Baked fish, spinach sauté and carrots

Baked fish(ginger garlic paste and salt to taste-1 hour in oven at 420F), spinach sauté with capsicum(tea spoon of veg oil, salt to taste) and fresh carrots. #easy and health lunch ideas!

 

Ps: me is becoming a great cook. Lol
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This isn't right.

I have changed a lot over the past few years.

I believe I became wiser and more matured, which are all signs of growing up old and which I always wanted. So, I should be be happy about it. But the other night, I realized I am way less happier than I was a couple of years ago. Well, as we lose our innocence and face the harsh realities of the real-world, it is tough to be happy. So not a big deal, right?

But a bit of introspection and I realized, the reason I was happy a couple of years ago was 'myself' and not the world. Which means, the reason I am not happy now is because of me and not the world.

It's easy to blame the people and world around me for the situation I am in right now. But the truth is, I have the power to control and change whatever situation I am in. Giving up this power is easy and though  I do not want to accept it, I gave up this power. I am the only one to be blamed for my unhappiness.

I have let my problems take a bigger spot in my mind, instead of letting the other valuable aspects of my life.

I need to focus on doing what is more important for myself in the long run and things that really matter than make a big issue of the short term problems I am facing right now.

Telling myself, 'I am going to be OKAY', isn't helping much, so from today I am going to tell myself that ' I am OKAY', and motivate myself to do what I need to do.

PS: hmmmmmmmm

Catching the Train...

It was dark and lonely. I was on my way to the railway station. I was carrying a hand bag with one hand and my baby with the other. I was out of breath and wanted to stop and take a deep breath, but one glimpse at my baby made me realize I had no time to waste. Every second was precious. I had to be at the railway station by now. I was walking as fast as I could.  I knew I was running late and was super worried that I might miss the train. Catching this train was important. 

I was frightened to even imagine the consequences of missing this train. By all means, I had to reach 'that place' by tomorrow morning. If I miss the train tonight, I would be devastated. If not for myself, I had to do this for this child's future that I was responsible for. With great determination, I kept walking and did not stop until I reached the railway station. 

***

On reaching the railway station, I saw that the train I had to board was ready to departure in a couple of minutes. I smiled big and was happy that I made it on time.

But my happiness lasted only a few seconds. I quickly learnt I needed to have a ticket to access the platform. It came as a shock to me since I had the tickets to board the train already which I thought was all I needed. I was afraid I would end up missing the train, even after reaching the station on time and even after having the tickets to board the train, just because I did not have the ticket that gave me access to use the platform. 

***

I hurried towards the ticket counter at the railway station to purchase the platform tickets. 

Every second was crucial. I could not afford to miss this train.

On reaching the ticket counter, I asked the cashier/whoever, 

'Could you please give me two platform tickets?'.

'20 rupees.' He said.

'I have $120. I do not have any Indian currency. I am already late. Could you please take this and give me the tickets. Please.' I requested him trying hard and barely successful in hiding my fear. 

'20 rupees. If not we can't give you the platform tickets.' He said in a very firm voice.

***

Realizing that there is no point in requesting the cashier, I wondered what I could do to purchase these tickets.

I endured much to be at this place at this moment and I could not give up the fight yet. I had no time to waste and thought hard for a moment.  On looking around and seeing so many people/passengers in the station, it occurred to me that at least one among them could help me out. Putting aside all my inhibitions and the feeling of embarrassment; I gripped my bag which seemed to be a lot more heavier than before and held my baby close to me in my arm and held $120 in one of my hand.

I asked everyone that I saw if they could give me 20 rupees and take the $ instead. No body was willing to help. I did not know why. The value of $120 that I was willing to give them was a couple of thousand times greater than the 20 rupees I asked them for return. Baffled and totally in despair, I took deep breaths that threatened to end up in sobs. 

***

I felt someones hand on my shoulder from behind. Alarmed, I turned around slowly to see who it was. 

'Here take it.' Said a stranger handing me a 20 rupee bill. 


I felt a heavy weight lifted off my heart. I instantly grabbed the 20 rupees that this guy was holding out for me and offered him the $120 in return.

'No need for that. Hurry up. You don't want to miss the train.' He said in a very calm voice.

