Toys

Whats with children and toys? Will there be an end to the number of toys piling up inspite of not buying for our own?

My house is overflowing with toys...toys here,toys there,toys everywhere...i need not take any toys to my native ..coz i have toys for my kids there too...toys at my in-laws house and toys at my parents. Toys r something that keep pouring into our house as gifts from friends and relatives. Particularly after a Birthday celebration, u will end up with many toys. Every year we donate some old ones to SOS and few old ones goes to my maid but still they come from nowhere.

All the cleaning was done by me every day...the most annoying being pieces of pieces of bricks, pencils, crayons, bangles(specially for girls) and puzzles scattered everywhere. I clean them up after they've gone to school and hide them, only to take them out again when my girls request innocently with false promises of cleaning up after play. When they r done, they go their own way which makes me the last one left in the room to clean up. Grrr...

If this goes on I think I will have to do it till they grow older. I have been thinking about it seriously these days. Better now than later. My girls have to take responsibilty atleast in the matter of cleanliness. Therefore I have adopted stringent measures for cleaning up after play. No more outdoor play until ething is cleaned up. Anything taken from its place has to be returned after use, at once. All cleaning should be done before going to bed. Although its impossible to keep monitoring, I am trying my level best. I don't know how long I have to be the monster figure in their lives. But judging by my own character, its likely that I will forget about it sooner or later, me being very softhearted to my girls. :)

For My Wonderful Friends

For all my wonderful friends out there..who have been with me and who have been praying for my well being...here's the wonderful song that we sang together often while we were in college.

Happy Birthday -Brown Girl style

Have u heard of the famous song by Boney-M,"Brown Girl in the ring"....the tune is now sung for Birthdays here these days...specially in my girls school...its very catchy...try singing the words given below in that tune!

Happy Birthday Dear friend
La la la la la !
Happy Birthday Dear friend
laaa la la la la la
Happy Birthday dear friend
la la la la la !
We wish u a Happy Birthday .

MAy God bless u !
la la la la la
MAy God bless u !
laaa la la la la la
MAy God bless u !
la la la la la
We wish u a Happy Birthday

:)

Coolest Video Ever !

I came across this sweet Video and thot of sharing this with all of u...
This is a group of people who decided to do something incredibly creative at their church, and they have on white gloves and areperforming in front of a black light .. enjoy! Turn your sound on before clicking the link.

Proud to be Indian

Happy Independence Day to all fellow Indians as India turns Sweet 62 !

Trip to Coorg - Part 3

We got up at 8 in the morning the next day. Since it was raining and almost dark we thot of cancelling our Mysore trip that day. It wouldn't be fun to see the zoo while it was raining. We decided to check out and go straight home. SO we had tea, packed up and checked out.

On the way back we had brunch. G was having a slight temperature. but still they were happy to be on the move. During our last visit to Coorg we had had visited Nisargadama. Its a sandalwood forest with a deer park and there were elephant rides there during season time. This time rains made us drop that visit too. WE had to drive through the forest areas where there were warnings of Wild Elephants. We would ask L and G to look out for Elephants on the way to keep them from fighting. We were pointing out the bamboo trees for L and G for them to learn.The other places in Coorg are a Dubarey Elephant camp, there is white water rafting and trekking,some waterfalls here and there too. All this could be visited in better climate conditions.

When we reached Srirangapatna we saw a board showing the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Papa decided we needed to go visit this place as this was a must see for all children. So we took a detour.L and G were excited to be there. The rains had stopped and there was a little sun there. A nice park was there too. There was a boat ride for tourists where we could get a sight of thousands of migratory birds nesting in the middle of the river on small small islands. There were many species of Birds there. A little far of on another small island we saw hundreds of bats hanging upside down on the shaking trees right on top. It was the first time that I too saw many of them.

A little further away on smaller rocks between the river we saw crocodiles lazing out. L and G had a nice look at them. There was one particular crocodile which was standing still with its mouth open wide. I was finding it difficult to beleive that it was real coz it looked so statue-like to me. It didn't move for a long time. After we took a complete cirle and came back we saw that it had changed its position.We saw many crocodiles on the move. L and G started getting scared. I was glad that they saw it so that I could always scare G the next time she was getting naughty. We then took a walk through the garden there and returned. By then we all go tired. The road to bangalore was full of Traffic inspite of it being a Sunday. We reached home in the evening.
It was totally a nice,relaxed trip. L and G were very happy to reach home.

Trip to Coorg-Part 2

The next day we got up late. Since it was raining badly it was dark and windy outside. We even thought we would stay back instead of going sightseeing in the rain. We needed to have breakfast. So we all got ready and went to our favourite Veg restuarant. By then it was only drizzling and we asked the way to TalCauvery. This was one place we missed to visit during our previous visit to Coorg. It was quite far off from where we were staying.

