Ma.....

Everyday I become a little bit more like my mother................AND I COULDN'T BE PROUDER:):)
........LOVE YA MA:):)

Home is where.....?

Its been a busy 5 weeks for me..my parents were here on a visit. It was a wonderful trip n' I got to eat all of ma's yummy dishes:)
Now that they have left,the house feels so empty..makes me realize how much I want to go back to India n' live somewhere close to family!!...oh well,guess that feeling will never gonna go away!!
We traveled to New Zealand during their visit and believe me..there is no adjectives to describe its beauty.I wanted to stay there forever:):)
...oh what a dilemma-Bangalore,Australia or New Zealand--lol:):)

The attached photo is of Lake Wakatipu-Queenstown




got loads of other pictures..wish i could upload them all:)

In other news,my blog seems to be bombarded my spam comments...does anyone have any idea how to stop this.I do have a comment moderator on,so all the comments appear in my mailbox.But I want to stop these anonymous comments all together--any suggestions??

Food, glorious Food!!:) Goli Baje

Cooking was something I was never interested in....during my hostel stay, when my friends cooked..I would opt for the job of cleaning up!!!

At home I usually managed to escape from taking any responsibility in the kitchen.
Whenever mom wondered what I would do once I got married, my standard answer was.."Ma, there’s always ready to eat stuff!!:)"

Well I did get married, married to a man who enjoys eating n' is a good cook himself!!:):)

So after a lot of trepidation I did start cooking n' as it turns out..I seem to be pretty good at it!!:)

Now my main help in providing recipes has of course been my MOM...she is an amazing cook..n' I usually compare the taste of whatever I cook with her cooking (some how I always fall short...guess I'll need to have years of experience to cook like her:))

The second biggest help has been FOOD BLOGS. I seriously think these people who write blogs, explaining every single detail of a recipe..posting photos..they are such a big help to a beginner like me!!!

One of the food blog I frequent is Foodie's Hope written by Asha. Recently I came across her post about "RCI KARNATAKA". her write up about Karnataka n' all the different varieties of food she mentioned in her post...had me get all nostalgic and hungry:):)

So then n' there I made up my mind to post something for this event.Well turns out making up my mind was easy..but deciding what to cook was difficult!!!!I knew I did not want to make anything complicated..so after a lot of thinking I decided on making one of my favorite snack----Goli Baje:)

For those of you who don’t know I'm a Mangalorian...n' while we do have some amazing varieties of food..Goli Baje has to be one of my all time favorites. Mom used to surprise us by
making it when we got back from college/work n' everyone always loved it.
Well as it turns out C loves having them too...so without further ado, presenting my entry for RCI Karnataka....(drum roll for my first food related post please.......)

GOLI BAJE (recipe courtesy mom)

Ingredients:
Maida/plain flour--1 cup
Buttermilk or Yoghurt--1/2 cup
Besan/gram flour--1 1/2tsp
Sugar-- 1 tsp
Green Chillies--4-5, finely chopped
Baking Soda-- 1/4 tsp
Ginger-- small piece, finely chopped
Curry leaves-- few nos
Salt to taste
Oil for deep frying

Method:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a thick paste.
Keep it cover for about 1-2 hours. according to mom, the more time you keep it for, the better the Goli Baje's turn out:)
Heat the oil in a kadai
Drop the mixture little by little into the hot oil, you can either do it by hand or use a spoon.
Fry the Goli Baje's untill they turn golden brown.
Remove and drain the oil using a tissue.
Enjoy!!!

Now the best accompaniment for Golibajes will be chutney..mom usually served it with coriander chutney.
And don’t forget to have becha kapi( which means hot coffee in tulu) with this...its just the best combination ever!!:):)

This photo does not do justice to how tasty the goli baje's turn out...so folks do try this recipe,its super simple n tasty!!!!

PS: I still cant believe that I..the girl who hated to even enter the kitchen is posting a recipe..even if its the simplest recipe ever. Mom will be so proud of me!!!!lol

Happy B'day Pa n' Ma:)

Today's my parents 'Appy Birthday...yup you heard it right...my parents share a B'day:)

As kids it was a wonderful way of saving money for anna n' I:):)...you see we always brought them one cake instead of two:):)**we were very cheap kids u see:):)

But anyways coming back to the topic...my dad turns 60 today n' mom..well she's a few years younger!!!:):)

The sad part...both my brother n' I arn't around to celebrate their bday with them:(:(!!!

