tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23245728156002822762024-02-06T23:59:46.961-08:00No More Curry Powder!Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-16893487415010687392010-08-05T07:51:00.000-07:002010-08-05T12:44:49.841-07:00Breakfast:<br />1 small coffee, with milk and sugar, cold.<br />2 slices of rye toast w/ butter.<br /><br />Mid morning:<br />2 slices of rye toast w/ butter.<br /><br />Lunch:<br />1 big serving of veggie rice w/ picked onions<br />Chrysanthemum tea w/ sugar<br /><br />Driving back home<br />Chrysanthemum tea w/ sugar<br /><br />Dinner:<br />2 savory pancakes (rice and farina) with vegetables.<br /><br />Late night snack:<br />A handful of chips<br /><br />I definitely eat better when I write it down! Also stopped by ye ol' grocery store and picked up healthy snacks (air popped corn- yum) and some salad.Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-23627614712543226232010-08-03T21:27:00.000-07:002010-08-04T09:51:35.459-07:00TuesdayBreakfast:<br />1 small coffee, with milk and sugar, cold.<br />2 slices of rye toast w/ butter.<br /><br />Mid morning:<br />2 slices of rye toast w/ butter.<br /><br />Lunch:<br />1 big serving of veggie rice w/ picked onions<br /><br />Dinner:<br />Individual spinach pizza, on wheat, with garlic & balsamic, no cheese.<br />3 tiny chick pea fritters, baked<br />4 oz. cheddar<br /><br />Late night snack:<br />A handful of chips<br /><br />I find I always eat better the days I keep a food diary, and that is why I am trying to stick to it. Dinner worked really well, because I realize that I don't eat much, but really crave a smorgasbord type meal- makes me more full somehow, and less apt to snack later. I may be on to something here....Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-47908975756252770712010-08-02T21:26:00.000-07:002010-08-02T21:26:26.521-07:00Good timesHave tons of work from now through Christmas, and therefore now, more than ever, I'd <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">like</span> to be healthy. The past week has been bad, as I realized this was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">going</span> to happen, and wanted to just let loose until today. Therefore from today, we are back to some measure of healthy eating.<br /><br />Breakfast:<br />1 small coffee, with milk and sugar, cold.<br />1 tomato sandwich- 1/2 of a small tomato slice in between toasted rye d, with salt, pepper and butter.<br /><br />Mid morning:<br />Another tomato sandwich<br /><br />Lunch:<br />1 big serving of veggie rice<br />3 small picked onions<br /><br />Mid afternoon:<br /><br />Dinner:<br />6 pieces of salmon and tuna sushi. 3 pieces of veg and shrimp tempura.<br /><br />Late night snack:<br />2 pickled onions and a handful of chips.<br /><br />I've become remarkably good at making savory rice/rice pilaf/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pulao</span> these days- ever <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">since</span> the husband has been abroad, I make a huge batch of come variation of pilaf every Sunday, which furnishes me with lunches for office for the entire coming week. This past weekend, I soaked a cup of white rice, and stir fried 1/2 a red onion, a cup of peas, 2 cups of spinach, and 1 tomato with a tsp each of dried fennel and cumin in a tsp of olive oil. Then added the soaked rice, covered and left on low heat for 15 minutes- made perfect pilaf with the grains of rice separating beautifully. Delicious, and fairly healthy.<br /><br />Also made a quick onion pickle- I found tiny baby onions at the grocery store, and had to make <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">this</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">childhood</span> favorite. To a dozen peeled baby onions (each no more than 1" wide), added 1/2 a cup of balsamic vinegar and the juice of 1 lemon. Its good to keep this in a jam jar, since we want the liquid to just cover the onions. Once done, cover the jar and keep on the counter for 1/2 a day, after which the onion pickles slightly and should be moved to the fridge. The pickle is ready between 1/2 - 1 day, and should be eaten within 2 weeks, since after that it will turn way too sour. Lime may be substituted for lemon, and results in a less sour version than when using lemon.<br /><br />Met with an old friend for Sushi- which should be my last Sushi outing for a while: 1- its expensive, 2- the hub unit is back soon, and he pales at the idea of raw anything :)<br /><br />All in all, a healthy day, except for the butter and the inevitable chips- ah well.Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-85025569528407596462010-07-16T22:53:00.001-07:002010-07-16T23:14:42.778-07:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Because of an unexpected bounty of tomatoes from the garden, I am eating more of those than ever- the perfect ones make it into the freezer, whereas even a small blemish means I eat it as salad. Since the hubby is away, how much of one vegetable can a girl eat by herself? Luckily, I love tomato sandwiches.<br /><br />Breakfast:<br />1 small coffee, with milk<br />1 tomato sandwich, on sourdough toast, dusted with black pepper and spread thinly with real butter (so simple, so good!)<br /><br />Snack:<br />Another tomato sandwich.<br /><br />Lunch:<br />Stir fried rice, with spinach, carrots, green onions, shitakes and red onion.<br />1 Yeo's chryanthemum tea, with sugar<br /><br />Snack:<br />5 tiny apricots- these are small, so pretty much inhaled them.<br /><br />Dinner:<br />2 Uttepam (savory rice pancakes), with tomatoes, green onions, spinach and carrots, with 1 tsp of ghee (clarified butter)<br /><br />Late night snack:<br />Ramen<br />1 Pepsi, NOT diet<br /><br />Even more late night snack:<br />1 square of chocolate<br />6 chips<br /><br />Obviously, there was a lot of butter going on today. Need to scale back on that and the sugary drinks, the latter being my worst enemy. But on the plus side, I'm definitely eating more fruits and vegetables. The ramen was thankfully low sodium, so no guilt re: that. Tomorrow I eat meat! its been a week since I've had any red meat, and without any restriction, I may not have even noticed this fact. However, with the realization that I have made a resolution not to eat red meat more than once a weak, the cravings have been definitely kicking in :)<br /><br /></div>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-88508308816644638892010-07-16T20:56:00.000-07:002010-07-16T21:04:56.039-07:00Suffarage Cook bookFound this cookbook on Project Gutenberg, which has to be read to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">believed</span> and truly enjoyed. Go to: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/26323/26323-h/26323-h.htm<br /><br />There are some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">insane</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">recipes</span> (one for "shrimp wiggle"- !!!!), but buried in there is an letter that is bound to motivate you to go read the whole thing, and see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">photo</span> of the woman who wrote this:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span><span style="font-style: italic;">I have sent but one recipe to a cook book, and that was a direction for driving a nail, as it has always been declared that women do not know how to drive nails. But that was when nails were a peculiar shape and had to be driven in particular way, but now that nails are made round there is no special way in which they need to be driven. So my favorite recipe cannot be given you. </span><p style="font-style: italic;">As for my effort in the culinary line—I have not made an effort in the culinary line for more than at least thirty years, except once to make a clam pie, which was pronounced by my friends as very good. But I cannot remember how I made it. I have a favorite recipe, however, something of which I am very fond and which I might give to you. I got it out of the newspapers and it is as follows:</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Spread one or two rashers of lean bacon on a baking tin, cover it thickly with slices of cheese, and sprinkle a little mustard and paprika over it. Bake it in a slow oven for half an hour and serve with slices of dry toast.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Now that is a particularly tasty dish if it is well done. I never did it, but somebody must be able to do it who could do it well.</p> <span style="margin-right: 2em; font-style: italic;">Faithfully yours,</span> <span class="smcap"><span style="font-style: italic;">Anna H. Shaw."</span><br /><br />Priceless.<br /></span>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-74949348438980857722010-07-13T08:40:00.000-07:002010-07-13T12:14:47.897-07:00Yay!<div style="text-align: justify;">So looks like the food diary idea is working!<br /><br />Checked my weight this morning, and I am down 2 lbs- for a girl who cant exercise for another few months, this is wonderful news. Now if only I can continue to make this happen, we are golden!<br /><br />So this is what I ate today:<br />Breakfast: Small coffee, with milk<br /><br />Lunch: McDonalds' kidsmeal- chicken nuggets, fries, diet soda.<br /><br />Midafternoon: Handful of thick cut potato chips.<br /><br />Dinner: 2 chapatis, whole wheat, with stir fried okra and onions. Mango pickle.<br /><br />Late night craving: tomato sandwich, with butter on sourdough bread<br /><br />I could have packed my lunch today, but the rice I had in the fridge just wasn't fresh any more, and I didn't want to cook on a Sunday evening- that's my time to relax. And somehow didn't have the interest to throw together a salad for lunch- I need more substantial food for lunch!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGW_mQRPIz4heYax8-KOhYMXV5bvqUBy2xM8XE35aEtQYvdk7NICPP_ptc0GH6fk-Bgmi33LFrlRqrXzBQ9j1SWX6_gxuJpR5Z3f8fprAnJvYgcy97sODWxuxRFETfZcndeDCCjdSmrw/s1600/br769632-00p01v01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGW_mQRPIz4heYax8-KOhYMXV5bvqUBy2xM8XE35aEtQYvdk7NICPP_ptc0GH6fk-Bgmi33LFrlRqrXzBQ9j1SWX6_gxuJpR5Z3f8fprAnJvYgcy97sODWxuxRFETfZcndeDCCjdSmrw/s400/br769632-00p01v01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493048414523447122" border="0" /></a>I'm wearing more dresses than I ever did, and I am in the market for a reasonably priced body shaper- hah- they are priced almost as much as my dresses cost! Will keep searching. Which brings me to the dress I was wearing today- I love it! Here it is- Banana Republic, silk, and fits like a dream. There is one more in the store that I particularly like, but am waiting for a sale (tomorrow!)