On my mind : I am too tired to think
Music : Kate nahin raat by Ustad Sultan Khan [99.9 FM]
I have been rather busy lately.....lengthy classes from 9 in the morning, too many couseworks, too much to study, quick run to the supermarket, cooking every evening , a series of mood swings and what not?? It all started when I carelessly forgot to take my Tommy Hilfiger watch from the laboratory. Considering that the watch was dear to me, I was sure that I would find it somehow and so I was not worried...later that day I realised that I had a coursework to complete within 3 weeks....then suddenly, unexpectedly something happened....out of the blue,I heard a voice.....and it was my own.....I was telling myself that I am careless, irresponsible, stupid, dumb and all the things I could think of!! I agree, I am a tiny little bit irresponsible and careless but I was not fair in calling myself stupid and dumb! Today, I found my watch [God, I love you!] and got myself through with the course work!!:D I am one happy person now....what a terrible change of mood that was!! The weatherman too should be very happy...it is snowing... on and off since yesterday. It snows whenever I step out of my flat....wonder why that is :P but who cares.......I love it when it snows on me!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Friday, February 18, 2005
It was still a surprise!
On my mind : The party should have lasted forever
Music : Jaanam samjha karo by Asha Bhosle
Han, I cannot help this...But once again Happy Birthday and sorry I am mentioning your name...
Do you ever feel this way? You know, when your happiness lies in seeing someone happy, when a smile on your loved ones face can enliven your day.....Han's birthday surprise was still a surprise to her! The look on her face as soon as she entered the kitchen made me realize that efforts pay. She even told us that this was the best birthday she ever had. And listening to her say that, made this day the best day I have had in UK. Han, if you are reading this, I want to let you know that I am satisfied just because you are happy.....We all love you!! [you will not be hearing these emotional words from me for the next few months atleast....Its your birthday...That's why I am being nice to you ;)] Melek, thanks for the help..Couldn't have done it without you!
I will look back on these days for the sweet memories that have rooted in my heart forever. I will turn around to recollect these memories and it will bring a smile on my face every single time. Thank you guys for being the best part of my life so far... Life is so strange and cruel at times. Now the fear is that I am becoming fond of you all. In June, we all have to separate and I am making the situation worse for myself.....
Below are some pictures that I took at the party today
Music : Jaanam samjha karo by Asha Bhosle
Han, I cannot help this...But once again Happy Birthday and sorry I am mentioning your name...
Do you ever feel this way? You know, when your happiness lies in seeing someone happy, when a smile on your loved ones face can enliven your day.....Han's birthday surprise was still a surprise to her! The look on her face as soon as she entered the kitchen made me realize that efforts pay. She even told us that this was the best birthday she ever had. And listening to her say that, made this day the best day I have had in UK. Han, if you are reading this, I want to let you know that I am satisfied just because you are happy.....We all love you!! [you will not be hearing these emotional words from me for the next few months atleast....Its your birthday...That's why I am being nice to you ;)] Melek, thanks for the help..Couldn't have done it without you!
I will look back on these days for the sweet memories that have rooted in my heart forever. I will turn around to recollect these memories and it will bring a smile on my face every single time. Thank you guys for being the best part of my life so far... Life is so strange and cruel at times. Now the fear is that I am becoming fond of you all. In June, we all have to separate and I am making the situation worse for myself.....
Below are some pictures that I took at the party today
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Is it the busy season??
On my mind : A sound sleep
Music : Pt. Ravi Shankar accompanied by Zakir Hussain
Why is everyone busy nowadays?? Uuffff.. I have a lot to complain so bear with me for the next few seconds. My friends here in my flat and at the university are busy. It is so sad that I get to see them just once in a day. It has been a month since I lost touch with my friends in Bangalore. Nobody returns my calls, my mails, my messages...nothing...I was thinking of throwing away my phone into a stream nearby..its simply of no use!! My dad has reduced his number of calls to just 1 call in 3 days. Earlier, he alone [except my mum] used to call me atleast 5 times a day :( Amrutha and Bhars....you guys be assured that you are soo going to be killed when I come to Bangalore [grr...I hate you both so much!] And Mohana....kapi, manga, where on earth are you?? Well...thats about it....I will stop now...
