My sunshine when the skies are grey.

I fell in love with him before I even met him (is that even possible??). First look at him, and I knew, he's the one. I smiled at his smiles and laughed when he giggled. He drove me nuts with his late nights but I always kissed him good morning when he woke up. Soon I realized this was just the beginning. 

I might lose my cool some days and I might yell at you. I would cry the first day you would go out waving me "bye bye". I would wait for you to come back soon. I would make you do stuff you won't like, and you would do things which would make me mad.

But nonetheless, I love you. 

My handsome boy, Ryan.

10 Challenges : 1 Picture

P.S. The delay in this post was because I wanted this one to be with my lil one, Ryan. And he kept me waiting long enough. 

10 Challenges : 2 Songs

1. Please forgive me - Bryan Adams

2. O saathi re - Kishore Kumar 

P.S. I wish I could add all Kishore Da songs here and many more. This is so unfair to just pick 2 songs when music is your life. 

10 Challenges : 3 Movies

1. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

A story about unapproved friendship of two young boys set in the time of World War II, with an unexpected and heart wrenching ending. The movie would leave the strongest of hearts in tears. 

The boys who played the lead have done a tremendous job and at times you don't realize you are watching a movie. 

2. Life is Beautiful

Originally Italian, this movie set in the World War II, is a story of a father (and his son) who uses his imagination and humor to protect his son in Nazi death camp. Unlike the first movie I mentioned, the ending of this movie has a hint of happiness and hope amidst all the sadness. 

3. In Pursuit of Happyness

Based on the real life story of an American salesman turned stockbroker, Chris Gardner, the movie is about hope, happiness and the strong will. The movie depicts the struggle of a homeless salesman who works hard to provide for his son and himself and manages to achieve and feel "Happiness". Movie would touch your heart and make you appreciate what you have. And ever since I first saw the movie, I have an increased admiration for Will Smith as an actor. 

P.S. I so "not" like listing just 3 movies out of a huge lot. Also, I find it a bit disappointing that I don't have any Hindi movie in my top 5 list. If I have to chose one, it would be Taare Zameen Par. 

I feel all (Indian) parents must watch Taare Zameen Par and that they should stop considering their children as a medium to achieve their (parents') dreams and let the kids chose what they like and want to do. I feel the parents should express their ambitions for kids only in the form of guidance and not pressure. 

10 Challenges : 4 Books

1. It's not about the Bike by Lance Armstrong

Autobiography of cancer survivor and seven (consecutive) times Tour de France winner, American cyclist, Lance Armstrong. It's a book about his successful fight with cancer and him regaining his strength to win one of the most treacherous cycle races. It's a story about the victory of inner strength, about strong will and extraordinary hard work. 

This is most definitely my favorite book. In fact, it's more than just a book. It's a friend, a guide, a mentor. Every time I have a doubt, I feel low, or even when I am thankful, I pick it up, and start reading from whatever page opens. The book gives me a sense of gratefulness about who I am and what I have. It gives me courage mentally and physically. 

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it". Written around this motto, the book is a story of a boy who travels to find treasure, and along the way finds love, danger, tragedies. He meets people who guide him towards his destination only to find that the treasure is self-realization. 

This book is a fiction, which I refuse to agree with, as it brings you as close to reality as it could get. It's about chasing your dreams and doing everything possible to achieve them. It makes you realize what you really want from life. It helps you to find the purpose of you being here. It brings you closer to yourself and appreciate the reason of your existence. It is a must read for those who are seeking the spiritual path of their life. The book was my companion when I was in SHAR and helped me to cross the otherwise impossible bridges that came my way. 

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

The story set in 19th century revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, a girl from an English country town, her family and her complex love for Mr. Darcy, the main male character of the book. The book is one of the most popular novels of English Literature. 

I read the book when I was in 11th standard and since then, it is my favorite fiction. The character of Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most beautiful yet complex written characters. I have read my forms and versions of this book, including a picture book and have seen the movie made on the novel, all equally beautiful. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for light reading but is definitely for someone who has an interest in old style romance and artful writing. 

4. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
A mystery-thriller about the conflict between the catholic church and scientific society set in modern world, introduces the character of Robert Langdon, which is also the main character in Dan Brown's sequel to the book, the Da Vinci Code and later the Last Symbol. 
I love the style of writing almost as much as I like the plot. The minute details about Vatican history and the architecture is simply superb. The book has one of the most unpredictable endings I have read. With proper respect to religion and intriguing approach towards science and the mingle of both, the book is a must read for all thriller lovers.

10 Challenges : 5 Foods

1. Chocolates (it's food, ain't it?) - Chocolates, in almost all shapes and sizes (except white chocolate). In all forms - cakes, fudge, mousse, shakes, anything. I suffer from chocolate addiction. I wonder if I would ever be able to share my stock with my kids :D :P 

2. Parantha - Any kind of parantha, stuffed, plain, spicy - this is all I have been eating for the past 4 months. I remember when I used to take achar and parantha for breakfast in my school days, everyday, for 6 years. I still love it, anytime of the day. 

