How to make homemade dough for kids- NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 12

I got an a very interesting link on how to make homemade play dough..They have made it so beautiful that i couldn't even make out it was home made..will surely try it out sometime..

For now,have a look
How to Make Homemade Play Dough

Mamma ,u should be an Octopus - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 11

Our breakfast time is very limited.But Manikutty will have many things to tell at this time too ..While our regular conversation this morning ,i was complaining about our maid.

Me : I have only 2 hands and i need to manage many things at home.Even if i keep maid ,same problem..Managing maids is also a task..
(Manikutty was thinking for sometime while i kept on complaining)
Manikutty : Amma ,i guess you need to be an octopus who has many hands and you can take care of everything very fast.
Me : Yeah..Thats right..I need something like that only
Manikutty : Amma ,but one problem ,how will you stitch your dress..There will be so many holes kept for each hand right.So u can't even wear a proper dress.

We started imagining the problems when we become octopus and finally decided not to go in that direction and be happy with whatever we have...Had a good laugh..

Famous Rymes From Kerala :Entry for Tulika Blogthon 4

 My entry for Tulika Blogathon 4.

 I have tried my level best to write Malayalam and also meanings.

Rhyme which states the conversation between a kid and crow

കാക്കേ കാക്കേ കൂടെവിടെ?
kakke kakke koodevide (Crow ,Crow ,Where is your home?)
കൂടിനകത്തൊരു കുഞ്ഞുണ്ടോ?
kootinakathoru kunjundo? (Do u have a kid at home?)
കുഞ്ഞിനു തിഇട്ടി കൊടുക്കാനാല്‍
Kunjinu thitti kodukkanal  (If u don't give food to your kid)
കുഞ്ഞു കിടന്നു കരയില്ലേ?
Kunju kidannu karayille? (won't the kid be crying?)

കുഞ്ഞേ കുഞ്ഞേ നീ തരുമോ
Kunje kunje ni tharumo (Kid ,Can you give me?)
നിന്നുടെ കയ്യിലെ നെയ്യപ്പം
Ninnude kayyile neyyappam? (the neyyappam that's in your hand?)
എല്ലാ തരില്ല നെയ്യപ്പം
ella tharilla neyyappam ( no no ,i won't give)
അയ്യോ കാക്കേ പറ്റിച്ചോ?
ayyo kakke patticho? ( oh Crow ,..did u cheat me?)

Rhyme about Train - what train does and what it needs to run fast

കു കു കു കും തിവണ്ടി

Ku ku kukum thivandi ( Train makes the sound ku ku )

കുകിപായും തിവണ്ടി 

kuuki payum thivandi ( Train goes fast)

കല്കരി തിന്നും തിവണ്ടി 

Kalkari thinnum thivandi ( Eats Charcoal )

വെള്ളം മോന്തും തിവണ്ടി

vellam monthum thivandi (Drinks Water)

രാപകല്‍ ഓടും തിവണ്ടി 

Rapakal odum thivandi (Runs day and night)

തളരുന്നു നില്‍ക്കും തിവണ്ടി 

Thalarnnu nikkum thivandi (When tired ,it stops)

വെയിലത്തോടും തിവണ്ടി

veyilathodum thivandi (Runs in the sun)

മഴയത്തോടും തിവണ്ടി

Mazhayathodum thivandi (Runs in the rain)

വേഗം പായും തിവണ്ടി

Vegam payum thivandi (Runs very fast)

ഹ ഹ തിവണ്ടി

Ha ha thivandi (Nice train)

Rhyme about a lady Kunjiyamma and her son panjarakunju (repeated word is "inch')

കുഞ്ഞിംമക്ക് അഞ്ചു മക്കള്‍ ആണേ 

Kunjiammakku anchu makkalane (Kunchiamma had five children )

അഞ്ചാമന്‍ ഓമന കുഞ്ഞു ആണേ

Anchaman panchara kunju ane (5th one is sugary Kunju)

പഞ്ചാര വിട്ടു നടന്ന കുഞ്ഞു

Panchara vittu nadannu kunju (he sold sugar)

