Gone are the days...

Some of the recent tag posts are making me nostalgic and here's one small version unplugging those moments:

Gone are those days...
When I used to play for hours without any break in the nearby sand block
When I used to have a pack of 'then mittai' and 'Kaara Kadalai' as everyday snack combo
When I used to take hours for make-up
When I used to take out the tooth braces during lunch and everyone around looks like 'yuck!'

When I dropped off my first ever watch into the flush and asked Aayama to get that for me from it ;)
When I was fond of collecting pens of different kinds
When I yearned for a pen friend and ended up without having one
When I was left as a loner in the 'cheppu jaaman' games between sisters and cousins :(

When I used to be thin like Omakuchi Narasimhan
When I used to put those 'jolna' type school bags on the head and run to catch the bus
When I sang 'Vandhenda paalkaran' on my first appearance of a music competition and bagged the third prize :)
When I used to have punctured bicycle tyres every week

When I used to say that my aim in life is to become an actress :) [Did not know what the word 'aim' means]
When I used to go to some relatives house for vacation and the next moment I reach there, used to tell them that I wanted to go back home
When I used to take the 'small aluminum petti' and say that I am leaving home, whenever my dad scolds me and come back after reaching the street end :)
When I used to eat 'slate' kuchis :)

There are more like these moments but only few of the 'significant' things just flashed my mind. I feel like all these happened sometime in last jenma...I mean, it's been a very long time since I thought about these...

'Slambook' tag

Good that someone is tagging me often and I get to write more when I am devoid of ideas. Here is one:

My parents named me: Rajalakshmi
My friends call me: Raji mostly, but sometimes, Rekha
My place: Madurai/Colorado Springs
My zodiac sign: Virgo
I was born on: 3rd September (That was Vinayaga Chaturthi day which my mom used to tell always)
I look back to the days when: I used to play 'nondi' and 'China Myna'
Given a chance to be invisible, I'd : Visit places which I cannot afford to, if I am visible ;)
I would love to have a pet: Never
The Teacher I like the most: Karthikeyan sir, the one who never showed partiality and can grab anyone's respect without asking for it
Movies, I like to watch: Cast away, Varusham 16, Alaipayuthey, Hitch, Dil chahta hai
The singer of my choice: Harish R.
My favourite pastime: thinking about what to do :)
I love to dress myself in: anything that fits me and looks decent
I would love to visit: Vatican Palace
I go Crazy about things like: Music & Cricket
My Dream Date would be with: Darsheel Safari :)
I fancy love as : The ultimate bonding that noone can destroy easily
I Tap My Feet To The Rhythm Of: anything that I love musically
I Aspire To Become: an Entrepreneur
About me as a person: Who am I? in my blog says it...

This tag is open to anyone who wants to take it. And there are no predefined rules...

Thank You!!!

With the 285th post completed yesterday, I am honored to receive this blog award from a fellow blogger. It adds motivation to write more and I extend my heartful thanks to the person who awarded me this. Thanks :)

Uyirum neeye...

After a long time, I had a chance to hear this song especially after listening to Ravi's rendition in Airtel Super Singer today. As usual, he did a great job but I thought it should have been more tender.

Original version by Unnikrishnan is a great rendition. And these lyrics, it speaks for itself...I like it!
Here is the Youtube edition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NovCNFS1O1M

Uyirum neeyae udalum neeyae unarvum neeyae thaayae than
udalil sumandhu uyiril kalandhu uruvam tharuvaay neeyae
un kannil vazhiyum oru thuli poadhum kadalum urugum thaayae
un kaaladi mattum tharuvaay thaayae sorggam endbadhu poyyae

vinnaip padaiththaan mannaip padaiththaan
kaatrum mazhaiyum oliyum padaiththaan
boomikku adhanaal nimmadhi illai
saami thaviththaan thaayaip padaiththaan

The '25' Knock-out!

Raji is the one who tagged me. Sorry, it's not me but another blogger friend of mine who has the same name as mine (You gotta believe it! :)). I have to write 25 random things about me or my life. Well, let me try out! To be a bit different, I will write in chronological order.

