10 tips to lose up to 10 pounds in 10 months without dieting

It scares us to see the needle of the weighing machine touching the higher numbers. Few extra pounds from lazy snacks and sodas over movies increase weight without our notice. We all wish to get rid of those love handles or the arm fat or have our cheek bone reappear. At the same time, we all love to eat. Losing weight is in for us but dieting is not just for us. However, by following these simple steps we can lose up to 10 pounds in 10 months. It’s a slow process, but it will keep our body stable and healthy.

1) Drink lemon and honey mixed water first thing in the morning. After you brush, before you enjoy your coffee, grab lukewarm water and mix it with fresh lime and one spoon honey.  It will keep you fresh at the same time cuts on the extra fat.

2) Bike or treadmill for 5 miles. Get on the exercising bike or on your treadmill and bike or walk for 5 miles. Put on your favorite series on your i-pad and entertain yourself for 20-30 minutes while you burn the calories.

3) Eat good breakfast. Make sure your breakfast has protein, calcium and some vitamins. Drink one glass of milk (lukewarm or hot) and munch on some nice biscuits or cereal. And yes, grab a fruit.

4) Eat lunch after 4 hours of breakfast. Eat your favorite lunch (preferably warm) after 4 hours of your breakfast. Do not stuff yourself. Make sure you eat just to suppress your appetite and give you some energy.

5) Have green tea after 4 hours of lunch. Green tea is very refreshing and can be your best companion when you want to lose weight. Make sure you drink warm green tea and feel refreshed.

6) Have supper after 4 hours of green tea drink. Yes, have supper, not dinner. Having light meal in the night helps in your digestion. Eat your favorite meal and stay light (not hungry).

7) Avoid sweets on weekdays. Make sure you maintain zero sugar policy for the entire week and have 1 or 2 cookies or pieces of cake during weekends (if you crave for some). Most of our food contains sugar. So, avoiding extra sugar is always helpful.

8) No to sodas. Say no to sodas strictly for 10 months. If you need some fizz, then have carbonated water instead of any sugary drink.

9) Drink lots of water. Drink plenty of water. Water helps in releasing of toxins from body and keeps you fresh. 

10) Take stairs if you can. Avoid elevators. Stairs can be your best friends when you are not dieting as they can burn some calories.

At the end of the day, stay healthy and stay happy.

Cruise muse

After many deliberations, budgeting and most importantly, leave approvals, My husband and I decided to set on a cruise. As cliche as it sounds, we were against Bahamas, Alaska and Mexico. We both wanted to explore some place that's different. Thanks to my Co sister in law, when she mentioned Jamaica, we immediately gave a high five and started shopping for the journey. I was informed that, the group has decided to wear a Red dress for the formal dinner. So, I pretty much tried every possible Red dress in every store. Of course, I bought it from the very first store that I visited in the very first week of purchasing the tickets! But, I have been trying till the last day of shopping. 

I made sure, I packed 10 dresses for all days and nights on cruise along with matching shoes and clutches and jewelry. My husband did the same (sans jewelry and clutches) and we ended up with 2 full bags.

Finally, we made it to the airport and officially, our vacation began.

Our flight to Miami was fun and we checked into the hotel. We slept as if there's no next day. We were joined by our family and friends the very next day and we all visited downtown Miami. The weather was warm and we enjoyed our quiet stroll along the beach side. Since, it was Christmas, the roads were well lit and there was holiday mood. 

The full moon added beauty to our trip and we slept in bliss.

The D Day- We checked into the port and the immigration was smooth. My husband, as usual, carried every possible document on earth. But, we were asked to show just our passports and were whisked into the cruise. 

Carnival Victory

As we stepped in, there was a party mood inside the cruise. With music and drinks and on-board passengers, I couldn't believe a world like that ever existed. 

We were ushered into the dining hall as our staterooms were not ready yet. The dining hall was full of food. Something that we all dream of. From Chinese, to Deli to Mexican to Mediterranean, you name it- they got it. Passengers were filling their cups with unlimited iced tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Kids were glued to the ice cream dispenser. I wondered if I would fit into my clothes after I disembark. But, I thought of taking one meal at a time! 