പഞ്ചാര കുഞ്ഞുവെന്ന പേര് വന്നു

Panchara kunjuvenna peru vannu ( and got his name sugary kunju)

വഞ്ചിയില്‍ പഞ്ചാര ചാക്ക് വച്ച് 

vanchiyil panchara chakku vachu (putting sugar sack in boat)

തുന്ച്ചതിരുന്നു തുഴന്നു കുഞ്ഞു

thunjathirunnu thuzhannu kunju (he sat in the boat and row)

പഞ്ചാര തിന്നു മടിച്ചു കുഞ്ഞു

Panchara thinnu madichu kunju (Kunju enjoyed eating sugar)

ഇഞ്ചി രസിച്ചു കടിച്ചു കുഞ്ഞു

enji rasichu kadichu kunju (kunju enjoyed eating ginger)

കുഞ്ഞിംമക്ക് അഞ്ചു മക്കള്‍ ആണേ 

Kunjiammakku anchu makkal ane (Kunji amma has got 5 kids)

അഞ്ചാമന്‍ പഞ്ചാര കുഞ്ഞു ആണേ'

Anchaman panchara kunju ane (And 5th one is Sugary Kunju)

Rhymes to teach about  Alphabets

ABCD adipidikoodi

എ ബി സി ഡി അടിപിടികൂടി   (ABCD fought between themselves)

EFGH athinodu koodi

ഇ ഫ ജി  ഹ  അതിനോട് കൂടി  (EFGH also joined them)

IJKL athu kandethi 

ഐ ജെ കെ ല അത് കണ്ടെത്തി (IJKL got to know)

MNOP ammayodothi 

മ ന ഓ പി അമ്മയോടോതി  (MNOP told mother)

QRST achanatharinu

q  അര എസ് ടി  അച്ഛനതരിനു (QRST ,father got to know)

UVW vadiyumeduthu

യു  വി  ഡബ്ലു  വടിയുമെടുത്ത് (UVW took cane)

XYZ adiyodadiyayi

എക്സ്  വൈ സെഡ്  adiyodadiyayi (XYZ started beating)

Rhyme to teach about clapping

 തപ്പുകൊട്ടുന്നി തപ്പുകൊട്ട്‌ 

Thappukottunni Thappukottu (Clap your hands baby)

അപ്പം തിന്നാന്‍ തപ്പുകൊട്ട്‌ 

Appam thinnan Thappukottu (Clap your hands for eating bread)

 ആധയുടുക്കാന്‍ തപ്പുകൊട്ട്‌ 

Aadayudukkan Thappukottu (clap your hands for dressing up)

ആറില്‍ കുളിക്കാന്‍ തപ്പുകൊട്ട്‌ 

Aattil kulikkan Thappukottu (Clap your hands for bathing in river)

പൊട്ടിയെ തോഴന്‍ തപ്പുകൊട്ട്‌ 

Pottiye thozhan Thappukottu (Clap your hands for seeing god)

തപ്പികൊട്ടുന്നി തപ്പുകൊട്ട്‌ 

thappukottunni thappukottu" (Clap your hands baby)

Rhymes for play

Game where 2 kids will hold their hands and stand and will sing this rhyme.All the other kids will go down their hands and once the rhyme is over ,they will catch the kid who is caught between their hands.

നാരങ്ങ പാല് 
Naranga palu (lime juice)
ചൂണ്ടക്ക രണ്ടു 

chundakka randu (2 chundakka (it's a small fruit))
ഇലകള്‍ പച്ച 
elakal pacha (Green leaves)
പൂകള്‍ മഞ്ഞ 
pookal manja (Yellow Flowers)
ഓടിവരുന്ന കള്ളനെ പിടിച്ചേ 
odi varunna kallane pidiche (caught the thief who is running)

Another play rhyme

This is about playing with fingers. We point to a spot inside kids hand.then say thats the place where we put own plantain.Then do all actions around it and ask each finger whether it saw the theif.Finally will tickle the kid 

