Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Colours of Night


Fontana del Pantheon

Fountain outside Pantheon, Rome

Friday, April 11, 2014

My 5 Dream Destinations

#My 5 Dream Destinations

Firstly, I should tell you that I am very adventurous. I love travelling the world. I have a long list of my dream destinations. I am a bit romantic just like most girls are ;) So most of my destinations are inspired by the same. But as I have to write down only 5, so here goes the top one’s on my list.

1. Paris
2. Switzerland
3. Rome
4. Niagara falls
5. Las Vegas

And I must tell you I am very lucky to have visited the top 3 destinations on my list.


1.  Paris - The City of Love

          I always dreamt of going to Paris. During college days I always told my friends that one day my prince charming will take me to Paris and propose me in front of the Eiffel. They used to laugh at me then. But my dream came true when my husband took me there and confessed his love again in front of Eiffel. I was on cloud nine.






2.  Switzerland - The city of Alps

          As you all know Switzerland is famous for its Alps, serene lakes, green valleys and snow filled mountains. As a big fan of DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) movie, there was an addition of the most romantic couple at that time visiting Swiss and enjoying the snow on Mt. Titlis. And my this dream also came true. We really had a great time there and yes, I got my cow bell too. 










3.  Rome - The city of monuments

             Me and my husband have a great attraction of ancient monuments. Also as both of us are huge fans of Dan Brown Novels, we had to visit this city. Vatican City, Colosseum and Trevi fountain were on the top of this city’s list. But I must tell you we also visited most of the sites mentioned in ‘Angels and Demons’ book.



4.  Niagara Falls 

          One of the biggest waterfalls in the world. I believe this fantastic and breathtaking waterfall is worth a visit. It will be a thrilling experience to visit it in summer as well as in winter when it’s completely frozen.






5. Las Vegas - the city of Dreams

            May be you are thinking that this is the city just to get wasted. But I think it’s a unique city built solely for the purpose of entertainment. It’s famous for so many things. Plus, you can see the Eiffel, Canals of Venice, Pyramids of Egypt etc. all at the same place.



I really hope to visit my last two destinations very soon.

This blog is written as a part of Indiblogger, Indispire topic : 5 Places you would love to visit in this lifetime
            

  

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Being at Peace

#Being at peace

          Many things happen in our lives. Sometimes good things happen and sometimes bad. Lots of things happened in my past too. Good and bad, fun and sad times all were there. Many times I regretted the bad things, cursed myself for the mistakes I did and the wrong decisions I made. But gradually, as time passed, I realized that all the things that happened were for the best.  I sought forgiveness for the mistakes I made and learnt a lesson from them.  And now I have moved forward and am happy for whatever life gave me.

             There are honestly lots of things for what I am really thankful to God and for everything he has done for me. Yes at first I was very distressed for some things I didn’t get. But now when I look behind I have realized that they were never meant for me. And I have received much better things than what I was chasing for. I thought God always neglected me and never gave me what I always deserved. But he gave me all the best things. I thought he never cared and never noticed that I needed him. But he always helped me out in the form of parents, friends and sometimes strangers too.

          I am really glad that I have changed for better and glad to accept the things he gave me. The most wonderful gift that he gave me is my dear husband. He is a great friend, a very loving, understanding and supportive husband. Always helping me out and motivating me. He has accepted me the way I am, no matter who I am or whatever I have done. I am really glad to get my prince charming and a man who could stand by me through good and bad, thick and thin, sickness and in health and a man who will love me for the rest of my life..

          There are always some things that you think you should be having. But this is life. So be contented and happy with what you have. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream or thrive for other things. You really should, but not by forgetting about enjoying life and making your family and loved ones sad.

        I too have lots and lots of things to achieve and have many dreams to act on. But with all the things I have, I am really happy, positive and at peace...

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

10 questions I really Hate being asked!!


#10 questions I really Hate being asked


      Different people have different thinking. But I really get frustrated by the following 10 questions. I am a straight forward person. But for these questions I really feel to just keep quiet and stare at the person until he/she feels I am crazy and leave me alone.


1)  Why did you do an intercaste marriage? Were all the boys of your caste already taken?
            Come on, we are living in the 21st century and you are still asking me this caste question. No, I didn’t do an intercaste marriage because all the boys were taken, but the guy I chose was worth more than the 1000 eligible guys of my caste.

2)  Are you really a Maharashtrian, I mean you look Bengali?
            Here I don't get angry because they consider me as a Bengali. But when I have already told them that I am a Maharashtrian they just don’t believe me and keep repeating the same question.