After we entered our staterooms, we were greeted with beautiful towel arts. For all the five days, our janitor, Jana, decorated our rooms with beautiful towel arts. 

    

The room was clean and crisp and we made our way into the balcony. Oh yes, we paid few extra bucks for the balcony!!!

View of Miami harbor and other cruises from our balcony

On day 1, we pretty much toured the entire 11 floors on the cruise and discovered various activities. We were so tired by the end of the day that, I slept like a log. I woke up the next day around 10ish and made my way to have breakfast. The plethora of dishes welcomed my appetite. I attended some shows with my friends and dressed up for the formal dinner night. Oh by the way, we have assigned dining table in our room and our timing for dinner is fixed for all the five days. The very first day, our servers Sugiartha and Roman understood our taste and brought us Indian food. From day two, as soon as we sit on the table, we would have our food within 10 minutes. A variety of Indian delicacies including saag paneer, Dal, Sambar (you heard me right), Kootu (you bet) and punjabi kadi. It was a royal feast. Along with the Indian dishes, we would order what was on Menu and satisfy our tongues. 

Sugiartha, Roman and Antara spent good 2 hours with us all the five days and helped us in several ways. Managing a group of 18 passengers and their tastes and needs is not small. They remembered our names and were there for us on all nights. The dining room will groove to nice music at exactly 9.30 pm and we would all dance. A little calorie burning after hogging down tons of food. 

From Left- Sugiartha, Antara, Roman

Some dance moves after the meals

During nights, we would attend comedy shows. The first two days, it was Roman, who entertained us with his witty notes. The last two nights, Derrick Eason entertained us with his punch lines. 

Comedian- Roman

Comedian- Derrick Eason

We thoroughly enjoyed the shows. The lounge would be full with people standing at the door and aisles. So, we stood in the long queues 30 minutes before the show and made our way into the lounge. It was adult comedy after certain time and we totally enjoyed those 30 minutes.

Apart from Comedy shows, there are deck parties, live music, photography, ladies pamper parties and casino for great gamblers.

We can pick and choose our activity or just stare at the roaring-yet-peaceful sea. Our cruise Director, Brian Austin, gave timely announcements about the shows and let me tell you, I became a huge fan of his voice. 

Cruise director- Brian Austin

Singer Maria

The first stop was in Cayman Islands on Day 3. We were greeted by fleet of tour guides who were ready to show us the islands. We went to the 7 mile beach which is a good 20 minute ride from the port. 

         

After basking in sun and relishing fresh coconuts, we came back to the port to have some lunch. Then, we split into two groups. The other group went to do activities such as sea-trek where they descend 30 ft into the sea to see the corals. My friends said, it was one of a kind experience. I couldn't venture due to some health problems. So, I enticed myself with shopping on the island. Cayman islands is huge in Tanzanite sales and diamonds. I shopped for myself and my friends and families and enjoyed my tour in around the shopping centers. Thanks to the city planning, the shops are next to the port- a good 2 minute walk. So, I enjoyed till the last minute and made my way into the cruise again. 

The second stop was in Ocho rios, Jamaica, on Day 4. We were received by Mark from Marks tours, who was pretty much our guardian for the next 5 hours. He is a very well read man with good IQ. His English is commendable and he is a driving encyclopedia (if something like that exists). 

The first stop in Ocho Rios was at Dunn's Falls. If one can hike a bit, then it is a paradise. Again, because of my health, I couldn't get into the water. But, I totally enjoyed walking on the steps and taking pics of my family and friends. The walk starts from the beach and one would go against the falls. Like climbs the falls! 

Dunn's falls also have a small shopping area. 

Our Picasso from Jamaica

So, we bought a painting, some souvenirs and of course I was offered the famous coffee beads chain (lol). 

The coffee is a must try and it costs somewhere around $4. It is better to carry cash. After our purchases, we rushed to the car and proceeded to our next stop, Blue Hole. 

