Though I have crossed the threshold of 30 long ago, I thought: why not list a few blessings standing on the verge of growing older by an year soon.....
So, here's my list:
1. I don't have to utter: Single and ready to mingle (thank God for that...but I never did say these words all these years either!!!)
2. Loving my economic independance and using it according to my own sweet will...be it purchase things, seeing a movie, taking short breaks to go on a trip.....yes, I no longer need permission (my parents, though, won't agree)
3. Seeing a movie even if the world dislikes it.
4. Being courageous enough to go for a wardrobe overhaul (happened a few years back when I tried my first jeans, loved it and now I just prefer the pants than the pyjamas.....though convention still rules @ social do's and formal occasions)
5. Eating whatever I wish to, calories be damned
Well, that's all I can think of now. Would post some other if someting new comes to my mind. Till then, I'm in the ranks of those people who sing merrily: Life begins @ 40
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Adda
This word in the local parlance means a world to us, the Bengalis. Though to make it simpler for other non-speakers of the language understand it, it's translated into gupshup or relaxed conversation about anything under the sun, nothing can truly bear the essence of the original word:Adda, one of the favorite pastimes of the young and the old.
Though there are no documented evidences of how adda originated, many believe that it came into existence during the period when zamindari system was present in Bengal. It were these rich zamindars (landlords) who loved to kill time in idle gossip, surrounded by their moshabes or sycophants. Later, the intellectuals patronized adda sessions. In fact, several literary magazines and works were the results of brainstorming sessions at these addas.
Coming to the present age, though spacious malls, multiplexes and restaurants have replaced the roadside tea stall, courtyard or the verandah as the adda-spot, one place in Kolkata still holds its fort and its nostalgic aura: the Coffee House on the College Street.
Before winding up, a small thing or two: For the fairer sex, adda is a no-holds barred session where every moment is lapped up (provided it's a girls only adda coz with boys around, some rules like topics that can and can't be discussed come into play....getting into murkier waters is a strict no-no then). For the males, it's usually 4 things (that's my belief): Cricket, Politics, Work and Women.
So, what's your take on adda? Remember to share it with me.
Though there are no documented evidences of how adda originated, many believe that it came into existence during the period when zamindari system was present in Bengal. It were these rich zamindars (landlords) who loved to kill time in idle gossip, surrounded by their moshabes or sycophants. Later, the intellectuals patronized adda sessions. In fact, several literary magazines and works were the results of brainstorming sessions at these addas.
Coming to the present age, though spacious malls, multiplexes and restaurants have replaced the roadside tea stall, courtyard or the verandah as the adda-spot, one place in Kolkata still holds its fort and its nostalgic aura: the Coffee House on the College Street.
Before winding up, a small thing or two: For the fairer sex, adda is a no-holds barred session where every moment is lapped up (provided it's a girls only adda coz with boys around, some rules like topics that can and can't be discussed come into play....getting into murkier waters is a strict no-no then). For the males, it's usually 4 things (that's my belief): Cricket, Politics, Work and Women.
So, what's your take on adda? Remember to share it with me.
Live healthy, say no to smoking
Smoking is dangerous: that's such a known fact, repeated the umpteenth time that perhaps the seriousness has also died.....considering these words no longer hold any weight or dread amongst those who just can't resist their puff. So, I thought it wise to mention today's one of the front page story of The Telegraph (Kolkata edition) that tells: Smoke and lose 10 years, referring to the fact that adult smokers live 6 to 10 years less than their non-smoking counterparts. I just hope that my friends who can't still give up on their love of tobacco will become wise after reading this and give a serious thought to quit.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Chinese New Year
Today, I witnessed the festivity of the local Chinese people (from my office balcony) who took out a colorful procession to usher in the new year, the year of the rat. I saw the dragon dance from close quarters for the first time. I regret not having a camera with me at that that point of time or else I could have captured some beautiful moments of the celebration. Overall, it was a nice experience, albeit of a hatke type.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Shopping-a magnificent therapy
Cynics often call shopping a useless thing and look down upon those, especially women, who love to go on a shopping spree. But I wonder if anyone has ever given a thought to how useful a therpay this could turn out to be!!!
In fact, I love embarking on a shopping spree (window shopping for most of the time) whenever I feel low and it gives me a tremendous boost. I think that it's time to do away with the stigma attached to shopping and give shopping the credit, which it rightly deserves to get.
In fact, I love embarking on a shopping spree (window shopping for most of the time) whenever I feel low and it gives me a tremendous boost. I think that it's time to do away with the stigma attached to shopping and give shopping the credit, which it rightly deserves to get.
Love @ Office
Actor Joy Mukherjee sang in the 1970's: Love in Tokyo...... netizens now have rephrased the dialog as: Love @ Office
A recent survey has found that gone are those days when love blossomed in a park, cinema hall etc. Cupid now has a new place to strike: that's the new-age office where employees spend 12-14 hours everyday, if not more. So, no wonder that these people don't have the time to socialize or find a date. It's quite natural, then, to exercise the most viable option, of finding love in the office premises.....keeping your fingers crossed to find atleast someone (if not more) who are not yet in a steady relationship. In fact, the term office-spouse or office-husband has become a common word in the present scenario.
A recent survey has found that gone are those days when love blossomed in a park, cinema hall etc. Cupid now has a new place to strike: that's the new-age office where employees spend 12-14 hours everyday, if not more. So, no wonder that these people don't have the time to socialize or find a date. It's quite natural, then, to exercise the most viable option, of finding love in the office premises.....keeping your fingers crossed to find atleast someone (if not more) who are not yet in a steady relationship. In fact, the term office-spouse or office-husband has become a common word in the present scenario.
Quarrel more, live longer
Yes, this is true. According to a recent survey, it was found that couples who had high pitched quarrels (noise decimal limit be damned!!!) lived longer than their counterparts who sulked silently without airing their grievances loud and clear.
So, all those who love to shout their lungs out to prove a point, continue to do so with gutso and should anyone criticise you, remember to tell them this scientific funda of a long life!!!
So, all those who love to shout their lungs out to prove a point, continue to do so with gutso and should anyone criticise you, remember to tell them this scientific funda of a long life!!!
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