Lectures on Manufacturing systems were awesome today though it was for 3 incessant hours. This particular module has brought some gusto into the semester. For the first time, I got to toy around with these wonderfully built huge and intricate machines [the central lathe and the milling machine - both used to cut and drill metals to fit a design] and it was too good of an experience. No wonder I opted for Medical Engineering and no wonder that there are only about 10% girls studying in the entire department.....
Music : Pt. Ravi Shankar accompanied by Zakir Hussain
Why is everyone busy nowadays?? Uuffff.. I have a lot to complain so bear with me for the next few seconds. My friends here in my flat and at the university are busy. It is so sad that I get to see them just once in a day. It has been a month since I lost touch with my friends in Bangalore. Nobody returns my calls, my mails, my messages...nothing...I was thinking of throwing away my phone into a stream nearby..its simply of no use!! My dad has reduced his number of calls to just 1 call in 3 days. Earlier, he alone [except my mum] used to call me atleast 5 times a day :( Amrutha and Bhars....you guys be assured that you are soo going to be killed when I come to Bangalore [grr...I hate you both so much!] And Mohana....kapi, manga, where on earth are you?? Well...thats about it....I will stop now...
Lectures on Manufacturing systems were awesome today though it was for 3 incessant hours. This particular module has brought some gusto into the semester. For the first time, I got to toy around with these wonderfully built huge and intricate machines [the central lathe and the milling machine - both used to cut and drill metals to fit a design] and it was too good of an experience. No wonder I opted for Medical Engineering and no wonder that there are only about 10% girls studying in the entire department.....
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Surprisingly not surprising!!
On my mind : its freezing!!
Music : Ghum hai kisi ke pyar mein from Dance Masti [the remix version]
A friend's birthday on thursday...we were planning a surprise party for her and it came as a disappointment when someone told her about the party... definitely a surprise for me!! :( Valentines day was beautiful, just like anyother day.....got myself some cards and gifts while a friend was staring at me popping up the question "Archana, why are you buying such things when you dont have a boyfriend??!" every minute. "Well...you dont need a person to be in love, do you?? I am in love 24/7 " was what I said...and then there was this mysterious look on her face "you are crazy!!" she said. Around dusk we started watching some old romantic movies with the candles in the background......aaaahhhh what a satisfying day!
Music : Ghum hai kisi ke pyar mein from Dance Masti [the remix version]
A friend's birthday on thursday...we were planning a surprise party for her and it came as a disappointment when someone told her about the party... definitely a surprise for me!! :( Valentines day was beautiful, just like anyother day.....got myself some cards and gifts while a friend was staring at me popping up the question "Archana, why are you buying such things when you dont have a boyfriend??!" every minute. "Well...you dont need a person to be in love, do you?? I am in love 24/7 " was what I said...and then there was this mysterious look on her face "you are crazy!!" she said. Around dusk we started watching some old romantic movies with the candles in the background......aaaahhhh what a satisfying day!
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Whose business is it anyway??
On my mind : my visit to India
Music : Tanusree by Ananda Shankar
Valentines Day is just around the corner and it is creating issues among the senseless religious leaders and their blind followers. I was talking about the "Shiv Sainiks" as they are called, who go around the town destroying and burning posters, soft toys, red hearts, cards and everything related to Valentines day. The way I see it, I think that even Lord Shiv wouldnt do what the Shiv Sainiks do!! I simply dont find a good enough reason to believe "Hindutva" as preached by the religious leaders though I am a Hindu by choice. Once when I was in Sringeri [a very famous religious centre in Karnataka], I saw this popular sanyasi or a sage or whatever he is [I am not putting up his name] stepping out of his own Mercedes Benz [S class]! Believe it or not he was seated upon a Tiger's skin....a real tiger's skin! I thought that a sanyasi is a person who gives up all worldly pleasures and spends his life time to find 'Mukti'.......wherever did that get lost and whyever did he need a Mercedes !! I suggest that he sell his Mercedes immediately and donate all the money to the poor who are dying because of hunger. Anyways, Hindutva according to them is promoting Hinduism by degrading all other religions....it is to force people to believe in what they suppose the religion propagates. Ask them what the Bhagavadgeetha advocates and they will blink!! They dont even know what Hinduism is or where it originated from. And again, they have forgotten that there is something called 'Right to Religion'. Celebrating Valentines day is not going to increase the popularity of Christianity or westernism in anyway.....nor is it going to convert Hindus into Christians overnight!! [People here in western countries least care about a 'Valentines day'] Or even if it is so....one has the right to choose and follow what he/she believes in......
