I was tagged by my friend Zen in September. Here's my attempt at filling this out:
Book that changed your life - As a young impressionable 16 year old, I read a whole lot. The one book that really made me think, however, was in fact a play, The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare. I know Shakespearean plays make a lot of people cringe, but they truly delight me.
Book(s) you've read more than once - Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. The more I read it, the more I find it new. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I wish I could read Spanish so I could get a taste of the original.
Book you'd take to a deserted island - How to Survive on a Deserted Island ;) Seriously, though, I think I'd be lost without my books.
Book(s) that made you laugh - White Teeth by Zadie Smith, The Inscrutable American by Anurag Mathur and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Book that made you cry - Thomas Hardy novels: The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess of the D'Urbervilles,and Jude the Obscure. Also, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, and The Kite Runner by Kahled Hosseini
Book(s) you wish you had written - Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
Book you wish had never been written - A true English teacher response (sorry): None; all books add something to our existence.
Book you're currently reading - No one Writes to the Colonel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Book you've been meaning to read - Too many, but specifically: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
Book you've been meaning to finish - The Life of Pi by Yann Martel; I just can't do it!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Oh God!
I live 40kms from Pune; campus is on a hill. You'd think that would mean a lot of peace and quiet, right? Wrong. After the festivities of the Nav Ratras when every popular bollywood song was played to the goddesses, the joys (read noise) of diwali begin. Please don't get me wrong, I LOVE diwali; I'm so happy I'm in India for it after so many years. However, it is a festival of LIGHTS not SOUNDS.
Every morning at 4:30a.m. I can hear people from the local village on a loud-speaker, no less, chanting and singing God's praises. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad if they could actually carry a note...but alas, God denied them that talent. With all due respect (although this post appears to be laden with disrespect), my grandfather stated, "God isn't deaf. He can hear your thoughts." I wish more people believed that.
If the people in the village want others to think of God early in the morning, guess what? They've succeeded. When I hear the music, I take my pillow and put it over my head and whisper, "Oh God! Not again!"
Every morning at 4:30a.m. I can hear people from the local village on a loud-speaker, no less, chanting and singing God's praises. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad if they could actually carry a note...but alas, God denied them that talent. With all due respect (although this post appears to be laden with disrespect), my grandfather stated, "God isn't deaf. He can hear your thoughts." I wish more people believed that.
If the people in the village want others to think of God early in the morning, guess what? They've succeeded. When I hear the music, I take my pillow and put it over my head and whisper, "Oh God! Not again!"
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Pink Martini
I was at a co-worker's place the other night. We were drinking some wine and telling drunk stories so he appropriately played, "Hey Eugene" by Pink Martini for me. The song tickled me pink (hahaha, pun totally intended).
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack!!!
God I missed the Internet. I'm in India, but not completely settled in because my stuff arrives by ship mid-September. I've been on the lovely campus now for almost a month. I've traveled to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Nasik, and seen a lot in Pune itself.
I went on a waterfall hike. I'm such a city girl! I was bruised and unable to move for days! It was hilarious. I've attended two yoga sessions. I've been invited over by returning faculty. The students are friendly too.
However, all said and done I miss my friends and family. I miss nightlife. Note to self: must make friends to hang out with in the city.
I'm so used to moving, that I don't really miss NYC per se or the town that I lived in. I miss my network. It gets harder and harder to make friends the older I get. There are a few new faculty members here and as in all situations, new people bond. So that's great.
I'll try and update regularly.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Leave of Absence
My parents arrive a week from today. I am so excited about their visit. The school year is coming to an end and I couldn't be busier! I will not have much time to post becasue I will be packing for my upcoming move to India. There is so much that needs to be taken care of. You may hear from me before I am in India...but if not, I'll be saying namaste very soon.
It is still so unreal to me...the time is approaching so quickly.
I'll post when I can.
Thank you for reading!
Take care!
It is still so unreal to me...the time is approaching so quickly.
I'll post when I can.
Thank you for reading!
Take care!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
"Speare" 4eva
Like a lot of other people, I think Shakespeare will always be relevant. The Bard discusses basic human desires, needs, and experiences. No matter how technologically savvy we get as a species, we are still basically the same inside.
I came across this article and would like to archive it for my reference.
I'll also cut and paste it, just in case the link no longer works in the future!
Video game aims to hook children on Shakespeare
By Martin Roberts
Mon Apr 30, 8:41 AM ET
TORONTO (Reuters Life!) - Children typically spend hours in front of a computer so a Canadian university has decided to introduce them to Shakespeare with a video game.
While zapping enemy spaceships players have to help recover the stolen text of Romeo and Juliet by memorizing lines from the famous play, learning facts about Shakespeare's life and devising synonyms and homonyms for parts of the text.
"The game is a way to capitalize on the time that kids spend on computers," said Professor Daniel Fischlin who headed the team at the University of Guelph in Ontario that developed the game called "Speare."
"I don't know of another medium that has seven-year-olds spouting Shakespeare," Fischlin added in response to charges the game might trivialize learning.
The game was launched earlier this week to coincide with the anniversary of Shakespeare's death after two years and C$50,000 ($44,800) spent developing it.
Fischlin, who tested it on more than 100 grade 6 students, plans to publish his findings in an academic journal. The game is currently available online from a company set up by the university.
"Speare" contains a link to a database about Shakespeare called Canadian Adaptations of Shakespeare that was developed by the university as an educational resource.
The site has lesson plans for teachers, video interviews and e-books of the Bard's plays. It provided the inspiration for the game when professors realized the site's multimedia features were accessed mainly by young people.
Fischlin, who is applying for a patent, said he knows of no other video game linked to a similar online resource.
Ieva Mikelsons, a 12-year-old student at the King George Public School in Guelph, tested the game while it was being developed. She said it taught her more about Shakespeare than books used by her older sister.
"Some of my grade 8 friends have just been learning from a book, and they say this is a more hands-on approach, and they learn more because it's fun," she said.
Image from: www.zencast.com
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Where are you from?
It is such a banal question. Yet whenever I meet new people I cringe at the inquiry. Where do I come from? Funny answer: my mother. Simple answer: India. But I feel the response is inadequate. It does not define me as I think the answer should. Where someone is from, is supposed to help other people understand a new acquaintance. Trying to find a succinct definition of myself leaves me struggling.
I was born in India, lived there for a few years, lived in England for a few, lived in Hong Kong for several years, moved back to India for a few, and I've lived in the States now for a few years. This is the background that defines me and to some extent (minus the US part, defines my sisters). We have friends all over the world. We have travelled through most of the world too. We're not afraid to move to another country. We're able to adapt to different cultures and lifestyles. My sisters, friends, and I fall under a category termed 'TCK'. This stands for "Third Culture Kids" (Yes. I do realise I am not a child anymore!). TCK "refers to someone who [as a child] has spent a significant period of time in one or more culture(s) other than his or her own, thus integrating elements of those cultures and his or her own birth culture, into a third culture."
TCKs are amalgamations of various cultures. They can speak many languages, (curse in several), understand the customs of people that do not belong to their culture, religion, or race. TCKs have also, generally, tried food from all over the world. TCKs are able to break the boundaries that nation states form.
Why do people fight or go to war? The main reason is fear of the unknown. When people from all over the world live and learn together, understanding is created. So if Indians and Pakistanis, Israelis and Palestinians, Hutus and Tutsis, Catholics and Protestants, North Koreans and South Koreans, White Americans and Black Americans, Spaniards and Basques and so on and so forth around the world, went to school together, the globe would be a better and more peaceful place to live. It is so cliche, hippie, bleeding-heart liberal, and beauty pageantesqe, but my most fervent desire is for world peace and the end of discrimination.
From all my travels I've discovered that although our food, language, music, and religion may be different, we're all basically the same. Please, hold back that stunned emotion! This is why my favorite Shakespearean plays are Othello and The Merchant of Venice. Is our world drastically different from Othello’s or Shylock’s? Sadly, it’s not. Something needs to be done to change the discrimination, hatred, and violence that has occurred around the world since the beginning of time and continues to date.
Help change the world. You don’t have to save a cheerleader but you do have to travel. (People are trying to make flying less damaging to the environment). Explore the world for yourself. You won’t regret it (even if you do get Delhi belly). Get off the tourist-beaten path, absorb the culture of the country you're visiting. If you can afford to, help others experience the privilege. When people from all walks of life can travel all around the world, the global village will no longer be virtual, it will be real.
At my current school if someone has been there for ten or more years one is dubbed a 'lifer'. I can't even imagine what that is like. I think I will always have this need to travel and discover. I may not be a "lifer" or a Jersey girl, but my time in NJ is now an indelible part of my life. It is a new ingredient to add to the "where are you from?" answer. I will cherish the friendships I've formed here and I hope I'll see you during your travels.
