Food for Thought

Many, rather all of us would have got this one more than once "Don't make faces looking at food / waste food, you are privileged that you get so much to eat, you should see the ones who don't"

These words came to me not from Ma or Pa but from my teacher during my school days in New Oxford. I disliked what was there in my lunch box and she happened to notice. With widened scary eyes she said "Don't make faces, eat it or else I will tell your Mother." I was scared but still managed to exchange my box with a friend and enjoyed idli ;p

That was school and I thought my teacher said that just to showcase her authority. Now I know that it was to make me teach the value of food. I thought we ate only so we could grow up well. True, but the fact is that we eat to live. Unfortunately many of our co-existing beings are not so blessed.

I was returning home with Bhai a couple of days back and stopped at a traffic signal. I was simple glaring here and there and when the lights turned green, bhai said "You saw that? 

"No" I blinked

"The fellow who just ran and crossed the road was so hungry"

"How do you know? Did he pick someone's leftover?"

"No he licked the paper plate he was eating from" he replied.

I was instantly back to my class in front of my teacher with that tiffin box. How we wish that we get the best food, how we enjoy delicacies of variant cuisines and how we finish our dinner and leave the rest for the staff to clean up. How we make variety of things at home and when anything is leftover, we dump it into garbage. How we crib that prices of fruits, vegetables, groceries have all increased. What can be done is the question. The answer is indeed simple and easy to implement.

If you have things left at the restaurant, get it packed and give it to someone who is hungry. Try to use resources optimally causing least wastage. For ceremonies and functions, make an effort to serve limited items so people eat heartily and not just taste things and enjoy nothing given the variety. Teach children to fill their plates with required quantity and the significance of finishing everything on their plates. Learn to share and eat.

Effortless and Effective things that we can do to make little more food available to the hungry. Our small deeds might just fulfill someone's basic needs. Lets pledge to help the hungry and not to waste any food now on. Let us all not only practice but also spread awareness about serving and reserving food.

Lets give a little food for thought, contribute for those who suffer malnutrition and nutrition our minds and hearts.

Cheers!!
God  Bless!


CHS

Dennis the Menace!!

All of us know who Dennis is! Whenever I watched him I pitied him thinking Deedee was the one causing all his troubles. I used to pray that she got married soon and the poor fellow got to breathe air again. Long gone were the memories of that little genius scientist and I was suddenly reminded of him.

Its been a month and a  half since hubby's nephew is here at home with us and I must confess what a menace he is!! He would want the best to eat (leaving nothing for the rest). He would play when ever he likes, caring a damn about whether the one he plays with is ill or unwell. He wants to wear four pair of clothes in a day irrespective of the hands that wash them and his trumpcard is the havoc he creates with all the screeches that roar from his throat and the invisible tears that he sheds when he doesn't have things his way. From hitting and kicking to shouting and foul words (of his age) he does it all so well I have come to believe to be living with a menace myself. Only that its not Deedee but Dennis himself!!

Its been easy and adoring to be with kids all this while but for the experiences with a thoroughly spoilt brat that makes my life more than difficult. To add on, this one's at the in laws, so you can't do a mission straightening tedha kid here. You try and you get replies such as "Nadaan baccha hai" "Humne aaj tak ispe haath nahi uthaya" "Bacche ko rone mat do" and the likes.

I understand that kids are naive, naughty, greedy and careless. I also understand the love grandparents have for their grandchildren but whether it is the oldies or parents, we should not forget what our deeds are teaching our kids. You bring a child everything he wants and he knows it that he will have his way come what may. You never tell him what he has done is wrong and he will never know what right is. You let him eat what he likes and leave things half eaten, he will never know the value of food or money. You don't keep time for him to study he will never give importance to education.

The problem here is that we know these things are significant, yet we say "Baad mein seekh jaayega" but we should not forget that good things and habits can be cultivated at tender ages and that's how they go with us through life. Once the stage passes, learning and inculcating them is much difficult. That's why kids who are at least told about these things are well behaved and disciplined and parents are proud to introduce them to others. Also, while there the credit for a good kid goes to all the elders, the demerit for a kid to be ill mannered goes to the mother alone. I am of the opinion that moms and dads are equally responsible and so should be the credit and demerit.

Having said all of this, I am going to make sure my kids don't turn out to be a menace (Whenever I have them). For now, the forum is open inviting suggestions for me to deal with the current Dennis of my age. Looking forward for your comments and advises!!

Cheers!!
God bless all those who have naughty kids around!


CHS

Silence in Words...

We face tense situations very often these days (or so we think). Even kids of age less than five have worries about unimaginable things.. Well we can't do much about those cute little things children worry about but I have noticed that our tensions can take a toll, not only on us but our work, relationships, family life and health as well.

In many such testing times, we all behave differently. While few of us may target spouse/ children or family to vent out our frustration, there are others who might quietly continue soaking the negativity until they succumb, there are yet another beings like me who simply go looking for solitude.

