In chennai,I used to wake up at 4.30AM during weekdays or at max 5-5.15AM(if I had returned home pretty late the previous night) and my friends used to be surprised that I dont fall asleep in office :D
Ok I had a purpose there , where I had to make some decent lunch and be awake when the servant maid comes (she gets up at 3.30am everyday which needs a separate blog on its own!!!)
And here I have no lunch boxes to pack nor wait for any maid servant,still I am awake at 6AM at max with nothing to do !!
But I so much love this morning hours when I can drink my coffee for almost half an hour with no hurry to catch a bus :)
Its pretty cold right these days and I am planning to go out during this morning hour once the winter disappears and spring starts :)
Even now I am writing this blog with a cup of coffee in my hand and the entire beautiful morning lies ahead of me!!! :-)
Showing posts with label I love my life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I love my life. Show all posts
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Getting ready for the most important day of your life!!!
Marriage is one of the most important occasions in his/her life and I just thought of blogging about what one generally needs to start planning/preparing or make a check list of and have it done before the main day.
Though I am not aware of the customs in the all the religions , I will try to make a generalized list of what is required in all the marriages,specifically from a girl's point of view :D
Generally there is a minimum of 4-6 months period from the engagement or formalization of marriage date which is pretty much sufficient if planned well.
1.The most important is the kalyana mandapam and though mostly the bride or groom will not go through the turmoil of calling every mandapam to check the availability ,this has to be finalized first after a visit to the mandapam.Generally the mandapam will undertake the responsibility for making the arrangement of registering the marriage.Just make sure that arrangements are made for this as the couple might be travelling abroad soon after the marriage for which the bride (rarely the groom :D) might have to acquire the visa.
2.Then comes the catering , which comes as a package deal these days with all other mandapam arrangements like decoration of the main area,arrangement of pooja items,even the jaanvasam car (if required in case of brahmin marriage),the "seervarisai" of all the sweets and murukku (even packed individually and arranged in the thaamboolam bags which are to be distributed among the people who come for the marriage).
Also ensure the invitations count and design are decided well in advance and delivered well before (atleast 30-45days before marriage) so that they can be planned to be posted,couriered or given in person and make sure that there is plenty of time for this.
3.This might not be the most important in general,but this is the most important from the bride s point of view----arrangement for the beautician.
Getting a good beautician's appointment has become as difficult as booking a mandapam and this has to be given equal priority so as to avoid last minute tensions!!
Try to arrange for a beautician whose work you have already seen or experienced so that you need not end up having surprises at the end.
Even if it is a popular beauty salon , try to get a particular beautician's appointment whom you are familiar with,if not have a trial makeup well ahead-its really worth!(Anyone who reads this blog requires a beautician please let me know as I will strongly vouch for mine anyday!!!)
4.Then comes the purchase of sarees.From my own experience,I would say please try to purchase simple sarees and get a grand one for the main occasion alone.
(My designer saree is sleeping in the box for the past 2.5yrs!!!)
Also these sarees require lot of maintenance and in this fast paced world we almost forget them unless your mother or mil takes care of it (as it is in my case :D)
5.In case of artwork in the blouses,they are a good choice but a costly one.
So depending on your budget try deciding upon the extent to which you want the blouses to be designed.
Mainly make sure the tailor is good by first giving a sample blouse after which start giving your main blouses.Try giving 2 blouses at a time as bulk stitching may leave you unhappy later!!!
A week before marriage make sure the blouses fit you properly as before , because the brides may lose weight due to their diet and exercise (so as to look good for the day) and also mainly because of the emotional stress that they go through thinking about the new phase of their life (experience speaks!!! :D)
6.Then comes the accessories(bangles,necklaces,earrings,etc) for the sarees which also has to be planned well ahead.
Dreams come true in chennai egmore,Narayana Pearls in Tnagar have never let me down.
7.If you are interested in having a "jadai" for your marriage , please make sure you personally choose the one you wish for because mostly the jadai has more of colored ropes and threads rather than flowers.
If you are not so keen on jadai there are plenty of options in the market (right from plain gold to kundan work and pearls) which looks even more gorgeous.
Again there are plenty of options if you roam around in tnagar and finally one gets confused with what to wear and what not to!!! :)
8.If you are allergic to any kind of creams or powder please make sure that the beautician is well aware of it.