When I was a child,
1. I used to break things at home when noone watches and will remain silent as if I never knew a thing like that existed at home when someone questions me about it. Ms.Mischevous!
2. I used to beat classmates whoever talks ill of Rajinikanth :) How mean? How crazy? :)
3. I used to dance in front of TV whenever 'Oliyum Oliyum' programme is on and smile with shyness whenever my parents and sis laughs seeing my dance. Tats when my dancing skill originated :)
4. I used to hold my uniform skirt with my hands whenever I play kho-kho at school thinking it may fall anytime bcoz of my vigorous and furious running around :)
5. I cried lying on the ground at school when someone sprinkled ink dots on my new b'day dress

After few years,
6. I was beaten by my Tamil teacher mistakenly for not writing the 'Thema', 'Pulima' ilakanam stuff correctly. It was another girl whose handwriting resembled more of mine and I was not the culprit :(
7. I remember my high jump attempts in PT sessions where I used to run very fast till I reach the stick and get back without jumping which made everyone laugh
8. I used to put 'kanmai' to my eyes thinking that it addds beauty to me and my eyes :)
9. I used to think whatever is shown in TV is live i.e. If Kamalhaasan and Sridevi dances, I think it's happening right now at this place. Good that there was only Doordarshan that time. Else, I would have been left confused on how many Kamalhaasans' and Sridevis' can exist at the same time in different places :)
10. I used to get angry whenever people called me 'Uppukku Sappani' during any games and ignore my realistic presence :)

And thereafter,
11. I failed in Physics halfyearly exams in 11th std which was the first educational failure in my lifetime. I was thinking about how to hide it from dad and sis all the way through my bus journey from School to home. They ripped me off once I reached home and told the truth :(
12. I talked to Kanika (who used to be called Dhivya ealrier - the '5 star' movie heroine) after our 12th Chemistry board exams when I was waiting for the town bus with my friend. She used to be my tuitionmate as well
13. I used to ride a TVS champ for tuitions sometime
14. I used to envy my sister's friends circle. She had an approximate number of 100 college friends and when her b'day comes, our house will be full of gifts and cards....Gr..r...
15. I loved eating at hotels than at home

After the teens,
16. I used to question about God and Krishna consciousness during those SSR (Society for Self realisation) classes that happened in college
17. I was the only one @ college hostel who used to get up @ 5 A.M, read 'The Hindu' newspaper daily, go to bed not later than 9:30 and never studied late nights during exams which was a highlight item in my autograph book by almost everyone who wrote
18. I have advised most of my friends when they fell in love @ college (good or bad ??)
19. I used to be a 'competition' freak meaning I would never miss any competition in any other college unless it's restricted by college or not selected in the prelims
20. I sang my first ever song in the voice test orchestration @ college and the song was 'Shakalaka Baby'

Few years back,
21. I got great mentors in my career throughout
22. I used to fly when one of my officemates said that he gets energy and passion @ work when he see me working vividly all day (Sarcastic remark? ...Nah)
23. My first corporate dance amidst 2000 people when I did not even make a single groove correctly @ stage and ended up listening to my friends teasing after that
24. All my 'first' things that I earned myself without anyone's help, be it a car, career, HDTV...I cherish those
25. I am blessed to be in touch with almost all my friends till date

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THE END ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S: Whoeover wants to take this and tag yourself, please feel free to do so. And since I have to comply to the rules and tag someone I know, I am passing this to Saranya...

Wat to name it???

It's been a week since I drew something. After a long time googling, I ended up with these random pictures. And I did not know what to name it and hence the title :)

These are the first pictures on my new posterboard but did not turn out well as I thought. Tats ok :)

A debut?

Is it a debut for Nandita Das? Can't believe it...I read the storyline of 'Firaaq' and was amazed. I would like to watch the movie sometime.

If you are interested, check it out!
http://www.firaaqthefilm.com/

Q?

Someone asked me this question y'day.
Q: You said you know 2-3 languages. But in what language do you think?

Mon & Co...

Legend:
Mon - Monica
Chan - Chandler
Rich - Richard

Mon: Wow, it's the PROM night video
Chan: Let's watch it!
The video starts...
Mon: Here I come...
Chan: (Giggles...becomes laughs...)
Mon: The camera adds 10 pounds, you know?
Chan: Oh right! So, how many cameras are around you? :))

Mon: Honey, did you set up the bed?
Rich: Yeah
Mon: How sweet you are...
Rich: Ok..I am going to take a shower
Mon tries to re-arrange the bed and Rich comes
Rich: Do you say if X is the baddest or fattest?
Mon: (Halfway in arranging and lies on the bed to cover-up) Sure, X is the fattest...
Rich: What are you doing?
Mon: Jus lying on bed
Rich: You were trying to rearrange the bed, weren't you?
Mon: Honey, I am so obsessed with these stuff...The flap has to go on the bottom left hand corner but you had it on the top right corner
Rich: I will learn it from you
Mon: So nice...then I'll show you how to wrap the toilet napkin tomorrow...
Rich: #$%^&* (head swirls)....

