Seasonal Favorites – Songs

I always have some seasonal favorites of movie songs. I want to listen to it all the time and after few months, that feeling just goes away. Not sure whether everyone has that. To name a few, I loved “Pachaikiligal tholodu” from Indian, “Mudhalvane vane” from Mudhalvan, “Manjal veyyil maalaiyile” from Vettaiyadu vilaiyadu, “Po nee po” from 3, “Ennamo Edho” from Ko, “Mynaa mynaa nenjukulla” from Mynaa. Now the recent one is “Ayyayayo Anandhame” from the movie Kumki. I think the singers who sing the song also make the difference. Aalaap Raju was so good in Ennamo Edho and the starting instrumental music on that song was very very nice and I really really LOVE it. 

This new song “Ayyayayo Anandhame” from Kumki has been sung by Haricharan. He is awesome and if you listen to the first four lines he sang, you will fall in love with him J. It is really mesmerizing.

ayayayo aananthame
nenjukulle arambame

nooru koodi vaanavil
maari maari seruthe

kaadhal podum thuralil
thegam muzhgi poguthe

yeno oru aasai
va va kathai pesa
ayayayo..

And there is another song from Kumki which is sang by Magizhini Manimaaran. It is very similar to Jing Chikka from Mynaa, but the lyrics are very simple & nice and the voice is also fresh to hear.

kaiyalavu nenjathila..kadalavu aasa machan

alavu yethum illa..athuthaan kaadhal machan

naama joora mann mela seraa vittallum 

nenape pothum machan

Both the songs were written by Yugabharathi and I really love those lyrics. And I feel like the music director Imman was at his BEST! I watched the theatrical trailer of this movie at Star Vijay and was very impressed. I am really waiting to watch this movie. This movie got released in India today.

Please listen to these 2 songs if you want to feel the heaven for few minutes J.

http://www.in.com/music/album/kumki-tamil-94156.html

Speeding Ticket for the First Time

Still not sure whether to say “Got my speeding ticket for the first time”  or “Got my first speeding ticket”. The latter one kind of sounds that I might get more J. Hmm.. It was on Nov 26^th 2012 Monday and I left my office around 5 PM to pick up Satvika. I usually pick her up around 4:30 PM and it was already late. Also, it is becoming dark around 5 PM these days (winter time). The speed limit was 35 miles/hour on that road. I was waiting on red on a signal and once it is green, I wanted to be ahead from everybody else on the signal. I always do that on the signals even from the time I was riding my cute Blue Sunny during school days and my favorite Kinetic Honda during college days. I feel so good and happy when I do that J. I just think of the time when my best friend Annam and I met with an accident near Anna Nagar Rountana in Chennai when we tried to skip a orange signal. We both fell from her Kinetic Honda and got bruises. I know what we did was not right, but I still remember that incident. It just stuck on my mind.

Ok, back to where I left off. I did the same here on the signal and just passed it fast once it turned green. I went ahead of everybody, but did not realize that the cops car was coming on the opposite side since it was dark. But once I passed him, I realized that cops saw me. I slowed down, but he took a U turn and switched on his flashy “red & blue” lights. I stopped immediately. He came to me and said “Maam, you went too fast. Can I see your license, title and insurance cards?”. I gave him everything and asked him whether he could give me warning as this was the first time that I had been stopped. But he did not say anything, took my ids, wrote a ticket for $114 and came back. I asked him again for the warning instead of the ticket. But he gave the ticket to me and a pouch with all my cards and said “I reduced your fine from $160 to $114. Drive carefully”.  Not sure whether that was a Thanksgiving discount else his “Maasakadasi” problem that he needs to get more fine J.

In my 8.5 years of US driving experience, that was the first time I was stopped by an Cop. I am usually a careful & a sensible driver. But maybe, that day was not my day. After that I went to pick Satvika and I told her about this. She was very upset on hearing this as she still thinks that “Amma would not have done a mistake” J.

English Vinglish (2012) – Feel Good

I watched the movie “English Vinglish” couple of days ago. I felt it was cute and Sridevi was awesome. The guy who acted as her husband acted really well. He represented the typical Indian husband perfectly. The whole movie is about a emotional journey of a typical Indian wife. I really loved it and not sure how many would even appreciate or understand what the Indian wives go through. This movie was more about her English knowledge and how she is struggling to overcome it. But you can relate Sridevi’s emotions more than that. The new director Gauri Shinde did a decent job.

