tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-164380082012-01-27T10:47:29.651-05:00Blowing bubbles is said to be therapeutic. You must take a deep breath and release it slowly in order to create a flawless bubble, so delicate and perfectly round. You hold your breath as it floats away. And then it pops. Now you take a deep breath and make another bubble.Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.comBlogger3391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-50027495430853705222012-01-19T22:33:00.001-05:002012-01-19T22:43:39.270-05:00

So, Facebook killed my blog. You can see how the number of posts I've done has dwindled over the last two years. A quick status update or two with what's on my mind is much quicker than my whole blog post, over which I typically agonize and edit to death. So, now my blog can take revenge on FB! It's How You Say It Facebook's strength and success is not in its

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-41853637308969953242012-01-07T10:37:00.000-05:002012-01-07T10:37:45.203-05:00

He said "Yes,we can." He wasn't going to do everything. WE all had to do some part of it, too! I'm just getting infuriated at the circus that's springing up all around the 2012 Presidential campaign. Everyone's talking about the economy and what Obama hasn't done about this. I find the short term memory some Americans have shocking. First of all, people were unemployed before 2009 when Obama

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-55468223563799036832012-01-02T14:16:00.001-05:002012-01-02T14:16:51.493-05:00

It seems this blog compels me to do the year in review post and publicly declare what I promise for next year. In a way, it's great that it's documented. I've been feeling that 2011 was just awash - didn't accomplish the goals that I needed to complete this year. There have been a lot of unexpected waves, and I've just been trying to surf on those. I recognize though that it doesn't have to be

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-78952163585305148282011-09-28T00:01:00.000-04:002011-09-28T00:01:03.037-04:00

Sorry to be MIA for so long. I started this blog when my little girl was about 4-5 years old princess and now she's an amazing 10 year old monster-rock-diva. She wants to be a spy and work for the FBI, though she wants to first redesign their outfits. She plans to travel the world and live in hotels. She's still a girly-girl with her accessories and fashion, but her tastes are bolder than mine

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-85266589125532267702011-07-17T09:09:00.001-04:002011-07-17T09:12:32.232-04:00

I assume you're reading this because you have seen this movie or at least heard about it. It's not your mainstream Bollywood movie, but considered "art house". I had friends who praised this simple movie and others who claimed it was a waste of time. After watching it, I see it doesnt' provide the fantasy and escapism elements Hindi movies are supposed to bring their audience. It brings so much

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-12158900377709638262011-07-04T23:35:00.000-04:002011-07-04T23:35:12.068-04:00

I've had to face a situation with someone who hurt me and a number of loved ones. After that painful period, I vowed never to see this person, and it's been fine for about 6 years or so. I never forgave this person, as I chose to forget them. This makes it much easier for all to move on with our lives. Just cut the tree branch that keeps poking you in the face. However, a situation came up

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-81328307114411176082011-06-24T07:55:00.000-04:002011-06-24T07:55:45.148-04:00

I watched "Love Story" last night on TV; it's one of those movies that I never watched fully and even yesterday was partial. I got hooked into it, probably due to the music. The theme is alluring, and it wasn't until I met my husband did I know that there were lyrics to that tune. I first read the book in 7th grade and didn't really get it, though I had friends who loved it. My father told me

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-18720411271217557662011-05-22T08:48:00.000-04:002011-05-22T08:48:00.554-04:00

There's been a lot of hype about the end of the world happening on May 21, 2011. Then, there is the doomsday prophesy for 2012, which was worthy of a Hollywood movie. I was surprised to hear of the extent that people were taking these prophesies seriously. One man cashed in his savings for signage, while another couple quit their jobs to promote this. One person interviewed on the radio said it

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-90191264997506725952011-04-16T08:56:00.000-04:002011-04-16T08:56:11.997-04:00

Oprah has a blurb here about Getting older and how women are handling it. I'm officially 40-something in June. It seems that once you cross over the big-0 threshold (whether you're 20, 30, 40, 50), it's irrelevant what's in the middle and it's just something. I had a hard time facing 40, and it was because I had set 40 as a goal for myself. When I'm 40, I'll have this.. When I'm 40, I won't be

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-49567768647547371172011-04-16T08:10:00.000-04:002011-04-16T08:10:08.479-04:00

I haven't written in a while, but I've had all these thoughts spinning in my head about my daughter being 10 now. (Remember I started this blog when she was just 4 years old!!) CreativityFor her 10th Birthday Party, she wanted a Hollywood Party. I let her take the lead on this and she's a regular Martha Stewart when it comes to planning parties. We got 3 yards of red felt to serve as a red

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-68174804512280615002011-02-23T00:21:00.000-05:002011-02-23T00:21:05.779-05:00

I've had a fear of skiing all my life. I once heard my parents say "If you fall down while skiing, you'll naturally break your leg. How could you not?" I believe they were watching the Wide World of Sports with the "agony of defeat" skiier that flies off the edge of the ramp. During college, I refused to go skiing with friends. I think my not-skiing was a deal breaker for some relationships. I

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-60766816746076007992011-02-01T08:49:00.000-05:002011-02-01T08:49:58.976-05:00