9.Mostly the beautician will take care of the mehandi unless you are planning to have a grand mehandi ceremony for which again I can direct you to the right people if you wish for it.
10.Ensure you have all tiny things that you may require at the last moment right from safety pins to black threads.
11.Though the groom may not have as much shopping to do as the bride,please try to ensure that the reception dress gels well with the saree the bride has chosen.
12.If a honeymoon is planned immediately after the marriage,ensure that the transportation arrangements and accomodation is planned well ahead.
13.In case of joining the husband abroad as dependent, make sure you make the visa arrangements well ahead and get an appointment for the visa interview (required mostly) a couple of days after the marriage so that you are sure that you have the marriage certificate in hand (which is the most important).Also make sure you have informed your parents where you keep the documents because you might forget it in all the hoopla :D
14.Most important,keep smiling always :-)
I have made the above list based on my own experiences few are based upon close friends marriages and I hope you guys find it useful !!!
Though there might been circumstances when you may have hardly a month before the marriage (I have seen few instances of this recently) during which you may have to make all these arrangements within a short duration you can still make very good arrnagements as friends and relatives are ever ready to help the bride/groom and the parents :-)
Hope you have a memorable time getting ready for your big day!!!
Though I am not aware of the customs in the all the religions , I will try to make a generalized list of what is required in all the marriages,specifically from a girl's point of view :D
Generally there is a minimum of 4-6 months period from the engagement or formalization of marriage date which is pretty much sufficient if planned well.
1.The most important is the kalyana mandapam and though mostly the bride or groom will not go through the turmoil of calling every mandapam to check the availability ,this has to be finalized first after a visit to the mandapam.Generally the mandapam will undertake the responsibility for making the arrangement of registering the marriage.Just make sure that arrangements are made for this as the couple might be travelling abroad soon after the marriage for which the bride (rarely the groom :D) might have to acquire the visa.
2.Then comes the catering , which comes as a package deal these days with all other mandapam arrangements like decoration of the main area,arrangement of pooja items,even the jaanvasam car (if required in case of brahmin marriage),the "seervarisai" of all the sweets and murukku (even packed individually and arranged in the thaamboolam bags which are to be distributed among the people who come for the marriage).
Also ensure the invitations count and design are decided well in advance and delivered well before (atleast 30-45days before marriage) so that they can be planned to be posted,couriered or given in person and make sure that there is plenty of time for this.
3.This might not be the most important in general,but this is the most important from the bride s point of view----arrangement for the beautician.
Getting a good beautician's appointment has become as difficult as booking a mandapam and this has to be given equal priority so as to avoid last minute tensions!!
Try to arrange for a beautician whose work you have already seen or experienced so that you need not end up having surprises at the end.
Even if it is a popular beauty salon , try to get a particular beautician's appointment whom you are familiar with,if not have a trial makeup well ahead-its really worth!(Anyone who reads this blog requires a beautician please let me know as I will strongly vouch for mine anyday!!!)
4.Then comes the purchase of sarees.From my own experience,I would say please try to purchase simple sarees and get a grand one for the main occasion alone.
(My designer saree is sleeping in the box for the past 2.5yrs!!!)
Also these sarees require lot of maintenance and in this fast paced world we almost forget them unless your mother or mil takes care of it (as it is in my case :D)
5.In case of artwork in the blouses,they are a good choice but a costly one.
So depending on your budget try deciding upon the extent to which you want the blouses to be designed.
Mainly make sure the tailor is good by first giving a sample blouse after which start giving your main blouses.Try giving 2 blouses at a time as bulk stitching may leave you unhappy later!!!
A week before marriage make sure the blouses fit you properly as before , because the brides may lose weight due to their diet and exercise (so as to look good for the day) and also mainly because of the emotional stress that they go through thinking about the new phase of their life (experience speaks!!! :D)
6.Then comes the accessories(bangles,necklaces,earrings,etc) for the sarees which also has to be planned well ahead.
Dreams come true in chennai egmore,Narayana Pearls in Tnagar have never let me down.
7.If you are interested in having a "jadai" for your marriage , please make sure you personally choose the one you wish for because mostly the jadai has more of colored ropes and threads rather than flowers.
If you are not so keen on jadai there are plenty of options in the market (right from plain gold to kundan work and pearls) which looks even more gorgeous.
