Buffet dinner @ Melting Pot Cafe, Concorde Hotel ~21st January 2010~

We received a free voucher at Delcom's annual dinner which we attended last year December - dinner for two at the Melting Pot Cafe, Concorde Hotel. We went there for dinner on the 21st January 2010 and had a wonderful time together. It felt as if it has been a long time since we had a good buffet dinner like this. I especially enjoyed the chocolate cake - it was decadent. The buffet spread at the Melting Pot Cafe was excellent and we really enjoyed the ambience with a band performing from table to table.

Cousin's Engagement ~22nd January 2010~

We went for my cousin, Manggai's engagement ceremony on the 22nd January 2010 at a temple situated just opposite UNITEN. It is a beautiful ceremony with only close friends and relatives invited. We caught up with some of my cousins and had a good time. Manggai's wedding is on the 23rd of May - I am looking forward for it.

Amma and I

Alfred and I

The lovely couple

Fulfilling Vow ~Thaipusam 2010~

I made a vow last year to shave my head bald for Thaipusam this year. We went to Batu Caves to fulfill our vow before the actual Thaipusam day, which falls on the 30th of January. On January 20th, we fulfilled our vow and felt grateful for the gift of health and blessings that God has granted us.

Herewith is the before and after pictures:

Before:

 

After:

Cousin's Wedding ~17th January 2010~

This is a long overdue post. Some pictures from my eldest cousin, Umapathy's wedding on 17th January 2010.

Reminiscing my last day at MMU: January 2010

January 22 was my last day at MMU. I decided to tender my resignation from MMU on October 2009 (a 3-month notice) after much deliberation. Although I was so comfortable teaching in MMU and enjoyed the flexible work hours, I decided that I was no longer up to the idea of travelling from Melaka to KL on a weekly basis. I am so done living a so-called nomadic life. I just wanted to take a break and settle down. Before marriage, Alfred and I have been on a long distance relationship for several years ever since he was working in Africa. After our marriage, I felt that this is the time for me to spend more time with my husband – to enjoy our personal time together – and cherish every moment. 

After 5 years in FBL, it was a tough decision for me – I know I’d be missing my wonderful colleagues and the wonderful times we had together – all the chattering and the potlucks parties that we organized. I realize that a significant part of my life will be missing once I stop working. But I felt it was the right thing to do and I went ahead. I am the kind of person who does whatever that feels right at the moment and I have no regrets. On the hindsight it feels great to take a break from working! Though I enjoy lecturing, I dread all the paper works and the administrative duties – and I am so glad to be free from it. 

On January 10^th, I went to clear out everything from my office. There were just too many books and stuffs. My mom and sister helped me out – great helping hands. The next day, I went to the office again to get the clearance from the library, finance, research management centre and HR. Finally, all the paperwork was completed and I checked my office room once again before handing over the room keys. Finally, it was time for me to leave. Adios MMU...

River Dog: A Journey Down the Brahmaputra by Mark Shand

I recently finished reading Mark Shand's River Dog and it was an excellent book. This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for a very LONG time - I got this book as a present back in 1993 - and it has collected dust ever since. I don't know why I didn't read it until now - it is one of the best non-fiction adventure books I've ever read. It's filled with adventure, humor and the antics of a dog - which turns out to my best combination of genre in a book.

Mark Shand tells the story of his journey down one of India's sacred rivers, the Brahmaputra in a touching, eloquent and entertaining way. His journey starts from Tibet across Arunachal Pradesh to the Bay of Bengal on the mighty Brahmaputra in the company of his Indian hunting dog Bhaiti. His attempt was to trace the source of the sacred river - and boy, what an adventure it was - all of it told with humor.

In this book, he gave many historical accounts of India and the beauty of tribal cultures in some of the rural areas in India. It is interesting to learn the tribal culture and their way of living - and the importance of regulations to preserve their culture. The last part of his journey ends in Bangladesh - and it was a poignant account of the sufferings of the people there after being hit by a massive flood, brought on by the river. Despite the devastation brought on by the river, the people there did not blame the Brahmaputra - instead they blamed the government for not providing immediate relief and support. They described the river as sacred and that we should never blame nature.

Next, I am looking forward to reading his earlier book - 'Travels on My Elephant' in India - should be fun!

I AM BACK!