 
വാഴ വച്ച് 
vazha vachu (Planted Banana Tree)
ചുറ്റും ചുറ്റും വേലി കെട്ടി 
chuttum chuttum veli ketti (Put fence around it)
 വാഴ കുലച്ചു
vazha kulachu (Banana started coming)
കുല കള്ളന്‍ കട്ട് കൊണ്ട് പോയി 
kula kallan kattu kondu poyi (Thief took it)
നീ കണ്ടോ ? ഇല്ല
ni kando ? ella (Did u see? No)
നീ കണ്ടോ ? ഇല്ല
ni kando ? ella(Did u see? No)
നീ കണ്ടോ ? ഇല്ല 
ni kando ? ella (Did u see? No)
നീ കണ്ടോ ? ഇല്ല 
ni kando ? uvvu..poyi poyi poyi kilikili (Tickle the kid)
നീ കണ്ടോ ? ഉവ്വ് പോയി പോയി പോയി കിളികിളി

Lullaby

Omanathinkal Kidavo,
Nalla Komala Thamara Poovo,
Poovil Niranja Madhuvo,
Pari poornendu thande nilavo,

Puthan Pavizha kodiyo,
cheru thathakal konjum mozhiyo,
Chanjadiyadum Mayilo,
mridhu panjamam padum kuyilo,

Thullumilaman kidavo,
sobha kollunnorannakodiyo,
Eswaran Thanna Nidhiyo,
Parameshwariyenthum kiliyo,

Parijathathin Thaliro,
ente bhagya drumathin phalamo,
Vatsalya ratnathe veppan,
ma ma vachoru kanchana cheppo,

Drishtikku vechoramrutho,
kooriruttathu vecha vilakko,
Keerthi lathakkulla vitho,
ennum kedu varathulla mutho,

Arthi thimiram kalavan
ulla marthanda deva prabhayo,
Sookthiyil kanda porulo,
athi sookshamam veenaravamo,

Vambicha Sandoshavalli,
thande kombathu pootha poovalli,
Pichakathin Malar chendo,
navinnischa nalkunna kalkando,

Kasthuri thande manamo,
perthum sathukkalkulla gunamo,
Poomanametoru katto,
ettam ponnil kalarnnoru matto,

Kachkkurukkiya Palo,
nalla gandhamezhum panineero,
Nanma Vilayum nilamo,
bahu dharmangal vazhum grahamo,

Daham kalayum jalamo,
marga khetham kalayum thanalo,
Vadatha mallikappovo,
jnanum thedi vachulla dhanamo,

Kanninu Nalla Kaniyo,
ma ma kai vanna chinthamaniyo,
Lavanya Punya Nadhiyo,
Unni karvarnnan thande kaliyo,

Lakshmi bhagavathi thande thirunetti melitta kuriyo,
Ennunnikrishnan Janicho, Parilingane Vesham Dharicho,
Padmanabhan Than Kripayo, Muttum bhagyam varunna vazhiyo.

Organic Terrace Gardening @ Bangalore - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 10

Finally ,after a long wait ,i attended the Organic Terrace Gardening Workshop by Dr. B. N. Vishwanath. It was a one day workshop from 10.30 to 5.00 pm where he discussed about organic farming and why we should take up the same at our terrace or Balcony.



Dr.Vishwanath advises us to do vegetable gardening than having flowering plants as we can use vegetables for our cooking and it's worth the money you spend in gardening.But it depends on the person's interest too.



Main advantages of Organic Terrace Gardening :
(Pictures shown are from my own kitchen garden which i did 6 months back)

- We get to eat vegetables without pesticides
- Good exercise for mind and body,stress relief as we spend nearly 10 minutes everyday in the garden
- Full greenery around your house
- You get more clean air as you are surrounded by green's
- Save money as our frequent visit to markets /shops gets reduced.
- Moreover the satisfaction you get.