Talacauvery, the birth place of River Cauvery is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of 4187 ft above sea level. (Origin of river Cauvery) - 45 Kms from Madikeri. This is the source of the holy river cauvery, captured in a small well less than a meter square. The locals told us to visit that place since it is said to be enormously blessed with nature. We can have a panoramic view of Coorg from there. The way that leads to the place and the place itself is photogenic.

We decided to go visit TalCauvery and it was indeed beautiful, tho the drive was tiring. L and G entertained us with the songs they learnt in school. There were fights and outbursts too. On the way we saw a lot of local stalls selling honey,coffee and spices, for which Coorg is famous. When we reached the top of the Mountain , we could see the mists floating with the breeze.Thankfully it had stopped raining by then. It was breathtaking to watch view below from the top. There were large steps leading to the topmost part of the mountain too. We had to remove our slippers outside as the place was considered to a holy . We saw the 1 meter square well which is said to be the origin of the Cauvery. There were some pujaris there doing Pujas for the people who had requested for prayers. There was also a pool just nearby to it, in which we could see coins which visitors had thrown for good luck.

Since it had rained, water was overflowing on the slightly rocky steps throughout. In some places it was dangerously slippery. L was so interested to run over the steps saying she is always careful. We tried to warn her many times of the slippery steps. G was being cautious but she was being tempted to run along with L. PApa went to take the umbrellas from the car in case it rained. Seeing that he had gone L and G wandered away from me. I too was scared to walk on the slippery ground,in between, I was warning my girls again and again. While I was warning, L was not obeying and G was following her. G slipped, bumped her head and started crying aloud. I ran and took hold of G into my arms and started rubbing on her forhead. L looked frightened.

I called L to come to me,U know why!She was so scared to come to me that she went backwards. In that process she too fell. Now they both knew why we were warning them again and again. G got a cut between her toes and it was bleeding. A small lump had appeared on her forhead too. From then on both became very obedient girls. We spent some more time there to watch the mists on the mountain. On the way back we bought some honey too.

We returned and had a late lunch by around 2:30 . G was sleeping while we returned. Heavy rains started and so we decided to go back to the hotel.We took rest and then geared up for the evening. There was Tambola in the Fun Centre at 7 PM. All of us actively participated tho we didn't win anything. After the game, a DJ came and put some loud music. Kids and the Ladies present there had a nice time dancing to the music. L and G joined too. When they got tired we went back to our room..had a nice dinner and went off to sleep. G threw up thrice in her sleep. Probably coz of indigestion. Only after 12 did all of us sleep properly. This was our last night here and the next day we had to check out.

Trip to Coorg -Part 1

We made 3 day trip to Coorg (Kodagu). It was a very good trip for a change as it was raining thruout the 3 days. The best season to visit Coorg is from September to December. Luckily for us it didn't rain heavily when we were travelling during the day time. The night time was windy and rainy but we had a nice time with Indoor activites coz we were staying at the Club Mahindra in Coorg.


Coorg is situated on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats in Karnataka . It is a hilly district. The main capital of this place is Madikeri ,also called Mercara. There r lots of places u can visit here. It is as Beautiful as Ooty and Kodai. We had gone to Coorg 2 years back with our whole family on my Hubby's side. We liked the place then but this time it was even more beautiful tho we were just 4 of us...Papa,Mama,L and G...WE decided to drive all the way from Bangalore. Depending on the traffic it takes 6-7 hrs drive from here to Coorg.

Day 1

To avoid heavy traffic we decided to start out early morning at 5 AM. We prepared the kids in advance bout the trip and so they jumped and got ready, the instant we woke them early morning. It was an easy drive to Coorg. For breakfast we had carried Sandwich Bread and butter along with a few cut cucumber and tomato slices. We stopped by the road and had a good breakfast. It was quite filling. The roads weren't that good as heavy rains had damaged it.

We decided to stop at Kushalnagar where there is a Tibetan Colony. Bylakuppe is one of the several Tibetan settlements in India.There were ordinary Tibetans who lived in idependent houses as well as Tibetan monks (dressed in dark yellow vests and red

robes, can be seen of the roads. Some of them were no older than 10 years of age. They have beautiful monastery built there,also named as the Namdroling Monastery.

We were showing L and G the corn cultivations which could be seen on either sides of the road while driving thru the colony. She had learnt in Science that Corn is a Food grain and I was reminding her of that. L kept asking where we were going and to make her feel excited we
told her we were visiting a Monastery. L was hearing that word for the first time. Througout the Journey she kept asking how many Kilometeres more we had to travel to reach the destination. She was very impatient to sit during the long drive.It was like she was sitting on Pins. Just
before we reached the place she asks us impatiently

" Where is the Cornastery?" We all broke into laughter.

Incidentally we happened to land in the Tibetan Colony on the same day of the Beijing Olympics Opening ceremony. SInce China and Tibet r not in good terms the ,sHopping centre there was closed for 2 days in protest. It was drizzling throut but we had a walk though that area. They were Quarters where monks were staying, a nice garden maintained well by them. Few monks were doing their traditional prayer chanting with drums,sort of long trumpets and few other musical instruments in a Chanting room. They didn't seem to be distracted by the tourists thronging to get a sight of them.

