Coffee ~ My Private Affair!

I enjoy having coffee very much. Coffee is something without which, it is difficult to live life conveniently. Maybe because it is a habit or a feeling or whatever it is. Coffee definitely gives me wonderful feelings, it brings back great memories, great ideas and thoughts, genuine happiness, rejuvenates energy. Overall Coffee makes me feel like a Man! Yes! Just like how they say having cigarette makes people feel like a man, Coffee gives me that kind of a feeling, grown up, adult, independent. To say it in style, "I felt like a Man!" I felt like writing about coffee because it is a private affair to me. Coffee is very personal to me. I enjoy it for my own self. It is an experience that is worthy of blogging, though it would not reflect the completeness of my private affair with coffee.

I love the taste that lingers after having a nice coffee. I love to sing the songs of advertisements like the Colgate, Thumbsup, Limca, Hutch etc. In that list ads that I love, the coffee ads which I love are embedded all over this post.

I like the many coffee ads.
"Manchi ruchi gala udayam kotta sunrise..."
In Telugu song goes like this...
"మంచి రుచి గల ఉదయం కొత్త సన్ రైజ్.." meaning "A good morning taste... new Sunrise..."
In Hindi song goes like this...
"जीवन में अप्पकी नया सन राइज..." meaning "In your life.. new Sunrise..."



The quote that greatly appeal to me and I live by it.
"Men like Chocolate and Coffee should always be rich."


The coffee brands I love are
Chennai Filter Coffee at Saravana Bhavan
Bru Coffee
Nescafe
Starbucks Capachino
Starbucks Cold Coffee
Cafe Coffee Day
Barista Coffee
Tim Hortons double double
Tim Hortons Cafe Mocha
Coffee at Tirumal from the small vendors
Coffee tastes amazing in Puttaparthi Canteen
College Coffee
Srinivas Coffe Powder
Nescafe Classic


Favorite Coffee shops, that I can remember of the mind now
Dunkin's coffee shop in Middletown, Connecticut near Balaji Temple
Amethyst in Chennai
Coffee Day at Isphani Center in Chennai



Come alive to great moments... Nescafe....

So now those great moments with Coffee that come alive always...

Like the ad "जीवन में अप्पकी नया सन राइज..." I always have a coffee between 10 and 11 AM for second time on weekends, because, we finish the work to some extent and want to take a break or get rejuvenated for the rest of the day. It is remember so well that I always used to ask Swapna to give me coffee for second cup of the day on Sunday mornings around 10.30 AM, after I come from the fish and vegetables market. She would give it to me before she starts the heavy Sunday cooking.

Another fond memory, is when I am with my brothers, my Mom will definitely give coffee to Ajay, Vinod and myself when we are together be it morning or afternoon. Ajay rarely drinks coffee though. We do a lot of chit chatting while sipping coffee. Really wonderful moments.

Swapna and I went to Mc Donald's for breakfast near Niagara Falls, and had complimentary, introductory, promotional free coffee during breakfast on her birthday Sep 9!

Preparing at Amethyst, in Chennai along with my Polaris Colleagues for Best Young Managers Competition conducted by All India Management Association!

Pot Coffee at Dolphin hotel during our MBA College days along with my friends.

Coffee at the Vizag railway station along with my buddies during many times in teenage.

I used to spend time at Amethyst alone while Swapna went for delivery, reading books and working on my laptop at the coffee shop. I got into a wonderful coffee culture.

The precious moments I used to spend with my mentor Sriram, while I used to take coffee breaks at Polaris Spencers Plaza office.

Weekend Coffee with mini tiffin Saravanan Bhavan while I was a bachelor.

These days, when I chat with my online friend Vivek, I tell him that "It's Coffee with Vivek" and he says "Tea with Ram" because he drinks Tea.

Coffee I have at my desk when I don't have time to sit and eat breakfast at coffee shop because of an early morning meeting. I love such busy weekdays.


I remember, when Swapna and I were making our home after our US return to Hyderabad, we carefully decorated our home. And in between, I used to drink lot of coffees. Sweet Memories.

Enjoyed the coffee, I had with all my MBA gang sitting on the wall opposite to Dr. LB college or at Sai Ram parlor near my house at Eenadu in Vizag.

During our bachelor outing to Araku Vally in Vizag on a stormy day. We stopped while going uphill on bikes due to lack of visibility of even 2 meters distance. That time we were all wet wet wet and cold. We had a very nice hot coffee on the road side with cigarettes for those who smoke. It was good fun.

Now a days, my coffee conversations with my team members and clients is a norm. We go to Tim Hortons for discussions and conversations over coffee.

There are many such exotic moments I have while drinking coffee each and every day. I am running out of my memory and words to get them all here.

How I got used to Coffee...? It all started with taste for drops of coffee. Coffee is for adults at my home. During my childhood, I remember I was in 1st standard, when I always wanted to drink coffee because all the adults were drinking. Until, I am in first standard, I don't remember, but I guess even if I asked they never gave me. But, I do remember insisting and crying for coffee. Then, my mom used to dip her finger in coffee that she is drinking and put a drop on my tongue to taste. That way, she used to get rid of me and my persuasion to drink coffee. That is the beginning of my taste towards coffee. Sooner or later, I moved from milk, Bornvita, Horlicks to Coffee. I used to like coffee very much because the coffee my mom used to make is very strong and also sweet. So, I had a strong taste for coffee and also have a sweet tooth. Hence, my taste towards coffee developed. I liked coffee with such sweetness maybe, but now I reduced from extreme sweetness to low sweetness and should eventually move to no sugar, no sweetness coffee.

The maximum coffees I drank in a day of 24 hours was maybe 12 cups, if I remember correctly. The maximum days I lived without coffee for entire day, after I got used to drinking coffee every day, was I guess 2 days maximum.



Sip the coffee... lick the cream... mmmmmmmm........