Pots to be used

- 12/10 inch pots (diameter as well as height) in Cement (Paint white color so that it reflects light) ,Terracotta (Best to use) or Plastic
- 9 inch lengthy pots for growing greens -palak etc

Main point to see is that plants get sunlight everyday so that they grow strong.Dr.Vishwanath even discussed about the layouts which can be used in the Terrace Gardening ,then use of Vermi Compost,Vermi Wash,Organic pesticides like Neem water ,Tobacco water,an hands-on session on making a pot ready for gardening,info about kambha (Compost making).We did have a session by Vittal Mallya Scientific research Foundation where they introduced few organic manures/pesticides developed by them. There was a stall selling those as well as few plants..

I got to see the use of coconut husk powder (this is made in the shape of brick for easy transportation) and coconut pots (very strong okay).We should use these products as they are environment friendly and degradable.

As usual ,i bought a big bag of manure (5 Kg) which was only 50 Rs and few plants each costing 30 Rs.

It's worth attending the workshop as the workshop fee is just 300/- and you get to meet many people who share same views as you.I got many friends .

- one aunt who was a bank officer and later shifted to IT faculty role and now doing craft classes and interested in gardening.
- another old aunt who is working in HAL as engineer but really into Terrace Gardening
- one more who is a house wife and owns a beautiful garden with more than 37 varieties of Hibiscus.Before discussing with aunt ,i didn't even know that these many varieties existed.She came for the class as she wants to find out the reason why most of her plants are getting affected by some virus.
-Another gentleman who is an Architect.Till now he has cut down many trees for construction of buildings.But now he understood the use of trees and he wants to make sure that he adds his share to a more greener Bangalore.
-Other participants include people who own preschools and wanted to include farming vegetables in their curriculum so that kids will understand the use of organic farming ,few from Green Foundation ,few from software field.

Contact :

Dr. Vishwanath conducts one-day training programs for housewives and other interested persons on organic terrace gardening.He can be contacted on 28485717, 9845627217,
email: vishy_Kadur@yahoo.co.in

Info related to classes or for organic manure and pesticides.

Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation #94/3 & 94/5, 23^rd cross, 29^th Main BTM 2^nd Stage BANGALORE - 560 076 Tel: +91-80-2668 7216, 2668 7223, 2668 7183 Fax: +91-80-2668 7170 Website: www.vmsrf.org
E-Mail: vmsrf@vmsrf.org

More links about him and Terrace Gardening

A Handbook of Organic Terrace Gardening – Bangalore, India
Purna Organics Terrace Garden (In Kannada)
Vegetable cultivation in Terrace (In Malayalam)
Documentary on the terrace vegetable garden (In Malayalam)

For Kambha (Compost Making)

I am using this for the past 6 months and i found it to be very effective.I don't waste any of the kitchen waste as i put this into Kambha and wait for it to be made as manure.One time investment and surely worth it for any person living in apartments.
Daily Dump

So i am planning to start my vegetable garden soon.

Other face Of Life - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 9

Today i finished my final draft for Pratham Books :) So finally i did it though i had sleepless nights..I really enjoyed it..So much different than a regular software work:) No coding :)

So today am writing about people who are from poor background.I always think about writing this as ,everyday i pass through the narrow way in Iblur (where maids are staying) and also Viveknagar where people stay in a small space covered by Aluminium sheets

- Early morning ,I see some boy or girl taking cake piece/groundnuts/chips from the bakery nearby..First time i saw this ,i thought "Why are they spending money for getting cake from bakery? .Why can't they prepare some food at home?". My answer to my own question is "Might be they don't prepare anything in the morning and as kids are hungry ,they get something from bakery and go to school "

- I see small boys and girls sitting in the sand fully naked..Oh my god ,if it was my kid ,i would never have allowed..Germs,diseases etc etc..Many thoughts will come into my mind...But they don't have enough clothes so what they will do...Still they don't get much diseases..

- Kids share food with each other which is very rare in the middle class/upper middle class family's...But sharing is very easy in the lower class as they know the value of money and value of food.

- People waiting patiently infront of public toliets.They know they dont have any option but think about the middle class/upper middle class..How many of us patiently wait in the queue?