Blue Hole is another paradise on earth. It is an epitome of beauty and nature. The falls, the depth of water, the rush..everything can only be experienced. 

Tour Guide- Robert

Our tour guide, Robert, made sure, we were safe and

 helped us in ascending and descending the falls. 

One can do a dive from the rocks, But depth of water is nearly 28-30ft and there are multiple holes (deep waters) at most of the places. So, it is better to follow the guide and wear proper gear. 

      

After the Blue Hole trip, we rushed to the cruise. Of course, we made a quick stop to relish the Mango Ice cream. But it was like a blink and miss pause. The terrains to Blue Hole are quite rough. The small roads are scary and bumpy with two cars almost rubbing their doors in opposite directions. Also, there are multiple "brownie" sellers en route to Blue Hole. Jamaica is a beautiful place which reminds us of the fresh and nascent life. It brings us closer to the environment on a different level. Jamaicans still have the innocence and you can't ignore their "Yaman" greetings. Peace and Respect are their food and water. 

We boarded the cruise and spent two more nights and finally disembarked on 31st december. My 2015 is filled with lot of memories and lessons from Caribbeans. If time and money permit me, I shall revisit them :)

RESPECT. PEACE.

Avantika is fine. She is not raped.

Before we write opinions of characters in movies and use strong words, we need to be quite mindful of the language we use. While the whole nation is highly intolerant towards words like Rape, Molestation and Abuse, how can we start using such words as examples to express our opinions? 

Off late, many videos and posts are making rounds on social media on how the character in the much acclaimed movie, "Bahubali", Avantika is raped? Seriously? Rape? Are we so short of words; that we use such strong verbs to express our anger? Or has rape become such household word that we just use it as replacement for every second word?

I don't want to discuss the character of Avantika or how her feminine side was perceived by her man or how she was smeared a natural dye on her lips to bring out the woman in her. As, I feel, movies these days are much senseless and if we apply logic to the characters and roles, we will fall in our own pits. So, I would rather stay away. Because, if I apply logic to the whole scene and romance between Sivudu, the main protagonist, and his lady love, Avantika, I need to evaluate the other scenes on how he jumped against gravity and reached heights? How a whole world existed uphill and people downhill have no clue on the earth? How beheading of people is fun? Many questions will be unanswered because they lack logic and common sense. 

My only concern in the whole episode is, instead of using strong words as Rape, the authors of opinion pieces could have just used "character" assassination in literal sense or something synonymous. 

We should remember that the nation is quite intolerant for many issues at this point and as writers of opinion pieces, we need to choose the words that we use. I strongly object the usage of such words especially while our blood boils when such incidents happen in true sense. 

And I personally feel, Avantika is just fine and she could have got more screen presence while Sivudu is taking charge. She is not raped and she is happy. Let us use dictionary and find some other words to describe her agony if at all. Peace to all. Save humanity. 

I am India's Daughter

So, I watched the most in'famous" 'India's Daughter' documentary. If you haven't watched it already here is the Link. Ok, I am calling it infamous because, it is banned. And we ban only infamous things in India. Right? The characters, except for Jyothi's parents, are infamous. The reconstruction of the whole episode is infamous. And the whole documentary itself, is infamous for our nation, which would allow infamous politicians to speak in Parliament and rule our country. I am wondering why are they never banned. 

Anyways, before my blood starts boiling thinking about those badass people, let me write down some thoughts. 

1) I am not surprised at all watching the documentary and everything is, as expected. The reaction of the rapists claiming he hasn't done anything wrong, defense lawyer saving his and his clients' ass, parents of the accused blaming everyone but their sons- everything is expected. I can't expect the rapists to recite commandments. He is insane and that's how he will talk. And he will never show remorse, because he doesn't know what it is. 

2) I hated and loved Mukesh- Hated because he doesn't deserve to be in this world or among humans. Oh wait, he is not a human. But I would not even send him to Amazon forest because he is equally capable of raping animals too. Oh no, he is not even an animal. What is he? Leave it. 