I was born in India, lived there for a few years, lived in England for a few, lived in Hong Kong for several years, moved back to India for a few, and I've lived in the States now for a few years. This is the background that defines me and to some extent (minus the US part, defines my sisters). We have friends all over the world. We have travelled through most of the world too. We're not afraid to move to another country. We're able to adapt to different cultures and lifestyles. My sisters, friends, and I fall under a category termed 'TCK'. This stands for "Third Culture Kids" (Yes. I do realise I am not a child anymore!). TCK "refers to someone who [as a child] has spent a significant period of time in one or more culture(s) other than his or her own, thus integrating elements of those cultures and his or her own birth culture, into a third culture."
TCKs are amalgamations of various cultures. They can speak many languages, (curse in several), understand the customs of people that do not belong to their culture, religion, or race. TCKs have also, generally, tried food from all over the world. TCKs are able to break the boundaries that nation states form.
Why do people fight or go to war? The main reason is fear of the unknown. When people from all over the world live and learn together, understanding is created. So if Indians and Pakistanis, Israelis and Palestinians, Hutus and Tutsis, Catholics and Protestants, North Koreans and South Koreans, White Americans and Black Americans, Spaniards and Basques and so on and so forth around the world, went to school together, the globe would be a better and more peaceful place to live. It is so cliche, hippie, bleeding-heart liberal, and beauty pageantesqe, but my most fervent desire is for world peace and the end of discrimination.
From all my travels I've discovered that although our food, language, music, and religion may be different, we're all basically the same. Please, hold back that stunned emotion! This is why my favorite Shakespearean plays are Othello and The Merchant of Venice. Is our world drastically different from Othello’s or Shylock’s? Sadly, it’s not. Something needs to be done to change the discrimination, hatred, and violence that has occurred around the world since the beginning of time and continues to date.
Help change the world. You don’t have to save a cheerleader but you do have to travel. (People are trying to make flying less damaging to the environment). Explore the world for yourself. You won’t regret it (even if you do get Delhi belly). Get off the tourist-beaten path, absorb the culture of the country you're visiting. If you can afford to, help others experience the privilege. When people from all walks of life can travel all around the world, the global village will no longer be virtual, it will be real.
At my current school if someone has been there for ten or more years one is dubbed a 'lifer'. I can't even imagine what that is like. I think I will always have this need to travel and discover. I may not be a "lifer" or a Jersey girl, but my time in NJ is now an indelible part of my life. It is a new ingredient to add to the "where are you from?" answer. I will cherish the friendships I've formed here and I hope I'll see you during your travels.
Favourite Things
After reading Zen's post on guilty pleasures, I got thinking about things I like to do, but cannot do and do not do on a regular basis. Not all of these are guilty pleasures...then again...maybe they are. Who am I kidding?!
"When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favourite things, and then I don't feel so bad":
1. Reading Cosmo, People, Stardust
2. Whipped cream from the can
3. Watching hours of trash TV
4. Movie marathons
5. Wearing expensive make-up
6. Talking endlessly on the phone
7. Spending the whole day surfing the net
8. Not leaving my apartment..avoiding all responsibilities
9. Buying cute outfits for my niece
10. Coffee or Dulce de Leche ice-cream.
"When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favourite things, and then I don't feel so bad":
1. Reading Cosmo, People, Stardust
2. Whipped cream from the can
3. Watching hours of trash TV
4. Movie marathons
5. Wearing expensive make-up
6. Talking endlessly on the phone
7. Spending the whole day surfing the net
8. Not leaving my apartment..avoiding all responsibilities
9. Buying cute outfits for my niece
10. Coffee or Dulce de Leche ice-cream.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Geretty Gate
I can't believe we're in the 21st Century and the Indian courts are adding another frivolous case to the system. Sheesh!The Shilpa Shetty, Richard Gere incident (which I have termed Geretty, you like?)hurt someone's sentiments? Are you kidding me?
You know what hurts my sensibilities? People not talking about sex and/or affection in India. The country needs to be educated on sex, AIDS, and homosexuality. Who do I file a complaint with for that? Who can I sue to get publicity for that? The law-makers need to look at our outdated laws, concentrate on issues that will help Indians, and really do all they can to keep stupidity out of the court rooms.
Someone please tell me where to sign up for a committee for that!
You know what hurts my sensibilities? People not talking about sex and/or affection in India. The country needs to be educated on sex, AIDS, and homosexuality. Who do I file a complaint with for that? Who can I sue to get publicity for that? The law-makers need to look at our outdated laws, concentrate on issues that will help Indians, and really do all they can to keep stupidity out of the court rooms.
Someone please tell me where to sign up for a committee for that!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Rampage, Reaction, and Race
The Virgina Tech shooting has shocked the world. Students, faculty, and staff could not stop talking about the incident at work today. With more details just coming out about this sad event, people are dealing with the tragedy online. There are several groups on Facebook right now lashing out at the shooter and blaming immigration and Asians.
This knee-jerk racist reaction never fails to upset me. If the perpetrator was Arab/Muslim/Black/Mexican/Female/Other Immigrant there would have been another set of issues raised. However, if it was a white man, would the world suddenly turn against that group? No. The main concern then would be to find out why the incident took place. That should be the heart of the matter and individuals should not focus on race/gender/immigration status.
Other points for serious consideration: gun laws and why violent situations in schools and colleges occur more in the United States than in other countries. If these topics are discussed/explored and dealt with, then maybe schools and universities -the beginning of the rest of someone's life- can be safe havens again for all of us.
As a community and nation recovers, I hope the powers that be, and those that individuals believe in, bring peace, comfort, and love to those most dearly affected by the incident.
This knee-jerk racist reaction never fails to upset me. If the perpetrator was Arab/Muslim/Black/Mexican/Female/Other Immigrant there would have been another set of issues raised. However, if it was a white man, would the world suddenly turn against that group? No. The main concern then would be to find out why the incident took place. That should be the heart of the matter and individuals should not focus on race/gender/immigration status.
Other points for serious consideration: gun laws and why violent situations in schools and colleges occur more in the United States than in other countries. If these topics are discussed/explored and dealt with, then maybe schools and universities -the beginning of the rest of someone's life- can be safe havens again for all of us.
As a community and nation recovers, I hope the powers that be, and those that individuals believe in, bring peace, comfort, and love to those most dearly affected by the incident.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Children Are Our Future
A woman at work was accepting an award for "great teaching" and she quoted Whitney Houston. Now the "Greatest Love of All" was a very popular song in its day but Houston has been through a whole lot since then. Does quoting her to young, impressionable minds, in some way condone her drug use? Are we now teaching children that "crack is whack"? Are we letting them know that spousal abuse is OK?
Anyhow, this song was quoted once more at a charity auction raising money for CRY. and it really annoyed me again. What is the song's real point? That is an issue for another day. However, I will say something about the future of America.
I love my students; they are interesting, fun, and curious. At times though, I am stunned by things that come out of their mouths:
"Racism does not exist in the world anymore."
"What is so significant about Maya Angelou's life? Why do we read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings? Does she really think she is all that?"
-This after we read Night, another autobiography. None of my students questioned the need for that book to be written.
More statements?
"Women are not discriminated against anymore."
In the same class, same day, a young boy of 15 says, "The rest of the world will laugh at us if we have a woman President."
Begin sarcasm-Yes, dear! Of course 'backward' nations in Asia and Africa will be shocked by a woman President. Nations that have elected women leaders will not be pleased with America. It would most certainly be a sad state of affairs. End sarcasm.
With the recent outrage at Imus's statement -which was both racist and sexist, I have come to the conclusion children really do need to be "taught well" to "lead the way."
At home, at school, through media, children really need to be aware of the things that go on in the world around them. It's easy to think, "I'm not racist, I have friends of a different race," and "I'm not sexist, my mother works;" yet what makes someone unprejudiced? Can we be unprejudiced? Don't we all have our biases? Do some suppress their ideas, are others more educated? What really goes on? I believe it is about exposure and education.
I had a teacher in HK that stated, "I don't see colour in humans." After I did some research I realised he wasn't colour-blind. Then I was vexed. It's kind of like a man stating, "I don't see gender."
I would like someone to see my colour: to acknowledge it, accept it, and deal with it. Does it define me? In some respects, yes it does; in other respects, it shouldn't.
We know that race and gender are still significant polarizers not only in the political arena but in every day life. Why else would there be a raging debate in the United States about the democratic presidential candidates -Clinton and Obama?
Racism and sexism. The mistrust of women and black men. All too evident in Shakespeare's Othello. As we read the play in class, it's interesting to see students realise how much the world hasn't changed. Hopefully, if we keep teaching them, not just in the classroom, but in all areas of their lives, there will be a real change in the world.
To end on a lighter note, I love the Reduced Shakespeare Company, check out the Othello rap.
Anyhow, this song was quoted once more at a charity auction raising money for CRY. and it really annoyed me again. What is the song's real point? That is an issue for another day. However, I will say something about the future of America.