Ha ha ha...Hilarious :)

Above is an excerpt from FRIENDS serial...not the actual sentences uttered but the glimpse of the scenes in my own words :) I've got my own collection and so, I can go on watching it any number of times...A complete stress buster!

A 'living' guide...

We learn lessons in everyday life from everyone we come across in life. Although few seem to be impractical and hard to apply, sometimes we do follow and sometimes we don't, depending on our comfort zone. Some of them written here are framed by me and few others were from experts in different walks of life...I read, learnt, experienced and found the essence of it.

1. Katradhu Kaiman alavu kalladhadhu ulagaluvu - There is never an end to learning
2. When you don't realize a mistake as a mistake, you will never get a chance to correct it
3. If one door closes, another one opens
4. You can never force anyone to love you. It has to come within
5. Never ask or advise anyone to do something that you wouldn't do
6. In your career, think yourself as a CEO of your project. You will never fail to deliver since the loss is accountable to you
7. Make a self decision on anything. If it goes wrong, you are completely responsible for it. You wont have anyone to blame and you will learn a lot from it. If it goes right, you will be the most happiest person for doing so..
8. If you listen to people who praise you, you should listen to people who criticize you as well patiently, in the same way as you do for the praise you get
9. Never hurt anyone intentionally
10. If you have a misunderstanding with any relationship in your life, stopping to talk is not the solution. If that's the case, no relationship can thrive in this world
11. If you like to do something which is not dependent on anyone, go for it. Never go with the opinion of the mass of people. It's you who is going to get satisfaction out of it
12. Don't rely on a 'give & take' policy in life. You'll fail miserably sometimes. If you feel like giving, do it but do not expect something back
13. If any failure comes to you, don't fret. Failure teaches more lessons than Success
14. Being responsive is a key to connectivity. If you don't respond, be it email, a phone call or anything, you need to realise that it's going to hit you back sometimes when you expect someone to be responsive to you
15. What you sow is what you reap. If you follow this, you will never do a wrong thing in life

Siesta...

It's about the afternoon nap :) Until y'day, it had been years since I had an afternoon nap. Wholesome food and head bath paved its way :) Naps dont fall quite into its place in my case when compared to a good night's sleep. For the latter, I just fall in bed and the next moment, if you talk anything, I can't hear since I would be asleep and I am probably in haven. But for the former, you can see me asleep but actually not. One sample is here: I used to have the weirdest dreams during afternoon naps. Sometimes I come up with gory movie scenes, sometimes I end up meeting Christopher Nolan (Idhellam tooooo much :)), sometimes I am bargaining vegetables at Thiruparankundram market, sometimes I am in this museum teaching students about Cryptography, sometimes I am driving auto, sometimes I am doing bunjee jumping and when I fall, I see Miley Cyrus next to me, Sometimes I am at the gas station at night with the pump plugged at my car and I was unable to take it out and hence ended up spending the whole night at the gas station, sometimes I am walking and see a dog coming behind and with my fastest pace ended joining the marathan race that was proceeding on road, sometimes I am researching a bug's life at a garden and coming with biological names of those...Oh my! never realised that weirdest dreams will flock together and disturb me on an afternoon nap! Made a resolution that I am not going to have an afternoon nap hereafter, unless I am sick :)

(S)miles to go...

Face is the index of mind. A smile can make worries go away :) The nose, hands, fingers, eyes are the most important parts when you draw a character. It doesn't come quite easily to me generally, but this time it doesn't look so bad as I thought it would be. Cherish this smiley...

Carnation...

I wanted to try a step to step drawing and came up with this. But later I realised that I actually like the free flow or free form of drawing than this type. Before I filled with shades, it did not even look like a flower. But atleast now it is... :)

The Smashers...

201 in 23.3 overs is not an easy target even after keeping the pitch in mind. India did it again y'day with a swashbuckling century by Viru and the supportive wall Gambir. And the Ranchi man has proved his worth as a boss again.

