in his Armani suit, showing off his engagement ring and singing, "I am taken, I am taken. The 59th one finally said YES." and the following minute passed out (possibly worrying about what Shilpa was getting into).

Shilpa, I welcome you to our crazy family. You look stunning! I know you are trying not to show it but we understand what is truly going in your heart - that wedlock sounds like deadlock! So if there is anyone in this room who seems nervous - my heartfelt sympathies to you and yes, I mean Mahar uncle, aunty and Rohit (Shilpa's parents and brother). After all, it takes courage to get your beautiful, smart, intelligent daughter married to Sachin. We all know that all that thing of not losing out a daughter and gaining a son-in-law does not quite add up in the equation. But trust me, I will give her all the warmth and affection that Lalita Pawar and Shashikala gave their daughters-in-law and sisters-in-law in the Bollywood 50s and 60s movies. As regards Sachin, there are tears in his eyes - tears of joy - that he does not have to do his laundry any more.

Typically, at this point of the best Man speech, the speaker traditionally meanders into different stories about the groom in various compromising situations involving the usual vices of binging, boozing and womanizing. How ever, tonight I will do no such thing for I do not wish to implicate myself (only in the boozing part), and his dear friend, Manohar, in any of these sordid allegations of the said debauchery.

People who know me, know very well that I love my brother very much and our family is very proud of his accomplishments this far in life. There isn't nothing I would not do for him and likewise there is nothing he would not do for me; in fact we've spent most of our time doing nothing for each other. But today, I do wish him the very best. So, ladies and gentlemen, here is a toast to the newly wed couple, Sachin and Shilpa. I wish you peace, health and eternal happiness.

Holiday greetings from our home to yours

2009-01-15T13:41:00.008-05:00

Hello,

As we bid goodbye to 2008 and welcome 2009, we wanted to share with you how we all fared this year.

Ritesh has been super busy at Infosys, travelling as if he was in a rush to gain all the miles he possibly could garner and since that would translate into air tickets for the rest of the family, the kids and Nidhi were very supportive of his effort. While in NJ, he was happy to spend “quality” time with the kids, when they bonded over Wii, played games on his iPhone or watched Formula 1 together cheering for Kimi (unfortunately the trio could not bring the race car driver good luck).

Taran and Roshan have had a wonderful year. They achieved so much in 2008 – right from becoming voracious readers to learning how to ice-skate and actually score goals in a soccer match. They love going to school and look forward to all their activities and play dates. They are also talking nonstop which Ritesh conveniently attributes to their maternal genes.

Nidhi had set 2 goals for herself this year – participating in the Avon walk for breast cancer and becoming a blogger. She is thrilled to have achieved both. She walked 39.3 miles (a distance of a marathon and a half) in New York and surpassed her fundraising goal. She is looking for a walker buddy to repeat this feat next year (if anybody is interested please give her a shout). She also enjoys sharing our eccentric family’s anecdotes at http://nidhiidnani.blogspot.com/

2008 went by in a flash and as we welcome 2009, we hope it will bring good luck, good health, prosperity and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Happy New Year!
The Idnani family

NOTE: Apologies to all for the late wishes. My husband began the new year with a BANG - i.e. his laptop crashed and so he decided to elope with mine for a few days. On the numerous occasions I tried to reach him, his cell phone constantly played the Akshay Kumar inspired voicemessage "Chura ke laptop tera, chala main chala". Fortunately, there were no Bollywood inspired pelvic thrusts to accompany it!

The Elections and our own little political statement

2008-11-06T01:22:00.001-05:00

This was an extraordinary election year and the end result has hardly surprised anyone. That it will be such a landslide victory for Obama was enthralling. Much was written about the campaign, each word spoken or unspoken was scrutinized; each expression was analyzed, the body language experts worked overtime and the newspapers and television networks scrambled to get the latest and most newsworthy item on their front page/prime time.

We, as a family, followed the elections right from the days when candidates announced their candidature till the very end, when McCain was defending the red states while Obama was fighting there, turning them gradually into toss-up states. In between, the journey was topsy-turvy, to say the least, first the battle at the primaries to the party nomination to the vice-presidential pick, it was simply captivating. So there was no way, we would miss the excitement of the big day. My 4 year old twins, Taran and Roshan, made “Vote for Barack Obama” placards which they wore to school. And with this little conversation in our minivan on the way to school they proved that they too were in the thick of things.

Roshan: Mom, are you sure you will vote for Obama?
Me: Yes, why do you ask?
Roshan: Sachin "mama" (uncle) is going to vote for McCain.
Taran: But I told you so many days ago, that will not be fair. We have to take turns. This time it is the turn of the Democrats.
Roshan: I know.
Me: Well, we can vote for the candidate of our choice and who we believe will be a better president.
Roshan: Do you know that I am also voting for Obama? I also told my friends (names omitted) to vote for Obama.
Me: What did you tell them?
Roshan: I told them that Barack Obama has great plans and good ideas for our country. He will make USA stronger.
Me: AHEM!!!

Early in the morning, I had voted for “change”. It was my first experience to vote in the US elections and I am glad I got the opportunity. But T & R were so eager to check out the polling stations, I took them along to check it out. And as many of us, they got swayed by the charm, policies and energy of Barack Obama and made their own political statement by chanting “Yes, we can”. I am glad they experienced the making of history.

The elections are over and Barack Obama will take oath on Jan 20th. The culmination of the $1 billion campaign has resulted in a medley of emotions for various people – most are glad it is finally over but I will miss it. Every evening after putting the kids to bed, I couldn’t wait to turn on the television and surf Huffington Post and Politico while watching Rachel Maddow and Anderson Cooper. The race had its ups and downs, gaffes aplenty, expensive wardrobes, record-breaking smear campaigns and fundraising (though not necessarily in that order) and abundant material for stand-up comedians. Each of it made my evenings simultaneously enjoyable and informative. In retrospect, both the campaigns were simply doing their job - of portraying their man as the best man. But ultimately, as President elect Barack Obama said, “We are not a collection of red states and blue states; we are the United States of America”.

It's the economy, stupid

2008-11-04T22:16:00.004-05:00

The race between the two presidential candidates, Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama was very tight till about the middle of September. McCain, the maverick, scored highly on national security while Obama, the voice for change, was considered strong on the economy. Then the economic climate deteriorated around Sep 15th when news of the likes of Lehman Brothers and AIG hit the wires. The markets reacted and the Dow dropped more than 500 points in the first day of the economic setback.

The facts did not bode well for McCain. There are three jobseekers for every 1 job opening. As per MSNBC’s poll, 79% felt the country is headed in the wrong direction. This coupled with the fact that the current president, George Bush’s approval ratings are down to 28% hurt McCain’s chances tremendously. The parallels to the Bill Clinton’s successful campaign are so strong that one can not help but be reminded of the time when Bush Sr.’s approval ratings were down to about 30% and the economy had undergone a recession. And that’s when James Carville, Clinton’s campaign strategist coined this phrase.

But despite the bleak economic conditions, McCain seemed to be the only one who believed “the fundamentals of the economy are strong”. That was the death knell of the McCain campaign and the surge of the Obama campaign. After all, “it’s the economy, stupid.”

Soccer Mom

2008-10-31T22:07:00.003-04:00

Today was the nth time I was asked my occupation. I answered I am a homemaker or a stay at home mom but the person on the other side of the table looked at me in disdain. He had an expression which was that of a person waiting for me to complete the sentence by adding a connecting word. I am a homemaker and …. But hello, there is no AND; on the contrary there is a FULL STOP. I am a Homemaker. PERIOD. And in American parlance that also means I am a soccer mom. Then the natural question that follows “so, when are you planning to go back to work?”

My DH (Darling Husband) has a traveling job. A few years ago, on being asked by my Hispanic help, what my husband does and telling her that he works for an IT company, she gave me that all-knowing nod, “ah ha, you mean he fixes computers in other people’s homes”. Well, unfortunately, my husband does not possess any such technical skills but, yes, he does travel a lot, and by virtue of that, I am left to run the household. Apart from the mundane stuff of cleaning, laundry, cooking etc., it also includes trying to balance both my kids on my hips (God Almighty, I now know why you BLESSED me with such wide ones) and walking down a flight of stairs because invariably one wakes up coughing, sneezing, wheezing and needs TLC but the other one feels it will be UNFAIR if he does not get the joy aka hip ride!!! It also includes fighting the milk battle every morning, brushing one child’s teeth while the other is screaming in frustration that he is done with his poop and what is taking me so long to clean him up, running after 2 brats in the school parking lot, one of whom chooses to run in exactly the opposite direction of his brother. Hey, are you sweating? Awww! Come on! I am just warming up. I have only given you a glimpse of the first 2 hours of my day. After I pick them up from school, I have got to take them for their various activities – soccer, ice-skating, swimming, play dates etc. while listening to the track “Five green and speckled fogs sat on a speckled log...” the 287th time. And all of this while giving them their snack and smoothie/juice. And God save me if I give one the “Elmo” juice and the other “Big Bird” juice. If I dare commit that crime, our poor Honda Odyssey will transform into a battleground and I will be forced to single-handedly take on the role of UN peace keeping force, all of this while I have one hand on the wheel, one eye on the road and the other focused on the rear view mirror which has been strategically angled to show my adorable angels err sparring cats. I had once read “A soccer mom delivers once obstetrically and for the rest of her life by her minivan.” I couldn’t agree more. My day also includes taking them to the supermarket where we will keep driving around the parking lot till we spot an empty car cart where they can imagine that they are Michael Schumacher and are driving their Ferraris. And only after I finish paying up at the checkout counter do I realize that apart from my list of groceries, I have bought 2 packets of M&Ms, some Oreo and chocolate chip cookies and a Diego toothpaste that will sit by the 6 other Dora, Diego and Spiderman toothpastes and adorn the vanity in the kids bathroom. After all this, my DH calls from across the ether and asks rather innocently “So, what did you do today?” I am very tempted to say, “I went to the club with my girlfriends, we had a couple of cosmos and then we hit the dance floor and gyrated our hips to Shakira’s music!!!” My moment of redemption came when on my return from a sudden trip to California, hubby darling proclaimed, “Here are the kids. They are all yours. How do you do it?”