I love my students; they are interesting, fun, and curious. At times though, I am stunned by things that come out of their mouths:
"Racism does not exist in the world anymore."
"What is so significant about Maya Angelou's life? Why do we read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings? Does she really think she is all that?"
-This after we read Night, another autobiography. None of my students questioned the need for that book to be written.
More statements?
"Women are not discriminated against anymore."
In the same class, same day, a young boy of 15 says, "The rest of the world will laugh at us if we have a woman President."
Begin sarcasm-Yes, dear! Of course 'backward' nations in Asia and Africa will be shocked by a woman President. Nations that have elected women leaders will not be pleased with America. It would most certainly be a sad state of affairs. End sarcasm.
With the recent outrage at Imus's statement -which was both racist and sexist, I have come to the conclusion children really do need to be "taught well" to "lead the way."
At home, at school, through media, children really need to be aware of the things that go on in the world around them. It's easy to think, "I'm not racist, I have friends of a different race," and "I'm not sexist, my mother works;" yet what makes someone unprejudiced? Can we be unprejudiced? Don't we all have our biases? Do some suppress their ideas, are others more educated? What really goes on? I believe it is about exposure and education.
I had a teacher in HK that stated, "I don't see colour in humans." After I did some research I realised he wasn't colour-blind. Then I was vexed. It's kind of like a man stating, "I don't see gender."
I would like someone to see my colour: to acknowledge it, accept it, and deal with it. Does it define me? In some respects, yes it does; in other respects, it shouldn't.
We know that race and gender are still significant polarizers not only in the political arena but in every day life. Why else would there be a raging debate in the United States about the democratic presidential candidates -Clinton and Obama?
Racism and sexism. The mistrust of women and black men. All too evident in Shakespeare's Othello. As we read the play in class, it's interesting to see students realise how much the world hasn't changed. Hopefully, if we keep teaching them, not just in the classroom, but in all areas of their lives, there will be a real change in the world.
To end on a lighter note, I love the Reduced Shakespeare Company, check out the Othello rap.
Friday, April 6, 2007
A Celebration!
I saw Company last night with Zen: it was a fun day and night. We started the day with massages, lunch, and manicures and finished it up with dinner and a show. Company was interesting. I got home around 1am from the city and then spoke with one of my oldest friends, JC (we've known each other since we were 7!) in HK. She's getting married!
She went to Delhi for a few weeks, met this guy, and they're getting married in October! I'm so happy for her! And so another one bites the dust! However, I'd say the number of married people I know are less than the ones that are single. What is it about married people that always wants to set up their single friends?
It's difficult to get back into the dating game after a relationship ends. I've found I have to state, "I'm not gay" on numerous occasions to explain my single status. I also have to somehow prove that there is nothing wrong with me! But then again, maybe there is something wrong with me. Am I unwilling to settle? I'd say I have my list of "must haves" and "can't stands" and then there are other things that I am willing to compromise on.
Compromise though, is it the same as settling? No one is perfect and everyone in the world knows I'm not either. But what is it about being with someone? What is it? Fear of being alone? I've found myself and so many people I know really change when they are involved in a relationship. The logical side of me knows that that is bound to happen to some extent; but what really gets me is when people compromise on what they really stood for: politics etc. But am I insulting all the married people I know? Am I claiming something about them that I don't really comprehend?
Can people change? hell yeah! Do people grow? Of course they do...but there is something that gets stifled too, in numerous relationships.
Although there are those relationships which I have seen with my own two eyes that just ooze love and respect for one another: my sisters and their husbands and my best friend, MR and her husband, TL. Maybe, just maybe, I'll have that one day also. I sincerely hope JC and her fiancee have that relationship too.
As the show was all about the single vs married, I found two scenes in Company really relevant to me:
1.Bobby asks a friend to marry him just so other people will stop talking about them being single.
2. Bobby wonders if he had let the one he was supposed to marry, go.
I've thought about both. But in the end I know I have not been in the right relationship. But then again... :)
Being single opens up a whole different world. I don't need a relationship to complete me. I'd like to end with some advice: Life is too short. Whether you're single or married, don't judge. Simply, enjoy the ride and make the most of it.
I end with apt U2 lyrics:
A Celebration
Shake! Shake!
Don't go
I believe in a celebration
I believe you set me free
I believe you can lose this chains
I believe you can dance with me
Dance with me
Shake! Shake!
Shake! Shake!
I believe in the third world war
I believe in the atomic bomb
I believe in the powers that be
But they won't overpower me
And, and you can go there too
And, and you can go go go go
Shake! Shake!
Shake! Shake!
And we don't have the time
And everything goes 'round and 'round
And we don't have the time
To watch the world go tumbling down
Go! Go!
I believe in the bells of Christ's Church
Ringing for this land
I believe in the cells of Mount Joy
Doesn't understand
And, and you can go there too
And, and you can go go go go
I believe in the walls of Jericho (And you...)
I believe they're coming down (Can go there too)
I belive in this city's children (And you... )
I believe the trumpet's sound (can go go go go)
And you can go there too
And you can go go go go...
I believe in what I'm doing
What am I doing here...
She went to Delhi for a few weeks, met this guy, and they're getting married in October! I'm so happy for her! And so another one bites the dust! However, I'd say the number of married people I know are less than the ones that are single. What is it about married people that always wants to set up their single friends?
It's difficult to get back into the dating game after a relationship ends. I've found I have to state, "I'm not gay" on numerous occasions to explain my single status. I also have to somehow prove that there is nothing wrong with me! But then again, maybe there is something wrong with me. Am I unwilling to settle? I'd say I have my list of "must haves" and "can't stands" and then there are other things that I am willing to compromise on.
Compromise though, is it the same as settling? No one is perfect and everyone in the world knows I'm not either. But what is it about being with someone? What is it? Fear of being alone? I've found myself and so many people I know really change when they are involved in a relationship. The logical side of me knows that that is bound to happen to some extent; but what really gets me is when people compromise on what they really stood for: politics etc. But am I insulting all the married people I know? Am I claiming something about them that I don't really comprehend?
Can people change? hell yeah! Do people grow? Of course they do...but there is something that gets stifled too, in numerous relationships.
Although there are those relationships which I have seen with my own two eyes that just ooze love and respect for one another: my sisters and their husbands and my best friend, MR and her husband, TL. Maybe, just maybe, I'll have that one day also. I sincerely hope JC and her fiancee have that relationship too.
As the show was all about the single vs married, I found two scenes in Company really relevant to me:
1.Bobby asks a friend to marry him just so other people will stop talking about them being single.
2. Bobby wonders if he had let the one he was supposed to marry, go.
I've thought about both. But in the end I know I have not been in the right relationship. But then again... :)
Being single opens up a whole different world. I don't need a relationship to complete me. I'd like to end with some advice: Life is too short. Whether you're single or married, don't judge. Simply, enjoy the ride and make the most of it.
I end with apt U2 lyrics:
A Celebration
Shake! Shake!
Don't go
I believe in a celebration
I believe you set me free
I believe you can lose this chains
I believe you can dance with me
Dance with me
Shake! Shake!
Shake! Shake!
I believe in the third world war
I believe in the atomic bomb
I believe in the powers that be
But they won't overpower me
And, and you can go there too
And, and you can go go go go
Shake! Shake!
Shake! Shake!
And we don't have the time
And everything goes 'round and 'round
And we don't have the time
To watch the world go tumbling down
Go! Go!
I believe in the bells of Christ's Church
Ringing for this land
I believe in the cells of Mount Joy
Doesn't understand
And, and you can go there too
And, and you can go go go go
I believe in the walls of Jericho (And you...)
I believe they're coming down (Can go there too)
I belive in this city's children (And you... )
I believe the trumpet's sound (can go go go go)
And you can go there too
And you can go go go go...
I believe in what I'm doing
What am I doing here...
Friday, March 30, 2007
Rejoice!
For about three years I've been contemplating a vegan diet. I gave up milk almost a year ago; now I only drink soya and use soya for tea and cereal. I, however, love paneer, cheese, Indian dessers, and ice-cream. But, I've realized that I hardly ever indulge in ice-cream, kheer, ras-malai etc. However, if I was to be vegan I would never be able to eat another Indian dessert again. I also love cheese: cheese on toast, cheese and crackers, cheese and pineapples, cheddar, and mozzarella; I'd never be able to eat those things again. I hope, slowly but surely, to give these up. My biggest concern? India and my family.
Now, India is a vegetarian's paradise, but everything is cooked in ghee or has ghee put on top of it (as in rotis). After I accepted the job offer I had concerns that I wouldn't ever have any sort of milk again. Jyotsna very nicely responded to my queries and let me know that soya milk and soya products were readily available in India. So while I'm by myself, I should be O.K. Rejoice!
Going home, may be another matter all together. I really don't anticipate a lot of difficulties though; my mum is a quasi-vegan: she doesn't eat any type of cheese or paneer, but she drinks her milk and eats khoya desserts. I'm going to keep my quasi-vegan diet up as much as possible and introduce new aspects to the diet a bit at a time.