I do feel a bit of inconvenience when I don't have coffee. The worst coffee I ever tasted was the one which I prepared. Forgetfully I added salt instead of sugar. I gulped it and realized it was Yack!! I don't like black coffee when compared to coffee with milk. But, i guess eventually I will like black coffee too. Like how I like coffee with less sugar now. But for sure, I will NOT like coffee with salt. LOL ;-)

Coffee tastes really good after having masala dosa, or dosa with a spicy chutney, poori curry etc during breakfst. It tastes wonderful immediately after having Upma as breakfast.
The time when I used to be in Java Training at Intelligroup, I guess I had 10 to 12 cups of coffees from machine because it was free. Within a week from then I stopped drinking readymade machine coffee at work place. Later, I used to have coffee from prepared from the stove or filtered. The other time I remember having loads of coffee was during the wedding of my friend Vamsi's sister. I remember we were involved in the wedding arrangements and so as bechelors we freaked and did nights out. That day I remember having around 10 to 12 of cups of coffee just for the sake of it. Coffee goes will with Pakodi or bajji on a rainy day or at the beach in India.

The favorite coffee cups / mugs among the many I have are, A coffee mug given by Polaris for 'Get up, Get Noticed!" competition at Polaris. A Red Nescafe cup which I still have in India. You can see the coffee cup in this ad below. Enjoy the ad song.



There are numerous best moments with coffee that I experienced over and over again. It is more of a good morning feeling, or a hot coffee in cold weather, or having roadside coffee when in journey early morning on a long drive, in the chillness of Tirumala hill, while I am alone thinking for myself during weekends and many many more.

After marriage, I really loved and experienced the situation in this advertisement. It touched my life because, this ad used to come when Swapna and I were in Chennai and we were expecting Srimaye. It was so much to the context that time and we enjoyed every moment and continue to do so.



My coffee consumption, stats on how much I consumed and I will consume over a life time.

Every day 1 cup of coffee for sure.
Monthly I consume 100 grams of Coffee.
Annually I consume 1200 grams of Coffee.
Since I started at the age of 5 years, I must have consumed 37, 200 grams or 82 lbs of Coffee.
In my lifetime, probably I will consume 84,000grams or 185 lbs of Coffee.

I must have spent around $50 per annum only on coffee powder and so far I must have spent $1550. In a lifetime, I maybe spending $3750, around Rs. 1,61,250 Indian Rupees. :-) These stats and costs are ball park figures and do not account for coffee that I buy etc. Though a very very rough estimate, rather a guesstimate this is very interesting. :-)

Enjoy the lyrics of the Nescafe ad song... Open Up... the singer is Shunza

You can be rich With no money to spend,
You can do everything When you understand…

You can be mother When you are a man,
Open up… You know that you can…

Open your eyes Open your mind
Open your thoughts Don't stay behind…

Open up, open up… Open up, open up…
Nescafe.

The key is inside you To open your mind,
You know what is out there Your heart can't be blind…

Open your eyes And open your mind
Open your thoughts Don't stay behind…

Open your eyes Open your mind
Open your thoughts Don't stay behind…

Open up, open up… Open up, open up…
Nescafe.

Erase all the borders And start in your head.
Open your mind To thoughts seldom said…

Open your eyes And open your mind
Open your thoughts Don't stay behind…

Open up, open up… Open up, open up…
Open up, open up… Nescafe.

Finally, it is not that I am ending it, because it is never ending. It is open ended.



So, Open up Open up...

A shower of positive energy...!

This day has been a wonderful day! Very unique in its own way, I am not sure if this is an effect of the planetary position for a Capricorn. Is it a result of consistent effort, a coincidence.
Whatever it is, it is worth blogging.

This morning, I woke up with a very positive vibe, dreaming about Tirumala and my favorite Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, the Kaliyuga Avatar of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.

I had a wonderful coffee, sent some very positive official notes to offshore teams.

I went to the train station, a colleague of mine said, "Ram looking like a hero, very stylish with all that muffler etc." I smiled. The fact is that I wear the same muffler atleast every alternate day, then why is it only today. I am at my best dressing every day, because fashion is one of my passions too. My Friday dressing to work is always well though and well noticed. And a compliment on Friday dressing happened to me many times. Today's compliment is different because of the series of events that happened though out the day.

Then I was at work, and there is an email from Dan Demers, the client manager, worldwide project team to solve puzzle that is partially work related. It read as, "Kudos to those who solve this simple puzzle!". I always will be the person to participate in such kind of things, for that matter any kind of competition, though I know, I have no clue of it. Just to give you an example, I participated in Quiz competitions, while I very well know, my General Knowledge is Zilch! What is the point in going! I learnt to face failure! I learnt my weaknesses! I gained confidence and strength! I am not ashamed to lose, but proud to participate!

I am not ashamed to lose, but I am proud to participate! ~ Ram
(A caption that evolved on the fly.)

Having said this, coming back to the mornings puzzle on email. Already couple of people responded with their answers in lightening speed. I was sure they were wrong. And, I am sure it is a simple puzzle yet tricky. Then I worked on the puzzle, was confident that I should be able to solve it. But due to the other official emails that caught my attention, I did not focus on this puzzle. I left it half way and an hour passed. By then, few guys have responded, and it was fun seeing the responses. I worked on it and sent the answers, and there comes the response, "Kudos goes to Ram!" Here is the actual extract of the email.

"Kudos goes to Ram! Others who replied before (and after) Ram, please look to Ram as a problem solving role model. Others who failed to reply, look to those who replied as email management role models and Ram as both an email management and problem solving role model." ~ Dan

Coming to this appreciation, it is more than what is required appreciation for solving this simple puzzle. Why is that? Maybe it is because of the consistent performance evaluated by the client, the positive re-enforcement that is observed over a period of time by the client, or the much awaited and long due ones that are combined into this day. I do not know for sure. But this happened and I am Happy.