Since last night, I found 3 things to be grateful for and wanted to share. 1. As I was driving home, the headlights of a plow truck were coming towards me. This was one of those higher construction type vehicles so lights were poised higher. I had a flashback of a scene I had seen on the news of armored vehicles going into a town in Egypt. I am grateful that the only headlights I see are plows,

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-86462230929298125412011-01-23T10:15:00.000-05:002011-01-23T10:15:58.180-05:00

I once took one of those Facebook quizzes "Which Hero are you?" referencing the TV show "Heroes". This was my favorite show for about two-three seasons until it became way too complicated to comprehend. My answers led me to have powers like Peter Petrelli, who coincidentally was one of my favorite characters. If you didn't watch the show, his character didn't have his own super powers - i.e., to

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-30158170272328291962011-01-11T23:56:00.001-05:002011-01-11T23:58:24.887-05:00

Amy Chua's essay in the Wall Street Journal has caused a buzz on new sites, discussion boards, Facebook, NPR, or wherever anyone wants to talk about Chinese Mothers. So, I had to add my two cents to this topi Some of her comments are tongue-in-cheek, while others are not. It seems to be pretty hard for the western readers to swallow some of these statements she's made in this essay. There's a

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-36896602019250368972011-01-08T19:10:00.000-05:002011-01-08T19:10:16.171-05:00

A great way to start the new year! I have two poems included in the Word Masala Poetry Anthology. It is published in the UK and was edited by Yogesh Patel. I haven't gotten my copy yet, but recognize some of the poets on board and know their reputations as writers. So, please support the publisher.

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-55926095142125394982010-12-28T11:41:00.000-05:002010-12-28T11:41:07.170-05:00

For 2010, I had come back from India and resolved to lead a life of more simplicity. I shouldn't complicate my life with more tasks and more material items. Looking back at this year, I haven't achieved the simplicity that I imagined, but taken smaller steps. As of now, we only have one activity on the weekends, and we're not trekking to dance lessons we don't enjoy. On the career forefront, it

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-76157278967681351812010-12-28T11:19:00.000-05:002010-12-28T11:19:25.390-05:00

All year I've been reading books and have been dying to write reviews for my site. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to carve out that time. Therefore, here's everything in one post. The Disobedient Girl by Ru Freeman. I had just come back from India in January and Ru's book helped me sustain the beauty of the Subcontinent for a bit longer. Her story takes place in Sri Lanka and is so

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-11162692361145304192010-11-29T23:35:00.000-05:002010-11-29T23:35:44.013-05:00

Indulge me, oh dear blog readers. This blog has turned out to be a vehicle to document special moments with my daughter. I started writing when she was 4 and now she's 9, and every day is still a delight. It's great to see her turn into a tween with a stream of questions and her own answers. Tonight she asked me about when I had my first date ever and my first glass of wine. I told her that my

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-29725331958089598072010-11-28T09:06:00.000-05:002010-11-28T09:06:33.799-05:00

I've wanted to write about this topic for sometime, but haven't had the chance. Oddly enough, by waiting I have a different angle and more material about this. There's been a heightened state of attention on bullying in the media, due to the suicides that came about from bullying across the country. I've been very pleased with my daughter's elementary school for strongly promoting an

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-59801783631544371002010-11-21T22:10:00.000-05:002010-11-21T22:10:47.876-05:00

I recently had my first trip to Las Vegas and it was definitely interesting! I've been wanting to go for so long and never had the opportunity. My husband has to go there frequently for business, so he doesn't see it as a vacation spot. Since it was an elusive destination for me, it obviously becomes more enticing. My husband once read a quiz to me: "What is your dream vacation? A. an island

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-88415016546157627752010-10-09T09:39:00.001-04:002010-10-09T09:43:51.691-04:00

The New York Times had an article recently about the waning interest in picture books for children as parents push their children to read chapter books. I've written about my experience with reading with my daughter. I was surprised by this article that it had impacted the publishing industry. However, I can certainly relate to this article because I've seen the subtle push for kids to read

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-88267754778643689532010-10-09T08:28:00.001-04:002010-10-09T08:30:52.823-04:00

These days there's no reason not to have the answers. Google for it.. find it online. Parties take on a whole new direction - "Who was that guy in the movie?" "Well, I have an IMDB app on my phone, so I'll check it out." Whenever anyone has a question, we can get an answer. Even at work, that's my job. If I don't have an answer, I'll find a way to get that answer. Recently my daughter had a

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-62062715833108373052010-09-25T07:21:00.000-04:002010-09-25T07:21:32.839-04:00

Spoiler Alert. When I first heard about this movie, I was intrigued and blogged about it. My daughter and I watched it last night and I think I want to watch it again. Just to make sure I understand this movie. Stylistically, I liked the way it was shot. Very casual, handheld camera movements, light hits seemingly arbritarily, but it's intentional. The beginning of the movie had a 70's feel

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-82621799963631483412010-09-12T09:07:00.003-04:002010-09-12T09:19:59.397-04:00

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives. Dalai Lama At my office, when some someone is frustrated with their situation, they will blame the managers for not attending to them. Managers believe they are helping the employees by focusing on long term solutions, not

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-66548998726967273632010-08-20T23:37:00.000-04:002010-08-20T23:37:37.873-04:00

While at a magic show at a recent birthday party, I started mulling over the concept of magic. This magician was tall, moustached and average looking. I'm sure he has a regular job as reliable citizen of society. On weekends, he breaks out his red vest and tie and becomes a Magician. He captures the attention of children and excites them by bringing them into the spotlight as assistants. He