I'm not making any grand promises to be vegan, mind you. I know that would mean I could never drink a beer or an alcoholic beverage again! But, then again, that might not be so bad, after all. If you see me out and I drink a beer or I eat some cheese, don't gloat. I'm just trying this for myself...just for me.
Now, India is a vegetarian's paradise, but everything is cooked in ghee or has ghee put on top of it (as in rotis). After I accepted the job offer I had concerns that I wouldn't ever have any sort of milk again. Jyotsna very nicely responded to my queries and let me know that soya milk and soya products were readily available in India. So while I'm by myself, I should be O.K. Rejoice!
Going home, may be another matter all together. I really don't anticipate a lot of difficulties though; my mum is a quasi-vegan: she doesn't eat any type of cheese or paneer, but she drinks her milk and eats khoya desserts. I'm going to keep my quasi-vegan diet up as much as possible and introduce new aspects to the diet a bit at a time.
I'm not making any grand promises to be vegan, mind you. I know that would mean I could never drink a beer or an alcoholic beverage again! But, then again, that might not be so bad, after all. If you see me out and I drink a beer or I eat some cheese, don't gloat. I'm just trying this for myself...just for me.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
And the Beers have it...
I wouldn't call myself a beer aficionado, but I do have discerning taste. The Bud Light real men of genius commercials are great, but the beer itself? With all due respect to Anheuser-Busch: No thank you. So I found the following interesting article on from the Guardian on the popularity of beer, on a link from a really cool blog
I'm going to grab myself a Sam Adams. Here's the article just in case the link doesn't work. Enjoy!
Cheers!
It's official: beer is the most popular beverage on the planet. As a photography exhibition opens in celebration, Roger Protz takes us on a guided tour of pale ales and pilsners - and nominates the best beer in the world
Roger Protz
Wednesday March 28, 2007
Guardian
Beer is the drink of the moment. Indeed, the photography exhibition The World of Beer: An International Language follows a survey by international marketing analysts AC Nielsen that found that beer is the world's favourite beverage, followed by soft drinks, then wine. Sales are surging, especially in countries such as China and Russia, where supplies were restricted for decades.
China
By the end of the decade, China is expected to overtake the US as the world's biggest producer of beer. Consumption grew by 88% between 1995 and 2000. Since the liberalisation of the economy, global brewers have descended on this vast market and either built new plants or taken stakes in existing ones. Anheuser-Busch, America's biggest brewer, has a 30% stake in China's oldest and best-known producer, Tsingtao ("ching-tow"). Germans built the brewery in 1903 and also planted hops in the area; China today is the third biggest hop- producing country in the world.
It is thought there are some 850 breweries in China and more in the pipeline as the likes of Carlsberg, Foster's, Guinness, Heineken and Scottish & Newcastle muscle in. These global brewers are concentrating on urban areas, where 70% of the population is under 35: young people consider beer to be a sign of western sophistication. With the exception of Guinness, global brewers concentrate on pale lagers with little bitterness and with rice added as a cheap adjunct to barley malt. Tsingtao is widely exported, as is Swan Lager from Shanghai.
Czech Republic
Bohemia, a region of the modern Czech Republic, has two claims to beery fame. The Czechs drink more beer per head than even the neighbouring Germans (293 pints or 166 litres a year compared with 253 pints/144 litres in Germany: the Brits are eighth in the bibulous Premier League), and the first golden lager beer was created in the region. In 1842, the new Burghers' or Citizens' Brewery in Pilsen produced beer made by the cold maturation system - known as lager, from the German for store place - developed in Bavaria.
Bavarian lagers were dark while the beer from Pilsen was an enticing pale gold and took the world by storm. Soon brewers throughout the world were reproducing the new style dubbed Pilsner, Pilsener or just Pils for short. In a bid to maintain its claim to the origins of the style, the Burghers' Brewery changed its name to Pilsner Urquell, which means Original Source Pilsner. It has a toasted malt and pungent hop character.
The quality of Czech beer was legendary but it was rarely drunk by westerners during the cold war. The communists maintained some 70 breweries but global brewers rushed to pick up cheap, privatised companies as soon as they could. SABMiller owns Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus and Kozel, while InBev has bought Prague Breweries, whose best-known brand is Staropramen (Old Spring). The superb Budweiser Budvar is another widely exported Czech beer. It has a rich toasted malt, vanilla and spritzy hop character and is still state-owned: the government wants to keep it out of the clutches of its American namesake.
The United States
The country is currently enjoying a revolution in craft brewing with more than 1,300 "micro" breweries. Their sales grew by 16% last year and they now enjoy a market share of more than 10%. Many of these "micros" are extremely big by British standards: Sierra Nevada in Chico, California, for example, produces 800,000 barrels a year. Its Pale Ale and India Pale Ale are sold in Britain.
Prohibition in the 1920s and 30s destroyed a brewing industry with a rich heritage of British and German-style beers. Only a handful of giants, led by Anheuser-Busch with Budweiser, saturated the vast market afterwards with thin and insipid interpretations of lager. The label on a bottle of Bud, for example, announces it is brewed from the finest rice, barley malt and hops. Rice is tasteless and sums up the beer. Other giant breweries use large amounts of cheap corn.
In 1965, a beer aficionado named Fritz Maytag bought the ailing Anchor Steam Brewery in San Francisco and fired the first shots in the second American revolution. The success of his beers encouraged others to open small commercial plants. Some were enthusiastic followers of the Campaign for Real Ale in Britain; others of German descent have fashioned lagers of such quality they should bring a blush to Budweiser's cheeks. Today the likes of Brooklyn Brewery in New York City, Pike and Redhook in Seattle, Rogue in Newport, Oregon, and Samuel Adams in Boston are a power in the land. And Goose Island IPA from Chicago, on sale in Britain, may just be the best beer in the world.
India
While some Indian states ban alcohol, the country's indigenous breweries range from the far north in the Simla hills to Bangalore and Hyderabad in the south. The main brewing groups are Mohan Meakin and United Breweries. Mohan Meakin was India's first commercial brewery, established in the 1820s by an Englishman, Edward Dyer. Its main brands today are Lion and Golden Eagle lagers. United Breweries, another major producer, is best known for Kingfisher, brewed under licence in England and the mainstay of many Indian restaurants. Cobra Lager is nominally based in Bangalore but the brand was founded in England in 1989 by a Cambridge graduate, Karan Bilimoria, and is brewed in Bedford by Charles Wells. All Indian lagers tend to be malty and sweet with little hop character.
India's main claim to bibulous fame is the style known as India Pale Ale, the beer that refreshed the Raj. It was first brewed in London at the end of the 18th century but was seized on by big brewers such as Bass in Burton-on-Trent who were looking for new markets. The style was heavy in alcohol and hops to help withstand a three-month sea journey to Bombay and Calcutta. By the end of the 19th century, IPA was replaced in India by German brewers with their lager technology.
South America
A great brewing continent. Bavaria of Colombia, along with Modelo and Moctezuma in Mexico and Polar in Venezuela are among the world's biggest producers, while Ambev of Brazil has merged with Interbrew of Belgium to form the undisputed world's number one, InBev.
The Spanish built breweries in the lands they conquered, though the modern influence is German and lager-style beers abound. But long before the Europeans arrived, Aztecs and Mayans made beers - some rudimentary, some surprisingly sophisticated - using corn. A black beer called Xingu, made commercially in Brazil and exported to the US, is based on an ancient style made in the Upper Amazon.
In Mexico another European influence can be seen in such beers as Dos Equis and Negra Modelo, dark lagers based on a style known as "Austrian red". They reflect the period when Mexico was part of the Austrian empire and are brewed with dark malts that give them a fine chocolate, roast and spicy character.
Most South American lagers tend to be undistinguished refreshers but Bohemia from Mexico, Brahma from Rio de Janeiro and Tipo Pilsen from Venezuela are excellent examples of the Pilsener style, with good malt, vanilla and hop notes.
· Roger Protz edits the Good Beer Guide. His most recent book is 300 Beers To Try Before You Die (Camra Books). The World of Beer: a Universal Language runs from tomorrow until April 29 at the Proud Galleries, London. Entry free.
proud.co.uk
I'm going to grab myself a Sam Adams. Here's the article just in case the link doesn't work. Enjoy!
Cheers!
It's official: beer is the most popular beverage on the planet. As a photography exhibition opens in celebration, Roger Protz takes us on a guided tour of pale ales and pilsners - and nominates the best beer in the world
Roger Protz
Wednesday March 28, 2007
Guardian
Beer is the drink of the moment. Indeed, the photography exhibition The World of Beer: An International Language follows a survey by international marketing analysts AC Nielsen that found that beer is the world's favourite beverage, followed by soft drinks, then wine. Sales are surging, especially in countries such as China and Russia, where supplies were restricted for decades.