Following the email trails, I have seen thank you notes which, I received from my team members. This is because, I manged to get nominations for Polaris Hall of Fame, from the client for my team members.

My Friday's are usually with less meetings as I would prefer to relax at office, after four week days of intensive meetings and hectic hours, loads of work at office. Suddenly, my desk phone rang, and I responded without watching the displayed number. I was pleasantly surprised by beloved wife, Swapna. She called me to my desk number to say 'I LOVE YOU!". I was all relaxed at work, so had a good chat with Swapna and Srimaye untill some other colleague called me. I swapped the call only to tell that I will join the meeting in 10 minutes, finished the call with Swapna "aaraam se..." and got back to work.

As I skipped breakfast today, I was hungry and went for an early lunch. Early to me is 12noon, as my lunch time is usually between 1.30 and 2.30. Sometimes it would be even as late as 3 or 4pm. (Yes, I get into workaholic tendency often). I walked down the subway, to TD Center Food Court. The choice was between Indian, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai apart from the regular Subway, Mac Donald's, Pizza etc. I chose to eat Thai food which, pleasantly reminded me of my wonderful bachelorhood days at Singapore. I went to Thai eatery, to the counter and ordered Combo 2, which is Fried Rice, Golden Chicken and Bean Sprouts. Whenever I order in Canada, i have this feeling (maybe I am wrong) that their servings are really small for the price they charge. Today, I felt that the servings were extra large. I savored and relished the meal.

Work in the afternoon, went at really rapid pace and suddenly, I completed many things. I was delighted. Then in the evening, came home, I was hungry and so had Dosa for snacks. The Green Chutney which Swapna made was delicious. I completed writing Ramakoti for the day. I have the habit to watch porn, and today I didn't feel like watching it.

While checking my emails, I have seen a message that came from Facebook friend, Vipul. Vipul and I are online friends on Orkut for a couple of years now and also talked over the phone a couple of times. The basic connect happened on Orkut as both of us are born on January 11th. We both wish each other on our Birthday. It is kind of interesting, unique and funny to say "Thank You!, Wish You The Same!" for a Birthday wish. In school, I remember, there was my classmate called Rajitha who was born on Jan 11th. Then there is my uncle "Murthi Chinnanna Garu" from Bhimavaram, who is born on January 11th. More on birthdays later.

Now, coming back to the facebook, This was Vipul's message on facebook.
"Vipul Prakash Pandey problem with life : (1) when I am serious about it , its in a jolly mood and in a world of her own . & (2) when I am in a jolly mood , it expects me to be the most serious of all those in this world ....... fish me , darn me , ........ HELL was THE right place .... all INCOMING no OUTGOING ..... phew ..... introducing people.... a finally all broken VP."

I have responded to his message on the wall this morning.

"Ram Kumar Samantula: This is true of everyone.... the paradox of life. When a person is born, he cries and the world around smiles. When a person dies, he smiles (assume peace) and the world around cries. So, you are living life in true sense. All you need to be is Great VP and not broken VP! Broken doesn't suit you!! ;-) On the lighter side, Hell is where you have all your friends...! Either way its fun!!"

For those who know Telugu, these are the lines of the song "nenu puttanu, ee lokam edchindhi, neenu edchaanu, ee lokam navvidhi..." from ANR's movie Devadasu (I guess).

In the evening, when I checked his response, I was amazed and wondered again to myself, whatz happening today. This is Vipul's response.

Vipul Prakash Pandey: ram ..... i am astounded ..... bro ... was searching for such an audacious reply with THAT positive vibe .... people say its friendship .....i say its LOVE ..... hats off bro ..... HAIL U MAN !

Again, Vipul's reaction amazed me, particularly, it is again happening today.

After this was done, I was chatting with another orkut friend, Vivek. Vivek and I are friends for past one year or so. Our connect is through ISKON and the vibes of the chants

"Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Krishna, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare"

We started to chat and Vivek, shared his personal concern regarding his career progression with me. We chatted on at length, by the end of it, he started off with a "Renewed Spirit"!

Another positive thing today is this blog itself. It has been quite sometime that I have written a blog and I am cherishing these moments and this day.

Life is Living Loving Learning and Laughing!!

ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता

A time when extreme joy is overshadowed by loneliness. A time I have see profound change within me and around the world which already existed. Only on this day, I have realized the change that already existed.

Today, is a very important day in my life as we are celebrating House Warming Ceremony at 50-44-1, P&T Colony, Seetammadhara, Visakhapatnam - 530013, Andhra Pradesh, India. The idea of renovating our house was parked for more than 10 years, If I remember correctly. Or probably it was my Dad's dream to renovate the home. Definitely, the force behind this idea coming into action is my beloved mother. She is the biggest influence on any major decision that has a significantly positive effect in the lives of me and my brothers. The idea started getting into action around September 2007 I guess. After taking a lot of resistance, twists and turns the idea got into action. When I returned from US, I had taken a good look of it while it was under construction and have participated in the Ganapathi Homam and placing of the Main Entrance Doors "Mukha Dwaram". It was sheer joy to be a part of that festivity. From the time, I came to Canada, during my conversations to India, most of the talk has been around the construction status of the house. Mom used to give me a detailed progress on how things are happening, how Vinod and Ajay are putting their best foot forward inspite of lot of difficulties etc.

On this day, 9th Nov 2009, the House warming ceremony is celebrated. I really was excited to hear all the auspicious music, the way the whole home is decorated with flowers, green mango tree leaves and banana stems and leaves. It all is so sacred and lively as much as I can imagine and much more than that. The house is named as Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Nilayam.

Hearing all this over the phone, I felt really delighted. As I am in Canada, I really missed all the good joy and fun. Suddenly, a kind of gloom overtook my joy. I started feeling lonely and was very disappointed for missing all this fun. Lot of questions raised in my mind.