          I remember one incident which happened in KFC,Forum Mall.It was a big queue that day but still Dileep waited in the queue..Myself and Manikutty were standing next to the counters waiting for Dileep to return...I saw one lady dressed up in mini skirt..She might be about 30 yrs ,surely from a well educated family.This lady was standing in queue with her husband /boy friend.She came out of queue and acted as if she is seeing the menu cards..She stood there for about 5 mts and then when one counter got free ,she moved to that counter as if she was the first one in the queue..

Dileep was the first one in that queue..He got angry and he told her to go back to her place as many people with kids are also patiently waiting in the queue.But KFC counter guy told it's okay..he will take the order..But we didn't allow ..When all this were happening ,this lady was turning her face to some other direction and standing there as if she is not part of this..Finally she moved back to her queue..

But see..is this our manners?..we all are well educated..still we do bunk the queue? And think about the people who wait patiently infront of the public toilets.

Am Not Feeling Sleepy - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 8

Hey ,I missed one day in the Blog Marathon..I was busy at work and also i mentioned about winning blogathon by Pratham Books right..So i voluntered to do layout and illustrations to the letter.I just completed it.I really enjoyed doing the layout..Now am thinking whether i should do some Graphic Designer Course:) I am always like this..I need some thing or other to keep me busy...

So today am writing about Manikutty again

Manikutty has to go to school at sharp 7.30 am and i start my usual routine of calling Dileep and Manikutty by 6.00 ..So she woke up by around 6.15.

Manikutty : Amma ,I need to sleep.Don't ever call me tomorrow..I will sleep the whole day.
Me           : No way..Tomorrow is not Saturday.You can't sleep..I told you to sleep early so that you can get up early
Manikutty : Amma,I am not getting sleep early.What will i do?
Me           : You play very well at school and then you will be tired.
Manikutty : I am tired only Amma ..my heart was beating "dum dum dum" without any gap and not like how  it beats everyday "dum ......dum......dum"..I was running for a long time.Still i couldn't get sleep early.
Me           : (Oh my god ,what will i tell now !) You take Chavanaprasam right ,that's why you became strong ..Very Good Girl .. (Topic change..Mothers are good at this :))

Somehow Manikutty was convinced..Otherwise i would have been in trouble :)

I won the Blogthon by Pratham Books :) NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 7

I won it..I am so happy today..I will be getting a Author Signed Copy of the book :) You will be wondering why i am so happy to receive a children's book ..I love children's book..Moreover am happy over winning the Blogathon

It all started with this entry in the Pratham Books Blog
http://blog.prathambooks.org/2010/06/its-blogathon-time-help-make-ritus.html

These were my entries to make the letter longer

Magical tiger can tell endless stories and a magical mango's juice doesn't end..That's like a good friend and yummy food..wow ,i dont have to get bored or stay hungry:) (Smitha Jacob)

Yeah Rainbow puddle :) ..That thought itself makes me nostalgic..why can't we go back to our childhood days..no tension no worries. (Smitha Jacob)

Today they have announced the winners..See the 5th entry -Smitha Jacob ..That's me:)
http://blog.prathambooks.org/2010/06/announcing-results-of-make-ritus-letter.html

Ultimate Waste :) BloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 6

Today we went to railway station to see off my mother..We have a usual practise of buying vadas from railway canteen.But it's closed today and the place looked very dirty.So on the way back ,we bought a small Lays packet and kurkure packet.We never buy these items as its considered as Junk..but today is exception as we didn't get anything else to eat.

Lays tasted Yummy.We finished it on our way back to car parking lot. Finally Manikutty opened her Kurkure packet..She didn't like the taste..So she shared it with us :)  and she started describing how bad it is

Manikutty : Amma ,it's not tasty.But the cover looks so funny and beautiful too
Me : yeah,they keep it beautiful so that kids like you will buy
Manikutty : But Amma ,it's ultimate waste
Me : Yeah,waste of Money.Now we won't buy any Kurkure okay? I didn't leave my chance to explain why junk foods are bad.
Manikutty : We wont buy it again..(pause) ..We will buy it after 6 months..then it will be a long time Amma so we will not remember the yucky taste..

