Wow, what a week. There was no set schedule on lot of things that happened during the week. It was a little frustrating, not being able to predict on anything. Three times in a week, I was not able to pick up my baby and had to rely upon my hubby to do both drop off and pick up. And it was all last minute changes because someone new came to work and was not willing to settle into the schedule. I did accommodate their schedule and now here I am letting it all out :)
After the crazy unsettling week, I was looking forward to taking my baby to the Zoo. And then ended up having a very crapy weekend too. A comment from my hubby on Saturday, turned into an argument and disagreement. Ended up staying in, and decided not to go to the Zoo in such a distasteful mood. Patched things up by the late afternoon, but was still feeling down. Some days you just cant get yourself up. Sunday was much better. I am proud that I mowed the half acre back yard :) All those riding mower marks ended up in a beautiful circular design. I also cooked a little and got to sleep in for an hour or so during the afternoon. Ended the week by eating home made dinner and watching 'Lie to Me'.
So how was your week? Anything fun, exciting, or not so exciting to report on?
Tattoos are a beautiful body art that you live with the rest of your life. Yes, there are laser treatments available to remove the tattoo, but it still leaves the scar as a reminder for the tattoo. So unless you are absolutely sure, I would suggest not to get inked.
I got a tattoo almost three years ago just before we went to visit our families back home in India. It was my way of declaring my freedom of choice. But, it was not an impromptu decision. It was well thought through.
In one of the office Christmas party couple years back, I wore a dress which revealed my tattoo. Most of the responses from my superiors and colleagues included: lit up eyes, raised eyebrows, even got some questions such as– Do you have a tattoo? Do you have any more tattoos? Why did you get a tattoo? How drunk were you? And some statements such as – I never thought of you to be wild kind. I thought you were a good girl.
It was hard tackling those questions and perceptions. How many times can I respond by saying ‘No, I was not drunk’ or anything else to justify my decision? My favorite response was a big smileJ, and continuous discussion on tattoos. I even got to know some other people who had tattoos but never shared it with others.
I mostly keep my tattoo hidden, but based on the shirt I wear, it sometimes can be seen around my neck. I recently got a similar response from one of my colleagues when they saw my tattoo for the first time as a group of people headed out for lunch.
Colleague: Anjita, is that a tattoo?
Me: Yes
Colleague: Wow, I never thought of you to be wild.
Me: A big smile in response to the question ;) and then moving on to a group discussion on tattoos
A couple weeks later, went out for lunch with same colleague and some new ones, and the colleague asked about my tattoo again to let others know that I have one ;).
I have a tattoo. It is a cute little rose. I did scream the entire time needles were poked at me. Initially the needles were hurting a little bit but then, in about 5 – 10 minutes I got used to it and it did not hurt as much. However, I just kept screaming because I am a screamer
Do you have a tattoo? What is it? What are the reactions you received?
My cutesy boy loves to hear the rhymes, poems, and songs. All I have to do is add various pitches high and low, some hand gestures, and some emotions such as laughing, smiling, sad, crying, or weird faces J
He now knows exactly when he should smile in a song or a rhyme. He can read my face, knows my gestures, and notices the emotions I display. I love it that he is being interactive J
So here are the rhymes that I have been singing to him… watch the ABCD song video, it feels like he is trying to sing with me ;)
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
This one has helped Aadi sleep many many times….. It is a life saver.
Clap your hands
Clap your hands, clap your hands,
Listen to the music and clap your hands
Stamp your feet, stamp your feet,
Listen to the music and stamp your feet
Turn around, turn around,
Listen to the music and turn around.
Jump up high, jump up high,
Listen to the music and jump up high.
Sing along, sing along,
Listen to the music and sing along.
Dance with me, dance with me,
Listen to the music and dance with me.
This is the best song to get him engaged as he watches me do different things. He will let me clap on his hand for a while but he folds his hand in a fist if I try to clap his hands together…..I tap his feet on ‘Stamp your feet’ and he loves it. That gets him very excited.
ABCD Song (Different versions)
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I
J, K, L, M
N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V
W, X
Y, Z
I LOVE YOU……… AADI I LOVE YOU!!!!!
Aadi loves the above version. As soon as I start singing the above version his focus will turn to me with his eyes lit up and a sweet smile on his face. He will keep watching me sing till the end and then blushes as soon as I say ‘I Love you’….. J
A, B, C, D, E, F, G
H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P
Q, R, S
T, U, V
W, X
Y, and Z
Now I know my ABC, next time won’t you sing with me!
