Virgo Dan: 2011

Happy New Year 2012

Finally the day has come ! Yay ! 2012 is approaching in less than 7 hours from now (in Malaysia). I am ending 2011 with a happy feeling - for all the good things that has happened throughout the year and for that which was not so pleasant, it's an experience, a lesson and I've got another 12 months to get it right :-) So, how are you ushering in the New Year? I'll be with my best buddy painting the town red :-) Gonna make it a memorable and great NYE and welcome Y 2012 with open arms. So, with that, this will be my last blog for Y2011 and till we meet again in Y2012 - wishing everyone a blessed New Year; one that will fill your coming days with love, joy, peace and happiness with continued strength, courage and good health.

Yay ! I'm ready 2012 - bring it on !!!

"I choose Peace and Love everyday of my life. I choose not to be angry and not to harbour bitterness or hate. When your life is in harmony, it rubs off on all those around you. May you pass by me in this life and accept my Love. Allow me to sprinkle some stardust on your heart, so that you can forgive, so that you can live, so that you can shine BUT most importantly, so that you can love !"

Meaningful & Eventful Year - 2011

It's 30th December 2011 and my last working day for the year. I know I will be back to work on Tuesday to a brand new week, a new year - to my same desk and company but having to say goodbye to 2011 brings a sad feeling. This year has been truly, very meaningful and eventful. I did pretty well overall. I think my life changed completely during the 2nd quarter. It was so good to be completely human :-) I am thankful for alot of things that happened throughout the year, I am glad to have my loving family, my friends who mean a lot to me, made new amazing friends both local and overseas, my job which was shaky at one point but survived, my wonderful colleagues who would always give a helping hand at work when in need, my health which deteriorated a little but picked up, my yoga which gave me the focus, strength and patience, my first ever vacation alone and with family next, an addition in family with the arrival of our lil prince charming, the food, drinks, the sleep, the entertainments..oh boy ! so many things, countless blessings......I feel so blessed. It has been an awesome year without any doubt. Yes, despite some rough rides and negative energy taking its peek now and then, I made it. Obviously, without God I wonder if all these would have been possible. Thanks to the Almighty ! I am so very grateful to You, My Lord !

So, next is 2012....what's in store for us? We will never know. Another year another chance to get it right where we failed. Let's remain positive and wish for a continued wonderfully exciting and blessed year ahead ! Happy New Year everyone and here's a quote for us to ponder.....

First Footer !

This was just too funny to pass...all about New Year's superstitions...:)

‎"The first person to visit your home on New Year’s Day has significance. It is considered good luck for a man to be the first person to cross your threshold (you have to let him in; he shouldn’t use a key to let himself in). It’s even better luck if he’s tall and good looking with dark hair. I’ve read specifically that the first footer should not have flat feet, crossed-eyes or a unibrow. So Frida Kahlo and Bert from Sesame Street should not be let in. Best of all, the first footer should bring along gifts like bread, fresh fruit, salt, and wine. If you’re a handsome man delivering wine on New Year’s Day, I’m guessing not many people are going to turn you away."

Hmm....how I wish my lil prince charming is all grown up ...he could be my first footer for 2012 !!! :))

Chocolates....yummy

I love chocolates. They're yum..yumm...yummy...! :-) Been tucking in a few the past few weeks. This has to stop. Last night I was enjoying cognac chocolates. I got drunk !!! Did I ? No, I think it made me a little tipsy. Haha... but the feeling was good. I know that the chocolates I eat are just empty calories and believe me they're sinful and goes right down to your waistline :-) Oh ! why do they have to be unhealthy? I know those dark ones are fine which may do no harm and have been known to do good healthwise but I dislike dark chocolates. Well, I guess it's timely that I either eat 'em in moderation or leave 'em altogether. The thought of this makes me want to have one right one :-)

Are you a chocolate lover ? Happy "chocolating" !!! :-)

Skype, I adore you...

Today, after more than 2 weeks I got to see my cute lil' chubby prince charming. Yay ! I skyped him when Zahra and I went over for lunch at my mum's. He was all smiles and outstretched his arms wanting to be carried. So, he still remembers me !!! Haha...he was so damn cute. As I was feeling a lil' under the weather, this really really truly made my day :-). After I had cooed him a lil' it was time to say goodbye, though of course, it would have been nice if I could just jump into the screen, grab hold of him and bring him into my world...hahaha....wishful thinking again ! Sharing here some of his recent pictures - isn't he adorable ? .....and yeah ! Skype, thanks, I adore you too ...:-)

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve. And, I am feeling a lil' under the weather. I hope I'll be alright soon. Just don't want to be sick during holidays and miss out all the fun. So, what are your plans for Christmas? I'll be net browsing;)Ahh...what a boring life, huh? Anyway, I'm sure I'll find something to do. Here's this year's Christmas Tree that we set up in the office. Pretty simple and it's actually incomplete. Have you set up yours?

