Archive for the 'From here & there' Category

Do’s and dont’s to die for


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!

Continue reading ‘Do’s and dont’s to die for’

Rinchen needs

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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?

The Q & A tag

Here are the instructions:

USING ONLY ONE WORD! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to only use one word answers.

Unfortunately, here at Blah Unlimited I found it hard, no excruciatingly difficult, to give one word answers. Apologies to Shaliya who tagged me for not sticking to the rules.

1. Where is your cell phone?
      It is wherever it starts ringing from.
2. Your significant other?
     Is quite significant even though you dont read about him much here.
3. Your hair?
      Short and coloured and currently not obeying the rules of conditioning.
4. Your mother?
     A very sweet person, god bless her soul.
5. Your father?
      Like me, only was more gregarious and smarter.
6. Your favorite thing?
      Currently, playing travian online. My village needs to be catapulted for me to come back to real life.
7. Your dream last night?
     Cant remember.
8. Your favorite drink?
     Vodka and limca. Limca kicks Sprite’s a$$.
9. Your dream/goal?
     I told you I dont remember my dreams. Ditto for goals.
10. What room you are in?
       Room of Requirement. Everything I need is right here!
11. Your hobby?
      Blogging, movies, books, music, traveling.
12. Your fear?
      Dentists. If they ever declare bankruptcy, its because of people like me.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?
       My 5 year plan (when I do have one) does not extend to 6 years. Duh!
14. Where were you last night?
       Am I a suspect?

Continue reading ‘The Q & A tag’

The ‘Love’ Tag!

The rules for the tag are:

RULE #1 People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 Tag 6 people to do this quiz and those who are tagged cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by continue this game by sending it to other people.

1. If your lover betrayed you what would your reaction be?

I’m assuming its with a girl. So, initially, I’ll be too worked up screaming abuses and crying my heart out. I guess getting drunk is always an option. When I finally come to my senses, I’ll probably move out of the house and while I’m at it – take an undefined leave of absence from work and head to Hyderabad. My best friend’s been behind my back telling me to visit her for years now. 

What I’m trying to get at is this – life still goes on no matter who lives or dies or who stops becoming a part of it. Its all easy to say, I know but its going to be real crappy to actually live it. Hoping to not face it, at least not in this lifetime.

2. If you have a dream come true, what would it be?

After being aimless and goal-less for such a long time, I’ve never thought about this question at all. So I’m finding it very hard to answer it … ah, who am I kidding I’ll take - Rich and Famous, any day!

3. If you could, whose butt would you like to kick?

Ooh… I read Vidya’s answers and liked what she wrote. So I’m going to change my answer and say – I too would like to kick everyone’s butt at some point of time or other. And yes, I’d like to kick my own butt because I know that it is not physically possible for me to do so, even as truly I deserve some of it.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?

How many zeros is that??? How much would that be in rupees??? Heh. I’ll blow it all up, if I get the chance. Travel around the world, gamble it on the casinos, buy a hotel like Burj Al Arab in Dubai (I hope a billion dollar covers it). Distribute the rest of it among my friends. Thats right – though no more Orkut friend requests, okay?

5. Will you fall in love with your best friend?

Erm, she’s a girl so I guess not. The other guys who’re sort of best friends are too much brotherly sorts, so no go there either. Even if I had a best friend who was male and hot to boot, whats the use? In any case, I dont want my husband to be doing all the things I would’ve done in answer #1.

6. Which is more blessed: loving someone or being loved by someone?

As long as that someone spoils me rotten, as I expect him to, it’s okay with me both ways. Call me materialistic, I believe I dont care.

7. How long do you intend to wait for someone you love?

I hate waiting. I cant stop fidgeting when I have to. Then I start cursing the late kates and even when they finally show up, I’m often spoiling the mood by griping about the whole thing. Love just flies out of the window at times like these.

8. If the person you secretly like is attached, what will you do?

Nothing. I secretly like innumerable people every week, attached or unattached. Acting upon it would hardly be the appropriate thing to do. So I grin and bear it till the next person comes along.

