Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Trap Called 'Arranged Marriage"

'Arranged Marriage' - a term that is known to trigger upset stomachs more than a stale fish. When I was a kid, I used to fancy a situation where a girl and a boy were arranged to meet by their families and considered it to be a very ‘sweet’ tradition. For me, people who condemned the act were foolish to sway away the fun it involved. I always thought how cute it was to dress up and wait for people to arrive and then to steal glances of the boy. Little did I understand the ‘real’ fun of it.

As we advance with age (supposedly) the significance of marriage increases. Surely we are taught how important it is to get married, but it all seems so big when it falls right on your head. Thinking about your marriage that may be held after a decade or so is as easy as thinking about owning an island.

One of my very good friends, AW (using his initials because I promised not to use his full name) is going through something similar these days. (No, I will not mention my own state of mind here) AW is a qualified engineer, not bad looking I think (c’mon who says you are a bad looking), has a nice supportive and caring family, is romantic, settled in the U.S. and has been a favourite amongst a few girls already. All in all, he is a happy person who works hard and parties extremely hard (or so he tells me). But to the horror of this situation, is this ‘good on paper guy's’ story, because he now sees himself being pulled closer to this horrifying act called ‘arranged marriage’.

Now being in his age (so called the right age to marry), he is obviously expected to tie the knot and get settled down. ‘Settled down’, the term brings concern and care with it. When parents ask us to ‘settle down’, they also mean, run a regular life after which only we are responsible for our acts and decisions. So well, the poor guy is introduced to several girls, some who he likes and some who he repels, but finally comes back to square one.

The comfort of living your life on your own terms and doing only what pleases you is way too enticing for people like AW to confidently step into a marriage. Of course, the road is tough but we all know that we have to go through it. So here is what I suggest you to prepare yourself for a union that we should see as a bond and not as an obligation.

Stop being a pigeon
Closing your eyes will not stop the cat from attacking you. Instead, realise your potential and fly off. This is for people who think they aren’t ready to be killed (please interpret being killed as getting married). So if you really need more time, shoo off the situation for a while and fly off to a safer island.

Have a big mouth
We all have our choices and there is a huge possibility that our parents and our choice may be different. Its different to be ill-mannered and to be frank. When it comes to your life, don’t worry how bad your parents will feel. All they want is your happiness and making a sane decision now will surely keep them and you happy for life.

Don’t count on falling in love at first sight
My friend Prashant is now engaged to a girl who he claims to have fallen in love with at the very first sight. I must mention here that his is going to be an arranged marriage. But you see, luck is not everyone’s biggest asset. So don’t count on every meeting and don’t create unnecessary hopes. I don’t think that works.

Don’t think of it as ‘arranged’
C’mon, we live in the real world and we know how supportive our families are going to be if we told them we have found our Mr. or Miss Perfect ourselves. But well, if you are as useless in this regard as me, read on. Think of marriage as not just a responsibility but as a union – a union with the person you have been trying to find everywhere ever since you became single.

But no matter, how much you calm yourself and how much you try to be positive, arranged marriage is surely infinite times tougher than a love marriage. Not that I totally support it, but being single, I don’t even condemn it. I guess since it has worked for some people, it can work for some more. Your family might want you to live happily ever after, but it isn’t in their hands to make or break your life. So people, be calm and think deeply before committing yourself to someone. If you feel scared, don't worry, join the gang, we are all dafts in this case.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Joke of the week

My daughter and her husband, Monte, had flown to visit me, and he held their baby in his arms as the passengers stood to deplane. Noticing the baby's shirt, which said "Little Terror," a woman commented, "I think it's awful to have your child wear something like that."

"But it's true," Monte replied.

"Well," the woman persisted, "I wouldn't advertise it."

A moment later, he shifted the infant a bit, and the woman exclaimed, "Oh, his shirt says 'Little Terror.' I thought it said 'Little Error.' "

TAKEN FROM READER'S DIGEST

Saturday, April 19, 2008

11 DEADLY CAREER MOVES

The job market these days is so erratic that even if you think it was the best interview of your life, you can’t be so sure about it. Neha Chauhan, who graduated six months ago, is one of the victims of the new job world. She confesses morosely of being unaware that it was going to be so hard. “Even interviews are hard to come by and yet when they do, I don’t get through,” says Neha.

