C and I enjoy travelling. The initial preparation of scouring the internet for places to see, best time to visit, where to stay, where to eat, languages spoken - I get a thrill doing that.
Everytime C has to visit a different country, I prepare this quick guide of sorts that (I hope) helps him. Once he had to make this quick 2 day trip to Seoul and I gave him a small sheet with important sentences/phrases translated in Korean. He found it very useful and in fact used it at a Pizza joint to make sure they served him veggie food :-)
Travelling to different cities, I think provides a very good lesson and also helps us broaden our minds. You learn so much, right from art of packing, booking tickets, foreign exchange, culture, food, behaviour.. the list is endless.
I read a nice quote somewhere - 'If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home'. How apt is that?
I think C&I are fairly reasonable travellers. The only constraint that we face occasionally is food, vegetarian food that is. But nowadays there are Subways everywhere and till date we have not found a subway without their standard 'Veggie Delite'.
Travelling has taught us how to pack only the essential, how to survive on meager resources, made us relish different cuisines and made us appreciate what we have in our own country.
Now, it has been long since we travelled. I am really itching to make a short trip to some nice place. Get on a train or bus or whatever, feel the breeze on my face, go trekking, visit a temple, anything would do.
While we were in Gurgaon, we managed to visit a few wonderful hill stations. Right after our wedding, we went to Manali. Then over the next three years or so, went to Nainital (just the two of us), Shimla (with B-I-L), Mussorie (with M-I-L) and Jaipur. Well, we've actually been to the pink city four times! The two of us, with parents, with in-laws and with C's office mates. And enjoyed it every single time.
I actually had a blog (travelogue of sorts) which, I am ashamed to say, deleted in a fit of rage! I really want to write it all down again so that I can read it and reminisce years later. But I would need C's help... I have quite forgotten the details.
So, what are the places to visit as a weekend getaway? I heard Yelagiri is the most happening place right now. I would love to visit Yercaud too. How about Coorg? Will 3 days suffice? What about Pondicherry? What is there to see apart from the Ashram? Any hidden treasures on the way? So many questions... I will have to go back to the WWW for some answers. But is there someone who can give some tips? Please do leave your comments if you have some something nice to share.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Happy Deepawali
Wish you all a very Happy Deepawali.
We had a wonderful time this past weekend and on Monday, celebrating this joyous festival with immediate family. The last 4 years, Diwali used to be the time we took a quick vacation and flew down to Chennai from Gurgaon, spend 2 days at my parents home, 2 days with the in-laws and get back to work at Gurgaon. Pooh! the vacation was always hurried and never seemed like a holiday. With the seasonal rains and all the travelling, we used to feel so exhausted.
This time around, it was much more relaxed. We did our typical last-minute but 5 minute shopping! Went to Pondy Bazaar and picked up T-shirts for Dad, F-I-L, B-I-L, Brother and Hubby. All from a single shop. Hopped next door to another shop to pick myself a Salwar-Kameez. On the way back, bought 2 little earrings for Mom and M-I-L and our Diwali shopping was complete. All of 15 minutes max! :-) And, despite the pollution risk, we indulged a bit and purchased some crackers as well.
Devouring those delicious home-made sweets and savouries, chatting endlessly, fun and laughter - it was truly a time well spent.
We had a wonderful time this past weekend and on Monday, celebrating this joyous festival with immediate family. The last 4 years, Diwali used to be the time we took a quick vacation and flew down to Chennai from Gurgaon, spend 2 days at my parents home, 2 days with the in-laws and get back to work at Gurgaon. Pooh! the vacation was always hurried and never seemed like a holiday. With the seasonal rains and all the travelling, we used to feel so exhausted.
This time around, it was much more relaxed. We did our typical last-minute but 5 minute shopping! Went to Pondy Bazaar and picked up T-shirts for Dad, F-I-L, B-I-L, Brother and Hubby. All from a single shop. Hopped next door to another shop to pick myself a Salwar-Kameez. On the way back, bought 2 little earrings for Mom and M-I-L and our Diwali shopping was complete. All of 15 minutes max! :-) And, despite the pollution risk, we indulged a bit and purchased some crackers as well.
Devouring those delicious home-made sweets and savouries, chatting endlessly, fun and laughter - it was truly a time well spent.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Cleanliness next to... What was that?
Travelling to office has become an ordeal owing to various reasons. MAD traffic and the pollution, horrible roads with numerous pot holes, broken dividers, precariously hanging lamp and electric posts, hoardings, larger-than-life posters of politicians, 'film stars' - the list is endless!
People have simply lost the basic sense of cleanliness. Civic sense is zilch! Spitting where ever they please, throwing all sorts of garbage and of course for converting roads into the largest loo!
I shudder to think of the obnoxious gases that I inhale everyday. Fuel emissions, sewer fumes, malodour from rotting garbage and the retch-inducing urine stench. Yuck! Yuck!! Yuck!!!
I cringe when people make disparaging remarks about our country and compare it unfavourably with the US (mostly the US, it is always the US! LOL!). But then, they only say what they see and what is true. How much can you defend when you know for yourself the pathetic state the country seems to have gone!
Last week, an electric pole near our house caught fire. It was burning very heavily and despite numerous phone calls, no one came to put out the fire. When someone called to the fire service department, he was asked to call the Electricity dept. They in turn directed him to complain to the Chennai corporation! Finally, the residents got buckets filled with mud and after several attempts put out the fire. But, unable to reach the upper part of the pole, it was still smouldering!
No authority came that night. What if it had been a full-fledged fire accident? There were numerous cars and other vehicles parked, electric and telephone cables were hanging dangerously close. What if it had been a little slum area with thatched houses??