English Vinglish is really a Feel Good movie. If you are married & from India, do not miss to watch it!

Slight DeTour

I was in the panel for Agile Iowa discussion last week and had to go to downtown for the meeting. I worked at downtown during 2005 and I used to travel by public transport mostly at that time. It had been so long and I had to go there last Thursday. Vijay offered me a ride, but I refused thinking that I could manage. I left work around 11:15 and went to the meeting. I reached downtown and found a parking space with the parking meter. I parked there, added some coins for 1.5 hours and went to the building for the meeting. Panel discussion went well until 12:30 and we had group discussions. I was in the Agile QA discussion and was answering people until 1:05 or so. I left the building, went to my parking spot. I saw an parking fine ticket in front of my SUV for $15. Bummer!

But actually you know what, that was just a start L. I took my SUV and started going in a direction where lot of cars were going. I thought I would surely see Freeway 235 board somewhere and I can take West on it. But I went towards South Des Moines and went for 4 to 5 miles and was very confused. I just pressed the navigation on the SUV and it started directing me some way and I thought it was instructing me to our home. So, I started following the directions and it ended up taking me to Des Moines Airport J. What a fun!

I am like Ok Whatever! At least I know this place and I can go back to West Des Moines from Airport as I travelled this way so many times. Vijay used to take Highway 5 to go to Airport. Once I pass the airport, I saw “Army Post Road” and I am like yes, I know how to go now. I took that road and went for few more miles & took a right turn even though I saw a board for 35 towards the left side. But I felt that I am not going in right direction. I tried calling Vijay couple of times, but he did not pick up the phone. Then I decided to take a U-turn and started going towards 35.

My adventure really didn’t end here too. I saw the junction for 35 North towards Minneapolis 35 South towards Kansas City. I took 35 S and I had to take a HUGE U turn to join the highway. I was concerned that something is not right as I am not seeing any buildings or correct exits. But I still drove for few miles. You know what? I really missed my route for the FOURTH time. I saw the “Cumming” exit and took it. That exit was really deserted and I did not see any cars and it was a country road. This time, I was really scared. I took a U turn again, came back to the same exit and took 35 N.

I could see the exits to West Des Moines finally and took Mills Civic and I took right instead of left (Again!!!!!????????). But since I was experienced enough, I found that out in one signal light and took a turn again. I finally finally reached my office at 1:45 PM. The place where I went for the meeting is actually around 9 miles from my office. But I took 35 miles and 40 minutes to reach back J. I knew I was not good at geography, but did not realize that I am this much geography-retarded J. Sodhappalo Sodhappal!

It was quite an DeTour J. But Something Fun to remember always!

Vattiyum Mudhalum (Interest & Principal)

I read an article “vattiyum mudhalum” in anandhavikatan through online subscription. Vatti means “Interest” and Mudhal means “Principal” in English. I initially thought it was about some finance stuff and I did not give much importance to it. I don’t like finance and accounts for some reason. It’s not that I hate it, hate it, but I don’t feel interested in it. So, I always ignored that article. Once on the “Neeya Naana” show in Vijay TV, anchor Gopinath introduced a guy “Raju Murugan” and he mentioned that he is directing a movie and he is the one who writes “Vattiyum Mudhalum” in Anandhavikatan. Raju Murugan spoke very well in that programme and he talked about “home”, his perception was that home – place where we lived – history and it is not just the building. I really liked the way he spoke. So, I went to anandhavikatan and read his article “vattiyum mudhalum”. Oh Man! It touches your HEART & SOUL. 

I really really loved it! It was around 26^th or 28^th weekly edition. I literally went back to all the editions and read through them. Now it is in 65^th weekly edition. He writes about the things which we forgot to think through (but the things which we keep in our hearts forever). For example, he wrote about deepavali this week. It talks about his childhood deepavali, experiences of other people etc. I don’t know whether I am expressing it well enough. But when you read his article, it really touches your HEART & SOUL. I could connect to most of his articles. Very rarely I feel like he is repeating something, but that can be forgiven J. 