Loved him because he raised some valid points. Why are other rapists not punished equally? Why are those rapists who burnt other women, who threw acid on other women, who raped and killed other women are left to roam on streets? So, true. A question to ponder about and to be discussed in the Parliament. What should be done to those? 

3) The defense lawyers are rock stars. There are actually 2 of them. 

One described a woman as a flower and man as a thorn. I wonder what kind of a thorn he is and how is he hurting his wife who is like a flower. I wonder if he has daughters or sisters. He is no less than Taliban who would refrain women from getting educated or going out. He should be kept in a museum. 

The other lawyer who openly told that there 250 MPs who have pending cases of rape, murder, corruption and other charges. He raised a valid point on why they are not being punished. Yes, why? If he knows, why doesn't he use his Foxy talent to put them behind bars? Also, I pity his daughter or daughter-in-law because he said he will burnt her alive if she chooses to have extra marital affair? Ehhh? Really? With a father like him, the girl will commit suicide even before reaching puberty. Anyways, he should be sent to Pluto. 

4) Family of the accused- The wife of one of the accused, threatened that she will die and also kill her son because without a man she doesn't have a protection. How true. Every woman surely needs protection from monsters like her husband and she knows it perfectly. 

5) The juvenile- I truly have a problem with him. When he can get aroused and rape a girl, insert something, pull the intestines out and wrap them in a cloth and throw them somewhere and clean the crime scene, how can he be a juvenile? Oh wait, he is not even 18? So, he is a benchmark for all those who can now happily commit all crimes and get punished before they turn 18. And after 18 they will roam on roads like wild boars and hunt for their prey. Watch out women, this Juvenile will be released by this year end. May you have a safe new year party, as he can be anywhere near you. 

6) The Indian government- Instead of banning the documentary, why can't the government telecast it and hang all the rapists? This could be a potential lesson to all those who would try to attempt any horrific/gruesome act on women. Banning the documentary would do no good, because the elite and educated class would watch it anyways! What a hypocritic act. And by the way, there is nothing in the film that shouldn't be seen. It is much better than many bollywood movies with skin shows. Trust me. 

So, these are my thoughts. Put yours and let the word spread. It's high time, stricter laws are implemented and the judicial system see a paradigm shift. After all, India is not such a bad place to live. I am India's daughter and I am saying this. 

Jai Hind. 

India- a place to live

I was born and raised in India. Now that I am in the USA since 4 years, I am seeing my nation as an outsider. whenever I read about the rapes, scams, scandals, murderers, actors involved in crimes, and other incidents, my heart sulks. One political party throwing mud on others, one religion insulting others. I wonder what happened to that secular, democratic, beautiful nation that I was born in. But, then, of all the billions of people living in the country, we read news about just 1000s of them. Statistically speaking, it's not that bad.

There are still good people out there. We, as Indians, still believe in humanity. We love and preach fellow beings. We give room to all religions. We have innovative minds and brilliant leaders who are globally recognized. Irony is, we hardly talk about them. The bad takes over the good so much that, we let those dark clouds engulf us completely. 

So, I have decided to pen down some memories from my childhood and adulthood that I cherished living in my motherland-

1) I could live all by myself for 3-5 hours, sometimes the entire day while my parents were out working. I started living like that since I was age 5. We had no nannies then, still I was safe and sound.

2) I had a perfect neighborhood where we never worried about play-dates.

3) I played on streets with other boys. I played cricket, football, seven picks, skipping, and what not. 

4) I traveled across the country as part of school and college and job and never felt insecure.

5) I took trains and buses during nights and still reached home in one piece. 

6) I rode my bike in the midnight from work to home and never felt anyone follow me.

7) I interacted with different men from all walks of life, but never was harassed by them.

8) Many strangers(men) helped me on various occasions and never took advantage of the situation.

9) Listening and seeing or witnessing rapes/murders/kidnaps was something that happened in movies or once in a year in newspapers. 

10) My neighbors and friends always helped and we pretty much relied on them during crisis and were never disappointed.