Good news is that I will be coming to India, after all, in March.....so I have less than a month to wait for. Mixed feelings....but I am more excited. This time I will try to make full utilisation of my trip. As always, I am looking forward to it......... :) I am all pepped up and I cannot wait!!!!!
Music : Tanusree by Ananda Shankar
Valentines Day is just around the corner and it is creating issues among the senseless religious leaders and their blind followers. I was talking about the "Shiv Sainiks" as they are called, who go around the town destroying and burning posters, soft toys, red hearts, cards and everything related to Valentines day. The way I see it, I think that even Lord Shiv wouldnt do what the Shiv Sainiks do!! I simply dont find a good enough reason to believe "Hindutva" as preached by the religious leaders though I am a Hindu by choice. Once when I was in Sringeri [a very famous religious centre in Karnataka], I saw this popular sanyasi or a sage or whatever he is [I am not putting up his name] stepping out of his own Mercedes Benz [S class]! Believe it or not he was seated upon a Tiger's skin....a real tiger's skin! I thought that a sanyasi is a person who gives up all worldly pleasures and spends his life time to find 'Mukti'.......wherever did that get lost and whyever did he need a Mercedes !! I suggest that he sell his Mercedes immediately and donate all the money to the poor who are dying because of hunger. Anyways, Hindutva according to them is promoting Hinduism by degrading all other religions....it is to force people to believe in what they suppose the religion propagates. Ask them what the Bhagavadgeetha advocates and they will blink!! They dont even know what Hinduism is or where it originated from. And again, they have forgotten that there is something called 'Right to Religion'. Celebrating Valentines day is not going to increase the popularity of Christianity or westernism in anyway.....nor is it going to convert Hindus into Christians overnight!! [People here in western countries least care about a 'Valentines day'] Or even if it is so....one has the right to choose and follow what he/she believes in......
Good news is that I will be coming to India, after all, in March.....so I have less than a month to wait for. Mixed feelings....but I am more excited. This time I will try to make full utilisation of my trip. As always, I am looking forward to it......... :) I am all pepped up and I cannot wait!!!!!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Expressing yourself........its a birthright guys!!
On my mind : Memories
Music : None
Never had such a terrible day since many years I think. Got some very bad news from Bangalore the first thing in the morning . Someone who is a very close relative expired. Being sad is an issue but what I hate is this helpless and desperate feeling. So had no mood to put up a post on my blog...but this seems to be going on everywhere. So here goes my views.....
Freedom of expression, does it exist at all?? Even if we have the freedom to express we still worry what the listener would think of us. I agree that its better to think twice or even a hundred times when it drops down to expressing ourselves at a personal level but otherwise I would rather feel more uncomfortable, uneasy and tied up when I cannot express what I think. Freedom exists only in text books.....never has it come to life. All of us at some point or another give into the perseverance of the society. How far should this go? Should we live for the society or for ourselves? My mother would often say ' what will they think?' and I would ask her 'what would who think Mii?' She has stopped that now to a certain extent simply because she knows that I dont care for people who dont matter in my life.
Music : None
Never had such a terrible day since many years I think. Got some very bad news from Bangalore the first thing in the morning . Someone who is a very close relative expired. Being sad is an issue but what I hate is this helpless and desperate feeling. So had no mood to put up a post on my blog...but this seems to be going on everywhere. So here goes my views.....
Freedom of expression, does it exist at all?? Even if we have the freedom to express we still worry what the listener would think of us. I agree that its better to think twice or even a hundred times when it drops down to expressing ourselves at a personal level but otherwise I would rather feel more uncomfortable, uneasy and tied up when I cannot express what I think. Freedom exists only in text books.....never has it come to life. All of us at some point or another give into the perseverance of the society. How far should this go? Should we live for the society or for ourselves? My mother would often say ' what will they think?' and I would ask her 'what would who think Mii?' She has stopped that now to a certain extent simply because she knows that I dont care for people who dont matter in my life.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Of the Chinese new year
On my mind : Food!