China
By the end of the decade, China is expected to overtake the US as the world's biggest producer of beer. Consumption grew by 88% between 1995 and 2000. Since the liberalisation of the economy, global brewers have descended on this vast market and either built new plants or taken stakes in existing ones. Anheuser-Busch, America's biggest brewer, has a 30% stake in China's oldest and best-known producer, Tsingtao ("ching-tow"). Germans built the brewery in 1903 and also planted hops in the area; China today is the third biggest hop- producing country in the world.
It is thought there are some 850 breweries in China and more in the pipeline as the likes of Carlsberg, Foster's, Guinness, Heineken and Scottish & Newcastle muscle in. These global brewers are concentrating on urban areas, where 70% of the population is under 35: young people consider beer to be a sign of western sophistication. With the exception of Guinness, global brewers concentrate on pale lagers with little bitterness and with rice added as a cheap adjunct to barley malt. Tsingtao is widely exported, as is Swan Lager from Shanghai.
Czech Republic
Bohemia, a region of the modern Czech Republic, has two claims to beery fame. The Czechs drink more beer per head than even the neighbouring Germans (293 pints or 166 litres a year compared with 253 pints/144 litres in Germany: the Brits are eighth in the bibulous Premier League), and the first golden lager beer was created in the region. In 1842, the new Burghers' or Citizens' Brewery in Pilsen produced beer made by the cold maturation system - known as lager, from the German for store place - developed in Bavaria.
Bavarian lagers were dark while the beer from Pilsen was an enticing pale gold and took the world by storm. Soon brewers throughout the world were reproducing the new style dubbed Pilsner, Pilsener or just Pils for short. In a bid to maintain its claim to the origins of the style, the Burghers' Brewery changed its name to Pilsner Urquell, which means Original Source Pilsner. It has a toasted malt and pungent hop character.
The quality of Czech beer was legendary but it was rarely drunk by westerners during the cold war. The communists maintained some 70 breweries but global brewers rushed to pick up cheap, privatised companies as soon as they could. SABMiller owns Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus and Kozel, while InBev has bought Prague Breweries, whose best-known brand is Staropramen (Old Spring). The superb Budweiser Budvar is another widely exported Czech beer. It has a rich toasted malt, vanilla and spritzy hop character and is still state-owned: the government wants to keep it out of the clutches of its American namesake.
The United States
The country is currently enjoying a revolution in craft brewing with more than 1,300 "micro" breweries. Their sales grew by 16% last year and they now enjoy a market share of more than 10%. Many of these "micros" are extremely big by British standards: Sierra Nevada in Chico, California, for example, produces 800,000 barrels a year. Its Pale Ale and India Pale Ale are sold in Britain.
Prohibition in the 1920s and 30s destroyed a brewing industry with a rich heritage of British and German-style beers. Only a handful of giants, led by Anheuser-Busch with Budweiser, saturated the vast market afterwards with thin and insipid interpretations of lager. The label on a bottle of Bud, for example, announces it is brewed from the finest rice, barley malt and hops. Rice is tasteless and sums up the beer. Other giant breweries use large amounts of cheap corn.
In 1965, a beer aficionado named Fritz Maytag bought the ailing Anchor Steam Brewery in San Francisco and fired the first shots in the second American revolution. The success of his beers encouraged others to open small commercial plants. Some were enthusiastic followers of the Campaign for Real Ale in Britain; others of German descent have fashioned lagers of such quality they should bring a blush to Budweiser's cheeks. Today the likes of Brooklyn Brewery in New York City, Pike and Redhook in Seattle, Rogue in Newport, Oregon, and Samuel Adams in Boston are a power in the land. And Goose Island IPA from Chicago, on sale in Britain, may just be the best beer in the world.
India
While some Indian states ban alcohol, the country's indigenous breweries range from the far north in the Simla hills to Bangalore and Hyderabad in the south. The main brewing groups are Mohan Meakin and United Breweries. Mohan Meakin was India's first commercial brewery, established in the 1820s by an Englishman, Edward Dyer. Its main brands today are Lion and Golden Eagle lagers. United Breweries, another major producer, is best known for Kingfisher, brewed under licence in England and the mainstay of many Indian restaurants. Cobra Lager is nominally based in Bangalore but the brand was founded in England in 1989 by a Cambridge graduate, Karan Bilimoria, and is brewed in Bedford by Charles Wells. All Indian lagers tend to be malty and sweet with little hop character.
India's main claim to bibulous fame is the style known as India Pale Ale, the beer that refreshed the Raj. It was first brewed in London at the end of the 18th century but was seized on by big brewers such as Bass in Burton-on-Trent who were looking for new markets. The style was heavy in alcohol and hops to help withstand a three-month sea journey to Bombay and Calcutta. By the end of the 19th century, IPA was replaced in India by German brewers with their lager technology.
South America
A great brewing continent. Bavaria of Colombia, along with Modelo and Moctezuma in Mexico and Polar in Venezuela are among the world's biggest producers, while Ambev of Brazil has merged with Interbrew of Belgium to form the undisputed world's number one, InBev.
The Spanish built breweries in the lands they conquered, though the modern influence is German and lager-style beers abound. But long before the Europeans arrived, Aztecs and Mayans made beers - some rudimentary, some surprisingly sophisticated - using corn. A black beer called Xingu, made commercially in Brazil and exported to the US, is based on an ancient style made in the Upper Amazon.
In Mexico another European influence can be seen in such beers as Dos Equis and Negra Modelo, dark lagers based on a style known as "Austrian red". They reflect the period when Mexico was part of the Austrian empire and are brewed with dark malts that give them a fine chocolate, roast and spicy character.
Most South American lagers tend to be undistinguished refreshers but Bohemia from Mexico, Brahma from Rio de Janeiro and Tipo Pilsen from Venezuela are excellent examples of the Pilsener style, with good malt, vanilla and hop notes.
· Roger Protz edits the Good Beer Guide. His most recent book is 300 Beers To Try Before You Die (Camra Books). The World of Beer: a Universal Language runs from tomorrow until April 29 at the Proud Galleries, London. Entry free.
proud.co.uk
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Desire
As I waited for a phone call last night, I turned on the T.V. and saw a preview for a new show, The Great American Dream Vote. I was, to say the least, a little upset by the premise. It drastically opened up the dichotomy of rich vs. poor for me, of needs vs. wants. It is a show, like so many out there, about desires.
I am sure it is extremely difficult for the 22-year old young man who is balding; is it anything compared to the individual starving on the street near the balding man's town or anywhere else in the world? Granted, that just because the bald young man is not starving physically, does not mean he is not emotionally starved. And so, in comes T.V., the American vote, and 15-minutes of fame to help this young man, who is so embarrassed of his balding head.
In relation to the suffering around the world, these people on the show really should have nothing to complain about. They need one of those purple bracelets. I probably do too, because I'm complaining about the show and the individuals on it! I do have a little criticism of the "complaint-free world" though (ironic, right?). If people did not complain there would not have been an end to slavery, women's emancipation, or independence for former colonial nations. Are those different kinds of complaints, though? I hope 'not complaining' does not somehow translate into 'not thinking.' I hope the organisation just desires individuals to be grateful and to combat negativity.
Back to the show. Like the individuals on the show, I have my own selfish desires: Be rich and travel all around the world. Would I go on T.V. to make that happen, I'd like to say, no. I'm pretty sure I'd say no. However, would I go on T.V. to fulfill my non-selfish desires? Hell, yeah! Would a show like that run successfully anywhere in the world, I'm guessing, no.
My non-selfish desires? They are a lot like the UN Millennium Goals. In fact, they are the UN Millenium Goals: The eradication of poverty, the end of illiteracy, the actual and true belief that individuals of race, color, religion, gender, and nationality are really alike. At my current school, we've been trying to do a lot to help the global community. I know at the new school, in India, I will have more opportunities to help. I hope I can see some of these UN goals achieved in my life-time. That is my greatest desire.
I am sure it is extremely difficult for the 22-year old young man who is balding; is it anything compared to the individual starving on the street near the balding man's town or anywhere else in the world? Granted, that just because the bald young man is not starving physically, does not mean he is not emotionally starved. And so, in comes T.V., the American vote, and 15-minutes of fame to help this young man, who is so embarrassed of his balding head.
In relation to the suffering around the world, these people on the show really should have nothing to complain about. They need one of those purple bracelets. I probably do too, because I'm complaining about the show and the individuals on it! I do have a little criticism of the "complaint-free world" though (ironic, right?). If people did not complain there would not have been an end to slavery, women's emancipation, or independence for former colonial nations. Are those different kinds of complaints, though? I hope 'not complaining' does not somehow translate into 'not thinking.' I hope the organisation just desires individuals to be grateful and to combat negativity.