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-6877026059805305012010-08-17T23:55:00.002-04:002010-08-18T00:00:46.982-04:00

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a communist; Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a socialist; Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a trade unionist; Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a Jew; Then they came for me-- and

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-62004215335246721862010-08-14T10:09:00.001-04:002010-08-14T10:10:09.846-04:00

One of my greatest assets is my patience. My colleagues are always impressed with how calm and focused I am. I don't like drama at all and dubbed myself the 'anti-drama queen'. Really, what is the purpose? When you create drama, you bring the spotlight to yourself. This drains everyone's energy, including yours since you have to sustain this attention-sucking disorder. I'm patient at home with my

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-49348674341594770272010-08-14T09:27:00.000-04:002010-08-14T09:27:22.847-04:00

Sign of a bad blogger: clicking on my own website and being surprised by the template change I did a few weeks ago! I suppose the vibrant colors feed the need for energy in my life. With my subdued colors, I was looking for peace. I've been consumed by a lot of activity in my real life the past few months, which caused me to suppress my creative writing and blogging. I read a good quote on

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-51132930113048528682010-08-06T14:28:00.000-04:002010-08-06T14:28:37.433-04:00

The vampiremania is just too much for me to handle. Firstly, I have to say I am a vampire fan. Back in late 90’s, I was right there with Anne Rice and LeStat, the lean rockin’ vampire. I was a vampire for Halloween my senior year of college. I loved Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and craved prequels and sequels to the classic story. I tried to fall for Keanu as Jonathan Harker and Tom Cruise as LeStat,

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-84988931980623770372010-05-16T10:46:00.005-04:002010-05-16T11:18:33.839-04:00

I know someone who spends a significant time and energy on regrets. After making a decision, he will think of 10 other things he could have, should have, would have done. He tends to look at all options and consider all viewpoints. However, the more viewpoints you have, the harder it is to gain a solid perspective. When you have regrets, you can't move forward. Anger and frustration at oneself

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-26569133438085850672010-05-09T22:43:00.005-04:002010-05-09T23:03:06.656-04:00

I'm borrowing this idea from someone else. Great exercise I think.Top 10 Things I Love About Being a Mother10. She's allowed to sleep in our bed on special occasions (i.e., Dad's not home). The clingy hugs when we sleep together. As if we're trying to meld our bodies into one again; I know her body as well as I know my own.9. When I pick her up from school, her eyes light up and chatter bursts

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-5643029402128174712010-05-03T07:04:00.007-04:002010-05-06T23:05:56.064-04:00

The only thing motivating me this week was to step out of my Dilbert-esque cubicle world and step into Picasso's world of Avant Garde art in Paris. I love the cafe scenes that set the stage for paintings, and the complicated and intriguing people who sneak themselves into them. After all, there must have been something that inspired the painter to do this. The Philadelphia Art Museum actually

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-85432830881388550862010-04-30T17:01:00.005-04:002010-04-30T17:07:46.584-04:00

Someone today asked me “Why was the step not taken?” And, it reminded me of the Robert Frost poem about the "road not taken." We’ve all read this in high school, but I had to read it again this morning. Keeping the broader context about life's paths in mind, it really moved me. I had to sit back and think about the paths I've taken that led me to where I am now. I have to wonder what other steps

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-10789867039292144252010-04-24T12:43:00.007-04:002010-04-27T23:27:18.156-04:00

This week I did a presentation at an industry conference. We had about 20 people in our workshop, and I already knew the fairly important ones in the audience. My copresenter has the charm and grace of a talk show host. She fell in and out of jokes and stories casually to make her point. I was impressed with her ease of public speaking.Two weeks prior I had a poetry reading and I've been advised

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-11769924199566717242010-04-22T22:09:00.007-04:002010-04-22T23:13:23.819-04:00

Our school district is in the middle of a teacher's strike. As of today, it's day 4 and I heard 7 days is their max. Apparently, they haven't had a contract all year and the school board is not yielding. I don't want to comment about the actual contract negotiations since I'm not directly involved and don't know the details.However, people have been saying the kids are the ones who are losing out

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-79085751259790367482010-03-28T08:24:00.001-04:002010-03-28T08:25:16.437-04:00

I was so excited to see an American remake of the Italian movie "Stanno Tutti Bene." Marcello Mastrianni's role as the father would be played by Robert DeNiro, and Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale as the daughters. It's about a widower who goes to see his children and tries to reconnect with their lives, but they all have secrets. It's beautiful and sad, and touching. I remember in the Italian

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-83144307212736247032010-03-22T22:44:00.003-04:002010-03-22T22:48:31.820-04:00

Now that the healthcare bill has passed, there is much uproar on the net. One of the boards I had read had a post that this was "the saddest day in American history". Really? This is it? The day a parent doesn't have to tell a kid to wait a little longer to get eyeglasses or their teeth fixed? An elderly person decided it was cheaper to buy Depends over the bladder control meds. Where's the

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-14712327610144531732010-03-13T09:06:00.003-05:002010-03-13T09:11:43.463-05:00

