Happy New Year!! (Sam)

Well.. not much to write here.... so wil just say Happy new year folks....

Amidst some real pressure cooker situation so erally haven't been creative enough around here, but then let's gope that the new year turns things around for the better!!

Cheerio..

Have a great time!!

Birthday Wishes for Yashita (Ishita)

"Today is your birthday to celebrate
For you to be a star...
So let your loved ones cheer
And say how special you are!

A year of fun and happiness
Is my Birthday wish for you
You are someone special
And your birthday should be too! :)"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YASHITA!!!!

Love and Light (Keshi)

Don't give Santa a hard time BUFers! btw I don't make any NY's resolutions...I just hope and pray that I'll continue to be true to myself, and improve on my strengths and abilities. That's my everyday wish. Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a GREAT NEW YEAR everyone! See you in 2008. Love you all!

It's not only during this season that we should spread love and light. And as Bloggers, I think we are all doing it every single day of the year and that's a great thing. THANKS to all bloggers who showered their love and light on me! MWAH!

Word: Spirit:AmitL

Hi,all,I know the word 'spirit' is intended purely for this season of being merry and in high spirits,so,I won't touch upon the topic of spirits as in ghosties and beasties that moan in the night or, spirits as in 'inebriated'.

When I seriously got down to it, I found so many interesting uses of the word in daily life.(Would love to hear more from others-Loon Gal, no excuses from you- I did not think up this word,definitely)

-A bit of wiki-knowledge:
Did you know that the English word 'spirit' comes from the Latin word' spiritus',which means 'breath'?

- Letters written by classmates for school exams:Would always include 'I hope this finds you in the pink of health and spirits'. And, I remember our English teacher pointing out that spirits should not be 'mixed and matched' with health.LOL.

- The Christmas Spirit-always visible in Baroda,in our Fatehgunj area(Christian dominated)-from shopkeepers to students, everyone's in the same 'spirited' mood. I do see the Christmas spirit here,too,in Dubai-but,in specific zones,naturally-shopper zones,rather!

- Sporting spirit-something missing from most runners of the rat race,it seems.(Sometimes,it includes me,when in a sullen mood.LOL).

-'Spirit'ual growth-something I'm always keen on pursuing.The word 'spiritual' itself conjures up a peaceful ,serene atmosphere,does it not?


'Spirited' as in the 'spirit'ed talker above.

So, which other 'spirit'(s) can you think of?

Lastly,in keeping with the jolly spirit of Christmas,how about a limerick,since laughter is good for the,err,spirit?

Santa's reindeer made quite a big goof,
When they landed all wrong with each hoof,
Every trustworthy steed,
Hit the shingles full speed,
Was he mad? Santa went through the roof!

Cheers and here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a dazzling,'spirited' 2008.

Feliz Navidad!!!

Feliz Navidad.... :)

Now in case you are wondering what this is all about... well... it's all about Christmas folks... Hmmm... now start writing down your wishlist if you haven't done so and make sure you've more of good than bad of late...

So how are you all celebrating Christmas??

Well, I'd be cooped up in my home or might be visiting a few friends and their families, let's see. Apart from that.. umm... yeah, I gotta perform some Christmas Carols tommorrow at work. I know it's kinda early, but then what with it being long weekend, people won't be around on 24th before Christmas, so the idea to get celebrations underway right away from tomorrow!! :)

Oh btw, I gotta sing, "Feliz Navidad", "Jingle Bells Rock", "Angels" now great songs all of them but somehow I'm finding it hard to get on my guitar.. anywyz, will hafta slog it out tonight... just for father Christmas!! :)

Oh forgot!! Feliz navidad means "Merry Christmas".

So... Merry Christmas folks... and yeah be prepared for Santa this time... he might just sneak up and bless you with loads of happiness before you know!!

Cheerio!!

Update: Slogged, performed and now happy!! :)

New Year & Resolutions! (Ishita)

Looks like everyone’s already settled into the xmas and new year holiday mode judging by the lack of posts here!!

Well, before I do the same…thought I’d better get here and do a post on one of the several topics set out in the last update.

I choose “New Year” & "Resolutions"

I believe in this superstition that how I spend my b’day and new year (1st Jan) more or less defines how the rest of the year is going to be :P … for instance if I spend it meeting new friends and travelling, I’ll be doing a lot of it the following year. That may not necessarily be the case but I believe in it all the same and maybe that’s why I always try to keep myself in a positive frame of mind!!! If nothing else at least I won’t be caught moping the whole year through! :)

This New Years I am looking forward to time spent at home with the family. I haven’t been keeping too well off late and the medication I’m on makes me terribly drowsy and when I’m home alone it’s tempting enough to sleep away the hours!! But with everyone home I’m kept busy and on my toes which is what I look forward to this holiday season!