I am totally frustrated with this 'system'. Whatever that may mean. What is happening to all the tax money that we pay religiously? No, really, where exactly does it go? I understand cribbing doesn't get us anywhere and people need to be cautious, sensible and all that.. We can educate them on basic civic sense, we can teach them not to throw garbage, not to defile public places, not to spit where they will and not to drive like they own the road.
But doesn't the Government have a far more important role to play? Why can't they lay proper roads, close those damn manholes, build some public toilets, empty those overflowing trash bins, clear the drain and sewerage pipes to prevent water-logging.
I thought these are just basic things that ensures smooth running of a city. But I guess, not. The people at power seem more interested in things that happen in neighbouring cities, states and country!
Earnest appeal, please keep your house in order before poking your nose elsewhere.
People have simply lost the basic sense of cleanliness. Civic sense is zilch! Spitting where ever they please, throwing all sorts of garbage and of course for converting roads into the largest loo!
I shudder to think of the obnoxious gases that I inhale everyday. Fuel emissions, sewer fumes, malodour from rotting garbage and the retch-inducing urine stench. Yuck! Yuck!! Yuck!!!
I cringe when people make disparaging remarks about our country and compare it unfavourably with the US (mostly the US, it is always the US! LOL!). But then, they only say what they see and what is true. How much can you defend when you know for yourself the pathetic state the country seems to have gone!
Last week, an electric pole near our house caught fire. It was burning very heavily and despite numerous phone calls, no one came to put out the fire. When someone called to the fire service department, he was asked to call the Electricity dept. They in turn directed him to complain to the Chennai corporation! Finally, the residents got buckets filled with mud and after several attempts put out the fire. But, unable to reach the upper part of the pole, it was still smouldering!
No authority came that night. What if it had been a full-fledged fire accident? There were numerous cars and other vehicles parked, electric and telephone cables were hanging dangerously close. What if it had been a little slum area with thatched houses??
I am totally frustrated with this 'system'. Whatever that may mean. What is happening to all the tax money that we pay religiously? No, really, where exactly does it go? I understand cribbing doesn't get us anywhere and people need to be cautious, sensible and all that.. We can educate them on basic civic sense, we can teach them not to throw garbage, not to defile public places, not to spit where they will and not to drive like they own the road.
But doesn't the Government have a far more important role to play? Why can't they lay proper roads, close those damn manholes, build some public toilets, empty those overflowing trash bins, clear the drain and sewerage pipes to prevent water-logging.
I thought these are just basic things that ensures smooth running of a city. But I guess, not. The people at power seem more interested in things that happen in neighbouring cities, states and country!
Earnest appeal, please keep your house in order before poking your nose elsewhere.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Go Green!
At the risk of sounding boastful, I have to say, I really am a very simple person :-) My needs are very few and I don't have any craving for those fancy gadgets or typical accessories that most women long for.
While browsing thro' some blogs, I read some people tend to have 1 or 2 cupboard(!) full of shoes, hand bags, sunglasses, cosmetics... Hm, well, maybe I am a bit boring that way, but I really don't like to accumulate things that I won't be using much.
Infact, I have precisely one hand bag. I just love it and the best part is that it is just a medium sized one, but can hold an entire grocery bag. I keep wallets, mobile phones, sun glasses, assorted medicines (like disprin, the Vicks inhaler - oh am so addicted to it!), some documents and papers, a small comb, 1 or 2 hair bands/clips, 1 or 2 pens, keys. Apart from all these, I can easily pack a set of clothes in it!
And, I have 2 pairs of sneakers. A simple Reebok shoe and a baggy green Woodland shoe - my real splurge, I love it. And, one pair of regular wear sandals! It sounds a bit pathetic, maybe, I should buy another one...
And I am not into cosmetics and the like. I have my Nivea talc that I dab rarely. There is one Revlon nail enamel that my brother-in-law got for me, almost a year back. Nothing else. I like to keep my hair short, so no fancy things there, and I don't make-up, so nothing there as well.
Maybe am an aberration of sorts!
And coming to clothes - I have suddenly developed this urge to dispose off clothes that we haven't worn in like a year! They are all in very good condition, not worn out or faded. Infact, just before we moved from Gurgaon, we gave 2 huge bagful of clothes to Goonj. (please visit http://www.goonj.org for further details on what they do and how you can help).
Only when we do the exercise of moving to a different house, do we realize the amount of things that has accumulated over the years. Books, Clothes, Assorted papers (bills, temporary prescriptions, ATM slips, photocopies of numerous documents), Greeting cards [not recent ones, those from eons ago, kept for sentimental reasons :-)], some assorted photos (again a few of those printed - before the Digital camera hit us), gadgets (assorted bluetooth devices, some IR devices, wires and cords of different size & shapes, many many small clocks - those with alarm, calendar and such functions, innumerable CDs - some of which am sure will not play any more)
Phew! even just listing these here tires me out.
We felt very guilty seeing the amount of paper that we have used thus far. Seriously, numerous photocopies of passport, marriage certficate, pan card, driving license, ration card, credit cards and what not! Add to that piles of printouts (official and otherwise - articles, reports and other stuff) - Just the two of us must have wiped out about 1000 trees I think. We have now decided to consciously cut out on plastic and paper. Take a cloth bag to grocery shop and DO NOT print anything which we can do without. (PDFs, reports, atm slips etc). Just two simple rules to follow, to begin with.
Maybe I digressed a bit. But the recent move showed us the amount of junk we could easily do without.
So, that's one of the reasons I am really desisting from buying 'new clothes' for Diwali. Well, there is quite some 'pressure' to buy atleast a simple home wear kind of dress - but I feel quite disinterested right now.
So, what's the point of the post ?[as if every post of mine has one ;-)]
1. Save Trees. Use less paper. Avoid plastic.
2. Am a very simple person, really :-)
While browsing thro' some blogs, I read some people tend to have 1 or 2 cupboard(!) full of shoes, hand bags, sunglasses, cosmetics... Hm, well, maybe I am a bit boring that way, but I really don't like to accumulate things that I won't be using much.