***

I hurried towards the tickets counter and did not even remember if I thanked that stranger. I bought two platform tickets. I started running towards the platform where the train stood. 

I realized I was only a couple of seconds away from boarding the train. By morning I would be reaching the place where I could be safe and at peace. All the struggle I endured for the past few years was going to end in a couple of seconds. I was ecstatic and scared at the same time and ran towards the train. 

***

I was 10 steps away from the train, when I saw the train moving. I was scared at first but then I realized  it is not time yet for the train to departure. I had enough time to board. I was not going to miss it. I was about two steps away from the train when I realized the train picked up great speed. 

"It is not time yet to departure, it is going to stop. I can board." I told my self again and again. 

The train did not stop and my heart was racing. I started to run along with the train. If the train was not going to stop, I planned to get on a moving train. It's not safe but I had to do it, I told myself. I had to get on this train and I was going to, at any cost. 

But the train zoomed away, right in front of my eyes and in a couple of seconds it was out of my sight. 

***

I was overwhelmed. 

I was dumbfounded. 

I was in a state of disbelief.

I looked around and there was noone. I was all alone, with a baby in my arm and a heavy bag, in a place that was dark, gloomy and deserted.

I fell to the ground holding my baby tight.  It was devastating to miss the train even after so many efforts. It was my only chance. I need to be at that place by morning. I needed to do this for my child.  I cried out loud and could not stop and did not even wanted to stop crying. 

***

A couple of minutes later, like a flash I had an enlightenment that I could still catch the bus if I could hurry. I could catch the bus tonight and reach 'that place' by morning. 

I wiped my tears, held my baby in my arm and gripped the bag again. I needed to be at 'that place' and it did not matter how I reached the destination.

***

PS: 
1. This is not a story that I  made up. This is a dream that my mind made up as I was sleeping.

2. I woke up from my sleep telling myself, 'I can still catch the bus.' 

3. My brain works really hard to impress me when I am asleep by making up 'entertaining-drama-filled-adventurous' dreams.

4. Dream interpretation (at least according to me) :

bag = baggage = the burden of past mistakes
child = baby = one's dreams/goals
that place = final destination /place where one yearns and dreams to be at
train/bus = the journey we take to reach the destination 

5. I missed the train. I am catching the bus. 

Mushroom saute-sesame fried beans-garlic baked chicken

Mushroom Saute:

Ingredients: Mushrooms, onions, butter, salt, giner-garlic paste, cilantro, crushed red pepper(optional)
Method:
a. Heat a pan for a minute, add butter.
b. Add onions to heated butter, toss them for a minute.
c. Add mushrooms and ginger garlic paste and saute for two minutes.
d. Add salt to taste (red crushed pepper) and saute again for 3-5 minutes.
e. Switch off the stove and add cilantro.

Sesame fried beans: 

Ingredients: Beans, sesame, salt, vegetable oil
Method:
a. Heat the pan for a minute and add a table spoon of oil.
b. Add the beans and fry them for 5-8 minutes. Cover the pan with a lid and make sure to turn the beans every minutes or so.
c. Add salt to taste and sesame seeds. Saute the beans for minute or two.

Garlic chicken

Ingredients: roasted garlic & herb seasoning ,olive oil, cilantro, salt.

Method:
a. Add salt, olive oil and seasoning in a bowl and mix.
b. Add chicken to the above mixture and let it marinate for a hour. (Marination: Seal the chicken in an aluminium foil and place it aside).
c. Set the oven temperature to 420 Fahrenheit and place the chicken for 20-30 minutes (or until done.)
d. Garnish with cilantro.

PS: These are all recipes that I made up on my own. I can't promise they taste good/great/amazing. Since I am taking efforts to remember how I cooked and note down the recipe in my blog for future reference, it implies these are recipes worth trying. :~D

A music album in the making.

Me, Sru and mom talking on phone.

Me: mom. You know I love Sru.....?

Mom: silent

(15 seconds later) Me: right?

Mom: umm...yes.(in her very feeble tone)

Me: I have decided to dedicate an album to Sru cause I love her so much.

Sru: (rolling eyes and probably wishing this is all a nightmare)

Mom: that's a good idea. 

Me: yes! Will you donate one song in my album for my sister?

Mom: what??????