Kelly Ripa had once said that children are like pancakes – you spoil the first one, get better at the second and are the best with your third. I got 2 at one shot (my DH and I took BOGO – Buy one get one free, the American mantra, to heart). And now, reverting to the big question asked of me on any and every social occasion, I am NOT planning to go back to work. Yes, I am a homemaker, and I am very proud to be one. Yes, I am a soccer mom and I love my pancakes even if I am spoiling them a wee bit. I have deep admiration for mothers who have a great career going for them and who are able to bring up wonderful children with great ease – hats off to them and more power to them. But I am content and happy in my role. This is one “Occupation” that gives me immense joy and a huge sense of pride. Yes, there are moments of helplessness when I feel like pulling my hair. But those are far and few and are a reminder that I am a human being before I am a mother. I remember the moment when Taran said his first word “Dada” in January 2005 to now when he entertains me with his endless stories and songs. I can still visualize the time when Roshan started walking a few weeks after turning one to now when he has turned into a daredevil trying new stunts on his bicycle and doing cartwheels. I remember vividly when they both learnt their ABCs to now when they have become voracious readers. I look back at the time when I decided to put in my papers. I had a good job, a decent paycheck and everyone at my workplace was super supportive and yet, the decision to leave was simple and easy. I am so glad I chose to stay at home lest I would have missed out on these priceless moments. So, no matter what anyone says, I am delighted and proud to be a SOCCER MOM. PERIOD!

Cool Diwali

2008-10-28T23:18:00.003-04:00

Beginning the first week of December, news channels and the general populace speculate whether we will see a white Christmas but who could have imagined that we will see a white Diwali?! Yes, it snowed for the most part of the day. And if that does not prove that climate change is at work to Sarah Palin, then I do not know what will (and I know that I digress but I can not help it). And now getting back on track....
We started the day with droping the kids to school and returning home to shine the silver for the “Lakshmi puja”, make rangoli on the porch while wearing an overcoat (brrrr) and contribute to our telephone provider by making the innumerable calls to wish Happy Diwali (that is what happens when your laptop dies on you for 2 weeks and you have no way to send Diwali wishes online but miraculaously it started working this afternoon. YIPPEE! Now, now, if only I get blessed with "dhan" and "lakshmi" too).
The afternoon was super exciting as I went to Taran and Roshan’s school to make a presentation to the kids on Diwali. The school kids and the teachers were very enthusiastic about the little show where I showed the presentation on my laptop, treated the kids and teachers with some home made “pedas”, showed them some “diyas” and “rangoli” powder. At the end of the presentation I asked my kids and their best buddy to sing a song (I had asked them to sing “Jai Ganesh” but they chose to sing “Bachna ae haseeno….” ‘coz they felt that was “cool”. Of course, the teachers did not understand the words and congratulated me on teaching my kids such wonderful religious hymns!!! And that truly made it a cool Diwali, literally and figuratively! Happy Diwali!

39.3 miles towards a cure!

2008-10-09T00:30:00.007-04:00

Last weekend my friend, Shruti and I walked 39.3 miles in New York for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. We kept our promise to you of walking every step for every penny that you donated and for every wish that you sent our way. The event and the journey towards our goal are memories we will cherish forever.

Along the journey and before embarking on it, I learnt from friends and family who had been there before. My cousins and friends who have run the marathon, climbed mountains, walked 60 miles were not only an inspiration, they also gave valuable inputs.

The journey was beautiful, interesting and challenging. What seemed to be “just walking”, was actually a little more complicated in reality. Managing the kids calendar (school, activities, summer camp etc.) and my “training calendar” was not always easy. There were days when I walked in the neighborhood of their school while they were in their class so as to maximize my training time and not lose on the commute home and back. Yet again, there were days when I walked for 5 hours excluding breaks, picked up the kids from school, gave them a snack, hit the walking trail for 2 more miles, took them to their swimming lessons, and walked a mile on returning from there, rushed to their school for the “Back to school night”, returned home to put the kids to bed and went back to wrap up my 20 mile walk for the day. Apart from the calendar challenge, the physical aspect occasionally bothered me as well especially when my hamstrings would ache. But these and other challenges only kept me going forward as with each step I figured I am a step closer to my objective … of chipping in to eradicate this dreadful disease. Also, the faith that so many of you had put in me by supporting me, either with good wishes, donations or both, was the most important factor in keeping my spirits high. So, thank you so much for your support. It means a lot to me.

The actual event was surreal (for the lack of a better word). We were 4,500 walkers in the NY event who had collectively raised $11.5 million, a record in the history of Avon walks for breast cancer. Shruti and I collectively raised $4094. Since Avon started this walk, they have raised a whopping $525 million.

The opening ceremony was exhilarating. Dr. Susan Love (from The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation) took center stage and urged us to join the Love/Avon Army of Women, an initiative launched on Oct 1st, 2008. The key goal of this revolutionary initiative is to recruit one million healthy women of every age and ethnicity, including breast cancer survivors and women at high-risk for the disease, to partner with breast cancer researchers and directly participate in the research that will eradicate breast cancer once and for all. You can find more details at http://www.armyofwomen.org/The survivor stories were very moving as was the commitment of one particular walker who had participated in 96 walks and had single-handedly raised $1.2 million over the years. The icing on the cake was having my friends who had come to cheer Shruti and me on the event eve and on the opening ceremony. Sighting Tabu (a well-known Indian film personality) at Times Square on the event eve and having a picture taken with her added to the fun. Check out our pictures at:http://picasaweb.google.com/nidhiidnani/AvonWalkForBreastCancer

Our walking path was very well organized with cheering stations and rest stops every few miles. They were well stocked with snacks, water, medical supplies etc. The Volunteers, crew, staff and NY locals were there for every single walker with a constant smile on their face. We were in complete awe of the commitment of the thousands of people--walkers and crew alike--to make a difference. Personally, I was also in awe of Shruti who flew all the way from Atlanta to walk with me.

Walking in NY was charming and exciting. While I have lived in the suburbs for 9 years, I observed things that I had never noticed before. It was exciting to walk through trendy SOHO where one could shop in the hip boutiques, chain stores and even sidewalks all in the backdrop of an outstanding cast iron architecture. Walking across the iconic Brooklyn bridge was thrilling. I couldn’t help wondering what a giant leap of faith it must have been when 125 years ago, this bridge, the largest suspension bridge of its time was built. On a separate note, I must admit that I was half expecting Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan to peek from behind the stone towers singing "Har Ghadi Badal Rahi Hai ….Kal Ho Na Ho" (Just proves, you can’t take Bollywood out of me!).

Crossing the finish line was extremely gratifying. I noticed many walkers wearing Avon T-shirts which aptly said “Ready, Set, Hope.” I wanted to cry, look up at the sky and said a silent prayer thanking God for helping me in this journey. My parents, husband and kids were there to cheer me, as they have been doing always. What a blessing! My friend who came all the way from San Francisco pampered us with gorgeous lilies, roses and her infectious exuberance.

What was once a dream is now a part of my life. With your support I made it and I am proud of it. I have made a promise. Since I have discovered a strength that I did not even know existed, a determination that keeps my confidence soaring, a cause that keeps me going, I will try to use it again and again. Who knows I might just discover a walking trail and embark on a new adventure.

Presidential debate 1 - Bollywood Style

2008-09-29T09:21:00.003-04:00

Had the presidential debate been in Bollywood, it may well have turned out this way…..Read on…
(Background score: “Aaa dekhe zara, kismein kitna hai dum…..”)

Introduction:
Obama: Barack…. Barack naam hai mera, Barack Obama
McCain: Saree country mujhe maverick ke name se jaanti hai.
Obama: Main is Geeta per haath rakhkar yeh saugandh leta hoon ki jo bhi kahoonga sach kahoonga, aur sach ke siva kuch nahin kahoonga."
McCain (thinking and chuckling): “Tu geeta par haath rakh kar kasam kha, main sarah palin par haath rakh kar kasam khaunga”.
Obama: Mere paas style hai, substance hai, Harvard education hai, tumhaare pass kya hai?
McCain (with a twinkle in his eyes): Mere paas Sarah Palin hai. HAHAHA! (Also does a Dharmendra style victory dance here)

On ECONOMY:
Obama: “Ab hum kisi ko muh dikhaane ke layak nahin rahe". Kya issi din ke liye 8 saal tak Bush ko White House mein rakha tha?"
McCain: Bhagwaan errr Paulson and Bernanke pe bharosa rakho. Sab theek ho jayega. Aur agar nahin hua to main apni campaign suspend kar doonga.