Ma n Pa...have a wonderful day...enjoy yourself!!

Love you both sooooooooooooooooooooo much!!You guys are the best!!!!!

Those days!!!

I'm just back from a trip to mlore.

It was kinda like a mini pilgrimage what with my mom n aunt taking me to every temple possible :):) n every time I made a face I got to hear the standard dialogue of “God knows when u will come to mlore again!!!"...its a different matter everyone knows that I will be back n Jan for my sil's wedding:)...but well, I just went along with their plans and indulged them:):)

The best part about the trip was a visit to both my grandparents home.

Its been years since I went there n this visit sure transported me to the days when laughter reigned supreme and a sense of wonder existed in everything we did!!!:)

All we kids(cousins) looked fwd to during our summer vacations was a visit to “dodda’s house” (dodda=grandmother) All of us would descend on the house from different parts of the country n man, it was so much fun.

The only time we came home was for meals, the rest of the time was spent playing Lagori, hide n seek, Blind Man’s Bluff….etc :):)

We would run around the coconut trees, drink tender coconut water, throw stones at the mango trees, climb guava trees, steal cashews from our neighbor…:):)
Visit to malpe beach used to be the highlight of our summer holiday :)

At night, Dodda/mom/one of the adults would tell us ghost stories n the rest of the night was spent freaking out at every little sound we heard:):)

I would spend hours reading story books that Tata (Tata=grandpa) would get for me from Udupi sitting in the sitout with a pack of chips:):)

I remember there was a graveyard near our house n every evening as we walked back from our daily exploration trip, we would start running as we neared the graveyard n would not stop until we reached home:):):)
N if it rained, there always was the attic which held like a million treasures that needed serious exploration:):)

As we grew up, each of us got caught up in our own lives…no more summer holidays, no more lagori……….all of us cousins got into professional colleges, none of us had holidays at the same time…in other words…we all grew up!!!!

All four of my grandparents have passed away n well since all the children (ie my uncles n aunts) are settled all around the country, there’s no one to take care of the house......it was sad to see these once bustling n noisy houses so deserted n silent...but then guess in today’s world I cant really blame anyone. Though I do wish I could do something to maintain my grandparents house!!!

Coming back from this trip, I wish there was a time machine that could take me back to those days when life was so simple where all we seemed to worry about the end of the summer holiday!!

Anyways, to end on a more happy note….guess I am finally seeing the bight side of this whole “bride to be” bit…got seriously pampered by my relatives n feasted on some amazingly yummy Mangalorean food :):)

The pics are of my grandparents home in Mlore n Udupi.

Pic below is of the sit out where I used to read my story books.

Pic 4 the entrance to dodda's house which was like an entrance to wonderland:)

(camera phones do have their uses:):)

Love You, Ma:)

Dear Mom,

I know for sure that u deserve better than the two lazy kids u have been blessed with (u see its a blessing thats very well disguised:):):)...even if we dont say it often enough, anna n I truely appreciate everything you do.

Love you always
your kids:)

PS: You are my inspiration, my idol n one day in life I wish I could be just like u...which includes being as slim as u:):):)

Wedding Woes:)

3 months to go for my wedding n my parents seem to have become different people :):):)

Mom who would usually never miss her favorite serials. presently spends all her time planning what jewellery she's gonna make me(read force me) into wearing for the different functions, this is usually accompanied by her scolding me for getting so tanned at goa, for not learning cooking.....etc etc..:):)

Papa, usually the most fun loving and sweetest person to be with, is presently the worst person to be around. He forever seems to be on the phone or typing furiously on his comp.

Thank god none of this seems to have effected my bro, who as usual is busy planning his next trip with his riding club...but then nothing usually effects anna:):):)

But then seriously, arranging a wedding sure is a pain in the ass:):) pardon my french:):)

Finding a venue is one of the most painful experience you could go thru' well at least in blore it is!! Most halls that we went to were booked till mid 2008......made me wonder, do people really have a such a long engagement or do they just book a wedding hall even before they find the groom/bride...hmmm:):):)

The clothes...now this is big deal, speaking from the bride's point of view, the choice u have is mind boggling, even the regular Kanjeevaram sari, doesn’t seem to be simple anymore n the reception sari....now that’s a whole different story. I actually had a shopkeeper tell me " madam why do you want to wear something simple, wear this n then he proceeded to show me the most horrendous creation in pink with pearls n crystals covering every inch of the sari....Think C would have fainted if he saw me in that sari..on second thoughts maybe I should have brought it, I could have shocked him:):):):)