I really think we need to go through those emotions sometime. We are very far from lots of feelings/emotions these days and I feel like everything is being calculated or measured or justified by profit or money. And that’s not good. We have lot of good memories and incidents which we went through in our childhood, do we ever think of them for few minutes? Do we ever share them with someone? Do we even care to share? 

If I think about Deepavali, I remember the way we buy clothes. Its like a huge deal going to shop and buy new clothes. We plan for it, have a budget and don’t stick to it J. My sister used to try her new outfit in front of mirror at least 5 to 10 times before the festival. We talk about clothes and crackers all the time. My sister and I would open our new clothes and see it almost every day until the Deepavali day. My brother, sister and I make a big plan about who is taking what crackers and how much. My mom starts making “deepavali patchanam” a week before. She tries lot of new things with our neighbors. I still remember that she made “Badusha” sweet one time at home. It was really fun. Once we all grew up and settled in different places, even my mom stopped making “deepavali patchanam” for the last few years. Her health is one of the reason, but the main reason is, she misses all of us and making “deepavali patchanam” does not make sense to her any more. We don’t talk about it, but I know what she feels L. Look, I started remembering all my Deepavali days. 

Also for some reason, when people say “Diwali”, I don’t feel connected to it and I always liked saying it “Deepavali” J.

I am really worried about our future generation. We had so much of memories, but now we do not have time to think about or share with others. What will our future generation do? Will they even experience those memories? I don’t think my kids are going to experience these things at any time. They grow up here, no chance of celebrating real Deepavali. Are they even learning to share? Do they even know that if we ask for something, we need to wait to get it? It creates hundreds of questions in my mind.

Anyways, coming back to the point, please read “Vattiyum Mudhalum” in Anandhavikatan if you could. And if you read it, share your feedback in the comments section. I would love to hear from someone who reads that J.

Pizza (2012) – A Treat

I watched the movie “Pizza” yesterday. I usually like watching these kind of thriller movies, but will be scared for the next few days. Still I think it is fun to watch as a group. My adrenaline went up too J.

Pizza is a thriller movie (with some horror content). It was neatly presented. Vijay Sethupathi & Ramya Nambeesan in the lead roles – both did their part good. There were very few actors in the whole movie and all of them did a good job. I thought it was more like an Hollywood thriller movie. I liked the last scene J.

The new director Karthik Subburaj did a wonderful job in packaging the movie. I felt it was crisp, neat and clear. Movie was only 2 hours long and was very engaging. I think this director did not work as an assistant to anybody. He was a software engineer by profession and took some short films before taking this movie. Looks like they took the movie with minimum budget, but should have gained profit by now. For a debut, I think this movie is really really good.

Pizza is a Treat. Have fun watching it!

Maattrraan (2012) – Entertaining

Vijay and I went to “Maattrraan” premier show last night in Des Moines. The show was supposed to be at 9 PM, but they were still downloading and were not sure whether they are going to have the show. We waited at the theater from 8:40 PM and with so many updates in between they finally announced at 10 PM that they are going to have the show. It was like a medical miracle J. Here is my review -

Maattraan had a very good story. First half was so crisp &  nice and the second half was also good, but was little dragging. Surya did a wonderful job and acted as conjoined twins. I thought that the movie is little longer (around 2 hours 45 mins) and could have been cut short post intermission. Movie plot was good and looks like KV Anand did a proper research on few things before working on it. He tried to establish the logical sense without any loopholes (except some heroic acts) throughout the movie. It is a kind of thriller genre. KV Anand’s last 2 movies were also of the similar kind. Screenplay was good and engaging. I thought the dialogues were much better. Writers SuBha wrote them this time and did a good job. It is really worth mentioning. Sachin Khedekar as Surya’s dad was really good and acted very well. The actor who acted as Surya’s mom was also very good, but I do not know her name. Kajal Aggarwal is ok like an usual heroine. There is no separate comedy track. All the songs were very good to hear and good to watch. Fight sequence before the intermission is worth mentioning. Special kudos to Choreographer and Stunt master of this movie.

Maattraan is Entertaining and it is worth to watch one time for sure. Go for it!

Hilarious!

Vijay's dad’s brother (chithappa) passed away last February (that’s not hilarious by the way) and according to the tradition, we are not supposed to celebrate any festivals for the whole year. We could not even do Samanu’s first mottai when we were in India in April. My mother-in-law is visiting us from India and she is here from mid July. From the time she is here, whenever we talk about festival, she immediately says “We should not celebrate any festivals as Vijay’s Chithappa passed away”. Sometimes, she will not even hear what we say, but she responds with a big “NO”.