ON IRAQ:
McCain: Main wahi karoonga jo Bush Sr ne kiya hai aur Bush Jr ne kiya hai - WAR, WAR and WAR
Moderator: Yeh WAR kya hota hai?
McCain: Jab humein economic downturn nazar aane lagta hai to hum public ko distract karne ke liye, WAR par jaate hain.
Obama: Maine Iraq mein war continue karne ka idea drop kar diya hai. Ab humein immediately apni economy aur Afghanistan par focus karna hai.
McCain: Abey oye, tu kaun hota hai bolne waala. Hum bhi to oil company mein shareholder hain.

On AFGHANISTAN and Al Qaeda:
McCain: “Osama, Agar Maa ka doodh piya hai to saamne aa.” “Chun Chun ke maaroonga, ek-ek ko chun chun ke maroonga”
Obama: “USA ne tumhe charon taraf se gher liya hain - apne aap ko kannon ke haawale kar do”

On IRAN:
McCain: “Goli se udaa do usse”
Obama: “Shaant gadardari Beem errr McCain, shaant” We have to engage in dialogue. I will say - ”Jurm ki duniya ka betaaj badshah ... Ahmadijenad ", " Apne hathiyaar phenk do "
Moderator (in a Tikku Talsaniya pose/tone): " Ouff! Yeh kya ho raha hai "

On PAKISTAN:
McCain: Obama ne bola ki woh Pakistan mein military strikes launch karega. President Gaddari errr Zardari “hairaan pareshaan ho jaayenge”.
Obama: Zabaan ko lagaam do .."Maine aisa nahin kaha tha”. “Kash tum mera yakin kar sakte.”

On RUSSIA:
Obama: Yeh sauda (Georgia) unhe bahut mehnga padega". Agar tumhe maine yeh karne diya, to mera naam Obama nahin"
McCain: Obama, “abhi tum doodh peete bachche ho”. “Maine Putin ki aankh mein jhaank kar dekha hai. Usmein likha tha KGB” Usi tarah maine Sarah Palin ki aankhon mein jhaank kar dekha tha, usme likha tha “Bridge to nowhere”. HAHAHA! (Another victory dance here – this time Dilip Kumar style)

RESULT:
Moderator: Tamaam gawaahon aur sabooton ko maddhe nazar rakhte hue is adaalat ka faisla hai ki Obama ko haraana mushkil hi nahin, namumkin hai.

Debate ends with the camera focussing on a beaming Obama and the background score, “Arre deewanoon, mujhe pehchanoon, kahan se aaya, main hoon kaun….”

My Application for Vice-Presidentship

2008-09-26T10:46:00.012-04:00

Dear Senator McCain,

Please accept my humble request to assist you in your resolve to lead this great nation. I cite the following credentials for my application to be the Vice President of the United States of America.

Family Values:

I am a soccer, swimming and an ice-skating mom. The latter activity could well lead to ice-hockey and then that will ALSO make me a hockey mom. That is 4 credentials against one.
I am also involved with my children’s school’s PTA.

Foreign Policy/ World Affairs Record:

I got my passport loooooooong before 2007 (the year in which your current veep nominee got hers). In fact, I have held passports from 2 different countries!!!
I travelled to 5 European countries, 3 Caribbean nations, 3 Asian countries and Canada.
I am married to a “traveler” (Yes, that is what my kids call their dad – someone who travels domestically and internationally 15 days in a month). And, the “dude” has travelled to innumerable countries.
This summer, I took my kids to the observatory at the Empire State Building and while pointing at the UN Headquearters, told them that that was the meeting ground for the "good guys" and the "bad guys" where the "good guys" ask the "bad guys" to not be "bad" anymore and turn into "good guys" while the "bad guys" tell the "good guys" that they got it wrong all this while; the "bad guys" were actually the "good guys" and the "good guys" were actually the "bad guys"!!! I admit I will be unable to match the standards of the current veep nominee when it comes to piercing stares while talking about the "good" and the "bad guys" but I can say with certitude that I shall give her a run for her money.
I have done photo ops with foreign leaders way back in 2001! I visited Madame Tussauds museum in New York and spent a good 2 hours with them (Yes, I did say 2 HOURS, and not 2 minutes).
My children have Diego telescopes which can be used to track Putin if he “rears his head and comes into the airspace of USA” (refer to Sarah Palin’s recent interview with Katie Couric http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/25/eveningnews/main4479062.shtml)

Domestic/Economic Policy experience:

I can NOT see Wall Street from my house.

Sundry:

I never hunt moose or any other animals but I do use a water gun.
I talk about “Good guys, Bad guys” (refer to the above mentioned interview) with my 4 year old twins if we happen to see a picture of a bombing/war while showing them the New York Times.
I also offer enough entertainment material by virtue of being a mother of 4 year old comics.
Even my children are conversant about issues such as global warming and alternative sources of energy. Check out my blog for the same.
Lastly, even my children know that Russia and Canada are not IN Alaska (refer to the above mentioned interview). The video below (taken in June 2008) demonstrates their knowledge of geography.

Since your current veep nominee is taking us on a "road to nowhere", it is imperative that you seriously consider my candidature and if you don't, then I shall vow to "suspend" blogging (of course, I will continue to update my blog periodically, just like you have suspended your campaign). While I understand that you have never heard of me or from me, I have full faith in your rather strict vetting process. I am certain, Senator, that this video will clinch the deal for me as this is far longer and thorough than your current vetting process. And, when you call me, Senator, even if it is at 3 AM, I will state without any hesitation, that I am honored and prepared to lead this great nation into a new era.

Thank you and God Bless America,
Nidhi idnani

Math lessons! PHEW!

2008-09-25T14:42:00.002-04:00

Me: Taran, I called you 5 times and papa called you 3 times for your nebulizer but you did not listen. That means we called you 8 times. Will you like it if you and Roshan call me 8 times and I do not listen to you?

Taran: Ok, mummy, if we call you 5 and 3 times, it is ok if you do not listen. Maa, but if I call you 4 times and "bhaiya" calls you 4 times, then will you please listen? You know mummy, 4 and 4 also makes 8!!!

Presidential debates - Style Vs Substance

2008-09-23T11:31:00.007-04:00

“Contrary to popular belief,” historian Daniel J. Boorstin once wrote, “Barnum’s great discovery was not how easy it was to deceive the public, but rather how much the public enjoyed being deceived. Especially if they could see how it was being done. They were flattered that anyone would use such ingenuity to entertain them.”

I read the above somewhere and I agree that when it comes to presidential debates, the candidates are certainly ingenious when it comes to entertaining us. They understand that debates are about theatrics and not necessarily content. No wonder Bush, under the baton of Karl Rove, sneaked into the White House. Sure, we can not discount Al Gore’s “I will bash you up” look and gait at the debate. But I shall not digress; I shall stick to the present – the 2008 Presidential debates. I am looking forward to the 1st presidential debate on Friday, September 26th at the University of Mississippi. I wonder which candidate shall hone his act to perfection, or will any? I am looking forward to each question asked and the response, which of course, would have been rehearsed several times, thanks to the anticipated list of questions and answers created by their campaign staff. But the showmanship will be revealed in each pregnant pause and each pondering look the candidate will project to reflect spontaneity and sincerity.

This debate will be about foreign policy which apparently is McCain’s sweet spot. This automatically makes Obama an underdog who needs to hold his own and not necessarily serve a blow at each response McCain gives. He has to win by not losing. But I am disappointed that this debate on foreign policy will not include the vice presidential nominees ‘coz I am so keen to hear Sarah Palin’s foreign policy record and her response to each question with a smile that Tina Fey so appropriately donned on the SNL sketch when she uttered the golden words “I can see Russia from my house”. On the same note, she might state that she has great economic policy record because she can NOT see Wall Street from her house.

I am also eager to track the various channels that will analyze the debates. I can already visualize Bill O’Reilly of Fox News praising McCain and badgering Obama for any response he gives. He will differ with the latter for the sake of differing. And MSNBC’s Keith Olberman contributing several hundred dollars to each lie uttered by grandpa McCain (yeah, I know he actually donates a 100 for each lie mouthed by Palin but then they are the same i.e. Bush, Palin, and McSame … err …. a Freudian slip … I mean McCain). Just a word of caution, and I do not underestimate your net worth but Mr. Olberman, at the rate at which Sarah Palin is going, I hope she does not empty your coffers by the time this historic race gets over.

But then this is politics and stretching the facts is a part of the game. Sure, raising millions for campaign finance, a big chunk of which is going towards advertising aimed at making people scared of a certain candidate, his credentials and policies/plans makes this election different from the previous ones in the scale of “nastiness” but for the undecided there are non-partisan organizations such as factcheck.org which, as the name suggests, only provide the facts as they are. Yet again, logic is a poor weapon against fear. So all I hope for is “May the best man win” and my definition of a best man - Barack Obama. Go Obama GO!