So, we're catching up on the movies we didn't know anything about during the Oscars. I had heard enough interviews on NPR about this film, so I was quite eagar. Jason Reitman is the guy who did "Juno" (seen it dozens of times) and "Thank you for Smoking" (also on my list). So right away you know it's going to have a lots of witty dialogue and quirky quiet music. Yes, the characters are witty,

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-47641213657787805502010-02-23T00:08:00.004-05:002010-02-23T00:13:28.352-05:00

Peace It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. - Anonymous

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-10540118419550860632010-02-09T23:28:00.005-05:002010-02-09T23:51:56.809-05:00

I've had an unbelievable day today and needed to sort some thoughts (lucky readers!)In the morning, I was awash with "bad mom syndrome." I was frustrated that I hadn't spent time with my daughter practicing her violin.. she doesn't know her multiplication table.. needs to see an eye doctor and I haven't had time to schedule an appoint. I become "grumpy mommy" in the morning before school. This is

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-79199764516234196832010-02-07T07:53:00.000-05:002010-02-09T23:28:09.466-05:00

On my last trip to India in 2007, I wrote this piece about Traffic Guidelines. I need to expand those.I think the key to driving and walking across the streets is the attitude. To cross the street in Mumbai, one must be bold. There are taxis, motorcycles, buses and cars. There are other pedestrians walking, so one car may stop. However, the guy behind him may want to loop around to pass. I tried

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-15715492324856096502010-01-30T08:28:00.005-05:002010-01-30T09:04:30.757-05:00

After 4 weeks of trying to get tickets and babysitting logistics straightened, we finally made it to see "Avatar" in 3D IMAX. I liked the IMAX screen, but the 3D experience was personally rough. The flimsy plastic in the glasses were not straight and distorted images, giving me a headache. Periodically, I had to take off the glasses to relax my eyes.Is it worth seeing? Yes. Is it worth the hype?

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-31469954246794744982010-01-14T09:26:00.008-05:002010-01-14T22:16:35.809-05:00

Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front - Wendell BerryLove the quick profit, the annual raise,vacation with pay. Want moreof everything ready-made. Be afraidto know your neighbors and to die.And you will have a window in your head.Not even your future will be a mysteryany more. Your mind will be punched in a cardand shut away in a little drawer.When they want you to buy somethingthey will

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-72202092461282644842010-01-08T06:31:00.006-05:002010-01-13T07:05:37.419-05:00

I've been home in the US for a two weeks now, and still trying to hold onto the magic and peace I found in India. For me, it was a wonderful vacation because I was away from my daily grind. My life is generally so hectic as with a demanding job where multitasking is an expectation, as well as the obvious juggling of home and family. There, I spent a lot of time with our family and our focus was

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-70854964686170244082009-12-17T00:32:00.003-05:002009-12-17T04:32:16.746-05:00

We went to Matheran, a small "hill station" outside of Mumbai. It's about a few hours drive and a pretty mountain vacation spot for Mumbaites who need a respite from the heat of the city. To maintain the rustic charm of the town, no cars are permitted. People get around on horseback, hand-pulled rickshaws or plain old walking. Though one has to be alert where one steps due to all the horses! And,

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-61678095298165458432009-12-12T22:27:00.007-05:002009-12-17T04:20:05.678-05:00

If I had to describe Mumbai in simple terms, it's not the "Maximum City", but the "Extreme City". There's nothing in moderation as it rises from poverty to luxury, from pollution to green consciousness, as well as my own emotional roller coaster. The other night, my husband and I took a cab into downtown area by the Gateway of India. We always do this. It's a touristy spot, but it's fun and

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-82525330740252925682009-12-09T19:25:00.004-05:002009-12-12T22:27:02.749-05:00

Live from Mumbai!Last time we were in India in 2007, I maintained a log of our trip and experiences (see "India" on my links on the right). We're here this month and again, I'm waking up at 4:30 am with nothing to do, and the urge to write.The last trip was memorable because it was my daughter's first trip to India. Everything was new and unexpected. Now, we're going 2 years later and she's 8 now

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-47930437475718016412009-12-02T22:17:00.008-05:002009-12-02T22:56:39.287-05:00

Kumon You're Killing Me: We're done. I told them we were going away in Dec and we'll come back in January. I was relieved the owner didn't try to convince me to take homework with us on vacation; she simply asked me to call her.The benefits of not doing Kumon:- we get back 30 to 45 minutes every evening- restore peace and tranquility in our family- chance to explore more creative methods of

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-88113853726269966162009-11-26T07:57:00.006-05:002009-11-26T08:38:04.875-05:00

Last year, I posted this blog about my daughter questioning Santa Claus. She's still not convinced, and I heard her ask my husband the other day if Santa was real or if it was just us. He bypassed her question. She's 8 and a half now and this is the age where it's going to come together. I was about this age when my bubble was burst by friends across the street. She had asked last year because

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-71473162560785703322009-11-12T23:27:00.009-05:002009-11-16T22:55:57.363-05:00

This book fell unexpectedly into my lap. I wouldn't have picked this book off the shelf since I don't particularly read fantasy genre books. While I loved Harry Potter, I could not get through Tolkien. I decided to read this book based on the website of the author, Daniel Rabuzzi. The site had a strong presence of fairy tales and fine literature, as well as fantasy, so I thought there might be

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-76831400262268320102009-11-08T22:13:00.004-05:002009-11-08T23:08:42.651-05:00

