Off to Maine

We are going on a 6 hr drive to Maine Friday evening.

To do what??
We are rafting Penobscot river in Maine. One of our friends S has put in lot of effort for this trip and finally 8 of us have decided to go ahead and do it.

We wil reach Maine friday night.Do some gupshup. Saturday morning we head for rafting.
I am quite excited but on the other hand have lot of jitters inside me,becoz of my real bad experiences with water.The first time I remember when I was in Sea Cadets Corps,Vizag.I was in my 9th grade.One of the seniors insisted on taking us for a sailing trip.I didnt know swimming at that time. 4 of us set in the sailing boat .The start was good but in a few minutes there was a heavy wind and the boat overturned all 4 of us.The bad part was I wasnt wearing a life jacket.I was in neck deep,swallowed few gulps. Lost my shoes.Panicked!! Fear of losing my life !!Luckily I tried swimming to the shore.Here comes the worst part.There were some rocks on the seabed.Not plain.Sharp.Pointed.Rocky,Jagged,I think they were sea shells.They pierced into my feet.My toes,feet were completely hurt.I didnt know how I managed to go home.Without shoes!! Once home I was in bedrest for a week.

Hopefully this time I enjoy my rafting experience.Here is my list I and Toto packed for rafting.
Speedo Waverunner shoes
Polyester Pants/Tights

Sunscreen

Extra pair of Shorts/pants

Waterproof cameras

Travel Kit,GPS.

Let me know incase I missed something fellow bloggers.

Kill your Screensavers

Source :

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/forecastearth/49/you-don-t-still-use-a-screen-saver-do-you.html

I'm happy that at this stage in my career I often find myself writing articles about energy-efficient ways to use computers, peripherals, gadgets, and consumer electronics. It makes me feel so, you know, virtuous.
Whenever I crank out a list of helpful hints, one of the first items I include is this obvious but often overlooked gem of advice: Kill your stupid screen saver. In the good old days of tube monitors, screen savers such as those unforgettable flying toasters were invented to prevent burn-in, a permanent shadow branded into the phosphors of your monitor by a static image of, say, a spreadsheet that you left on your screen all weekend.
Well, flat-screen LCD monitors don't burn in, so if you still have flying toasters or an endlessly looping slide show of your adorable niece and nephew, you're behind the times. When you're not sitting in front of your monitor it should be off off off.
It warmed my heart to read at Green Daily that Telstra, the biggest phone company in Australia, has removed all the corporate screen savers from the 36,000 computers in its offices. What will happen? The change will cut tons of CO2, which they claim will be the equivalent of taking 140 cars off the road for a year. Good on ya, mate. Follow Telstra's example. Let your flying toasters crash and burn.

The Expansionist Meme

Reema tagged me on this.

Please thoughtfully consider the following, and choose one item for each of the categories below. (Be sure to describe your reasons for choosing)

One religious work from a non-familiar tradition you’ll read:
Quran. I am curious to know why everything abt it is so controversial.


One music video–that you like–from your “least likely to listen to’ genre:
Songs from Morning Raaga.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvmyPqXsAk4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0NIWMFE0EQ&feature=related
I am not a big fan of classical music,but I liked these songs.

A book from a genre you almost never read, that you have read, or you will read (promise!):
Computer related books!! I dont even know the names.So it wil take some time to promise :-)

Somewhere you’d never thought to go on holiday/vacation, and why it might be fun to go there?South America- Due to my addiction to Watch travel channel especially Samantha Brown and Anthony Bourdain-No Reservations)

A specific food you’ve never tried, but will because of this meme, honest!:
I have never tried Lobster,but will try.

A sport or game you really hate, or haven’t tried yet, but are willing to give one more go:
I haven't tried mud football,But I would love to try just for the fun:-)

A style of dance you probably won’t try (we won’t make you promise on this one):
Bharatnatyam,Kuchipudi,Kathakali-I cant be so expressive with eyes.

A career job you don’t feel you’re suited for, and why:
Programmer-I am not so good at logical thinking

An item that’s “thinking out of the box’ for this meme that hadn’t been included:
What is it that you will dare to wear which you have never worn before?
(This question has been suggested by Nita to the people she tagged)
Wear a bikini like a Victoria Secret Model :-)

It’s there’s one thing in life you wanted to do, and will do because of this meme, what will it be?"Will do"? Is it a promise?
Visit South America.Yep.

Will tag Swathi, Naren, Vaibhav, Pinky and Shivani.

I am, What I am

I am: Very friendly,outgoing person.

I think: Outside the Bun.

I know: Toto more than anyone.

I want: to be a great human being.

I have: a good heart.

I wish: I get a job.

I hate: hypocrisy, control freaks.

I miss: my mom,saathvi,my family,cousins/friends in India.

I fear:losing Toto.