Homecoming

2008-09-20T21:17:00.004-04:00

Taran and Roshan welcome their dad back from Europe!

My Avon walk - an update

2008-09-10T21:01:00.006-04:00

Once again, I am back with an update about my progress in my training for the Avon walk for breast cancer. I will be walking on October 4th and 5th. I have a choice of covering the distance of a marathon i.e. 26.2 miles or a marathon and a half i.e. 39.3 miles. This has been the biggest physical undertaking I have attempted and there has been no doubt in mind as to how challenging it has been for me. The constantly screaming muscles (especially my hamstrings – OUCH!) are a testimony to that :>) But this is for a cause I believe in and a constant reminder that with every step I take, we come closer to eradicating this devastating disease.

Many of you have supported me in several ways along this beautiful journey. A few of my friends, Aditi, Pooja and Priya, have walked with me while I trained. I always look forward to walking with them as that makes my training so much fun. My family – parents, Ritesh and my children have been very supportive of my walk. My parents particularly, have been a tremendous pillar of strength. They have patiently taken care of Taran and Roshan while I have been training, giving them a horseback ride or playing scrabble with them.

I started training towards the end of April. I started off with a 4 mile walk and have gradually built up to an 18 mile walk in a single day which I managed recently. I have also completed a training walk of 26.2 miles over a period of 2 days. A constant companion on my walks has been my iPod. And a huge thanks to my friend, Priya, for downloading songs on my iPod and giving me the much needed boost. Whether it is my all time favorite, Israel Kamakawiwo Ole's “Somewhere over the rainbow” or Atif Aslam’s mind-blowing “Pehli Nazar Mein”, music has definitely added a beautiful dimension to my walk.

I have also been very happy with the amount I have been able to raise so far. A big thanks to those of you who contributed. While in the vast scheme of things, it may look miniscule, but I am certain it will help others who remain hopeful for a cure. I have crossed my goal of $1800 but those of you who still wish to contribute, please donate towards the fundraising goal of my friend, Shruti who is flying all the way from Atlanta to walk with me. She and I are walking as a team and we both need to reach our individual goals of $1800. Please click on the link below to support the cause. Remember that anything you give will make a difference in fighting this dreadful disease because everyone deserves a lifetime.

Support my friend, Shruti in our Avon walk for breast cancer. Visit her homepage at:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/NewYork?px=3922434&pg=personal&fr_id=1660

Countdown to freedom .... errr.... school

2008-09-02T21:04:00.005-04:00

Back in the spring, I was looking forward to spending the summer with my kids, Taran and Roshan. I had this glorious notion that since they have turned four and are growing up to be “big boys”, we will have a lot of fun together including the moments that I will spend with them and the moments they will play by themselves. I was obviously hopeful that the latter would constitute most of the day. So when it actually happened, I was super-joyed to observe how Taran and Roshan play so well together, whether it is their make believe trips to India/ Africa/ California where they travel with their backpacks, take out their passports at the immigration counter etc or the construction trucks they are driving while they build their city with Lego blocks. How angelic they looked when they hugged each other while “traveling” or “building” their city.
But boy! Was I wrong?! I soon realized what a profound error of judgment this was! What was I thinking? Was I out of my mind? Sure, they played together but I never imagined that these journeys to various esoteric parts of the world (their latest destination of choice include Egypt and Algeria) would involve moving their entire suite of toys and books from their toy bins and book shelves to our living room sofa, coffee table and the rest of the living room because one piece of furniture was supposed to be the x-ray machine where the checked in luggage was being screened and the other was the overhead bin to keep their hand baggage. On occasions such as this, as hard it may be, I remind myself to take a deep breath before I utter a single word ‘coz if I do not, the mild protests from my side would turn into a yelling race where I am trying to beat my own record of decibel level but since I know that the after-effects would probably be a massive headache for me and zero effect on the boys, a no-win situation, I try to calm myself down before discussing the luggage overload.
Me: But sweetheart, you are only allowed 2 pieces of checked in baggage so you may want to keep all of these things back in their spot.
Taran: It’s okay, mommy. We will pretend that the coffee table is our cargo ship and that we are shipping our luggage.
Roshan: Since we are shipping, can we also pack our clothes? Maybe we can get the big suitcases from the basement!
Me: Uffff!
Now I got to admit that my boys aren’t really devils (at least for most part); they are just normal 4 year olds who like to jump around, run about the house, giggle, scream, shout and play. Now, isn’t that what most 4 year olds do? Yet, there are moments when I find myself get flustered with the day to day happenings. For example when while playing “airport, airport” (a term they have coined), often times each suddenly develops a fancy for a particular backpack or a “piece of luggage”. From beaming smiles to pushing/pulling/screaming battles, the situation deteriorates faster than you can say “STOP”. Their choice of vocabulary at such instances hovers around:
He started it.
He hit me first.
He pushed me.
It was my turn.
He did not share it with me.
He is not my brother.
I do not love him anymore.
I will NEVER play with him. NEVER! NEVER!
Just writing this makes me sigh (and at this moment they are fast asleep, hopefully not fighting with each other in their dream), imagine my plight at the moment when my house turns into a battle zone and no amount of refereeing by grandparents will help; it has to be me - a single UN peacekeeping task force! I try the “Work it out for yourself” formula but that does not always help either. After all this, imagine my plight when I receive a letter from their school stating that the first 2 days of their school when they were supposed to be gone for “full day” aka 6.5 hrs, they will only be going for 1 hr 15 minutes ‘coz it is a “phase-in” period. ARRRGH! My countdown to freedom just got elongated :<( Now, if that makes me sound like a terrible mom, so be it. I admit I was wrong in imagining that everything will be hunky-dory, picture perfect and we will be living in utopia. As much as I love my kids, I have to periodically remind myself that moms need their occasional breaks, chatting with their girlfriends once, twice ….ok, I will admit, maybe 10 times a day, without interruptions every 30 seconds. We deserve to enjoy sipping our cup of coffee and end our day without a headache. So here it is to all those moms who beat themselves up wondering if they have been perfect role models – remember, “Moms are humans too.”

5 more days to regular school hours! Phew! I am at the home stretch! Fortunately, T & R are as eager to go to school as I am to send them so no guilt trips here :>)

An alternative source of energy - "Straight from the butt"

2008-08-26T21:38:00.005-04:00

Warning: Please be advised that the nature of this post is rather descriptive. Anyone whose sensibilities get affected quickly should avoid this post.

As long as I remember, I have been drilling into Taran and Roshan’s minds the importance of waste minimization and management, energy conservation, pollution prevention, climate change etc. I have a vivid recollection of holding them in my arms when they were infants and while turning off the lights talking to them about conserving electricity. Each time they bobbed their heads as any infant would, I would assure myself that this was an indication that they comprehended my monologue. I am pretty relentless in my quest to educating my kids so I grabbed every opportunity that came my way to instill these values in them, whether it was taking them to an “Earth Day” event (check link http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080428/NEWS/804280337) to discuss recycling or taking them to the library for a “Save the Earth” event where they learnt the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle too” song. Hence, it was gratifying to observe, when inside a restroom at Borders, Taran was most concerned about the toilet paper that was strewn on the floor and such was the concern he felt about the environment, he proceeded to report the same to a store executive, “There is so much toilet paper wasted in the restroom. Now someone will have to cut more trees to get paper. So, please can you tell everyone not to waste paper?” Likewise, two years ago (when Taran and Roshan were 2), I distinctly remember making “pretend” phone calls to the LIE (Long Island Expressway) authorities as the boys observed some streetlights turned on even though it was bright and sunny. (Incidentally, these “pretend” phone calls continue till date.) On the very next day, they observed a streetlight turned on right outside their school. On realizing that their class teachers could not have it turned off despite their repeated appeals, they decided to take the matter in their hand and dictated a letter to their teacher to mail it to the Bridgewater municipal authorities. When I went to pick them up that afternoon, I was handed a copy of that letter by their unusually jaded teacher. And yet again, lately they have been insistent that I use their artwork as bookmarks so that it can be “reused”. These incidents had assured me that my efforts to raise environmentally aware kids had borne fruit but never could I have imagined that their passion for “saving the Earth” was so strong that they could “discover” an alternate source of energy!!!
Today, we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch of “rajma” (red kidney beans), “chana” salad (chick pea salad) and beans. While my mom is a terrific cook, the triple combo of beans, beans and beans created a teeny weenie havoc in our stomachs, as a result of which, we all seemed to be engaged in a farting competition :<( One of these farts was a rather long-winding and audible one which caused Roshan and Taran’s eyes to pop and jaws to drop.
Roshan: What was that?
Me: Someone passed gas.
Roshan: OH! Can we fill it up in the Honda?!?!

Now, now, if only this would come true, we would all be standing with our butts facing the gas tank and in the process saving a mini fortune that we have been spending on gas lately. Gosh! I never knew I gave birth to a scientist!

Opposites interpreted in real life

2008-08-20T12:29:00.003-04:00

Ritesh: Taran, Roshan, please do not touch my new laptop.
Roshan: But I want to go to Starfall.com
Ritesh: This is my new laptop (which, in reality, is not new). Please do not touch it.
Taran: Ok. We will not touch it today but please can you tell me which day will your new laptop turn old?!?!