- in fact, there are 3 more sale days this month, but I will try not to go crazier than I have already.<br /><br />I should have had a mid-morning snack, but didn't carry one- my bad. And after the kidsmeal (which really should be called an adult meal- the adult version should be called garangutan), I just didn't need a mid-afternoon snack, but its hard for me to eschew potato chips- they are a disease! Dinner was very Indian, and my mother would have been proud, but I am happiest with my late-night snack- I adore tomato sandwiches. I have 2 tomato plants going crazy in the backyard, so am freezing most of this year's crop, but it still allows for delicious salads and sandwiches.<br /><br /><br /></div>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-17433057458901939202010-07-08T21:12:00.000-07:002010-07-08T21:25:59.391-07:00Good day!Exercise:<br /><ul><li>Yoga- simple meditating for 10 minutes in the back yard. Cold, but relaxing. I think I'm breathing better.<br /></li></ul>Breakfast:<ul><li>A small coffee, with milk</li><li>2.5 ounces of cheese, cheddar</li><li>1 slice of bread, whole wheat</li></ul>Snack:<br /><ul><li>2.5 ounces of cheese, cheddar</li><li> 1 slice of bread, whole wheat</li></ul>Lunch<br /><ul><li>1.5 servings of rice, white</li><li>2 servings of lentils</li><li>1 diet soda</li></ul>Snack:<br /><ul><li>Almonds, 10<br /></li></ul>Dinner:<br /><ul><li>Tomato, basil salad</li><li>3 pieces of dhokla<br /></li></ul>Late night craving:<br /><ul><li><br /></li></ul>Self-critique:<br /><ul><li>Splitting the bread and cheese into breakfast and snack was a good idea. I do get crazy hungry abuit 10:30-11am, and thats when I really want something.</li><li>Went shopping and got some veggies and fruits that are lower in calories (and fat calories) and therefore easier on the liver.<br /></li><li>Researched a bit and found out that the following foods are liver friendly:</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">* beets, asparagus, broccoli,<br />* green and red cabbage, brussels sprouts<br />* carrots, squash, okra<br />* collard greens, mustard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, arugula<br />* cauliflower<br />* green beans<br />* peas<br />* tomatoes<br />* spinach<br />* potatoes, yams, avocado<br />* onions, garlic, ginger, bell peppers, olives, radishes<br />* eggs - two a day<br />* flax seed oil - two tablespoons a day<br />* olive oil<br />* apples, grapefruits, oranges, plums, cherries, peach, berries<br />* cranberry juice<br />* sesame seeds, cashews, almonds<br />* pumpkin, papaya, mangoes<br />* all lettuces except iceberg<br />* brown rice<br />* chicken, fish<br />* all legumes, sprouts of all types<br />* organic soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, rice milk, distilled water<br />* honey, maple syrup<br />* basil, bay leaves, caraway,<br />* rosemary, dill, parsley, thyme<br />* oregano, tarragon, chives, cardamom<br /></div><ul><li>Of the above, am certainly not doing the 2 eggs a day bit- just too much.</li><li>Sprouts are a good idea that I am definitely interested in.<br /></li></ul>All in all, a day a better day than yesterday!Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-29083146317438191582010-07-07T23:32:00.001-07:002010-07-08T11:12:51.430-07:00Waking up<div style="text-align: justify;">Its been more than a year since I've posted anything here.<br />But so much has happened in the past year, that there really has been no time.<br />I'm barely keeping up the movie blog; this one has been completely neglected.<br /><br />After the major surgery earlier this year, I lost weight initially, and then suddenly put on almost all of it back. While I have always been curvy and the weight has always distributed itself all over, this time, the weight increase is somehow limited to the upper <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">abdominal</span> area. I ended up doing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">boolean</span> search, and found that this is related to the kind of surgery I went through. My body's capacity to break down fats is now down to less than half of its earlier ability, and that translates into weight gain if I continue the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pre</span>-surgery lifestyle.<br /><br />This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doesn't</span> make me happy.<br /><br />Regardless, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">don't</span> want to get sicker either. I cant <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">exercise</span> yet, but I've started 15 minutes of light yoga a day, along with a daily walk for 20 minutes, until a few months pass and I can do real <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">exercises</span>.<br /><br />I am also going to try doing a food diary here, and hopefully I shall stick to it as well.<br /><br />Today I ate:<br /><br />Breakfast:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>5 ounces of cheese, cheddar</li><li>1.5 slices of bread, whole wheat</li><li>1 small coffee, skimmed milk</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Lunch:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>An In n Out cheeseburger</li><li>1/2 a serving of fries</li><li>Diet soda</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Dinner:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>2 slices of bread, whole wheat</li><li>eggplant, potato and squash <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">stir fry</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nigella seeds<br /></span></li><li>1 piece of pickle</li><li>A handful of potato chips</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Late night cravings:<br /><ul><li>Another handful of potato chips</li></ul>Self critique:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>I don't think I eat a lot, but my diet is obviously lacking in fresh veggies. </li><li>I also intend to limit dairy to 15 ounces a week- I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">don't</span> drink milk, but the yogurt and cheese need to be limited. </li><li>Plus limit animal protein to once a week- that will be a bit hard, but I can only try. </li><li>Also need to limit potato chips- a lifelong crutch. </li><li>I need to go to fresh and easy tomorrow & get some fresh produce! </li><li>I obviously don't have much of a sweet tooth which is one blessing.</li><li>I need to increase the number of meals I have a day to six- add healthy snacks like almonds and such. Weight gain on the limited amount of food I consume also probably indicates slow metabolism.<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tomorrow</span> will be a better day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-17693921216354187062009-06-17T20:27:00.000-07:002009-06-17T20:36:45.775-07:00Lost in LA!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSQToIOXOadN0YofrWx1ioVRlveeM945WFekMAep-WqInKJwqXW5xsYWUxaO3JPSR5BOMBJ77QPqhbuKfJ3MrhbUeryP8ZhBqBifxAa1Qrn-mtF67c3vZj03ste5RJgR33vbWm0cdkOM/s1600-h/000_0013.JPG"></a>Who would've thought that I could get lost in what is practically my back yard?<br />And yet, it was entirely possible, and done on purpose: my objective was to drive through the canyons and Los Angeles Forest area between Santa Clarita and Palmdale, which is what we did, successfully. We even went off-road a bit, which I am sure privately horrified my Corolla, though she was very quiet and cooperative throughout. The best part: I forgot my GPS at home.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSQToIOXOadN0YofrWx1ioVRlveeM945WFekMAep-WqInKJwqXW5xsYWUxaO3JPSR5BOMBJ77QPqhbuKfJ3MrhbUeryP8ZhBqBifxAa1Qrn-mtF67c3vZj03ste5RJgR33vbWm0cdkOM/s1600-h/000_0013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSQToIOXOadN0YofrWx1ioVRlveeM945WFekMAep-WqInKJwqXW5xsYWUxaO3JPSR5BOMBJ77QPqhbuKfJ3MrhbUeryP8ZhBqBifxAa1Qrn-mtF67c3vZj03ste5RJgR33vbWm0cdkOM/s400/000_0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348505946087759666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4cTF-elCTaTB9fld1MZQjm0fXrXHMktI4ziER6yE7GknStZUSFREasIsrQrZeDz8UhBdLZYxIE7VHeePnLxucZjKw5MOmmIF7PzKuIYgJHkSfG14KHB9JeuYQwz4xFRVF22yhdNa0tk/s1600-h/000_0010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4cTF-elCTaTB9fld1MZQjm0fXrXHMktI4ziER6yE7GknStZUSFREasIsrQrZeDz8UhBdLZYxIE7VHeePnLxucZjKw5MOmmIF7PzKuIYgJHkSfG14KHB9JeuYQwz4xFRVF22yhdNa0tk/s400/000_0010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348505948731261154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajw6vVhwFD-Jp64QjfnAbJoNzMo_JpOppR3H5hschtT4i6x_01jgSVN5NdtVtnYU9ELM1QssbcMpwNXz1ksYyLLjlzWkVXO6xTijosSJVAy2aveT8dnGoRP4LafDrVWQkxpwsw6TmAeE/s1600-h/000_0009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajw6vVhwFD-Jp64QjfnAbJoNzMo_JpOppR3H5hschtT4i6x_01jgSVN5NdtVtnYU9ELM1QssbcMpwNXz1ksYyLLjlzWkVXO6xTijosSJVAy2aveT8dnGoRP4LafDrVWQkxpwsw6TmAeE/s400/000_0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348505943007903618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmEyoZa9zu37pnM0jZLvtycZwQa4C7crhFDIkHlgcaifBsciNwxRYkT1-UYiP9KxY5nS6nzZtNgupYQCthBYsXy6ScH0x0h3mYYks5lDq1AExpC3t4OB9VC8AF-J41baIeZ5mNmFk1pM/s1600-h/000_0008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFkkdCjy2EdO5bsPVkhC0tVET3KaIia4l93DrKLVRrOoTF1TTG6Z7sthkUkg19v8NHoVW6U3kBiCfyChWTjYtlNgvZdm_s5fCG-QPJjittfavi8QedO5bRQ7OlhQmYFtcNKJ2aMtiNm8/s400/000_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348505432589303906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspTqlhVb-pyQNiG6jw2GIupBHkvs04YeUgD9WRgWV1Ou_xxzedGpOsG7iZeSy-RWkt2tbpfpBeN8wwL3yLlePVXfEo_t73W2McM6Hnyh6kh5V_7JImcP_7J4QdcbFvtJUywE9x3c9_zY/s1600-h/000_0003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspTqlhVb-pyQNiG6jw2GIupBHkvs04YeUgD9WRgWV1Ou_xxzedGpOsG7iZeSy-RWkt2tbpfpBeN8wwL3yLlePVXfEo_t73W2McM6Hnyh6kh5V_7JImcP_7J4QdcbFvtJUywE9x3c9_zY/s400/000_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348505427830518978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha23NI0KCl2uVMfOJrW8jG1KFEuoktotDvEA5D6Gm2WtI2jjlspvOSFlFojURqKjqwUy98aJ6zuYGnWMrBcWpdh9MG-JmfN2Y-RMKdLVgQbnUUyv_OylZbxmWHhLthgMc2_XGGk9J3iRY/s1600-h/000_0002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha23NI0KCl2uVMfOJrW8jG1KFEuoktotDvEA5D6Gm2WtI2jjlspvOSFlFojURqKjqwUy98aJ6zuYGnWMrBcWpdh9MG-JmfN2Y-RMKdLVgQbnUUyv_OylZbxmWHhLthgMc2_XGGk9J3iRY/s400/000_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348505422311352994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA_ypEEORTMhreZvJ6Jyg00UfJd5T0g67OmjKmHbCeyiSrYzqFNuHE2Rc36YbD5CHvivH3pexjvH43SikJAOs5aToAHJHuWrFFTLuXc9fj9l-lTV2wSHMUawqJlYxT2iGUWtQAONO2vs/s1600-h/000_0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA_ypEEORTMhreZvJ6Jyg00UfJd5T0g67OmjKmHbCeyiSrYzqFNuHE2Rc36YbD5CHvivH3pexjvH43SikJAOs5aToAHJHuWrFFTLuXc9fj9l-lTV2wSHMUawqJlYxT2iGUWtQAONO2vs/s400/000_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348505420631857586" border="0" /></a>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-24134928156931905152009-05-25T23:30:00.000-07:002009-05-26T02:55:13.640-07:00Kashmiri