Kids are kids..They will give some explanation or the other to get Junk Foods:)

Three Words That Make Relationships Betters

I couldn't leave this message from PravsWorld.It's worth reading it and practising..

Three-Word Phrases, can be tools to help develop every relationship.

There are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationships. Often the most effective thing you can do involves saying just three words. When spoken sincerely, these statements often have the power to develop new friendships, deepen old ones and even bring healing to relationships that have soured.

The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.

~ Let me help:
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.

~ I understand you:
People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in so many little ways - that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to any relationship.

~ I respect you:
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

~ I miss you:
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other “I miss you.” This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how important you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say “I miss you.”

~ Maybe you’re right:
This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The implication when you say “maybe you’re right” is the humility of admitting, “maybe I’m wrong”. Let’s face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you normally do is solidify the other person’s point of view. They, or you, will not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying “maybe you’re right” can open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other person.

~ Please forgive me:
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

~ I thank you:
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don’t take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

~ Count on me:
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship. It is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating “you can count on me.”

~ I’ll be there:
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase “I’ll be there.” Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us.

We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

~ Go for it:
We are all unique individuals. Don’t try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only.

Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to “go for it.”

~ I love you:
Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person’s deepest emotional needs. The need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words: “I love you.” Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone.

I am the sad kid - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 5

We went for grocery shopping at Total Mall.My mother was also accompanying us.After we reached the billing section ,i told manikutty to find some place where Ammamma can sit.Also asked her to give Ammamma company till we return..After some time ,Manikutty came back and about to ask me something.

I was first one in the queue and i asked her to tell everything later.She went back crying..Yeah ,now she does that crying most of the times when i don't allow her to do something..So i didn't pay attention.We did billing and while coming back ,my mother told me about what she said..

It seems she wanted to eat something (don't forget the fact that she already had her snacks and came for shopping :)) .So she wanted me to get something before i finish billing.

Manikutty : Ammamma ,amma didn't allow me to tell her anything.Doesn't she know that we need to order food before billing? Looks at the kids around.All are happy.Only i am the sad kid. She started crying..

I came out of billing

Manikutty : Amma ,can i have something?
Me : No ..U already had at home
Manikutty : An Icecream?
Me : No
Manikutty : Atleast corn?
Finally ,we bought her corn and she was very happy :)

Grammar For Life - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 4

Grammar For Life  (From Pravs World)
Live in active voice, not the passive.
Think more about what you make happen than what happens to you.

Live in the indicative mood rather than subjective.
Be concerned with things as they are rather than as they might be.

Live in the present tense facing the duty at hand.
Without regret for the past or worry for the future.

Live in the first person,
criticizing yourself rather than finding fault with others.

Live in singular number,
caring more for the approval of your own conscience than for the applause of the crowd.

And if you want a verb to conjugate,
you cannot do better than to take a verb “to love”.

Take Each Day As It Comes- NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 3

Take Each Day As It Comes


People lose their health to make money;
then lose their money to restore their health.
By thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget their present such that
they live neither for the present nor the future.

They live as if they will never die,
and they die as if they have never lived.
Take each day as it comes, and live each day to the fullest.

Courtesy :- Pravsworld.com

It's Blogathon time @ Pratham Book's Blog

It's Blogathon time – Help Make Ritu's Letter Longer!


Little Ritu wants to write a really long letter to her cousin. We need to keep adding to her letter, until it gets longer and longer and longer...The Blogaton will continue till June 14th Only..
Pratham Blogathon


So Hurry up..

Auto Drivers -Good Or Bad - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 2

Finally i decided to write about Auto Drivers after the incident which happened today morning..While commuting to office ,i normally take bus as i got fed up with Auto drivers.Today i waited for the bus for sometime and as it was early morning ,i didn't get my usual bus and then decided to take an auto.