Me: a music album for Sru.

Mom: OH NO.She is going to be dead. I thought you meant a photo album. 

Sru: heeheahaha. Tell her about what you were reading to me in the morning.

Me: I sang a song. That's called singing. 

Mom: (suddenly starts singing a very old song on sisters)

Me: Mommy. This album is for my sister not yours. And please use your own lyrics.

Mom: oh okay. (And starts singing a newly made up song)

Me: shhh...it's going to be a surprise to Sru. 

Mon: ok ok! I already got a good idea ...I shall work on it and write down the lyrics in a book. 

Me: cool! Ask daddy and Kali  if they too want to donate a song in my album for sru. 

Sru: [gives that 'o my gosh...I have the dumbest sis ever look' but I think she is secretly happy with all my efforts to make her happy... ;-)]

Ps: I love love love to irritate Sru in all ways possible. 

Sent from my iPhone

Saudade

I was browsing for a wallpaper with the term saudade in it and I couldn't find. So guess what! I took a couple of photos myself. Yay! Me is awesome right. :) 

Yup. When I don't find what I am looking for I will end up creating it myself. cool right? 

Love,
Archana

Everyday Conversations Part: 1+ something

Sru and I go to K-mart to buy vegetable oil. 

After an hour or so, we reach our car with  vegetable oil and a cart of other(not really on our ' things we need list').

Me: I can't believe we spent $xyz for vegetable oil.
Sru: Yes. We did and I am broke.

Me: :( Shall we return some of the stuff since we are broke.
Sru: (gives me 'the look' as usual)

10 seconds of silence later....

Me: I am serious.
Sru: Yes! That's a good idea. And I shall return 'you' too, to K-mart.
Me: Oh! No. That would make you a billionaire.
Sru: What??
Me: If you return me to K-mart that's the amount they would pay you back. Since I am a few billions $ worth. (with that proud and confident and I am always right look )
Sru: HUH. I am just scared my bank account would go into negative balance if I return you to them.

Me: (shut's the mouth and tries to be silent for a while so as to change the topic.)
Sru: hehahaha.
Me: (gives the I am not listening  hence I don't care look.)

*******************

Tall Dwarfs vs. Short Giants

Me: Sru, do you think we are short people?

Sru: hmmm...we are short. But there are people shorter than us.

Me: Just answer in one word... Yes or No.

Sru: YES.

Me: Well, I think we are just really tall dwarfs, living in a world mostly occupied by really short giants. :~)

Sru: :-|

*******************

Not a Dumbo 

Me: Can I ask you something? (in a tone that equals puppy eyes)

Sru: (nods a yes...which South East Asians only can understand)

Me: You think I am quiet a dumbo sometimes, right?

Sru: (nods a yes...this time quite vigorously)

Me: hmmm...I was thinking all night yesterday and it occurred to me that...Most smart people in this world are dumb. People like Einstein and all great scientists...they are absent minded and sort of dumb some times. So, it just means, I am very smart and that's the reason you find me dumb sometimes.

Sru: (shakes her head in disbelief) 

Me: :) Do you think I am right?

Sru: (nods a no...again this is something which South East Asians only can understand)

*******************

Lesson I learnt! (A free advice for you)

'To be in a healthy relationship with self and the motivation to be the best one can' -the most valuable lesson (which is usually) taught by an ex.

Breaks up don't happen to make you miserable. They happen for a reason ...a good reason! 

#a message  from the 'present me' to the 'ex me'/ anyone in need. 

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Happy me !

The freedom to pursue the desires of heart and goals of mind, gives a power from with in. The power to create a positive state of mind, that let's one be happy and a bit less scared of the unknown future.

We are all given the freedom to follow our hearts.  But some of us do not even attempt to use it and instead assume our happiness lies at the mercy of others. It doesn't. 

When we follow our hearts, we end up being genuinely happy, irrespective of the failures/disappointments we face. 

PS: 
1. 'My duty is to my heart.' -Quote from the Move Mulan.

2. Wish the 25 year old me had told this to the 22 year old me. 

Raspberry-banana smoothie!

Recipe: One frozen banana + one cup of frozen raspberries + one cup of unsweetened almond milk + one spoon (or two ;) ) honey and blend it together! 