What is important in life?
Why did I miss such a wonderful event in life?
Why is Srimaye, Swapna and myself who are an integral part of this so far away from the joy of house warming?
Why did I not decide to attend this House warming ceremony?
When Swapna and Srimaye stay abroad, taking all the pains, why is it that they missed this festivity in the family which they are very much an integral part of?
Why is it that my brothers or mom did not feel that they should wait until I participate in the house warming ceremony, come what may?
If my Daddy was alive, will he agree to do the house warming ceremony without me attending to it?
Is it that I did not go and I am putting the blame on someone else for missing the ceremony?

So many questions, leading questions raised in my mind... that I was almost absent minded at work today. I managed to complete my work and reached home. I realized it is all in my own hands, my own decisions, my own thoughts, my own actions and my own deeds. So, at the end of the day, I have found answers within myself. I am neither sad nor over excited. I am just the way I am, Happy!!

I was constantly remember this song "Yeh jo desh hai tera, swadesh hai tera..." from SRK's film Swadesh. From the time I have seen this film, it has been my favorite song and will continue to be. I love the lyrics of this song and it is an apt time for a dedication of this song my own self. I love myself more than anyone for it always helps me in loving others. Sing.....

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!

मिटटी की जो खुशबू , तू कैसे भूलाएगा
तू चाहे कहीं जाए , तू लौट के आएगा
नई नई राहों में, दबी दबी आहों में
खोये खोये दिलसे तेरे, कोई ये कहेगा

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!

हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म ....

तुझसे ज़िन्दगी , है ये कह रही
सब तोह पालिया , अब है क्या कमी
यूँ तोह सारे सुख है बरसे
पर दूर तू है अपने घरसे
आ लौट चल तू अब दीवाने
जहाँ कोई तोह तुझे अपना माने
आवाज़ दे तुझे बुलाएं , वही देस

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!
हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म ....

ये पल है वही , जिस में है छुपी
कोई एक सदी , साड़ी ज़िन्दगी
तू न पूछ रास्ते में काहे
आए हैं इस तरह दो राहें
तू ही तोह है राह जो सुझाए
तू ही तोह है अब जो ये बताये
चाहे तोह कीस दिशा में जाए वही

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!

हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म ....


For those who would love to watch the video of this song... here you go...



Lyrics of the song Yeh jo des hai tera in English transliteration...

Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara…
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta) -2

Mitti ki jo khushboo, tu kaise bhoolaayega
Tu chaahe kahin jaaye, tu laut ke aayega
Nayi nayi raahon mein, dabi dabi aahon mein
Khoye khoye dilse tere, koyi ye kahega
Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta

(Hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…)
Tujhse zindagi, hai ye keh rahi
Sab toh paa liya, ab hai kya kami
Yun toh saare sukh hai barse
Par door tu hai apne gharse
Aa laut chal tu ab diwaane
Jahaan koyi toh tujhe apna maane
Awaaz de tujhe bulaane, wahi des
Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta
(Hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…)

Ye pal hai wahi, jis mein hai chhupi
Koyi ek sadi, saari zindagi
Tu na poochh raaste mein kaahe
Aaye hain is tarha do raahein
Tu hi toh hai raah jo sujhaaye
Tu hi toh hai ab jo ye bataaye
Chaahe toh kis disha mein jaaye wahi des
Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta
Hmm…hmm…hmm…

A Prayer in Silence

A Condolence Letter to A Guru!!

I have never seen you so gloomy। You are experiencing
deep distress and I really cannot imagine how you would be feeling. I
am sure; It is the greatest loss to anyone to lose a mother. (I am
only guessing it after seeing you.) I could see only one thing in
your eyes. Deep sorrow. I have never seen so much sorrow in your
eyes looks like they have dried out of tears. Swamy, do not hold your
sorrow or keep it to yourself. Cry your heart out and let the sorrow
in you get exhausted. There can be no greater loss than this.

I could see absolute calmness in you. The calmness as serene as a
lake early in the morning. Get yourself a renewed energy. There is
divinity in you, which you have transmitted to many souls. Your mom
may not be present in the same form. You can always use your
highest connecting power;
you can connect to your mom anytime you want.
She will appear to you in forms that you wish to see her. Show your
smiling face to her and lift her soul to peace. You have all that
divine power. Give it to your family. You are an embodiment
of pristine divinity. Go to a Carnatic classical concert. Get
connected to her and be always happy. And I am sure that your
happiness will give her soul all the ultimate peace, which
pen-ultimately will give you the bliss.

There are many forms in which, I see you, My Lord.

A quote:
And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His
own, and the joy we share in our time of prayer.

I pray to the Lord that I should be readily connected and available to
you at times whenever you need me.

सदा आपके सेवा में!!

Srimaye's First Day At PlaySchool

On this day, 1st of October 2009, Srimaye enrolled into the playschool for the first time ever. Another series of great moments, wonderful days in the lives of Swapna and myself, which only Srimaye could bring and no one else for the uniqueness of her being our first child.

Swapna and I have been planning for this for more than months, but I actually haven't really done anything untill today. Prior to this big day, Swapna did inquire on when the admissions would happen, which school in the neighborhood is better etc.
In deciding upon the school, our choice was to put her in a school which would give her a holistic education rather than just ABCs or 123s. I wanted Srimaye to pick her communication skills and other soft skills which be with her for ever. Swapna went on finding about schools in the neighborhood that are good in whatever parameters she herself is convinced of. Public schools were ruled out as Srimaye will have to be four years to get into kindergarten and for preschool in public schools one of the parents have to accompany. Obviously, it was not our choice simply because it would steal the little rather very little personal time which Swapna gets. There was another school around 20 minutes away from home, The Royal Montessori which, in Swapna's inquiry turned out to be best school in the neighborhood. Knowing the weather conditions and also considering the duration of 20 minutes walk specially during winter times, we felt it was not feasible. The next option we had was the school which is adjacent to our apartment block right across the street. This is the "Kougar Kitten Playschool". This playschool is in the premises of "TL Kennedy Secondary School" run by Peel District School Board. The school is pretty good in large campus, which also has a huge football ground. Its single story building spread wide in vicinity with long corridors.