Back to the show. Like the individuals on the show, I have my own selfish desires: Be rich and travel all around the world. Would I go on T.V. to make that happen, I'd like to say, no. I'm pretty sure I'd say no. However, would I go on T.V. to fulfill my non-selfish desires? Hell, yeah! Would a show like that run successfully anywhere in the world, I'm guessing, no.
My non-selfish desires? They are a lot like the UN Millennium Goals. In fact, they are the UN Millenium Goals: The eradication of poverty, the end of illiteracy, the actual and true belief that individuals of race, color, religion, gender, and nationality are really alike. At my current school, we've been trying to do a lot to help the global community. I know at the new school, in India, I will have more opportunities to help. I hope I can see some of these UN goals achieved in my life-time. That is my greatest desire.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Crazy Cricket
It's a sad, sad state of affairs in the cricket world right now with Bob Woolmer's death and the exit of Pakistan and India from the World Cup. I can't even imagine what is going on in the sub-continent right now!
I spoke to my students about the demolition of Dhoni's house and the way some fans throw their T.V.s out of their windows and die of heart attacks when India loses. One of my students stated, "Americans are too materialistic to do that to their T.V.s!"
Why this hysteria surrounding cricket wins and losses? Indian cricket players are demi-gods to the Indian fans; when they don't perform, Indian fans are quick to forget that these players are only human, not demi-gods.
But the cricket fans aren't, for the most part, crazed individuals. When I was in Delhi, I saw the India-Pakistan test match at Feroz Shah Kotla. The individuals in the stands knew their cricket, stats, and trivia. It was impressive.
Then what happens when India loses? Is it disappointment? Is it a feeling of personal loss? Is it the money lost on bets? India is a developing nation and cricket is the one sport, on the international circuit, that India actually performs well in. So when the cricket team loses, it's a sense of loss for the Indian fans. A loss of pride, for a nation that deeply values honour and pride. It is a loss of hope, when all the Indian common man and woman really has to survive is hope.
But suffice it to say, cricket is really a crazy sport.
I spoke to my students about the demolition of Dhoni's house and the way some fans throw their T.V.s out of their windows and die of heart attacks when India loses. One of my students stated, "Americans are too materialistic to do that to their T.V.s!"
Why this hysteria surrounding cricket wins and losses? Indian cricket players are demi-gods to the Indian fans; when they don't perform, Indian fans are quick to forget that these players are only human, not demi-gods.
But the cricket fans aren't, for the most part, crazed individuals. When I was in Delhi, I saw the India-Pakistan test match at Feroz Shah Kotla. The individuals in the stands knew their cricket, stats, and trivia. It was impressive.
Then what happens when India loses? Is it disappointment? Is it a feeling of personal loss? Is it the money lost on bets? India is a developing nation and cricket is the one sport, on the international circuit, that India actually performs well in. So when the cricket team loses, it's a sense of loss for the Indian fans. A loss of pride, for a nation that deeply values honour and pride. It is a loss of hope, when all the Indian common man and woman really has to survive is hope.
But suffice it to say, cricket is really a crazy sport.
Girl, You'll be a Woman soon.
Do you remember the time when all you truly cared about was being older? Do you remember the thrill of sitting in the front seat of a car? Do you remember the time when you went to the mall/movies/dinner -just you and your friends? Do you remember when you first drove a car by yourself? The independence, the excitement, the feeling "all grown-up" signs? Do you remember parents stating, "Don't look to grow up so fast. You'll be a woman soon." Yet it just wasn't soon enough.
When I was between the ages of 7 and 15 my family and I lived in HK. There was a 23-year old woman who lived on the same floor as us. When I went downstairs to play I saw her coming back from work. She had make-up on, she wore skirt suits and high heels. She was all grown up to me in a way my parents weren't. She was put together. She lived alone. Her boyfriend and parents visited her often. The real exciting part? She had a boyfriend and a job! She was a woman.
Now that I'm 30 and I've donned the skirt suits, lived by myself, and had a boyfriend or two, I still don't feel like a woman. I'm not having a gender-crisis. I'm having a "problem coming to terms with the fact that I am an adult" crisis. In my mind, I still feel 21. Some days it's 18; other days it's 30 and I've even felt 65 in my mind. I'm making all the decisions for my life (I consult my parents, siblings, and closest friends, but the ultimate decision is mine). But there are times in school when I am shocked by the immaturity of my students (however, this is nothing compared to the immaturity some of the people I know display). I'm going all over the place in this post, and I would not give myself a high grade on this. My point is, we strive for things all the time. We want things we cannot have. We expect things to fall into place the moment we turn 18/21/25/30/35. However, life is a constant struggle (more mental than physical a la Waiting for Godot). The bills, the money, the car, the rent, it all takes away from the fun!
We fall into comfort zones, we forget dreams, and we settle. We lose the child in us- the one looking forward to adventures. We can't afford to do that. Once it's done we stop living. So as a girl I had this concept of womanhood in my mind; as an adult I should hold onto the little girl in my heart to truly be a woman.
When I was between the ages of 7 and 15 my family and I lived in HK. There was a 23-year old woman who lived on the same floor as us. When I went downstairs to play I saw her coming back from work. She had make-up on, she wore skirt suits and high heels. She was all grown up to me in a way my parents weren't. She was put together. She lived alone. Her boyfriend and parents visited her often. The real exciting part? She had a boyfriend and a job! She was a woman.
Now that I'm 30 and I've donned the skirt suits, lived by myself, and had a boyfriend or two, I still don't feel like a woman. I'm not having a gender-crisis. I'm having a "problem coming to terms with the fact that I am an adult" crisis. In my mind, I still feel 21. Some days it's 18; other days it's 30 and I've even felt 65 in my mind. I'm making all the decisions for my life (I consult my parents, siblings, and closest friends, but the ultimate decision is mine). But there are times in school when I am shocked by the immaturity of my students (however, this is nothing compared to the immaturity some of the people I know display). I'm going all over the place in this post, and I would not give myself a high grade on this. My point is, we strive for things all the time. We want things we cannot have. We expect things to fall into place the moment we turn 18/21/25/30/35. However, life is a constant struggle (more mental than physical a la Waiting for Godot). The bills, the money, the car, the rent, it all takes away from the fun!
We fall into comfort zones, we forget dreams, and we settle. We lose the child in us- the one looking forward to adventures. We can't afford to do that. Once it's done we stop living. So as a girl I had this concept of womanhood in my mind; as an adult I should hold onto the little girl in my heart to truly be a woman.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Three Tagged
My friend, ZenDenizen initiated this exercise herself. She asked people with blogs to consider themselves tagged. (I found myself agreeing with ZenDenizen's answers wholeheartedly in some categories.)
Three screen names that you’ve had:
SBT
litchick
litwurm
Three things you like about yourself:
Sense of humour
Positive attitude
Compassion
Three things you don’t like about yourself:
Nose
Lack of ambition
Inability to really follow-through on anything
Three of your favorite songs:
"Waqt ne kiya," Kagaz ke Phool
"Kiss me," Sixpence, None The Richer
"Live to Tell," Madonna
Three things you want in a relationship:
Passion
Humour
Love
Three celeb crushes:
Abhishek Bachchan
Rahul Dravid
Johnny Depp
Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
I dislike shopping
I like the remote control
I like sports
Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
I like make-up
I like fragrant soaps, lotions, body wash, candles, perfumes
I like talking on the phone
Three things about the opposite sex that appeal to you:
Confidence (not arrogance)
Height
Broad shoulders
Three things that scare me:
Aging ungracefully
People showing up unexpectedly
Snakes
Three people who make me laugh:
JN
Dane Cook
Eddie Izzard
Three things I love:
Family and friends
Nice-smelling home
Rain
Three things I hate:
Competitiveness
Arrogance
Manipulators
Three things I don't understand:
Why people expect their significant other to be everything to them
Why people kill each other
Why teachers are underpaid
Three things I am doing now:
Trying to figure out the things I need and things I can get rid of
Looking for movers and packers
Trying to figure out if I really need movers and packers
Three things I want to do before I die:
Write a book
Travel to all continents and most countries of the world
Give birth/adopt a child
Three things I can do:
Pick myself up when I am down
Make a mean Cosmo
Cook
Three things you should listen to:
Inner Voice
News
Parents
Three things I'd like to learn:
To ride a bike
To drive a stick
To play the piano again
Three favourite books:
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Three favourite foods:
Avocado Rolls
Shahi Paneer
Mac N Cheese
Three beverages I drink regularly:
Green Tea
Chai
Mango Juice
Three things on my desk:
Thank you plaque from a student
Elephants -stuffed toy and crystal-from students
Photos of my family
Three screen names that you’ve had:
SBT
litchick
litwurm
Three things you like about yourself:
Sense of humour
Positive attitude
Compassion
Three things you don’t like about yourself:
Nose
Lack of ambition
Inability to really follow-through on anything
Three of your favorite songs:
"Waqt ne kiya," Kagaz ke Phool
"Kiss me," Sixpence, None The Richer
"Live to Tell," Madonna
Three things you want in a relationship:
Passion
Humour
Love
Three celeb crushes:
Abhishek Bachchan
Rahul Dravid
Johnny Depp
Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
I dislike shopping
I like the remote control
I like sports
Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
I like make-up
I like fragrant soaps, lotions, body wash, candles, perfumes
I like talking on the phone
Three things about the opposite sex that appeal to you:
Confidence (not arrogance)
Height
Broad shoulders
Three things that scare me:
Aging ungracefully
People showing up unexpectedly
Snakes
Three people who make me laugh:
JN
Dane Cook
Eddie Izzard
Three things I love:
Family and friends
Nice-smelling home
Rain
Three things I hate:
Competitiveness
Arrogance
Manipulators
Three things I don't understand:
Why people expect their significant other to be everything to them
Why people kill each other
Why teachers are underpaid
Three things I am doing now:
Trying to figure out the things I need and things I can get rid of
Looking for movers and packers
Trying to figure out if I really need movers and packers
Three things I want to do before I die:
Write a book
Travel to all continents and most countries of the world
Give birth/adopt a child
Three things I can do:
Pick myself up when I am down
Make a mean Cosmo
Cook
Three things you should listen to:
Inner Voice
News
Parents
Three things I'd like to learn:
To ride a bike
To drive a stick
To play the piano again
Three favourite books:
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Three favourite foods:
Avocado Rolls
Shahi Paneer
Mac N Cheese
Three beverages I drink regularly:
Green Tea
Chai
Mango Juice
Three things on my desk:
Thank you plaque from a student
Elephants -stuffed toy and crystal-from students
Photos of my family
Sunday, March 18, 2007
How does this happen?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070318/ap_on_re_us/teacher_sex_7
I just don't understand things like this. Can you fall in love with anyone regardless of age, race, gender, political beliefs, religious beliefs? I definitely think so. But you should both be consenting adults. 13!!! 12!!! WTF?