3)  You make so nice paintings and sketches, will you make a sketch of my girlfriend/ boyfriend? I want to give her as a gift!!
           I really hate this question. You want to give it as a gift then please pay me. I have a busy schedule and if you want me to contribute my time to draw your sketch I actually need a compensation. 

4)  Why did you plan a baby so early? Were you having any complications?
           I just can’t believe people actually think like that. More than 50% of girls in India have their 1st baby before they turn 20. And I had mine when I turned 25!! Is it too early? I don’t think so. May be I should ask you, a 33-year-old woman, married 6-7 years ago still not having any kid, are you experiencing any complications? Being highly qualified and career oriented woman doesn’t give you the privilege to ask me this question. So, shut the F*** up!!

5)  When are you coming back to India from abroad or are you going to settle down there?
          Why just why do people ask this question. Are you jealous that I am abroad and you are not. I will return when I feel so. Let me first explore the world. And you didn’t even bother to contact me when I was in India. So just go away.

6)  What do you do all day alone at home? Don’t you get bored?
          Nothing. As currently I am just a housewife, taking care of my 2-year-old kid. I only do the daily household chores. Just cook food 5-6 times a day as my toddler wants different items to eat throughout the day. Give time to my hubby and play with my kid. And the time that’s left to myself, I do drawing, painting, sketches, crafts, photography and write blogs. But for you I just do nothing.

7)  Are going to start working again?
          I have not decided yet. Yes, I was a career oriented before, but now I have a kid. I have my responsibilities towards him. Once I feel he is independent enough, I will think. But again, it’s my decision right?

8)  What are your future plans, are you going to sit at home without any work?
          Same question, but different perspective. Currently I have no future plans. I am enjoying the present. And what do you mean by sitting home without any work. Being a housewife and a mother is a 24*7 job!! 

9)  You make so many crafty things, Doesn’t your husband say anything to you after seeing the mess?
         Thank God my husband is not like you. He encourages me a lot for keeping my hobbies alive. 

10)  Why do you read so many books? Means do you actually remember any story after you read so many of them? 
         Can you believe more than 10 people asked me this question. Yes, yes, I know how you are exactly feeling right now. Please send me the bricks, I will throw them in their Face…

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

What's In A Name!!

Shakespeare has rightly stated, 
"What's In A Name? That, Which We Call A Rose,
By Any Other Name, Would Smell As Sweet!”

My name is Amruta and I love my name. Amruta is derived from ‘Amrut’ i.e. ‘The drink of immortality’. Amruta is ‘Elixir of life’. Amruta means sweetness. Amruta means immortal. It’s so fantastic.

When I was a child, many people used to taunt me that it's a very common name. I used to hate this feeling that many girls are having the same name as mine.I wanted my name to be unique. I complained the same to my mother, but when she told me the literal meaning of my name I was so happy. And believe me even in my huge circle of friends there is not a single girl named Amruta. How cool is that!!

I believe a name gives you a unique identity. Name is the first thing that becomes your’s after your birth and sticks to you till your last breath and yes even after that. People recognize you by your name. A name, helps you to stand out of the crowd. 

My name means everything to me. I really hate when people change their name just to have a stylish one. I know it’s their choice, but still!! One of my friends got married and her in-laws changed her name. Next day she immediately updated her  name on FB with a fully different name and surname with no traces of the old one. 

I pinged her and asked, “ Hey, why did you change your name?”

She: (excitedly) “Hey, it’s my new name. Isn’t it cool!! “

Me: “ Yeah, But What about your name? The name by which we know you.”

She: “ What’s in a name? The way you got used to my previous name, you will get used to this too.”

Me: “But what if somebody searches by your old name. Nobody would be able to find you.”

She: “I have told my friends about my new name. And I am really loving it. I am going to completely erase my old name.”

Me: “But why. I mean your old name is nice and unique. Won’t you feel lost. I mean all your documents, your birth certificate, your report cards, your achievements, your awards all will have your old name. How will you erase them. If somebody changed my name I would feel like I died. ”

She: “ Err, I don’t know. My sweet hubby has chosen this name for me. How can I say no to him. Btw, I am busy right now. cya.”

I understood she had no answer.

After 5 mins

*Blocked* 

This was the simplest way to avoid me and my doubts. May be I stretched it too far. But are my questions wrong?  Our parents name us. They also might be having some feelings, some stories relating to our name. How can we just forget who we are and start living a new name.  Our name is what we are!! If we can't even respect our name, how can we expect others to respect us.

I am married, but still using my pre-marital name and my husband is all happy with it.