The food...oh my god, everyone seems to have a say in this :):)

Every aunt I have ever met...not met, has a brilliant idea about what I should wear, should eat, how the ceremonies should be conducted etc etc:) I can expect all the vamps n villans in my family to poke thier nose where it doesnt belong in the next 3 mths :):)

Everything is so costly, maybe if my dad has some black money...but alas we aren’t that lucky :):):):)

Phew,there's 3 months to go for the big day, n like a million things left to be done:):):):) so people you may expect a few more rants from this bride to be:):):)
Think we all are gonna need a looooong holiday immediately after the wedding.:)

Going Away.....

I was just trying on a few of my wedding jewellery today n suddenly ma n pa were on the verge of tears....was such a weird feeling to see them get so emotional.
Since the day my wedding got arranged (yup, it is a arranged marriage with my stamp of approval ofcourse:):):)) I always wondered if I could live away from my family.

This thought kinda slipped my mind during in the last few days, but now that the date's fixed n I know that there’s only a few months to go....I am terrified....terrified about leaving my family, the people that mean the most in my life.

Today when my parents teared up, I cracked a joke n well just managed to make everyone laugh...but what am I gonna do when I’m standing in the airport, telling my goodbye’s not knowing when I would see them next????

I know I will miss them lots…n suddenly I'm wishing that C was here n not so far away :(:(

Anna:)

"It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on! " ~Author Unknown

What a rush!!! I just came back from a ride with my brother. It was awesome, awesome, awesome (that’s to emphasize on how gr8 it was :):)

I have wanted to go on a ride with Anna for God knows how long, but somehow could never do it, finally got a chance today :) n’ loved every bit of it---thanks Anna :):)
[This photo was taken by papa after we came back from the ride. As usual I am posing for the photo and Anna is giving me gyann about something :):)]

Well now that I have started thanking him...which doesn’t happen very often:):) let me write a little about my brother:):) or Anna as I call him---he is 3 yrs older than me and well, I have always adored him:)

As any self respecting elder sibling would do, Anna too made me believe that our parents picked me up from the dustbin and I actually believed him for 10 - 12 years, what can I say, I was a naive kid :):)

He beat me up regularly...used me to help him implement all his evil experiments....made me his guinea pig for some of the experiments....he calls me "boddi" cause he thinks I am fat(which I am not!!!:)...in other words he was your regular big brother :):)
Ok I do agree, I usually deserved the beatings cause I was a real snitch and as for the experiments, well I did tag along where ever he went (just like Mary’s little lamb:), so I guess I was asking for it most of the times:):)

As we grew up guess the physical violence changed into a more verbal fight. We would argue about almost anything and everything and drive mom up the wall :):)

He has given me my first Barbie doll..Dr Barbie to be precise (he already knew my obsession with the word Dr by then:), my first big teddy bear, my costliest watch till date and this super big Winnie the Poo bear (something I have to write about someday soon:)

It’s been almost a year since we have had a serious fight; guess we have grown up (though I think this is highly impossible :):)

I don’t want to give him fodder to pull my leg but I have to say this...Anna, I know I can be a pain in the butt at times and know you hate me for all the times I snitched on you:) but then if I don’t do all this who will right???:):)
Anyways, just wanted you to know that I love you so much and you will always be my hero:):):):)

PS: Anna, this doesn’t mean that I will stop troubling you ok...that’s like my janam sidd adhikar right!!!:):)

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family grief’s and joys. We live outside the touch of time." ~Clara Ortega

2006

2006 was a pretty good year for me...it began with me spending the day with 2 great friends and ofcourse we also have a super photo to remind us of that day forever....



These are some of the good things that happened to me this year...
Made a new super friend--Shilpa
Travelled to chennai and delhi 2 places I had not visited before
Lost weight:):):)
Went live on radio(even if it was for reporting a traffic jam:):)
Won a prize on radio(even though I never got to claim it:(:(
Got myself a tv,a car:)
Did not lose my temper...too often:)
Did prty well at work (but think its time to leave now)
Learnt a little bit of cooking:)(though my mom would surely not agree on this:)
met my close friend and her little baby boy..Taran is so cute:)
Started writing my blog:)
Watched lots of movie:):)
and finally nearing the year end I got engaged:):)

There were a few sad n frustrating moments in 2006 too,like
....when my dad fell ill
....when three of my great friends moved away from blore---miss u som,apu n tanu:(
....hurting my knee during the mlore trip:(
....the 8 hr wait in Delhi airport:(

Well all in all it was a good year and well here's wishing this year is even better:)

Nowhere Like Home!!!

