.... 5 Reasons why I Hate being an Engineer...!!!

So, yes, I committed the sin! I studied Engineering. I even got a Degree.

…and now I am cursed for life. I’ll give 5 reasons why……

1.      Arrey, you can’t repair the remote? But you are an Engineer!!

I think every Engineer (IT or otherwise) faces this situation at least 547 times in his/her life. All our elders expect us to know how to repair the switch boards, light tubes, bulbs, know what is wrong with the TVs, ACs and their remotes too! I mean really, we didn’t study all this in college. Not as part of my IT syllabus at least. I am a software engineer, not an electrician! 

2.       Beta, my phone is not working; make it work. But how? Arrey, you are a “Software” Engineer na?

I want to kill everyone by now. Yes, I am a software engineer. So I can write codes, and even understand them. But I CANNOT solve every problem there is about your phone. Even if it is a computer-like device!!!  (WHAT?!? Anyway…….. *roll my eyes*)

3.       You are an Engineer? My God, you so don’t look like one!

Yes you fool, if I’d wear torn clothes, not shower, wear soda glasses and hold a really fat book in front of my face, would you believe I am an Engineer? Go ahead, snatch my right to wear proper clothes, shower twice a day, and/or wear lenses. After all, my sole objective in life is for you to believe that I am an Engineer na?!

4.       You don’t know 894 times 369? But aren’t you an Engineer?

My fellow human beings, I studied complicated mathematics. I did so only so I could score a 40 in that monstrous subject. Each one of us isn’t a walking talking calculator. Some of us are good at math, and some of us barely know the table for 12. Most of us have a life, and it’s time you use that darned phone or calculator to do some math of your own. Oh, and also get yourself a life :P

5.       Hey, can you help me fill my online passport/ration/admission form?

Yes, as your friend, relative, family, whatever, I might just be nice enough to help you (first locate the websites, and then) fill the forms. But no, as an Engineer, my qualification doesn’t force me to guide you on any and every computer related subject. Did I ask you to get a life again?!

"3 idiots" summed up our “engineering” days perfectly. We did have a horrible life, disgusting assignments, unbelievable deadlines, and very (un)welcoming professors. We have all been nocturnal, tortured to our limits, got in blacklists, and had our parents called to college at least once. We have been threatened, turned a deaf ear to the yellings, and still managed to stay sane through it all. So, whether anyone appreciates it or not, we have had it tough, and we are smarter than you think. Even if that remote repairing isn’t exactly our forte!

Still recuperating,

Lavita

... Felt so "Liril".... La La La Laaa!! :P

Last (to last .. to last now) weekend was the perfect holiday any one could possibly have asked for. An adventurer especially! It wasn’t a trip I expected would bring me so much peace, fun and adrenaline; so, it did come as quite the surprise! 

Shivpuri is a tiny, picturesque village in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, surrounded by hills, and the beautiful sounds and sight of the calm Ganges. Oh, and it’s clean! Our forty-five minute journey from Dehradun Airport to our camp at Shivpuri was filled with unparalled views and perfect opportunities for click, click, click. However, we chose to laugh, play antakshari, and laugh some more.

Airport Selfie ;)

On our way to Camp Panther

Didn't know we'd be in one of these rapids ;)

The girls were a little worried, let me add, ‘coz we were told about the “loo-y” issues in tents – things like “you’d have to sing out loud if you don’t want your roomie unzipping the loo and walking in to your sounds and smell…” eew :S…. err… Well, much to our relief we were put up in villas (called huts at Panther Camp), with proper beds, AC, indoor and outdoor baths, and yes, you heard me sing, Dooooors!! LOL

Camp Panther

By the Pool... :):)

Day 1 was all about presentations (did I forget to mention this was an office offsite? :P), and with a 34 degree temperature outside, it felt no better than Bombay. ACs on in full swing, we managed to share some laughs on the really humourous serious business data. Later that night, a little trek downhill took us to the gorgeous beach side where we had our camp-fire under a zillion (visible) stars. Soothing sound of the Ganga and some live strumming of the guitar kept us company. A lot of Aashiqui 2 songs later, we went back to our beautiful huts for a great night’s sleep. The relaxing sound of Ganges lulled us to sleep.