I guess they must be used to it. There were slogans near the Shopping Area telling not to buy Chinese goods.

Since we still had to drive a long distance to reach Kodagu, we decided to leave and go forward. By 12 noon, we reached Madikeri just in time for lunch. We enquired on a good Veg restuarant so that we could have food from there all through our stay in Kodagu also inorder to avoid stomach upsets..hehe.We found a very good one , easy on the pocket too. We wanted to finish some sightseeing before we retired to our room,so we decided to visit Raja Seat. They have beautiful well maintained garden and a beautiful view from the top of the mountain. There would be slight mists wandering over the thick green vegetation on and off. It would look like smoke drifting away which was confusing L and G.

It was so beautiful inspite of the rain. It was chilly coz of a cold breeze. There was a Toy Train there and the kids were jsut longing to hop on. the problem was there wan't enuff people to start the train. So we waited till there were 20 people. WE had carried a video and so were shooting scenes of L and G. A couple of perky,noisy college students hopped on to the train and then the ride started. L and G enjoyed it so much, even tho the ride was only for 4 minutes. Seeing their excitement Papa decided to go for 1 more ride. So again we went on it ..this time we sat in different places.

It was getting more misty and chilly and so we decided to have some tea and then went to our place of stay, Club Mahindra which was around 7 Km from madikeri. We got a nice room with a kitchen cabinet and a nice view. All of us went of to sleep as we were very tired and got up in the evening as there were indoor activities in the Fun Centre at the Club. All of us freshened up. There were some fun games which were organised for all who were there specially for children. L and G had loads fo fun Also we could play Carroms ,TT and board games. We spent some time there and went back to the room just in time to watch the Olympics Opening ceremony in Beijing on Television. It was feast to our eyes. What a Show put up by China?? WE watched it and went off to sleep. We needed some energy for the next day.

Olympics 2008

Its the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics on 8th August at 8:08 PM. I feel excited for all those who r going to participate and try to win a medal for which they have been working for years and years together. For that medal which will bring honour to their country as well. I always used to daydream when I was small, that if I were to participate and win an Olympic medal, it would be an "Out of this world" feeling for me. And I also guess its going to be the same feeling for all those who r going to be a part of all the events. My Prayers and All the Best for all the Participants in this Years Olympic Event. Hats off to all of them for their competitive Spirit and Hardwork.

Gimme a Break!

Past few days we were all busy with guests and travel. Days just fly when these 2 things r clubbed. Donno how fast the last 5 days passed. But am glad to take a break after it. All the cooking and arranging home etc. On top of all this ,I am down with a nasty cold and body ache. A BIG RELEIF! that my kids have gone to school today. Again we have planned a 3 day trip this weekend. Tommorow we have the "Lunch klatsch" in our Apartment. So according to the menu I have to prepare a dish. Most probably its a "Vegetable Stew"(kerala style) which has to accompany the "Appam". The last time I prepared the stew for a gathering it was a partial disaster so I have my fingers crossed this time. But I am bold enough the take on the Mission again. ;)

So many things happening so fast. Today also happens to be the First time L is doing Bible Reading in her school Assembly. I hope it turns out to go fine as she had mentioned that she wanted to do something like that for a long time. When i met her Ma'm for the Open House I spoke about L's interest. And so she got her chance today. She didn't want to make it perfect tho when I wanted her to rehearse well yesterday. I wonder how it went today?

Dressing Time

Many moms go through difficult times when selecting a dress for their child(specially girls) . Usually I allow them to wear according their own tastes but when the child wants to wear the same dress all the time then we have to find a solution. Me and G argue a lot, when the time comes to select a dress after G's bath. For a very long time(about a year now) she likes this one particular dress every day after her bath. It is a beautiful Shiny flowery dress that I got stitched a year back. I stitched with the same cloth for both my girls. With the remaining cloth, I made 2 duppatas(shawls) out of it for them. G never gets fedup of wearing that frock with the additional setup(Duppatta) everyday. Even though her shelf is full of pretty dresses, she insists on wearing the same dress. Tho I liked it when i bought the cloth the first time, now i don't like the sight of it. Sometimes I hide it from the shelf and make excuses for the missing dress. For about a month i had to tell her that i left it in our native. Just recently I put it back on the shelf but i misplaced G's duppatta..So now the trend is, sharing L's duppatta. When L came to know that G's duppatta is missing ,she wants to wear it the same day G wears it. Now I have to make sure that L and G wear their dress on different days so that they get the duppata to themselves on the days either of them wear it. This is the biggest disadvanatage when they both have the same dress.

A few days ago my yunger one starting wearing her clothes by herself.Wearing the T-shirt and her skirt by herself really made me a proud mommy.