The other day on October 2^nd, I asked her about a serial in Vijay TV that Why is it not getting telecasted today? She told me that it is Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday and that’s why they have some other programmes. Vijay spontaneously replied to his mom “Amma! Chithappa passed away, we cannot celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday this year”. I thought it was Hilarious! Not sure whether it is my MIL syndrome that added kick to this moment J. But I really found it very funny when he responded immediately.

Thandavam (2012) – OK

Watched a tamil movie "Thandavam" last week. Got to go to Premier show in DesMoines. Movie had a good story, but was lacking on the screenplay. It is in thriller genre and the director could have made it with faster screenplay. Movie was very slow. That too in the middle closer to interval, it really tests your patience.

I think Screenplay is the most critical piece of the Film Making and this film really lacks that. Vikram did a wonderful acting. Anushka and Jagapathi Babu were good. Santhanam was good with his limited space.

“Oru padhi kadhavu neeyadi” is the nice song to hear as well as to watch. I don’t even remember the other songs J.

If you have free time, go ahead and watch for Vikram.

Last Day at ITA

Last Friday Sep 28th 2012 was my last day at ITAGroup. I felt so weird the whole day. It has been a long journey of 6 years and 9 months with the company. I got my job in Sep 2005, but joined on Dec 27th 2005 since I was going to India to get married. I joined them one month after I got married.

My family life and my ITA life grew together. I really enjoyed working there and will miss lots of people from there. Des Moines is a small place, I am sure that I will meet them again.

It was an emotional decision, but still I had to make it as I wanted to move on with my career. Last day, I did not want to cry in the office. So, I did not give much thought about what’s going on. Just packed my stuff, talked to many people , visited Building 2 and said bye to my friends. Linda and Ana took me to lunch on Friday. And Adam scheduled an Happy Hour for me at 34’s Sports Bar & Grill in Valley West Mall. Usually I don’t go to any Happy Hour parties as I do not drink, but I went this time and drank couple of lemonade J. Even my friend Ann asked Adam whether I am really going to my own party OR these guys are celebrating my departure (without me) at the bar J. Fun!

I really had fun for couple of hours from 3:30 till 6:45 PM. I went home (Vijay was mad as I was late) and had to rush to Yatin’s Birthday party, had food and played Taboo for a long time. We came back home around 3:45 AM and slept at 4 AM. Vijay asked few questions about my last day, but I felt he did not really understand how I felt L. In a way, its fine as I did not have to think through lot of things.

I think I am handling this transition by not thinking about it too much. Not sure whether this “Escapism” strategy is good or not. But it works J. I started my new consulting job on Oct 1^st Monday and did not have enough/much time to think about or analyze anything. I am taking this as a positive opportunity to explore and learn new things. Hope it goes well.

I really want to say my special thanks to Adam Brucker for organizing my Happy Hour party. And Many thanks to Andrew Morris, Matt Vande Vorde, Jarod Trecker, Matt Khalil, Jeremy Sims, Mitch Lake, Bobby Dineen, Yousef Alzawaidah, Tim Fisher, Naveen Konda, Matt Drey, Ryan Franz, Jolli Wihlm, Adam Brucker, Linda Dickerson,  Srini Kadiam, Joseph Hicks & Ann Kindwall for stopping by at my Happy Hour and made my evening a memorable one.

I will MISS YOU Guys !!!

Cute thing to Share

Satvika started riding bike without training wheels from Saturday. It was really cool. Our neighbor Rob gave us a bike without pedal so that she can learn balancing. We  were not very sure in the beginning, but she really liked it and has been practicing that for a month or so.

Since Vijay is busy at work this summer, he could not spend much time with her teaching how to ride a bike. He helped couple of times here and there.

On Saturday August 18th, I was talking to my friend on phone and Satvika was pestering me to give her the Dora bike (without training wheels) so that she can try. I did not pay much attention and gave her the bike. After 5 minutes, she was calling me and when I looked at her, she was riding the bike on her own :). I was surprised and proud at the same time. I immediately called Vijay (he was at office for PROD install) and told him that Satvika started riding bike on her own. He couldn't believe either. I took the video of her :).