Best Team Award

Day 2 started with some yummy breakfast at the Panther Camp – they have amazzzzzzing food there! With a whole bunch of us being a little scared and skeptical of the rafting exercise planned for the day, we signed our WeAreResponsibleForOurOwnDeathIfThatHappens forms. A ride reallllly uphill, a little walk down the scarrrrriest path ever, we were back at the surreal, serene, and silk in blue Ganga. She’s beautiful, you know!
Few in the team needed some pep-talk and prodding, but we wore our life jackets, and excitedly started our fabulous rafting experience. I loved every minute of it! The water was quite cold and it did take some guts to have it splashed on us. The best part, however, was when we jumped in into the gurgling rapids (minor one, really) and the sweet water sweetly hit us, and brought out our ear to ear smiles. It was lovely, refreshing, slightly fearful, and magically comforting - all at once. Well, mildly put, it was enchanting, and out of the world. (Now you get the “Liril” connection for the title?! Hehe…)
We went for Grade 3 rafting, uptil Three Blind Mice, and stopped just before Good Afternoon, at the same camp site as the previous night. After some fun-filled tug-of-war and beach volleyball, we went back to our huts, showered, slept a little, and came back out to do the Flying Fox. Now, apparently the day was quite windy, so we were divided into two groups. The lighter ones were asked to do the stunt (I’ll tell you why I call it that) the next day. I coyly waited back :P:P.
We swam, relaxed, clicked some pictures and generally enjoyed ourselves. True enjoyment, like actually being with people, not on our phones ;) !
Later that night we had some gambling rambling, cricket screening and lots of Bollywood dancing!

That SCARRRRRY Walk Down to the Rafts

All set to Raft

Oars and Moi ;)

The serene Ganges

Surreal Ganga

That water was COLD!!! :|

Does that even look like an "Office" offsite?!

The Cold Cold Ganges

Day 3 was a short one to be honest, ‘coz we had our flight back the same evening. However, I was yet to finish the Flying Fox “stunt”, so the left-over guys from the previous day, and the light ones *coy smile again* (LOL) went to experience the thrill of a life-time. Little did I expect to get that scared! No, really, this was SCARY!!! We were given instructions, and I told everyone who could listen to save me should anything happen to poor little helpless me!!! Phew!! Wore our gears, practiced at a small practice-zone, and went up to do the real thing. Mountain to mountain, Ganga in the middle of it! Hey Bhagwaan, sochne par bhi darr lag raha hai!! I shouted out to all the Gods and then zoooooooom I went. Perfect landing, beauty around and beneath, winds saying hello, all the jazz, and I was still dreading the journey back (it is via the cables again… cryyyy)….. Shouting to all the Gods again, I started coming back, and….. and….well and…. I kept turning like a little disco ball in those winds. Then, in the middle of it all, I got stuck! *can I curse everyone now*.… I had to do the “Khatron ke Khiladi” stunt of pulling my way back to destination (See pictures below), and all those idiots I asked should came and save me, kept saying “aa jaao madam… bas thoda aur”… In my head I was like“ Arrey gadho, koi toh aa kar mujhe bachaao!!!!”  Anyway, I did it… I landed back, and yes, you guessed it right, I’ll definitely do it again! Hehe…

Feeling Brave! Across the Ganges

Khatron ke Khiladi!! Phew!!!

"You didn't come to save me, you fool!!!" Grrr

Bas, fir kya… bags packed, we left the beautiful Shivpuri. Dehradoon airport welcomed us once again, and took us back to a rather stressed looking Mumbai.

I miss it already!!

All I want to say is, this was a blessed break. Fun-filled, relaxing, happy, truly divine kind of break! Go there some day, do all we did, much more, and you will come back and thank me, just how I am thanking the organizers!

Love,
                Lavi

.....Kid You Not !....

After a million years – HELLO!!

I admit to being overtly busy, then very lazy, and then uber busy again… This time, however, my writing is sort of provoked by the entry of a certain stranger. I have never met her, yet I know quite a bit about her. This very elegant lady is a friend of my sister’s - they met at the gym. Now…. Kanchan (my darling sister) has a lot of friends, and we generally keep each other posted on the more interesting people that we meet, at least those that enrich our lives with their presence. That is how I heard about Pooja.

Attaching a face to a name is always intriguing. I saw her pictures and it did fit her description. 

Pooja is a writer (also an Actionist , Resource Consultant and special features writer for social causes.Founder TASC), and just reading her work, knowing things about her, learning so much from someone I haven’t even met yet, bowled me over so much, that I thought I should dedicate this one to the very beautiful (inside and out), Pooja.

Those of you who know me know rather well, know that I don’t have kids (:P), and that I like very few of them. (I have pinched kids while learning swimming, remember? *evil grin*). Yet, I have always thought about how my own kids should be (or rather what they should NOT BE LIKE). My very close friend and colleague Tanaz is a fabulous mother, so is Jasmine – a very amazing big-sister and mother of two angels, Selsa’s babies are a delight too, and little Vivaan’s parents have done such a great job in managing that naughty but nice bundle of absolute joy. Looking at these kids, and the way their mothers are raising them, I always hope that I will be able to do justice to the role when my time comes. 