11) There are tons of such incidents and I can keep on writing.....

After all, India is not such a bad place to live or to be born, Yes, rapes,molestation, female infanticides and murders happen. But they happen to both genders (though women are more- statistically speaking). If one in ten men is a rapist, then there are still nine good people that are existing. Bad people are everywhere. They are not native to India. 

I strongly believe, stricter laws should come in to action to curb such acts from happening in the future. May our brothers and sisters don't find it hard to live. May be the present government can bring a change and show the world that after all-

India is definitely a better place to live. Vande Maataram. 

Why don't you pen down your beautiful memories? Leave yours in the comment section. 

Untied by Law

I feel like a liberated woman, especially as a housewife. Wait, I have a great husband, who lets me do what I want. So, don't be so judgemental. I was tied by law. Again, I haven't done anything illegal. All I did was- marry a man on H1 visa (work visa) and come to USA as a "dependent". I am so dependent that I don't even have an SSN. Funny, I went to an interview this morning to be a volunteer and the interviewers asked me for my SSN. When I said, I don't have one and I am a dependent, they said, they never dealt with a volunteer like me! Strange enough, even I never thought I would be such an educated parasite. (Read my other post on being H4.) 

Alas! The bad days are over and it's time for me to move on. Thanks to US government, they are now letting us (H4s) work. Hurray. Can't explain how ecstatic I am. Well many people have doubts on who can work and how can we work. So, I thought of writing it down in this blog. Let's see if I can sum up in few words.

Who can work?

Every one on H4 whose spouse (H1) has approved and valid I140

For how many years do you have to live in USA?

If you have I140, everything else is discounted. If you don't, then your spouse should be on 6+ years H1 extension.

What kind of education do you need?

Educated enough to be a good employee. As the STEM, flower, leaves rules don't apply. As long as you maintain a good decorum, you are fine to work. Respect to Labor!

How many will be selected?

As far as USCIS, is concerned, it is not putting any CAP. That means, no lottery like H1 or waiting process. 

What if you are a student or on OPT or on H1?

You need to come back to H4 to be eligible for EAD. 

Can you travel to India?

Yes. As long as you have valid H4, you can. If you don't then you need to go through stamping process just like other times. 

Will you get GC soon?

God knows. But definitely you will still be on H4 with a work permit. The GC is a mirage. So, better enjoy the EAD permit.

When can you apply?

ON or AFTER MAY 26. This is not black friday line where you stand in queue 2 days before. Relax. You can apply on May 26 or even after that. 

What if you miss May 26 deadline?

Hello! Nothing will happen. Take a chill-pill and apply after you are free. There is no time limit as of today and you can apply anytime. So, happily plan your vacation and come back and then apply. 

Where can you work?

Anywhere as long as it is legal! Yeah. From Walmart to FBI, if they accept you and your talent, you can. By the way, I think FBI needs US citizens! Let me cross check. ;)

Do you have any further doubts?

check this Link

What to do after you get job?

Send me sweets ;) 

Enjoy ladies (and any men out there). Our wait time is over. Finally, we can all officially buy work dresses, go to work place and more importantly, use our talent. 

God bless America. 

I used the best of my knowledge to sum up. If, I have written anything wrong, please let me know (don't throw stones). Good luck. 

Snakes in the backyard

Not long ago, there lived two neighbors. They were just like any other neighborhood families. Sharing sweets and food on multiple occasions, borrowing salt and sugar in crisis, helping each families in emergencies and sharing a laughter once in a while. One day their world came to seize when the county decided to separate the two houses into two neighboring cities. Left with no choice, the two neighbors fell into two separate cities. Though their zip codes and city names are different, nothing seems to have changed. The neighbors continued their routine just like before. 

After few years, the cities started developing in different paces. While City X -where neighbor X lived, developed in a fast pace, City Y- where neighbor Y lived, slowed down due to various political reasons. The kids of neighbor X started going to good schools and enjoy the privileges. The kids of neighbor Y are still struggling. 