Again there are plenty of options if you roam around in tnagar and finally one gets confused with what to wear and what not to!!! :)
8.If you are allergic to any kind of creams or powder please make sure that the beautician is well aware of it.
9.Mostly the beautician will take care of the mehandi unless you are planning to have a grand mehandi ceremony for which again I can direct you to the right people if you wish for it.
10.Ensure you have all tiny things that you may require at the last moment right from safety pins to black threads.
11.Though the groom may not have as much shopping to do as the bride,please try to ensure that the reception dress gels well with the saree the bride has chosen.
12.If a honeymoon is planned immediately after the marriage,ensure that the transportation arrangements and accomodation is planned well ahead.
13.In case of joining the husband abroad as dependent, make sure you make the visa arrangements well ahead and get an appointment for the visa interview (required mostly) a couple of days after the marriage so that you are sure that you have the marriage certificate in hand (which is the most important).Also make sure you have informed your parents where you keep the documents because you might forget it in all the hoopla :D
14.Most important,keep smiling always :-)
I have made the above list based on my own experiences few are based upon close friends marriages and I hope you guys find it useful !!!
Though there might been circumstances when you may have hardly a month before the marriage (I have seen few instances of this recently) during which you may have to make all these arrangements within a short duration you can still make very good arrnagements as friends and relatives are ever ready to help the bride/groom and the parents :-)
Hope you have a memorable time getting ready for your big day!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Changes that marriage has brought in me
Before Sept 16th 2007
----------------------
Life used to be carefree.I used to be a happy go lucky gal roaming with my frnds, spending quality time with parents.No responsibilities at home also.Everything came to my place just when I ask for at home.Pampered spoiled brat I used to be :-)
Many might not believe,but Kausthu knows the transformation I have underwent (and its still happening).Right from making bed,to packing lunch ...very few days I used to do all this.Still,I was given atmost importance ,My opinions were highly respected and accepted (else I wouldnt ve married kausthu na :-) ).Everybody used to be surprised to see de way my dad used to pamper me in this age :-)
All this said,it does not been that I do not know my manners.I have been brought up well,know how to treat people and respect all...Thanks to my parents.
After Sept 16th 2007
---------------------
Before marriage I used to be so scared about my married life and how well I would adjust with all.
The transition was smooth...thanks to my in laws.They made me feel a home.In fact I am more pampered here :-)
Then in April 2008 we(myself & kausthu) shifted to our new place.
The very first thought of taking all the resposibilities scared us.
Ofcourse my inlaws are nearby and they will be there to help us out.Still right from preparing food before going to office till locking the doors properly...all needed additional attention!!!
Day one was tragic...Food didnt turn out prply..but kausthu was encouraging...
Then slowly a week went by and we got adapted to our new home.
We invited our parents for lunch and they were proud of us!!!
Months went by and we celebrated varalakhmi veradam,navarathiri at our new place.
Relatives were happy to see us as a responsible couple.
Certain things still go out of our way..Few months we spend very lavishly and then feel guilty for not making any savings for that month.
Still we are in the learning process.Both of us share the responsibilities and triffle fights might occur if one does not finish his/her work.
Married life is not so easy...Though ours was love marriage,we discovered more about each other's likes and dislikes only after marriage.
Every day is new and has lot of surprises in store.
I know this is just a day to day happening but I have not seen it written anywhere.
Its a nice feeling to write
----------------------
Life used to be carefree.I used to be a happy go lucky gal roaming with my frnds, spending quality time with parents.No responsibilities at home also.Everything came to my place just when I ask for at home.Pampered spoiled brat I used to be :-)
Many might not believe,but Kausthu knows the transformation I have underwent (and its still happening).Right from making bed,to packing lunch ...very few days I used to do all this.Still,I was given atmost importance ,My opinions were highly respected and accepted (else I wouldnt ve married kausthu na :-) ).Everybody used to be surprised to see de way my dad used to pamper me in this age :-)
All this said,it does not been that I do not know my manners.I have been brought up well,know how to treat people and respect all...Thanks to my parents.
After Sept 16th 2007
---------------------
Before marriage I used to be so scared about my married life and how well I would adjust with all.
The transition was smooth...thanks to my in laws.They made me feel a home.In fact I am more pampered here :-)
Then in April 2008 we(myself & kausthu) shifted to our new place.
The very first thought of taking all the resposibilities scared us.
Ofcourse my inlaws are nearby and they will be there to help us out.Still right from preparing food before going to office till locking the doors properly...all needed additional attention!!!
