Aar-Bee

Nothing to blog

2011-08-06T03:00:00.000+05:30

I just realized that I do not have any topics in my mind to blog about especially after I moved out of NYC. I haven't stopped missing the most amazing place I ever lived at but I am definitely not that sad; in fact not at all sad the way I was couple of months back. Life has been good at work and home (actually, working from home!!) and the regular outings on weekends which has become a part of routine now a days.

Ofcourse, I miss living on Hudson waterfront and cannot catch a glimpse of Empire State Bldg (Sigh!) from my apartment window. And no highrises here. But I am learning to enjoy nature now :)
Well, this place turned out to be far more beautiful than I ever thought because of the moutains, rivers, lakes, trees and the lush green roads everywhere. No wonder why they call it 'Evergreen State' ! There has been lot of sightseeing lately and I must say I enjoyed every bit of it.

And not to forget we saved ourselves from the 'heat wave' which is hitting most of the east and central part of country. Its almost summer and the weather is still pleasant here with lots of sunshine and the drizzles :D and the temperature being in 60s or 70s most of the time.

So what else should I ask for? Other than things to remain the way they are :)

Some more about the big apple..

2011-04-05T06:25:00.000+05:30

And I continue to miss my old place. Looking at the NY/NJ pictures is making me more than nostalgic.
The other day we were out for some shopping at the Target store and I stood still for a few moments when I came across a picture frame similar to this-

(Source- Internet)

This is the famous Brooklyn bridge in NYC downtown and the beautiful Empire State can be seen right behind it. Used to be one of my favourite sites (still it is). As such whole Manhattan is magnificent -- the skyline, brooklyn bridge, George Washington bridge, Empire State, the beautiful Hudson river, Times Square, Broadway, Central park ...I can go on and on. There was a time when midtown manhattan was visible from my 24th floor aparment itself. And ofcourse it was because we used to stay at such a good location. All thanks to hubby. Had it been southern side of Jersey, life wouldn't had been so exciting.

Well so here goes a wonderful song by Alicia Keys to add some more to nostalgia -I just love it especially the line 'If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere, that's what they say' and the part- 2.36 ~ 3.08

P.S. I wrote this last week when I was really feeling low missing all those good old days and comparing the two places. But hey now life has been so busy that there is no time for making such a big fuss of this place and that place. Ha! And well I am again connected to big apple by one way or other !!

Back after a short break

2011-03-17T21:45:00.002+05:30

And I am back again after spending a great time with family and friends. It's never easy to say goodbye to your loved ones and staying away from your house but one has to move on in life because life has its own priorities. This vacation was rather sudden and more than what was expected. It was more sort of a break for me than a vacation. So it has its own pros and cons. First few days were full of excitement while we were meeting everyone after a long time, going places, watching movies and enjoying delicious food made by moms. That time flew away soon and then started the phase of uncertainty about the travel, work, and came along the tensions, the frustrations, the fights, the dramas ET AL. Having done with all that, finally we landed one more time in the western world.

And to my surprise this is a very quiet and different place than before (though lots of Indian junta can be found here). But I am missing big apple already, I am missing the place where I used to live, the rush hours to office, the overflowing PATH trains, the subways, the 5th avenue, my way to work and everything :(
This town has its own benefits--cost of living seems to be very low than earlier, people are very much friendly, public transport is not at its best but its also not that bad, some friends are already staying here so getting help is much more easy and last but not the least work seems to be taking a good shape.

I know its too early to comment and analyze but I just hope that I start loving this place soon.

Snow Fall

2010-12-19T06:37:00.000+05:30

And finally it fall on Monday; though not piling up in feets on roads as in other places but good enough to give a winter feeling. But gosh it brought the cold and flu along with. My house had been sick whole week with cough, cold and fever. There were only these sounds of coughing, sneezing and blowing noses. Sigh. Hubby and I ended up in taking care of each other and reminding of medicine dozes turn by turn. Mom and MIL suggested different kinds of home remedies which we followed sincerely and goodness it work wonders. The only good thing was hubby started feeling sick on a Saturday when I was home and I fell ill when he was a bit better and was working from home.

As if this wasn't enough, same situation arised at parent's home which is even worse. I wonder if this virus gets transmitted over phone and gtalk these days. GOD, why can't we have a winter without flu :( !!

Oh well, enough of it now. There is so much to do in next few weeks and I am all geared up and already excited with the thought of it. Plus there is this holiday atmosphere everywhere and I am simply loving the way every town is being lit up. I am yet to see the biggest Christmas tree but hoping to visit tomorrow. Yay!!

Its Winter again

2010-12-01T01:43:00.000+05:30

Technically it starts around 21st December but it has already started snowing in some places. And I am absolutely loving this early winter time. Its freezing cold sometimes and we have to layer ourselves with clothes and sweaters. But hey then there is a reason to shop for all those coats and boots and gloves and caps :)

The latest trip to D.C. was amazing. It was a good to see Mr. Presindent's house and office finally and surprisingly our hotel was at a 10 minutes walk from The White House. So we ended up going there almost every day. Christmas is on its way and the decorations are already started for the city and for The White House.
My way to work is also full of Christmas trees and lightings and decorative pieces are being put up everywhere. The gorgeous Empire State building is wearing awesome colors everyday. So in all, its a real good time of the year. After our very own Durga Pooja and Diwali are over, its time to celebrate again in a different way.