For the past three years, my daughter has been enrolled in an Indian Cultural/Religious program on Sundays. The organization offers instructions for 4 languages and a culture class, which covers religion and India (geography, traditions, history). I like this organization for being professional and well coordinated for a volunteer group. We never had anything like this when I grew up, and I

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-15945911417034093862009-10-24T08:16:00.007-04:002009-10-24T09:06:45.928-04:00

Desijournal was a lively website that addressed an Indian-American audience. Its articles were about the every day immigrant concerns with the observations and ironies of American life, as well as movie and book updates. Actually, I had a few book reviews published on their site when they were thriving. Coincidentally, I get to review the heart of Desijournal now.Though the website is now defunct

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-55294622077503134572009-09-20T09:40:00.005-04:002009-09-20T10:10:06.821-04:00

I was involved with 29Gifts.org project last year, in which you give something to someone for 29 days consecutively. I had extremely positive results during that time, and I've tried to make it part of my every day practice. (A gift doesn't need to be tangible item, but could be an email forwarded that helped someone else or even a compliment. It's an act of giving.)I was travelling this week and

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-1658819310375902692009-09-19T08:26:00.006-04:002009-09-19T09:08:21.270-04:00

I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it.- Marilyn MonroeI'm drawn to this phrase because I love being a woman, and don't want to be a man. Though there are times I've looked upon with envy as the guys just go out for a beer with nary a thought of others, while my girlfriends and I are wrought with guilt and disaster scenarios before we leave the house. But, I'm

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-13679588485280139112009-09-01T22:57:00.007-04:002009-09-05T08:14:05.907-04:00

My daughter is an Eloise fan and loves the books, animated stories and movie; a live action film was done in 2003 with Julie Andrews as, of course, the Nanny. The stories take place in the 1950's Plaza Hotel and the central character is the rambuctious and precocious Eloise who lives there. What a dream, isn't it? To have the run of a hotel - order room service, have adults wait upon you - How

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-79958516067528256152009-08-22T08:18:00.005-04:002009-08-22T08:34:10.563-04:00

I can imagine how much fun it was to write this one!Max at Sea: newyorker.com is David Eggers' short story, which colors in the pictures drawn by Maurice Sendak in "Where the Wild Things Are." And, he colors outside the lines, which makes this more delightful to read.By the way, I had mixed emotions about WTWTA when I was in kindergarten. I loved the creatures, the island, the boat.. I hated Max.

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-62729816305129813482009-08-19T23:20:00.008-04:002009-08-20T00:03:46.101-04:00

Through Facebook, I got in touch with a friend from high school. I always remembered what she wrote in my yearbook - she would look forward to reading me in the New York Times. Well, that didn't exactly happen (not, yet that is!). In her note to me, after all these years, she remembers me as an artist. Most people that know me today know me only as a writer, not an artist. My whole life I

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-49795968906077623622009-08-17T12:04:00.005-04:002009-08-22T08:36:14.827-04:00

I vowed after a fiasco last week at work that I will do what I know is right. I will not listen to others. Then, this morning, I listened to someone else and again, it back fired.In the big picture, these two actions were small. Loopholes were found, which seemed justifiable for not doing them. Yet both of them led to bigger events. Doesn't an avalanche begin with one rock?I have a saying posted

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-61223591654644771432009-08-16T22:11:00.005-04:002009-08-16T23:11:00.929-04:00

So, I have new friends. We haven't met, but we spend a lot of time together. I've gotten to know them well, though I can't always tell their voices apart. I laugh at their inside jokes as if I were one of them.. they remind me of people I know,but then I don't (I never tell my friends they are "churlish," as my Slate friends tell each other.)I plug into Stitcher.com and listen to my podcasts at

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-79923139368776796812009-08-08T08:28:00.010-04:002009-08-08T09:16:41.529-04:00

So, it's not that I've ignored my blog readership - I just haven't had time or inspiration to blog (oh cursed the day that Facebook took over my waking hours!). After I saw "Julie & Julia" last night, I knew I had to get back on my blog. Julie & Julia is such an easy and yummy movie to watch. Nora Ephron made the film interesting by paralleling the two stories, allowing them to dip in parts. You

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-80727054684565588942009-07-11T09:45:00.006-04:002009-07-11T09:57:16.217-04:00

I'm in love with Jason Mraz's song "I'm Yours". This verse rings so true for me: I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirrorAnd bending over backwards just to try to see it clearerBut my breath fogged up the glassAnd so I drew a new face and laughedI guess what I'm be saying is there ain't no better reasonTo rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasonsIt's what

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-52774520678986677692009-07-10T15:59:00.003-04:002009-07-10T16:03:27.581-04:00

So, Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Renee Zellweger and myself have something in common. Memorable red-carpet fashion moments? It’s possible, but that’s not it. We all turn 40 this year.I’m not one to hide my age. At the gym, I always entered my real age into the elliptical machine; weight, you can lie about, not age. Every year that I have accrued is worth remembering. I

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-74501452719116666022009-07-10T15:48:00.002-04:002009-07-10T15:57:40.601-04:00

When I tell you we’re doing Kumon this summer, you will have one of three reactions:1) What took you so long? You should have had her enrolled before she started kindergarten!2) Are you kidding? What do you want - a little robot? It’s repetition. Rinse, lather, repeat.3) Kumon? What is that? Does it come with wasabi?Usually the third response comes from people without children or