For all those who find your loved ones simply lost in thoughts, spoiling things unknowingly, not being able to live up to given responsibilities, there's just one suggestion, request rather.. Try to hear the silence in their words if they ever talk. They may look normal, might eat, sleep and talk well, might laugh once in a while and would carry on routine chores effortlessly but they are badly in need of someone.

Someone, not just to listen to them, talk to them or understand them but someone to help them overcome whatever it is that's causing trouble deep within. There is a need for the silence in their words to break. They should mean what they say and not just blabber things and move away. They must feel happy within rather than faking happiness. They ought to relish things they eat than just swallowing to live. In short, it is important to bring them back to life before their invisible wounds make them lifeless.

A very dear one seems to be facing the same but its unfortunate for me that I can't do much about it. I can only hope that life is not too harsh on her and would like to request you to do the same as well. Also, next time you see someone spoil things, ask them what the problem is rather than blaming them or punishing them for the mistake. This applies to bosses and seniors, spouses and parents, friends and siblings.

I know it is a little tedious but try to get in touch with your inner silence. It may not only bring turbulent storms to halt but answer a lot of disturbing questions which in turn could make things and life much simpler, easier, better and happier.

I read somewhere "If you can't be positive, at least be quiet" True to every word but make sure the silence makes you strong and doesn't break you down.


Cheers..!!
God Bless!


CHS

Vote ya Vaat!

Oust Congress and save the country. Vote for BJP and save the Country...

A few days before, TOI was distributed with two pamphlets that showed what BJP has done without being in power and what Cong hasn't done despite being in power for two terms. My Pa in law watches rajasthani channel and every commercial break starts with "Is baar Modi Sarkaar" It been long since Cong has their campaign running, they started saying "Ho raha bharat nirmaan and now they have released a video showing how scheduled and backward people will get electricity, water, housing, sanitation, education and jobs. Well if they are promising these basics now, wonder what have they done until this time.

Mr. Kejriwal on the other end has Mumbai turned upside down while travelling in the trains, buses and on roads there. All he had to say to the reporters was "Janata bahut gusse mein hai, Janata ko jawaab chahiye" Elections round the corner and whether its Cong or BJP or AAP, none are leaving any stones unturned to woo the ones who they are able to fool every single time...

I was travelling yesterday and noticed lot of tiles lying next to roads throughout. "Abhi pavements bana rahe hai" hubby said. It made me think what we as public are doing? I am of the opinion that government should start with the task immediately after they win elections and not do a little before elections and promise to do the rest after winning the next time.

Let alone the job not done, what about the safety and security of citizens. We have been informed that agencies had been intimated about the terrorist attacks but no prompt action was taken. We have almost made it a routine to read and hear about rape, murders and kidnaps. The doctors, hospitals and police too don't seem to be of much help in many issues. Prices are ever increasing and sources of income decreasing, so many businesses are perished in this rising trend.

I had been to Singapore a couple of years ago and the guide told us that Singapore took about 40 years to or even less for becoming what they are. From means of commuting to housing, revenue to taxation, hygiene to medical services and everything that a country and its people require for a systematic and secure life.

Looking at India's condition today, I think we will take generations to be a better place. But we have to start our side of the job right away.. So we can give our generations to come a place they would like to live in without hesitation or fear. We have the ability to move mountains, lets start with moving governments. Lets all just cast our votes and show that we are not puppets in the hands of the foolish puppeteers.

At this point, I quote phrase we memorized while studying at CMS

 "Words will be words, 

Promises will be promises, 

Explanations will be explanations. 

Only Performance Is Reality!"

Cheers!!
God bless!!


CHS

Being WOMAN!

The very title might have created the notion that this one would highlight the exceptionally intolerable crimes happening with women in India today. Well honestly I am doing just the opposite. In the light of whatever is taking place around, men would be happy that they are men and women ponder why they are not men.

The fear though is true to every bit but being a woman is not all that bad.

We are our father's princess and mother's dearest. We are the ones who complete a family, only men would mean total chaos. We have the ability to make heads turn when we walk on the road. We have the privilege to get pampered and taken care of. We are the best confidants to our friends. We are lucky to make a man go weak in the knees for our love. We are blessed to be able to give birth to a new being.

Daughters, Friends, Girlfriends, Wives, Mother, Grandmothers.. We keep promoting and the nature of the roles does not stay the same. Only one thing has to be maintained throughout - being You!