Dads don't get it!

2008-08-19T21:42:00.002-04:00

Taran and Roshan love being outdoors especially on their scooters and bicycles. But I am not a huge proponent of them cycling on the driveway 'coz it is rather steep and have been a cause of multiple "boo-boos". After spending a mini fortune on Band-Aids and refusing to contribute any further to the top line of J&J, I told them they can not cycle on the driveway. Of course, Ritesh chooses to ignore the "rules" and not only does he let them cycle on the driveway, he himself cycles there and flouts another rule i.e. does it without his helmet!!! Taran and Roshan are mamma's boys and immediately point it out to him that he is flouting the rule. Now fast forward to today:
Today, while we were having a picnic dinner a.k.a dinner on our porch where the kids have a picnic bench, the boys noticed our neighbor taking his daughter and her friend cycling. When he let the kids all the way to the garage through the rather steep drive-way, Taran chuckled "All dads are the same. They just don't know!"

Puerto Rico ....a vacation to remember

2008-08-19T00:20:00.005-04:00

Last summer Infosys had a conference for the Client Facing Group in a resort in Puerto Rico and so the kids and I decided to tag along with Ritesh.

Our first impression as soon as we landed there was that it looked a lot like Goa with palm trees, rolling hills, pleasant breeze, concrete colorful houses (as opposed to the wooden ones we see in the US) but resembled US when it came down to the big signs on the roads, the stores, the cars and the dollar bills :<(. The view from the hotel room was spectacular with the golf course and lush foliage in the foreground and the misty mountains of the rainforest towering in the distance. The resort was a mix of comfort and excitement. Simply put, it can not get better when you have a beach and swimming pool in the backyard. While it was difficult to tear ourselves from the sand and the water, we managed to explore some parts of the island. Puerto Rico offers nothing if not diversity. On one small island, 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, we truly experienced thousands of years of history and four distinct cultures. It is aptly called the island of Enchantment. Narrow cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, centuries-old fortresses (we saw El Morro) overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, fascinating museums and art galleries, the oldest church in the Western hemisphere (San Jose Church), quaint shops selling local handcrafts, restaurants offering not only traditional Puerto Rican fare (I tried the famous Mofongo in Café Puerto Rico) but all kinds of international cuisine- and everything bathed by a tropical breeze and light drizzle is the magic that we experienced in legendary Old San Juan. We were lucky to have Ishmail, a very friendly native, as our cab driver who also doubled up as a tour guide. We were happy to hike through El Yunque which is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Comprised of some 240 different species of trees, it is actually a series of forests, each one determined by its altitude. More than 100 billion gallons of precipitation fall each year, creating the jungle-like ambience of lush foliage, sparkling leaves, shining wet rocks, and shadowy paths occasionally pierced by sunlight. Spectacular waterfalls rush alongside its well-maintained (but slippery) trails. Taran and Roshan were delighted to take a dip in the refreshing waterfall and were so surprised to note the enormous size of the leaves in the rainforest they decided to bring a couple of them as souvenirs to show their "dadi"," masi", friends and teachers. We saw lizards, various kinds of bugs and butterflies but could only hear the birds and the ubiquitous tree frog, el coquí. The highlight of the trip was our visit to Viequez, an island of postcard beaches. It is so pretty, I wonder why Bollywood has not explored it yet. Viequez is a one hour ferryboat ride from the port of Fajardo on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Apart from being known for its pristine beaches (we visited the Sun Bay Beach which has received attention recently as one of the world's best hideaways) it is famous for its Mosquito Bay or Bioluminescent Bay. While during the day the bay may seem an ordinary lagoon surrounded by mangroves, at night it seemed magical to us. We went on a boat ride into the bay and in the middle of the bay, the sailor provided us life jackets to swim in the water where there were millions of microorganisms or dinoflagelletes which are tiny one-celled creatures that light up as fireflies when disturbed. Roshan and I were lucky to get into the water and enjoy this psychedelic experience. Ritesh, who could not get into the water as Taran was asleep in his arms, felt it was all a figment of my imagination but I bet it was more a case of sour grapes ;>). Apparently Bioluminescent Bays are very rare and the one in Viequez is the world’s most spectacular (as per a test they had conducted, there were 418,000 dinoflagelletes per gallon of water!!!). I must add here that while there were almost 20 people who swam in the bay, I was the only non-swimmer! But a big thanks to Ashu, who provided more support than a life jacket did, a nocturnal swim in these luminous tropical waters was the most unforgettable moment during my visit to Puerto Rico.
Of course, several glasses and concoctions of Mojito contributed significantly in making the vacation super fun. After all, we did not want to be deprived especially when we were visiting the Rum capital of the world. The effect of the Mojito was enhanced by the salsa music that was played at the Tiki bar.

We loved every bit of the trip – the seafood, the smile that was plastered on the kids faces while petting the iguanas, the pool, the hospitality of the locals (especially Penny, the owner of our bed and breakfast in Viequez). But what truly made this trip a lot of fun was meeting a lot of new faces (Priya, Sonali and Samiksha were a joy to hang out with) and spending time with our good friends, Ashu (who has a whacky sense of humour), Aditi, their absolutely adorable daughters, Roshni and Ria and our adventurous friends, Aniket, Shruti and their fun-loving kids, Arth and Kabir. It was as if the kids had a playdate 24x7 while the parents had their share of fun, especially in the pool, playing pool volleyball, going down the water slide, dancing to salsa music and lounging at the bar. No wonder for very long I had a Puerto Rican hangover (in more ways than one)!

Horseback ride with grandpa - PRICELESS!

2008-08-17T14:13:00.001-04:00

Aah! The joy of grandparents especially when you get a horseback ride on demand.

Little Red Riding Hood - fairy tale or a "silly story"

2008-07-31T23:26:00.002-04:00

I was reading "Little Red Riding Hood" to Taran and Roshan when I noticed that Taran had a smirk on his face. I asked him about it and this is how the conversation progressed:

Me: Taran, is everything ok?
Taran: Mummy, this is a silly story.
Me: Why?
Taran: In the story the wolf meets Little Red Riding Hood in the woods and asks her where she was going. Then the wolf went to her grandmother's house to wait for Litle Red Riding Hood so that the wolf could eat her up. If the wolf wanted to eat her up then why did he not eat her up when he met her in the woods?!?! He wasted so much time by running to the grandmother's house and waiting for Little Red Riding Hood to come!!!

Count your bones!

2008-07-30T00:24:00.002-04:00

Just around Taran and Roshan's 4th birthday, Taran had the following conversation with one of his teachers:

Taran: Miss Judy, I am bigger than you.

Miss Judy(with a smile): Is that right? I think I am bigger than you.

Taran: No, Miss Judy, I am bigger than you.

Miss Judy: Really? How are you bigger than me?

Taran: Adults have 206 bones in their body. But I am a child - babies and children have 270 bones in their body. So I have bigger number of bones so I am bigger than you.

Ballad of the Peach Tree Spring by Wang Wei

2008-07-23T13:52:00.001-04:00

from "Three Chines Poets" by Vikram Seth.

A fisherman sailed up-river; he loved the hills
in Spring.
On either bank of the old ford stood peach
trees blossoming.
He stared at the red trees. The miles passed;
unaware,
He reached the green creek’s end but saw no
human anywhere.
A gap-a hidden path twisted and turned
about-
Then suddenly among the hills a vast plain
opened out.
From far, a host of clouds and trees – but as he
neared
Among bamboos and scattered flowers a
thousand homes appeared.
Woodcutters with Han names and surnames
passed them on.
The villagers still wore clothes of Qin times,
long since gone.
Together all of them now lived at Wuling Spring,
Tilling their gardens and their fields away from
everything.
Moon bright below the pines – their houses all
lay quiet
When the sun rose among the clouds, roosters
and dogs ran riot.
A visitor from the world! They gathered round
and vied
To ask him home and question him on how
things were outside.
From village lanes at dawn they swept the
flowers away.
Woodsmen and fishermen rowed home
towards the close of day.
At first they’d come to flee the world and, some
maintain,
Had then become immortals and decided to
remain.
From these ravines who’d guess human affairs
exist? –
And from the world you’d only see blank
mountains cloaked in mist.
He did not think such realms were hard to hear
or see;
His heart, still dusty with the world, longed
for his own country.
He went out through the cave, no heeding
stream or hill,
To take his leave from home and then return
here at this will.
Certain he could not lose what he had just
passed through,
How could he know when he returned the
landscape would look new?
He’d gone into deep hills – but nothing else
was clear.
How often into cloudy woods do green creeks
disappear?
All over every stream in Spring peach blossom
lies.
Who can discern where he should seek the
spring of paradise?