I wish I had placed more gifts under the tree....
maybe next year !!

Yay ! yeah..that's me :-)
the tree felt lonely so I accompanied. ;)

Merry Christmas, everyone ! Hugs and Blessings :-)

A special morning wish for you...

Hi ! Good Morning...it's 23rd Dec....ahh ! Christmas is just round the corner. What have you planned for the coming holidays? Hope everything will be just as perfect as you want it to be. I'll write more when the holidays begin. Till then, have a wonderful fun-filled day and here's my special morning wish for you ....

When I awake, and start my day,
With special thoughts of you,
I wonder if you think of me,
Start your day like I do?

If in your busy schedule,
That you might make some room,
For one who waits and wishes for,
A message from you soon.

For kind words and a smile that's sent,
From you to me this day,
Would fill my heart with warmth now,
With all the things you say.

Here is a very special wish,
That's meant for only you,
That tucked within these words I send,
Are brightest skies of blue!

Sprinkled with a bit of love,
From deep within my heart,
I wish for you the greatest day,
Right from the very start.

Food, food and food...

I love to eat. Who doesn't anyway ? :-) I am fiercely passionate about food. Sadly, the only thing that will hold me back is the thought of my clothes getting tighter and tighter :-( The temptation of indulging in food is greater when I am sad or depressed, just like today :-( Anyway, here are some of our Malaysian food; The choices below are my all time favourite. If at all you visit my country, try 'em. They are just oh! so wholesomely satisfying. These are just a few, there are so much to choose from...the variety ? - outstanding ! So, if you're bored with your taste buds, come over...try something new here in Malaysia...:-) Heavenly food awaits you...!

Indian Appam - I love this dipped in coconut milk;

yay ! the packet nasi lemak !

One of my fav for brekky - Roti Canai !

Assam Laksa - not to be missed !

Prawn mee....mouth watering !!

the ever famous mamak mee goreng !

Dosai, Idli and vadai...

the super fantabulous curry puffs;

kuih-muih - variety of cakes/dessert

and the famous chendol - the best is in Penang !!

Feeling lost....

I woke up this morning, feeling a lil lost. It's that feeling when you're not sure what to do and what you want, do you feel that way too? A state of confusion which is affecting me physically, mentally and emotionally. I resent this feeling. I wish it will go away. I want to be myself. I want the old me back. Yet, I feel that my brain is not processing well enough, the way it should be and the way I want it to be. Where is ME? Come back !

Just a lil lonely....

I'm sorry, I know it's been almost a week since I updated my blog. Just that, things are really moving at a snail pace and am adjusting to the loneliness that has crept in after almost 2 months of a hustle and bustle life. Yes, am feeling lonely without Dheeran and I wish I could just take another vacation..lol .. But, I should be able to overcome this soonish ! Let me share with you a few more snap shots and I'll see you in my next blog ...till then, have a pleasant day :-)

Dheeran fast asleep; I did not want to let him go.
That was the day he left to Kuching :-(

"Hmm...mummy, do I really have to go home..
can we stay just one more day ? "

"What !!! Go Home ??? "

"I love being in the car...it's just too awesome"

"Oh ! God, am almost naked....please dont put this on your blog"
-hehehe..I did, honey :-)

"I'm gonna miss all the attention I'm getting...
see they're taking another pic of me.."

"Mummy ! can you carry me please...i dont want this walker..."

Mixed Feelings...my prince charming is going home :-(

It's going to be a weird life without my lil' prince charming, my chubby nephew. Yes, he is going home tomorrow. The past one month + with him was blissful. I have never been with my family more often than this. I would say Dheeran has pretty much brought us together - a family bonding thru' vacation, having our meals and watching movies together and much much more. He has made a great impact in our lives - in fact, in my life. So, today I am going thru' some mixed feelings..happy as well as sad. Happy to spend another day with the lil one and sad cos' it will be "bye-bye" tomorrow. I'll be lost for sure. It's going to be lonely again. And, obviously I'm going to be like a fish out of water without him...:-( I hope he will come back fast ! You better do, Dheeran or I'll be sore with you :-) .....

I am passionate about YOGA !