Srimaye's School Address:
Kougar Kitten Playschool
3100, Hurontario Street
Mississauga, Ontario - L5B 1N7
CANADA.

The school name wtih Kitten is so apt for the little Srimaye, who resembles cub from the family of tigres, with her very playful attitude, charming eyes, cute smile and adorable face. She radiates divine beauty and God's magnificence. DDD (Dad describing Daughter) would always be exaggerating to the world while it is always understating to Dads' themselves. I guess no dad is an exception to this.

Early morning Srimaye is the first to get up. As I have taken off from office for the morning session, I decided to wake-up late. Swapna did not get out of the bed though she was awake. So Srimaye was the one who got ready first in the home, this morning. She was all dressed in her pink full pants, sleeves pullover white in color with multi color thin pencil strips on it. She has worn her hood jacket and white shoes. We three had breakfast and as usual Srimaye was slow in eating. We searched for Srimaye's school bag and found her travel bag. So we decided to take it for the day. I payed to Godess Saraswathi on behalf of Srimaye. Ofcourse, Srimaye got her Aksharabhyasam performed Saraswathi temple in Basara. Before starting to school, Srimaye wanted to take her large dressed mamma teddy bear soft toy to preschool along with her. Swapna persuaded to leave the bear at home while Srimaye insisted. Srimaye, was given a choice of either going to school or playing with teaddy bear. She wisely has chosen to go to school. She put her back pack on and we all walked down to the school. Weather outside is cool and is just about to get chill in a couple of weeks. Though it was definitely cool, we could manage with one jacket or sweater. While crossing the road, we have see lots of parents dropping kids at the bus station, where the public school bus will pick up and drop off the kids. The school bus passed away and we crossed the road. I guess Srimaye felt it very cold, so she complained her legs were aching. So, I carried her untill we were near to Srimaye's pre-school. Then all three of us walked into the school. It was all emply and silent corridors as the secondary school kids are already in their classes. So, we walked and entered into to the play school section. It was a huge square room with yellow walls and very bright room indeed. Very vibrant with light and joy of kids playing and walking around. There is an inflow of parents coming and dropping kids off at the play school. There is a lady, busy greeting the kids and parents, taking registrations and doing many things same time with ease. She is Mrs. Gail Wrobel, Preschool teacher, Early Childhood Educator. Mrs. Wrobel, has given us a registration form to fill and submit. She showed Srimaye's cupboard and place to keep her things. She placed a name card "Asritha" back of Srimaye's shirt, this way she would recognize all kids. Seems to be very well experienced with all kinds of kids. We submitted the forms and got Srimaye enrolled. Mrs. Wrobel explained how they would teach the kids about different things in school. The whole of this week, they would teach the letter M and the sounds related to it "mmmmmmmm....". She mentioned that we should be showing the kind where ever and ask her to say the letters and sounds for instance in a grocery store, Mmmmm.... Milk, Mmmmm.... Meat etc. She also mentioned that they would teach personal hygiene, toilet procedures etiquette etc. Mrs. Wroble explained that parents have to get some homework done by the kid, so that the kid get accustomed to doing things. For example holding a pencil, and when doing the homework, parents should correct the kid. I thought to myself, that Mrs. Wrobel is underestimating Asritha, as she thinks that Srimaye doesn't know how to hold a pencil. I did not care to tell her, as I would want the teacher Mrs. Wrobel should be able to figure that out from the students. All said, Mrs. Wroble is a wonderful teacher. Srimaye was busy with her teacher and cared less to say by to us. We were happy for it, because few kids were crying as the parents let them at school. Today was also the birthday of one of the kids in Srimaye's class. I also got worried a little because some of the kids were already showing symptoms of flue. I chose not to pay too much attention to it. While we watched Srimaye from the pane on the door, Srimaye is already busy with her teacher, she went into toys room and got herself a toy shopping cart and a Dora soft toy. Swapna and I smiled wondering why she picked the shopping cart. Did we acquaint her so much with shopping? Lots of laughter!!
Wondering how days have gone by so fast and our daughter is already attending school, while both of us still feel that we are kind of newly wed. Swapna and I went for medical tests and we were somewhat early. So there was not much wait time. So, Swapna managed to finish the tests early and we walked out of the medical lab. Then we went to a hair stylist and got my hair done. Swapna liked the new look and I liked it very much. After coming to Canada, this is the first time, I felt it was a very decent and classy look that the stylist did. Earlier, I went to different saloons and I really did not like the way they cut my hair. Today, the style was impressive and so I tipped the stylist 30% and told him that I liked the hair cut. The stylist was delighted! Swapna said, you made his day, he looked very happy. And you are looking cool with this new hair style. Swapna felt like having coffee and everything suddenly became romantic. Romance is in the air, we felt like we were honeymoon couple, having nothing to do, but to just romance around in the cool weather. We walked holding each other talking. At one instance, a passer by stared at my office tag which was hanging over my pocket from my belt. I felt we were like a college students who bunked college to freak around. I tried not to hide my office card several times though I was on leave in the morning session. It was really pleasant spending time with Swapna. We continued our walk to Tim Horton's and ordered for some breakfast and coffee which we deliberately shared to make it more romantic than the combination cool weather and hot coffee. We walked slowly back to home and by then it was 11AM. We had spent time at home till 11.30AM.

Srimaye's school timings are from 8.45 AM to 11.45 AM.