Music : Kaisi hai ye rut ki.. by Srinivas from Dil Chahta Hai [yes....lyrics by Javed Akhtar]
Its a party night!! Today being the eve of the Chinese new year and having three Chinese flatmates its celebration all night long. The atmosphere would be that of China, the food, the aroma [that of sesame oil which I genuinely dislike], the music, the language... A Chinese friend of Rex would be strumming my guitar and the last time he did, it was magic!! My guitar never sounded that good with me but the credit goes to him as he has six years of experience. I cannot wait to be that good.
I found a very interesting link on Karnataka yesterday [the state in India where I come from] . Check out this link and you will be as shocked as I was!! All the websites about Karnataka have too little information and they never look good. Also most of them havent been updated since 5 or 6 years. Thus I was initially happy because this website had glittery looks with a flash version. Later did I realise that it belonged to a rock band in UK called " Karnataka ". I am not able to understand the reason behind that name because neither have they been to Karnataka nor their music is inspired by Karnataka!! A very strange concept to me!!
Music : Kaisi hai ye rut ki.. by Srinivas from Dil Chahta Hai [yes....lyrics by Javed Akhtar]
Its a party night!! Today being the eve of the Chinese new year and having three Chinese flatmates its celebration all night long. The atmosphere would be that of China, the food, the aroma [that of sesame oil which I genuinely dislike], the music, the language... A Chinese friend of Rex would be strumming my guitar and the last time he did, it was magic!! My guitar never sounded that good with me but the credit goes to him as he has six years of experience. I cannot wait to be that good.
I found a very interesting link on Karnataka yesterday [the state in India where I come from] . Check out this link and you will be as shocked as I was!! All the websites about Karnataka have too little information and they never look good. Also most of them havent been updated since 5 or 6 years. Thus I was initially happy because this website had glittery looks with a flash version. Later did I realise that it belonged to a rock band in UK called " Karnataka ". I am not able to understand the reason behind that name because neither have they been to Karnataka nor their music is inspired by Karnataka!! A very strange concept to me!!
Monday, February 07, 2005
An Introduction....
On my mind : Im thinking what to think...
Music : The scientist by Coldplay
I have started a new blog aptly titled [I think] 'Reflect on India'. This is an attempt to rediscover the spirit of being an Indian. It is a journey with the country through her progress towards a promising future.It may sound a bit philosophical, but people who know it will understand it. The expedition will involve a combination of the nation's richness in history, culture and heritage as also its regretful side of increasing population, neverending poverty, lack of education, conservative and a low laid backward society etc... Anyone and everyone is welcome to post their thoughts on the blog. Just let me know and I shall add you as a member to the blog. Let us try to make a difference.....
I had been to Waterstones today, purchased 5 books all in all [The life of Mahatma Gandhi, Freedom at Midnight, The piano teacher, Strangers, Gone with the wind]. I feel more happy today buying books rather than expensive clothes and jewellery [but I will never give up on shopping!!]. Will start up with Freedom at Midnight today.
Music : The scientist by Coldplay
I have started a new blog aptly titled [I think] 'Reflect on India'. This is an attempt to rediscover the spirit of being an Indian. It is a journey with the country through her progress towards a promising future.It may sound a bit philosophical, but people who know it will understand it. The expedition will involve a combination of the nation's richness in history, culture and heritage as also its regretful side of increasing population, neverending poverty, lack of education, conservative and a low laid backward society etc... Anyone and everyone is welcome to post their thoughts on the blog. Just let me know and I shall add you as a member to the blog. Let us try to make a difference.....
I had been to Waterstones today, purchased 5 books all in all [The life of Mahatma Gandhi, Freedom at Midnight, The piano teacher, Strangers, Gone with the wind]. I feel more happy today buying books rather than expensive clothes and jewellery [but I will never give up on shopping!!]. Will start up with Freedom at Midnight today.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
In Leeds all the day
On my mind :Beautiful life filled with happinessssss.....dont know why!?