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-2041510650458300022009-07-02T22:50:00.002-04:002009-07-02T22:54:09.576-04:00

Here are links to two recent poetry book reviews I did for SAWNET (South Asian Women's Network)Dipika Mukherjee's "The Palimpsest of Exile"Anupama Mohan's "Twenty Odd Love Poem"

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-1370208862262900612009-06-15T23:28:00.009-04:002009-06-17T09:12:29.460-04:00

I had a wonderful time at DesiLit's Kriti Festival in Chicago this weekend. It was an event that brought together prestigous writers with up and coming writers, as well as the readers who love South Asian lit. For me, it was an opportunity to meet and be inspired by the other participants. And, were it not for US Airways baggage fees and my husband's warning about buying more books, I would've

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-81909323045328666562009-06-04T21:55:00.003-04:002009-06-04T22:21:57.217-04:00

This is truly a new page upon which history is being written.President Obama (six months later, I still feel like it's not real) stepped into Saudi Arabia, and is not being afraid to recognize its Islamic importance as a country. His speech in Cairo is definitely an important event.I was listening to his speech at work, and this jarred me. I found a complementary quote, which is just as

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-39408877918947309352009-05-30T08:08:00.004-04:002009-05-30T08:18:41.991-04:00

If you're in the Chicago area, I hope you'll come to Kriti Festival June 11-14 at University of Illinois.The best reason to come is to meet me!Ok.. there will be other writers there too. For those following my side passion for writing, I'm extremely excited to be a panelist at this conference. I've attended many writing conferences over the years, and this is the first time I'll be on the other

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-10578572872422061742009-05-25T21:42:00.005-04:002009-05-25T22:07:26.412-04:00

The Big Parade- 10,000 ManiacsDetroit to D.C. night train, Capitol, parts East. Lone young man takes a seat.And by the rhythm of the rails, reading all his mother's mail from a city boy in a jungle town postmarked Saigon. He'll go live his mother's dream, join the slowest parade he'll ever see. Her weight of sorrows carried long and carried far. "Take these, Tommy, to The Wall."Metro line to the

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-33001344433093913602009-05-07T21:41:00.003-04:002009-05-07T22:33:06.517-04:00

What a difference a few months makes. Annika's "Mother" phase has long since ended. The speaking in monotone with minimum lip movement is quite common, as are the enthusiastic stories.SkincareSo, she was looking in the mirror making faces, pulling her cheeks up and down. I told her, "Stop doing that.""Why?""Because.""Because your face will get stuck that way?""No, because you'll stretch out your

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-12920238033227459392009-04-26T21:47:00.003-04:002009-04-26T22:04:01.371-04:00

LAZYEvry timeI see a puppy upon a summers dayA puppy dog at playMy heart is filled with envyThats becauseMy heart is yearning to pass the time awayLike that pupcause Im all fed upAnd tho its wrong to beI long to beLazyI want to be lazyI want to be out in the sunWith no work to be doneUnder that awningThey call the skyStretching and yawningAnd let the world go drifting byI want to peepThrough the

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-79881552165801515882009-04-26T09:16:00.003-04:002009-04-26T09:24:32.414-04:00

In short, I stand with those Zen masters who, when asked how they achieved enlightenment, answered, "When I walk, I just walk. When I eat, I just eat." How much do we need to multitask? At work a few weeks ago, I found myself with 3 phones in front of me. It's become the sad norm in my office to think we can IM someone who is on a conf call. If I booked your time to be on a call, be on the call

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-5196311646367305742009-04-26T09:02:00.003-04:002009-04-26T09:15:11.164-04:00

4:13- Finished up a meeting. Commented "What a beautiful Friday afternoon! We're done. This is great. I have a dress rehearsal at 5:40 so I can leave early, pick up my daughter."4:16 - Listened to voice mail and had urgent message from my client about an error. Checked my email and saw VP was copied on the note. Jumped into action to fix it, needed to get a hold of people in TX & OR to alerted

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-67364122859677783962009-04-23T23:59:00.002-04:002009-04-24T00:13:52.660-04:00

I previously blogged about my favorite Shakespeare memory of April 23rd and about Romeo & Juliet.So, today, I was browing through my Shakespeare app on my iPhone and decided to read "Romeo & Juliet" (It was a long meeting, I figured I'd have time).Act II, Capulet's OrchardBut, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-61090318421346320512009-04-15T23:12:00.004-04:002009-04-15T23:48:25.844-04:00

I've blogged previously about Annika and her Suzuki violin lessons. She started in kindergarten and we're still going strong two years later. She would rather chat than practice. She frustrates me with her fidgeting during the lessons. Her teacher comments how she somehow moves from one spot to another.Inspite of all the scolding, she does "get" it. She hears a song and knows where she needs to

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-78612827716280701582009-04-08T23:06:00.002-04:002009-04-09T00:05:26.411-04:00

One of my new favorite apps on my iPhone is Stitcher. It's downloaded from Stitcher.com and it streams podcasts from so many different sites and categories.My favorites:The Moth is a storytelling organization and their podcasts are all types of people telling their stories. They make me laugh and have even brought me to tears because they're so heartfelt and open. If this is just the podcast, I