Day one was tragic...Food didnt turn out prply..but kausthu was encouraging...
Then slowly a week went by and we got adapted to our new home.
We invited our parents for lunch and they were proud of us!!!
Months went by and we celebrated varalakhmi veradam,navarathiri at our new place.
Relatives were happy to see us as a responsible couple.
Certain things still go out of our way..Few months we spend very lavishly and then feel guilty for not making any savings for that month.
Still we are in the learning process.Both of us share the responsibilities and triffle fights might occur if one does not finish his/her work.
Married life is not so easy...Though ours was love marriage,we discovered more about each other's likes and dislikes only after marriage.
Every day is new and has lot of surprises in store.
I know this is just a day to day happening but I have not seen it written anywhere.
Its a nice feeling to write
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Kausthu :-)
I was just thinking yest night why should I always keep cribbing in this blog.
Why not tell the world about the blessings that GOD has given in my life.
The title says it all...KAUSTHU
The name brings a smile in my face and I know that many of u who know him would also be feeling the same...
I wouldnt say our life(obviously myself and kausthu) is a page from fairy tale.
But I would prefer it to be this way rather than a fairy tale.
Everyday has its own sweetness and bitterness.
We may have triffle fights,but I am happy we always make it triffle. :-)
Kausthu is "cleanliness God".Till date, everyday ,I keep trying to keep the house as clean as possible.But one sunday he cleans the place and then I realise how dirty the place was .:-)
The way he judges ppl makes me dumbstruck.He makes everyone feel very comfortable,whatever age they maybe.I really feel his colleagues must
be really lucky.
To me,he s everything :-) .Temper is something we both need to control but its most of the times because of me that he gets angry.But that is just for a few mins.
For his age he s sooo matured or I would say in the past one year he has become more matured and responsible. :-)
Only after he entered into my life I forgot something called FEAR.
Whatever happens,I know that a call or sms to him(whether he replies is a different story ..hehe) would make me feel better :-)
Sometimes bfore marriage he used to ask what kind of guy I expected to get married to.
I never expected rather I never imagined that there will be a person like him..that too in this modern world.I dont mean that he is not a modern guy.
He is a blend of the current generation who respects our age old traditions and does his best to follow them.
Who would imagine that an IT guy who is freaking out at cinemas and restaurants would equally freak if vishnu sahasranamam is not chanted at home!!!
Very adjusting,supportive not only as a husband but also as a friend,colleague,son-in-law...what not!!
I do not even know if he would be reading all this as he s not a kind of person who loves to read.
But still I felt this blog deserves some happy words and hence I thought of writing abt the BEST in my life.
Signing off with a smile...:-)
Why not tell the world about the blessings that GOD has given in my life.
The title says it all...KAUSTHU
The name brings a smile in my face and I know that many of u who know him would also be feeling the same...
I wouldnt say our life(obviously myself and kausthu) is a page from fairy tale.
But I would prefer it to be this way rather than a fairy tale.
Everyday has its own sweetness and bitterness.
We may have triffle fights,but I am happy we always make it triffle. :-)
Kausthu is "cleanliness God".Till date, everyday ,I keep trying to keep the house as clean as possible.But one sunday he cleans the place and then I realise how dirty the place was .:-)
The way he judges ppl makes me dumbstruck.He makes everyone feel very comfortable,whatever age they maybe.I really feel his colleagues must
be really lucky.
To me,he s everything :-) .Temper is something we both need to control but its most of the times because of me that he gets angry.But that is just for a few mins.
For his age he s sooo matured or I would say in the past one year he has become more matured and responsible. :-)
Only after he entered into my life I forgot something called FEAR.
Whatever happens,I know that a call or sms to him(whether he replies is a different story ..hehe) would make me feel better :-)
Sometimes bfore marriage he used to ask what kind of guy I expected to get married to.
I never expected rather I never imagined that there will be a person like him..that too in this modern world.I dont mean that he is not a modern guy.
He is a blend of the current generation who respects our age old traditions and does his best to follow them.
Who would imagine that an IT guy who is freaking out at cinemas and restaurants would equally freak if vishnu sahasranamam is not chanted at home!!!
Very adjusting,supportive not only as a husband but also as a friend,colleague,son-in-law...what not!!
I do not even know if he would be reading all this as he s not a kind of person who loves to read.