After seeing this for many years, instead of going and reporting to the city head regarding slow growth of their city and how kids are at disadvantage, the Neighbor Y came up with a different plan. He thought teaching a hard lesson to Neighbor X and destroy his world. 

As part of the plan, Neighbor Y thought of breeding some snakes in his backyard, with help of which he can poison and kill Neighbor X. But if he buys snakes or bring them home, everybody will suspect him. Hence he came up with a slow but steady plan. He started throwing sweets in his backyard. As result of which, ants started piling up in his backyard. With more and more sweets, there came a big anthill. 

His wife warned him about the growing anthill. But, Neighbor Y ignored the idea and started feeding the ants. The anthill grew so big that small snakes overtook it. The neighbor was very happy. One day, he wanted to test his snakes. He held one snake by tail and tried to throw it in Neighbor X's backyard. The snake tried to hiss. But since it was small, Neighbor Y, could overpower it and threw it in the Neighbor X's backyard successfully. The Neighbor X spotted the snake and alerted the neighbors and city officials. The city officials thoroughly checked the house and decided that snake should have come from outside and there is noway, they can determine the source of the snake. 

After repeated sightings of the snake, the neighbor X suspected that it could be from the anthill next door. The city officials said, they have no permission to check the neighbor's house as it doesn't come under their zip code. Left with no option, neighbor X started living in fear. 

Neighbor Y is now happy, that his efforts have not gone wasted. He started feeding the snakes and watched them grow bigger and bigger. 

One day, while Neighbor Y's kids were playing in the backyard, a large snake came out of anthill. The kids screamed in fear. The Neighbor Y ran and rescued his kids by shooing away the snake with a large stick. This sent shivers in his spine. What he thought would harm others, is now taking on him. 

Neighbor Y called the city authorities and asked them take down the anthill. The city people tried but in vain. They said it was too late to take it down and he better construct a fence and be alert. Everyday, the Neighbor Y lived in fear- for, he raised those dangerous snakes in his backyard thinking of harming Neighbor X, but now they are a threat to him first. 

One day, while neighbor Y was out on work, his kids were playing in the backyard. The big- large and finely fed snake came out of nowhere in search of food and bit the kids. The kids lost their lives on spot. It was too late for neighbor Y. It was too late for him to take back all his actions. It was too late for him to even save his kids. It was just too late for everything in his life. In a moment, all his world cringed and sunk into oblivion. But the snake is still living the anthill waiting for its next prey. 

PS- This is a lesson for all of us. 'The neighbor and the snake in the backyard' analogy can be applied to anything and anyone. Ranging from individuals and their egos to nations and hatred! The choice is yours. The blanks are open. 

Two worlds and a Veggie Sandwich

My husband walked out of the door and I shut it behind him. I locked it so, no one could make ones way into the house. I looked at the empty walls and clean floor. I saw nothing but my luggage scattered around the house. I washed my face and made a coffee for myself. I sat on the floor and looked through the patio window. I saw no one on the roads. All I could hear was the ticking of the clock and the noise of roaring heater. Tears found their way out and memories started smothering me.

Just a few months ago, I looked at mirror and saw that beautiful face with glow.  “Are you ready?” asked my mom whom my dad and sister accompanied. Yes. I replied to all and most importantly to myself. I am ready. Ready for marriage. Ready for a life ahead with a man whom I know for less than few months. Ready for a life in a different country. Ready for everything that is going to happen from now on. I opened the door and walked into the wedding hall.

“Surprise” shouted my friends who worked their way to get into my house and decorate it for my birthday  three  years ago. I had many such pleasant birthdays and was earning enough to throw small size parties once in a while. I had  friends who would never forget to surprise me on my birthdays and get me tickets for the movies and more importantly bear my PMS tantrums. My paychecks were not fat, but neither were they  anorexic. They had perfect BMI to pay my bills and buy me Oh-I-love-this-dress. My weekends were packed with trips to near by tourist spots and lunches and dinners and parties in India. I was always on the move with my tiny little two-wheeler that accompanied me everywhere I went. I was always surrounded by people and could listen to the whistling of rice cookers even at 11 pm.