And the fun thing is, when she came inside the home, she asked me "Amma! Can you write it in a paper that Satvika started riding the bike without training wheels and give it to me? Don’t change any words". Again, one of the cutest moment with my little darling Satvika.

Kaliyugam (2012) - New Movie

Our close friend Durai's brother Yuvaraj Alagappan has directed a Tamil movie "Kaliyugam" and they recently released the audio. Their Dad Mr.Alagappan was a well known Director/Producer in Tamil Movie Industry. Yuvaraj was the assistant to director Sasi for the movie "Dishyum" and "Kaliyugam" is his first movie on his own. We really want to wish him the VERY BEST and a BIG Victory. Here is the link to trailer, songs and audio launch.

Trailer: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/trailer/16059.html

Songs: //tsongs.net/kaliyugam-­songs-free-download-2/

Audio launch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucdseuPyBDs

Reading - My Favorite Hobby

I love READING. Be it a story or a poem or an article. I love to read all the time. It gives me lot of happiness. When I retire, I want to have a huge library at home and read all the time. If I think back, I remember started reading tamil magazines/books when I was 6 or 7 years old (without aloud reading). I still remember the day when one of our family friend asked my mom what am I doing with the magazine, she answered to him that I am reading the magazine and he did not believe it. He made me read it aloud to confirm :). I think it came from my Mom side genes. My grandmom (mom's mom) read a lot and she still does. Damu Mama (my mom's 2nd brother) has and reads lots of books. His huge iron box (trunk potti) with 100's of books is in my memory still.

My mom reads all the time and I think she is the great influence on me. We both discuss on what we read and she even suggests me books. Last time when she visited us, she brought "Kallikaatu Idhigasam" and "Karuvaachi Kaaviyam". I read it during my maternity leave in 2011 and it was awesome. I liked Kallikaatu idhigasam much better than the Karuvaachi Kaaviyam. When I read the stories, I feel like I live with them in that place. It is a very nice feeling.

May be its because that my mom reads more, she knows more stuff and she could talk about lot of things. She got married when she was 17 and did not get a chance to attend college & being a homemaker, she really knows lot of things than my Dad :). Forgot to mention about another book which she brought "Saagavaram" by Iraianbu IAS. It was very beautiful too.

One of my favorite author is "Sujatha". His real name is Rangarajan and he writes on his wife's name. He passed away in 2008. He wrote lot of short stories, science fiction, articles etc. His "Srirangathu Devadhaigal" is my all-time favorite. Everytime I read it, I feel like I am in Srirangam with the characters on the stories. He also worked with Shankar, Kamalhasan in some movies. He is the one who started working on "Endhiran" movie dialogues and passed away before finishing it up. Madhan Karky (Poet Vairamuthu's older son) continued his work and finished it up. Endhiran has some influence from Sujatha's science fiction books - "En Iniya Iyandhira" & "Meendum Geno". He wrote lot of science terms in simple language for common people to understand. His "Katradhum Petradhum" article that came in Anandha Vikatan was very very nice. He talks about almost everything in this world. It was very creative and influential. I always feel that his writings are very realistic and convincing. He is really GREAT!!! If you ever get a chance and can read Tamil, please read his "Srirangathu Devadhaigal", it is really fun and beautiful.

Whenever I go to India, I try to buy books. This time I brought Neeya Naana Gopinath's "Indha puthagathai vaangadheenga" & "Ner Ner Thema" and the 5 volumes of "Ponniyin Selvan" by Kalki. I have not started Ponniyin Selvan yet. Hope I get sometime to read them without any disturbance. I really want to get involved and read them, but not sure about the possibility with 4 year old & 1 year old :).

Anyways, Happy Reading & Stay Tuned for More Thoughts!

Vazhakku Enn 18/9 (2012) - Realistic

We watched this movie over the weekend. Balaji Sakthivel (who directed Samurai, Kadhal, Kalluri) directed this movie. Simple and neat presentation. Sree (acted in Kanaa Kaanum Kaalangal as a +1 student couple of years ago) is the hero and acted very well.

The characters are well-etched. Everyone suits to the character nicely and I really loved the screenplay of this movie. Person who acted as Inspector performed very well.