Rakhee Dhawan has her own tale of woe. She graduated with a B.A. Degree but finds that it’s not opening any doors for her. She found out that the employers are looking for specific qualifications and her Degree just does not cut it.

It is war out there. There are millions looking for a job and the dejection levels are even higher. India is teeming with talent as well as with population which develops cut-throat competition for every opportunity that arises. However those in the job industry feel that this is just one side of the story. Rajev Jamwal of naukri.com says “no, its not just a war; its an out-an-out battle. Sure there is competition, but with such a booming economy, who says there is lack of opportunities. You see the job market too has evolved along with other fields. So if you want a job, there are plenty of vacancies, but none of it can help you if you don’t have the right approach. You should know the best to be there, because of course, if you don’t know, it doesn’t mean that even others don’t”.

So to say, the right career moves are what we need to reach where we think we should. So, here are our 11 deadly Cosmo pointers to make it easier to get an edge over the teeming competitive hordes.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.1

Write a concise Covering Letter

The covering letter should be a one pager neatly typed on good quality white bonded paper. The covering letter gives you the first opportunity to make a great impression on the employer. Just introduce yourself generally and highlight your skills and achievements in the letter. You could make the letter more personal by addressing it to a specific person in the company. You can also take clues from covering letter samples available on the Internet. But whatever you do, make sure the covering letter reads like a letter and not like an essay on your personality. “People find the covering letter as the only place they can interact with the employer. What they forget is that the covering letter is just the first step towards a bigger interactive platform”, says Jamwal.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.2

Write a resume that fits perfectly

The Resume or the Curriculum Vitae is generally a two pager and should be typed on bonded white paper. Just like the covering letter, it introduces you to the employer but in this case, with just enough detail. A recent survey conducted by Reed, one of the biggest job consultants in UK revealed that if you modify your resume as per the job requirements, there are greater chance of success. You can search for resume formats on the Internet as well. However, here are some pointers as a rough guide you should keep in mind:-

Ø The first section should ideally consist of your name, address and contact information.
Ø The second section should offer details on your educational background. It should list all the degrees you have earned, starting from the most recent.
Ø Next comes a summary of all your work experience including volunteer work. Here you can and must highlight the specific skills you have gained on account of this.
Ø The fourth Section should outline your interests and your extracurricular activities. It should be an add-on to how this will help you in performing your job in a better manner.
Ø The last part of your resume should give provide names of two Referees for Reference purposes along with their contact information.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.3

Dress for success

Shoddy is out and so is Ultra Mod. In a job interview, it is actually about promoting yourself and for that the sales pitch has to be right. Err on the side of conservatism and wear crisp formals like long sleeved shirts and trousers. If you plan to wear a skirt ensure that it is well below your knees. Present a well groomed appearance. Keep your hair away from your face. Long hair should be tied up in a neat bun or a ponytail. Ensure that the shoes that you are wearing are in good condition and properly polished. “Something has to be said about Power Dressing. It really makes you feel more confident,” Says Dharini Patel, HR head of a leading advertising company.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.4

Making the right career choice

Sit down and think what kind of a job you want. Choosing the right career is imperative for a satisfying career. One wrong choice made here and you might just end up with something you don’t want even after months of struggle. “Some of my friends were Graphic Artists and they used to tell me how great it is to be in this profession. Fuelled by their words, I joined a course at a prestigious institution. I did not enjoy the course as such but thought things might change after I started working. Now I am stuck in a job which I hate. However after investing so much time, energy and money I cannot think about a change”, says Debandi Kaul, a Graphic Designer by fault.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.5

Start Networking

Networking is the new mantra to hum if you are a job seeker. Your working friends might be the best source of information for upcoming vacancies. Talk to them and ask them to keep you in the know if their organization is recruiting. You can also talk to other people such as your former co-workers, relatives and professors to get first and information. You can ask for their advice and use it effectively. Says Piya Tandon, “I always land lucrative jobs. People ask me what my secret is and I tell them it all boils down to contacts. I move in the right circles and cultivate friendships with the right people and the dividends just follow”.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.6