So, at 11.30, Swapna went to pick Srimaye from school while i have take a bus to get back to my office. At work, I participated in the "United Way" campaign, to be a volunteer in collecting donations within Citi, for the various upbringing of the under developed and various other hundreds of welfare organization that are under the umbrella of United Way. Had a tuna sandwich and grilled turkey sandwich with orange juice for lunch. Then work went at a good pace, maybe because of the magic of spending the whole morning with Swapna. Returned late from office to home at around 10PM.

Swapna told me over the phone, that Srimaye's first day is wonderful. The teacher gave a feedback on Srimaye that Srimaye is very social and talkative. They would ask people to talk, but they never do while, Asritha is very good that way. Teacher also gave her some homework to complete. :-)

While blogging this, I also remember that Swapna wants Srimaye to be called as Asritha. So, with this enrollment into school, Srimaye is also being called as Asritha. And one of dream's (Swapna's) dream come true. :-) As of me, I am very happy for spending the day with Swapna, being there for Srimaye's first day at school, it was all just perfect because of God's Grace that is showered upon us.

While reading the book, You Can Win by Shiv Khera, I read this Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher as part of that book. It is one of those many many writings, poems, phrases etc list of things that have touched my heart. I waited since then, to share it again to the world in my own terms on the day when my kid goes to school. I am delighted to write this blog on this day. I will sign-off this journal with Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher. Enjoy!!

Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher

He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just,
all men are not true.
But teach him also that
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician,
there is a dedicated leader…
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,

Steer him away from envy,
if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to lick…
Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books…
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun,
and the flowers on a green hillside.

In the school teach him
it is far honourable to fail
than to cheat…
Teach him to have faith
in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him
they are wrong…
Teach him to be gentle
with gentle people,
and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon…
Teach him to listen to all men…
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good
that comes through.

Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when he is sad…
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness…
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle him,
because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage
to be impatient…
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always
to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have
sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order,
but see what you can do…
He is such a fine little fellow,
my son!

~ Abraham Lincoln ~
(The 16^th President of the United States of America 1861 – 1965)

Straight from the heart...!

I watched the movie 'Straight' Vinay Patakh. So to say, I am very fond of Vinay Pathak's movies for the reason that they are off-beat, real-life stories and mostly and only for multiplex movie goers. I like all of his movies that I watched. Dasvidhaniyan, Bheja Fry, Oh My God, Mixed Doubles This particular movie 'Straight' is regarding a man who is desperate to get married and is utterly confused on his sexuality. Along the story line there is a built in comedy track which runs in parallel just like any other Vinay Patakh's movie.

Apart from the story line there is a character Kamlesh who plays the role of a cook with a great talent for making people laugh in his acts. With this he makes Pinu (Vinay Pathak) come out of his complexities and take life easy. And laugh at the happenings in retrospect, which were once the most difficult times for Pinu. This is what is most appealing about the movie to me.

Many of the times this has been the case with me and there are so many of such small things which I always recollect and laugh to myself or share the lighter moments with people around. It has always given me a feeling of life being wonderful not just to myself but to those who I share this with. I thought these are good to get on to my blog now and soon. This is the kind of 'just for laughs' or 'college commedy' there are several instance which I would always love to share and have shared with many of my friends....

So here comes the lines Straight from the heart....

The Only slap Mom gave me...
At my age of 12 , I was playing with my elder brother. We had a running race in which, we need to touch start from one point, touch a Post Box at the end of the road and then come back to the starting point. My elder brother was leading and I was running behind him. While he touched the postbox and just started to return, I just couldn't control my speed and crashed into him straight head on. Two of my teeth went into my brothers head. The funny part is, If my brother was not there for me, I would have rammed into the post box. Thanks to my brother he saved me.

When we went to the doctor, the doctor asked me what is the matter?
I said my teeth are broken.
What happened?
I crashed into my brother and the teeth hit his head and broke.
The doctor said, OK you go wait in the waiting room and call your brother in. It sounded like GET OUT! LOL :-)


The electric shock during the preparation of a science exhibition model. As most of us know, in school all of us must have participated in science exhibition at-least in school level competition. In preparation for this, I did a very simple experiment, the water heater. I removed the leads from a couple of Eveready battries and connected them to a + and - wires. Now it is all ready for testing. I dipped the leads in a bowl of water. As the switch board was not reachable for me, I asked my brother to help me to plug the wires. Then he plugged them in and the switch has to be turned on. Just then it struck my mind that I am holding a steel bowl. So I said... WAIT!! This is a steel bowl, I may get a shock. Let me bring a plate. I ran as fast as I can, brought a plate, placed the bowl in the plate. Then I told my brother, OK, One, Two, Three, Now! ~!@#$%^&*()_+ mmmmmmmmm..........yyyyyyyyy.......ooooooooooo........eeeeeeeeeeeee...
I think my brother switched the connection off again. Thank God! He saved my life.
I realized I brought a steel plate. :-) LOL. My mom screamed from the other room... "you will kill yourself, stop the non-sense of your experiments!". That's the end of my interest in science as a subject. I really can not forget how much my brother and I rolled and laughed at my foolishness in bringing a steel plate to insulate a steel bowl.