On another note, its almost a year I have landed in this part of world. Although I was a bit reluctant to move here but as soon as my flight was landing on EWR airport one year back, I looked out of window and saw the NY skyline and those huge roads and the cars and almost immediately fell in love with the place :)

OK. So I am waiting for the first snow fall of the season in my town...!!!

Fun Time

2010-09-23T23:56:00.003+05:30

3 days of vacation....

ended up with....

3 roller coaster rides....

1 helicopter ride....

3 simulation rides....

4 fun rides....

4 thrill rides....

3D and 4D shows....

2 water thrill rides....

attempt to swim (resulted in hubby acting as a life guard :D )

visiting beaches....

clicking 1245 pictures....

tanned arms and legs....

an exhausted body....

and lots of memories....!!!

Lost in NY!!!

2010-09-23T05:22:00.000+05:30

Now signal problem with trains or trains getting cancelled is not an unsual thing but usually unusual. And well this happened yesterday. Earlier there was some delay with the trains so people kept waiting and finally theyanoounced that the trains on my route got suspended and informed the alternate route. Now there were two options - one is to wait for train for some more time as they can't keep the trains suspended for long time but no one knew for how long that would take and option two -take the alternate route. And I chose option two. I took another route and reached a staiton from where I had to take the subway which will drop me quite near my office. I was unaware of the subway station as I am not quite familiar with this part of city. I asked for directions 4 times to 4 different people and each time I got a different answer :) People are very helpful in NY :)

By the time I was on road looking for subway sation, I had no idea where on earth I was. SO What next? Take a TAXI. Simple. I started looking to halt a taxi and I did not notice that I was actually standing at a bus stop and a bus stopped in front of me with doors wide open. I looked at the sign board above my head realizing the mistake. Said sorry to the bus driver and moved to other side of road. After 5 minutes, I got a taxi. The driver was Indian. Finally we started moving towards my destination. But damn the traffic. First few miles were crossed very easily. I was looking straight on the road and on the taxi meter because I did not have much cash in my wallet. And I had no idea how much time I gonna be stuck in traffic. Few more mintues passed by and we were moving again and then I found some familiar buildings on the left hand side and I thought I will be reaching soon. But Sigh! Never believe the NY roads and traffic and for god sake it was 10 am which means the traffic will be at its peak. There were diversions, one ways, road works, closed roads and we were just going round, round and round the blocks. I was getting panicked by this time. Although there was no need to do so. I should have sit back and enjoyed the drive. But remember my wallet situation ;-) ?

Huff...after 30 mins of drive, I finally reached Madison Ave which is ony of my favorite places and it is trully fab. And it means that I am closer to office. So finally I reached and the taxi fare was what I had expected, paid the driver along with tip and rushed to office. Well it was just 1 hour past my usual time. After reaching office, I was just thinking that the day started on a bad note, wonder whats in plate for rest of the day. But fortnately all went fine.

And as it is said- Allz well that ends well :) !!!

This one is for my dearest bro!!!

2010-08-24T07:31:00.000+05:30

On the occassion of Rakshabandhan, I am dedicating this post to my brother. So here comes one more rakhabandhan when we are not together to celebrate.. Sigh. But such is life. Well we had a wonderful childhood together as siblings. We played together, we fought, we cried, we had fun, we laughed. I remember those summer vacations when we used to go to nearby library to borrow comics and then there used to be fight for comics, flight for games and fight for no reason. During our fights Mom never hit us but she just used to gave us a look with big eyes and that trick always worked for her. Lucky she, got such obidient kids :) And then as we grew up, the reason for our fights was his girlfriends, I never liked majority of them ;-)

There is so much said and written on brother-sister relationship. And why not, it is indeed a wonderul relationship. I feel having an elder brother makes you feel more pampered. So dear bro, wish you a happy rakhi.

P.S: While I was on train coming back from work I was thinking of this post and had gathered the contents in my head. And as I reached my place, checked the mail as usual and there was also a parcel waiting for me. I had no idea if we were expecting any parcel. I grabbed it and looked what was it and who sent it and gosh its a gift from my lovely lovely brother. It took me to cloud 9 and I was almost in tears (I hope nobody watched me ;-))

Thanks bro!

P.P.S: I am sure after reading this post, bro is going to say 'You Nautanki :)

And we learn the importance of human labor

2010-08-17T07:48:00.000+05:30

As skilled labor is very costly in this part of world, you have to assemble the furniture on our own once you get the delievery. Now we bought a computer desk, chair and a chest last week. First two things mainly for hubby as we have set up his office at home and the third one (not to mention) for myself. I just love it and have been looking for it since last few months. So as soon as I got a good deal, I ordered it making ourselves busy over the weekend. It was fun and we actually got to learn new things, got to see new type of screws and screw drivers and hammers and washers :) So what if we had an aching back and paining palms, all's well that ends well.