Cruising the high seas

2008-07-15T22:52:00.002-04:00

The kids, Ritesh and I were having such a rocking time in the first couple of days on the cruise. Thankfully, the cruise provided such a variety of activities that we all had lots to engage in, apart from lazing around with our books and dipping into the pool. Of course, the food was a huge temptation. We are never ones to miss such delicacies – it is such an insult to the chef and the kitchen staff and we are all very sensitive to other’s feelings so we indulged a little, then a little more, and then some more. The biggest attraction though, was to have Ritesh all to ourselves. We had never experienced this feeling before ‘coz he is always armed with his weapons of mass destruction errr mass communication – yes, I am referring to the blackberry and the iPhone. But cruise is like a time machine; it takes you back, as difficult as it is to imagine, to those days of yore when there were no cell phones and no internet.
But things started changing on the third day. I noticed that Ritesh was a trifle fretful, pacing the decks with the restlessness of a hungry tiger and periodically emanating low growls like that of a lion waiting for its prey. I am perpetually worried about his health and hence choose to be a traveling pharmacy. By virtue of his travel he tends to eat the “Yum” food aka high cholesterol food and hence, when he is in NJ, I try to dish out healthy alternatives to the kind of food he likes. I scooped out my thermometer and the plethora of meds but figured the only thing that may work was some calming medication and of course, Murphy’s Law was at it’s best – I did not have it. We continued with the day’s events though these were interrupted with a few hissing like sounds ….thankfully the tongue did not stick out though the body kept sliding in and out of the cabin with a disquiet that started bothering me.
The fourth day was when all hell broke loose. In an otherwise calm and placid Caribbean waters, things were not so tranquil on the decks where I noticed someone all ruffled up demanding that Comcast or Verizon Wireless be urgently summoned lest the cruise company should drop the claim of being “a complete package” and “the perfect vacation”. The cruise staff urged calm but the gentleman was in no mood to reason it out. On sensing that the cruise staff were not “empowered” to fulfill his wishes, (and also had no way of reaching these wireless companies precisely for the same reason for which this whole drama had been staged – i.e. the lack of wireless communication) he preached about the power of empowerment. He never claimed to be a grandee but such was his passion about these topics that he felt that the whole crew and guests were bereft of such an exhilarating experience. And saying so, he jumped onto a lifeboat and sailed on the gentle blue of the Caribbean.
Of course, noticing the events on and off board, my heart became tremulous and I had the direct sense of mortality I have ever experienced, but when I saw the delight on his face and heard him sing “Row row row the boat …” with a never before experienced zest, I realized that this was a win-win situation for all. The crew was most delighted, the kids missed him momentarily but were so habituated that they knew how to deal with it. As regards Ritesh, the moment he hit the Miami coast, he hip hip hurrayed (if there is a word), Columbus style, Yeah! It finally works!!!! And such was the delight and thrill in his pitch that I finally woke up only to realize that there he was lying next to me with a beatific expression on his face, fast asleep but with his arm around his blackberry.

My dear friend, Pooja’s travelogues always has this effect on me. (Check out her blog : http://travelure.blogspot.com/) She gives such vivid descriptions, I feel I am present at the said location enjoying the vistas and admiring the sunsets. Such was the effect on reading her travelogue of the cruise to the Caribbean (which goes by the same title); I fell to sleep thinking about it and immediately transported myself into dreamland. The result was the above. This “dream” was also possible only after a frank and fearless discussion with my good friend Samiksha who shared her thoughts about the “auto mode” that men go into as soon as their Blackberries buzz. It was rather refreshing to note that I was not alone in cursing the “other one” in our life – the third angle in our triangle.

Disclaimer: And before I am bashed up for bashing Ritesh, let me assure you that this has been posted with his approval and not under any duress.

Our visit to Niagara Falls

2008-06-29T11:45:00.002-04:00

Taran’s story

(As dictated to Ritesh on June 27th, 2008)

The Niagara Falls is so beautiful. Everybody will love it because it’s so beautiful. I had a very good drive from New Jersey to Canada yesterday. We reached Canada in the evening and we met Nanaji, Nani, Amit mama, Richa mami, Gauranshi and Kanav bhaiya. There were firecrackers in the night. The waterfalls were also lit up colorfully. After seeing the fireworks, I ate a chocolate and vanilla icecream and Roshan ate a vanilla icecream. I shared with Nanaji my icecream. Then, we walked a little more to get into a taxi and then the taxi drove us to our hotel. We ate dinner and I ate idli and Roshan ate paratha and Gauranshi ate paratha and jam. Then I changed into my nightsuit and then, I went off to sleep. I woke up fresh in the morning after a nice long night’s sleep.

Roshan’s story

(As dictated to Ritesh on June 28th, 2008)

We went to the Niagara Falls today and then we went on a boat. The boat went all the way to the base of the Niagara Falls. There was so much spray from the falls that we all. got wet. We had worn blue raincoats and on the other side, they were wearing yellow raincoats. Then we had some icecream. We went to Boston Pizza to eat some lunch. I ate French fries and chicken fingers and I drank some apple juice. Then, Taran, Papa and I went into the sky wheel. The sky wheel turned 4 times and it went so high and I was not scared. I was holding Papa’s hand. When we went up, I was almost touching the sky. We went to Gauranshi and Kanav bhaiya’s new house. I am having lots of fun there.

Taran and Roshan turn story-tellers

2008-06-25T00:10:00.004-04:00

The woman with the basketball
Story by Taran Idnani (as dictated to his papa on June 14th, 2008)

The woman was playing basketball in the basketball court in Bridgewater, NJ. She was practicing her game because she was just learning to play the game and she wanted to play with others when she learnt to play a little better. She slipped while she was playing the game on the court. She got hurt and then blood came out from her right knee. She went to her house and put an alcohol swab on her knee. She drove in her Honda Civic back to the basketball court. Then she started playing again and then she didn’t get hurt. She learnt how to play basketball.

Tiger Woods – the golf player
Story by Roshan Idnani (as dictated to his papa on June 14th, 2008)
Tiger Woods was playing golf at the park in New York City. He was there in the park with his kid. Then, his wife also came to the park. Then they went bicycling in the park and they went home after that. At home, they ate some chicken nuggets. They then switched on the television and they watched a movie “Finding Nemo”.

3.5 year olds give lessons in global warming.

2008-06-19T22:17:00.001-04:00

Earlier this year, I was driving with Taran and Roshan when I pointed to a snowman someone had made in front of their house. The sun was shining bright and as a result the snowman looked a caricature version of it’s former self. I asked my kids what made the snowman different from the day before and the result was a rather interesting conversation and if I may say, an intellectual one too, considering we are talking about 3.5 year old twins.
Taran piped up: The sun is shining so bright and so the snowman is melting.
Me: Excellent. What will happen if the sun keeps shining bright every day?
Both: All the snow will melt.
Me: Good job, boys. Now tell me do you remember that there is a lot of snow and glaciers near the north and the south pole?
Both: Yes, there is a lot of snow where Santa lives and in Antarctica.
Me: So what will happen if it keeps getting hot?
Both: All the snow will melt.
Me: Super. Then what will happen?
Taran: There will be a lot of water in the Arctic ocean near the North pole and in the Atlantic ocean near the south pole.
Me: Wow! Do you remember that all the oceans are interconnected?
Roshan: Yes, so there will be a lot of water in all the oceans.
Me: Excellent! Then, what will happen?
Roshan: Maybe, there will be tsunamis in the ocean.
Taran: If there is a lot of water, then all the islands will disappear. That will be so sad. :<(

Needless to say, my heart swelled with pride to observe the thought process of these little kids and the resulting emotion they felt. But if they can get it, then for God’s sake will someone explain why President Bush doesn’t get it?

Big Ritesh and us - Fathers Day!

2008-06-15T21:06:00.008-04:00

Taran: Happy Fathers Day, papa. I made a blue handprint for you beacuse you like blue color.
Ritesh: Thank you so much.
Roshan: Happy Fathers Day, papa. I made a purple handprint for you because Morgan (a very cute blonde in his class) likes purple!!!

PTA at Taran and Roshan's school

2008-06-12T18:51:00.005-04:00

Gosh! As much as I want, I can not bring myself to stop grinning today. Someone please help me ... I am floating up in the sky.... defying Newton's law of gravity :>) Taran and Roshan, sweetie, you guys make me so darn proud. I have been humming "Aaj mein oopar, aasmaan neeche, aaj mein aage, zamaana hai peeche ...." ever since I returned from your school. You make everything worth it ... the 3 months of hospitalization, the 10 months of bed rest, the 4 years of sleepless nights - OUCH!!! (Well, I could do without that) But if I had to do it all over again, nothing, absolutely nothing would change.

Race to the White House - simplified!

2008-06-10T16:02:00.006-04:00

3 months ago, when I picked up my kids from school, their teacher, Ms Cathy said that during circle time when children get a chance to talk about whatever they wish, Taran raised his hand rather eagerly and this was the conversation that followed:

Ms. Cathy: Yes, Taran, what would you like to talk about?
Taran: "Three people want to become the president - Hillary Clinton, "Barrat Obama" and "John MTain". But only one can become the president."
Ms. Cathy, wide-eyed and wide-smiled: How do you know that?
Taran: I read it in the New York Times.