How does one make sure their kids act their age (how I hate those toddler-adults, monstrous brats :@:@:@)? How do parents play a role in letting them live their innocence to the T?
Being mischievous, yet knowing when they need to get disciplined?

These fabulous mothers are such an inspiration!! I always hope I can be half as good as them, and now, Pooja has literally written a to-do book to raise babies in the most fantastic way possible. Yes, yes, I really feel she thought of all of us young girls who will be a little lost as to how our mothers raised us, where they got their patience, firmness, and love from. "TerrifiKids -Terrible Two’s to Terrific Teens" is such a marvelous narration, simple and sound. Pooja takes you on to this journey of embracing motherhood (actually parenthood, to be honest) with such a real and positive approach.

She talks about every issue, and non-issue,, that baffles at least me about raising kids. She gives such humble solutions to every problem.
Should I child be exposed to social networking? Yes? Why? No? Why not?
How do you train and safeguard your child against abuse of any kind?
What do you do to make your child smart, but not over-smart?
How do you watch certain TV with them?

Pooja, you are awe-inspiring! Really!! I am so proud of your work and your mind. Absolutely loved knowing you through this book! Kudos!!

To all my friends, you may not be a mother or father yet, but believe you me, this book will make you want to be a good one. It’s really helpful in handling your favourite nephews and nieces for now. Go grab a copy RIGHT AWAY. The book is available at all Crossword stores, and attached below is a link for shopping online. Will await your reviews on this! :)

http://www.crossword.in/books/terrifikids/p-books-9789383809424.html

P.S. This is not a paid review... In fact, this is not a review at all... :)

.... Feels like forever !!

My God, it’s been a month since I last wrote!

A lot has happened over this month – and very good things, I must tell.

Firstly, I’m in love. Yes, head over high-heels, twinkling eyes, smiling all over in love. I’m in love with Formula One (and biased towards Ferrari). Ever since I heard the orgasmic roar of the Ferrari engine, saw the unabashed shine of red, witnessed a few “harmless” crashes and brilliant maneuvers, I felt instant and unbarring love! Then, as luck would have it, I saw the movie Rush. Have you seen it yet? Please go and see it if you haven’t. PLEASE! I think I also have realized the kind of men I incline towards. The Niki Lauda’s of the world. Maybe ‘coz I can hardly be like these brilliant perfectionists or maybe ‘coz they are just so amazingly anal about precision and logic. (I’m a bit surprised he’s not a Scorpion! :P)

*** Source - Instagram

*** Source - Instagram

*** Source - Instagram

Second update is about the yummmmmmmmmy desserts I got to have while travelling last month. Very weird sounding in theory, but genius on the plate and palate! 

So, the first thing that deserves a special mention, and is by far the tastiest thing I’ve ever had, is Matcha Honey Toast

Matcha Honey Toast is basically a dense loaf of bread that is toasted with honey and dolloped with some ice-cream. The most gorgeous part of this dessert is taking your first bite into the luscious warm bread dipped with the cold texture of ice-cream. The medley is heart-winning and I’d lay a bet if you didn’t give out a happy moan! It was absolutely lip-smacking and divine…… (the sheer thought of it makes my mouth water!!!)

The Matcha Honey Toast

... And then the sides are cut and one can dig in... *slurp slurp*

The second and shockingly delicious one was the Red Bean Ice-cream. Now come on (red bean is almost Rajma), Rajma ki ice-cream?! Eeuu. But God be good! This was such a beautiful and enchanting ice-cream. I took the tiniest bite at first, ‘coz hello, it was Rajma! And believe you me, that was the last time my spoon was kind to this tantalizing little devil. Scoop after scoop, my taste-buds just never did tire! I wiped the plate clean and had such a happy child-like glow post it!

Red Bean Ice-cream- such a treat!

Once back, I had an immeasurably happy and satisfying experience at my dance show. I’ve been learning Kathak for some time now, and my spirit is on such a high while on stage. Loved every minute of it and felt so thankful to all the dear ones who came to cheer and make me feel so elated.

One of my favourites!

The Lord of Dance....

….And now, after all this is done with, I’m lying a little sick at home – but with such serenity. It’s been a good last few days.

I’ll be back soon with a very girly post. I’m too happy, and it calls for some girl time ;)..... So long then...

Much love,

L … 

.... To the One….!

She is my lucky star,

The one who brings me hope and joy, 

She makes me know the rights & wrongs

She's my angel with the most brilliant smile.