FoodI love food, and I love the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kashmiri</span> part of my heritage. I had always thought I had never cooked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kashmiri</span> food- until recently when I finally read an actual recipe book on global curries, and was surprised to learn that my style of cooking has strong <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kashmiri</span> roots, with many of the dishes I make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bona</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fide</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kashmiri</span>.<br /><br />I wish I could put in words how much this shocked me. And yet, after the shock came acceptance- genetics has a part in the choices we make, and therefore since my mom never actually learned cooking from my grandma (who was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kashmiri</span>), she probably <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">unconsciously</span> replicated the flavors of her mom's cooking in her own food, and I simply must be repeating her actions. Apparently <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kashmiris</span> dote on mutton- and guess who always orders it (or goat or lamb as substitute) when it is on a menu? yup that's me. Guess who thinks a bit of beaten yogurt <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">improves</span> any curry? me and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kashmiri</span> ancestors both. These discoveries are proving very comforting, they are.<br /><br />I have therefore made up my mind to cook my way through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kashmiri</span> culture, teaching myself the aromas and flavors my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">great grandma</span> must have stirred over a pot near the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Jhelum</span>. I will write about my successes and failure as I progress, and hopefully my granny in heaven will chuckle along as she watches my progress.<br /><br />There are some basic ingredients <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">essential</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Kashmiri</span> food:<br /><ul><li>Red dried <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">chili</span> pepper- appears to be the primary condiment, it can be used whole or crushed, depending upon the dish.<br /></li><li>White peppercorn- prized heavily, it is a subtle version of the black peppercorn<br /></li><li>Ghee<br /></li><li>Mutton</li><li>Onions</li><li>Yogurt</li><li>Mustard oil- perhaps the most unusual of ingredients in the list, it has a strong, nutty taste and an even stronger smell. The key in using this is to heat the oil till smoking, and then to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">right away</span> reduce the heat, thereby using it to season and cook the food without burning the oil (thus preventing carcinogens). The US is yet to recognize it as consumable, and therefore this is available in Indian supermarkets in North America, marked "For External Use Only." Ignore the warning, and get cooking- it is as heart healthy as extra virgin olive oil.<br /></li></ul>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-5932025619616011192009-04-26T19:11:00.000-07:002009-04-26T19:13:13.965-07:00Stuff happensBeen really stressed and depressed lately, so much so that writing on the other blog about cinema has been next to impossible. Nothing seems to matter any more. I really need to snap out of it, and I do realize that, but am not able to do it quite yet.<br /><br />Nope, not quite yet.Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-32764457363902733742009-04-15T21:19:00.000-07:002009-04-15T21:26:19.957-07:00Garden pixMy spring garden- I am a proud parent!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg047vXxKGSyg073xv57HM-9JSzX2tDOw9WxNy7M-n1X7_8Ryn4XNSXRB_Hez36Vz0Y60Lv1bqT3Hk6WJBXtjEO-wz8ywCb3KHEukjxzrUlBBuloPw1gw-I-yGdoZevFec8XD5xMLgTjF4/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg047vXxKGSyg073xv57HM-9JSzX2tDOw9WxNy7M-n1X7_8Ryn4XNSXRB_Hez36Vz0Y60Lv1bqT3Hk6WJBXtjEO-wz8ywCb3KHEukjxzrUlBBuloPw1gw-I-yGdoZevFec8XD5xMLgTjF4/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325139913287781970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyKyFhjkHLLnlMRW35cwOR9XfNJOgt0aW-zPoPFBigJmjdKS8P6KUCJMo_V1djo0_t2h45xVm2NgC99wJLchK50JLlBTuxdl-QP__7GTiLeHysvL_USU2y4M1dI8XgmwJylJjphFg8B4/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyKyFhjkHLLnlMRW35cwOR9XfNJOgt0aW-zPoPFBigJmjdKS8P6KUCJMo_V1djo0_t2h45xVm2NgC99wJLchK50JLlBTuxdl-QP__7GTiLeHysvL_USU2y4M1dI8XgmwJylJjphFg8B4/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325139907957202306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-jK1OEGJ6YNADm4yepuVQICu95PxwCXj47o9Cwi2gSHG5PYdY-ouKA5zsxRn9qVe5jfTQOT0Bxzzy6vXVf_D7S9E1JsXjqpQss0teLjSZomZkxpDN9rjLrZ4jMptQwpjk-MKOhqbF9M/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-jK1OEGJ6YNADm4yepuVQICu95PxwCXj47o9Cwi2gSHG5PYdY-ouKA5zsxRn9qVe5jfTQOT0Bxzzy6vXVf_D7S9E1JsXjqpQss0teLjSZomZkxpDN9rjLrZ4jMptQwpjk-MKOhqbF9M/s400/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325139906153756834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZn0gXFgDSY_Myoe7O0XiYll2-kBw9RIlF-sycW-xWh7RnDD_wkrvfhG7UR51Zw6pnoG1NtxhtG-JzhJkFguRzdn5O3oDHyp2PFw4RAbDhPq823GmSnPEy2RF03K1gj6-d8lNXe9aeQY/s1600-h/4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZn0gXFgDSY_Myoe7O0XiYll2-kBw9RIlF-sycW-xWh7RnDD_wkrvfhG7UR51Zw6pnoG1NtxhtG-JzhJkFguRzdn5O3oDHyp2PFw4RAbDhPq823GmSnPEy2RF03K1gj6-d8lNXe9aeQY/s400/4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325139902349224306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_ChWvSG0HPoEORg6PPSnYroUrXMcmpzIAii5ZBYdnCbn3vBE7lrXlx8JIUVoKLjSNzUwzQnQf1NUKaqo5Ds91LR5jBhu5ewsL2J2AHeQByHXVYsI0G3vaTKYbbNx_MfqNJpmRXitMQA/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_ChWvSG0HPoEORg6PPSnYroUrXMcmpzIAii5ZBYdnCbn3vBE7lrXlx8JIUVoKLjSNzUwzQnQf1NUKaqo5Ds91LR5jBhu5ewsL2J2AHeQByHXVYsI0G3vaTKYbbNx_MfqNJpmRXitMQA/s400/5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325139894856804002" border="0" /></a>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-23782944133264027422009-03-25T16:07:00.000-07:002009-03-25T16:47:38.012-07:00Yummy, inedible Spam<span style="color:#000000;">I love spam emails. </span><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#000000;">The subject lines are so friendly:</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"Aloha! Here is what you were looking for</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">"- wow really? someone knows exactly what I was looking for! how nice! its unfortunate of course that they are selling me phone tracking devices to investigate "<span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>untrustworthy loved ones</em></span>" (actual quote).- it <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">isn't</span></strong> what I am looking for quite yet.</span><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"Wet and waiting for you all night"-</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> I'm so sorry, but I do not want wet/dry <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unimaginables</span> any time of the day/night. Sorry to hurt your feelings. </span><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"I found a key is it yours"-</em> <span style="color:#000000;">Proper punctuation aside, its hardly likely.</span> </span><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"Housewives wanted"-</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> by who? I'm not one and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> want one.</span><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"At last found you" -</em> <span style="color:#000000;">now lose me. fast.</span> </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"This Spanish wants to talk to you"-</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">habla</span> minimal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">espanol</span>- sorry. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"Colon Cleanse" -</em> </span><span style="color:#000000;">They care about my health! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">aww</span> how nice.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#000000;">I can also</span><em> "lose 30 lbs in 30 days"-</em> <span style="color:#000000;">lovely.</span> </span><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"Girls wont dump you anymore"-</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> thank goodness for that! </span><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Then there are the emails themselves- and I seem to keep winning lotteries! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">yay</span>! Notice how the promotion manager is a Dr. