Sikkim’s worst earthquake

Published on September 20, 2011 in Life as it happens and Sikkim. 1 Comment Tags: , .

It was a rainy sunday morning on the 18th and since we’d woken up late, we’d nearly put off our plans for sightseeing to Namchi’s Samdruptse and Solophok which is about two and a half hours from my place. We reached Namchi, South Sikkim about midday and spent the rest of the day there. We headed back home to Singtam in the evening when an earthquake of 6.8 richter scale hit our small state of Sikkim at around 6 pm. Ironically, we didnt really feel the quake since we were in the vehicle but we did see many people on the way running out of their homes in panic and several people outdoors along the highway. I assumed that a fight had broken out and we didnt bother to stop by and ask what was happening.

A few kilometres ahead, several vehicles came to a stand still and we had to stop because of the traffic jam. It was then terrified people all around us started talking about a huge earthquake that rocked the entire place and also caused a landslide right in the middle of the road. I could make out from the people’s petrified faces that they were really scared out of their wits and one lady even said that the quake had washed away her small wooden house in a landslide. The drivers of the vehicles ahead of us gathered the men and they ended up removing a small portion of the rocks which allowed us enough leeway to cross the road. We then proceeded our journey while I started frantically dialing our families to ensure they were ok.

Unfortunately, the mobile networks were totally jammed and none of us could get through to anyone. Then out of nowhere, my colleague got through my phone and said that the earthquake was so devastating that couple of buildings in Singtam had buckled down and that some people had succumbed to their deaths and several were injured who were being taken to the nearest hospitals. He also informed that the quake had hit Gangtok equally hard and that the devastation was state-wide.

I sent a silent prayer to god to keep our families safe and tried calling them again and again but to no avail. That was perhaps the darkest moment of our lives, when we didnt know if our loved ones were safe or not. It was only after about half an hour later that our phones started working and we talked with our families in Gangtok and were reassured that they were safe.

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Looking back

Published on August 14, 2011 in Good things and memoirs. 3 Comments Tags: , , .

 

A friend tagged me in this old school pic today in Facebook. This was probably taken way back in 1990, last day of school, class V – St. Thomas, Gangtok.  I’m in touch with a lot of my friends in this photo, thanks to Facebook. Unfortunately, I also dont remember some people in the picture and have no recollection of interacting with them. I think of them and hope they have done well in their lives. I wish them happiness and if we should ever meet again in the future, I hope we get to talk at least once and recall this wonderful moment of carefree childhood.

I see many friends in this picture whom I’ve lost touch with completely and even Facebook could not bring us together. I remember the brief moments when we interacted, said a few words, spent a few moments together and I now wonder where they are. I remember them fondly and wish them well. I hope to meet them again someday and recollect those simpler times when we were kids.

I remember my teachers in this photo and how two decades flit by in the blink of an eye. I dont know where they are but I want to thank them with all my heart for making me the person that I am today.

And to the rest of  my friends with whom I had the wonderful opportunity to spend those glorious years of childhood together AND have the privilege of strolling down memory lane, thanks to this pic, salüt!

Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we’ll miss you, until we meet again ~ Author Unknown.

Make some noise

Published on August 6, 2011 in Lee and Life as it happens. 2 Comments Tags: , , , .

Like I was saying here, I dont know when it was that we all started becoming so quiet. Even I never intended to abandon my blog, seeing as my last post was in Jan 2011. I know I was busy with The Baby but to be honest, I was all too busy downloading and watching Dexter, Prison Break and Modern Family. I must admit, this stuff is pretty addictive. Kinda like the methamphetamine shit thats being brewed in the Super Meth Lab in Breaking Bad. But thats for you to experience for yourself.

(Tips for movie-addict new moms: Invest in a super-awesome headphone, in my case I got the Sennheiser one with a 3 metre cable so that I could watch TV at night. 9pm to midnight and beyond. Remember, although if you overdo it for more than a few times and consequently walk around like a zombie for the rest of the office day, you only have yourself to blame and not me)

Post my Pondicherry vacation last December, I havent been anywhere. Shuttling between work and home pretty much consumes our lives, doesnt it? I’ve even started seriously noting my petrol consumption and that crap which I’ve never bothered with before. Something I remember my dad used to do so back in the days. I used to get pulled up quite a lot because I used to also include the last moving unit to the total tally and get the mileage in lakhs. Real funny now. Growing old sucks.

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Vacation – 2010

Published on January 22, 2011 in Good things, Lee, Life as it happens and Wanderlust. 14 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Auroville beach - December 2010

I love the beach. As I walked on the warm sands of Auroville beach, I realized that it took me 10 years to come back to the ocean. Imagine. How in the world did I ever let that happen? This does not bode well. Pencilling in “New year 2012 at Goa” immediately before I forget. Also waiting for Sidin Vadakut to reply once again to my email but I guess thats pushing it too far.

So back in August this year, I had been wondering where to spend my precious winter vacation. Precious because this was my first vacation post baby girl Lee as well as post M-Tech 1st semester, my brain had sufficiently stopped working and needed a kickstart in order to usher in the next semester. Oh yes, the M-tech thing. We go further back to May this year.