Music : Thousand miles by Venessa Carlton
Leeds is a city close to Bradford and since yesterday was a saturday it meant travel day for us. Went there for the 2nd time and did what we usually do i.e, eat, shop, walk and celebrate and watch the world go by..... Next saturday it should be Liverpool or NewCastle. One thing was unusual, I did not buy anything at all!!! Nothing interested me much, everything was the same. I had no energy left when I came back but still tried to cook Chow mein with a friend and what an awfully ugly attempt it was!! It was edible though salty, but it was not Chow mein! I tried my hand at using chopsticks for the first time and I was not bad at all.
Its a sunday today and Im spending much of my time trying to recover from my 'pathfinding' job that I did yesterday. May be I will watch 'Dil to pagal hain' again....never get tired of this particular movie!!
And......one more thing, I have dropped the idea of going to India this march. Reason : Some people dont want me to come back and there are somethings I should forget.....
Music : Thousand miles by Venessa Carlton
Leeds is a city close to Bradford and since yesterday was a saturday it meant travel day for us. Went there for the 2nd time and did what we usually do i.e, eat, shop, walk and celebrate and watch the world go by..... Next saturday it should be Liverpool or NewCastle. One thing was unusual, I did not buy anything at all!!! Nothing interested me much, everything was the same. I had no energy left when I came back but still tried to cook Chow mein with a friend and what an awfully ugly attempt it was!! It was edible though salty, but it was not Chow mein! I tried my hand at using chopsticks for the first time and I was not bad at all.
Its a sunday today and Im spending much of my time trying to recover from my 'pathfinding' job that I did yesterday. May be I will watch 'Dil to pagal hain' again....never get tired of this particular movie!!
And......one more thing, I have dropped the idea of going to India this march. Reason : Some people dont want me to come back and there are somethings I should forget.....
Friday, February 04, 2005
The state of being disappointed
Today is just one of those days where I would do anything to be in Bangalore. Sting is performing in Bangalore and I am not there! :-( Infact, he would be performing as I write this now.......and damn!!!! Im missing every bit of the show! It is a huge disappointment as I adore his music. Well, it would have been worse if I was missing his concert while still in Bangalore... at the least I have a reason now! I know that I can attend any of his concerts here in UK, but its not just the concert, I can enjoy a concert only with the right kind of crowd. Bangalore has this potential!
I read this in the TOI - Sting complained of a bar in Bangalore having no Indian music. We are heading towards a revolution of our own culture now!!! I dont know whether a particular portion of our youth population is obsessed with the country and its richness but sure is Sting!!
I read this in the TOI - Sting complained of a bar in Bangalore having no Indian music. We are heading towards a revolution of our own culture now!!! I dont know whether a particular portion of our youth population is obsessed with the country and its richness but sure is Sting!!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Chow mein....
On my mind : Someone I dont even know
Music : Kariye naa...by Sukhwinder Singh from Taal
Vegetable chow mein has remarkably become my favorite dish now. It goes along with the Chinese tea. It was embarrassing though, making sure that the food ordered was vegetarian. So I ate as little as possible :-( This was my first tryst with foreign food..... I was under the perception that food which is not Indian is tasteless. I must admit I was wrong! Must visit these Chinese restaurants in Bangalore!! Also I should try something new to me like Italian, Thai [which I am told is delicious], Viatnamese, Mexican, Caribbean etc etc, but Indian food is still the best!
There was a bit of both shock and surprise to see two albums of the band Indian Ocean being featured on Raaga. Never thought that such music is available on Raaga...wonder where is TAAQ?! Ma Rewa by Indian Ocean [Kandisa] is a must hear song.
Music : Kariye naa...by Sukhwinder Singh from Taal
Vegetable chow mein has remarkably become my favorite dish now. It goes along with the Chinese tea. It was embarrassing though, making sure that the food ordered was vegetarian. So I ate as little as possible :-( This was my first tryst with foreign food..... I was under the perception that food which is not Indian is tasteless. I must admit I was wrong! Must visit these Chinese restaurants in Bangalore!! Also I should try something new to me like Italian, Thai [which I am told is delicious], Viatnamese, Mexican, Caribbean etc etc, but Indian food is still the best!
