Ramadan Times

Here come Ramadan again!The holy month.A time to cleanse your soul and pray hard and take fast.And with the fasting comes the cooking.Yes the cooking part simply cannot be ignored during this month.

Up till marriage Ramadan was not a difficult task simply because I was not wholly responsible for the food that reaches the table for Iftar.And then 2 years ago things changed.

We married in the end of July in 2009.Ramadan started in August mid or so.First week was alright as I was at my in-laws.Then we rejoined work and then started the trouble.I didn't know what to serve him.I knew basic cooking and could make stuff from scratch using recipes but that was not enough.Cooking started after I reached home from work and I had to finish in a couple of hours.Main problem was the speed.I was slow because I was unsure.Mom sent me recipes through email and I would try to do them as best as I could.Sometimes things would not work out well and I would get exasperated and start crying.Then would come the consoling sessions by my mother and my hubby.And then the whole cycle would repeat itself.

2010 was far better the way I see it.Though again I was getting only a couple of hours to do all the cooking and that too by starting immediately after reaching home from an 8 hour shift,things went pretty smoothly.I was faster and more importantly more confident.And my husband was supportive.Preplanning did wonders too.And so we glided through the holy month without much of a problem.

2011 is here and Ramadan starts tomorrow.Hoping for this one to go smoothly as well.So starting out with crossed fingers.Ramadan Kareem to all!May the Almighty bless everyone abundantly.

A New Nest

A month ago my husband and I moved into Coimbatore for doing our postgraduation and thus moved into our 1st home.This was the first time we were getting an apartment from the start.We went through the tiring but interesting process of apartment hunting.I have always loved looking at apartments and houses,and since my hubby too is interested in such matters we had a gala time.Finally we ended up taking a convenient place pretty close to the hospital where we were studying.


Well things do not end there.Converting a house into a home is not an easy task but definitely one worthwhile.Parents had a major share in it for sure.With all the experience and expertise they possess they taught us the basics of setting up a home.Like my mom keeps saying "Until our hands touch every part of it,it does not really become our home".Every tiny step has been a learning experience.Lots of blunders have been committed along the way but are not regretted.


I believe our efforts did not go wasted.When we get back from a heavy day at work we love relaxing in our living room.We love getting up in the morning listening to birds chirping and feeling the glorious sunrays caressing us.I enjoy reading and honing my writing skills at our antique study table.My husband likes the dishes I experiment in our tiny but warm kitchen.In toto we love our new apartment and hope to have many many memorabe happy moments in our new nest.May the Almighty shower his blessings.

HOME(s) SWEET HOME(s)!!!

There's nothing like coming home isn't it??Since there are many places I call home I'm lucky enough too feel it many times.However coming to my parent's apartment in the UAE where I grew up is always special.

From the time my flight touches the Arabian soil I feel rejuvenated.This is where I spent my childhood,my growing up years.This place gives me so many memories of times spent here with family and friends.The days of school and waiting for the bus with friends.Trying to be cool among friends and in turn getting my parent's raised eyebrows pointed at me.Hanging out with pals in shopping malls and friends' homes.Weekend trips with parents.Fighting with my brother over the silliest of things.Ordering home delivery whenever we feel like.Waiting for the Dubai Shopping Festival even though its almost the same year after year.The way the city does not sleep even in the late hours of night.Trying out the various cuisines so easily available here.The vast variety of items in the stores.The various opportunities and facilities you receive at every step.Every little thing comes out as a memory bubble that makes me want to be back in this place again.

The previous day my driving instructor asked me whether I like India or UAE more.Somehow I could not answer that question immediately.I enjoy my life in India very much and I love the place and the new memories it has created for me over the past 7 years.It has helped shape me as a better human being I believe.

Having lived in both countries I have an advantage of knowing two so very different lifestyles.So I guess I'll just cherish this feeling of fondness I have for both the countries till I have a definite picture in my mind and till then enjoy the two countries to the fullest.