3. Dal-Bafle - Being half rajasthani and an Indorie, this is the food for every occasion. :) And I don't hold back on ghee either with dal-bafle. (For those who don't know, Bafle is a variation of baati. And for those who don't know either, you ought to try them.) Oo! I am already drooling ;) 

4. Methi-Aloo - Though I like all greenies but meethi is my favorite. I love it in all forms. And methi-aloo is something I can have for breakfast (yes!), lunch and dinner (and anytime in between). 

5. Choley-(Bhature) made by mum - I was never a fan of choley, am still not. But if cooked by mum with bhature, they are my absolute favorite. I think I am gonna have her cook 'em for tomorrow's lunch :D 

Happy Eating!! :) 

10 Challenges : 6 Places

This one is probably my favorite to list :) I love to travel and I have been lucky enough to do so. It's certainly one of the most difficult parts to pick out my favorite places but here are some which influenced me in more than one way. 

1. Jaipur (Rajasthan, India) - The pink city has been one of the most important parts of my life. My mother and father both being from Jaipur have their roots there and the bond was passed on to us too. Yearly visits to Jaipur kept it alive and made it even stronger. Not only our ancestry but the history of the city itself keeps inviting me and is almost like a passion. Now that I don't get to visit Jaipur as often, I miss the place and constantly yearn to be there. Every time I am there, I feel a sense of peace and calm and satisfaction. 

2. Fond Du Lac (Wisconsin, USA) - FDL is the first city I visited (and lived in) in USA. A very small town of Wisconsin located at the bottom of Lake Winnebago. What I feel about the place is hard to express in words. It was the place that made me realize and made it sure for me, that it isn't about east or west, isn't about cultural differences, not about races and communities, but its all about love. It's about the bonding of  people. FDL became the place where I truly admired the beauty of all weathers. I still remember my first day in snow. I fell in love with the place that very day. After my one year stay in FDL, I knew for sure, if I were ever given a choice, I would gladly settle down there and spend the rest of my life in the heavenly city. 

3.  Ajmer Sharif Dargah (Rajasthan, India) - I went to the dargah of Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, when I was 10. And till date, I feel the same energy flowing in my veins, just thinking about it, which I did when I was there. I never felt the same way at any other place. I still get goosebumps looking at the pictures or watching a video, or just closing my eyes and thinking about it. It amazes me how I remember every single detail about the place. Being there was like standing in front of the almighty. People wonder how it would be if we ever get to see the one powerful. For me, it was that moment when I entered the premises of dargah. And it's wonderful how at that age I had the feeling and it stayed with me. Now hearing about the place all commercialized, I wonder if I would feel the same way when I would go there again. But something tells me, I would. 

4. Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh, India) - I don't usually like to talk about SHAR, coz the place is my weakest point. Ever since I could remember, I always wanted to be a part of ISRO and SHAR was the place I wanted to work in. I worked towards this goal all my academic life and succeeded. Couldn't remember a day when I was happier than the day I signed my joining at SHAR. Later when I saw the station where I was posted, the launch pad for GSLV rockets, it was magical. Crashing waves on the shores of Bay of Bengal and the peace and quiet of the jungle, the launch pad became my fortress of solitude while I was there. I don't regret leaving the place, but I sure miss it, big time. SHAR is the place which transformed me into a whole new person, for better and for worse. Who I am today, is mainly because of the time spent there. SHAR made me a whole lot stronger, mentally and emotionally.

5. New York City (New York, USA) - The city where you feel Life oozing out of every dimension. Where you know everyone but don't know anyone. The city where everyone is the king. A city that never sleeps. The city which is a small world in itself. The city where you are never alone but yet you are, always, alone. The city, which when hurt, changed the face of the world. Food, music, colors, cultures, history, art, people - everything about it attracts you. You can't help but fall prey to the charm of the place and yet you love it. The place where I would go if I want to forget all my worries and just Live. 


6. Indore (Madhya Pradesh, India) - Where I was born and brought up. The place which runs in my blood. Every part of me is soaked in the spirit of this city. I am an Indorie inside and out. I love absolutely everything about the city. Food, markets, roads, festive spirit, places, people, even the senseless traffic :) - every single, small little thing. It's a city which can only be experienced. Nothing you read, hear or see would be enough and accurate to give you the picture unless you've been there. It would be injustice to wrap up about Indore  in a small lil paragraph, so I am going to dedicate an entire post on my Love :) 
Until then, Chao! 