I truly do understand that teachers spend most of their lives with their students. Children spend most of their lives with their teachers and not their parents. But this is completely unfathomable to me; I'm disgusted when guys in their 30s speak about hot 18-yr old bodies!
However, it has generally been more acceptable for females to have sex with younger boys and our world does have its double standards. My final thought, if you're older and attracted to someone younger, please for the sake of the child: Be an adult. Wait until they are consenting adults. If you both LOVE each other, won't it last forever?
I just don't understand things like this. Can you fall in love with anyone regardless of age, race, gender, political beliefs, religious beliefs? I definitely think so. But you should both be consenting adults. 13!!! 12!!! WTF?
I truly do understand that teachers spend most of their lives with their students. Children spend most of their lives with their teachers and not their parents. But this is completely unfathomable to me; I'm disgusted when guys in their 30s speak about hot 18-yr old bodies!
However, it has generally been more acceptable for females to have sex with younger boys and our world does have its double standards. My final thought, if you're older and attracted to someone younger, please for the sake of the child: Be an adult. Wait until they are consenting adults. If you both LOVE each other, won't it last forever?
Man to Man
So we have an advisee system in place at school. A teacher has a group of 12 students who s/he is responsible for: emotionally, academically, socially etc. In their freshman year of High School students are placed with an advisor and at the end of each year they can either choose to stay with the same advisor or choose another one. Teachers have no say in the matter. Students who lose an advisor have first choice, then incoming Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores.
I had the same advisee group, give or take a few, for four years. I had taught all but 3 students of the class of 2006. They were MY class.
Anyhow, as BH left and all my advisees had graduated and moved on to college, BH's advisees chose me as their advisor.
One of these students is in AP English Lang, in his Junior year. His English teacher is also my Department chair (RW). He did poorly on his English Mid-term and RW did not write a progress report. I asked her for it and she overreacted like she does to everything else. She's so hyper and volatile; it cannot be healthy. Everything is a crisis and in "all [her] years of experience of 34 years [she's] never experienced something like this...." and so on and so forth.
She felt this student needed more time to complete tests. So, I informed her that there was documentation at home but the student was "morally against extended time."
She was enraged. "But he should take it...Oh, oh, oh, something just needs to be done!"
I let her know that his parents, tutor, and I had spoken with him, but he still refused the extended time.
I smiled and walked away politely.
Cut to library.
I'm sitting in the library with my study hall group and JL approaches me, "Ms. T, may I borrow you?" (No. You may not borrow me. I'm not a library book.) "Sure, Mr. L, what's up?"
He proceeds to ask me why I told RW that the said student gets extended time, when there is no paperwork at school. I told him my side of the story: the paperwork is at home, mum, dad, and tutor want him to take the time; student refuses. RW sees us in the hallway and joins the conversation.
OK, so she's in her late 50s early 60s tops. She's shorter than I am (yes, that is humanely possible!) and JL is over 6 feet tall. We're standing there, two short women and a tall guy having this conversation.
RW starts stroking JL's arm, smiles, and laughs coyly!
"Oh you should speak to him. Man to Man. Guy to guy. You're the big man. You're the boss. He'll listen to you."
JL is a little embarrassed and says,
"R. stop! You should be my publicist! Oh come now, as if Ms. T isn't influential!"
She continued fawning over JL. Agghhh. I felt sick. We adjourned. Now I was angry! I'm a f****** great advisor and the insult was not going down well. I could have let it go, but I chose not to.
I went to her office and I asked to speak with her. I told her that I felt insulted and that she insinuated I wasn't a good advisor because I was a woman.
She told me she was a card-carrying feminist (Honey, you don't need a card to be a feminist, you either are or you're not!). How she had been left out all of last year (what are WE in High school now? I know we teach in one...but seriously. Is this retaliation for some wrong you think I did you?), how difficult it was to be new at the school. (Ummmm, you're missing the key points here: you didn't write a progress report and you called me an ineffective advisor because I'm a woman.) I apologized for any harm I may have caused her emotionally last year, I know what it is like to be new and I felt a little bad that she was sad; but I believe she was being manipulative and playing the "oh I hurt you, see, you also hurt me in the past" card. Also the "I completely f***** up and now I'm changing the focus of the discussion ..." card.
She stated that her point was that boys needed to speak to men. Granted, there are certain things that girls need to speak to women about and other things that boys need to speak to men about. But this?
I stated that the boy's father was a MAN, the boy's tutor was a MAN, and they had spoken to the student and he didn't want the extended time. That's when she said that JL would be the right person to speak to him as he is the principal!
"So, R we want to intimidate the student to take extended time?" Uggghhh. It was painful. Let it be said, she gave me a hug and we both apologized to each other.
JL spoke to the student; he refused the extended time, once again.
I never did get that progress report.
I had the same advisee group, give or take a few, for four years. I had taught all but 3 students of the class of 2006. They were MY class.
Anyhow, as BH left and all my advisees had graduated and moved on to college, BH's advisees chose me as their advisor.
One of these students is in AP English Lang, in his Junior year. His English teacher is also my Department chair (RW). He did poorly on his English Mid-term and RW did not write a progress report. I asked her for it and she overreacted like she does to everything else. She's so hyper and volatile; it cannot be healthy. Everything is a crisis and in "all [her] years of experience of 34 years [she's] never experienced something like this...." and so on and so forth.
She felt this student needed more time to complete tests. So, I informed her that there was documentation at home but the student was "morally against extended time."
She was enraged. "But he should take it...Oh, oh, oh, something just needs to be done!"
I let her know that his parents, tutor, and I had spoken with him, but he still refused the extended time.
I smiled and walked away politely.
Cut to library.
I'm sitting in the library with my study hall group and JL approaches me, "Ms. T, may I borrow you?" (No. You may not borrow me. I'm not a library book.) "Sure, Mr. L, what's up?"
He proceeds to ask me why I told RW that the said student gets extended time, when there is no paperwork at school. I told him my side of the story: the paperwork is at home, mum, dad, and tutor want him to take the time; student refuses. RW sees us in the hallway and joins the conversation.
OK, so she's in her late 50s early 60s tops. She's shorter than I am (yes, that is humanely possible!) and JL is over 6 feet tall. We're standing there, two short women and a tall guy having this conversation.
RW starts stroking JL's arm, smiles, and laughs coyly!
"Oh you should speak to him. Man to Man. Guy to guy. You're the big man. You're the boss. He'll listen to you."
JL is a little embarrassed and says,
"R. stop! You should be my publicist! Oh come now, as if Ms. T isn't influential!"
She continued fawning over JL. Agghhh. I felt sick. We adjourned. Now I was angry! I'm a f****** great advisor and the insult was not going down well. I could have let it go, but I chose not to.
I went to her office and I asked to speak with her. I told her that I felt insulted and that she insinuated I wasn't a good advisor because I was a woman.