But, now, I am all by myself. I can’t go out because it  is cold outside. Cold that I experienced only when I opened refrigerators. Where am I now? What I am supposed to do? Do I need this forced break from my hectic schedules? Can I go out on my own? Do I have money to fulfill my sweet nothings? Where are my friends?

I am in the USA, which is a dream for many youngsters. A free nation that lets everyone live the way they wish to. But do I really need this unwanted freedom? Am I blessed or cursed? My VISA status doesn’t allow me  to work. I am sadly called as a “dependent” and that is what my Visa says. Yes, for someone who comes as a spouse to someone with working visa is called as dependent. And that is what I am right now.

When my parents were looking for a groom for me, I was hell bent on not getting married to someone who lives out of my city. No. Never. I have everything I want. So, why will I leave all and move? Never-ever. But here I am in the United States of America.

It all happened when I met this guy. Got swept off my feet. Parents liked us. Wedding date fixed. Got married. Boom. In a whirlwind of actions that happened in less than a month, I am in the other part of the world. My husband left for US before me as he couldn’t take leave from his work for longer period. I was by myself to travel into a country just to be with a stranger whom I just got married to.

As I came out of the airport, my husband received me with a bunch of flowers and gave me coat, hat, gloves and asked me to cover up completely. As we started heading back to home, I asked my husband, why I don’t see any people on the roads.

It is very common in India to see people crossing roads everywhere. Chances are, you might even hit a man or a vehicle once a week. They move so close that you can literally shake hands while driving. Stray dogs, cattle, vendors, people fighting over petty things, people honking impatiently, two-wheeler riders wheeling their way from the gaps are the most common sights that one can witness on the roads.

But what am I seeing here? Nothing. No people, no cattle, no honks, no noise. Everything is silent and calm. My husband laughed and told me, that no one walks here on the roads. Really? It came as a shocker to me. The very first shock I got was that I couldn’t see people. That means, I need to make friends or go out to meet people. Or may be live in virtual world.

In real world, I heard many of my friends saying that they are jealous of my routine. My usual routine goes something like this. Wake up in the morning whenever I want. Make coffee. Have breakfast without hunger. Browse through movies to catch up with the ones I missed. Chat with friends online and silently cry. Call family and give them live coverage about the weather, movies, and menu and just about everything. Eat lunch just to not feel hungry. Wait for husband to come so that I can see some real faces in my life. Prepare dinner just because I have to. Eat dinner to increase my bloating. Watch movies again and again and again. And Go to bed just to wake up the next day aimlessly.

“When are you going to have kids? You are free now. You should have kids and use this time”, came an elderly suggestion from families and friends. Why do they think that I should procreate in the free time? I am free because I don’t have a choice. Not because I chose to.

“Go to the mall and spend time. Do some shopping”, suggested many of my friends who think they hardly get time to shop, as they are busy with work. Why should I shop? When should I wear those clothes? How will I go there? Whose money will I spend? There are many unanswered questions.

 “I get so frustrated,” says a friend, who also moved to the USA after getting married. “I can’t work. But this is how it is going to be”, she grins. My friend is one of the thousands of brides, who immigrate to this country after getting married.

I came to senses. I love this man. But do I really love my life? The answer is yes and no. I love being a married woman. I love being the wife of my husband. But I hate the very thought that I cannot work and earn my own bread. 

“Would you like to try chicken sandwich along with bread bowl and soup?” asked the waitress. “No thanks, I am a vegetarian”, I replied. “Oh honey. You don’t have much choice”, she said with empathy.

                                                      

Yes, I don’t have much choice. I am a just a veggie sandwich stuck for life between two worlds. 

What is your caste?

Shame on you if you are able to read this blog using Internet and then utilise your caste to get a seat or a job. Wait, what's the connection between them? Does reading a blog or using Internet or caste based reservations have any connections? I think so. And this is how I make sense. 