Infact, I have precisely one hand bag. I just love it and the best part is that it is just a medium sized one, but can hold an entire grocery bag. I keep wallets, mobile phones, sun glasses, assorted medicines (like disprin, the Vicks inhaler - oh am so addicted to it!), some documents and papers, a small comb, 1 or 2 hair bands/clips, 1 or 2 pens, keys. Apart from all these, I can easily pack a set of clothes in it!
And, I have 2 pairs of sneakers. A simple Reebok shoe and a baggy green Woodland shoe - my real splurge, I love it. And, one pair of regular wear sandals! It sounds a bit pathetic, maybe, I should buy another one...
And I am not into cosmetics and the like. I have my Nivea talc that I dab rarely. There is one Revlon nail enamel that my brother-in-law got for me, almost a year back. Nothing else. I like to keep my hair short, so no fancy things there, and I don't make-up, so nothing there as well.
Maybe am an aberration of sorts!
And coming to clothes - I have suddenly developed this urge to dispose off clothes that we haven't worn in like a year! They are all in very good condition, not worn out or faded. Infact, just before we moved from Gurgaon, we gave 2 huge bagful of clothes to Goonj. (please visit http://www.goonj.org for further details on what they do and how you can help).
Only when we do the exercise of moving to a different house, do we realize the amount of things that has accumulated over the years. Books, Clothes, Assorted papers (bills, temporary prescriptions, ATM slips, photocopies of numerous documents), Greeting cards [not recent ones, those from eons ago, kept for sentimental reasons :-)], some assorted photos (again a few of those printed - before the Digital camera hit us), gadgets (assorted bluetooth devices, some IR devices, wires and cords of different size & shapes, many many small clocks - those with alarm, calendar and such functions, innumerable CDs - some of which am sure will not play any more)
Phew! even just listing these here tires me out.
We felt very guilty seeing the amount of paper that we have used thus far. Seriously, numerous photocopies of passport, marriage certficate, pan card, driving license, ration card, credit cards and what not! Add to that piles of printouts (official and otherwise - articles, reports and other stuff) - Just the two of us must have wiped out about 1000 trees I think. We have now decided to consciously cut out on plastic and paper. Take a cloth bag to grocery shop and DO NOT print anything which we can do without. (PDFs, reports, atm slips etc). Just two simple rules to follow, to begin with.
Maybe I digressed a bit. But the recent move showed us the amount of junk we could easily do without.
So, that's one of the reasons I am really desisting from buying 'new clothes' for Diwali. Well, there is quite some 'pressure' to buy atleast a simple home wear kind of dress - but I feel quite disinterested right now.
So, what's the point of the post ?[as if every post of mine has one ;-)]
1. Save Trees. Use less paper. Avoid plastic.
2. Am a very simple person, really :-)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Our Lost Baby
Over the last couple of years I have been reading a lot of blogs. No, make it 'A LOT OF BLOGS'. I am not sure where or when it started, but then one blog led to another and I now have my 'favourite' menu extended by a mile! Most of them are what they call 'Mommy Blogs' . Well, some of the call themselves Bloggers who are mommas. But the point I am trying to tell you is,
"I have been reading a lot of blogs on Moms and kids." Hm, I could have said that in the beginning...
Anyway.
So, as can be expected, my maternal instincts were slowly kindled. C and I started talking more about kids and life like that. So, despite our heavy workload and such like, we tried.. ahem.
In January this year, I conceived. What thrill, shock, and fear it was, that moment when I noticed that pink line on the pregnancy indicator stick! It was a Friday. C was away at work and I was home. I called him and told him straight- am pregnant! C was like - ah, super, really? how (??), when (haha) and a hundred different things.
Once he reached home, we (rather, I) did another of those checks and there it was! The pink line. I should mention that we were in the US at that time on some business visit. Well, C was on business and I took a long vacation and went with him (solely for the purpose I have been talking about).
Now, the US of A has a different type of medical system. I am not going into the details as I do not completely understand it yet. But suffice to say, it left us baffled. No doctors on weekends. No walk-in appointments like we have here. Heck, we couldn't even find a hospital that was functioning on a weekend! After scouring the internet and some frantic calls, we finally found a OBGYN. A male Indian doctor.
We visited him the following day and he did the internal and asked a few questions on how the spotting was (I had experienced some spotting and was scared to bits) and other stuff like that. He said he wanted some basic blood tests done to confirm the pregnancy. Fine. We got it done the same day and collected reports next week and the pregnancy was confirmed! I was like 4 weeks. After another week, we called parents and informed them. You all can again, imagine the thrill they would have felt.
Actually, sometime in June 2007, C and I underwent a regular health check up. Everything was fine, except that the Gynaec suspected me to be a PCOS candidate! I felt quite shattered. So, googled up PCOS and tried to learn what it meant. Was put on a medication. So, when I saw the pink line, you can very well imagine the state of my mind.
After another month's stay in the US, we returned back to India in March. The day after we landed, I fell ill. A temperature of 104 F for 2 days. Terrible cough and cold. Took 9 paracetamol tablets. The largest I have taken till date within a span of 3 days! Mom came over to help us. With the fever subsided, I resumed my work in office. Everything seemed normal. Did the ultra sound and saw Jr. with folded hands and tiny little legs. Played holi for the first time. C joined a guitar class. He wanted to be ready with songs to play for Jr. Ate such a feast everyday... Mom pampered me every bit. News was out to other relatives. I was 16 weeks when Mom headed back to Chennai.