Brush up your communication skills

An Interview is basically a sales pitch and gives you a chance to impress the Interviewer with good communication skills. You will have to take the hard road and practice incessantly the questions which you anticipate will be asked during the Interview. However your answers should not appear to be too rehearsed. Says, Rashi Deewan, “I am a really vivacious person and whenever I go for an Interview I end up having a conversation with the Interviewer. A lot of the time it has yielded positive results.” However every body is different and you will have to work towards evolving your style.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.7

Take it nice and slow

Everybody is vying for the top job. However you have to nix your unrealistic expectations in the bud. There are only a few of those top jobs and there are thousands to compete with, especially those from elite institutions armed with loads of work experience eyeing the same deal. Realistically give a ditch to that dream job and mega salary deal and start with something small and then work your way up. Reshma Shah wanted to work as an Air Hostess but got turned down by several Airlines. She then adopted an alternate approach and opted for a ticketing job with a national airline. After a year she applied again and was snapped up by an International Airlines. She says, “The main thing that appealed to them was that I could work under pressure as ticketing is pretty high pressure and working as an Air Hostess entails a lot of pressure too. Furthermore I had worked in the same field earlier and that helped”.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.8

Homework and hardwork

Plenty of hard work is required when looking for a job. Read all the material in relation to the field and company you are applying to. Your reading material may include Journals, Trade Magazines and Newspapers. If you are well informed and knowledgeable, you will definitely get an edge over those applying for the same position.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.9

The Interview run

This is a must. A few days prior to the Interview, look up where the place is and find out how long it takes you to reach there. Jangled with nerves on the day of the Interview you might just end up being late if you don’t have prior knowledge about the venue. Sheetal Satija, a gold medalist mechanical engineer from DCE lost on her dream job for getting stuck in traffic at the eleventh hour. She says, “I had no idea Gurgaon was so complicated. It took me more than an hour to reach Gurgaon and then I took another half an hour to locate the venue. Needless to say, when I reached late the HR lady looked at me as if I had come uninformed. Of course I knew I had lost the chance”.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.10

A must read

If you are looking for a job then the book “What Colour Is Your Parachute?” by Richard N Bolles recommended by several experts is a must read. It is full of innovative tips.

DEADLY CAREER MOVE No.11

Learn Interview Etiquettes

Based on their recent survey, Reed has released a new list of Interview Etiquettes that would ensure your proper behaviour to leave that lasting impression. Here is the Do’s and Don’ts list complied to let you know what to do and what not to do:

THE DO’S
1) Arrive at least 15 minutes before the Interview.
2) Prepare for the Interview.
3) Be polite to the receptionist and greet her properly.
4) You might be interviewed by a panel so do not forget to bring extra copies of your Resume.
5) Shake hands firmly. A clammy handshake is an absolute disappointment.
6) Be careful about your body language. Look alert energetic and interested.
7) Make eye contact with the Interviewer.
8) Switch off your cell phone or pager.
9) Ask intelligent questions about the company, so that it shows that you have done your research.
10) Do note down the details of the Interview so that you can keep record.

THE DONT’S
1) Don’t use slang during the Interview.
2) Don’t get in to controversial topics.
3) Don’t think that because you have a Resume crammed with work experience and great Degrees, you won’t have to sell yourself to the Interviewer.
4) Saying anything negative about your former work colleagues, friends, teachers can be detrimental to your own chances.
5) Do not be overtly aggressive, it just sends the wrong message.
6) If you are being interviewed by the panel don’t focus on only one person but keep making eye contact with all of them.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Beauty lies in the feet

Did you know that your over-all personality depends on your feet? Well, yes it does. The healthier our feet are, the better we walk and flaunt our confidence.

With such busy schedules and rigorous travelling, how much time do we girls get anyway? A Sunday? Yeah right. Who is going to cook and clean if we set up a session at the beauty parlour on Sundays? Nevertheless, no matter what excuses we have, we all know that a “beautiful me” is all we need to gear up our confidence and rejuvenate our spirits.