Sorry for the interruption... Julie...
The first pet every I know in my home is the bitch named Julie at my home in Vizag. This is a very very Faithful and a cool country breed and is very powerful and intelligent. It is a pit everyone in the home is fond of. For those you know, there was a time when the street dogs were plenty and the municipality guys use to come at periodic intervals captive the street dogs and I guess they were mercy killed. I remember a time when the street dogs used to have gang wars and each gang used to have no less than 20 to 30 dogs. It used to be quite a dreadful fight and sight. Literally, 'Dog eat Dog' days for dogs. That time any pets having a home are really the blessed animals and so used to be Lords of Dogs. If I were to interpret the language of dogs, then may be Julie was one of the kind princess and had a really tough dogs trying to impress it and fight for getting into a relationship with Julie. One afternoon it so happened that I was going to the backyard of my house and I saw a nice white hound taking Julie for a jolly ride (you know what I mean). Both of them were quite in the middle of it. I didn't know what to do. All I know (at that time as a kid) is that I should protect Julie. So, I took a wicket went towards them slowly and banged right in the middle. Before hitting them do remember the faces and eyes of that dog and Julie even to this day. Both of the dogs ran apart and did not revolt against me. Had the dog revolted against me, I would have been a "kukka chaavu" as I was really a kid studying 2nd or 3rd standard. Least did I realized I am interrupting their love. I regret even to this day. Julie, Sorry for the interruption.


There are many such stories I would love to narrate all through my life. Will do them as and when I find time. This is for my own self.

Most people think that I am a very serious guy. That's because they don't know me at all. Those who know me well know that I am one of the most jovial and hilarious person to be with.

Pavan Kalyan, prakkana nenu...

"Pavan Kalyan, prakkana nenu..."

I was at the Hyderabad domestic airport, waiting to catch a flight to Chennai on 18th April, 2005 at 7.30am. I was sitting in the waiting hall after completing the security check. I sat at a place where I can see people coming in. After sometime, when I raised my head, I saw Pavan Kalyan walking in. He is in a green pullover and blue jeans with big black boots and a backpack. He is really tall and cool. Just like he walks on the screen with his head bent forward slightly,
a swagger in a walk with not so big steps and at a cool pace. Then to find a place he raises his eyes without raising his head fully. It is just like on the screen how he watches for the threat from any danger from villains. It is that kind of a look he has. The eyes reflect lot of self-confidence and strength. His eyes observe and record many things at one glance. He found a row to the sidewall on the rear and sat in the first seat of that single empty row to the wall. There is no one in that row and there are also not many people at the rear of the hall. Then I turned around and noticed that he was alone watching around, thinking or maybe just sitting.

I thought for few minutes, If I would be bothering him early in the morning. I also thought that, now that he is alone, it will also be a good time pass for him if I can make a sensible conversation.

While reading this please imagine Pavan Kalyan's mannerisms as the way you see him on the screen. He is a very friendly guy for an intelligent conversation and very natural. He is just the way you see him on screen. "Cool"!!!

Then I went to where he sat and started on a cheerful note.

RKS: Hi, Srirama Navami Subhakankshalu!!!

PK: Oh! Eeroju Srirama Navama? Naaku teliyadu. With a braod smile
and eyebrows raised.

RKS: Yeah! Eeroju Srirama Navami.

PK: Thank you and same to you with a warm smile.

RKS: Can I take one picture of you please?

PK: Sure. (He naturally gave a very nice still.)

RKS: I clicked one picture with my Samsung D410. Wow!!!
And said one picture with you.

PK: Sure, he removed the backpack from the chair beside him and
placed it on the floor and made room for me to sit.

RKS: I said thank you and told him, I can show this to all my friends
and say like the movie dialogue, "Pavan Kalyan, pakkana nenu."

PK: He gave a wonderfully big smile for that.

RKS: Then I clicked and the picture did not come properly.

PK: That's ok, "flight lo air hostess teestundhi le, meeru chennai
kada veltunnaru".

RKS: OK, that will be great.

RKS: I work in Polaris at Chennai, though I am from Hyderabad.

PK: Polaris, ekkada choosanu… (the mannerisms are same as that you
watch on the screen… very natural)

RKS: Yeah, just Airport ki vastunte, left lo vastundi Polaris.

PK: Annh choosanu.

RKS: Ninna maa friend vaalla father sashti poorthi attend ayyamu. S
P Balasubramanya is a best friend of my friends father. They were
talking about 40 years of their friendship and the function was filled
with all friends. It was more like a friendship day celebration than
anything else. We had great fun.

PK: SPB gara. OK

RKS: meeku childhood friends vunnara, and do you meet them? Someone
like a bench mate in class?

PK: Leru. Ante ekkada vunnaro teliyadu. Aa taruvata eppudu contact
kooda cheyya ledu. I did not study at one place. And also, by then I
am brother of a celebrity. So I was ragged a bit. I do not have fond
memories at school to keep them.

RKS: Meeru vizag lo vundevaru kada?

PK: Yeah, konni rojulu akkada vunnanu. And also, I only completed my
Intermediate, so not much of college life.

RKS: Oh OK. Are you going to Chennai for a shooting?

PK: Ledu personal pani meeda veltunnanu. Meeru emi chestu vuntaru.

RKS: My friends, my brothers and myself are big fans of you and all
your brothers.

PK: Another great broad smile and he said Thank you bending little forward.

RKS: What is your next movie?

PK: Inka emi ledu, ante peru petta ledu.

RKS: Who is the heroine?

PK: Inka decide kaa ledu.

RKS: mee interview on TV lo choosanu, howz your baby?

PK: He is fine. Chaala rojula kritam aiy vuntundhi.

RKS: Yeah, Pongal ki anukuntaanu. (looks like he did not give any
interview recently). Then, mee screen meeda mannerisms chaala
baguntaayi. Specially, aa kallu chootoo pariseelistu vunte…. Ippudu
kodataadu raa annattu vuntaayi… chaala baaguntundhi…

PK: Neenu generally screen meeda act cheyyanu, natural gaa vuntaanu.

RKS: That's great. (And then I see another mannerism where his
right hand goes behind the neck as if he adjusts his hair. You can
see this mannerism in most of the movies before a fight. Typical
Pavan Kalyan's style.)
What is your time pass? Free time lo emi chestu vuntaaru?

PK: I practice Violin. I am learning classical music now.

RKS: Interesting, I am also learning Carnatic classical singing. Who
is your guru?

PK: He is a person from Tirupati. He teaches me Violin.