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Brilliant. </span><br /><br /><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">VERMONT LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL <<a href="mailto:info@vermontlotto.com">info@vermontlotto.com</a>><a href="mailto:reply-toclaimprize.gibson316@googlemail.com">reply-toclaimprize.gibson316@googlemail.com</a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">toundisclosed</span>-recipients<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dateTue</span>, Mar 17, 2009 at 7:13 AM</span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">subjectCONTACT</span> MR. RAY GIBSON FOR CLEARANCE<br /></div></span></em><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><div align="right"><br />Dear Winner,</div><div align="right"></div><div align="right">Your e-mail attached to Winning Numbers 1 - 4 - 26 - 32 - 39 - PB -18,which consequently won the lottery in the 1st category. You have just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">wonyourself</span> the sum of ONE MILLION <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">GBPOUNDS</span> in the satellite software <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">emaillottery</span> conducted by Vermont Lottery Promotion.You are to contact <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ourCLAIMS</span> OFFICER with the information below for Clearance.</div><div align="right"><br />CONTACT NAME: Mr. Ray <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">GibsonCITY</span>/ COUNTRY: LONDON, ENGLAND.TELEPHONE: + 447031922810, + 447031910579EMAIL: <a href="mailto:claimprize.gibson316@googlemail.com">claimprize.gibson316@googlemail.com</a></div><div align="right"><br />Congratulations once more!!!</div><div align="right"><br />Regards</div><div align="right"></div><div align="right">Dr. Grace <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">PlaterPromotion</span> Manager.</span></em></div><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Apparently I am internationally famous, even among professors in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">bylanes</span> of Dublin:</span><br /><br /><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Irish Lottery11 G Lower Dorset street,Dublin Ireland.</span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Reference Number:<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">RFIR</span>/5043/3223/66Batch number:B5/R565-33</span></em></div><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><div align="right"><br />Dear Selected winner, </div><div align="right"></div><div align="right">WINNING NOTIFICATION</div><div align="right"></div><div align="right">This is to inform you that you have been selected for a cash Prize of1,801,613.00 Euro(1 Million,Eight Hundred and One Thousand,Six Hundred <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">andThirteen</span> Euros) in cash.from International programme held on the 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">thMarch</span> 2009 in the United Kingdom.The selection process was carried out through random selection in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">ourcomputerised</span> email selection system from a database of over 250,000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">emailaddresses</span> drawn from all the continents of the world which your email <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">wasamong</span> the first ten (10) lucky winners.</div><div align="right"><br />Contact the verification department by providing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">yourReference</span> Number:<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">RFIR</span>/5043/3223/66Batch number:B5/R565-33</div><div align="right"><br />You are also advised to provide him with the under listed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">informations</span>.<br />1:Full Name___2:Home Address___3:Nationality And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">PresentCountry</span>___4:Age___5:Occupation___6:Phone/Fax/Sex</div><div align="right"><br />Email:cgnl_irishprocessingdpt@9.cnCall Now: +44 70457 0955</div><div align="right"></div><div align="right">Yours Truly,Prof. Collette James.Co-Coordinator (Online Promo Programme).</span></em></div><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">And this of course has to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">every one's</span> all time favorite:</span><br /><br /><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">dr</span>_<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">mohamed</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">aziz</span> <</span></em><a href="mailto:dr_mohamed_aziz11@msn.com"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">dr_mohamed_aziz11@msn.com</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">></span></em><a href="mailto:reply-tomohamed_aziz208@yahoo.fr"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">reply-tomohamed_aziz208@yahoo.fr</span></em></a><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">dateWed</span>, Mar 25, 2009 at 10:25 AM</span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">subjectYOUR</span> URGENT REPLY NEEDED IMMEDIATELY</span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">mailed-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">bymsn</span>.com<br /><br />YOUR URGENT REPLY NEEDED IMMEDIATELY FROM THE DESK OF DR. MOHAMED <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">AZIZ</span>.MANAGER <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">AUDINTING</span> AND ACCOUNTING UNIT.BANK OF AFRICA(BOA)OUAGADOUGOU <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">BURKINA</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">FASO</span>.WEST AFRICA. </span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Dear Friend </span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">This letter must come to you as a big surprise,please kindly accept my apology for sending unsolicited mail to you I believe you are a highly respected personality considering the fact that I sourced your profile from a human resource profile database on your country. But please kindly delete this mail from your mail box if you are not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">intrested</span>. I am DR. MOHAMED <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">AZIZ</span>, currently Auditing and Accounting Unit Manager with a reputable bank here,Bank Of Africa (BOA).I write you this proposal in good faith, believing that I can trust you with the information I am about to reveal to you. </span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Business I am proposing to you is in respect of the sum of US$17,500,000.00(Seventeen Million Five hundred Thousand Dollars only) deposited in a Dollar account with my bank which belonged to Late Mr.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Adreas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Schranner</span> an American who unfortunately lost his life in the plane crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 which crashed on January 31st 2000, including his wife. You shall read more about the crash by visiting this website; </span></em><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2000/US/02/01/alaska.airlines.list"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">http://www.cnn.com/2000/US/02/01/alaska.airlines.list</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">My bank has made several efforts in contacting the family of Late Mr.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Adreas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Schranner</span> or his relatives, but all effort have proved abortive as he had no identifiable kin's men. This sum of US$17.5m has remained unclaimed ever since then and nobody has come forward as his next of kin. The management under the influence of our chairman and member of the board of Directors has made an arrangement for the fund to be declared '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">UNCLAIMABLE</span>' and subsequently be turned to the reserve account of the bank. It is against the background of the foregoing, that i have decided to contact you for assistance and partnership, for you to stand as the next of kin to Late Mr.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Adreas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Schranner</span>. </span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Because the banking law and guidelines here stipulates that if such money remained after 9years, the money will be transferred into banking treasury as unclaimed funds. With your permission this fund will be transferred to your private account abroad as the beneficiary and next of kin to Late Mr.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Adreas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Schranner</span> All proof of claim and necessary documentation will be carefully worked out in your favour and I assure you of 100% risk free involvement and protection. Consequently, if you find this proposal acceptable to you and you wish to assist me, I expect your urgent response. Note that on the transfer of this fund into your account,35% will be your share in respect of the account provision and your assistance rendered during the transfer of the fund into your account, 55% will be my share being the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">codinator</span> and the pillar of the transaction while the rest 10% will map out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">incase</span> of any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">expensis</span> that may <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">occure</span> during the transfer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">proccess</span>. </span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Please endeavor to include your full name and address, private phone and fax number for our easy communication.Please keep our dealings very private and confidential. As I await your urgent response. </span></em></div><div align="right"><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Thank you and best regards.</span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Your's</span> Faithfully,</span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">DR. MOHAMED <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">AZIZ</span>.