I was happily on my long extended maternity leave when a colleague suggested applying for further studies from July at SMIT, Majhitar. It all seemed impossible at that time, what with going back to studies after (gasp) 9 years and that too, with a baby and (gasp gasp) I still hadnt got a maid to help around the house. But like all good movies, everything started to fall back into place and before long, I gathered enough courage to leave my baby with the maid at home while I went about gallivanting around for stuff like work and studies.

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RIP Steven Namchyo

Published on July 14, 2010 in Uncategorized. Closed

Photograph courtesy: Karchoong

The one thing I will always remember about Steve is his smile, his handshake and how he always had a few good words for everybody. A talented guitarist, one who played with the likes of Parikrama in the 90′s, his humility and above all, his gentleness endeared him to many, including even those who didnt know him well.

41 is no age to die. He had high fever for the past few days, which rapidly turned fatal and he passed away yesterday. I will always remember him playing with his band Route 66 in Little Italy, Gangtok where many of us spent wonderful evenings made memorable with their music and his guitar.

Rest in peace, Steven daju. Words are not enough.

Thank you for the music. We will miss you.

Among other things

Published on July 7, 2010 in Good things, Lee and Life as it happens. 19 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Another July, another humid summer. A new baby and an almost forgotten dog. 2010 has been a hectic year. And as a friend on Facebook reminded us, half the year is already over (insert as many exclamation marks as applicable here). I have been home since February and finally joined work this monday. The transition was painful . It still is since this is only my second day back to a dusty desk and a rickety chair, which was okay when I left, I know for sure.

It is so humid. It is so hot. On a plus side, I liked being back in the classroom after one whole semester. I even started teaching the very first day of college (roll eyes as applicable here again). As we all know the rules of teaching, no one takes the first class after a long vacation. At least thats how they did it back in my alma mater, Calicut. I thought it was AICTE approved a general rule or something.

The baby is now 5 months old today. She smiles and laughs and coos and aahs and cries at will and makes me want to quit my job and be a stay at home mom. Little Lee’s started to roll over these days although she lacks the necessary hand to leg coordination for crawling… so she just sprawls on her tummy and goes *waahh* for help. Once I even caught her dozing off to sleep on her own. Such independent streak already! The mommy in me, suddenly finding herself being redundant, couldnt help but wake her up and put her to sleep myself again.

Sigh. I could have gotten used to being on maternity leave for life.

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Do’s and dont’s to die for

Published on December 27, 2009 in From here & there, Musings and No good. 15 Comments Tags: , , , , , .


Update: This post was selected by BlogAdda for this week’s ‘Tangy Tuesday Picks’ Dec 29, ’09 :)

Becoming a parent is easy when you have such clear instructions; found at this site which I dont know if they’re really serious or just want to make everyone’s day for a change:

Apparently, you cannot lift a baby by its head. If you didnt know that already. You could try but be aware of the red triangle with the exclamation mark. Dont go by the baby’s neutral and almost-pleasant expression.

This is for the dads-to-be. Remember – if you burn your tongue over too-hot milk, you have only yourself to blame for!

This is for the mum-to-be. Remember – a chicken leg does not equivalent a feeding bottle. No matter how happy you are to feed your baby this way!

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Rinchen needs

Published on November 15, 2009 in From here & there and I me & myself. 8 Comments Tags: , , , , .

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This one is an interesting tag. All you have to do is google for “<first_name> needs”, where you replace <first_name> with your first name, and list out 10 interesting and sensible sentences from the results that you get. Also add your commentary with each sentence, so that we know what your thoughts are about Google’s thoughts.

1. Rinchen needs to read the tag’s opening paragraph more closely.

- Where I was supposed to google for “<first name> needs” instead of finishing the tag as per things that I REALLY NEED and then going DOH! in the end.

2. Rinchen needs to either delete the blog or update it regularly, for crying out loud.

- I am really amazed at people who can write regularly and with undying commitment. I run out of things to say at least once a month. Or unless I get tagged, thank god for small mercies. (Or in this case, Deepak for tagging me)

3. Rinchen needs to stop watching reality shows on TV.

- I crib about Big Boss and its nasty inmates but I cant stop watching it to save my life. And even though Roadies 7 without Raghu sucks BIG TIME, I will still watch it every week, without fail.

4. Rinchen needs to go take a hike.

- Or a small walk at least; I am getting lazier and lazier by the day.

5. Rinchen needs a tetanus shot.

- And not looking forward to it one bit. I heard its awful painful.

6. Rinchen needs a butler for life.

- Applicants without previous experience need not apply. Must not talk back while getting yelled at and should be okay with fighting the dog for a bed to sleep in.

7. Rinchen needs to take a break.

- I’d like a change. A different thing to do every morning. Instead of doing the same things over and over again. And having nothing to do come weekend. Sigh.

8. Rinchen needs to stop calling other people weirdos.

- And expect the same in return, I might mention.