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-42150624113007252622009-03-16T22:49:00.003-04:002009-03-16T23:15:34.152-04:00

All things are ready, if our minds be so.The night before the battle, Henry roams through the camp in disguise to talk to his men. He then prays.O God of battles! steel my soldiers' hearts;Possess them not with fear; take from them nowThe sense of reckoning, if the opposed numbersPluck their hearts from them. Not to-day, O Lord,O, not to-day, think not upon the faultMy father made in compassing

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-81932873160441667402009-03-09T00:14:00.003-04:002009-03-08T21:45:06.026-04:00

Kenneth Branagh's "Henry V" was playing at the student center at the best possible time. It was junior year, and I had switched to English as my major. I was in the obligatory Shakespeare course, focused on the tragedies and historicals. We had just finished our exams for Henry IV and Henry V where we had to identify text and write about it. So, watching this movie - we laughed loudly at the

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-87085983391549380822009-03-04T23:33:00.009-05:002009-03-05T00:33:48.607-05:00

Last week I went to Memphis, TN for work. After a couple of days of meetings and conference calls, we did have the schedule open up in the afternoon. So we ran downtown. We have to see the mighty Mississippi! First of all, I'm fascinated by the southern culture. I've been working with people from various parts of the country lately, and more are from the South. I find the South exotic.

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-69086404460627817022009-02-26T22:34:00.004-05:002009-02-27T00:21:53.404-05:00

I've been delinquent in keeping up with my blog, so I appreciate my readers sticking with me. PersepolisWhat an intriguing and captivating movie. A few minutes into the movie, you forget that it's in French, you forget it's black and white, you've forgotten it's animated. All you know is Marjane and her world. It's so beautifully made and depicts the situation in Iran in 1980's so well - you feel

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-79102314893774794582009-02-15T08:31:00.003-05:002009-02-15T08:37:35.148-05:00

I'm recovering from Annika's 8th birthday party. It went really well and she said the whole day was perfect. For reference, I thought last year's party went well but she still talked about her disappointments from it (i.e., she got way too many Hannah Montana gifts and this girl N really stole the attention during the party from her - kids followed N's lead).This time, she got to be front and

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-29156295594097278782009-01-19T21:42:00.004-05:002009-01-19T22:11:16.855-05:00

My horoscope said the other day that for the last few months I've been throwing myself into my work and performing feats no other "ordinary" person could do. I totally believe that. I haven't thrown myself willingly. I've had a few inspirational quotes in the back of my mind, which have motivated and helped me stay focused through two major projects. "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-23296994043417764252008-12-29T23:17:00.004-05:002008-12-29T23:35:59.242-05:00

I just received a copy of the "Labor Pains and Birth Stories" (edited by Jessica Powers). My essay "On The Day You Were Born, The Angels Got Together" describes the events and emotions related to my daughter's birth. I've actually waited 7 years for this book to be published! I had taken my journal to the hospital, and had written details post-delivery. I written and submitted this story a few

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-36781123954592929372008-12-28T22:32:00.007-05:002008-12-28T23:05:58.657-05:00

Annika & I got a chance to skate in Bryant Park, NYC this weekend. She’s always wanted to skate in Rockefeller Center, but she conceded when she saw the lines and the crowd. When we stumbled onto the rink in Bryant Park, we decided to go for it. She’s skated a handful of times; I’ve thought about lessons for her, but it was hard to fit in our schedule.I’m not a great skater after all these years

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-45261553554521915242008-12-28T22:18:00.003-05:002008-12-28T22:21:53.456-05:00

At my office, there is a door separating the hallway and lunchroom. This door is security-enabled and a key card is required, which is not a big deal if you have one with you. This door has a fairly large portrait window so one can see who is on the other side up to the shoulder level.I always have a cup of tea in the afternoon to give me a jolt through the last hour or so. I had my oversized mug

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-49220693280232636502008-12-12T23:46:00.008-05:002008-12-13T10:01:48.036-05:00

After 8 teeth, the Tooth Fairy is exhausted.She's missed putting in the money, but Mr. Toothfairy stepped in with a nice dollar bill. But, he forgot to take the tooth, so Ms. Toothfairy came back with an extra dollar and a nice note. More recently, Ms. Toothfairy forgot again, but Mr. Toothfairy wasn't around. However, we determined the Toothfairy box was placed in a different spot, which

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-6001489109459860002008-12-07T21:42:00.007-05:002008-12-07T22:10:27.038-05:00

December 7, 2008 will be a day that lives on forever.Annika ate peas - willingly! I offered her a salad, and she dug into it. She avoided any lettuce with a hint of dressing, and started scooping up the "beans." She gobbled them up and went back to her pizza. She asked what kind of beans they were and I said "sweet peas." And, then she had a story about teachers planting sweet peas at her daycare

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-63105807024158514832008-12-04T22:53:00.006-05:002008-12-04T23:45:32.816-05:00

So, my sister, daughter and I went to Disney over the Thanksgiving weekend. Our first trip was around my daughter's 3rd birthday and she loved it. She wore her princess t-shirts, chatted with all the princesses and cowered from the villians. She did have a wild breakdown during the fireworks and dark theaters, leaving both of us traumatized for years.Now she's 7 and perfect for Disney experience