Yes ! I am passionate about yoga. It is now an important part of my life. I did not know the benefits of yoga until I started doing it a year and half ago. It gives you the fitness – the mental, physical and spiritual. That’s how I felt. I learnt patience amongst many others. When I started yoga, all I did was some simple asanas (postures), breathing techniques and gradually to some difficult ones but then again, I am no expert. It will take awhile to be one. Yoga is actually like life. It can be hard initially but with practice and perseverance it becomes much easier. And, there’s more to yoga besides asanas. The breathing exercise known as pranayama is important. Here, you will learn everything about breathing...how to control your breath through various breathing exercises. There are also the various poses in suryanamaskar (sun salutation) - again, in the beginning I was kinda stunned how inflexible I was and the stretching had me in pain the following days : - ) But, over time, I became flexible and the pain decreased. Now, I really look forward to have some good stretches. One thing about doing all the asanas is never ever force doing 'em. You may end up in injuries. So let the poses come naturally. You will be stiff initially but with practise, the flexiblity will tune in and you'll get the poses right ! It's not at all like "no pain no gain" in yoga. Never ever go beyond body limits, I was told. Never unnecessarily strain your body. If you can't do a certain posture, you just gotta stop. That's all you've got to remember when you do the poses.

My next favourite is Yoga Nidra - a meditation class which I enjoy every Sundays in the studio but I do that till today on a regular basis, sometimes every night - in the comfort of my home..my bed ! Yoga Nidra means yogic sleep - a state of conscious deep sleep for extreme relaxation and subtler exploration. You wouldn't believe it if I said that during my first class I almost slept off ! I did.... Later, however, I was able to get through but not so tuned in yet to explore further. I guess it will take some years if I truly get into it seriously...:-)

So, having said the above, my classes will begin next week after almost a month of absence from yoga. Yeah, I have missed so much :-( And, I do hope that when I get back to doing yoga, I will swing in and get deeper into the poses! It’s truly a challenge as to my fitness for strength, balance and flexibility are concerned and even more than that is for a peaceful mind and a good night’s sleep - that's guaranteed in yoga ! Although am a little unbalanced and a little bummed up right now - (thanks to all my mum's good food and the recent trip to India, where I was pigging out like crazy...haha) ...but in no time that will be history ..umm....no, not the food...:-) I mean getting back my balance ....! :-)

Well, that's all about my passion. I do hope one day I could translate all that I've been taught and to be taught - as a yoga teacher, just like my yoga master, the awesome Mr Ayappan who hails from Kerala, India. Thank you so much, sir !

To Make You Feel My Love....

It's a bright and beautiful Tuesday morning. A quarter past 7 and am already in the office - "Danem the early bird" ! The office cleaners are here too. As they move around the office cleaning and clearing, I would do my usual stuff - listening to songs and day dream ! Yes...I do... a little in the mornings..before the rest of my colleagues clock in... ...so, I sit back and just close my eyes....and drift away....I am such a day dreamer :-) ....that is the moment when I let my mind wander and as my thoughts go miles and miles away....I dream of all that I want...dreams are free so why not, huh ? :-).....at times when I am in a playful mood, some foolish dreams like trying to conquer the world do pop in...LOL ! but mostly my dreams are kinda romantic ;) I dream of my knight in shining armour...but unfortunately, he appears faceless and I really don't know his motive :-( Then, I dream of me being Cinderella and losing my shoe....haha....and I can't tell you more....so, while these dreams play in my mind...darn !! the horrible noisy vacuum cleaner will disrupt and bring me back to reality :-( ......and there goes my most precious moment........Today, I got swayed away by this song - Adele - "To make you feel my love"....it's a beautiful love song .....just listening to it makes me want..... to make you feel my love...did you feel it ? If you did, then let me know ! ;)

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
Though winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love
To make you feel my love

Dheeran & Auto Rickshaw :-)

While in Chennai, India recently - we decided to give Dheeran his first experience travelling in an auto rickshaw. It was an adventure for him - if he knows and remembers ! lol...but it was pretty much an adventure for me !!! lol.....With the chaotic traffic of Chennai, you must see the way the drivers whiz thru' the city in such speed. Sometimes I feel that these drivers actually compete with one another...haha...and not forgetting the sound of the horns and the way they hoot away ! Here, take a look at the face of fear in Dheeran as he takes his first road adventure in Chennai in an auto rickshaw !...lol....

Ammaa... ! I don't know what this is all about...

Oh! God ...look at the way its driven...

the bumps...God ! ammaaa...the driver went into the pot holes..oouch !!

this is the last time I'll ever take part in this stunt...

what should i do now ??

hmm..i think i got an idea !

