50. Karaikuddi

One of our family's favorite place to eat is Karaikuddi Restaurant. There is one near our house and we just have to walk a bit to get there. They serve 'aunthentic' Karaikuddi cuisine and we just love those that goes with coconut milk. It is one of the best things in this part of Chennai that makes us think twice whenever we contemplate of moving elsewhere...

49. Foreigners Registration

I have been in this country for more than 14 years now and I do not feel like a foreigner anymore. I love Chennai like my own country. Today, we had to fulfill a formality that reminded me that indeed, I am not a citizen of India, yet. It made me think of where I came from and where I am right now. And I had this wonderful feeling of the beauty that life has allowed me to experience firsthand.  

48. Rush Hour

Cramming has always worked for me. As a student, I am the best crammer. Studying on the last minute and creating wondrous projects the night before submission. I would say I am more creative when my mind is razing like hell. But then, when it comes to many things in life...cramming doesn’t work. Yes, my dear daughter...IT does not work! Applying for our resident permit for instance...at the last minute we are rolling to the immigration office to fulfil our formalities of being an ‘alien’ in India. It’s not fun, and it’s certainly not funny! I vow to keep my registration up to date so as not to cram again...

47. Writing

Everybody knows how to write. Take a pen and paper, or start tapping your keyboard...voila, you are writing! But then, what it is that you want to write and how do you want to write it? There are several types of writers – those who write because they need to write, those who write because they have to write, those who write because they are paid to write, and those who write because they love to write. Writing to me is very personal ... whether I am paid for it or not, whatever I write reflects the person in me. From the very first word till the last of my work comes from my heart, more than my brain. Each writer should be respected for what they do but sadly there are editors who do not mind mutilating a piece of work without thinking about the writer and how she has put in her heart and soul into the work. They should write to have a feel of a writer but then...are they writers enough??? I know I am...and I am happy to be one!

46. Options

We may be faced with a lot of difficult situations but we are always given an option. The worst part is on choosing which option to take. Sometimes, I prefer to take the option to let it simmer and just keep mum about what is happening. But there are times when choosing silence is not the right thing to do. When situation calls for it, I choose to speak up. Today, I spoke my mind and decided that I do not want to just watch 'wrong' things happen in front of me. I hate it when humility is taken as weakness... and when old people believe that just because they are old, they smarter... the opposite holds true in several cases...but then again, I have options and that's what makes life...wonderful!

45. Chocolates

A real mood booster...that's what chocolates are to me. Today, I had one of the worst day in the office when a colleague came with a bunch of chocolates from Ooty. It did not turn my mood back up but it certainly help controlled my burning anger to the person who refuses to do her job at the time when she should be doing it...well, a friend says, life's like that...but until when can i hang on to this...yeah, maybe till the chocolates lasts!

44. Christ has Risen...

Alleluia!!! The Risen Christ is another sign of new life, new hope..new challenges! I sincerely believe that humanity goes through the Good Fridays in life only to prepare ourselves for the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. I love the spirit brought in by this day because everyone seem to have a positive view of life. Unlike Christmas, there is no tension of noche buena and aguinaldo...but only happiness shared by the family and friends...all hoping for a better tomorrow. Today, we ended our 4-day luxurious holiday with a visit to an old friend, Ellen Shah whose husband is recovering from illness. It is wonderful to see her again, after more than a year, still with the same bright attitude in her heart and a smile on her face. For her, it is obvious that indeed, God has risen! For us, it is a day of thanksgiving for a wonderful life - together!

43. Luxuries of life

It's Black Saturday and I am here thanking God for the luxuries of life that we get to enjoy. I know for a fact that not all the families can afford to live the way we do and so I raise my hand in thanksgiving for all the wonderful blessings God had given us. Black Saturday is a day of renewing our faith and love to the creator and my family and I surrender everything to him for He has given us - his life!

42. Time for Reflection

We came out of the city to free ourselves from work and worry. We intend to rest and reflect on the wonders of life. Good Friday is a reminder on how lucky we are to live life to the fullest. Our problems seem so small in the face of what Jesus suffered on the cross. And yet, man keeps whining! On this day, I resolve to be thankful for all the blessings and make amends for all the whining I did...I just want to thank God for the gift of life and the gift of my family...   

41. Road Trip

One of the best things in life is being able to spend time with your loved ones. And these are the times I cherish the most. When all of us are at our relaxed best, nothing to do and plenty of time to talk. When time allows, we like going on a road trip. Driving in the countryside gives us not only a pleasurable ride but a chance to know each other a lot better than we already do. For this holy week, we are driving down a resort in Pondicherry for a little rest, recreation and reflection!