Feet are our most essential and sadly the most neglected possessions. In a fast running life, an average person loses almost a cup of liquid just through feet alone and that too in a single day.

We hardly care for our feet and leave them at their mercy alone. Well, that’s not a good sign for sure. A woman of average height normally wears at least two to three inches of heels for a minimum of eight hours a day. She cleans and conditions her hair and skin with conditioners and moisturisers but forgets to nourish her feet. She comes back home, kicks off the heels and relaxes her aching heels on the cool floor and then washes her face, and then happily retires to the kitchen. At the end of the day, she combs her hair and washes her face to go back to a peaceful sleep for maintaining her beautiful eyes and a glowing skin to wake up next day and run through another busy day on the same feet but yet again neglecting them as usual.

There are three parts of the foot, which one can focus on and take care of on a regular basis…here we go with our thesis.

The forefoot is the frontal part of the foot, bears almost half of the body’s weight, and balances pressure on the ball of the foot. The midfoot is connected to the forefoot and the hindfoot, essentially providing support and weight balancing. The hindfoot links the midfoot to the ankle and contains the heel bone, which is cushioned by a layer of fat at the bottom.

Aching and tired heels are a result of incorrect angling, irregular blood circulation and uncomfortable footwear. Women often feel a piercing pain in the ball of their toes when wearing stilettos. “Pencil heels” do provide us some inches of additional height but eventually harm the spinal cord due to wrong posture.

Unavailability of enough space for the heel to rest on, leads the body exert most of its weight on the toes, and more specifically on the balls of the toe, creating irregular blood circulation and posture problems.

Although wearing heels occasionally does not cause serious harm to the body, doctors do not prescribe wearing more than 1 to 1.5 inches of heels everyday.

A good replacement of the “pencil heel” is a “platform heel” or a “block heel”. These heels provide enough space for the heel to rest on to avoid blood circulation problems.

But yes, healthy feet do not only mean inner health. Healthy feet in fact need a right blend of inner and outer maintenance. The skin on the feet also needs to be healthy enough to make feet healthy.

A common tip for beautiful feet is to treat yourself with a pedicure at least once in 15 days. Such extensive care is seen as quite impossible a task for each week. However, it is advisable to take out time and pamper yourself with a pedicure at least once a month.

Now to be able to keep a pedicure for a whole month, there are some maintenance tips you can follow:

For soft and dead skin-less heels, keep a pumice stone handy to work on those heels when you step out of the shower.
When moisturising your body with a body lotion/moisturiser, do not forget to moisturise your feet as well.
Take out 10-15 minutes on each weekend for a relaxing footbath and pour in some drops of essential oil in the water for extra softness.
If your ankles are swollen, it could be sign of you holding fluids. You must avoid sitting for longer durations and try to reduce your salt intake if you take on too much of it on a daily basis.
Adding milk to a footbath can somehow just magically soften your feet.
If you have extremely dry feet then lather a layer of cocoa butter to each foot, slip your feet into plastic bags and pull on a pair of oversize socks. Leave on overnight while sleeping to find soft and silky feet the next morning.
Go for a foot massage. It’s pretty relaxing. For the ones who can, ask your partner to give you one and trade off. This should be good to rejuvenate your other senses too.
Being careless to the extent of getting cracking heels is the ultimate sin. So if you too are a sinner, get an over-the-counter ointment for your feet. Remember that cracking heels is just the beginning of any serious feet problems, so you must consult a doctor if the condition worsens.
Another important “thing” is a pair of socks. Delhi winters can be really painful for the feet, so keep them covered. DON’T walk bare-foot in winters as this is where all hard work done goes in vain.

Try this and feel the change in yourself. Not only do healthy feet make you beautiful, they let your spirits high and keep you confident and going for tougher times. But remember that beauty is not just skin deep, it travels further more. And feet not just keep you standing, they help you stand-up, for beauty lies in the feet. Doesn’t it?