Here's my favourite drawer shaping up. I love it.

Scents and Me- Part II

2010-07-24T04:18:00.000+05:30

In fact the title should be "Places and Me-part whatever". Ok so I was coming back from work yesterday and walking on the Broadway in NY. It was the same-people walking in all directions, people talking on phone, people walking fast to catch the trains, local vendors at road side and then tourists from various geographies. So all this reminded me of the first time I came to Broadway which was 31st Dec last year and we came to watch the ‘New Year’ show. I remembered how we were walking hands in hands making a way through the streets flooded with people. All the events just flashed across my eyes. Only difference was that, the first time we were layered with clothes and jackets as it was 20 deg F and now it is 89 deg F :)

BTW, I wonder why I am getting too many memories from winter. Am I desperate to see winter? NO! I can't be. I am enjoying the summer although the humidity is killing me. But I am loving it…yes I do.

Scents and Me

2010-06-04T05:54:00.001+05:30

I have some kind of connection with scents. If I smell something which I had smelled months or years before at a particular time or place, I recall all the events when I smell it again. So when I smell a perfume which I d used while I was studying or during a particular ceremony, all the events just flash in front of me :) This also happens with music or a particular food taste. A couple of days back, I was listening to hindi songs from 80's and 90's and boy I could actually recall those good old days of schooling and some very particular events related to that song. When I told hubby about this he was just looking at me and smiling.

Now the latest example is when I was having tea this afternoon in the office. I used to use tea bags at home during last winter. Today, after months I had tea made up of same tea bags. I just took the first sip, closed my eyes and my brain took me back in those chilly days. And no prizes for guessing that hubby was smiling the same way when I told him about this :(

I am sure this must be happening with others as well.

Life's been busy...

2010-06-01T06:14:00.000+05:30

Yes the interview I mentioned in my last post went through :) and so there is less time for blogging these days.

Another reason for being busy is that house hunt was on and finally we moved to a new house. Now we have to spend more $$ for rent but its okay because the house is nice and I can catch a glimpse of Manhattan from my bedroom window.

Job Hunt!!!

2010-04-20T23:58:00.000+05:30

It is taking the hell out of me. There are a hell lot of rules we were unaware of and sometimes I thought I made a guinea pig of myself :( I can't imagine I have actually applied to some 400+ jobs in last few months and majority of them are matching to my profile. I am just keeping patience and waiting for the good day.

Well I had been to f2f interview today where else but my favourite NY. It went very well and now awaiting the feedback. I am very happy today not because of the interview but I went there all on my own. Yes we have visited NY many times in last 3 months but it was different because hubby was always with me and when he is with me I don't care about the maps and directions. I am very bad in reading maps. So although I had seen this place before, today I had to go alone and I was prepared to do that. And yes I reached the destination well on time, appeared for the interview and came back home happily and safely :)

Feeling like I have got a feather on my cap! Yeah I am like that :)

Another weekend ...Another attraction

2010-04-20T01:28:00.000+05:30

And finally we visited 'The Statue of Liberty' ...yipee!!!

We had been planning for this trip since January but unavailability of tickets and the bad weather made us postponing the plan. But it happened last weekend. This is the reason why everyone loves weekend. It's just fun roaming around and visiting new attractions. Hey and it was my b'day eve too :)

The ferry ride to island is just amazing. I have experienced such ride before and I simply love it. It's fun to see how people on roof top go crazy when the ferry starts, everyone starts clicking snaps and taking videos. We were also one of those. After visiting two islands, museums, clicking hundreds of snaps and some ad-hoc shopping (hey buying souvenirs is must at such places) we returned home happy and tired. I wanted to sleep badly but hubby had planned for mid-night cake cutting. I insisted on doing it the next morning. He said fine you sleep but don't blame me if the cake goes waste next morning because he was going to apply whole of it on my face once I sleep.
Poor me.
Was awake till 12 a.m. and thus the celebration started. Next day was full of wishes followed by fantastic meals. It was a wonderful day and everything went perfect!

Some snaps from the trip-

It couldn't get more perfect

2010-04-05T22:54:00.001+05:30

Stroll on a sunday evening when the weather is 73 F , sipping coffee while walking, colorful flowers and tress everywhere, pleasant breeze making the mood cheerful.

A perfect evening in Spring. Isn't it?

Got to read this somewhere-
"The spring is fresh and fearless
And every leaf is new,
The world is brimmed with moonlight,
The lilac brimmed with dew.

Here in the moving shadows
I catch my breath and sing --
My heart is fresh and fearless
And over-brimmed with spring."

For a start

2010-03-30T03:58:00.001+05:30

After a brain storming of few days ...err months to be precise, about 'to blog or not to blog' , what should be the name of blog(damn...all the good names are already taken, I am too late I guess but finally I got one name, more on that later), here's me finally inaugrating my blog...yipee!!!

So now I have a space to write down all thoughts and views and blah blah blah which are constantly there in my head. Well, if I really write with that speed, this space is going to fill up fast. Hmm.

Anyways, happy blogging to me :)