I feel: energetic

I hear: Music.

I smell: like Johnsons Baby Powder ( Toto says so)

I crave: spicy Indian food,my moms cooking

I search: google

I wonder:How I would be as a person after 30 yrs.

I regret: not being able to study more.

I love: toto and my family

I ache: for my mom.

I care: for ppl who care abt me.

I am not:what people think I really am.

I believe: in destiny.

I dance: like a maniac.

I sing:classical music,anything which has a catchy tune

I cry:during depression/feeling insecure

I don’t always: trust people.

I fight: when ppl disrespect my marriage/Toto.

I write: simple,short and sweet.

I win: if i put some effort and hardwork.

I lose: when I am disinterested.

I never: lie,bluff,cheat.

I always: love babies.

I confuse: 20 and 60 ,in telugu (is it aravai or iravai)

I listen: to my heart.

I can usually be found:in front of my laptop.

I am scared: of stress,tensions.

I need: a puppy.

I am happy about:Myself and Toto

Anybody Interested can take up this tag.

Go Green

Whenever we had a party at home, Toto and me had this bad habit of using too much of disposable paper plates and throwing them in the trash .Save the Planet .

But how many of us do try to implement them in regular life??One of my dear friend, S gave us the idea of recycling and told us how our future generation can benefit from it. For all my readers, I thought this would be a really gud thought to share.

5 steps to start going green

1. Bag It
Today: When you go out shopping, bring your own reusable bags. This preserves resources by cutting down on the huge number of paper and plastic bags that are discarded after a single trip.
Tomorrow: Combine your routine shopping trips with other errands, which will save you time and fuel.

2. Save on Electricity
There are many ways to trim those electric bills. Wash your laundry in cold water instead of hot, line dry your linens, and use a toaster oven for small heating needs instead of a bigger electric stove. Open windows to let the light in, turn off unneeded lights and appliances, and unplug unused electronics to counter the 'energy vampire' effect.

3. Save on Gas
Every gallon of gasoline you burn produces 19 pounds of carbon dioxide, so it pays to conserve (in more ways than one). Your car will work more efficiently if you obey the speed limit and avoid rapid, unnecessary acceleration. Keep your tires properly inflated and get regular tune-ups. Forget warming up under most conditions.

4. Shop a Farmer
Today: Shop at your local farmers' market. This will help support farmers in your area, so they won't be forced to sell off their land for development, and it will decrease your food miles, meaning less fuel will be used to provide your daily meals. Your food will be delicious and better for you.
Tomorrow: Eat as much local and seasonal food as you reasonably can. Your meals will be fresher, and will require much less fuel to transport, store and refrigerate.

5. Water Smarts
Today: Drink water from the tap, instead of buying single-use bottled water, which requires much more energy to produce, store and transport. Barely 20% of those plastic bottles end up getting recycled, and most are made out of petroleum. Use filters if you are concerned about your local water supply.
Tomorrow: Buy a reusable bottle to take with you on the go, so you can always refill it from a tap and avoid buying bottled water. Stainless steel is a good choice, because you don't have to worry about the potentially toxic chemicals that can leach out of many plastics over time.

This is just the beginning !!

Totos Birthday Weekend

I was pretty much caught up last week cleaning the house,vacuuming.

Saturday morning was bright and sunny.It was perfect.Temperatures hit a 90 . As soon as Toto hit the gym,I blew the balloons for the evening.I already got him a Cars balloon and he was kind of excited :-) .Toto is basically a very shy person.

We lazed around afternoon and started cooking after lunch. Made the veggie cutlets and plantain bajjis for 10-12 ppl.Got the cake around 5 p.m.Made the salad /raita and the veg pulao,chole and gobi fry.Menu included ButterBeans curry from our friend Apple, Falafel frm B,dhokla frm Mrs.P ,and spring rolls frm S,chutneys,a bottle of champagne. Cocktails too. A food mela!!. We Played Newly wed game. It was fun.Chek out toto's car cake :-).He was thrilled of having a car cake ( which usually kids do get for their bdays).Party went on till 1 a.m with the little ones watching Tarzan and some dozing off. It was a cool party on the whole.

Sunday Morning,I couldnt open my eyes till 10 a.m. Toto was supposed to go for cricket with the guyz,but it was too late.We decided to go to the beach,possibly Gloucester,but we decided on taking a shorter trip.We headed off to Quincy to check on the Haymarket too.It wasnt open yet.Temperature was high. It was so hot. We walked along the Quincy Market place. Had refreshing lemonade.

There was a sale at the Yankee candle Store.We purchased few scented candles and Beach Signs Double Hanging Wax Potpourri Warmer and the beach gal in the tub for Mrs.Pappu. Pics attached.The Gud news is Mrs.Pappu is having a baby gal.I will be flying to Seattle on Aug 6th to visit them.