Here's a statistical highlights of the fastest century makers in the short version of the game.
1. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) 37-ball 102 against Sri Lanka (1996)
2. Mark Boucher (South Africa) 44-ball 147* against Zimbabwe (2006)
3. Brian Lara (West Indies) 45-ball 117 against Bangladesh (1999)
4. Shahid Afridi 45-ball 102 against India (2005)
5. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL ) 48-ball 134 against Pakistan (1996)
6. Sanath Jayasuriya 55-ball 130 against Bangladesh (2008)
7. Virender Sehwag (India) 60-ball 108* against New Zealand (2009)
8. Mohd Azharuddin (India) 62-ball 108* against New Zealand (1988)
9. Sanath Jayasuriya 64-ball 157 against Netherlands (2006)
10. Yuvraj Singh (India) 64-ball138* against England (2008)

Each one in the category has done it once except Sanath Jayasuriya who has proved his mettle thrice breaking his own record.
Courtesy: Sify

Sorgame Endralum...

I wake up one day morning (which is usual) and have hell lots of dreams about going to India for a vacation. Alas, I did have the same effect last year but came without doing most of the things that I dreamt of :( Although it's not even a year since I visited India, it makes me feel like I have been out of the country for a very very long time. Solitude speaks here, I guess ;)

Here's my top 25 would-like-to-do activities in the agenda:
1. See all my close friends @ the airport in Chennai, sip a hot coffee and have endless chatting till I board a flight to hometown
2. W.r.t point #1, give gifts to everyone and see the smile in their faces :)
3. Once landed in hometown, hug everyone present there...(I mean my family) and see that anandha kaneer :P
4. Eat Idli/Sambar for breakfast, sodhi for lunch, dosa with onion chutney for dinner on the first day
5. Take all chottu cousins to the garden restaurant nearby and talk about their college stuff (of course it's about sighting, ragging, fashion, college jargon etc.,)
6. Play cricket with cousins & friends
7. Cook a special meal for parents that they have never tasted before or take them to an expensive restaurant that they have never been before (Probably 'Royal Court' near Railway station in Madurai)
8. Attend some friend's marriage with other friends which is always filled with fun and that's when I get to wear a saree after ages
9. Watch IPL Chennai Super Kings match live and get an autograph from Irfan Pathan Sr. (if he happens to be in the team that plays against CSK)
10. Watch a concert of Ilayaraja, if it happens to occur at that time
11. Do a get together @ beach with friends & family
12. Visit friends' new houses and new family and get a treat from each one of them for that
13. Watch atleast 3 Tamil movies at 'Satyam Cineplex' with friends
14. Meet my blogger friend who has the same name as mine and talk about blogs and MBA
15. Go to Balagurukulam and spend a day with kids
16. Go to college and meet my English Professor and tutor
17. Go to my ex-company and meet everyone I know there
18. Tune into the FM radio channels and sing whenever I am at home
19. Meet Mr.T.T.Rengarajan and ask about how he comes up with the 'Unposted letter' column in Frozen Thoughts magazine
20. Visit atleast one place that I have never visited, as a pleasure trip
21. Celebrate my B'day which has gained a lackadaisical effect for years
22. Be @ home for Diwali and celebrate it
23. Meet Mr.vinayagar at the nearby koil and put some applications for future
24. A day @ each relative's place whoever invites me or whoever I like to visit (not many though)
25. Ride in the new Thalthazhai perundhu to see what's new about it
26. Say bye without tears when the vacation ends and it's time for coming back

Though I said 25, I ended up with 26. I don't think the abovesaid items on the agenda looks unrealistic even though it's a dream...But, Welcome to my world of dreams!!!

Sorgame endralum adhu namoora pola varuma?

Kicking a soccerball...

Tried a clipart as a pencil sketch today....

My top picks...

It's been quite sometime since I wrote about songs. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite tamil songs of 2008. It was an easy task to pick these.

Check it out (in the order of my favorites):

