Chopstick-Challenged!!!

Disclaimer: I mean no offence to the Chinese/Japanese culture. They command my highest respect. Afterall, if they can fly over roofs, jump over trees, and walk on water, I can only humbly bow to them.

Two little simple wooden sticks. Thats what they are. And it looks just so easy when they (by which I mean the chinkus/japus.....or should I say all the stretched-eye guys) eat their rice, noodles and everything with those bamboos spoons. But trust me, when you hold them in your hand, they can be very very tricky to maneuver around edible things. How on Earth do you hold rice with two plain sticks? Well, I guess it needs a lot of practice on talenting this skillset than just a few minutes in a restaurant.

And with that said, I officially declare myself as 'CHOPSTICK-CHALLENGED'. I can't work myself around those and I'd rather 'stick' to my fork and spoons. I probably would need to go to some classes if I really were to master the art and obviously, I don't have time for that.

P.S. The veg fried rice with the hot sauce is amazing at Sakura, the japanese restaurant. I'd highly recommend.

White vis-a-vis White

Yesterday, on my way back from Anushka's school, I saw the most weird combination Mother Nature could display. I see the trees heavily laden with white blossoms and in the middle of nowhere, I see a shower of flurries. At first, I kept wondering if its just the blossoms that are flying in the wind, but when they fell on my windshield and melted into water, I was zonked. Now what do you call this? Blossoms vs. Flurries?

Season Spring has arrived, budding has begun, squirrels are scampering away in the middle of the road scaring the hell out of me, bees are busily buzzing on the fresh flowers, geese are flying back from their south retreat, and people are making their camping reservations for the upcoming Summer. Then, why does winter refuse to leave? Why can't it just make a graceful exit for this year and hibernate till the next October? Why is it just hanging around like a lost spirit with an unfulfilled desire? (I just happened to watch 'Ghost' last week). 

Speaking about weird combinations, I also remember last Summer, in July, just before Raahil came, we took Mom and Dad out for a drive and on I-95, southward-bound, we witnessed hail. Imagine that!!! Hard balls of ice in the middle of summer. Unbelievable!

Well, as baffled as I am right now, I can't help but think of 'global warming' of which I know less. All I know is there is some kind of hole in the ozone layer which is responsible for the quality of atmosphere and also, of our atypical weather experiences over the last few years. Mumbai had a beautiful winter in 2007-08, something it has never had the pleasure of enjoying. While this year, there was absolutely no sign of it. Its just April and its already 40C there. Is Mumbai gonna just burn this year? The West also has its seasons messed up. Winter lingers, Summer shortens, Fall and Spring are short-lived. And if you do have a perfect day, temperature-wise, rain succeeds to ruin it for ya. I remember the days when rain inspired the romantic side of me and I loved it. But now, I just want a rain-less day for the kids to enjoy the outdoors. 

Well, all we can hope is Summer rushes in at its earliest and I am sure all of us can't just wait for the warmth to set in. 

Tip Of the Season: Get to the factory outlets to get the winterwear for the next season at the lowest prices. Especially, children's place. It has sweaters and turtlenecks for $2 or $3, the cheapest you could ever get.