Fast forward to yesterday, when the following conversation took place between the two brothers:

Taran: My brother, do you know that Hillary Clinton does not want to become the president now?
(Clearly, we have not yet had a dinner table conversation to discuss the concept and process of nomination - so it is not the "want"; it is the "can't")
Roshan: I already know that.
Taran: Now there are only 2 people who want to become the president - "Barrat Obama" and "John MTain".
Roshan: I already know that.
Taran: Who do you wish should be the president?
Roshan: I want "Barrat Obama" to become the president because papa likes him and I like him. Who do you want as your president?
Taran: George Bush is a "Republitan" and John "MTain" is also a "Republitan". So that does not be fair if all the time "Republitans" be the president. But Barrat Obama is a “Demotrat” so I want him to become the president.

Taran and Roshan make sail boats for Fathers Day - Part V

2008-06-09T15:46:00.007-04:00

Taran and Roshan make sail boats for Fathers Day - Part IV

2008-06-09T15:33:00.004-04:00

Taran and Roshan make sail boats for Fathers Day - Part III

2008-06-09T14:54:00.004-04:00

Taran and Roshan make sail boats for Fathers Day - Part II

2008-06-09T14:47:00.004-04:00

Taran and Roshan make sail boats for Fathers Day

2008-06-09T14:30:00.005-04:00

Update on my Avon walk for breast cancer

2008-06-06T10:07:00.004-04:00

Hey there, as promised, I am back with an update. I am 6 weeks into my training. I have pretty much kept with the recommended training schedule. Also, I am thrilled that I have reached 53% of my fundraising goal. Many thanks to those who have donated towards my goal. And also to those who have sent me “stamina vibes”. And a big thanks to my good friend, Priya, for writing about my walk on her blog. Check out the post “All for a good cause” dated May 9, 2008 at http://reachpriya.tumblr.com/
Aah! Publicity - the frill benefits!!!

And for those who feel guilty of refusing to walk with me when I tried to rope in all of my friends in search of a walking partner, sweetie, here is your BIG chance to shed all your guilt. Just click on the link below and DONATE! :>)

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/NewYork?px=3864907&pg=personal&fr_id=1660&et=pLyyEexIUoHiqyFurenZ6Q..&s_tafId=323782
The fun part of this whole experience was when I attended one of the webinars made by my “Walker buddy” (a person from Avon who assists you in your preparation for the walk). She urged us to buy “wicking” material fitness apparel and 2-3 pairs of sturdy shoes. Right from that day, I was on a mission. It was not because I love to shop and each time there is a “sale” which, of course, happens every week, I am back rushing from the parking lot with the fervor of a child who is about to get his favorite toy; it is because I am a good citizen – I wish to contribute to the top line of the stores! It is also because you have got to wear fitness gear … after all you do not want to be covered with rash and blisters. And, let’s look at the positive side; I am “walking” in the malls too. And now that I have justified my visits, I have to admit DH has been very encouraging – his wallet is turning lighter by the week but the sweetheart that he is, he always says, “Go for it!” So, in true Academy awards style, this one is for you, honey. I am glad I have you in my life.

Japanese man finds woman living in his closet

2008-06-04T22:34:00.005-04:00

Last week I read a news report about a Japanese man finding a woman in his closet. Apparently, the woman had been staying there for almost one year. The woman told the police that she had nowhere to live. The report ended by saying that the Police suspect she might have been closet-hopping, moving from house to house. Hours after I finished reading the article, I kept ruminating over it especially the last sentence. She had proved Maslow's hierarchy of needs correct by trying to meet her basic human needs. But I also kept thinking about the woman and her complete isolation. For one whole year, no one had noticed that she had simply vanished without trace, while she endured loneliness and suffering. I was provoked by her suffering and her unique response to it. She could keep living to fulfill her physiological and safety needs but all these months must have damaged her spirits more than her body. It made me realize that worse than hunger, pain, discomfort and defeat is the feeling that no one, absolutely no one, cares about us. I hope no one experiences such emotions. I prayed for the woman and thanked the news article for reaffirming the value of friendship and my faith in family. I said a silent prayer thanking God for blessing me with both, a loving family and wonderful friends.
Click on the link below for the news article mentioned above:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080530/wl_asia_afp/japancrimeoffbeat_080530084124

Stroke Identification

2008-05-28T22:16:00.010-04:00

YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T.R .

My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.

During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance) . They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.) . She had suffered a stroke at the party. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE:
Remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * = Ask the individual to SMILE .
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg 'It is sunny out today').
R * = Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

So please spread the word. You may end up saving a life….and it could be your own.

New rules for skip counting

2008-05-25T17:22:00.002-04:00

Me: Roshan, can you count by 10?
Roshan: Yes, I can, It is 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100.
Me: Wow! Taran, can you count by 3?
Taran: No, mummy, please ask me some tricky ones.
Me: Ok, can you count by 6?
Taran: It is 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36.
Me: Excellent! Now, Rosh can you please count by 5?
Roshan: Ok. It is 5, 10, 12 ...
Taran, interjecting immediately and itching to give the answer: No, it is not 12. Please let me tell you what it is.
Roshan, vehemently sticking to his stand: No, it is 12.
Taran: No, it is not. Ok, please let me whisper the answer in your ears. It is 15.
Roshan: It is 12.
Me: Are you sure Rosh?
Roshan, aware that he made a mistake but not wanting to be outdone: Actually, they changed the skip counting from today. Till yesterday it was 5, 10 and 15 but from today it is 5, 10 and then 12.

2008-05-24T23:05:00.003-04:00

Of Trials, Tribulations and Training
(Posted on my Avon walk for breast cancer web page on Thu, May 01, 2008 @ 11:10 PM )

Training begins in earnest! If you are thinking "WALK?!?! 39.3 miles!!! this girl ????" then, I am definitely with you.(If you are not thinking that, look at the photo and you will) It is definitely a Herculean task. And trust me, for someone who has not walked a total of 39 miles in her life, it required a lot of physical/mental strength and motivation just to sign up for this. But if there is one thing I do not lack, it is determination especially when it comes to helping out in this dreaded disease - CANCER. As many of you know, I have seen this closely. My father is a cancer survivor, two uncles fought bravely but could not make it, a good friend's mother is a breast cancer survivor and now, a very close friend's husband is trying to fight it off (and I sure hope he wins this battle).
So, when an opportunity came in the guise of walking for breast cancer, I sure took it up. I also derive inspiration from some friends who have run the marathon and some who swim 10 miles at a stretch and cycle 20 miles at a stretch (I bow my head in reverence to them). If they can do it (and return to run the following year), I can, at least walk. I am certain it will be an experience that will test my endurance but I am positive that my faith will help me through this journey.
I started training earlier this week (April 28th 2008) and I have reached the recommended goal of 14 miles for this week. Sure enough, my muscles are screaming, after all I had not stepped into the gym for the last 3 months. But, with every step I took, I felt there was a hope that someone somewhere in the world may not need to experience this horrific disease the way the less fortunate have. With every step I took, I felt there was a hope that at least there will be one less person who gets to know (the way I did 4 years ago) that their parent is suffering from cancer.
I am so glad I took the opportunity to dramatically impact the lives of millions affected by breast cancer worldwide. And I sincerely hope that you will support me in my endeavor. Just remember, your support can make a difference to the lives of not only those men and women who are affected by this disease, but their loved ones too.
So long!

Support me in my Avon walk for breast cancer by visiting my homepage and donating towards the cause:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/NewYork?px=3864907&pg=personal&fr_id=1660&et=pLyyEexIUoHiqyFurenZ6Q..&s_tafId=323782

A personal loss

2008-05-21T00:02:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, May 18th, my friend’s husband, Atul passed away at a young age of 38. He was diagnosed with brain cancer merely 6 weeks ago. He is survived by his mother, wife, a 4.5 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. The last few weeks have been grueling for him and his family. They had to go through what no one should ever experience.

We all have been programmed to believe that one should let fate intervene in our lives and decide what is best. As much as I try, I fail to fathom what is good in this particular situation. On the contrary, I find it very harsh and cruel for both, Atul and his family. I was fortunate to stand by my friend while she dealt with this crisis. To all out there at the hospital, she was the epitome of strength. But the anguish in her eyes was evident while she stood there helpless, seeing her husband slip away gradually. His mother stood there holding his hand trying to make sense of a situation which was completely nonsensical to begin with. Each day his children waited with anticipation for their dad to return home. Now the only memories they will have of him will be through some video footage and photographs clicked over the years which were meant to capture happy moments and not serve as the only means to know their dad.

Thing will never be the same again for Atul’s family because they have felt the pain of seeing the most important thing in their life disappear from one moment to another. They have experienced their souls getting a blow as if some force snatched their joy away. Yet, they need to go back to the world of dropping the kids to school, washing the dishes, paying the bills, cooking and eating to keep their bodies alive while their souls have a permanent hollow. But at night, they may remain wandering in space, cherishing the moments they spent with Atul as they toss and turn in vain to accept the fact that he is not lying down next to them. However, they have to keep going on, perhaps, with the faith that he has gone to a better place, or else, risk going mad.