At 4 in the afternoon, the next day, I had a very light spotting again. I don't know why, but I called the doctor immediately. She asked me to go to the hospital immediately. I was not very bothered and thought why is she scaring me! I called C and told him. He came home by 6 and we were in the hospital by 6.30. The resident doctor checked me and could see heavy bleeding. The specialist doctor was informed and they agreed to do an emergency ultra sound.
The radiologist and resident doctor saw something and then I heard the word 'Inevitable'! C and I were shattered. What's inevitable? What's happened? I don't feel any pain. I don't feel even a slight cramp. Nothing whatsoever. I refuse to believe them. I think they are unqualified and are making a mistake. I try to get up and am told to lie down. 'You have to get admitted. We will be wheeled into the room. Don't get up'. Things happened very fast after that. C was asked to sign forms, pay fees, get medicines, injections. I was asked to change clothes, injection was administered and was there lying on the bed, numb.
The doctor came in and checked me and gave us the news. 'Most of the sac is out'. What sac? Where is it? Why is it out? Can't you push it in? I don't feel any pain. I tell her a thousand things. Meanwhile C has informed my parents.
I was asked to lie down with my legs raised. C and I spent the night in the hospital. The first for us. I am administerd lot of medicines, IV's , injections. The next morning Mom cathces a flight and arrives by afternoon. Some more ultra sounds... same status. The sac is out they say. But the foetal heart beat... is fine...
3 days I am down with my legs raised. And the sac doesn't get in. The doctor asks us what we want to do. She says it would have been a miracle if the sac went in... but it just doesn't seem likely any more!
"I have been reading a lot of blogs on Moms and kids." Hm, I could have said that in the beginning...
Anyway.
So, as can be expected, my maternal instincts were slowly kindled. C and I started talking more about kids and life like that. So, despite our heavy workload and such like, we tried.. ahem.
In January this year, I conceived. What thrill, shock, and fear it was, that moment when I noticed that pink line on the pregnancy indicator stick! It was a Friday. C was away at work and I was home. I called him and told him straight- am pregnant! C was like - ah, super, really? how (??), when (haha) and a hundred different things.
Once he reached home, we (rather, I) did another of those checks and there it was! The pink line. I should mention that we were in the US at that time on some business visit. Well, C was on business and I took a long vacation and went with him (solely for the purpose I have been talking about).
Now, the US of A has a different type of medical system. I am not going into the details as I do not completely understand it yet. But suffice to say, it left us baffled. No doctors on weekends. No walk-in appointments like we have here. Heck, we couldn't even find a hospital that was functioning on a weekend! After scouring the internet and some frantic calls, we finally found a OBGYN. A male Indian doctor.
We visited him the following day and he did the internal and asked a few questions on how the spotting was (I had experienced some spotting and was scared to bits) and other stuff like that. He said he wanted some basic blood tests done to confirm the pregnancy. Fine. We got it done the same day and collected reports next week and the pregnancy was confirmed! I was like 4 weeks. After another week, we called parents and informed them. You all can again, imagine the thrill they would have felt.
Actually, sometime in June 2007, C and I underwent a regular health check up. Everything was fine, except that the Gynaec suspected me to be a PCOS candidate! I felt quite shattered. So, googled up PCOS and tried to learn what it meant. Was put on a medication. So, when I saw the pink line, you can very well imagine the state of my mind.
After another month's stay in the US, we returned back to India in March. The day after we landed, I fell ill. A temperature of 104 F for 2 days. Terrible cough and cold. Took 9 paracetamol tablets. The largest I have taken till date within a span of 3 days! Mom came over to help us. With the fever subsided, I resumed my work in office. Everything seemed normal. Did the ultra sound and saw Jr. with folded hands and tiny little legs. Played holi for the first time. C joined a guitar class. He wanted to be ready with songs to play for Jr. Ate such a feast everyday... Mom pampered me every bit. News was out to other relatives. I was 16 weeks when Mom headed back to Chennai.
At 4 in the afternoon, the next day, I had a very light spotting again. I don't know why, but I called the doctor immediately. She asked me to go to the hospital immediately. I was not very bothered and thought why is she scaring me! I called C and told him. He came home by 6 and we were in the hospital by 6.30. The resident doctor checked me and could see heavy bleeding. The specialist doctor was informed and they agreed to do an emergency ultra sound.
The radiologist and resident doctor saw something and then I heard the word 'Inevitable'! C and I were shattered. What's inevitable? What's happened? I don't feel any pain. I don't feel even a slight cramp. Nothing whatsoever. I refuse to believe them. I think they are unqualified and are making a mistake. I try to get up and am told to lie down. 'You have to get admitted. We will be wheeled into the room. Don't get up'. Things happened very fast after that. C was asked to sign forms, pay fees, get medicines, injections. I was asked to change clothes, injection was administered and was there lying on the bed, numb.
The doctor came in and checked me and gave us the news. 'Most of the sac is out'. What sac? Where is it? Why is it out? Can't you push it in? I don't feel any pain. I tell her a thousand things. Meanwhile C has informed my parents.
I was asked to lie down with my legs raised. C and I spent the night in the hospital. The first for us. I am administerd lot of medicines, IV's , injections. The next morning Mom cathces a flight and arrives by afternoon. Some more ultra sounds... same status. The sac is out they say. But the foetal heart beat... is fine...
3 days I am down with my legs raised. And the sac doesn't get in. The doctor asks us what we want to do. She says it would have been a miracle if the sac went in... but it just doesn't seem likely any more!
We didn't know what to do... and the doctor understood our silence and asked the support staff to begin the process. I was given numerous medicines again... to empty my bowel, to relax my uterus, to generally get the foetus out. So, on that fateful day, around 11.30 or so, am wheeled into the OT. All I remember is feeling the oxygen mask and after that I knocked out.