It's been exactly 2 months since I last updated my blog. I've really missed blogging - missed sharing values and lessons I learn everyday, the everyday experiences I encounter no matter how trivial it is, and all my cooking and baking adventures (it has always been my pleasure in sharing recipes and tips). 

Some of my dear friends who read my blog regularly messaged me asking if everything is okay. I am grateful for having wonderful friends who truly care. I take delight in knowing that my friends enjoy reading my everyday posts on the blog. The blog has been my avenue to channel my thoughts and experiences. It also gives me a purpose to live out everyday to its fullest and this always pushes me to try out new things - the incentive being that at the end of the day, I get to sit down and record all my experiences - which means alot to me - I strive to treasure everyday by jotting down all the miracles and experiences in my daily life. 

A lot of things have been happening lately which I will update in due course. Some days I really don't have the mood to blog but a more valid reason for not updating the blog is that I was internet-less for some time. Some back-dated entries soon! Cheers!

The Shark and the Goldfish

The shark and the goldfish: Positive ways to thrive during waves of change by Jon Gordon is a good read. This interesting fable about a goldfish who has always been fed and the shark who looks for his food teaches an invaluable lesson that in the face of adversity, the difference between a full belly and an empty stomach depends solely on your faith, beliefs and action. A recipe to attain the life you dream of consists of taking the following actions:

• Embrace and ride the waves of change.
  
• Have positive thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
  
• To thrive, work hard.
  
• Focus ---> tune out distractions. Ask "What do I want in life?" and maintain focus.
• Always improve yourself ----> don't settle for being average.

A delightfully simple and easy read with powerful lessons in life.

So, it's important to pause and ask: "Are you a shark or a goldfish?" and assess the quality of our life.

Sherlock Holmes

I thought the movie was a little bit draggy - filled with the gloomy aura captured by the cinematography - it wasn't the type of aura I wanted to be in.  That said, I must say Robert Downey Jr. carried his role very well - with the air of arrogance around him. I loved his wits, humor and his sharpness at solving crimes. His remarks, eccentricity and experimental nature was comical. His observation of all the little details and his ability to connect the details to the bigger picture was awesome. The mystery kept me watching the movie till the end.

Farewell to cousin Kumar and family

My cousin, Kumar and his wife, Padma akka, children, Anirudh and Adhithi left to India today at 2 p.m. My father-in-law and I sent them off at the airport with a heavy heart. We had great time with them and we are going to miss them dearly. I especially grew very close to Padma akka as we had similar stories to share. She and her husband are very caring people and I adore them very much. We are definitely looking forward to visiting them in India soon.

After the airport, as soon as I came back home, I saw a lady standing at the guard house holding a bouquet of roses. And the moment she saw me, she asked "Are you Geeta? This is for you". I was surprised and knew instantly it was from my dear husband. What a pleasant surprise - the roses brought a smile on my face and made my day :) Thank you, love!

 

Family Trip to Port Dickson ~2nd - 3rd January 2010~

Devan and Tasha organized a family trip to Port Dickson on 2nd January and all our family members gathered under one roof and spent some quality time together. All my siblings, Usha aunty (my mom's sister) and family, Ravi uncle (mom's brother) and family, and cousin Kumar and family from India came for the gathering. We stayed one night at one of the bungalows which Devan and Tasha booked earlier last year.

We played football, cards, games and had a ball of a time at the beach. We had barbecue that night accompanied by lots of chattering, teasing and giggling. That's the first time I've seen my uncle (Ravi mamma) so jovial and sporting - he was so fun to be with! And of course the main entertainer of the lot was Uncle John with all his antics.

We had some desserts later - I baked chocolate cake with frosting and blueberry cheesecake the night before to bring for the gathering and all of them enjoyed it. After dinner, we played football at the field and then proceeded to play some cards and board games. Some of them didn't sleep until about 5.30 a.m. but still managed to get up the next morning to go to the beach for a second round of dip and fun.

 

 

A game of football - shirtless team against the team with shirts on

At the barbecue corner

 

The gambling corner

 

Vasco

 

 The next morning during breakfast

 

 

 

The gang walking towards the beach

 

 

 

 

 

  

 The antics at the beach

The family gathering was a splendid idea and we should have it more often. Everyone had a blast - and we are looking forward for more reunions! Thank you Devan and Tasha for organizing this outing and for bringing us closer.