Auto driver was okay but he was not wearing uniform.So i doubted whether he will surely come to M.G.Road .If they come without uniform ,police will surely catch them and put fine.Normally these auto drivers will say "Yes" and finally when we reach half way ,they will say "Madam,Gas got over..so we can't go"..So i was expecting the same today..So when he reached Koramangala 4th Block ,he slowed down the vehicle and acted( or really ..donno) as if his vehicle can't even move but he was a good guy.So he stopped near another auto and asked him to take me to M.G.Road.

I have the tendency to see meter every now and then and i normally don't give any extra money as i know the route and rate.So i was seeing the meter..It was perfect and was showing exact rate though it was not an electronic meter.I was relieved ..today i don't have to fight with Autowala..He stopped near my office ,i gave him money and he gave me 1 Rupee back..Very nice..When they do good deed like this (which is very rare among autowalas) ,i normally give them 10 Rs extra..But this time ,i was just enjoying the moment and forgot about the money part.I crossed the road and entered office then i heard somebody calling "Madam ,Wait.."I stopped and turned around to see my office security ..he showed me autowala who was about to start his vehicle and gave me my pen..It seems the pen had fallen down while i took money from my bag and this Autowala came back and returned the pen to the security.I shouted "Thanks" and was very happy..The Autowala made my day..

That's the good one about Autowalas..there are more bad experiences too

Another one had put his meter to show 20 Rs extra..As i was a regular traveler in the same route ,i knew the exact rate.It was an electronic meter and i asked him "How did u manage to tamper the electronic meter"..For that ,he replied "Madam ,we need to do this otherwise we can't make money".But i gave him exact change and he was smiling...Good guy.. atleast he agreed that he did something bad..


I met another who took 100 Rs and never returned the balance 30 Rs and i was very angry that day.So i didn't get down the auto and asked him to go to traffic police..He shouted at me and took me to the next stop and took me back..Though i made a big hungama ,none of the passers nearby were ready to help me.What else can i do..So that day i decided to learn Karate or Kalaripayattu so that i can catch his collar and kick him off..Though i learned Kalaripayattu ,i never faced the same situation again:)

Another one dropped me at Suncity and while getting down ,my purse dropped from my hand and i didn't notice..By the time i realized ,he drove very fast and went away..There i was ,without any money :(

Another one dropped my kid's friend ,her mom and her little sister at suncity.They had gone for shopping and while helping her kids to get down ,she had put her bag and the items she purchased in the auto itself.When she turned to take the packets and bag ,this autowala just ignored her and drove very fast..She lost her house keys as well..

Few more who's meters were showing too high but accepted the exact rate when i told them with reasoning..

This story will continue for ever :) ..So Please put down your experiences tooo..

Crazy Ideas - NaBloPoMo Blog Marathon Post 1

Yesterday myself and my mother were lying down with Manikutty ..I was just looking at her and nodding to what she was saying.But i noticed something ..Is that her eye lashes too small or am i feeling..?

Many of my friends admired the long lashes that Manikutty got..I was trying to figure out the reasons for losing long lashes ..Many thoughts came into my mind..Is this due to dandruff? No ,how can that be? There is nothing in her hair as well..Then how can dandruff affect only her lashes...Or did i imagine that she had long lashes?..No..i do remember the long lashes..Then wht happened?

I was sure that i didn't do anything nor she didnt have any infection ..But the lashes looks like it's cut carefully and was of same length.So i asked her

Me : "Manikutty,how did your lashes became small?"
Manikutty : Amma ,it's like that only
Me : Do tell me the truth..I hate lies
Manikutty : Nothing Amma..and started smiling
Me : (something is surely wrong) Tell me
Manikutty : i cut my lashes using scissors
Me: Started laughing..oh my god..y did u do this?
Manikutty:  I felt like cutting..That thought came into my mind ,Amma

I couldn't stop laughing..The next moment i was angry also ..incase if by mistake something happened to eyes?.Manikutty started feeling bad..So i stopped questioning but did tell her that if she wanted to do anything in her face ,she had to ask me..