</span></em></div>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-29381672686171422072009-03-05T12:55:00.000-08:002009-03-05T15:52:32.298-08:00Making Peda sweets, and getting ready for Holi<div align="justify">I haven't celebrated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi" target="_blank">Holi</a> in 10 years. Not only me, turns out the entire family here in California hasn't done so for a decade or even more. So this year, my husband and I have decided to throw a Holi party- we've sourced colors, wet and dry, and plan to have the festivities in our front yard, the Saturday morning following Holi (which falls on March 11 this year).<br /><br />And what would Holi be, without some homemade sweets to share? Here is a recipe simple recipe for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peda" target="_blank">Pedas/Peras (sing.: Peda/Pera),</a> that tastes just like it did back home.<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />1/2 lb <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khoa_(food)" target="_blank">Khoya</a><br />3/4 loosely packed cup brown sugar<br />1/4 cup raw pistachios<br />1/4 cup sunflower seeds<br />1 pinch nutmeg<br />1 tsp <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardamom" target="_blank">cardamom pods<br /></a>2 tsp <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghee" target="_blank">ghee</a><br /><br /><strong>Notes:</strong><br />1- The sunflower seeds mimic the dried rock melon seeds my grandma used to add.<br />2- In the United States, you are probably only going to find Khoya in the frozen section of your Indian grocery store, and a popular and decent brand is "Nanak." This is fine- I have found no difference between this and the kind my mom one day made from scratch.<br /><br /><strong>Method:</strong><br />1- Defreeze the Khoya- leave it on the counter the night before, or put in under running hot water for about 10 minutes.<br />2- Grate the Khoya using a cheese grater- this will help the ingredients mix well. Spread over a large platter (see 1st photo)<br />3- Sprinkle in the nutmeg and brown sugar into the grated khoya, mix.<br />4- Break out all the seeds from the cardamoms (discard the outside), and pound the seeds into<br />a coarse powder.<br />5- Mix the cardamom powder into the khoya mixture.<br />6- Pound the pistachios roughly- you just don't want huge pieces, since the size of the actual peda is pretty small.<br />7- Heat a large saucepan over a low flame, and add the pistachio pieces and sunflower seeds- dry roast gently for about 2 minutes, until the sunflower seeds turns slightly golden. Remove from heat.<br />8- Add the seeds to the the khoya mixture and mix well.<br />9- Put the ENTIRE khoya mixture back into the pan, on medium heat, and keep stirring for about 5 minutes. The mixture will turn cookie-dough brown, and coagulate into a single mass. Take it off the heat.<br />10- Take 1 tsp of ghee and grease a large, flat platter.<br />11- Take the 2nd single tsp of ghee and smear your palms with it- steps 10 and 11 may seem </div><div align="justify">simple, but are crucial to the pedas forming properly. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309819580967716690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL6aPzEgGbx5qqw0je3YIMs3RejQXK2BL06WW9ckKoSfzopZCSpRPONF2JLuJWcAbr1uek75x0oiJ4ixsyib0hiviPwEKcDR_OYqnN1mIkaNUBJ7GniNEyFjxIa4VqZRp48-XRjjsTVY/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /><br />12- Begin pulling teaspoon size pieces from your still-warm peda mixture, and roll into little balls. Sightly flatten each ball with your palm, and then make an indentation in the center with your thumb (see 2nd photo). This is the classic shape of a peda.<br />13- Let the pedas sit in room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. They will harden a little, and keep their shape, even if you want to store them in a different container. </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309819589356768530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAQWkOW93wrJBKDb9aii-OppOda-FXdYlCXnY2AJAKOAR4h4qB5gZp8NJRof6DE_H2IEpBb0uLyrooJa9222-MMewcFE05J2ROChQxbfmkk0Ez3cCI_W4bppLC3kUC0K1KClsC3zqOC4/s400/a.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>Serving, notes:</strong><br />1- Because we added brown sugar, the pedas aren't too sweet- you can of course add more brown or even white sugar if prefer- just make sure you taste the mixture after adding the extra sugar in.<br />2- The pedas should be stored covered in the refrigerator- keep in mind that Khoya, the primary ingredient, is a milk product. They should last in the fridge easily for a week or more.<br /><br /><strong>Total time:</strong> 45 minutes. </p><p>Low sugar, yummy and healthy (if not eaten by the bucketful)- pedas make a heck of a easy dessert- :D</p>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-21202431607174328842009-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:002009-01-22T09:23:57.312-08:003 funerals and a wedding<div align="justify">I haven't posted here in so long- but the past 2 months have been really crazy. </div><div align="justify"><br />After grandma passed away, one of my cousins decided to get married. Then, another cousin passed away about a week after that. And THEN my grandpa-in-law passed away 2 days ago! I was only really close to grandma, so the other familial events matter little- but they still had to be dealt with, which takes away time from worthy pursuits like blogging (though my husband heartily disagrees).</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />And I didnt make my CPA exams- again.<br /><br />All this tempered with the fact that the fiscal year ended and all my clients are going crazy and we have all these audits to do- AND one of my managers left the firm, which didn't help matters at all. :S<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">Meanwhile, I've found that my comparatively new home has a secret blessing- we always wondered at the huge hedges in the garden- no green thumb, so had no clue wth they were. Come winter, all the buds spouted flowers, and it turns out they are camellias: in white, pink and every shade in between! Currently the garden looks positively magical, making me wish the summer stays away as long as possible. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />The new home also has a secret curse- one of the bathrooms' wall has moisture in it- plumbing and reconstruction costs are magically (so much of the "m" word! Mr. Dursely would be unhappy :)) multiplying in my mind, and I will try to ignore incurring them until at least next fall. </div> <br />Work calls- off I go............Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-76150664957310355732008-11-20T11:24:00.000-08:002008-11-26T08:50:02.049-08:00Cheese Fondue, my wayThis has to be the mot <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nontraditional</span> cheese fondue ever- super basic. But it was a cold night, and I wanted something easy and comforting that would cook itself- and it was delicious! The dish itself is simple, but the key is to use quality ingredients that you like the taste of.<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><ul><li>2-3 varieties of soft cheese- I used <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gruyere</span> and a soft Cheddar, but honestly, go with any soft, easily melting cheese you like to eat- if you like the taste of the cheese, of course you will like it in the fondue! I used about a cup of each, shredded- you MUST shred- makes it easies to melt and mix with the other ingredients.</li><li>1-2 varieties of white wine or light, pale cider- you can use any that you like to drink- please DO NOT use a wine with high color (pink/brown fondue??? I think not!) and DO NOT use a wine sold "for cooking"- buy a bottle of what you want to drink with your meal, use some with the fondue, and drink the rest with your meal- no waste! I used a quarter cup of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">California</span> white I had lying around, and a quarter cup of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Korbel</span> champagne- the latter was a really good idea- it tasted great in the fondue.</li><li>black pepper and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">garam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">masala</span> (!!) to taste. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">didn't</span> want to add nutmeg, which would have been the usual thing to do, but you could. You could also add garlic powder, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">oregano</span> or rosemary- just make sure you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">don't</span> use more than 2-3 spices (the more the spices, the greater the risk of muddy flavors), and do not replace black pepper with another spice- please :)</li><li>Dippers- different TOASTED breads- sourdough, rye, a robust white. Also crisp apples- whatever you like!</li><li>Fondue pot- I just used a regular small, heavy bottomed pan, but if you are serving to your guests, you may want to get something pretty, since we are cooking and serving in the same pot.</li></ul><p><strong>Method:</strong></p><ul><li>Take a small, but heavy pan, and boil the 1/2 cup of wines you are using.</li><li>As soon as the wine mix comes to a boil, reduce to a medium heat.</li><li>Add your cheeses, crushed black pepper and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">garam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">masala</span>- go easy on the latter- you want to taste the cheese at the end of this.</li><li>Let the cheese melt itself- it should take about 5 minutes, during which time, you should not fuss with the fondue.</li><li>After five minutes, give the pot a stir, to see if more melting is required- if you see that the cheese has gone grainy on you, do not worry- just leave it on the heat for another 5 minutes or so, on low heat. As soon you have the consistency you desired, its time to eat- get dipping!</li></ul><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><ul><li>Sorry no photo again- was too busy eating to remember :)</li><li>You <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">shouldn't</span> need to add any salt- the cheese would have enough.</li><li>You could also add fresh herbs and fresh garlic- just make sure you crush them really well, and add them after the wine has boiled, but before adding the cheese- it will mix better. </li><li>The fondue should remain warm and edible for about 15 minutes- if you are using a fondue pot with a warming attachment, that's great, but if not, you may want to reheat every 15 minutes.