A role model, a woman of strength and love,

She inspires me to achieve and learn,

Her eyes are true, her heart so pure,

She’s my sister, and in the world my most dear!

Happy Birthday Kanchan….

You’re the reason for my reason, and the person who’s taught me everything good. 

Thank you for teaching me to give, and making me know how deep emotions can run. I love you for everything you are, for all that you inspire and teach me to be, and for all the love you give to me.

Thank you for existing. It means the world (and more) to me ! :)

Wish you a sparkling year, filled with abundant happiness, sky-high successes, overwhelming love, stronger bonds, and beautiful moments. Love you beyond words, my darling…. You’re God’s best ever gift to me.

A million hugs !!

Your mad li’l sister,

Lavi…

…. The Perfectionists are here..!!

            This one is for the very special sun-sign that has made such an enormous difference to my life!! Dear Virgo people…. You make my world beautiful, pure, dreamy, and still somehow so real! I don’t understand what it is about you people that instantly draws me to you…. Something magical and something so slap-slack honest…… To the sun-sign that’s given me my most adorable sister, my best friend, and sooooo many close friends…..

 Sometimes I cannot believe how I tolerate you people… you damn Virgo people…. How do you weave that net of purity and innocence, and then are so perfectly intelligent? What is that deadly potion you keep packed in your horribly beautiful true-telling eyes?

So here is how my relationship with almost all Virgos always starts. At first we are distanced, and safe from each other’s “chungul” (trap, you Angrez!). Yet there always has been an instant liking in my head for these far too honest, horrible at diplomacy fools! It’s probably their humour, their open way of laughing, or criticizing, or asking verrrrry technical questions in the middle of a mindless game. They’ve always had me there! I love how they are packed in this garb of shyness; it’s so much fun taking that right out and revealing the real them. That’s when the riot of their madness begins and one gets privy to the most amazing, and deep conversations.

Sidhvin, you were the shy guy in CG (who I cannot stop adoring ever), Chandni - the bitch in my building who refused to talk to me in the beginning (see how I trapped you and made you my best friend *devil grin*), Minoti, you always kept your distance in the start (and then let me in to know the amazzzzing you), Dhananjay – how could you not speak to a nut like me for an entire year?! (and no matter how less we get to speak now, you will always be a verrry dear fiend) ……Oh ya, the devious me was so enthusiastic to talk to my new partner in school that I scared the living lights off her in the 7^th grade… sorry Yasmin, my darling. Shreya came in one day, behaved all sophisticated and had me wondering what a moron like me would do with her if we were left alone, but Shreyu opened up and now we can hardly stop laughing when together.

Kanchan is a different case, it took us 16 years to attempt non-hostility towards each other, and my god, there has been no looking back since, with either of you’ll.

I know I keep telling you guys to stop being so true and gullible; it’s ‘coz I can never see you’ll hurt. It’s a horrible, helpless feeling. You’ll are very, very important to me. …. And I’ll tell you a secret here… I’ve always wanted to be like you’ll. Open, and honest, true and pure, brave even…. :)

The traits I find most amusing and yet lovable about you’ll:

• “Eh wow, this top/shirt is so comfortable. Let me buy 2 more pieces of the same”… (I give a dirty look here)… “arrey I’ll buy in different colors ya”…. My question – can’t you just buy different styles instead? *silence*
• You think – you are perfect and uber-organized….Me think – Bitch….. you’re right *sulking face*
• Not that the world matters a lot to you, but if you feel you’re looking nice in something, you will wear it every alternate day, and let all else rot in your closet… argggggghhhhh
• If you do not like a person in the first go, god help, you will never like that person
• Boy, those food reservations! Why the hell do you not “try” out weird food? And smelling everything is NOT necessary. It may also LOOK okay, but TASTE great… ever wondered???? …………….Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
• Yes, I know saving money is important. I’m trying to be responsible. Till then, shut up and save for me! :p
• LOL I suddenly remembered, why are you enemies of expression of love. All of you are sooooo awkward expressing love, and accepting others’ expressions of love in the first go.
• Social awkwardness…. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
• You are ALL … and I mean each one of you… is MOTHER TERESA!
• Love, love, lovvvve your sense of humour!
• Truth is beauty and beauty is truth…. And hell hath no fury like a Virgo scorned…..if one lies to you sharp sharks, you’d tear them to shreds….
• Smelling good is of utmost importance…. You, and all around you… hai na? :):)
• You hate shopping, and yet work so hard shopping for me… makes me feel on top of the world, ‘coz I know just how much emotion, effort, and love went in into buying that lovely gift you got….

I love you guys… my most favourite and most treasured set….. 