Sunscreen – Your Skin Saviour

The winter season is all gone and spring is all set to bloom. With the colourful wardrobes and bold accessories this season, the sun is ready too to outshine and show off its total potential. Be it shopping under the sun all day for a bride-to-be, or a career girl travelling in the bright sun, we all need to be protected from the catastrophic implications of the sunrays. This protection they say is best done if you swear by using Sunscreens. So here are some basics about Sunscreens, what you should know and what you should and should not do.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a popular product available in various forms like lotions, gels and even sprays in the market. Many people consider sunscreen to be only a lotion that prevents you from getting tanned or dark from the sunrays. Sunscreens are chemical agents that stop ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin. What remains less known is the fact that effective sunscreens protect against both UVB (Ultraviolet B or medium wave) and UVA (Ultraviolet A or long wave). UVB is said to cause sunburns, whereas, UVA penetrates deeper in the skin and causes wrinkling, sagging and premature skin aging if subjected to over-exposure. It will still not be incorrect to say that the most important purpose of sunscreen is to prevent permanent damage to the skin to avoid skin cancer.

In some cultures, especially the western cultures that are dominated by people with white skin, getting a skin tan is a popular way of protecting your skin from harmful sunrays. It is also a popular fashion idea just to add some colour to one’s skin. However, studies and researches have shown that skin tan is our body’s way of telling us that we have already had more than enough. Sunburn is another kind of skin reaction to the sunrays. Extremely fair people or white people are more prone to sunburn than sun-tan. This basically happens because of the change in melanin levels in different types of skin.

As far as answering the question, “who should use sunscreen” is concerned; the answer is “everyone”. It is recommended that from a six-month old child to the elderly, everyone must apply sunscreen before venturing out of the house. Infants up to the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun.

How to judge Sunscreens?

Sunscreens are usually judged on the basis of their Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The SPF of a sunscreen is the measurement of the effectiveness of the sunscreen. This measurement or SPF is laboratory tested. The higher the SPF, the better protection it offers against UVB. However, protection from a sunscreen varies from person to person. The basic factors apart from the SPF that determine the effectiveness of a sunscreen are:

Ø Your skin type
Ø The amount of sunscreen applied and frequency of application
Ø Activities and actions you engage in. This includes sports, bathing and travelling.

Important here is to know that common sunscreens do not block UVA as effectively as they block UVB. Many of the sunscreens available in the United States today combine several different active chemical sunscreen ingredients in order to provide broad-spectrum protection.

Effectiveness of a sunscreen can be determined by its SPF. It is believed that sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher than 15 do a good job of protecting against UVB. The SPF has different levels. The higher the SPF the better protection it offers. If it usually takes 10 minutes for your skin to start tanning or reddening, an SPF 15 sunscreen would save your skin for 10 x 15 minutes that is 2.5 hours. It is hence said that higher the SPF, the better protection it offers.

Some people think that it is better to use more than one sunscreens of almost the same SPF at the same time rather than using one with a higher SPF. The point to understand here is that SPF is not an opaque or solid protection that doubles when kept on top of each other. SPF is a chemical agent and combining two similar chemical agents would just increase the amount of sunscreen. Applying SPF 15 on top of SPF 20 does not count for SPF 35. The level of your skin protection in this case would be at a maximum of SPF 20.

It is still advisable to use a sunscreen of up to SPF 15 or 20 as it suits most skin types. If your activities require you to have a stronger sun protection, please consult a dermatologist before experimenting on your valuable skin with a higher SPF.

There are still some problems with sunscreen models just like any other cosmetic. No sunscreen, irrespective of its strength should be expected to stay effective on your skin or provide sun protection more than two hours of its first application. It is recommended to use reapply sunscreen every after two to three hours.

What type of sunscreen to choose?

The answer to this depends on your exposure to sun. However, we recommend you to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Many lotions, after shaves and moisturisers also have SPF 15 or greater imbibed in them. It is still suggested that if you work in the sun or travel a lot, you should opt for stronger, water resistant sunscreen.

How much sunscreen to use?

Studies and researches have shown that you should apply one ounce (almost 30 ml) of sunscreen at a time. Most sunscreens suggest for approximately the same amount to be used. In case you decide to use less amount, be aware that sun protection level for your skin will definitely be less than assured.