After about 2 hours or so (maybe an hour later), I woke up and saw that I was alone, in a corner... I call out and a nurse come along. I ask her if I have been operated. She says yes. I ask her what baby was it? 'Don't worry about it Ma'am' she says... I ask again and she says 'Boy'. I closed my eyes and tears rolled down on either side of my face. After another half hour or so, I was slowly taken back to the room... I see my mom and C.. Both of them have cried a lot. I could see. I was still reeling under the effect of anesthesia. When I close my eyes, Mom and C wept and when I opened my eyes they tried to comfort me... after spending that night in hospital, we return home the next day.
I won't elaborate much on what we did after that. Each tried to put on a strong exterior not show emotions but underneath each one of us were crying a thousand times! After about a week or so, C told me he had to actually sign a form...that basically asked for his authorization to dispose off the foetus! C and Mom had also seen the baby...
My heart aches to type this. But why am I doing this? For one, it is cathartic. And secondly, it is a pity that all the so called bible of pregnancy books do not mention about miscarriages and other complications adequately. So, I hope this account of mine will make other mothers-to-be cautious. I do not want to frighten them, but want them to be aware of things that can go wrong. We still do not know what caused my miscarriage. The doctor can only speculate. She said there are still so many 'unknowns' in pregnancy and in the field of medicine. Was it the 'metformin' that I took for PCOS? Was it the spotting in early stages? Was it the high fever with cough and cold? Was it because of some mild lifting that I did? What was it because of ....?
All that we can say is, if the pregnancy has to stay, it stays. And if the body decides it has to go, it goes.
It has been more than 5 months now and we still cry over the baby that could have been. It hits us at unexpected times. While we go for walks, while watching TV, while C is driving, or when we eat... it is just a numb feeling that grips us and makes us feel so weak. But what we went through and the baby has taught us a lot of things. Courage, Faith, Never-say-die attitude (the baby never for once lost the heartbeat...he was a fighter to the core!), Empathy, Endurance and so much more.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Household stuff for Chennai
A lame heading.. I know. But in case you have moved to Chennai recently, here are some websites and telephone numbers that you may find useful
PCI - Pest Control of India
Website: www.pcilindia.com
Telephone: 044 - 4301 2434
Personal Experience: We had a contract with PCI in Gurgaon (for 3 services a year). We had 2 services done in Gurgaon and before we could take the final one, we moved to Chennai. Upon calling them here, they were quite prompt in their service and completed the third one in the new house in Chennai.
LG Service Center
Telephone: 044 - 39 01 0909
Personal Experience: Again, very prompt service. But make sure to get the service fee clarified while calling them up for installation request. We were told it would cost about Rs.250 to install the AC. And in case there is a need for manual labour (like buying wood, sawing it for required length, fixing etc) then we have to pay Rs.600. We had all the wooden panels and other miscellaneous items (like the nuts, screws etc) ready. All he had to do was fix two small pieces of wood on either side and the A/C fitted in perfectly. But still the guy demanded Rs.600! Not sure why.. as he didn't have to buy wood or do any kind of heavy work. Since I was in office and hubby was away travelling, my parents were taking care of it.. and I didn't want to argue with him on phone. My dad, who was watching him do the work said that the next time onwards we can do this stuff ourselves. It apparently is that simple. Anyway, I was just glad it got done pronto!
Insect Screens (Netlon)
Telephone: 044-24726687
Experience: Seems very professional. They quoted Rs.25/sq.ft for Saint Gobain screens. They have other screens for lesser rates, but the quality too deteriorates with the price. Expecting to get it fixed tomorrow. Will post an update on how it goes.
Aquaguard
Telephone: 044 - 39 88 3333
Head office: 044 - 65517566
Experience: Worst of the lot. Have called up 18 times so far! No response. We have a complaint number and everytime we call them, we are assured of service the same day. This has been the case for the last 2 weeks! No one has bothered to call us even! We are planning to speak to the head office today. If we don't get a response from them as well, we are seriously thinking of going to their office and dump the machine with them and demand our money back. If they don't budge, we won't hesitate to take them to the Consumer court!! Believe me, their service (if at all we can call that) IS really THAT bad.
We are also in the process of getting our car re-registered.. will do a post on that separately.
Okie, let me get on the phone and see if I can catch those Aquaguard guys!
UPDATE: (on 26th Sept)
After another 5 or 6 calls, managed to get hold of a guy who does the installation/plumbing work. SO, finally we have got the Reverse osmosis system installed. Phew! Try googling Chennai, Aquaguard, Eureka and you can see the number of complaints people have filed. Am sooo tempted to give the mobile number of the guy who came and installed it for us.. he did a good job. But am not sure if it's ethical to do that. So, in case you are in Chennai and need to install any Aquaguard product, please leave a comment and I can email you the phone number.
PCI - Pest Control of India
Website: www.pcilindia.com
Telephone: 044 - 4301 2434
Personal Experience: We had a contract with PCI in Gurgaon (for 3 services a year). We had 2 services done in Gurgaon and before we could take the final one, we moved to Chennai. Upon calling them here, they were quite prompt in their service and completed the third one in the new house in Chennai.
LG Service Center
Telephone: 044 - 39 01 0909
Personal Experience: Again, very prompt service. But make sure to get the service fee clarified while calling them up for installation request. We were told it would cost about Rs.250 to install the AC. And in case there is a need for manual labour (like buying wood, sawing it for required length, fixing etc) then we have to pay Rs.600. We had all the wooden panels and other miscellaneous items (like the nuts, screws etc) ready. All he had to do was fix two small pieces of wood on either side and the A/C fitted in perfectly. But still the guy demanded Rs.600! Not sure why.. as he didn't have to buy wood or do any kind of heavy work. Since I was in office and hubby was away travelling, my parents were taking care of it.. and I didn't want to argue with him on phone. My dad, who was watching him do the work said that the next time onwards we can do this stuff ourselves. It apparently is that simple. Anyway, I was just glad it got done pronto!