Castes have been in existence for centuries in India. They are called Varnas. According to Hinduism, "Varna is the term for the four broad ranks into which traditional Hindu society is divided. The four varnas are:

• the Brahmins: priests, teachers and preachers.
• the Kshatriyas: kings, governors, warriors and soldiers.
• the Vaishyas: cattle herders, agriculturists, businessmen, artisans^[1] and merchants.^[2]
• the Shudras: labourers and service providers."  (source- wikipedia)

Hang in there. What do we see here? Professions? Occupations? Services that each individual provides? Then, if we are following our castes, shouldn't we technically be providing those services. Like any Brahmin born across India should be in temples, or schools or just dedicate one's life to god.

A Kshatriya should ideally be politician or a soldier working in Army.

A vaishya should be maintaining a cattle herd, or ploughing the soil, raising crops or managing retails.

a Shudra should be a laborer or totally into providing services to the society.

But we don't follow any of those norms now. What I see is, a Brahmin provides IT service or works in a factory as labor. A Kshatriya manages a hotel or a mall. A Vaishya builds a temple or teaches in a school. A Shudra is a top doctor or a research scientist. Then shouldn't we segregate our castes based on current professions like

1) IT

2) Doctor

3) Scientist

4) whatever!

(Define caste of each person here!)

Why do we still follow that age old casteism and break ourselves into tiny bits? Why do we favor people who are born into castes but have no link to us whatsoever? Why do people need caste based reservations even though they are no more into providing services to the society?

Frankly, caste based reservations were introduced in India to benefit the economically poor citizens. Those days are gone. If at all we need any kind of reservation, they should be totally based on financial status of a family. Not based on caste. 

As long as the caste system exists, we can move only in bits and pieces. Its high time, we shun the caste based opportunities in India and move as one Nation. Religion, caste, community are for unity. Not for divisions. 

If at all, one really wants to approach a caste, create a new one based on one's own occupation. Like I belong to housewife caste where I teach, I provide services through my voluntary work, I rule my home and what not.

And if you can't come out of it yet, GOD BLESS YOU! People are launching rockets and trying to see what's in Mars. And we are stuck with castes. 

Jai Hind. 

Men have cleavage?

The recent lash out by Deepika Padukone (DP) about the much hyped cleavage show has risen many eyebrows. Indeed, DP is right. She and I and for that matter, every woman has breasts. If there are breasts, there is cleavage. What is such a big thing about DP's cleavage? It is just part of a body. Like holes in the nose (nostrils), ears, division between fingers and opening of mouth. What is so special about cleavage? Here it is. 

According to dictionary.com, Cleavage is -"the area between a woman's breasts, especially when revealed by alow-cut neckline". 

Now there it is. REVEAL. So, apparently, when women wear dresses that have low cut lines, cleavage is "shown". But wait there, some men do have their ways to find it. Like when women bend. Like when men are standing right next to women who are seated. When women are breast feeding. When....well, there are many circumstances, when cleavage is shown or seen. But why women are not interested in seeing men's cleavage. 

Hang in there. Do men have cleavage at all? Let's see. 

According to the same dictionary.com website, cleavage is also referred to as, "a critical division in opinion, beliefs, interests, etc., as leading to opposition between two groups"

So, I can see a clear cleavage in politicians, movie stars, normal citizens and for that matter any man whose opinion, beliefs and interests differ from that of other man. So, it is evident that cleavage is something that is in our mind. Not, merely a physical body part. 

Now, let us move on to the media house, that published the story. 

                                                   

What a waste of journalism. Times of India definitely needs a revamp. Of all the worldly things, TOI found a new invention in the world. A woman's cleavage! Now, I wonder, if the reporters who worked on this story and editors and publishers have any cleavage? If not, that means, they are all together in publishing this article. If yes, then whats news in this. They have cleavage too. 

Hence, DP, and other women out there, if in future, someone drools at your cleavage, you drool at the person. For, he has a cleavage that is too visible unlike ours, which has to be shown or seen. 

I am proud of my cleavage. Hey man, are you?