RKS: Myself being in IT, the stress levels are high. It really give
a great relaxation to learn classical singing.

PK. True. What you do should be different from your profession.
Andhuke neenu Violin practice chestunnanu. I got into classical
music. It gives a deep sense of relaxation.

RKS: Tyagaraja Kirtanalu nerchu kunnappudu, I see, chaala mandiki
vaati ardhamulu kooda teliyadu. For instance, "paraatpara" ante
sreshtula lo srestudu ani ardham. Ee maata manamu chaala saarlu vini
vuntaamu, kaani daani ardhamu chaala mandiki teliyadu. That's why I
got a Telugu dictionary for myself.

PK: Avunu, chaala vaatiki manaku ardhamulu teliyadu. Manaku vaati
meanings kooda teliyadu and vaatini manamu ippudu vaadamu kooda. Ee
classical baaga practice vundaali.

RKS: Yeah, I like Einstene said "Genius is one percent inspiration
and ninety nine percent perspiration"

PK: No, Einstene kaadu, Thomas Alwa Edison cheppadu adi.

In the meantime, Sankardada MBBS music director Devi Sri Prasad vacchi
Pavan Kalyan ki Good morning Pavan Sir, chennai veltunnanu, akkada
kalustaanu ani wishes cheppi vellaru.

RKS: Oh OK. Inka vere emi chestu vuntaaru meeru?

PK: Nenu chaala aalochistu vuntaanu. Mind gurunchi ekkuvaga
aalochistu vuntaanu. Chinnappudu naaku scientist avvali ani vundedhi.
Neenu actor ayyanu. Neenu mind capacity emity, entavaraku mind
vellagaladu, mind ki limits emiti ani alochistu vuntaanu. Mind ni
study chyyatamu ante naaku chaala interesting ga vuntundhi. Left
brain, right brain concept kaakunda inkaa deep ga think chestu
vuntaanu. I read some books on that also.

RKS: Have you read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is very
interesting and is to your tastes.

PK: Yeah, nenu chadivaanu. Actually very interesting author. Nenu
oka saari, Paulo Coelho website ki velli oka email pampinchaanu.
Anukokunda, authoer aayana response pampinchaadu. Luckily, ala aa
thread build ayyindi. Adi entaga ayyindhi ante, aa author mammalni
atani country ki rammani invite chesaru. Naaku shootings valla neenu
vella ledu. Renu maatram vellindhi and aayana two days host chesaru.
It was really very interesting. Inko book "Warrior of light" kooda
naaku chaala ishtamu.

In the mean time there was an announcement for boarding the flight.
Pavan Kalyan got up and picked his backpack. I got up and we walked
towards the ticket check. Pavan Kalyan was before me he finished with
the ticket check and waited for me. I was totally delighted for his
modesty. He has no reason to wait. Still he waited until, I
completed my ticket check and joined him. He looked very tall and is
wearing nice big brown boots. He has a very cool look.

RKS: What is the book you said, I will read it?

PK: "Warrior of light" kooda chadivaanu. It is a very good book.

RKS: Nenu chaduvutaanu. I really appreciate the way you are.
Generally, I know people who say, what if he is a film hero, who
cares? I do not wanna go and talk to him or ask for an autograph? I
do not know why people have such big egos to approach a Star. All
said and done He is a Hero.

PK: Just looked and did not say anything. He was listening.

RKS: Once it so happened that I met the Hero Venkatesh at Chennai
airport. A couple of other guys came from somewhere and started
putting critics, stating that "Hey Venkatesh, you are getting grey
beard, you are getting old." Least do these people realize that
"after all, these film heroes are also human beings." And these two guys
who comment on Venkatesh, think of themselves as if they are real time heroes.

PK: "You should see the inside of the person and not the outside!"
That is most important.

Then we reached the flight and airhostess said Good Morning. PK
entered the flight and sat in the 3rd row window seat of business
class, obviously. I sat in the second row of the Economy class. I
thought I would go and talk to him one the flight takes off. No
sooner the flight took off, time flew too and we reached Chennai. I
did not have the opportunity to get into the business class as
breakfast is being serverd. After the flight landed off, I thought of
calling Pavan Kalyan to wait so that I would take a photograph with
him. Then again, I thought it would be too much to ask for him to
wait. I saw him going in the business class bus and another guy
talking to him in the bus.

I was happy that I could spend almost 35 to 45 minutes with Pavan
Kalyan. And I am sure that this conversation between us will be
memorable for both Pavan Kalyan and myself too. Next time when I meet
Pavan Kalyan, I can always remind him of this conversation and can
easily continue to befriend him.

I do not know what people think of Pavan Kalyan. To my understanding,
he is very intelligent, speaks wonderful English with no grammatical
mistakes. He likes intellectual conversations. He is very friendly
and approachable if only you can make the conversation interesting for
him. He is a great listener, thinks a lot and loves to experiment.
In his conversations, he has nice messages for all of us. He is a
wonderful human being. If you watch him outside, you will see that
most of his mannerisms on screen are natural. He is very natual on
screen because he is the same in real life too. He is an Icon for the
Youth of Andhra Pradesh.

Anniversary Love

I received a Wedding Anniversary greeting card in advance from Swapna.

Anniversary Love
For my husband

To my dearest love
Some things
shall always remain ETERNAL
and ever charming,
like, your healing touch, a sweet
LITTLE surprise to
bring a twinkle in my eyes, and
the gift of LOVE,
that you have given all through.

My HUSBAND
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

It is strange how, Swapna and I are far away during our wedding anniversary. First anniversary, she was in Vizag for delivary, 2nd anniversary I was in Mumbai on official trip if I remember correctly. Third Anniversary, I am here in the US and she is back in India. She sent the anniversary greeting cards with my brother who visited me in USA.

Thank You Swapna
I Love You!!