• Parents don't keep us with them all through, so spoil yourself filthy while your home.
• Whether men admit it or not, a Woman has control over the family, well that is why it is a family in the first place (else it would be a forest) We can be the best at home and work, take pride in it.
• No one gives second looks to ugly things, thank Gods for making us beautiful, Its from the creator's bounty, care for it.
• We do keep secrets but only from the one's who are not involved, everyone else would know what has happened, soar with gratitude that we have big mouths!
• Its not everyday that your man expresses his love for you (in kind) take pleasure in it and treat yourself.
• Being mothers means being a source of the next generation. Wonder how soon the world would end if all the women got extinct (you could also imagine other nasty things if men alone lived! ;)

We own the most contagious smiles, the most soothing hugs and the most promising words of courage powered by unconditional love and these are just the ingredients required to live a peaceful and successful life. Feel fortunate that we are Women, I am fulfilled in being a Woman. It is nothing but the best. Stay confident, Don't lose heart and live headstrong because we are the ones who can make or perish not one or two but generations together. No matter what the changes or situations, come what may, Don't ever let the girl die in you!!

Now let's be Delighted for Being Woman and let men wonder why they are not Woman!!
Take the pledge, Live a life that Inspires!!

Cheers to all Women.
Happy Women's Week!
God Bless!!

CHS

NO PLEASE...!!

Teachers at school and college, Parents at home, Boyfriend/Girlfriend (and their friends), Husband/Wife (In laws an friends consequently) At all stages of life we seem to be busy pleasing everyone.. Moreover we never seem to stop discovering new people to please... Ever thought, At the end of it all, what do you get rewarded with?

We all are made of the same material.. Looking at our lives as full of problems and preaching others to look at less privileged and try being happy with whatever we get. My question is simple - Why??

Why do we give others Gyan? Why do we look at our lives as inferior to others? Why do we compare our lives with others? Why do we have to please anyone at all???

I have been married for nine months now and each day I get up, I only want to hear good things about me and hubby. Aaj khana accha bana hai, meri bahu badi hoshiyaar hai, Aaj mere bete ne accha kaam kiya... I long for these words to linger on my ears. Every married woman would identify with this situation. Men too have their tale to tell with regard to this. Endless actions and counter actions to get compliments from wife, mom / father in law, boss, children, peers fill their daily life too...

I realized in the recent past that at one point we actually give up or totally forget what we are made of, what makes us happy and all we do is to wait for good things to come to us. Well how do good things know that we are waiting???

All said and done, I want to declare that we are the hurdles and opportunities of our lives. Everything we get is a result of our actions (good and bad inclusive) If your boss bullies you, it is because you let him to. If your Wife dominates you, it is because you never tell her you are an equal. If anyone takes advantage of you, it is because you don't confront them. If someone controls or influences your life, its because you don't take charge of it.

I am going to stop bothering about questioning eyes and quizzical thoughts now on. That doesn't mean I'm going to hurt anyone or banish my responsibilities, no! I will do as much as I can without forgetting to be what I am, and by being true to myself. Hope you do the same.

It doesn't matter how many people remember you after you are gone, but how much and how well you have lived will never be forgotten.

So No Please, just Say Cheese...


Cheers!!
God Bless!!

CHS

Known Strangers!

I had been to a wedding two months back and thought would not get to see anyone I know. Pretty much was i enjoying my dinner and I happened to spot someone I once knew (or maybe I din't know him at all) The first reaction was that of shock and then I went blank.

I started looking around for Hemi as if I had been attacked and now needed to look for security and I did not find peace until I saw Hubbyji happily munching away with the other men. He did not look at me but when my eyes found him, I was secure again. After that whenever I came across that person it really din't bother me.

How many times would have all of us experienced this? We bump into once upon a time people and very differently. Some friendly ones become ignorant, the ones we would have ignored talk joyously. Some unknown people become close and some very close ones become once known strangers.

Even we can be any of these to someone. Matter of factly we are not in contact with everyone for a long time. Only those who touch our lives and value us stay and the others just pass by and after that we take our lives further ahead. Then when suddenly we are shown a snapshot of our past, many of us don't even know how to react. All we should do is to be the way we now are and not become what we used to be. We grow as we learn every moment, going back to memories is refreshing but becoming the old self takes away all our lessons and our journey seems to be baseless and void.

Lets meet as many people as possible but remember to remember only those who make a positive difference, the rest of the world is anyway strange so lets just leave the unwanted people as known strangers. Once in a while they just pop up, either to remind us of the times we have forgotten and of the times that we dare not forget!!

Cheers!!
God Bless!


CHS

Miss you...

Bhel at home when food is not of our choice.
Noodles and paratas when parents are not home.
Pizza hut and Sharma chaats randomly some day.
Night show movies and parties then sneaking back home quietly.
Asking each other for choice of clothes whenever going out.
Haste, chaos and confusion to get dressed and then hurrying all at once.
Wierd photo sessions at others weddings.
Pulling each others leg, teasing.
Dancing on some random song suddenly.
Getting into baseless arguments and raising our voices higher and higher.
Pinching, hitting, pulling, snapping, lifting and throwing (visual martial arts) and fighting the hell with everyone (including ma and pa) for each other!!

Everybody reading this would not be able to comprehend this. This one is for my devil but lovely siblings. Just to tell you that I adore you all and wish the best in the world to be in your pockets!!

Cheers!!

God Bless!!

CHS