Another important aspect to know about sunscreen is that it should be properly absorbed in the skin before going out in the sun. We recommend you to apply sunscreen about half and hour before getting your skin exposed to sunrays. Reapplication of sunscreen is also very important and as mentioned earlier, it should be done after two to three hours of the first application and in case you go out for jogging or running, swimming or just sweat out in the sun, immediately reapply sunscreen to replace the sun protection.

Common myths about sunscreen

There are some myths about sunscreens and we would definitely like to tell you about them. Some myths are:

1. You do not need to use sunscreen if it is cloudy outside
This is incorrect. It is a widely known fact that about 40 per cent of sun’s ultraviolet radiation reaches Earth even on a cloudy day. This is the most common misconception because people feel that “sunny day” is the only time you need sunscreen and do not realise the implications of going out without a sunscreen.

2. You have received most of your sun exposure in childhood and nothing can be done now
This is a very sad thought. Scientifically speaking, this concept is more of an orthodox belief. We as human beings can be subjected to harmful effects of sunrays in childhood, youth and old age. Age has nothing to do with protection from sunrays. This is why we recommend sun protection for all age groups except for infants of up to six months as their skin is very sensitive and is not ready to tolerate any chemical agents. This is precisely why we request you to keep infants away from sunrays as far as possible.

3. Wearing sunscreen causes Vitamin D deficiency
Some dermatologists do support this idea, but in reality there is no study to support this thought. We all know that humans get Vitamin D from sunrays, but sunscreens are not made to stop this vitamin from entering your body. Another point to raise here is that there is immense Vitamin D present in our food intake like salmon, eggs, and dairy products and orange. Besides, how many of us are so fond of this one vitamin to let our skin on stake?

There are various good sunscreens available in the market. The ones we recommend are U.V. Sorb’s sunscreen gel with SPF 15. The gel stays on your skin for sometime for apply it properly and let it get absorbed in your skin. Rest assured, you will surely be happy with this product. Another of our recommendations is the Lakme Sun Expert Sun Block. An oil-free, water and sweat resistant formulation with enhanced protection from UVA and UVB radiation, this specially formulated sunscreen for Indian skin has SPF 25.

So if you dare to go bare, remember your sunscreen is your skin saviour. If you swear by using a sunscreen and reapply it as prescribed, let the sun shine the way it does and smile along. That’s it for this time girls, I hope this info makes you smile with relief and flaunt yourself confidently.

By: Radhika Raheja

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Navratras -

It seems the very idea of fasting throughout navratras is outdated now. I remember, there were times when everybody just loved the idea to fast. It was more like an 'in' deed. And fortunately or unfortunately, but I am still stuck to the idea. I still find it fulfilling and satisfying. I sometimes wonder, is it me who is glued to the age old beliefs or it is everyone else - trying to be different?

Like you must have understood by now, I am fasting. And its surprising to note that none of my friends are. I mean absolutely no one is fasting. Most of them will be fasting only on the last two days (today and tomorrow) and in fact, many of them are happy not fasting. Not to mention that I have been teased by them munching all tasty stuff. Huh! I thought, whats the big deal man?

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

to tickle u a bit..

Okay people, here is something to cheer you up on this lazy morning. Don't take any joke on a woman or a wife seriously, ha ha.. u know why ;).

1. I don't worry about terrorism. I was married for two years.

2. When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife.

3. We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.

4. She ran after the garbage truck, yelling, "Am I toolate for the garbage?" Following her down the street I yelled, "No, jump in."

5. Badd Teddy recently explained to me why he refusesto get to married. He says "the wedding rings look like miniaturehandcuffs....."

6. If your dog is barking at the back door and yourwife yelling at the front door, who do you let in first? The Dog of course... at least he'll shut up after u let him in!

7. A man placed some flowers on the grave of his dearly parted mother and started back toward his car when his attention was diverted to another man kneeling at a grave. The man seemed to be praying with profound intensity and kept repeating, 'Why did u have to die? Why did you have to die?" The first man approached him and said, "Sir, I don't wish to interfere with your private grief, but this demonstration of pain in is more than I've ever seen before. For whom do you mourn so? Deeply? A child? A parent?" The mourner took a moment to collect himself, then replied "My wife's first husband."