Insect Screens (Netlon)
Telephone: 044-24726687
Experience: Seems very professional. They quoted Rs.25/sq.ft for Saint Gobain screens. They have other screens for lesser rates, but the quality too deteriorates with the price. Expecting to get it fixed tomorrow. Will post an update on how it goes.
Aquaguard
Telephone: 044 - 39 88 3333
Head office: 044 - 65517566
Experience: Worst of the lot. Have called up 18 times so far! No response. We have a complaint number and everytime we call them, we are assured of service the same day. This has been the case for the last 2 weeks! No one has bothered to call us even! We are planning to speak to the head office today. If we don't get a response from them as well, we are seriously thinking of going to their office and dump the machine with them and demand our money back. If they don't budge, we won't hesitate to take them to the Consumer court!! Believe me, their service (if at all we can call that) IS really THAT bad.
We are also in the process of getting our car re-registered.. will do a post on that separately.
Okie, let me get on the phone and see if I can catch those Aquaguard guys!
UPDATE: (on 26th Sept)
After another 5 or 6 calls, managed to get hold of a guy who does the installation/plumbing work. SO, finally we have got the Reverse osmosis system installed. Phew! Try googling Chennai, Aquaguard, Eureka and you can see the number of complaints people have filed. Am sooo tempted to give the mobile number of the guy who came and installed it for us.. he did a good job. But am not sure if it's ethical to do that. So, in case you are in Chennai and need to install any Aquaguard product, please leave a comment and I can email you the phone number.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Weekend Notes I
One of the things that make us happy with Chennai is the beach and sea.
We woke up early Saturday and decided impromptu to drive down to the beach. Isn't there something quite marvellous with the vast expanse of water? The best thing about visiting the ocean in the morning, I realised, is the absence of large, unmanageable crowds! It was not deserted, far from it. But it had just the right amount of crowd... people on their morning walks, exercise and the like.. a bunch of kids playing with the sand, a group of guys playing volleyball... a family of three playing tennicoit (what we call 'Ring'). It was such a pleasant sight. And not to forget the swooshing sound from the waves.. it was just so relaxing.
On Sunday, we decided to take parents along. We got ready even earlier, by 5.45 or so. But it was still a little dark and the clouds were looming large and soon it started raining. As Dad had a meeting to attend by 8, we resigned back thinking how valiant our efforts to get up that early went!
But by 6.30 or so, the rain stopped and we decided we 'have' to venture out, given all our efforts thus far. (Getting up at 5.30 on a Sunday IS a major effort!!) Dad and brother decided to stay back, so Hubby and I, bro-in-law and mom set out on two bikes. And true to the saying, more the merrier, this time the fun was doubled! Stepped on the water and had lot of fun clicking photos and laughing around. We had taken along a tennis ball and soon we started playing with it... generally challenging each other to throw it the highest, farthest and the like... After almost an hour or so, we rode back home.
After a light (or was it heavy?) breakfast of pasta that mom prepared lightning fast, we lounged around to watch some TV, around 10 or so. But soon, dozed off till noon.
We decided to go out for lunch and visited Osteria (in Deccan Plaza, Royapettah High Road). This one is a very nice Italian restaurant that serves only vegetarian cuisine! It was such a pleasant change to eat without constantly having to worry about suspicious looking ingredients! The restaurant was having a promotional offer going and we had a five course meal for Rs.250 each. It started with a Zuppa (soup, they had tomato for the day), Brushcetta, Insalata (Salad, Lettuce, Apples and Pears), Main course(Lasagne, Spirelli Pasta) and Desert (Fruit Tart).
The portions were large and it was great value for money. The main course alone costs Rs.360. We enquired with the chef and he told us that, they were specifically having this offer to promote Italian fare and to get people to try out the delicacy.
Do try out this place for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The service was prompt and the food was great as was the ambience.
That, was how our weekend was spent. A visit to the beach, a fun lunch, a even more fulfilling family get together in the evening.
We woke up early Saturday and decided impromptu to drive down to the beach. Isn't there something quite marvellous with the vast expanse of water? The best thing about visiting the ocean in the morning, I realised, is the absence of large, unmanageable crowds! It was not deserted, far from it. But it had just the right amount of crowd... people on their morning walks, exercise and the like.. a bunch of kids playing with the sand, a group of guys playing volleyball... a family of three playing tennicoit (what we call 'Ring'). It was such a pleasant sight. And not to forget the swooshing sound from the waves.. it was just so relaxing.
On Sunday, we decided to take parents along. We got ready even earlier, by 5.45 or so. But it was still a little dark and the clouds were looming large and soon it started raining. As Dad had a meeting to attend by 8, we resigned back thinking how valiant our efforts to get up that early went!
But by 6.30 or so, the rain stopped and we decided we 'have' to venture out, given all our efforts thus far. (Getting up at 5.30 on a Sunday IS a major effort!!) Dad and brother decided to stay back, so Hubby and I, bro-in-law and mom set out on two bikes. And true to the saying, more the merrier, this time the fun was doubled! Stepped on the water and had lot of fun clicking photos and laughing around. We had taken along a tennis ball and soon we started playing with it... generally challenging each other to throw it the highest, farthest and the like... After almost an hour or so, we rode back home.
After a light (or was it heavy?) breakfast of pasta that mom prepared lightning fast, we lounged around to watch some TV, around 10 or so. But soon, dozed off till noon.
We decided to go out for lunch and visited Osteria (in Deccan Plaza, Royapettah High Road). This one is a very nice Italian restaurant that serves only vegetarian cuisine! It was such a pleasant change to eat without constantly having to worry about suspicious looking ingredients! The restaurant was having a promotional offer going and we had a five course meal for Rs.250 each. It started with a Zuppa (soup, they had tomato for the day), Brushcetta, Insalata (Salad, Lettuce, Apples and Pears), Main course(Lasagne, Spirelli Pasta) and Desert (Fruit Tart).