I seem to be on a travelling spree since last sunday...spent 5 days in M'lore...got back and immidietly had to go to Chennai...n next week I am off to Delhi
I always thought it would be fun to be away from home n family......stay in a hotel...order room service:):)...check out the new place .....
but the fact remains that by the second day....I am missing home like crazy..missing mom's cooking and the anna's wisecracks....missing my little room..my tv...my bed:):)

The everyday routine of life...the routine that we have taken for granted, well dont think anything can beat it, ever :):):)

Home is pictures of memories on the wall.
Home is sleeping in my own bed.
Home is waking up to the smell of mom's cooking.
Home is sharing the holidays with family.
Home is playing the piano in the living room.
Home is a warm place to be.
Home is sweet.
Home is the place for me.
Home is filled with love.
Home is blessed from heaven above.
Home is where my heart is.
Home has a strong foundation.
It can weather any storm.
Home is where I belong.
When I go away,I know I can come back to stay.
Home is a beautiful place.
-----Jennifer Burns

Momsie n' Popsie Darling :):)

When ever I am jobless over the weekends, I spend time searching Ma's cupboard drawers...they usually are a treasure trove 'cause ma is a pack rat...she never throws away anything...ever!!!!:):)

well anyways...found this card that I had sent to my parents many yrs ago from hostel...this card has some amazing words and think I should have them on my blog

"Dear Mom and Dad
They say that people are getting back to the basics....returning to home and family.
I guess they're discovering what we've known all along....theres' nowhere else you can feel so much at ease, so loved and so accepted as in the arms of family.
We know that we are guarenteed a great time when we get together.
We have so many wondeful memories and standard family jokes to share over and over again......And there's something comforting in the predictability
I feel very lucky to be a part of a family that is so warm and sharing.
Alarie Tennile"

I had also scribbled in some words of my own in the card..that stand true even today
"Dearest Ma n' Pa,...I cant find the words to thank both of you for filling my lives with dreams that are coming true and with beautiful memories I will always cherish forever n ever"

Dont think I have to write this, but still just to proclaim my love to the best parents ever out loud:):)
U BOTH ARE SUCH DARLINGS.....LOVE YOU SO MUCH :):)

From Untitled Album

My Daddy Strongest!!!

Well thats exactly what I thought about my Papa untill he decided to give us all a fright by falling ill 2 days ago.
Eventhough I am grown up and am a healthcare proffesional, I always kinda belived that my papa was invincible... so when he fell ill... it shocked me.Guess all this got me thinking about papa


Pa as I call him, is the funniest man you could ever meet...he will crack you up with his silly pj's and usually manages to make us all laugh.
He is a man who at the age of 59 still tries wrestling with his grown son(tries being the key word here)...he still like it when we make a major fuss on his Bday and he still irritates mom by trying to help her in the kitchen :):)(guess this actually makes her day).But among all the laughter he is strict when necessary..he made it sure that both his kids learnt how important it was to give respect and to command respect from others.


I have always been his darling...his most favorite person(or I atleast like to think so:):))...anyways he has always been there for me and and no request (read demand) of mine was ever forgotten or not dealt with. Among all the fun and frolic I do belive I am what I am today because of him n ofcourse because of mom (but thats a whole different story...or blog rather). We have had our shares of arguments and fights but that doesnt change the fact that pa has always been there for me whenever..wherever.

I have always tried to live my life on the standards and principles that he had set for himself and I think my biggest achievment till date would be the fact that my parents are proud of me.

When pa fell ill..I actually ended up thinking that life as i knew it was over...untill the results showed us that everything was normal. But dont think I will ever take anything for granted ever again.

My pa is still the greatest n bestest n funniest n coolest n.....but have realized that he might not be the strongest and that its time I became strong for his sake...time for me to grow up n time for him to relax...

Pa get well soon......I love ya soooooooooooooo much!!!!


"A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again." ~Enid Bagnold