9. If you could root for one social cause, what would it be?

Child labour. Its so rampant everywhere yet we do nothing about it except for hire more children to do our dirty work perhaps.

10. Do you lie?

Everytime. I can live with it. However other people have a problem with it, for which the answer is to lie some more.

11. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I dunno. Here? Still blogging, maybe. Unless I have to go run that expensive hotel I bought. If nothing else, I’d like to be happy. About living my life as I want. Happy to be alive and feel grateful for every single moment.

12. What’s your fear?

Losing people I love. Not being able to do things I want. Of horrific creatures coming out of the dark to haunt me. Being stagnant at work. Being bitter and cruel to others. My stupid anger. Being corrupt and hostile. The list goes on.

13. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?

I like Gurpreet. I think she’s got an awesome sense of humour and I like reading her blog. She’s got a terrific daughter, Ruhi about whom I just love to read. If I have a daughter myself one day, I’d very much like her to be like Ruhi.

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married and poor?

Heh. A minor re-write. I’d rather be married and rich. Like I am(?) right now.

15. If you fall in love with two people simultaneously who will you pick?

I’m more and more getting the impression that this questionnaire isnt meant for married people! Who would I pick? I guess this is the kind of time Inky Pinky Ponky  would be put to good use. 

16. Would you give all in a relationship?

All and more. I’m an extremist. I usually do everything or nothing at all. In any relationship for that matter. Its a different thing that I dont try to expect SO MUCH back in return. Thats just being delusional. The thing is – its better not to expect too much and be happy when you get something back at all.

17. Would you forgive and forget someone no matter how horrible a thing he has done?

Nope. I’ll carry that sting with me to the grave. Well, it actually all depends on my mood, truthfully. Whoever did that horrible thing would have to catch me in a good mood and see what happens. 

18. Do you prefer being single or in a relationship?

I love being in a relationship. I’m too much independent for my own good, I know but I dont think I can do without my husband either. I loved being single before. Its so liberating not to be answerable to anyone and do whatever the hell you want to. I’m happy to have experienced both.

19. Your all time favourite song. Only ONE. And why?

Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow. I used to listen to this song while growing up. Makes me feel nostalgic. Plus, its one heck of a song, in my opinion.

20. I TAG these 6 people because…

Shaliya – cause she’s the kind of single girl I would have been if only. I’d love to hear her thoughts on this one.

GWBE – The Pri of the AnDePRin gang, the defunct cough syrup company. I’ve never seen her do tags so I’m happy this one is unavoidable.

Sree – I love the way she writes. I cant wait to see her post.

Shradha – I want to know what she thinks. 

Vidya - I would like to know what her answers would be.

Ansu – She’s on a long vacation right now. Does she have her work cut out for her when she comes back!

Answer the following:

I got this mail from my friend. Its actually a tag thing but again, I’m useless at tagging. Please feel free to utilize the questions for yourself and let me know so I can know your weirdness too.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6 am. And I did nothing. Then I went and put on a DVD but missed the ending because I had to leave for work.

2. Diamonds or pearls? Are you kidding me? I never want a diamond after watching that crazy Blood Diamond film. Then again, if anyone actually wants to gift me one, I’ll be glad to change my beliefs instantly.

3. When’s the last movie you saw at the cinema? Taare Zameen Par, I guess. Lets not get started on my memory; I dont even know what I did two days back.

4. What is your favourite TV show? F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Could it BE anymore apparent?

5. What is your middle name? Geongmit. Thats my mum’s name.

6. What food do you dislike? Chinese. Almost every restaurant here in Sikkim is a Chinese one. And thats not even an authentic Chinese one – rather a mixture of Indian Chinese cuisine that I’m sick & tired of by now.

7. What is your favourite CD? Whatever my brother gives me to listen. He’s also a base player in his band. Last two CDs he gave me were of Joe Satriani and John Mayer which I both loved.

8. What kind of car do you drive? Zen LXI 2007. A 28th self-birthday present. Presently suffering from bouts of reckless driving otherwise ok.

9. Favourite sandwich? Long time since I had one but tuna, anyday.

10. If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go? I have been thinking about this question frequently and still havent come up with an answer. Maybe Los Angeles, for the casinos.