If you are happy and you know it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it, stamp your feet!
If you're happy and you know it, stamp your feet!
If you're happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it.
If you're happy and you know it, stamp your feet!
If you're happy and you know it, jump up high!
If you're happy and you know it, jump up high!
If you're happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it.
If you're happy and you know it, jump up high!
If you're happy and you know it, do all three!
If you're happy and you know it, do all three!
If you're happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it.
If you're happy and you know it, do all three!
His reaction to this rhyme is little different than for ‘Clap your hands’ rhyme. He enjoys all the emotions, gestures, tone, plus he loves the gentle pat on his face on the line ‘then your face will surely show it’. I think he knows all the rhymes and has memorized them. He can so easily give me the same facial expressions sometimes that it feels as if he is singling along with me for real J
Baa, Baa, Black sheep
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full.
One for my master,
One for madam,
One for the little boy who lives down the lane
Aadi knows to smile on the last line and look at me. Sometimes I forget to stress on the last line, but he never does. He will always look at me with a big smile as if he knows that he is the little boyJ
Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory Dickory Dock,
Mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
Mouse ran down the clock.
Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!
Hickory Dickory Dock
This is a lovely rhyme to get him engaged with his hands. I take my fingers and climb up his face as the mouse runs up and climb down his face as the mouse runs down. I also tickle him on the last line ‘Hickory dickory dock’. This is not his favorite rhyme as he does not want me to go up and down his face with my fingers too often…. So sometimes it is a fav and other times not so much.
And the next three rhymes are from one of his toy. I always sing them together in sequence.
One, Two, Three,
Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight,
Then there is Nine, counting really great,
With numbers, when you learn numbers then you can count….(drum roll)…. And count again!
Ezy Bzy, Ezy Bzy, there’s so much to do,
You can learn while you are at play, there’s so much to do today!
Play on a computer, learn some music too,
Read a book, or talk to friend, pick the phone up say HELLO!
Helloooooooooo, the phone is ringing shall I say hello?
HELLO! HELLO!
Good Bye, when I am done talking can I say Bye Bye?
What do we say again? Say Bye Bye!
I love the above sequence, as for him - i think you should watch the vide J
Rain, rain, go away
Rain, rain, go away,
Let the sun come our way,
Little Aadi wants to play.
Rain, rain, go away.
This one he doesn’t care too much about, but I do J
Johny Johny Yes Papa (Customized for Aadi)
Aadi, Aadi. Yes, Papa.
Eating sugar? No Papa.
Telling lies? No Papa.
Open your mouth.
Ha ha ha
This one is loved by my hubby more than Aadi J
So other than the ones listed above I have a list of Hindi rhymes and songs that I sing to him. Any Indian folks out there will be able to relate to them.
Aaj mangalvar hai, chuhe ko bukhar hai
Aloo kachaloo beta kahan gaye tthey? Bandar ki jhonpdi mein so gaye tthey.
Chuk chuk gaadi badi sayani
Rote rote hansna sikho
Lakdi ki katthi
Bum chiki chiki bum
So gaya ye jahan, so gaya aasman (Even though not a baby song, he loves this one. Especially when his dad sings it for him.)
I feel that I need more Rhymes in the stock for days when he feels bored with all the above. Any help?
What are your childhood rhymes that you still remember?
I just went through a very busy week and although there are always excuses, I should have found the time to blog. Nevertheless, a big slap on my hands…. And here I am back to writing again. Hopefully it won’t happen again.
I had a very busy July 4th weekend. Although it seems like a memory of past, I just wanted to bring it up. We got our ducts clean in our home, went to a 1 year olds birthday party, and cooked as my cousin sis was coming to visit us. Chatted with my cousin on Sunday, cooked breakfast, played with 2 year old, my hubby did some photo shoot, and they all left at around 3 pm. We had to go to another birthday party that day, but just couldn’t push ourselves. So we decided to chill at home, which was very relaxing.
Monday, July 4th was the cookout at our place. It was also my son’s first I-Day. I only baked one appetizer (Potato Puffs) and a side dish (Corn & Bean salad) as my hubby took on the heavy load of grilling for everyoneJ. It was nice and relaxing after all the cooking was done. I really had fun hanging out with his office folks who I don’t get to meet as often. Some of our friends stayed over a little longer and I remember it was almost midnight by the time everyone left and we went to sleep.