We walked towards the Backbay,watched the boats,cruises,the jellyfish .We tried doing some experimental photo shoot. Few kids played music.Street entertainers attracting the crowd despite the hot sun.A cop pulled over a taxi for passing a signal. Celtics fans put on their blazing green tees.There were Kids hanging out near the fountains.Laughing and playing.We were totally dehydrated and came home by 6 p.m.

We Watched Sarkar Raj online.A gud RGV comeback,better than his recent ones. Dont expect much if you thinking of watching at the theater. Mixture of twists and tales.

Totally a gud weekend.

Swathis tag

1) LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATRE?
Iron Man

2) WHAT BOOK ARE U READING??
Executive power- Vince Flynn

3) FAVOURITE BOARD GAME?
Scrabble

4) FAVOURITE MAGAZINE?
Womens era ,Tinkle Comics

5) FAVOURITE SMELLS?
First smell of the mud when it rains, boot polish :-)

6)FAVOURITE SOUNDS?
Suncatchers with wind chimes,ofcourse babys laugh.

7) WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?
Guilty Conscious,

8) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE?
I want coffeeeeee

9) FAVOURITE FASTFOOD PLACE?
Hotbreads

10) FUTURE CHILDS NAME?
If its a gal,RiaIf its a boy Aryan.

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT---'IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I'D'
travel,educate myself more,a Malibu home ,fast driving cars for Toto.

12) DO U DRIVE FAST?
Nope

13)DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
yes, with Toto

14)STORMS--COOL OR SCARY?
Scary

15)WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
I never owned my own car.

16) FAVOURITE DRINK?
Long Island Iced Tea, Malibu Breeze.

17)FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD.
Only time !! I need a job and some money ppl.

18)DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?
Nope.

19)IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
I have burgundy on my hair now.Any other color I wud try PINK (its my fav)

20)NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN?
Chennai, Vizag, Greenville (Southcarolina), Boston

21) FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Basketball,Tennis,Cricket at times.

22)ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
She is sweet :-)

23)WHATS UNDER YOUR BED?
Carpeted floor.

24)WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN??
Yes

25)MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
I am flexible.I can wake up early or sleep late.

26)OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
Sunny side

27) FAVOURITE PLACE TO RELAX?
Home on the couch if its indoors,Outdoors I would love Capecod.

28)FAVOURITE PIE?
Pineapple flavored pastry cake

29)FAVOURITE ICECREAM FLAVOUR?
Vanilla

30)OF ALL THE PEOPLE U HAVE TAGGED, WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST.
I wouldnt want to waste their time,but if anyone wants to try,they sure can. Enjoy the tag and know urself more.

I have been tagged

Tagged by Swathi

The rules:
Pick up the nearest book.
Open to page 123.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the next three sentences.
Tag five people, and acknowledge the person who tagged you

this is the nearest book I could find..."New Jersey travel Guide 2008"
Sea Isle City.
Sports and Recreation .
Star Fish Party Boat, 42nd Place and the Bay 609-263-3800. Nature and Sunset cruises, private charters.

Five People I tagged Apple, Pinky, Madhu ,Naren .
Thats it,no fifth person :-((

For all Veggie Lovers :-)

Check out these amazing veggie cutlets with mashed potatos.carrots and peas.Mix with All Purpose Flour (maida) and coat it with bread flour.

Its a treat for all veggie lovers. Anybody needs the recipe.Let me know.

Maine Pyar Kiya

Whenever Toto would ask me who is my fav hero,I would say Salman Khan and he would be gritting his teeth and say chee,that guy,blah,blah but when I checked the morning rediff news and saw he had his own blog. Was Quite Happy!!. The media was already hyping it up. Why make a big deal of it??

I couldnt stop myself from writing this post after reading his blog http://duskadum.blogspot.com/2008/06/day-8-10-ka-dum.html. Well, he is doing his TV Show Dus Ka Dum. I am not a big fan of him, but I remember he was the first hero on whom I had a crush on.That was when "Maine Pyar Kiya" was released.I was in my fifth grade,and I had fallen for this guy who was on screen with his cute looks and that soft silky hair.:-) ,he was strikingly handsome, though he is bald now.But I think he was with Somy Ali those days,later on followed by Sangeetha Bijilani, Aishwarya Rai and now Katrina Kaif .I remember all my cousins putting of posters of him in their rooms,I would envy them. He was always in trouble either with the ladies or the baddies.Inspite of that,he did give us hits like Saajan,Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Khamoshi,Hum Dil de Chuke Sanam, Phir Milenge.Notably!! He was voted 7th best-looking man in the World and the best looking man in India by People magazine in 2004.

I was looking for pics of him when he was younger and Toto says" U r cheating on ur Husband".LOL .Blog on Sallu!!Keep going!!