9. Rinchen needs to be on time.

- I have noticed that I am one of the regular late comers at work. The only thing I do early is probably lunch (haha).

10. Rinchen needs to tag some people.

- How about you?

Why I liked WANTED

Published on September 30, 2009 in Moo-vies. 6 Comments Tags: , , .
wantedwantedwanted
wantedNo, I am not a Salman Khan fan neither have I watched any film of his in years. Yes, I did have a week long vacation and after a bit of research (if you can really call it that) online, DBH ultimately got slammed and Wanted was apparently a ‘must watch’.
So these are the reasons why I liked Wanted:

wanted

No, I’m not a fan of Salman Khan neither have I watched a film of his in years. Yes, I did have a week long vacation and after a bit of research online, Dil Bole Hadippa apparently got slammed and they said WANTED was in a much better position. So WANTED it was eventually.

It was hard not to like the movie. Mainly because:

1. Salman Khan has come a long way from his over-the-top, comic (if you can call it that) performances where he acts pretty goofy and squeaks in a high tone for much part of the movie. Imho, he was in this movie – much like Shah Rukh Khan was in Chak De! – a brooding guy, who effortlessly convinced us he was the ultimate bad guy. I am impressed with Salman Khan. I may also have turned into a fan of his, you never know.

Another reviewer called WANTED Salman’s Ghajini. And I must agree. He is pretty much a one-man army in this movie. But then again, which hero isnt a Superman in our bollywood movies, eh?

2. Mahesh Manjrekar as the evil cop was realistic, even though he’s kinda being typecased as the bad guy in recent times. I mean, the guy can direct as well as act. What a package. He fully misuses his powers as a cop and does some terrible things that make you want to get sick but I like him. Oh all right, I am a fan of his from now onwards as well.

3. This movie has a bit of romance, comedy, drama, action – you name it. The crowd in the theatre laughed and laughed, while I gaped at the lady next to me who was trying to stop laughing, talk to her kid on the phone and capture the seat handle on my side, all at the same time. I bet she enjoyed the movie best amongst all of us.
4. Prabhudeva as a dancer or a director? I’ll take both. He shakes a leg at the first opening song, Michael Jackson style and that was the only song in the movie that I wanted played a little longer so that he could do a mean moonwalk as well – but that was not to be.
5. I have always heard that Salman Khan needs very little excuse to lose his shirt.  And after watching this movie, I can vouch that this is totally true! He does have a totally hubba-hubba-hubba body so I guess no one’s complaining.
In retrospect, there were certain not-so-interesting areas for example:
  • A little too many songs popping in out of nowhere, which I guess is sadly inevitable in a Bollywood movie.
  • Salman does a James Bond in this movie and has a – wait for it – license to kill. He can apparently finish off anyone and get away with it.
  • The story twists and turns with some unexpected events unfolding at the end but that doesnt stop the audience from whistling and clapping in open admiration. They loved the film so no need to rationalize things too much, I guess.
All in all, WANTED was an interesting movie. Havent watched a commercial Bollywood movie like it in ages. Dont miss it!

My life in numbers

Published on September 11, 2009 in I me & myself. 15 Comments Tags: , , , .

Okay, lets start with a tag from Indian Pundit which I have procrastinated long enough. Numbers that reveal secrets about me. Hmmm… difficult, very difficult. I have re-written this time and time again because I’m not so, erm, good at revealing secrets and that too, about myself.

ONE: I am a one-handbag woman. Unlike other fashionable ladies, I will carry my purse with me to the grave, if it hasnt been torn, mutilated or made fun of by certain people around me.

TWO: I would like to have two children.

THREE: Or make that three.

FOUR: I can speak four languages; I’m a bit rusty at the fourth one but still, I cant help but show off. Its always been that way.

FIVE: I have five really good friends. I get along with these girls like a house on fire.

I owe my college degree to one, share memorable school experiences with the second (reunited by Orkut, thank you so much), can almost out-drink the third (though she also beats me in scrabble and crossword), am younger by a year to the fourth so there’s always someone older than me whose birthday sort-of eases me in to the next higher digit; and finally the fifth with whom I share my lunch these days and we have the most marvellous time talking about each and everything under the sun. And also, its never gossip when we ‘talk’, btw.

SIX: Its been six years that I’ve been working in the same place. I cant imagine doing anything else. Not counting winning that lottery and then anyone can shove this job up anywhere, frankly speaking.

SEVEN: Its my lucky number. No, its not, you just want to get this number over with because you cant think of anything else to write. Oh, shut up! *You* shut up! No, you! No, you! Oh, real mature! Oh, what’s the point?

EIGHT: Eight of my finger nails are nice and long. One of my old friend once remarked that if there was a title she could invent, she would call me “Miss Hand” (imagine!). But my thumb nails are short and flat and not at all nice to look at. There, I said it. One of my deepest secrets, finally revealed.

NINE: 09 has been a good year. I’d hate to see it pass. Or maybe not. Lets wait and see, shall we?

Okay, I now tag everyone who thinks this tag was easy enough to do. And that, my friend – is you.

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