</li><li>Leftover fondue heats up perfectly- just make sure you put the pot on gentle heat first, and slowly move to medium heat once it melts a bit. The morning after, I used it for a open-face grilled cheese sandwiches, with sun-dried tomatoes- yum!</li></ul><p></p>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-42481674468405175502008-11-15T12:16:00.000-08:002008-11-17T11:55:45.611-08:00Jacket potatoes<div align="justify">Been really depressed lately, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span> feel like cooking. But I cant keep the husband on frozen pizza forever, so i try to do something simple that can work itself out in the oven.<br /></div><div align="justify">Which brings us to potatoes- I usually have a stock of boiled potatoes in the fridge, as taught by an older aunt in my infancy. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Thrown</span> with spices and coupled with other vegetables/meat can get a full meal on your table in a few minutes.<br /></div><div align="justify">But <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">baking</span> a potato is a different deal. There are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">myriad</span> opinions on what are the best potatoes for this, but most recipes call for large, thick skinned potatoes, and all take about 2 hours to do- that's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">way</span> too much time for me. Plus, I dont like their hard casings- they just dont crisp up as well.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Quite by accident, I started using the long white potato, also known as White Rose/California Long White/ American Giant and Wisconsin Pride. It is an oval shaped potato with a thin outer skin that is light tan in color and smooth overall with few, very small eyes. The inner meat of the White Rose has a medium starch level, and I find that it stands up well to most cooking processes, resulting in a firm and creamy cooked product. </div><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268252943073539074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnubpPeTepcXzBesWrzwesrkix6Y7rdm9nOZWlC40KZaDLPU6Zc1uPBGq1CrKqoc9cvVx9h2pfdJSTxejWVdk_mXV1JzL6OxvWW1u74JnCWvdejCKjrDiwETfINcj-Z8h7JdVDteoZRA/s400/potato_white_rose.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"> photo source: </span></em><a href="http://www.recipetips.com/"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">www.recipetips.com</span></em></a> </div><br /><div align="justify">Choose potatoes that are firm and plump, avoiding those that have shriveled skins, sprouting eyes, soft spots, blemishes, and green spots. Store in a cool dry place- NEVER the refrigerator. They will keep at room temperature for up to two weeks or longer.</div><br /><p align="justify">I figured that because of the thin skin, chances were this would cook faster as well, and it did- total cooking time- 1 hour (including prep), half of the usual time.</p><div align="justify"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></div><div align="justify">- long white potatoes, as many as you want to do</div><div align="justify">- light olive oil, butter, salt and pepper to taste.</div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Optional:</strong></div><div align="justify">- Thin cut chives, sour cream, bacon bits, salsa, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tapenade, garlic salt</span>.</div><br /><p align="justify"><strong>Method:</strong></p><ul><li><div align="justify">Turn the oven on to about 425 degrees, and let it warm up.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Important: Wash the potatoes, and gently remove any dirt, then dry REALLY WELL on paper/cloth towels.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Important: Wrap up potatoes individually , and <strong>really tightly</strong> in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">aluminium</span> foil pieces.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Throw in the potatoes in the oven, and walk away for 45 minutes.</div></li><li><div align="justify">After 45 minutes, take out one of your tin-foiled potatoes, gently open (so as to not tear the foil- you may need to put it back)- and insert a thin knife/chopstick through the thickest part- if it cuts through without much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">resistance</span>, the potato is done.</div></li><li><div align="justify">In this state, the potatoes can be stored in the fridge for easily a week, without a problem, but the jacket potato is best eaten straight from the oven.</div></li></ul><p align="justify"><strong>2 Ways to serve this:</strong></p><p align="justify">1- Serve one potato per person, and let them open the foil jackets, which will keep the potato warm. I like this with lots of butter, salt and pepper, but you can of course go the traditional way, and serve with all the optional accompaniments.</p><p align="justify">2- If you want to fancy this up:</p><div align="justify">-take the potatoes out of the foil when cooked, and prick all over with a fork.</div><div align="justify">- Baste the potatoes with olive oil and butter, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sprinkle</span> with garlic salt/seasoned salt/reg salt and pepper.</div><div align="justify">- Replace into the oven (without any foil) at 450 degrees, for 5 minutes, turning the potatoes once.</div><div align="justify">- 5 minutes later, the potatoes' would crisp up all over and go slightly red/brown. Take out , split in half, and serve with more butter and the optional accompaniments if desired.</div><br /><p align="justify"><strong>The baked potatoes in the fridge</strong></p><ul><li><div align="justify">Cooking and storing these is not a good idea, but if you are doing this, unwrap from foil and reheat in a microwave for about 3 minutes on high. THEN throw into a 425-450 degree oven to crisp up for about 5 minutes (serving method 2 above).</div></li><li><div align="justify">Extra potatoes make great mashed potatoes/hash browns/croquettes, so there is no waste :)<br /></div></li></ul><p align="justify"><strong>PS:</strong> No photos- only remembered after they were eaten!</p><p align="justify"></p>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-23223488969924362932008-11-12T12:39:00.000-08:002008-11-12T13:07:55.646-08:00Khursheed Hughes, RIP<div align="justify">Naani (maternal grandma) finally passed away yesterday after suffering from intestinal cancer for 2 years. Its hard for me to come to terms with, since she was the binding factor for the entire family.<br /><br />My best memories of her are from Christmas- every Christmas was to be spent at her two-bedroom house in Allahabad, with all of us grand kids, her 6 daughters and 1 son and their spouses cramped joyfully in our sleeping bags. Breakfast would begin with lamb kebabs and <em>parathas</em>, a huge <em>biryani </em>for lunch and at least for us kids, cakes and cookies for dinner, through the festive season. Music would blare in the street 24-7 and huge bonfires burned in the backyard at night. hristmas was fun with midnight mass and early service, when we'd visit the ancestral graves at 5am, to dress them with flowers for Christmas.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />And she would mastermind the whole thing. She would begin calling her daughters about a month before Christmas, and begin preparations, from extra bedding, to the tree, to the all important cake drenched in rum. And every one would pitch in, with the madness stopping after new-year, when she would be busy arranging taxis for all of us to the train station, with memories of her lingering till the next time we met.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">That wont happen this Christmas.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />That will never happen again.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />The family wont be the same again- this is the moment we have begun to drift apart, each in our nucleus of pain. Oh we will try for sure- we will all try to be in touch- but with her gone, so is the glue that called us all back to the same fold.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">She will never whisper conspiratorially to me that I am fatter than ever and need to lose weight, while insisting that I finish the last piece of deep fried <em>rohu</em>.<br /><br />She wont pick up the phone when I call, and ask me exactly how much money I make now, and insist that I send her our latest photos.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I don't think she was able to see the last set of photos I sent her. She would have liked those.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />She wont advise my husband to tolerate my short temper (oh grandma!) and subtly inquire when we plan to have kids.<br /><br />She wont be visiting here again, and demand to be taken to Vegas yet again- she loved that city, loved the lights and the din.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />She wont talk gardening again with me- we wont visit Huntington Gardens, she wont attempt to cadge seedlings from the neighbors.<br /><br />"<em>Dil ko samjhane ke liye khayal accha hai</em>" (It is easy to use this thought to placate ourselves) that she is now free from pain and close to God. We are just going to miss hearing her voice, and being babied- I hate growing up like this.</div><div align="justify"></div>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-24703742365315573902008-11-04T20:05:00.000-08:002008-11-04T21:18:37.801-08:00Election night happy nightThe exit polls look beautiful!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenoXsxCxMD2h1_LHrXB0ZRQelVmKGOj9X4aQhrB85hRUsgU4HNVktHDiYVIHddKVZ0qvXYyS2DNfpkhjowpIVRkR5dGUAqvI7tpXgrvhSSIkb5eh2dsgQb2s9N532hjHv5ESP6EuaBNM/s1600-h/x.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenoXsxCxMD2h1_LHrXB0ZRQelVmKGOj9X4aQhrB85hRUsgU4HNVktHDiYVIHddKVZ0qvXYyS2DNfpkhjowpIVRkR5dGUAqvI7tpXgrvhSSIkb5eh2dsgQb2s9N532hjHv5ESP6EuaBNM/s400/x.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265020513239437138" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Weehee</span>!