Monday, November 26, 2012

Shopaholic in me?

I recently read the famous book - Confession of a Shopaholic. My dear friend had bought the book ages ago and had commented the book was hilarious, and a good read. In spite of this, I had put off the thought of reading the book thinking I probably would not be able to relate to it. One fine day, I was left with no choice but to read 'Undomestic Goddess' written by the same author. Hilarious - definitively, Good read - of course. I enjoyed the book. So, made my decision to give Confession of a Shopaholic a try.
Well, after I read it also while reading it, I kept telling myself - 'I'm nothing like this girl'. Although, once upon a time, I was a teenie-weenie bit like her, but that period of my life is long over. Now, I'm a responsible woman, a mother, a wife, the financial manager of our house!
This is what I had thought. The change in me came the moment I joined my new job. My previous job gave me no scope or time to think of "Shopping". Come to think, some corner of my consciousness always told me - "I know, you were lured by the location of the office rather than anything else to take up this new job". Probably, everything else was reasons I told to conceal the actual fact. Throwing more light about my office, well, it is located a stone throw away from THE 'commercial street'. Commercial Street needs no introduction to bangaloreans or even mysoreans, but for the rest, it is a major shopping center of Bangalore. One walk in that street, you would sure find a reason to burn a hole in your pocket.
The first time I went there as I was new to the office and did not have much work but yes, a lot of time in hand. I went after looked at a discount board to buy new dress for my daughter, you know, as a gift. But there, I saw 3 pair of lovely earring also on discount!! Among that was one of my favourite, pearl earring!!! I lost my previous pearl earring and have been longing for one. So, what if I have to buy the other two with it. It's like bonus, you know!
Now, does that sound wee bit familiar?? Heard of these reasons before? Yes, you would have if you have read the book I just mentioned.
Here begins my confessions. During lunch I went to register for my Spanish Diploma course. On my way back in the bus, I had to get down one stop before because the bus was going different direction from there. I get down and there is a BOOK SALE! Books to me has the same effects as dresses for Becky. I went on buying and buying and buying. I bought books for almost 1000Rs!! Can you beat that!
I bought a vegetarian cook book. I come home and realize more than half of these vegetarian dishes need egg to be prepared. My heart is broken! I paid good 200Rs for it. I felt terrible. I need to check my expenses.
Next day, my brother said he would pick me from a place 5 mins from my office. I left office and realized I still have 15mins before meeting my brother. Another thing I realized is, I have not seen the commercial street properly. I told myself no spending only looking.
After books, my next favorite thing is jewellry, specifically, silver jewellry. There are many shops which sell awesome silver jewelry. I had promised myself I would just look around and not buy anything. As I was browsing I was also checking the price of jewelries I liked. But, that shopkeeper gave me his 'You really can't afford any' look. And lo! I bought myself 'rose crystal' earrings. You know, rose crystals keep stress at bay so it was okay to buy it. Like this I had a million more shopping experience which made me realize I sure do have a shopaholic in me!!!!!

I quit this dream job a year ago... to fulfill my duties as a mother. This article is tribute to first anniversary of quitting job and my extravagant shopping!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Finally a cake

I'm amused by the number of food bloggers, ever more by the variety of dishes on their blog.
Every time I came across recipe for cakes, I told myself I'm going to try it one day when I buy a microwave. The microwave did arrive, yet it took me more than a month to bake my first cake. I had so many condition while finding the recipe of the cake - it should be eggless, easy to prepare, no fancy ingredients... and so on. I first tried the eggless chocolate cake, recipe was given in the complimentary cookbook I got with the MW. It was utter flop. Taste was fine but the cake wasn't.
Then my cousin suggested Dates Cake as the easiest cake to prepare. I tried this as well but in vain. The cake tasted well but it was sticky! I decided cake was not my cup of tea. I'm not going to bake again. Well, I baked pizzas but cake... NO.
On the new year's eve, I was at my mother's place. In someway I wanted a celebration. Ordering a cake at the nth min was out of question. The only option left was to bake one. So, I did bake... the dates cake... again. The taste was fine as ever and it did not even turn out soggy this time. But, this time it was HARD.
I thought - what is this... some great art? Why am I not able bake a cake right? Now, it was more of a challenge to bake a perfect cake. I browsed and browsed endless for a cake that I could bake. Finally I bumped into the Honey Cake Recipe on Nandita's blog - Saffron Trail. So, I went ahead with my adventure all over again. And this time, finally, I baked it RIGHT! My hubby who generally does not eat ANYTHING sweet liked it. So did my 1+ yr old daughter! Finally even I baked a cake! Thanks to Nandita for that recipe :)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The impossible dream

As a result of my Spanish classes, I'm beginning to watch English movies based on Spain/ LA. Last week I saw 'The Man of La mancha' based on the novel 'El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha' by Cervantes. Very inspiring lyrics, from the movie -

To dream ... the impossible dream ...
To fight ... the unbeatable foe ...
To bear ... with unbearable sorrow ...
To run ... where the brave dare not go ...
To right ... the unrightable wrong ...
To love ... pure and chaste from afar ...
To try ... when your arms are too weary ...
To reach ... the unreachable star ...

This is my quest, to follow that star ...
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far ...
To fight for the right, without question or pause ...
To be willing to march into Hell, for a Heavenly cause ...

And I know if I'll only be true, to this glorious quest,
That my heart will lie will lie peaceful and calm,
when I'm laid to my rest ...
And the world will be better for this:
That one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove, with his last ounce of courage,
To reach ... the unreachable star ...

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Fighting my toughest enemy

My worst and the toughest enemy to fight so far has been - my anger. I'm in a war with it from the time I can remember. Of all the battles fought, most of it is won by anger to my greatest regret. I have of course won a few battles, but it is nothing compared to numbers anger has won against me. Now, I'm determined to win the WAR. I'm noting a few things that could help me, as a self reminder in this war....
1. Every time anger is about to attack, breath deeply.
2. Chant a mantra. Till control is mine.
3. Laugh. Instead of getting anger, laugh - "oh my God! Life can be like this also!!"

These are ones that will help. I hope to add to the list as and when I learn of a new technique. This is it for now.

Monday, September 20, 2010

3 years completed

Today we are celebrating our 3 years of togetherness... its our wedding anniversary!
I can't believe it is 3 years. We are still learning things about each other... I guess the process never ends. Intial months of adjustment is tough but the fruit of it is really sweet.
I feel so special when he remembers something I like that I would have just mentioned carelessly. With a little sour, salty, sweet experiences.... life is beautiful after marriage!