The first half of the movie showed the story from one perception and the second half filled in the gaps from the first half. The screenplay was very clear and I think that is one of the main thing about this movie's success. I am glad that they did not finish the movie with the usual sad ending like other realistic movies. Director took couple of steps ahead and finished it better. If you get a chance, go for it!

My India Trip 2012

We just got back from our month long India vacation. Not sure how to name it? Had lot of experiences. I was really happy to see my parents and stay with them. Also they get to see our little angel Samanvi. Yes, my mother-in-law helped us with my delivery and my parents could not come when our little one was born last year. So, my parents got to hold our little one finally. Got to see so many relatives and friends. Very nostalgic!!!

My mummy (my mom's mom) visited us. We call her mummy, don’t know what the reason was. I heard it was because my brother (who was the eldest grandkid) called her mummy and all of us followed him. Her name is Lalitha. She is a very bold and energetic lady I have known so far. She is only 85 years old and very active. She came to visit us and we were happy to get her blessings.

We visited Damu mama house at Madippakkam. Was able to meet Damu mama, Gauri athai, Iyappa, Mythili & their little one Nattu (she is 2 days younger to Samanvi). My trip was really very nostalgic. I was thinking about the days when I go and stay in Madippakkam for few days during my annual leave. I was asking my mama and athai about all the kids I played with. Nobody was staying there anymore, but I got updates about them from mama and athai. I went upstairs with Damu mama and checked the terrace (mottai madi). I was thinking about the days I learnt riding bicycle in madippakkam. My mom and dad would send us there for few days, but after 2 days, my dad will be coming to madippakkam to pick us up as he felt the house was empty without us :). Very sweet! I thought about all that when I was in Damu mama house. Gauri athai is still the same. She prepared Chappathis and Channa masala in thirty minutes. I am not sure how she could still do that fast. We stayed for the evening and went to Aso mama house which is at Pozhichalur.

Was able to meet Aso mama, Banu athai, Rogini and her 2.5 year old Keerthi. She is really a big vaayadi :). It was very sweet to meet everyone after a long time. Rogini did not change much, still looks the same and talks the same. Got to eat again here - dosa, chutney & sweets. Couldn’t say no, so had dinner one more time. Looked at my cousin (Prabu Santosh) Pulli's wedding album. Pulli was not at chennai at that time. He got married last year and had a baby boy "Athish Rahul" this Feb. It was very nice to catch up with my mama, athai and Rogini. The only thing we missed was we did not take any pictures in their home. Bummer!

We went to Chinnoo's house at Arumbakkam this time. I saw her during my wedding time in Nov 2005. She was in sixth grade and now she wrote her +2 exams and waiting for the results. Those who know me would surely have heard about Chinnoo already. But if you have not, here it is. Her family came to our house as tenant when was 5 months old baby and she was one of the twin girls. So, she grew up with us most of the time. She is like my own sister. I was surprised to see her a big girl now. She is ready to get into college this year. Again, lot of food & love from her and their family.

We went to Shirdi with my parents, mother-in-law and with both the sister-in-laws' families. Was very fun traveling in train for more than 24 hours one way. Satvika enjoyed every bit traveling and playing with her cousins.

We went to Mahabalipuram beach resort "Golden Sun" and stayed for couple of days. Vijay & his Brother-in-law integrated their company's annual meeting with this and we had all employees' and their families with us for a day. Was very fun hanging out with them.

We went to MGM resort restaurant with Vijay's friends' families - Chakra, Kavitha & their kid Vedanth, Balaji, Anitha & their kid Neha, Arjun, Devi & their kid Joshiya. We left Samanu with my mother-in-law and went with Satvika. It was a nice evening with lot of food to eat :). Since we had our "Virundhu" at our younger sister-in-law's home that afternoon, we actually could not eat much that night ;). It was really nice to catch up with them.

Finally the day came - April 28th. We had to leave India and I was pretty upset the last few days. When we were entering the airport, I did not want to cry in front of my parents. So, I just told everyone bye and came inside. Checked in and was waiting at the gate. All of a sudden, I thought about everyone and started crying. Satvika looked at me and asked why am I crying? Vijay replied stating that I am missing my parents. She immediately told me "Amma, Don’t worry. We can talk to Ammamma and Thatha over phone and we can see them online". It was really very very cute. A 4 year old consoling her mom :). She was very practical and composed. I think I will cherish that moment FOREVER.