<br /><br />Right now I see Obama at 324, he even swept Virginia- :D<br /><br />:D<br /><br />:D<br /><br />:D<br /><br />Grumbling: Louisiana and Tenessee, which both states I have done business with for a few years went Republican- ugh- why my friends why?<br /><br />Update at 8:22pm PT: Just finished watching McCain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">g'bye</span> speech- finally some graceful behavior from a man who used to be a fabulous person to listen to (oh what happened to you John? why did you turn weird on us?). I am almost reassured that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Palin</span> wont be seen or heard any more- thank God.<br /><br />Update at 8:25pm PT: 338!- he got Nevada too. I cant wait to see what the map looks like at the end of this :)<br /><br />8:59pm PT: Obama began his speech in Chicago!!! Shhh.. lets pay attention now...<br />Yes OB yes- I was afraid too- I was scared it wouldn't happen. Lets hear for <span style="font-weight: bold;">change</span> now! What ever you say OB, we are GLAD Palin is out of the picture. whew. Clappings!!!!!! OK enough w/ the thank yous now- its getting Oscar-y :B "Yes we can"- oh you are so lyrical sir- clappings!!! Oprah in the crows- clappings!!! Hug Biden- go on- thunderous clappings :)<br /><br />This is beyond race, beyond parties- Obama and the results of this election are the <span style="font-style: italic;">right</span> thing to have happened. Woohoo!Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-72207337539065156172008-10-30T14:04:00.000-07:002008-10-30T14:22:52.390-07:00Random thoughtsI <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">haven't</span> been posting much in the past month- almost nothing here, and very little on my other blog.<br /><br />Its just been a busy month. At work, I am working on issuing a set of financials tomorrow: One for a product distribution company, which is in San Diego, but idiotically has its accounting base in the UK :S That last fact is a huge problem in terms of communications- its a first year engagement, the accounting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">liaison</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">isn't</span> too bright, and I have had to define stuff like shareholder's equity in terms of US <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">GAAP</span> and liquidity computations till I want to scream. The other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">FS</span> due out, which is worse, involves financials for a non-profit organization who has a CFO I want to brain with my laptop- a 60 year old male drama queen if you will :S<br /><br />Outside of work, the home situation is kinda mad as well- one of the cars got into an accident (all by itself- I promise) and so we've been carpooling together, which leaves us both a bit cranky. Not to mention the idiotic paperwork to be done with the insurance company (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">GAH</span>). Before the accident happened, I went and blew crazy money on drapes for the house (there were super ugly and old blinds earlier), which has left me short of cash in these crazy times. Oh wait- the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">BUYing</span> of those drapes was the worst bit- who knew it took almost 10 hours (I counted) of running around and conducting major discussions in 5-6 stores??? Like how does someone spend that much time on drapes??? I am consoling myself with the fact that they look as calm and subtle as I wanted them to- I need a restful home to come back to after watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CFOs</span> have shouting matches :)<br /><br />So yeah, no innovative cooking happening- no time to, though we will see how the coming month goes. I have an exam right after Thanksgiving, and a brand new client to deal with starting today, so I am crossing my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">fingers</span>.<br /><br />Reading back on this post, things do sound as stressful as I feel they are- but as long as I can sleep well on the weekends (which I do, except for that weekend with the drapes- shudder), its all good :DShweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-41023693288955826232008-10-19T22:05:00.000-07:002008-10-20T08:36:06.793-07:00Egg CurryThis used to be somehow a special dish I was growing up. Ma wouldn't make it ofte, since eggs=high cholesterol, and therefore, on I would find this on the table only on some cold winter afternoons, when she was short of time, but wanted a curry.<br /><br />Replicating ma's flavors is always hard, but I came close, and here is <strong>what I used,</strong> to feed 3 hungry adults:<br /><ul><li>5 hard boiled eggs; cooled, shelled and cut in half (lengthwise)</li><li>2 medium tomatoes; crushed or minced fine</li><li>1 medium red onion; diced</li><li>1/2 tsp garlic paste</li><li>1 small green chili- minced fine</li><li>1/2 tsp turmeric powder (my mom believes it prevents arthritis- and you can never plan too early on preventing it!)</li><li>1/2 tsp coriander powder</li><li>1/2 tsp whole black peppers</li><li>1 tsp garam masala</li><li>1 tsp olive oil</li><li>salt to taste</li></ul>Optional:<br /><ul><li>1 tsp flax seed meal (this has no bearing on the dish- I add this to most curries/stews since it is known to reduce cholesterol- and well, with a 5 egg curry, I guess I do need all the help possible anyways, right? :))</li></ul><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259259092873232610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB3FEsmDE0l9jmc2iXKBD5hbNl_iwIfV-fruT-K1jP9Cm-YG66dMrdvId_-YZg0ARtEQX1Yv2I8Phg2WP0zEkTGA9qBlLJDIKC8-UK18qCfWrrNUpXj3I3tMQBVEhKkhoXrmRmh2-wno/s320/a.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Method:</strong><br /><ul><li>Throw in the onions in the pan (medium heat), and shower on the olive oil, to avoid burning. Once the onions brown slightly (about a minute or so), add the tomatoes and garlic paste, stir. </li><li>In another 2 minutes, add all the remaining ingredients, except the eggs. </li><li>Stir, and let sit for about 2 minutes. </li><li>Once the mixture in the pan is a golden brown, and has almost exuded all moisture, add one large glasses of water. </li><li>Stir again, and let come to boil, after which you can reduce to a simmer, but since this was going to be a quick curry, I didn't bother simmering much. (The longer you simmer, the more complex the flavors get- many times you DON'T want that). </li><li>At this point, the curry sauce will be pretty chunky- if that bothers you, you can always use a immersion blender and blend to desired smoothness- if you do that, the sauce turns creamy almost instantly, and also becomes a lighter shade of red.</li><li>While the curry cooks, add 2 tsps of olive oil to a non stick pan and lightly browned the halved eggs.</li><li>Add the eggs into the sauce and bring to a boil, then let simmer until ready to eat, about 5 minutes, or longer, if you have the time. </li><li>Serve on white rice. </li></ul><p></p>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-24856298863659851032008-10-15T13:22:00.000-07:002008-10-15T13:39:09.610-07:00Culinary terms and patronisationI was just surfing through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mumbai</span> Mirror, and found <a href="http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=food§id=39§name=FOOD" target="_blank">this</a>, which makes me really mad.<br /><br />Per the author, this is a article on "<em><span style="color:#cc0000;">tongue-twisting culinary terms</span></em>" ; I am not certain how the author decided they were tongue-twisting- I think she means western or unfamiliar culinary terms.<br /><br />Some of her definitions work, and some are just strange. Here is an example:<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">"Blind bake [noun]: Baking the crust of a pie without any filling, hence called ‘blind’. It is usually done by keeping weights such as dry lentil on the pie while baking to keep the pastry from bubbling or puffing up. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Usage: We should make a few blind bakes in advance for the party."</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Dry lentil??? What exactly are you telling someone reading this thing with any seriousness??? Firstly, the definition <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">isn't</span> quite correct. In case you care, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind-baking" target="_blank">here</a> is the correct definition.</span><br />Secondly, the "Usage"- where basically the author uses the term in a sentence is clearly wrong- it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">propagates</span> further misuse.<br /><br />I honestly think it is time Indian news media gained some level of responsibility, and would have someone review and edit the stuff they are communicating to the masses. The nation is supposedly gaining in literacy- but these are really horrible examples.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ohh</span> I get so angry!<br />[deep, calming breaths now]Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-67253176815225051012008-10-11T03:08:00.000-07:002008-10-13T18:02:01.801-07:00Aaloo-soya-maethiSo fine, the name of this dish is a bit misleading- In Hindi, fresh dill is known popularly as "Soya"- and has nothing to do with Soy or Soy products. Other than that, there is no mystery to this quick stir fry vegetable with tons of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dill" target="_blank">dill</a>, and an unusual green, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek" target="_blank">fenugreek</a>: both of these are fairly easily available in Indian and Middle-Eastern grocery stores .<br /><br />This dish was pretty much a staple back home; my one quibble: my family used too much oil, frying the greens to pretty much a crisp, and killing them entirely- this is my low-"er" fat version.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I used:</strong><br /><ul><li>3 medium potatoes, boiled and diced.</li><li>2 large-ish bunches of dill, leaves only- stems discarded- about 1/2 lbs.</li><li>3 medium bunches of fresh fenugreek, leaves only- stems discarded.- about 1/2 lbs.