11. Favourite holiday? New Year!!!

12. Where would you retire? I have to retire?

13. What was your most memorable birthday? 19th. These 20’s always remind me I’m getting near my 30’s.

14. Favourite sport to watch? To watch, being the operating word. Cricket and tennis in no particular order.

15. Favourite saying? You live, you learn.

16. When is your birthday? June 21, 1979

17. Are you a morning or a night person? Where’s the noon option??

18. Pets? Winkie Poo, Labrador, female, yellow, 17 months, apple of my eye & idiot of the house.

19. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us? You mean, any good news? Not yet.

20. What did you want to be when you were little? A despotic dictator. What about you?

21. How are you today? Same old same old.

22. Favourite candy? Chloromint. Thats the only one you get here in our canteen.

23. Favourite flower? Orchids. Strange, you’d think one would get used to all the orchids in every nook and corner of Sikkim by now.

24. What is a day on the calender you are looking forward to?  1st of every month. Pay day.

25. What was the last thing that you ate? Lunch. My turn to pay this time. 80 bucks for three people. I see why people like dhabas.

26. Do you wish on stars? Not in a long time.

27. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?  Pink.

28. How is the weather right now? God, its getting hotter by the day. I need to install an AC at my house.

29. Favourite soft drink?  System file not found. Press OK to continue.

30. Favourite restaurant? Little Italy, Gangtok. My brother’s band plays there and I’m hoping for a discount next time I go there.

31. Siblings? Two, my brother and a little sister called Joy who recently turned six. Her birthday cake was delicious.

32. Favourite day of the year? Sunday. Nothing beats lazy sunday afternoons.

33. What was your favourite toy as a child? Tobu cycle – A three wheeled red cycle-cum-car that I used to ride in the backyard.

34. Summer or winter? Summer, anytime. Near the beach although no swimming please. Would drown in water.

35. Hugs or kisses? *Hugs*

36. Coffee or tea? None. Not my kind of drink.

37. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate. For a while. Then vanilla. And then back to chocolate.

38. When was the last time you cried? Watching ‘My best friend’s wedding’ on TV for the nth time. I guess it was a hormonal thing.

39. What is under your bed? Dust. My maid cleans when I direct her to.

40.  What friend have you had the longest? Rikzing, since we were both one year old.

41. What did you do last night? Investigated a crime. Went to the scene to speak to the witness who had harboured the fugitive and finally came back home to eat left over food from the fridge. I’m not kidding.

42. What are you afraid of? The Dark.

43. How many keys on your ring? Added one more key yesterday, that makes it three… no wait, four.

44. How many years at your current address? 2 years

45. How many towns have you lived in? Counting… 4, I think.

46. Do you make friends easily? I’d like to think so. Making friends isnt a big deal… keeping them is what that counts. Dont you think?

Elements of ringchen.com

I dont know whether to be amused or insulted by this one. Or realize that maybe this’s an indication for me to stop taking silly online tests?

blog readability test

Upstart indeed

One of the thousands of quizzes I have taken so far till date. I dont take it all too seriously. And this has got nothing to do with scoring -1 in the experience catogory btw.

  • Greed: 0

You’re not in this for the money, for you blogging is all about the passion! Sure you might make a little pocket change now and again, but you know that it’s the content, the audience and the people that are what makes blogging great!

  • Experience: -1

You represent one of the thousands of newcomers that take up blogging every year and while others will fall away over time, you are in it for the long haul. It’s only a matter of time before your greatness is apparent to all and sundry!

  • Sociability: 1

You love web 2.0 stuff like Digg and Delicious and you’re involved in more blogging groups, networks and activities than anyone else you know. With all your connections, you make Neil Patel look positively anti-social!

Umm… I have no idea who Neil Patel is though. The scores are all wrong, I think. And look at that beard – you would think they would have a more gender specific quiz. Also, ‘upstart’ reminds me of a rage filled Professor Calculus Cuthbert knocking off this other guy’s hat in Tintin – Flight 714.