It seems she cut her lashes thinking that she will look beautiful as she felt its similar to shaping the eyebrows.
My mother and myself had a hearty laugh..Thank God nothing happened to her eyes ..

Blog Marathon -- Finally am part of it:)

First of all Thanks Sudha who told me about this marathon ...After i heard about this , i wanted to be part of the marathon..Let me see whether i can blog everyday atleast some good topics or interesting topics:)..

Something is there in your head Ammamma

Now ,my mother is staying with me for few days and she is already busy telling stories to Manikutty..At first ,it was stories from books but then Manikutty wanted to hear the funny incidents which happened during my childhood days..After this ,it moved to stories which my mother made..again this cycle repeats:)

So one day my mother was telling stories out of her imagination and then she told Manikutty that now Ammama's (That's what Manikutty calls her) head is blank and no more stories..All of Sudden Manikutty poked my mothers head and said "Ammamma ,something is still there..It's not empty..it's not going down....your head is still filled up with stories!"

Which Plastic Bottle Is Good For Daily Use?

I was never worried about the plastic bottles until recently when my kid's friend's mother educated me on this topic.I did a good research on the web to see which is good.I hope this will help other parents as well. Please do leave in your comments.

For getting to know the quality of plastic ,check the recycling symbol underneath the bottle.Inside the recycling symbol ,there will be a number.The number can range anywhere between 1 to 7.That number actually represents the type of plastic which is used in the manufacturing of that particular type of bottle.

What does this mean?

Different types of plastics are sometimes referred to as resins and the numeric symbols are known as Resin ID Codes.The following chart represents the ‘Resin ID Codes’ or ‘Plastic Identification Number’ (PIN) found on each plastic bottle.

1 - PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene)

Light weight, low-cost, and easy to make, PET is the most prevalent plastic material in use today. PET is mostly used in soft drink bottles, food containers, and microwaveable food trays.Easy to recycle.

2 - HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is sturdier and susceptible to chemical corrosion, this plastic poses a fairly meager risk of spreading chemicals when used as receptacle for food and drinks. It is chiefly used as containers for common household chemicals (shampoos, detergents, etc.), garbage bags, tubs for short shelf life food products like yogurt, etc.Easy to recycle

3 - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)  or V or DEHA

Polyvinyl Chloride has been known as a health hazard - it has been established to frequently leach chemicals when used as containers. PVC is commonly used for cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil ,peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles. It has chlorine and will emit toxins if ignited. PVC should be avoided in food preparation or food packaging.

PVC is well known to be associated with liver cancer. DEHA is linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. It is the least recyclable.


4 - LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene )

Low Density Polyethylene is the material present in bread wrapping, sheets, film packaging,gro­cery store bags etc. Tough and elastic, it is ideal for packaging, insulation, and sealing.

Safe but hard to recycle.

5 - PP (Polypropylene)

PP is most suited for boiling liquid containers and is likewise used in brooms, straws, ketchup bottles,baby bottles etc.


Safe but hard to recycle.

6 - PS (Polystyrene)

PS is an excellent component for insulation and is used in foam products like expanded polystyrene (EPS), generically known as styrofoam. It is manufactured into disposable food containers, egg cartons, disposable cups.

Styrene can leach from polystyrene and is toxic to the brain and nervous system. It also has been found to affect red blood cells, liver, kid­neys and stomach.Hard to recycle.

7 - OTHER (Polycarbonate)

All OTHER lumps materials not belonging to above classifications. It is commonly present in baby feeding containers, flak vests, camping jugs, computer cases,sport water bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic sippy cups and some clear plastic cutlery etc.

Polycarbonate can leach Bisphenol A, a chemical that mimics the action of the human hormone estrogen. It was found to stimulate prostate cancer, produce ovarian dysfunction, genetic damage, etc.

So finally which is good for us?

It's always best to use glass or steel bottles or utensils.But incase if we don't have any other option ,the use plastic with the following numbers.

#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) OR
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene) OR
#5 PP (polypropylene)