The portions were large and it was great value for money. The main course alone costs Rs.360. We enquired with the chef and he told us that, they were specifically having this offer to promote Italian fare and to get people to try out the delicacy.
Do try out this place for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The service was prompt and the food was great as was the ambience.
That, was how our weekend was spent. A visit to the beach, a fun lunch, a even more fulfilling family get together in the evening.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sweet memories
Just a quick note to cherish this memory forever
I am working from home today with a sore throat and cold. Mom got some smoldering coal and empty coconut shells in a vessel (called Kumti aduppu in Tamil - not sure if it has a name in English!) and made me inhale some turmeric-coffee powder-ajwain preparation and I felt such instant relief!
Then she went on to put some 'sambrani powder' and took it around and now the entire house is so fragrant.
There are times I get mad at my parents... but I hope I will also remember these sweet little things that they do.. without any kind of expectation...
I am working from home today with a sore throat and cold. Mom got some smoldering coal and empty coconut shells in a vessel (called Kumti aduppu in Tamil - not sure if it has a name in English!) and made me inhale some turmeric-coffee powder-ajwain preparation and I felt such instant relief!
Then she went on to put some 'sambrani powder' and took it around and now the entire house is so fragrant.
There are times I get mad at my parents... but I hope I will also remember these sweet little things that they do.. without any kind of expectation...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thogai Ilamayil... (The beautiful feathered peacock)
We arrived in Chennai last week of August and we are yet to 'settle' down completely. What with the hubby having to travel immediately. The packers arrived with all our stuff and it was a bit like christmas rediscovering all sorts of stuff that you already have :-) Anyway, haven't found any major damage so far and all looks good. There is still so much to do - like fixing the A/C, getting a pest control done, installing the water purifier and such. It has been such a hectic day today.. I had spoken to the Airtel guys to come and set up the Landline/DSL connection today and after 20 or more calls.. it still hasn't been done! It is just so frustrating at times like these... what is it that keeps them from doing it? I came into office early yesterday so that I could go home relatively sooner as they were supposed to come at 7PM. I am home and they are not. After 4-5 calls they assure me that they will get things done today (before noon.) As of now, it is still not done. With the husband away to a conference, I was feeling just so exhausted with all these!
Right from morning I was in such an irritable mood that I was ashamed of myself! Chatted with hubby on GG talk for a while and the level-headed wise one, made me feel much better. As the day progressed I felt calmer and relaxed. Post lunch I was suddenly feeling miserable again. This time the reasons were different though. I was reminded of those painful memories that happened almost 5 months back. That is when I decided to listen to some songs... I had to take my mind off those thoughts...
As I checked my music folder I came across this classic piece that I had not listened to till today and from them on it is on continuous loop!! SPB's voice together with that heart warming music.. it is just bliss!
Here are the lyrics...
thoagai ilamayil aadi varugudhu vaanil mazhai varumoa
koadhai ival vizhi nooru kavidhaigal naalum ezhudhidumoa
thaen sindhum naeram naan paadum raagam
kaatroadu kalyaanam seyginradhoa
(thoagai)
koalam poadum naanangal kaanaadha jaalam
idhazhgalilae pournami velichcham
kannil thullum thalangal aanandha meaelam
imaip paravai siragugal asaikkum
vizhigalilae kaadhal vizhaa nadaththugiraal saakunthalaa
annamum ivalidam nadai pazhagum
ival nadai asaivinil sangeetham undaagum
(thoagai)
bhoomi engum poondhoattam naan kaana vaendum
pudhuth thenralum pookkalil vasikkum
aagaaya maegangal neerootra vaendum
andha mazhaiyil malargalum kulikkum
aruvigaloa raagam tharum adhil nanaindhaaldhraagam varum
dhaevadhai vizhiyilae amudha alai
kanavugal valarththidum kalloorum un paarvai
Where was I all these years? Why hadn't I heard it before? Well, I see that this movie (Payangal Mudivathilai) released in 1982!! OK! That explains it. I was just 2 then. But why hadn't I heard it on radio/tv?? Am soo glad I got to hear this atleast now.
Right from morning I was in such an irritable mood that I was ashamed of myself! Chatted with hubby on GG talk for a while and the level-headed wise one, made me feel much better. As the day progressed I felt calmer and relaxed. Post lunch I was suddenly feeling miserable again. This time the reasons were different though. I was reminded of those painful memories that happened almost 5 months back. That is when I decided to listen to some songs... I had to take my mind off those thoughts...
As I checked my music folder I came across this classic piece that I had not listened to till today and from them on it is on continuous loop!! SPB's voice together with that heart warming music.. it is just bliss!
Here are the lyrics...
thoagai ilamayil aadi varugudhu vaanil mazhai varumoa
koadhai ival vizhi nooru kavidhaigal naalum ezhudhidumoa
thaen sindhum naeram naan paadum raagam
kaatroadu kalyaanam seyginradhoa
(thoagai)
koalam poadum naanangal kaanaadha jaalam
idhazhgalilae pournami velichcham
kannil thullum thalangal aanandha meaelam
imaip paravai siragugal asaikkum
vizhigalilae kaadhal vizhaa nadaththugiraal saakunthalaa
annamum ivalidam nadai pazhagum
ival nadai asaivinil sangeetham undaagum
(thoagai)
bhoomi engum poondhoattam naan kaana vaendum
pudhuth thenralum pookkalil vasikkum
aagaaya maegangal neerootra vaendum
andha mazhaiyil malargalum kulikkum
aruvigaloa raagam tharum adhil nanaindhaaldhraagam varum
dhaevadhai vizhiyilae amudha alai
kanavugal valarththidum kalloorum un paarvai
Where was I all these years? Why hadn't I heard it before? Well, I see that this movie (Payangal Mudivathilai) released in 1982!! OK! That explains it. I was just 2 then. But why hadn't I heard it on radio/tv?? Am soo glad I got to hear this atleast now.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Moving back home
After a little over 4 years, we are moving back to Chennai from Gurgaon. We are sure to carry the many memories that we have had here. Many are nice and some not so nice. This is the place where we started our 'married-life'. The place where we actually set up 'our' home. Though we were slightly bewildered initially with the mall-culture, this place sure has grown on us. This is the place from where we undertook all those mini vacations and weekend getaways. There are so many tiny details that am sure we will miss in Chennai. One thing is the apartment complex that we live in here. The 'almost' private park, shops within the complex, the bohemian lifestyle...