But still I felt this blog deserves some happy words and hence I thought of writing abt the BEST in my life.
Signing off with a smile...:-)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
FRIENDS
Friends really make life beautiful!!!
I have already written about the BEST in my life.
But my life will not be complete without some people with whom I really cherish being with.
Bhavana,Mani,nivi,shalu...I cannot imagine a life without them.
Right from 8th std i know them,and from that day till date they know me inside out.
Recent times we have become very busy and we get to talk to each other rarely.
But still if there s something I have to talk to I know they ll always be dere for me and listen to all my non-stop talks anytime!!!
I still remember those days,when kausthu had proposed to me...These people where the ones to whom I used to keep sharing my feelings and they used to be very supportive throughout.
There are also some people to whom I may not be talking everyday but to whom I am very important.Ramana , dhanya ,remya are those people who are my well wishers and who give lot of importance to me .
Ramana for instance has never forgotten any important day in my life and has been a constant well wisher who is concerned a lot about my well being.
He never forgets to tell me any important incident or happening in his life.Whether I talk to him regularly or not I have complete update about him.
Dhanya and Remya have been with me throughout my college and its so much fun to be wid them.
Then,since last year I have wonderful friends at office with whom I feel that I am still in my college.This space will not be enuf to mention all their names..sabi(my frnd since college),ram,sriram,k7,madhu,kaushalya...the list goes on.
One reason why I wouldnt miss my work is these people.I feel so bored to stay at home without their non stop talks.How much ever they keep pulling my legs,only that keeps me stay energetic throughout my office hours.Although they may keep pulling my legs they would really be very concerned when I have any problem be it at work or at home and would really make sure that I am fine.They keep all crap nicknames which sometimes is so buggin but only I know how much I laugh even when I am alone thinking about all that :-)
God has really been adding more friends and well wishers to my life and my recent very close friend is Rahul.He is more a big brother to me and Kausthu s best frnd.A person who gives us atmost importance of all the people he knows.(well..vice versa is also true!)
I really bug him everyday with all my little things and he patiently listens to everything,whatever crap they maybe :-).Just little over a year since we started talking but I never feel so.
I just pray to GOD that myself and Kausthu are always in constant touch with these people forever in our life.That would be the most wonderful blessing we have!!!
I have already written about the BEST in my life.
But my life will not be complete without some people with whom I really cherish being with.
Bhavana,Mani,nivi,shalu...I cannot imagine a life without them.
Right from 8th std i know them,and from that day till date they know me inside out.
Recent times we have become very busy and we get to talk to each other rarely.
But still if there s something I have to talk to I know they ll always be dere for me and listen to all my non-stop talks anytime!!!
I still remember those days,when kausthu had proposed to me...These people where the ones to whom I used to keep sharing my feelings and they used to be very supportive throughout.
There are also some people to whom I may not be talking everyday but to whom I am very important.Ramana , dhanya ,remya are those people who are my well wishers and who give lot of importance to me .
Ramana for instance has never forgotten any important day in my life and has been a constant well wisher who is concerned a lot about my well being.
He never forgets to tell me any important incident or happening in his life.Whether I talk to him regularly or not I have complete update about him.
Dhanya and Remya have been with me throughout my college and its so much fun to be wid them.
Then,since last year I have wonderful friends at office with whom I feel that I am still in my college.This space will not be enuf to mention all their names..sabi(my frnd since college),ram,sriram,k7,madhu,kaushalya...the list goes on.
One reason why I wouldnt miss my work is these people.I feel so bored to stay at home without their non stop talks.How much ever they keep pulling my legs,only that keeps me stay energetic throughout my office hours.Although they may keep pulling my legs they would really be very concerned when I have any problem be it at work or at home and would really make sure that I am fine.They keep all crap nicknames which sometimes is so buggin but only I know how much I laugh even when I am alone thinking about all that :-)
God has really been adding more friends and well wishers to my life and my recent very close friend is Rahul.He is more a big brother to me and Kausthu s best frnd.A person who gives us atmost importance of all the people he knows.(well..vice versa is also true!)
I really bug him everyday with all my little things and he patiently listens to everything,whatever crap they maybe :-).Just little over a year since we started talking but I never feel so.
I just pray to GOD that myself and Kausthu are always in constant touch with these people forever in our life.That would be the most wonderful blessing we have!!!
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