10 Challenges : 7 Wants

This list is more like a Wishlist. :)  I WANT - 

1. To do something for myself - For the past 5 years I have been roaming around the world. Now I want to settle down and do something which would give me self-satisfaction. (Not that I mind traveling, but it has become a restriction lately). 

2. To say what I need to say - Nothing expresses this one better than John Mayer's song "Say what you need to Say".

3. Nikon DSLR - I have been wanting to get an SLR for so long but always end up buying something else. But now this gadget is on the top of my "to buy" list along with the full lens set. 

4. A (MontBlanc) Fountain Pen - I was introduced to fountain pens when I was in 6th standard and ever since I have been a fan. I owe my fairly good handwriting to these pens (and of course, nanaji's guidance). Now coz of all the technology, I hardly use pens but I still want to own a beautifully crafted fountain pen. 

5. Personal video library - Being a movie/TV lover, I definitely want my personal collection of original dvds/blu-rays/cds. This one I'm sure would be a reality the soonest as I share this one with Rits :) 

6. Drive a Porsche convertible - Though my knowledge of cars is limited but one thing I know is, I have a thing for sports cars and convertibles. And would love to drive one (preferably a Porsche, jst for the looks of it) on a long drive in Wisconsin country side. 

7. Martin Acoustic Guitar - Whether I play it or not, I want this just to make me feel good. :) If it brings out the lost passion, that would be a bonus :) 

10 Challenges : 8 Fears

Here are my 8 Fears - (not in any order). 

1. Snakes - I think I mentioned it before, and that's that. Just the thought of 'em makes me nervous and uncomfortable. 

2. Getting into water - Water-parks, beaches, even bathtubs - not my thing. I certainly enjoy sitting on the side, photographing people having fun but getting wet is not for me. 

3. Losing my teeth - This is like my worst nightmare. I have had this dream countless times when I wake up with one of my teeth broken. And let me tell you, that ain't funny :( 

4. Crazy rides - Dark tunnels, speed, sudden drops, heights, crazy turns - anything that would pump up my adrenaline - big No No.  Only thing I do in amusement parks is click photos :) (and ride those small toy trains, of course) 

5. Losing my identity - I often wonder, and fear, what if in playing all the roles of a woman's life, I lose myself.  

6. Closed spaces - I have what is called borderline claustrophobia. I don't hyperventilate but confined spaces make me anxious and uncomfortable. I get numb and tingly at the same time. 

7. Missing a train or flight - I try to reach railway station and airports (too) well before time. This fear of mine is a serious discomfort for anyone else traveling with me coz more than often people end up getting bored at the station/airports. 

8. Cockroaches - They are more a dislike than fear. I can't bear to be in the same room with a cockroach. Specially the big flying ones. They are just creepy.

10 Challenges : 9 Loves

Didn't think Nine Loves would be so difficult to list. You see, I have so many :D 

1. Family - Don't we all understand the meaning of LOVE in the family? 

2. Guitar - Wouldn't be wrong to say Guitar has been my first love since I was 12. And nothing has changed much since then except that I don't play anymore. I just enjoy listening someone else play. 

3. Bridges - I have been lucky enough to see some of the most beautiful bridges in the world. But be it an engineering marvel like the Oakland Bay Bridge or Golden Gate Bridge or a small one in the beautiful country side. A simple bridge on river Shipra or Worli Sea link, I absolutely love Bridges. Its hard for me to not stop over/near a bridge and take a snapshot. 

4. Movies - I am a typical movie buff. I love movies, I live movies. I watch movies, I can talk movies :) An ideal Sunday for me would be sitting on the couch, munching popcorn and watching non-stop movies. I don't have any special taste, but any and all movies would do. 

5. Trains - I don't miss a chance to travel in trains. Every time I visit India, I make it a point to at least travel once by railways. And my love of trains includes the lil small kiddie trains in parks and gardens :)  

6. Stationary - I have this huge stack of pens, pencil, papers, clips, cards, copies, colors, files and what not which I hardly use but I find it hard to stop myself from getting something from stationary aisle every time I am in one. 

7. Photography - I would have to thank my dad and then my husband for this one. Dad, for introducing me to the beautiful world of photography and Rits for getting me "my" first digi cam. Though my love of photography is a but annoying for him at times, when I make him stop in the middle of the road, or spend too much time looking through my lens and not the surroundings. But he has been a patient supporter :) 

8. Travel/Outings - Doesn't matter if I am going to some exotic beach resort for a long vacation, or the neighborhood park, I love to be out with family and/or friends. 

9. Ocean - Ever since my first visit to the sea shore in Sriharikota, I am deeply in love with the salty, humid ocean air. Despite of my fear of getting into water, I still love sitting on beaches, harbors, shores just to smell the ocean. Nothing feels more peaceful than the sound of crashing waves and the endless reign of water. 

P.S I have SO many more, wasn't fair leaving them out. But a challenge is a challenge :)