</li><li>1 green chili, minced</li><li>1 tbsp dhania powder (dried cilantro powder)</li><li>1/2 tbsp turmeric powder</li><li>1 tbsp cumin seeds</li><li>2 tbsp olive oil</li><li>Salt to taste</li></ul><strong>What I did:</strong><br /><ul><li>Add the oil into a wok/good sized pan on medium heat. </li><li>when hot, add in the cumin seeds and potatoes. </li><li>Sprinkle in the salt, green chili and dhania and turmeric powders- keep on stirring. </li><li>Once the potatoes turn golden and a little crusty (it will happen- give the potatoes time to sit on each side- since we want these to crisp without adding a ton of oil), add in the dill and fenugreek- stir for a minute. </li><li>Reduce heat and cover the pan. </li><li>Uncover the pan after 5 minutes- the leaves would have exuded moisture, which you can reduce or evaporate completely- I prefer this dish pretty dry, so I stir the veggies around for another 5 minutes, till done.</li></ul><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255285090559757378" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJSgschex8PQhC8mFKQJiGP6GEoNqSUuYOysNP7Pnb2IIExTu88kuSlGgOX0qYKUQz2v6jNkTQmHU8AN2G7iB0kUwFQ_f_kek1I4u_uaCXkff20GfQ6cefv6XFBsBRxBe6VOc-284VQc/s400/c.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Serving:</strong><br />Dig in with good 'ol "Deep" brand home-style parathas and boondi raita (Spiced yogurt with boondi- fried chickpea dough dots). Parathas and boondi available at- u guessed it- your friendly neighborhood Indian grocery store :)Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-23543476364248160332008-10-09T20:17:00.000-07:002008-10-09T20:38:40.360-07:00Women seeking menAfter insistence from <a href="http://bollyviewer-oldisgold.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bollyviewer</span></a> and <a href="http://thebollywoodfan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bollywood</span> Fan</a>, I found myself researching the sequel to the <a href="http://nomorecurry.blogspot.com/2008/09/matrimonials.html" target="_blank">Indian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Matrimonials</span></a> post- here is therefore the Women seeking Men :)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><em>1. Looking for groom (separated/divorce/widow</em> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">My 1st marriage life went to wrong within 3 days. My ex-husband ran away with other girl after 3 days marriage life and spoiled my life for just to satisfy his parents wishes. Now I am looking for broad mind person who like to marry me and make me happy and care me. I am very sure that I will take care you very much.</span></em> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I wish you would not look for widows to get married to. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">don't</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">believe</span> same sex marriages are yet legal in India. Also I am a bit skeptical about the drama.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><em>2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">teenvs</span><br />whats my parameter of assessing anyone? me. not a full-proof way but what can be done?...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">thats</span> the only tool available. though erroneous, but may be u too, just throw a cursory glance on the first few lines of personal ads and a fleeting glance at the pic...then...the chapter changes. no calculation or road map works here, so lay back n enjoy the show!</em></span><br />First of all, she titles herself a "teen," which is troubling. Secondly- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wth</span> is she trying to say???<br />Huh.<br /><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">3. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">bahl</span>81<br />So a bit about myself:I don't really expect much to be honest with you. Not because my standards are low, but because I'm a simple girl with simple desires. ...When I'm laughing hard enough (which is easy to get me to do), I tend to go into fits of laughter resorting to tears and a great ab workout! ... I'm very clean and tidy, have great table manners and know how to be respectable. I've been raised to hug all the aunties and make small talk with all the uncles.</span></em><br />Amazing. She starts by <span style="font-style: italic;">admitting </span>she <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">isn't</span> being honest- therefore you have to be a real loser to respond to her ad. A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tendency</span> towards hysteria and some neurological problems also appear indicated. Note that she communicates with aunties and uncles only- all others may pose an issue.<br /><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">4. Sincerely003<br />It's not how we live and interact with others that count but most importantly, it's how we interact with ourselves...Be Happy!!!I believe in life that you never stop learning..I am easy going, passionate, athletic, and hope to find someone with similar qualities. Hope to hear from YOU!!Always Believe in Yourself and Your Dreams!!</span></em><br />She scares me.<br /><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">5. Wanted bride-grooms..<br />Rich & only Girl, very attractive, soft-spoken, God-fearing girl aged 28-yrs (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">MOOLAM</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nakshatra</span>) needs Bride Grooms who are in Software/Bank sectors. Bride-Grooms without father preferred.</span></em><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Umm</span>- there ARE other girls you know- you cant possibly be the only one. Also I suggest you look for 1 single man- not Bride-grooms. I am glad you appear OK with the Bride-grooms having mothers at least- but what will you do with so many?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><em>6. Wanted<br /></em><em>looking for my daughter 22 yrs, ,<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">colur</span> normal fair, good looking,smart,active,<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">homley</span> services,education graduate, either <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">proffessional</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">employes</span> or our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">tradational</span> job of who has done <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">agama</span> as his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">proffession</span> for 4.11 inch height</em></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Now wait a minute- why are you looking for your daughter on a matrimonial site? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Should'nt</span> she be at home? And how come your daughter is under 5 inches in height??? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span>These last two were probably the most entertaining:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><em>7. Wanted<br /></em><em>I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">santhosh</span> my elder sister for seeking groom, bride name <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">padma</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">priya</span>, date of birth 15.12.1976, vanniyer,D.H.S.M,D.Y.N,looking for any job or business Age 32 to 38 same caste (bride small fat).</em></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You cant be your own elder sister. I am also glad your sister <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">isn't</span> bride big fat. Also, call China- you may find a eligible cousin of Chow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Yun</span> Fat. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><em>8. Cute Tamil divorces<br /></em><em>i got divorce recently due to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">misundetrstanding</span>, cute, young call or send mail.he should be caring lovable, open, broad minded, widowers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">divorcess</span> can also contact, colour, religion caste no bar.</em></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />I can hardly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">believe</span> Tamil, or any divorces are cute in any way. Divorces cannot paint, color or perform activities that you describe either.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Concluding thoughts: I almost felt bad doing this-The men had been simply quiet in their bios, not saying anything that would reflect negatively upon them in any way. The women were by and large more superfluous with words, poetic, dramatic and highly unbelievable. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span>Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324572815600282276.post-52807683131001095992008-10-09T00:01:00.000-07:002008-10-08T23:04:48.276-07:00Happy Dussehra- and happy birthday as well.Today is Dussehra 2008- the celebration of Ram's victory over Ravan- symbolic of good defeating evil. So happy Dussehra everyone- I hope your year is prosperous and happy.<br /><br />Today also happens to be a landmark birthday for me- I am thirty today. Strangely, I don't feel much older than when I turned 6- or any birthdays in between. Certainly I can express myself much better, but I am not certain if I feel the level of seriousness I always expected I would when I reached such a benevolent age :)<br /><br />So what has really changed? Through my teens I struggled through self-doubt and lack of confidence, and searched for an identity. From a mixed-religious background, this was especially important for me, and was a journey worth taking. In my 20s, I grew stronger, and gained some sense of who I was, inner strength and discovered my desires. In my 30s, I hope to gain self-actualization and set more concrete goals for myself.<br /><br />I like being 30- the insecurities of my 20s have disappeared, and I find myself an unapologetically strong person welcoming life. I feel fulfilled, energized and in happy anticipation of the future. I love my friends and my loved ones. I want more big bites of life and see where I will be in the next 10 years- when I hit 40 (yay!). And that in itself is a heck of a birthday gift, thank the Lord.Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543438271055378809noreply@blogger.com2