Banana is a good source of potassium, dietary fibre, manganese and vitamins B6 & C with great benefits for the heart!

Raspberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, fibre, vitamin K, omega 3 fats, copper, vitamin E, potassium and folate with anti cancer benefits! 

Honey prevents heart disease and cancer, is anti bacterial, anti fungal, reduces ulcers, is a probiotic and more!

Almond Milk is rich in calcium and boosts bone health and also has lesser calories than cow milk. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and is heart healthy.

Tastes sweet and banana-ish with a slight texture of crunchiness! 

Ps: I am becoming an expert smoothie maker! 

Sources: Internet

Kavya learns to be wise and matured (& arrogant)

A couple of days ago, I got an email from one of the many hundreds of jobs I applied. For a change, it was a positive message, saying 'You are qualified for this position. Let's schedule a 30 minutes phone interview in which we shall discuss about the skills needed for the position.' 

Happy and hopeful I felt though I was 99.9% aware that 'my visa' requirements would nullify all and any skill that I possess. But since there is no harm in being hopeful, I was all prepared and excited for the interview which went as below.

Mr.Hr: Hello. My name blah blah.

Me: Hello! This is blah blah

Mr. Hr: Is it 9 am there.

Me: Yes. (Thinking to myself ...it's 9.05 am and you are 5 minutes late.)

Mr. Hr: where is centerville?

Me: it's close to Indianapolis blah blah blah. (Wondering if I should tell him the latitude and longitude.)

Mr.Hr: Since how long have you been in USA?

Me: blah blah ( :/ Thinking to self ..I know where this is going.) 

Mr.Hr: What type of visa do you have ? Do you have a permanent visa. Blah blah 

Me: No. I would need visa sponsorship in the future.

Mr. Hr: Well. We don't do that for this position. H1 visa may or may not be approved so blah blah.

Me: well that's okay.

Mr. Hr: Sorry blah blah.

Me:  Thanks for your time. ( sounding nice and short? when in reality I wanted to tell him that---->

The probability of someone you hire with a permanent visa/whatever, to die in an accident or quit the job in near future is greater than the probability of my H1 visa being rejected in the future. Also, the probability of you finding somebody who is genuinely interested in this particular job as I am, is quite low. No. I am not boasting but I need this job not for the pay check or whatever benefits it offers but for the work itself. So it's your loss and I am sorry for it.) 

Sru: hey! Done with interview?

Me: Yes. It lasted 3 minutes. :-|

Sru: Don't lose heart. They can't help it.

Me: :-/

A couple of seconds later.

Me: This is such a bummer. I feel like an MTV bakra. (A FOOL.)

Sru: hmm

Me: Anyways. Their loss. :-/

2 minutes later....

I get another mail from Mr.Hr. The usual kind of mail saying, 'Since we got a huge number of highly qualified applicants, we are not considering your application' blah blah blah.

Though I understand a HR manager has a billion things to do and I don't expect them to be nice and sweet in their rejection messages. I felt his message was RUDE. My skills are qualified for a position but one stupid question about visa and My skills are no longer qualified??  I mean he could have stated the obvious reason which is  'hey girl! You are born in the wrong part of the world. And we strongly believe where you are born decides your ability to do the work. We don't give a damn about the hard work you do or the knowledge you possess. So, don't bother applying ever again.'  Frankly I would have felt a thousand times better if he had sent no message at all , instead of sending me a message that I know was copied and pasted.

No. I am no way sad for not being selected for the interview. I would never be happy working for a company that hires people based on where they were born instead of their skills.  

Sent from my iPhone

Kavya gives a ted talk

Sru: hey butterfly...get out of my house.
Me: What? That's not a butterfly. It is a housefly.

Sru: hmmm...
Me: The house fly must be offended now. You should not call a housefly a butterfly when it is to be called a housefly since it is a housefly.

Sru: (rolls eyes and continues ignoring my Ted talk*)

a couple of hundreds of seconds later...

Me: Oh no! It is not a  housefly. It is just a FAT Mosquito. Hahahaha.

Sru: (doing her stuff and continues to ignore me)

PS: I hope I did not offend the mosquito by calling it fat. 

*TED TALK: Talking about ideas that are worth spreading. 

True that