As for me, I suffer a huge sense of loss with Atul’s passing. I have always enjoyed interacting with him but what endeared him the most to me was to see how happy my friend was with Atul. The phrase “made for each other” was probably coined with them in mind. I sit here today, reminiscing about the time when Atul made bubbles with his son and my kids in the backyard of his beautiful house, when he drove us to Monterey to see the aquarium and Carmel to experience a stunning sunset and enjoy walking across the cobbled street of this quaint town. I also remember the time when he insisted he would take me to the Golden Gate Bridge on my first trip to California. Years later, it was the same bridge where Atul ran the half marathon with an injured leg. Atul was never the kinds who would fret and fume about anything; on the contrary, his “never say no” attitude and positive frame of mind won him many friends. Perhaps, deep down, he knew that our time on this Earth is short but sacred and we should celebrate each moment. I sincerely hope that he will remain as happy, if not happier, in the place where he has gone. I hope and pray that God gives his family and loved ones the strength and fortitude to deal with this unimaginable loss.

Birthday gifts ... errr... demands!

2008-05-16T23:25:00.001-04:00

Me: Taran, Roshan, what gift would you like for your 4th birthday?
Taran: Maybe a soccer ball.
Me: Sure. How about you, Roshan?
Roshan: Maybe a car.
Me: Hmm! Ok! Would you like to come with me to Toysrus to choose one?
Roshan: Actually, I meant a car from the dealership.

History discussions leave me for dead

2008-05-04T00:48:00.002-04:00

If anyone knows me even remotely, they know how much I relish spending time with my two chimps and doing all kinds of fun activities wih them. So, in an effort to do some cool stuff (my idea, as you will soon find) with them, I made a presentation for them to take to school and talk about in their "circle time". The topic was "Our trip to India". The presentation had about 10 slides, with a picture and a caption in each slide. The project was supposed to be a group effort but midway into the presentation, I found myself working furiously at the laptop while I heard some real high-pitched noises "Goal", "Good shot", coming from the foyer. Yes, Taran and Roshan were busy playing soccer while I was working on their project!!! Not a good omen, I say!!! But I am quite thick-skinned, so I brushed away the initial exasperation I felt and praised one of the pictures we had taken of the boys during our trip. Vain as they are, they rushed to admire themselves on the screen. When I had their undivided attention, I started talking about each picture on the powerpoint. Now, since they both like to listen to stories, they were eager to know about the Mughal emperors. They found the discussion quite fascinating especially when I explained that Sikandra is Akbar's mausoleum and Taj Mahal is Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan's mausoleum. And then came a moment that is so characteristic of any 3 to 4 year old- "Mummy", Roshan asked innocently, "So many people are dead. When are you going to die?!?!"

Quintessential India

2008-05-02T23:00:00.004-04:00

I was positively giddy with happiness when I found out that my cousin was celebrating the birth of his son. Everything in me, right down to the pores of my skin, was expressing joy at the thought of meeting my extended family and be part of the festivities in India. So, our fourteen pieces of luggage hauled in two limousines, winsome smiles on our faces and a song on our lips (aptly “Chaiyan chaiyan”, ‘coz given the number of suitcases we had originally pondered if we would be sitting on top of the cars instead of inside it), we drove to JFK airport, eager to board our flight to India. The 15 hour flight was a grilling session on geography, what with Taran and Roshan’s consistent questioning “Are we still over the Atlantic?”, “Which European country are we flying over?” and “How long will it take?”, yet, the anticipation of the trip, made me respond to each question, however annoying I found it, with a beatific smile.

Taran and Roshan’s first reaction on exiting the airport was sheer amazement. During the drive to my parents house, they discovered the extraordinary variety of the means of transportation in India. To this day, they remain intrigued and enchanted by the autorickshaws, cycle rickshaws and the variety of buses, rattling or screeching, on the Indian roads.

As our trip was short, our determination was grim and blind. We felt we had no time to waste and so, right from the get go, we were savoring the pleasing things in life such as spending time with friends and family, shopping and pleasing the taste buds. We had promised the children a trip to the Taj Mahal and so off we drove 220 km to Agra. Sikandra, Akbar’s mausoleum, was the first monument we visited. It is a perfect example of the blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture with inspiration from Christian, Buddhist, Jain and Jewish motifs including the star of David. The project, started by Akbar, and completed by his son, Jehangir, was built over a period of 13 years. I found this monument stunning and unfortunately, highly under-rated. Every aspect of the monument is inspiring , right from the huge gateway, Buland Darwaza, modeled on the famed victory gate at Fatehpur Sikri to the great Moghul gardens where deer, monkeys and even parrots flirted with each other. The striking inlay work of white marble on red sandstone is grand. But the biggest feast to the eyes are the lavish stucco paintings in gold, blue, brown and green colors at the portico in front of Akbar’s grave.

The Taj is indeed, synonymous with profound beauty. This was my third visit to the Taj but so grand is the monument, so flawless is the calligraphy, so intricate is the stone carving and the inlay work, so magnificent are the Moghul gardens that each trip makes me spellbound. They say that the white marble reflects the various moods of the day so we decided to experience it and visited the Taj during sunset and in the morning. The bonus was to have a hotel room with a view of the Taj and indeed, we found Taj by sunrise to be breathtaking. It is not a surprise that the Taj is unsurpassed in splendour by not only any Moghul building, but by any other monument on the face of the earth. This, surely, is one site that surpasses any hype.

As Taran and Roshan’s restless hunger for excitement continued through the trip, we proceeded to Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built this city in honour of Sheikh Salim Chishti, who had rightly predicted the birth of the son of the childless emperor. Akbar's first son was born in 1569 A.D. and was named as Salim in honour of Sheikh Salim Chishti. This town had its’ (not so) brief tryst with glory and abandoned only after 15 years of its construction, due to scarcity of water in the town. This one time capital of Mughal Empire still stands majestically, almost untouched by the passage of time. Today this ghost city has a population of about 30,000 and runs on the economy of tourism. The Jami Masjid, the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti and the Buland Darwaaza are all sights that will remain permanently etched in our memories.

The trip was spectacular in one more aspect - In one single trip, Taran and Roshan rode the camel, a cycle rickshaw, an auto rickshaw, a horse cart ride, a camel cart ride and a tempo. They were very insistent that I sit on the camel with them! I may not be the smartest alec around, but I was pretty certain that if I grant their wish, the camel is surely going to kick the bucket. So, with some cajoling from my side and a downright appeal from the camel owner’s side (you should have seen the gloom on his face), we saved a life that day.

The next day we found ourselves on a flight to Mumbai. We had a very good time with Ritesh’s family. My sister-in-law, Preeti, doted on the kids and, among other things, bought them umbrellas which they showed off to everyone including strangers at the airport. She also took us to Juhu Beach which enthralled adults and children alike and treated us to Naturals ice cream, which, to this day, remain my favorite. My “rakhi-bhai”, Sonu bhaiya, Anju bhabhi and Roshni played the perfect hosts. They made us feel completely at home and took us around on a big shopping spree apart from introducing us to the high and mighty of the Indian corporate world at the Bombay Gymkhana on the bar night. They also indulged our taste buds with mouth watering Konkani food at the Konkan café at the President and Chinese food at Marine Plaza. It was also a delight to catch up with our friends, Prashant, Preeti and their son, Pratham and to meet up with other family friends.

We then moved to my uncle’s house in Delhi to stay with them and the entire extended family. For those who do not know my family, just imagine 50 times me. That is how vocal and demonstrative my whole family is and yes, we all love our own voices. What? Did you say “Cacophony”? We all, i.e. the whole 50 of us, respectfully disagree. We call it “Lyrical”. The festivities, extended over 3 days, saw, apart from the rituals and customs, some family drama, music, a lot of dancing, merry-making and feasts of monumental proportions. Ritesh, unused to such cultural fervor, was overwhelmed initially, but by the end of our stay, I had a sense that he was enjoying every bit of it. As regards myself, I was completely at home. By now the heat was really beginning to get us but nature forever holds surprises. Delhi was blessed with showers a few days in a row bringing the temps down. It meant that I no longer felt guilty of letting the children play outdoors throughout the day while I was busy exercising my vocal chords.

I also had the privilege (or not) of visiting a government office for some personal work. Coincidentally, I was reading “Yes Prime Minister” during my trip. Suffice to say, the combined forces of Hacker, Sir Humphrey, Bernard Woolley and the whole of Whitehall/ 10 Downing Street seemed the epitome of efficiency when compared to the Indian bureaucracy. For those who are yet to discover the joy of reading Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, imagine someone explaining the word “delay” in slow motion – that is how I felt.

The remainder of the trip was spent shopping, eating mouth-watering food and meeting and calling friends and family. The air waves became so crowded that one fine day papa’s cell phone chose to humbly retire. And MTNL, in the fear of making excessive revenues and therefore disturbing their trend, thought it prudent to, not only disrupt the lines in my parents phone, but the whole community/colony’s phone lines lest I trouble the neighbors. Phoneless, but not clueless on how to spend time, we decided to ride the metro everyday and hit the malls. The former was a joy to my children and the latter, to Ritesh’s chagrin, was bliss for me.

Soon, it was time to pack our bags (yet again) to come back home. Oddly, despite the fun in India, I was beginning to miss home, my life in NJ, my friends and my schedule that revolves constantly around my kids. Yet, I had the most wonderful time during this trip. On the flight back I was ruminating over my trip and the amazing memories I was carrying back of this trip and of all the time that I have spent there. I can truly relate to Shantaram where he says, “I surrendered to India, as I did every day, then, and as I still do, every day of my life, no matter where I am in the world”.