I'll just pretend to be asleep...

and this is the auto rickshaw...i'll never forget you !!! LOL !

And, finally...this is where I like to be - safe and sound with my appa !!! hehehe...

It's December already !!!

Goodness gracious me !! It's December already. And with the blink of an eye, 2012 is going to march in ! I do hope that it will be a good year...for all of us ! I am going to go with the flow, just like this year. No resolutions, no expectations, no nothings ! but yeah ! lots and lots of dreamzz.....lol...

Has 2011 been treating you good ? Mine has been good, mostly...thank God ! So, what am I thankful for...here's me with my "thank you note" (like a winner in the awards show...lol...just bear with me? );

Firstly, I am thankful to God for blessing my family with an addition - yay ! that's my lil' prince charming, my sister's new-born. Dheeran has brought sunshine into my life which was at one time dull and painful. Thank you my chellakuttie, my lovey-dovey cutie-pie, my hearthrob, my sweetest of all....lol..

Secondly, I am thankful for the many friends whom I have made along the way, from North, South, East and West...so to speak ...lol ! Friends mean a lot to me and above all when they become a true friend, my buddy, one who can listen to all my rantings, one who will come to my aid when I need most....it's truly a blessing to have such a friend....Thank you, my good God ! You've made my days seem brighter by leading me to the path where beautiful people are - Your creation - they actually do exist !!... :-)

Then, I am thankful for the vacations I had - to Seattle in June/July (which I will blog later on), family vacation to Kuching in May and the recent trip to India ! Thank-you God ! You've got us to India and brought us back home - safe and sound !

I should not also forget about my blog - this gave me the chance to say what I want to say..that in my mind and in my heart. This is a nice place to vent out frustrations too...lol....Thank you, my dear God ! You've created so many avenues and I promise to use them wisely..:-)

Whilst the good times came in abundance, I did have to overcome some bad days too. That's all part of life. An eye-opener for me in terms of health and wealth. Hmm....how well it rhymes. Yup, I was not too well in the early part of the year but managed to pick up and float thru'....lol ; Wealth wise - my career ! - Not so stable but I should thank God that till today, I am surviving ! I am a survivor - ...actually not ! the credit should go to my boss - he is keeping us afloat and I like the way he keeps saying " aahhh...we're almost there - we'll get to see the light at the end of the tunnel soon !" lol.....He is a great man - my boss ! I salute you, sir .... lol ....

Okay, then...this being my first blog entry in December 2011 - wishing you all a very happy month - remember, if you've made resolutions this year, you've got exactly 29 days more to accomplish ! Go for it ! You can make it !....Till then, love and cheerio ! Will write again soon....

:-)

Velankanni/Velanggani ~ Vailankanni

From my past entries re my trip to India, doesn't it seem like I was on a pilgrimage to India? :-). Looking back now, it was more of the holy grounds - temples/church that were never missed. Feeling good about it, though ! Anyway, today I am writing about Velankanni. Velankanni is a coastal village in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. Even though it is commonly known as Velankanni, the correct spelling is Vailankanni. Here, in Velankanni is the famous Church of Our Lady of Health, popularly known as "Sacred Arogya Matha Church". Virgin Mary is believed to have miraculous healing powers. Apparently, thousands of pilgrims belonging to various castes and communities flock daily to this "Lourdes of the East". This beautiful church has an imposing facade with tall spires and the wings present the shape of a cross. Snapshots of church included here for your viewing.

Regarding the healing powers of the church - the miracles experienced in the life of thousands of devotees, speak volumes of love and mercy of the Mother of Health - The Mother of Velankanni ! A to Z of this church can be found here - at this link : http://www.vailankannishrine.org/about.php

So, after saying my prayers for family and loved ones (that of my dear buddies - you know who you are :-) - we continued our journey.....

Btw, if you plan to visit Velankanni, stay a night at Seagate Church View Resort - we had a splendid stay there. A wonderful resort with private cottages. We stayed in the lower ground but if you get one on the upper level, the balconies open out to the pleasant view of the church - unobstructed views ! The place was peaceful and you'll also wake up to the sound of prayers - the morning mass from the divine church !

And, I must tell you this - In India, it's a different kind of feeling at all the holy places, be it the temples or the church - when I set foot there, there is an instinctive feeling that I am on holy ground - and the feeling of God's presence is there ! Ahaa....am I getting closer to becoming a nun ? Haha...no, nothing like that yet...have not felt "the calling"....so I remain, the lil' ol' playful but faithful me ....Dan....Danem !...just j/k :-)