My Ramblings
-
jisty, jona and the komodo dragon
Jisty and Jona (Jonathan) were quite the pair. They were as best of friends as eight-year-olds could be. They always got the highest marks and the most smiley faces in class. They spent every minute they could with each other. But, most impressive was what happened when their imaginations joined forces. Jisty and Jona could Read more
-
neither shockers nor surprises
There’s so such thing as quality assurance or JCAHO certification in many hospitals overseas. So, after being shocked by things around Scheer Memorial Hospital for the first three months, we became immuned to pretty much everything. You would also be if you were witness to bricks used as weights for traction; sleeping bags strewn in Read more
-
grandpa’s influence
I found this email from my father to my daughter when she was 11 years old. So glad I saved it–It reminds of all things about him that have influenced her: His encouraging spirit, his dry sense of humor, his interest in history and trivia, his respect for and love of people and cultures, and Read more
-
The Woman in the Trunk
My most memorable journeys have been those punctuated by stories of people I’ve met along the way. This one happened at It’s a Burl in Kerby. I almost drove right by the hodgepodge of wood carvings piled along the roadside and the tall strange structure that spewed purple waters into a frothy pool. But I’m Read more
-
lessons from thatha
On the shores of the Arabian Sea, the little village sits, tucked at India’s side. To the north of the common well live the fishermen, to the south the weavers. Thatha* lived on the south side, on Weavers’ Street. Neither a fisherman nor a weaver, he technically didn’t belong. He lived there though, for more Read more
-
fortune just when i need it
I’m pretty optimistic most of the time. But yesterday was a really, really bad day. I was beginning to feel my positive attitude turn sour . . . that is, until I opened my fortune cookie. I’m grateful for the little things that make life memorable. And a little guilty for letting a tough day Read more
-
mad curls confirm daughter’s awesomeness
It’s been two weeks now, and everyone within my zip code knows I’ve run out of conditioner. Riding in my little PT Cruiser, I’ve almost caused dozens of accidents with people taking their eyes off the road wondering if it’s a woman or Animal at the wheel. I can’t just go out and buy conditioner Read more
-
memories of smells
There are some smells from childhood that stick with you, smells with which you quickly associate a memory of a person, place or thing. Here are some on mine from growing up in India. 1. fried fish = missing grandma 2. sticky, sweet honey = grandpa slaughtering a giant jack fruit with his machete 3. Read more
-
college experience
I remember my college days: Not. Fun. At. All. I had to leave the house by 5:45 a.m. for an hour-long dusty drive to college. It was either too hot, too cold or too wet. And always enveloped in gas fumes. Then at the end of the day, it was the same drive back home. Read more
SAYS FYL 