Happy birth-sign months (Aug and Sept)….. Stay ever so amazing!

Hugs – lots and lots of them….

FYI….. I love how Linda Goodman defines you… it’s almost like she knows you personally…. Read up when you wanna grin lots :)

http://galileogst.tumblr.com/post/5908419469/virgo-woman-by-linda-goodman

http://alexoloughlinfanclubforum.activeboard.com/t30278182/how-to-recognize-virgo-the-virgo-man-by-linda-goodman/

Love,

Lavi...

.... Shhh… It’s about Shhhoes !!

** WARNING:
1. This one will give you lots of knowledge and insight into the Shoe World
2. It has lovely pictorial illustrations
3. Admit it, most of you guys and tom-boyish girlfriends of mine will squirm and make faces, but reading it will be fun… ;)

Here we go!! xxx

My mom says I always loved shoes, even as a little mad girl with two plaits. I began realizing the intensity of this love when I waited to get to my 13^th birthday, the year I was promised I would be allowed to walk in heels. I wore some really ugly platform sandals, and fell at a cross junction while walking, but boy-oh-boy, didn’t I love feeling so high!! Never looked back, and never lost an opportunity to wear heels since.

Black Beauties and my perpetual back-up shoes for work

Custom-made for my feet!! My sister gifted me these super high and exxxtremely comfortable lovelies for my Birthday :)

The only Wedge Heels I own.... 

Sheer, Sky-High & unbelievably Comfortable. I've danced in these!!

Two of my prettiest pairs! Love Royal Blue and lourrrve Leopard Prints!

My flat loafers! For the "field days" at work

Feeling Blue?!

With my tiny frame of 5’3.5”, I really need heels to elevate my look, and sometimes add a very important dimension to my personality. They are such up-lifters (pun unintended :P) I tell you.

Adore these Leopard Printed 4.5" heels from Zara! Guaranteed spunk for every outfit!

The reliable Charles & Keith that make me tall and happy!

I LOVE THIS ONE! Dull Gold, Beautiful, and Soft!

Very few people who know me would know that for a while I seriously thought of learning the art of shoe-making, to create the perfect heel. I did a lot of research then and was introduced to (GOD) Manolo Blahnik much before the SATC craze caught up. I realized how tough it was to make shoes as a hobby while one was working full time and teaching kids on weekends. Gave up that idea soon enough. Then, when I began watching SATC, and witnessed Carrie’s love for Manolos, I knew I wasn’t crack – there were many more like me out there!!

Elegant statements! And HIGH of-course ;)

The colors...... Vibrant and fun! 

I call this... The Circle of Excellence

Manolo’s story touched a deep chord in my heart, and sort of helped me appreciate and seek perfection in work. Set out to become a stage set designer, this miracle-maker was suggested by Vogue’s then editor-in-chief, Diana Vreeland, to instead concentrate on making shoes. Manolo got obsessed with creating perfect shoes, and began paying closer attention to balance and craft. Manolo till date carves out each heel with his own hands.

This achievement is all the more remarkable given that Blahnik is solely responsible for the design and prototype of every shoe that bears his name. Working alone without apprentices or assistants, he sketches his shoes, chisels the wooden lasts on which they are moulded and sculpts the heels. He then supervises their production and even sketches the illustrations for his advertising campaigns. He has achieved all this without any formal training in shoe-making. “I didn’t need it,” Blahnik told his friend Michael Roberts only half-jokingly in the late 1970s, “because I’ve got the best taste in the world.”

I’ve read almost all his interviews and and here are my favourite lines from this man who spares no detail:
“I have the advantage of study. I’ve been studying the art of the shoe… for over twenty years. I know every process. I know how to cut and cut away here (the side of the shoe) and still make it so that it stays on the foot. And the secret of toe cleavage, a very important part of the sexuality of the shoe. You must only show the first two cracks. And the heel. Even if it’s twelve centimetres high it still has to feel secure – and that’s a question of balance. That’s why I carve each heel personally myself – on the machine and then by hand with a chisel and file, until it’s exactly right.”

How can one not fall in love… with the man… and his creations!

FYI…… I haven’t yet purchased a single pair of Manolos or Louboutins (another of my favourites) yet. The reason behind it is very emotional and strong. These brands motivate me to be able to afford lots of the best. They define luxury, heights, passion, souls (some red soles), moments, occasions, power, success,

and love. The stories of the men behind these makes me want to learn and create the best. And, although I can afford select pieces of the beauties these Gentlemen craft, I don’t want to buy them today coz I’ll end up worshipping the shoes instead of enjoying them. Hence, my aspiration is to have a closet full of these lovelies. Pray I get there soon :)