Then there are those not-so-nice memories..which I am not going to dwell into, maybe some other day.
So, why are we moving to Chennai? To set the context, I have to tell you that we had a choice to move to the US earlier this year. After almost finalizing on it, we abandoned the entire idea due to certain circumstances. Then, middle of this year, we got to know that my husband's office is planning to open a center in Chennai. Our decision was made then. Both our parents live there. We thought (and still think!) it would be good to go and spend time with them again.
It sure is going to be a huge change for us. Though it is the city where we were born and spend the initial 20 odd years... the city has changed so much recently and still maintains some of its complexities. Having parents so close is surely a comforting factor, but there still might be that extra little interference that we hope to avoid. Hope things settle smoothly.
There is some kind of heavy feeling in my heart. Is it apprehension ? anxiety? pain? Exhaustion? fear?, Guilt??
Surely a combination of everything. Anxious - that things should be smooth, Pain - thinking of those terrible memories, Exhausted - With all the moving/packing, fear - of over interference and ability to adjust, Guilt - because of harbouring those fears!
I really want to be in a happy frame of mind. Put the past behind and look positively towards the future.
I am not sure if you can comprehend what am trying to say, but writing all this down is helping me sort things out within my mind.
So, there, we look forward to starting our life in Chennai.
Then there are those not-so-nice memories..which I am not going to dwell into, maybe some other day.
So, why are we moving to Chennai? To set the context, I have to tell you that we had a choice to move to the US earlier this year. After almost finalizing on it, we abandoned the entire idea due to certain circumstances. Then, middle of this year, we got to know that my husband's office is planning to open a center in Chennai. Our decision was made then. Both our parents live there. We thought (and still think!) it would be good to go and spend time with them again.
It sure is going to be a huge change for us. Though it is the city where we were born and spend the initial 20 odd years... the city has changed so much recently and still maintains some of its complexities. Having parents so close is surely a comforting factor, but there still might be that extra little interference that we hope to avoid. Hope things settle smoothly.
There is some kind of heavy feeling in my heart. Is it apprehension ? anxiety? pain? Exhaustion? fear?, Guilt??
Surely a combination of everything. Anxious - that things should be smooth, Pain - thinking of those terrible memories, Exhausted - With all the moving/packing, fear - of over interference and ability to adjust, Guilt - because of harbouring those fears!
I really want to be in a happy frame of mind. Put the past behind and look positively towards the future.
I am not sure if you can comprehend what am trying to say, but writing all this down is helping me sort things out within my mind.
So, there, we look forward to starting our life in Chennai.
Friday, July 11, 2008
How many friends on Orkut?
When I first joined Orkut, it amazed me and I was as gullible as any new Social Networking user. List of friends, communities, photos, videos...wow wow wow...
But as with everything, as time passed, I have realised that it is just a tool that hurts my ego!
I have 44 'friends' in orkut. And zero scraps. This has been the status for...well a week now!
Why do people 'add' you as a friend if all they want to do is sit smugly and never even say a 'hi' ?
Should I go ahead and delete those from whom I haven't heard in like... 2 years? That would bring down the friends count by 30 or so! Out of the 14 odd people that will remain, 10 of them are... err.. relatives. i.,e people with whom I talk on G-talk, or phone. If I delete them as well, I maybe left with 2 or 3 real 'friends'. Hm. No, I will let them be. My heart aches to think I have only 3 pals out of 44! 14/44 doesn't sound as bad..but I still fail :-(
I was about to end the post on that sad note, but then I realised that I am much better off compared to others who boast of 476 friends! Wow. Is that even possible? I don't even 'know' 476 people in my entire life thus far! Who are they kidding?
But the even more compelling reason for me to be glad I found orkut is - I was able to find my long last school girl friend... after nearly 10 years.... and our conversation started just from where it ended then.
So, I pass :-)
But as with everything, as time passed, I have realised that it is just a tool that hurts my ego!
I have 44 'friends' in orkut. And zero scraps. This has been the status for...well a week now!
Why do people 'add' you as a friend if all they want to do is sit smugly and never even say a 'hi' ?
Should I go ahead and delete those from whom I haven't heard in like... 2 years? That would bring down the friends count by 30 or so! Out of the 14 odd people that will remain, 10 of them are... err.. relatives. i.,e people with whom I talk on G-talk, or phone. If I delete them as well, I maybe left with 2 or 3 real 'friends'. Hm. No, I will let them be. My heart aches to think I have only 3 pals out of 44! 14/44 doesn't sound as bad..but I still fail :-(
I was about to end the post on that sad note, but then I realised that I am much better off compared to others who boast of 476 friends! Wow. Is that even possible? I don't even 'know' 476 people in my entire life thus far! Who are they kidding?
But the even more compelling reason for me to be glad I found orkut is - I was able to find my long last school girl friend... after nearly 10 years.... and our conversation started just from where it ended then.
So, I pass :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