Poof and the long weekend was gone and back to busy work week. Being very tired with the weekend activities, almost no sleep because of the teething baby and very busy work week made it very difficult to find the time and brain power to blog.
After the long work week (I don’t think it was short), we went for an Indians game this past Saturday. It was amazing to watch the game from terrace club suite. There was all you can eat food, drinks, dessert and coffeeJ. We decided to leave the game mid way and went to friend’s place. It was past 11 by the time we reached home. My baby had already slept in his car seat. After putting him in his crib, we called it a night. Sunday was busy too. I decided to cook a few dishes for the week. Some vegetables, lentil soup and my favorite – watermelon style ice creamJ
I think watermelon style ice cream took the longest waiting time and we just were not patient enough. We jumped in before it was completely frozen, but it was still yummy as it can be J
Back to work…. Feeling rested and recharged!
So how was your past week? Anything fun, exciting, or not so exciting to report on?
We have all fallen victim to Monstrous Anger, and I am no exception to the reality.
My husband and I used to argue a lot and get mad at each other because we were interpreting each other’s words and actions differently. We both used to get hurt all the time. During our anger triggered fights one of us would ask, ‘Why would I hurt you Love?’ and other would respond ‘I don’t know, but you just did’.
Anger is an emotional reaction when you feel hurt, insulted, threatened or upset. The reaction comes out in a split second and overpowers your mind and body. Anger gives little time to its victim ‘You’ to control it.
However, I have never let my emotions go to the extreme at work. When I do get upset or angry at work, my best approach would be to step away from the situation and think it through before reacting. I think it is easier to control anger when I am not emotionally connected to everyone I work with, right? If so, then why do I get angry at those drivers on the road? I don’t know them and don’t have any emotional connection with them. I am confused L
Monstrous Anger spikes ego, and boosts confidence for a short period of time forcing us to take action which we usually would never take in our sane mind. Anger forces us to react and defend ourselves by using worst means available, such as yelling, screaming, cursing, sidelining, and sometimes violence.
Wow such a strong emotion but has negativity wrapped all around it. You know the saying ‘Love is Blind’, well I think ‘Anger is Blind’ too. Take a breath and think about it.
I think it is very important to take control of anger. How?
Idea!
Are you a parent? Have you seen a kid throwing tantrums in the middle of store and laying on the ground kicking and screaming? What should parents do in this situation?
All advices that I have heard so far gives the same message – Don’t give in to your child’s tantrums. If you give in once, tantrums are going to be more frequent and stronger next time. The situation that embarrassed you today and made you get out of that store or restaurant without shopping or eating will happen again and again.
What happens when you don’t give in to the tantrum, but try to control the situation? You will be working with your child diligently to calm them down. Yes, you may still get out of the store or restaurant today but future tantrums will be less frequent and milder, which makes them easier and easier to control and calm your child down.
So do you think may be the above situation is relatable to anger? I started calming my anger down last year after I got pregnant with my first child. I thank my hormones and motherly instinct for such a wonderful change in meJ. I started letting go and stopped reacting to every little comment or joke that my hubby made. He saw the difference as well when we stopped arguing and getting upset. One day he told me that we don’t argue as much now days and get mad at each other on silly things. My reply to him with a big smile on my face ‘I Love you Sweetheart, and I am glad we are not arguing any more’
We still argue on silly things, and fight sometimes but not as often. We have found a new level of understanding between us. He still tries to amuse me with his dry sense of humor, but most of the time he is literally just kidding around. (Hmmmm… I thinkJ)
So what do you think? Is it possible to treat anger like our child who is throwing a tantrum at us and forcing us to react in its favor? Can we take control knowing that it will be harder in the beginning but eventually we will be able to express our emotions in a better way?
You know it better than I do on how many times anger got you into trouble. Don’t you?
It is easier said than done to be calm when you are hurt, insulted or threatened. But try to just hold back anything you are about to say or do. Every time anger tries to take control, fight back minute or even a second at a time by not giving in, and eventually you will be a Pro in taming Anger down.
I know it is a tough road and I am in there as well…. Did I say road? Don’t forget to keep your calm when that crazy driver cuts you off, or honks at you for no reason. It sure is a tough road.