1. Vaaranam Aayiram - Mundhinam Paarthene
I dont like the visual of this song but the way Naresh Iyer and Prashanthini has sung it has impressed me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNCgXoVgkKk&playnext=7&playnext_from=QL
2. Vellithirai - Vizhiyile Vizhiyile
I did not know about this song until one of my friends told me about this. The very first time I heard it, I liked it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik5CM-ZYjMQ&playnext=8&playnext_from=QL
3. Raman Thediya Seethai - Enna pulla senja nee
This is not a very popular song but the feel, the visual and the lyrics of the song which is very close to heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtbFOmkZ92o&playnext=4&playnext_from=QL
4. Sakkarakatti - Marudhani
A very simple song but there is something which attracts me. I guess it's just because I have heard it many times. I just saw the visual of the song today which has nothing great to tell about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0edL7MkTo8&playnext=5&playnext_from=QL
5. Bheema - Mudhal Mazhai
A typical Harris Jeyaraj's composition. The duet combo of Hariharan and Mahathi is a delight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUH-Qwg66bc&playnext=1&playnext_from=QL
6. Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu - Lesa parakudhu
A melliflous singing by Chinmayee and Karthik.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuH0q08gOmY&playnext=9&playnext_from=QL
7. Dasavatharam - Oh oh Sanam
The beats involved and Kamal's voice is what I like in this song especially when he says Come on, sing with me. Rap it up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrNWkJU5Duo&playnext=2&playnext_from=QL
8. Dhaam Dhoom - Anbe en Anbae/Yaarao Manadhile
I had a dilemma when I wanted to choose a song from Dhaam Dhoom. I like Anbae en anbae for Harish's voice but there's also Yaaro manadhile whose lyrics are great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTg65BH1z0c&playnext=3&playnext_from=QL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpRFgfjR-0k
9. Anjathey - Kathalla Kannale
A great kuthu song. When I feel like hearing a song full of josh, I would go for this. The dance moves are good to watch :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPxzfXKLGOE
10. Santhosh Subramaniam - Uyire Uyire Piriyathey
The last in my list for its lyrics and feel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5SbXiwAGCs&playnext=6&playnext_from=QL

The Cartoon family

And here's one for today:

The 'Bourne' identity

It's a coincidence that on women's day, I am going to write about two women who inspired me in the recent days. Although they are known celebrities, there are few things that transcended me in terms of inspiration. During those college days, I used to read about Indra Nooyi in newpapers and that led me to read more about her and that's how I got inspired and became a member in her fan club in Orkut :) After that, the chances of getting inspired by a woman was less in my case. But now, I got two women added to that category - Anu Haasan and Chinmayi Sripada.

Anu Haasan - Apart from watching 'Indra' from a movie buff perspective, I did not watch any of the other performances by Anu until KWA reached me. I simply loved the way Anu hosts it and the questions that come from her without any thinking. Apart from those high glam and high accented gals who anchor shows (mostly in Music channels) and those who give boring interviews, KWA was an elixir. Straight from the heart is what Anu speaks, is my thought. An alumni of BITS Pilani, a MBA grad, an anchor, a producer, an actress, basketball player, a globetrotter, a singer, head of an outsourcing concern, owner of Squash'd, a scuba diver, a bunjee jumper and an entrepreneur - Can a woman hold these many roles in life? Although she may not be involved in each of the above terminological activity everyday, it still looks looming on the agenda...And the quote from Anu that I loved - 'There's no third party in one's success. We got to plan and execute'

Chinmayi Sripada - I am an avid reader of Chinmayi's blog which you can see from my blogroll lists. Being a versatile singer is one great thing but to Chinmayi's list, it's not the only thing that she does. She blogs; She anchors TV shows; She is the host of Aaha Kaapi club; She is a classical dancer; She's a dubbing artist; She owns a language translating company; She's a philatelist; She collects coins and spoons; - All these things in one package. Can a woman hold these many roles in life? Well, it looks like an 'yes' in Chinmayi's life.

I have seen people who crib about life and say that they don't have enough time to do things. Either they are lazy or they think those are unwanted things. To me, people who have contradicted that and proved that's wrong have emanated successfully. Well, Chinmayi and Anu are on the latter list and yes, they inspire me for one simple reason - Holding too many things and executing each one effectively which is a very tough task.

'One that rocks the cradle rules the world' - This jus came to my mind :)

P.S.: All these facts on Chinmayi and Anu are collected from those that I have seen or read.

A 'deserted' fairy

Once I started drawing from yesterday, it has kindled my spirits to draw more and I landed up on this one today.

Decade & Drawing...

If I remember correctly, the last time I drew something was in the Engg drawing(ED) class which I hate to the core for two reasons 1. I did not understand anything 2. Only class that can drive me to a hibernation period from the minute it starts till it ends. By fortune, I did succeed in the first attempt of the exam itself...GOK how it happened :)

Drawing has always been a hobby before those ED days. I used to draw whenever I was at home and used to paste those drawings in the old calendar cardboards and design it with the gift wrapper papers at the edges and then hang it in the hall with the hopes that it would get someone's attention and become centre of attraction (high hopes :))

I was talking to my sis about her jewelry making class and that made me to try out my hands in the pencil drawing after a decade. It did not come great but it got the shape and outline as I thought. But I did not hang it at the hall or anyplace this time :)

Idhu Kaakava Kuruviyannu kaekadheenga..enakke theriyadhu...;)