She told me she was a card-carrying feminist (Honey, you don't need a card to be a feminist, you either are or you're not!). How she had been left out all of last year (what are WE in High school now? I know we teach in one...but seriously. Is this retaliation for some wrong you think I did you?), how difficult it was to be new at the school. (Ummmm, you're missing the key points here: you didn't write a progress report and you called me an ineffective advisor because I'm a woman.) I apologized for any harm I may have caused her emotionally last year, I know what it is like to be new and I felt a little bad that she was sad; but I believe she was being manipulative and playing the "oh I hurt you, see, you also hurt me in the past" card. Also the "I completely f***** up and now I'm changing the focus of the discussion ..." card.
She stated that her point was that boys needed to speak to men. Granted, there are certain things that girls need to speak to women about and other things that boys need to speak to men about. But this?
I stated that the boy's father was a MAN, the boy's tutor was a MAN, and they had spoken to the student and he didn't want the extended time. That's when she said that JL would be the right person to speak to him as he is the principal!
"So, R we want to intimidate the student to take extended time?" Uggghhh. It was painful. Let it be said, she gave me a hug and we both apologized to each other.
JL spoke to the student; he refused the extended time, once again.
I never did get that progress report.
Change
I've been at my current job for five years and its been an interesting experience. I hope I've at least inculcated a sense of curiosity in the students.
Friday was extremely emotional for me. I told JL about my job offer and he was so happy for me. He did a little research on the school in India and told me there were no red flags that he knew of. He was a little upset that I hadn't told him sooner that I was unhappy...but that's the way the cookie crumbles when you're boss. I did tell him as soon as possible though, because I owe him that, and he is a great boss.
We had a meeting with the Class of 2009 about their semi-formal. They were so enthusiastic. I got sad thinking they would move on without me. As I went through the motions and taught on Friday, every class I taught almost made me cry. It was ridiculous.
I have been dying to tell people at work, but I won't until I get the contract in the mail.
After having a few drinks with some friends after work I came home and had a good cry. All the personal stuff that I'd been feeling, leaving my friends, leaving the school, the change itself weighed down on me. I want to get all the crying out of my system. I WILL NOT under any circumstances cry in school, in front of the student body. It WILL NOT happen!
I think that is the toughest part of being a teacher...the emotional connections. I kept telling myself, another year, another year, another year...and now it has finally arrived.
I hate long goodbyes. They are awkward. So now the nitty-gritty starts: the packing, donating, sorting out finances etc.
JN spoke about a big goodbye party. I don't want that. I don't really want a lot of people to know. Just the people I'm close to: RK, NM, KN, and JS from my friends in NY; JN, FM, and MM from my friends in MI.
Time is going to go by so quickly.
I set up this blog again to basically recount my experiences in India and to be connected to those close to me. I hope I'll be able to update it frequently.
Friday was extremely emotional for me. I told JL about my job offer and he was so happy for me. He did a little research on the school in India and told me there were no red flags that he knew of. He was a little upset that I hadn't told him sooner that I was unhappy...but that's the way the cookie crumbles when you're boss. I did tell him as soon as possible though, because I owe him that, and he is a great boss.
We had a meeting with the Class of 2009 about their semi-formal. They were so enthusiastic. I got sad thinking they would move on without me. As I went through the motions and taught on Friday, every class I taught almost made me cry. It was ridiculous.
I have been dying to tell people at work, but I won't until I get the contract in the mail.
After having a few drinks with some friends after work I came home and had a good cry. All the personal stuff that I'd been feeling, leaving my friends, leaving the school, the change itself weighed down on me. I want to get all the crying out of my system. I WILL NOT under any circumstances cry in school, in front of the student body. It WILL NOT happen!
I think that is the toughest part of being a teacher...the emotional connections. I kept telling myself, another year, another year, another year...and now it has finally arrived.
I hate long goodbyes. They are awkward. So now the nitty-gritty starts: the packing, donating, sorting out finances etc.
JN spoke about a big goodbye party. I don't want that. I don't really want a lot of people to know. Just the people I'm close to: RK, NM, KN, and JS from my friends in NY; JN, FM, and MM from my friends in MI.
Time is going to go by so quickly.
I set up this blog again to basically recount my experiences in India and to be connected to those close to me. I hope I'll be able to update it frequently.
Wanderlust Update
I think it's really interesting that the last post of my previous blog was about change and travel. How sad that it has been almost a year and I really haven't done anything about it, right?
Lets update a bit. I went to India in June for a little while; my younger sister got married. It began to rain on the day of her wedding. I was worried for her and asked her if she was OK. Her response was, "Hey! I'm having a Monsoon Wedding!" Nothing got that girl down. She looked beautiful and she was so happy!
In September, my roommate and her boyfriend quit work and moved to Boston. They are getting married in November. I truly believe that their move really hit me. They had the guts and went out there and made change happen. They kick-started their lives into action.
So in the following month, I began to look for work in NYC, Boston, San Fransisco, and the rest of the world. I did Google searches, spoke to colleagues with International experience and just tried my luck and sent resumes to schools. At the end of the month, I didn't really actively look again. I got back into the swing of things at work and wasn't upset any longer.
Come March (and this is when schools generally hire), I get an email from a school in India. The Department Head (UR) and Director of Curriculum Studies (CV) want to set up a phone interview with me. I completely freak out! What, SBT, actually act? It was ridiculous. I couldn't sleep or eat. I checked out the website again and decided to write back. I wasn't going to be rude, now!
So a time is set up (work schedules and time zones taken into consideration) for me to speak with CV. He calls me before I head out to work. He is wonderful on the phone and I was impressed. We set up a time for UR to call me; however, I missed her call but she left me a number so I called back. We spoke on the phone for an hour! We connected so well over the phone; our views on literature, teaching, and students were very similar. It was a great conversation. She then told me I would speak with DW, the Head of the School. As I put down the phone, panic set in again. I was pretty sure I was going to get the job offer and typical SBT style I started worrying about mundane crap: packing!
I spoke to my friends MR, JN, RK, NM, my sisters and my parents. I let them know the situation and they were thrilled. I wanted to know so much about the work environment in India and the surrounding area of the school. I kept fluctuating: I'll take it, no I won't....
So DW calls, he offers me the job. I negotiate terms and benefits, call my family again. Communicate with current teachers at the school (who were so enthusiastic and encouraging). Make some really tough personal decisions, more sleepless nights, a lot of calculations, and voila, I accept the job offer!
I'm going to India at the end of June!
Lets update a bit. I went to India in June for a little while; my younger sister got married. It began to rain on the day of her wedding. I was worried for her and asked her if she was OK. Her response was, "Hey! I'm having a Monsoon Wedding!" Nothing got that girl down. She looked beautiful and she was so happy!
In September, my roommate and her boyfriend quit work and moved to Boston. They are getting married in November. I truly believe that their move really hit me. They had the guts and went out there and made change happen. They kick-started their lives into action.
So in the following month, I began to look for work in NYC, Boston, San Fransisco, and the rest of the world. I did Google searches, spoke to colleagues with International experience and just tried my luck and sent resumes to schools. At the end of the month, I didn't really actively look again. I got back into the swing of things at work and wasn't upset any longer.
Come March (and this is when schools generally hire), I get an email from a school in India. The Department Head (UR) and Director of Curriculum Studies (CV) want to set up a phone interview with me. I completely freak out! What, SBT, actually act? It was ridiculous. I couldn't sleep or eat. I checked out the website again and decided to write back. I wasn't going to be rude, now!
So a time is set up (work schedules and time zones taken into consideration) for me to speak with CV. He calls me before I head out to work. He is wonderful on the phone and I was impressed. We set up a time for UR to call me; however, I missed her call but she left me a number so I called back. We spoke on the phone for an hour! We connected so well over the phone; our views on literature, teaching, and students were very similar. It was a great conversation. She then told me I would speak with DW, the Head of the School. As I put down the phone, panic set in again. I was pretty sure I was going to get the job offer and typical SBT style I started worrying about mundane crap: packing!
I spoke to my friends MR, JN, RK, NM, my sisters and my parents. I let them know the situation and they were thrilled. I wanted to know so much about the work environment in India and the surrounding area of the school. I kept fluctuating: I'll take it, no I won't....
So DW calls, he offers me the job. I negotiate terms and benefits, call my family again. Communicate with current teachers at the school (who were so enthusiastic and encouraging). Make some really tough personal decisions, more sleepless nights, a lot of calculations, and voila, I accept the job offer!
I'm going to India at the end of June!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
I'm back!
So, I couldn't put if off any longer. I'm blogging again. Hopefully this time I won't delete it. I'm excited because I found all my former blog entries and I'll re-post them here one by one. What prompted me to start the blog again is the change that is about to take place in my life. Also many thanks to the wonderful friend who encouraged me to start again!
I'm so excited and feel the need to share while staying relatively anonymous also.
I think being the U2 fan that I am, it's completely appropriate for me to start blogging again today. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I'm so excited and feel the need to share while staying relatively anonymous also.
I think being the U2 fan that I am, it's completely appropriate for me to start blogging again today. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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