40. Sishya...with flying colors!

Today is one of those days when I feel like I am up in the air, swinging on cloud nine. My daughter just got an admission at Sishya, one of the finest schools in Chennai. Believe me, getting your child admitted in this school is like going through the hole of a fine needle. I was told that as soon as the woman gets pregnant, they do register the child in this school for a possibility of admission when he/she is at that age ready to start school. Moving in and out of Chennai, we did not really look into this school, but today, when the principal attested that my daughter did very well in the entrance test, I could not hold my smile. I am very proud f my daughter getting into this school on her own merit..what a beautiful day it is...

39. Musical box

Back in high school, someone gave me a musical box as a gift very similar to this one. With a floral design on the outside and a velvety pink cloth on the inside, a ballerina dance with the music when opened. I don’t know where it is right now. My mom would have thrown it (because she did not like the person who gave it to me)...but I will never forget the happiness brought in by that box. As the ballerina tip-toes, my heart leaps in joy and appreciation of this wonderful gift of love and friendship.  I may not have the box with me but the music lingers bringing with it a wonderful feeling of being loved and cared for. Wherever you are PAL, I thank you for allowing me to experience the beauty of love at that time.   

38. Koffee with Karan

Need I say more? Well, I stopped drinking coffee when the new year broke and it has been more than a 100 later...I seem to have kicked the habit. But watching this show is something that I cannot let go. Not because the lives of the bollywood celebrities interest me but because of the candidness of the show's host - Karan Johar. The show reminds me of Boy Abunda of the Philippine show business, the intelligence that goes with the show outshines its kabaduyan! Some treats that makes like flavorful...tastes better than my morning cuppa! 

37. Take Out

What a way of life! For some, this may sound a bit on the lazy side and a bit 'bratty', but I never cook on weekends. Unless of course guests are coming then I have to quickly whip something nice and easy. Thanks to take out and delivery service, we survive Saturdays and Sundays. Today, it was a good lunch from Sai Krishna and yummy burger and fries from a burger joint nearby. Life is good!

36. Parent Circle is launched...

After months of preparation...and a lot of doubts...we have finally launched Parent Circle, a magazine for the parents of Chennai. A concept that I loved from the very beginning, I am quite sure that this will be a boon to the 'confused' parents of this city. We do have a lot of things in store for our readers and I am quite happy to be associated with this publication. I just hope to be able to 'manage' still...

35. Lunch before the launch..Kerala's Vishu festival

I was not feeling well for the last two days. There were festivals after festival which only meant some good food after another served. Coming back to office (after a two-day break) did not change that since my colleague, a Malayali, brought in a feast to celebrate Kerala’s Vishu festival today. Not that I am complaining but my effort to look slimmer for our launch tomorrow will (again) remain in the backdrop. The variety was phenomenal. And we all enjoyed a good lunch...a day before our launch!

34. New Year, New Beginning

I use to wonder how many new year there are in India. It confuses me how different states celebrate different new year. Then it dawn on me how beautiful this tradition is. For every new year is a new beginning. There are several chances for us to correct out mistakes and start anew. We are given opportunities to begin again....and again...and again! Today is Tamil New Year's day, we did nothing special but we are grateful to the Lord for giving our family an opportunity to start the year again, as one happy family. WE pray to our favourite Lord Ganesh for guidance all year through. Happy New Year to all!  

I-T Superhighway

I love living in Chennai, no matter what! The modern facilities coming our way are a bonus I must say. One of these new additions includes the IT superhighway that spans Taramani and Old Mahabalipuram Road. This, I am sure many will agree, is the only place where ‘regular’ motorists (taxi drivers excluded...they touch 70 even in the crowded streets of Purusawalkam) can touch 70 – 80 kph without worrying much about a pedestrian giving you a surprise appearance. The stretch is joy ride in itself.  The greeneries add to the pleasure of driving and living in this beautiful city that I will always call HOME.

32. The I-man (or woman)

How annoying they can be. They talk (brag) about themselves a lot (in fact, they talk only about themselves) - how they do this and how they think of that, who they know and what they have done. The world seems to revolve only around themselves...they are the centre of the universe! Who says...them – the I, me and myself kind of people! How did these kind of people land on my list of awesome things in life??? Well, having them around makes us realize how not to behave. They provide a good example of what not to do. I learn a lot from these people who never seem to know that the word ‘WE’ ever existed and that they cannot be taking credit for ideas that are not originally theirs, forever! Although, mas maganda sana talaga ang buhay kung magbabu na lang sila sa mundo. Kasi, mas masaya kung palaging sama-sama, di ba?

31. Cellphone

I think everyone will agree with me when I say that cellular phones are a boon to today's modern world. It does make the world a much smaller place to be. I cannot count the times when I just smile at the thought of how life would have been 'terrible', without my cellphone. I can do a lot of things done even when I am on the go. I wonder how a few friends still keep their aversion to having one, when even our gardener sports a nice looking samsung flip-phone, and is benefiting from using one. Anyhow, whoever invented the cellphone, hats off to you...life is a lot easier, people seem closer and the world is a lot smaller...just because of this little gadget that's becoming smaller by the day.   