The A to Z’s

 The idea was:

“The instructions say that each player starts with some random facts/habits about himself/herself. As you are tagged you need to post the rules and your responses on your own blog. At the end of your post, you need to choose some people to tag, list their names and, of course, leave them a comment, telling they have been tagged and they need to read your blog for more information.”

I’m poor at tagging. So here are my A to Zs. Feel free to make your own. And let me know so that I can read yours too:

A: Aspiring writer. Since I’m not one, I blog instead.

B: Bookworm, hardcore. I get anxiety attacks if I dont read something – anything – everyday.

C: Choose to be a free spirit. Also sometimes choose to be in high spirits but I digress.

D: Dog-lover. My labrador, Winkie will testify for this.

E: Extremely impulsive. Seizing the day is my kinda thing. By the way, I have all seven days on sale now, if anyone’s interested. (E also for extremely stupid jokes that I crack once in a while)

F: Funny people, I like. Very much.

G: Gregarious. Learnt this word in college when a pal said I was one.

H: Hate Horror movies. Cant stand them. End up getting a near-heart attack if I try so much as to watch one. (Been scarred for life since The Exorcist decades back)

I: I, I, I. Its usually always about me. My blog, I mean. I’m much more considerate in person.

J: June-baby. Love this month cause my birthday falls on the longest day of the solstice.

K: Kill Bill, Vol 1. Never watched a movie quite like it. Used to own a copy… which reminds me, whoever ‘borrowed’ it – its now labelled as ’stolen’. Beware.

L: Like living life as I want. Feel happy to be alive.

M: Muchos gracias – one of the few Spanish words I know. Or wait, is it Mexican? I wish I knew both. Ole!

N: Never say never. I’m serious – I’ll fine you 10 bucks if you say this word in front of me.

O: Oh my God! My favourite dialogue from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

P: Pablo Neruda. For the poem ~ I do not love you as if you were salt rose or topaz ~

Q: Quimbey for Mayor. If you were running for mayor, he’d vote for you.

R: Rinchen. Ok, so I like my name. Means ‘Precious Jewel’ ~ Ahem ~

S: Seems just like yesterday I was just born… I’m nearing my 30’s now… (Nostalgic but N was already gone)

T: Try to be original. Fail. Then copy and hope no one else notices. Also, Thank You – a word I say 10 times in a day since I was brought up by polite people who taught me to say so.

U: Uninhibited and will try anything twice. Doesnt anyone listen to whats Bryan Adams’ been singing for so long?

V: Venus, my home planet. As well as the bright shining star I remember seeing for the first time I looked up at the sky at night.

W: Wicked. Pronounced as WICK-ed. Name we thought of for our non-existent candle making business. Neat, huh?

X: X – the symbol of all wrongs that I give zero marks for when I correct test papers. (Am a teacher, btw)

Y: Yet to win a Pulitzer, Booker or even a National Award. Moral of the story: Think BIG.

Z: Zzzz…. wake up! You’ve reached the end of the list. Now go home.

Road to Gangtok

sikkim1.JPG

One of the earliest memories I cherish is travelling along the endless national highway 31A from West Bengal till Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim along with my family. While the journey in itself will eat up a good 3 to 4 hours of your time, the scenic highway makes up for it as one travels through the winding, binding, snaking roadway crossing the omnipresent signs/quotes that dot the entire way.

I got this collage from Romong Karthak Lepcha’s website which was a delight in itself. As is in a diverse country like India, Sikkim used to have two main tribes eons ago – the Lepcha & the Bhutia. I had a Lepcha mother and a Bhutia father so the Lepcha tribe is something very close to my heart.

Since I stay an hour’s drive from Gangtok, this means I usually have to travel through these roads to reach it. Not so much a pleasure now than back when I was in college and used to be dying to travel uphill to reach home!

14 things that took me over 50 years to learn by Dave Barry

  1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
  2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be “meetings.”
  3. There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”
  4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
  5. You should not confuse your career with your life.
  6. Nobody cares if you can’t DANCE well. Just get up and dance.
  7. Never lick a steak knife.
  8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
  9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
  10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
  11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
  12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.
  13. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
  14. Your friends love you anyway.
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