Yesterday evening I got really angry when I was driving back home and whoever it was in that car in front of me, kept talking on the cell phone and won’t let me pass………. Ughhhhhh…(I want to honk so badly) why does that person not know that I want to get home to my hubby and my baby.
Hahahahaha…. I guess I need to calm down ;)
Share your ideas on how you calm down your anger?
P.S. My hubby took about 15 shots of me smiling while posing to be angry before we were able to get the above shot. It is hard to be angry in front of camera J
I Lost my beloved iPhone 3GS in October 2008, approximately 2 months after I got it. Oh, I was crushed. I was devastated. I scrambled to find my phone everywhere at the Starbucks where I left it on the counter just few minutes ago, but there was no hope. Then I doubted myself and sorted my entire car to see if I luckily left my phone in my car, but there was nothing to be found.
I was in tears and mourning the loss of my phone. It was not just a phone; it was my lifeline with numbers of everyone I ever knew. All my favorite apps and emails were in one place and were one click away. All my financial apps, that allowed me to monitor my bank accounts and transactions, all the games that I loved playing, internet accessibility anywhere I went, and so much more that was accessible to me on my iPhone.
How could someone steal my phone? How can they take something so precious to me away from me? I was mourning the loss of my cell phone to the extreme. Sure, it was just a phone to you, but it was everything to me.
If I wanted another iPhone I would either have to pay $499 or wait 2 years for my plan to allow me to buy a new iPhone at a discounted rate. I could buy any other smart phone for lot less. But having used an iPhone, I did not want to buy any other smart phone.
I had been with a smart phone for more than 2 years at the time, my first was original iPhone and than the 3GS which I had lost (still weeping). As my grieving continued, I made a very dreaded decision to not get a new smart phone.
What happened next? I switched to a regular Nokia phone, but stopped using it as much. It would just sit there in my purse in a silent mode. I preferred not to answer any calls on that phone. There were times that I had several voice messages piled up, and I did not want to hear them. I also stopped checking my emails on day to day basis. There were no more social apps, or games at the tip of my finger. I was experiencing cell phone paralysis.
Wow, what a change from totally connected to totally disconnected. I felt helpless at times, when I wanted to find something nearby and did not have a smart phone to help me.
Last 2 years were different, and I learned a lot about socializing and connecting with people without using my phone. There were times that I was so glad that there was no smart phone beeping at me while I was socializing with my friends. I always emailed and found other ways to keep in contact with distant friends. It wasn’t that I did not want to talk to anyone who called me, but I just hated my phone and did not want to use it.
After more than 2 years, I got iPhone 4 white in May 2011. I am so happy to be back in the loopJ. And now I know when I need to tuck my smart friend in the purse.
Have you ever been in a cell phone paralysis? What was your experience?
We say it every day ‘Life used to be so simple’. I look back not too long ago (2-3 years) and I think to myself - ‘Life was so simple back then’. As every day becomes past and future becomes present, I seek new challenges and gain new experiences. It seems like life is getting busier. Every day seems smaller and I never find time to do everything I want to do and yet I find the time to do everything I need to do. Is my life simple?
It is so hard to define simplicity. I think all it means is to embrace today. Embrace the life you are living right now and never have to look back to wish ‘I could have been happier those days’.
There is no wrong in a desire to achieve more, and set higher goals. I do that every day. But simplicity to me means being content, and knowing and believing in myself.
I have been through rollercoaster of personal, family, love, and professional life drama. There were times when everything was set at extremes, and there were times when I felt boxed in. I was recently in a situation where my personal life felt like a burden on my professional life. How could life be so complex? I asked myself.
I know sacrifices, I have done sacrifices. I know patience; I have lived through patience my whole life where I am anxiously but patiently waiting for things to happen. How did I miss those simple times between the sacrifices and patience? How come in a blink of an eye that simple life seems like a memory of past?
Now, I sit here to accept today as ‘Simple’. No matter what comes and how busy or crazy life gets. I have to believe that my Life will always change for the better. I have a wonderful hubby, two cute pets (a Yellow lab and a Siamese cat), one sweet baby boy, a nice house, and an awesome job. I thank GOD for the beautiful and loving family, and a desired career.
Today I wish to never have to remorse for not enjoying the simple times that passed by in Yesterday.