Aravaan (2012) - Very well made

Watched a tamil movie "Aravaan" last night. I was really impressed. It is based on a Tamil Novel by Su.Venkatesan. He won the Sahitya Academy award for this novel.  Story is based on a Tamil People's life and culture in 18th Century. Vasantabalan directed this movie and he took a part from the novel and developed into a movie.

Movie's screenplay was very well written. The movie is very engaging and keeps the audience in suspense throughout. Hero Adhi and Pasupathy really did a good job. Looks like the team did a research for a long time before doing this venture. Very well made.

Vasantabalan is one of the finest and best directors in Tamil Cinema. Hats off! Can't believe he was an assistant to Shankar who makes fantasy movies :).

If you get a chance, do not miss to watch it.

BIG ONE

Yes, Today is May 16th. Samanu is ONE. I can’t believe it's already been a year since she was born. Felt like it was very quick with the second one. She went to daycare for half a day and Vijay stayed with her in the afternoon. I went home for lunch and spent sometime with her. Evening we went to Temple and did archana. Came back home and Samanvi had cut her first Birthday cake with our friends Deepika (with her little one Tanish) & Aparna/Satish. I think she liked it. She was very quite and composed throughout the day.

Thatha & Ammamma made the first call to wish her when she was sleeping and throughout the day, they have been calling to get updates on our temple visit, cake cutting etc. Appayi called her from Andaman (she is on vacation with my older SIL family) to wish the little one. Kavitha Bedhamma called from India to wish & Sangeetha Atha called from London to wish our little princess.

End of the day, I felt very tired. But I think overall Samanu had a good and happy day. Happy Birthday Samanukutty! We all LOVE you so much !!!

Wishing you many many Happy Returns of the Day !!!

Relationships

I am back again after a long time. But with lot of changes. I am going to speak about Relationships in this post.

Life took a turn in all directions for me. Being the youngest in the family, I always had someone to take care of me or to look after me. But now, I am sailing in my life on my OWN. I am expected to be sensible all the time in addition to my full time job, full time mom, & wife roles. Moreover I need to be a responsible daughter, wife, mom, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, friend and so on.

I am still not sure and also do not believe that all can be balanced at all times. That’s when I think about lot of things that is affecting me directly or indirectly. Can any of this role be compromised? I think, that’s where all of us struggle. We always want to be perfect in everything, which in reality is not possible. What do we do? How do we balance it? Is there any easy Mantra that can be pronounced and fix everything in life? Hmm.. May be not. Life is not that easy :).

According to me, the most complicated thing in life is Human Relationships. If this can be handled easily, everything can be handled very well. Being it a home or office, we always deal with people. You cannot justify that I am a software engineer, I write code and do not have to deal with people. You always deal with people irrespective of you like it or not. Take a minute and think about all your roles that you are on at this moment. Can you think of a scenario without other people in any of the role?

Think about it. I will be back soon with my next post. Take care till then!

Life is a Race

"Life is a Race". How many of you would agree to it? Be it at home or at office, you are always competing with someone to succeed. I will not even say "Succeed", it is actually "Survive".

This is actually a scary part for me. Because I feel like I already stated running in the race and I do not have have option to stop in the middle. If I do, then I am loosing or giving up the game. Can I be a looser? Not sure yet. May be I should start think that loosing is ok

Beware!!! Irrespective of you like it or not, you are already in the game of competition.

My First Post

Hmmm.... I have been thinking about blogging for a long time.

I know it is crazy to say this as a software person. But finally today got to do it. Also, could not find nice name to start with. Spent lot of time and finally ended up with ThoughtsLimitless :). I really want to keep MyHeartSpeaks, but thats already taken.

Life has changed so much and it is taking its own turns. I seriously don't know where to start with. To be honest, I am not keeping touch with all of my friends. I am NOT on facebook, twitter or linkedin etc. I know there will be only 10 people in USA who are not in facebook and I am one of them :). This reminds me of something.

My parents don't watch much movies and when they visited us in 2007, my mom told Vijay that she did not watch "Kaakka Kaakka", it is the same dialogue he delivered. "Tamilnaatula Kaakka Kaakka paarkaadhavanga naalu peru, adhula unga amma and appa rendu peru".