30. Family Fun Games

One of the best things in life is being able to laugh as a family. I will never trade the fun we have when we play games of Atlas or as simple as connect four, for anything in the world. The laughter that we share evokes a lot of love and enjoyment in being together as one family. Today, while waiting for the Tamil mass to finish, we sat in the car and started a game of Atlas (where we name any place in the Atlas). It was hilarious when my husband mentioned Aminjikarai. My daughter argued that its not on the Atlas but then, the hubby pointed out that what he may be holding is a Chennai Atlas...nor arguments then! A lot of learning, a lot of laughter, a lot of fun...but most of all, a lot of LOVE. 

29. Wikko

Our little mascot! It's been quite sometime since we had a baby in the house. My little girl has grown that even though she would always remain our baby, she no longer enjoy our hugs and kisses. Wikko is our friend's son who gives us all a lot of joy. He is two and he just started connecting words...which is really fun! My husband, our  daughter and I just love having him around. We have forgotten having a small kid to play with until our little mascot came! Thanks for the joy that children brings...

28. Chennai's heat

I have been moving around in the last few days and the heat is taking a toll on me. What a way to remind me that I am back in Chennai...the place I love to call home, for almost 15 years now. The heat is a good reminder of how lucky we are in life -- we have airconditioners and fan to cool us at home and in the office, we have our cars to help us move around, and most of all, we have the sea that offers the much needed breeze in the evening. The Chennai's heat may be unbearable at times, but then...that's what Chennai is all about...hot, hotter and hottest!

27. Faith

I don't believe easily. I am a skeptical person in all aspects of life. It is very difficult to make me trust someone or something to happen. Yesterday, we walk in to Sishya, (a school where we would like to admit our daughter for the next schoolyear) with all uncertainty. People were already lined-up, we got the number 24. I told my husband, this is the first and last time I am going to go through this process. If we don't get it now, that's it! After a couple of hours wait, I am getting more and more impatient. People coming out of the meeting hall were all dissasppointed with the result. Well. I thought, we are bound for the same. Until, our turn came and we were welcome by three very unassuming, friendly people. Still, I did not believe that we have a chance. Ten minutes lates, and we emerged from the same door with a piece of paper on hand...and yes, I was dumbfounded. Only today did it sink in that my faith proved me wrong. Miracles do happen.

26. Officially TIRED!

Today, I came home from work...really late, and very tired! Its production time and we have to go through each and every word there is, in the mag. And because I am really tired, I cannot write longer. But still, life is beautiful because I am tired, and I am tired because I work, and I work because I have work. There are countless number of people looking for employment. Thank God, I am not one of them. 

25. Hinduism

I married a Hindu, does that mean I become a Hindu? No. But there is no stopping me from understanding this beautiful belief on the life that is full of respect. I would want my daughter to embrace this faith much as she embrace my faith because I believe that we are living in a universe created by only one God, called in different names. This is what makes like worth living. There are mysteries to be discovered and lessons to be learned every step of the way. Living in a country where majority of the people believe in Hinduism, I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn and experience this faith, first hand!

24. Wii

Yes, Wii! In this time and age when people like me work from 9 am to 6 pm, there is no way exercise can be fit in schedule. The fact that I am at that age when exercise is a must, makes it a lot more complicated. Thanks to my daughter's Wii. I still get to shake my body playing a game of tennis in the comforts of an air-conditioned room! I get to strike it out in bowling while wearing my bedroom slippers. And mind you, I can belt it out with Hanna Montana while our neighbors must be crying in pain! Whoa...Wii!

23. Pasalubong

Don't ask me what this is? Every filipino abroad should know what this means. And this means only one thing: gastos! Yep, but there's no escaping this Filipino tradition of gift-giving after arriving from abroad. It does pinch the pocket but then one has to be extra smart in planning. In my case, I plan much much ahead. So, as early as six months before my scheduled trip, I start buying gifts one-by-one. That way, the pinch does not hurt just as much. Today, I did just that.

22. Cricket

Before coming to this country, cricket for me is nothing but a bug that makes those silly noise. When people ask me if I like cricket (like its a delicacy that taste yummo), I would give them a big NO. But then 15 years later, I am now cheering for the men in blue! Not that I became a big fan of this game which until now is a puzzle to me but I support it because my husband is a big fan. Today India is playing the finals against Sri Lanka, I decided not to be a spoilsport and allow them (my daughter is now a big fan too!) to have the TV while I prepare their favorite munch! It was a good bonding fun for both of them...and yo, India won! They're both ecstatic!

21. Memories of MMM

I woke up with a smile this morning...and that smile I carried on the whole day! Oh, I had a wonderful dream, that's why. It was one of the usual scenes so many years ago. It is heartwarming to remember how this person use to take a lot of pain to make me happy. I wonder where is this person now, but I will always thank God for the beautiful memories He made for me and of MMM. It made life truly awesome and worth remembering once in a while!