There was a bit of both shock and surprise to see two albums of the band Indian Ocean being featured on Raaga. Never thought that such music is available on Raaga...wonder where is TAAQ?! Ma Rewa by Indian Ocean [Kandisa] is a must hear song.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Music blues and some Chinese food
On my mind : The amount of money I spent at the supermarket
Music : My vision by Jakatta featuring Seal
Yesterday in a comment I mentioned that I was never a good listener to Indipop music. But music is 'zeal' to me , it brings in an ardent and a passionate feeling into anyone's senses....It has to be pure and original music for me though. Indipop, as I have known it, is more commercial and nowadays involves a lot of remixes. Honestly, I love some of the remixes specially when the rhythm and the beats are enhanced [Bindu re bindu by Kunal Ganjawala, he's got a wonderful style of singing], but most of this kind of music is made to sell. Music is one of the best forms of expressions which is why I think that it has to be original. There are too many Indian musicians who compose originals but strangely or regrettably have no platform to perform their creations [hope someone from these so called recording companies are reading]. So people lets promote their music!!
Someone's treating us for some mouth-watering Chinese food today. Rex is going to drive us in his new BMW!! Wonder if I can find some vegetarian food down there.....looking forward to have a marvelous time eating......
Music : My vision by Jakatta featuring Seal
Yesterday in a comment I mentioned that I was never a good listener to Indipop music. But music is 'zeal' to me , it brings in an ardent and a passionate feeling into anyone's senses....It has to be pure and original music for me though. Indipop, as I have known it, is more commercial and nowadays involves a lot of remixes. Honestly, I love some of the remixes specially when the rhythm and the beats are enhanced [Bindu re bindu by Kunal Ganjawala, he's got a wonderful style of singing], but most of this kind of music is made to sell. Music is one of the best forms of expressions which is why I think that it has to be original. There are too many Indian musicians who compose originals but strangely or regrettably have no platform to perform their creations [hope someone from these so called recording companies are reading]. So people lets promote their music!!
Someone's treating us for some mouth-watering Chinese food today. Rex is going to drive us in his new BMW!! Wonder if I can find some vegetarian food down there.....looking forward to have a marvelous time eating......
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
On my mind : Love n Life
Music : Pyar ki baatein from the album 'Tera mera pyar'
I woke up to an absolutely beautiful and relaxing afternoon after some much needed sleep. Classes were supposed to start from today but will not until thursday. So watched 'Dil to Pagal Hai' for the 12th or the 13th time and now I am watching 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' for the 6th time I think. I know its awfully crazy and I sometimes myself wonder at how people can watch movies for more than 2 times......but then, I have nothing to do since the past 3 weeks!!
I decided that I shall be going back to India, again, during Easter vacations [2nd or 3rd week of march].....have to book my tickets. Its insane cos I returned from India like 20 days ago. But given a chance and the money, I would return once in every week!!
Music : Pyar ki baatein from the album 'Tera mera pyar'
I woke up to an absolutely beautiful and relaxing afternoon after some much needed sleep. Classes were supposed to start from today but will not until thursday. So watched 'Dil to Pagal Hai' for the 12th or the 13th time and now I am watching 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' for the 6th time I think. I know its awfully crazy and I sometimes myself wonder at how people can watch movies for more than 2 times......but then, I have nothing to do since the past 3 weeks!!
I decided that I shall be going back to India, again, during Easter vacations [2nd or 3rd week of march].....have to book my tickets. Its insane cos I returned from India like 20 days ago. But given a chance and the money, I would return once in every week!!
Monday, January 31, 2005
Some trances and ecstasies revealed...
On my mind : me and my dreams
Music : A beautiful dream by Karunesh
Yesterday we had a guest from Indonesia at our flat for dinner. When talking about each of our future in our respective countries, I said something that remained unsaid in my mind for a while. I dont know where it came from or what made me say that, but I said 'I have a vision for my future!!!'. Since then I havnt stopped thinking. I never usually say that to someone. It was firm, intense and impinging! Han told me 'Archana, you are too ambitious'. Now thats something I had not realised about myself! and why not be ambitious?? What I would also like to realise are some of my long lost dreams.... and I need some inspiration for that!
My holidays of about 40 days end today :-( My second semester starts tomorrow. So its back to the usual , normal student life at the university from tomorrow. But having fun will never stop, does it?
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