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-54832279573558431892008-11-24T00:06:00.011-05:002008-11-25T11:59:28.111-05:00

My husband is on an extended trip, a mix of business and personal. In the meantime, I'm in "single mom mode," holding down the fort. I start by alerting everyone at work that I'm leaving promptly every day, cannot come onsite over the weekend, etc. Family and friends extend warm invitations to come over and call if I need anything. However, she and I are better off with our daily straight forward

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-63142500569181440912008-11-20T22:43:00.010-05:002008-11-21T00:28:59.703-05:00

I've already talked about how much I love my iPhone, but here's one more reason: Pandora.com.Pandora is an internet radio site, which allows you to customize your music. I used to listen to Yahoo music, but it was annoying with the commercials and the pleas to pay to join. I came across this and really enjoyed the selections and voting functions. Since my office has a firewall against streaming

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-6134110935369245072008-11-04T23:02:00.008-05:002008-11-16T23:37:46.248-05:00

Someone asked me today about what we're expecting from Obama, why are we so excited.I know the troops won't come home in six months and Iraq will still have suicide bombers. My IT team can't get a new server stood up in six months, how is a country going to stand up? This war is going to stretch out for ten more years. I'm excited for the administration that ruled the last 8 years to step down.

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-83306602780078560372008-11-02T08:58:00.003-05:002008-11-02T09:05:47.909-05:00

As an FYI, I've created a new blog site extracting my poetry and writing-centric blogs from this one. You'll still find everything on "Indigo Bubbles", but now you have "Dancing Leaves."

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-43837460851028115822008-10-29T23:01:00.003-04:002008-10-29T23:11:46.504-04:00

The last time they won the World Series was 1980.. 28 years. Think about it.This is city needed it! Woo hoo!

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-83378687521590410752008-10-20T23:10:00.005-04:002008-12-10T10:14:58.548-05:00

This is one of my new 'comfort' chick movies. You know, the one that's always on cable and as soon as it comes on, you settle down and watch it, reciting the lines along with the characters. I love the colorful characters of movies like "Where the Heart Is" and "Steel Magnolias," where "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." I have no idea why an Indian girl from Jersey has such a

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-25919043705064318612008-10-16T22:06:00.005-04:002008-10-16T22:43:48.275-04:00

I haven't blogged too much about the election, since I've been discussing everywhere else. If you know me and/or my blog, I've been an enthusiastic Hillary supporter. We saw Bill Clinton last spring at a rally promoting Hillary's campaign. When she stepped down in June, we were heartbroken. Her "18 million cracks" speech still gives me chills. Even her speech at Democratic Convention was

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-60909418314364567672008-10-05T09:10:00.004-04:002008-10-05T09:50:02.202-04:00

One great thing about blogging is that I'm capturing moments with my daughter more vividly than a photograph can. She's in 2nd grade this year and I see more changes happening.First Day of SchoolShe would not call herself a 2nd grader until she went to school. "No, I'm still in first grade." I was wondering why she was resistent. She came home from school and proudly announced, "I was a first

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-20257025275391579182008-09-28T23:22:00.003-04:002008-09-28T23:37:35.381-04:00

Butterfly On My LegIt was when I sat in the darkness of my own anger at my lossthat I suddenly noticed the soft and subtle flickers.White wings came together like an angel's hands in a greeting.The black eyes studied me.She moved with steady steps on my calf.Could I not feel anymore?I did not move as I looked down. I could feel each footstep. The wings were translucent, shimmering withsilken

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-14818429817863876542008-09-28T22:53:00.006-04:002008-09-28T23:20:21.180-04:00

I've been reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez lately, and it's impossible not to be inspired and in love with his stories. Here is my interpretation of his short story "The Handsomest Drowned Man" Entangled in Seaweed Somehow, in the course of their normal dayswithout anyone realizing, they lost their dreams. They were simply tossedover the cliffswith all the other loved and spent objects.It was so

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-37687721855684612832008-09-19T16:49:00.007-04:002008-09-21T22:28:51.403-04:00

I resisted. I don't need it. Get me a Blackberry so I can check my work emails when I'm not at my desk. All the managers have Blackberries. All the techies have their Blackberries. What else is there?Oh, the iPhone 3G.So, I waited in line for an hour and half at the Apple store. There were only 5 people in line, so we were quite stunned by the wait. The store associates definitely could've

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-61324737484080808972008-09-01T23:07:00.003-04:002008-09-01T23:44:05.087-04:00

The Philadelphia Art Museum had an exhibit of Indian artist Nandalal Bose, which combined paintings from San Diego and New Delhi.This was my first exposure to this period of Indian artwork. Bose benefitted from the artistic cultivation from Tagore's school Santiniketan. He strove to build the Indian cultural identity in art by drawing inspiration from Hindu mythology and local villagers and

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16438008.post-73746876296184004482008-08-27T20:00:00.004-04:002008-08-28T07:55:51.791-04:00

This piece on Children and Play was on NBC Today Show yesterday and it's interesting to me on many levels. First of all, my daughter and I participated in this exact study the Temple University Infant Lab. I ended up on their mailing list and they would periodically call when there was a study for her age group. So, she was about 3 or 4 when we went to the lab for this one. We read a normal Dora

Ashinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634270926867263175noreply@blogger.com3