8. A couple came upon a wishing well. The husband leaned over, made a wish and threw in a coin. The wife decided to make a wish, too. But she leaned over too much, fell into the well and drowned. The husband was stunned for a while but then smiled " It really works!"

Interview with a gynae

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children are enough.

Q: I'm 2 months pregnant now, When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?
A: If it's the flu, you'll get better.

Q: What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A: For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me, Why?
A: Because you're fatter than they are.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: What's the difference between a nine-month pregnant woman and a model?
A: Nothing (if the pregnant woman's husband knows what's good for him).

Q: How long is the average woman in labor?
A: Whatever she says divided by two.

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Does pregnancy cause hemorrhoids?
A: Pregnancy causes anything you want to blame it for.

Q: What does it mean when a baby is born with teeth?
A: It means that the baby's mother may want to rethink her plans to nurse.

Q: What is the best time to wean the baby from nursing?
A: When you see teeth marks.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

Truth of life: every employee will understand this

When the body was first made, all the parts wanted to be Boss.

The brain said, "I should be Boss because I control the wholebody's responses and functions."
The feet said, " We should be Boss as we carry the brain about and get him to where he wants to go."
The hands said, " We should be the Boss because we do all the workand earn all the money."
And so it went on and on with the heart, the lungs and the eyes until finally the asshole spoke up.
All the parts laughed at the idea of the asshole being the Boss.
So the asshole went on strike, blocked itself up and refused to work. Within a short time the eyes became crossed, the hands clenched,the feet twitched, the heart and lungs began to panic and the brain fevered. Eventually they all decided that the asshole should be the Boss, so the motion was passed.

All the other parts did all the work while the Boss just sat and passed out the shit!

Moral of the story: You don't need brains to be a Boss - any asshole will do.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Designer footwear - the love of my life.. till now.

There is something about footwear. They intrigue me. Sometimes, I am so stuck on one pair that it keeps coming in my dreams for several nights. Until of course, there is another pair in competition. I know its funny. Especially at my age, when people learn to control their urges for materialistic goods and focus on saving and all kinda fancy crap. But there is something for you all to know, designer footwear come at a cost, trust me it’s a cost that’s more of an investment. With Manolo Blahniks starting at a price of Rs. 50,000; you would know what I mean. I don’t even know if we get manolos in India. But this I know for sure, brands I can afford to buy (all chic stores in Delhi of course) are like Disney land for me. Just imagine, how romantic will it be if a guy takes a shoe lover like me to a date and takes me my surprise by moving in a nice chic or designer footwear store and buys me a pair or two he thinks he would like to see me wearing. Now that’s what I call the perfect date. Hell, this is so pathetic of me. But yes, this selfish and materialistic girl would fall in love instantly with a guy who does that. So cute and so endearing. No?

My love for pink carnations

I usually am not very flattered when someone gives me flowers. It is soo damn cliched'. Flowers should depict love and care. But somehow, now it is just an easier way to get some trouble off your way like simply bringing some flowers to a friend's birthday party. I mean c'mon, who gives flowers on a birthday. Honestly, I have received plenty of flowers for plenty occasions and I know that they aren't carrying anyone's emotions. They just are an easy way to get away with the hassle of thinking about getting someone the right gift and actually taking out time to go and buy it. Most people think, "oh c'mon, who doesn't like flowers". But really, those non-living beautiful to look at flowers die faster than the happy feeling of any event. Sure, it is an effort to buy a gift, but isn't that what gifts are about. Well, coming back to the liking/ disliking for flowers (liking and disliking coz I can't decide whether I like them or not), there is something hypocritical about my own opinion. I just love pink carnations. Surprisingly, they make me feel like I am beign complimented. WOW. They are a true heart stealer.
May be it has something to do with being a writer (whether a good or a bad one is for another discussion). And what makes me feel even better is that fact that even carrie bradshaw likes them in sex and the city. I mean c'mon, isnt that too much of a coincidence? Although she throws them away after her senseless and insulting breakup with Jack Burger, she really did like them, just like me :) . Just hoping that my love for those adorable flowers doesn't end like her's.