I’m terrible with New Year resolutions like most of us are! But one New Year I promised myself I’d improve my cooking skills and I guess that I did that to a certain extent! Making one out of three resolutions work is fair enough I guess!!

I don’t intend making any new ones this year but I hope to live up to my favourite expression – “take each day as it comes” – being less presumptuous and having no unreal expectations from life and esp. people. I sense a need to change myself in this respect and be more realistic about change which as I have learnt over time is inevitable!

Speaking of presumptions, I do have this feeling in me that the year ahead is going to be eventful in many ways. Enough to keep me busy busy busy...*sigh* time will tell I guess!....ooops, there u go!!! At this rate I'll never stick to my wish!!! :D

On this rather thoughtful note, I wish everyone at BUF and beyond the best holiday season and a wonderful year ahead with family, friends and loved ones! Stay special!

Birthday Wishes!! (Ishita)

You’re always very special
And you should know today
That you are wished the nicest things
That life can bring your way

Like warm and loving wishes
And happiness and cheer
And everything you need to start
Another happy year

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUDEEP!!!!!

Christmas..AmitL

Hi,all...till the time I can put together a post on my better half(supposedly..*smile*) ,here's my first post on one of the new words.

Merry Christmas,everyone!

Frankly,I don't think one has to belong to a particular religion to celebrate that festival- just seeing the festive mood around is enough to make one want to join in the revelry and the feeling of joy visible most of the time,especially during a fest like Christmas.
----
I read last week that children in Spain think that Santa Claus is too fat and should go on a diet,and should ditch his sleigh for a 4*4 or a motorcycle. This is based on an internet poll.53% think that he is too fat,and 59% feel that he should 'eat better' to lose weight or go to the gym. Many also think that his means of transport is too slow for delivering presents.
(Remark: Err,whatever happened to the very concept of a roly-poly Santa Claus?)
----
Another article says that :

A Santa in an Australian department store said on Wednesday he has been sacked for saying "ho ho ho" and singing Christmas songs to children.

Employment company W*, which supplies stores with red-robed, white-bearded Father Christmases, had earlier asked its Santas to say "ha ha ha" because the word "ho", which is American slang for whor*, could offend women, media reported.

(Keshi,is this true?Did this really happen?)

----

Last week,after nearly 5 years,I actually sat and wrote a handwritten letter-Christmas wishes to wifey's school(where she teaches) principal in India. He's been so helpful,giving her a year's

leave,so that they could come here and try out the Dubai atmosphere.

It was fun- I didn't realize how much fun handwriting a letter could be-so many ideas flow out- a pen in the hand worth two keyboards in the bush,so to speak. Anyone out there game for some good ole fashioned hand written letter correspondence?Let me know-that's provided,of course,if you're willing to write back.:) Keshi,do I see your hand going up?

Before the days of email,it was such fun going to card shops and getting cards from,say Archies and other card shops. I did see a nice crowd when I went to Archies,but,card prices-began from AED 9(nearly 100 Rs),which was quite a surprise...guess our tree-cutting habits world over are causing havoc.
----
In Baroda, Christmas time is again a time for restaurant owners and all to celebrate and lure customers..so, Havmor has got a Santa outside, giving chocolates to the kids,while Sayaji has got their rooftop restaurant with Santa playing games with kids.
----
The one Christmas book I remember from childhood days- Noddy meets Santa Claus. That was so nice a book- all about Santa coming to Toyland,and,going around town in Noddy's car to distribute gifts.*goes off into memory lane*.
----
Time to end the post-with what else but a Ho Ho Ho- till next time. Have a great week!

I hope it snows here... (Sudeep)

Seriously I would be happy if we had snow in Pune. It is getting a bit cold but snow has its own charm. Might be the reason Santa doesn't come here is the lack of snow on the pot-holed roads :(. I don't have a lot of time to type something new so sharing a link of an old Christmas post. Sorry and hope you guys forgive me in the spirit of Christmas :D. Merry Christmas to all BUF members and readers (yeah a bit early) :-)

Anniversary Joy (Ishita)

Happy Anniversary Amit & Arti

8th Dec

"Your anniversary is a time
For sharing your affection;
It’s obvious the two of you
Have quite a deep connection!

We send glad congratulations
And heartfelt wishes, too,
For joyful happiness and love
In everything you do."

By Joanna Fuchs

Ps: I'm really sorry I missed this Amit! :( ... I misplaced the anniversaries/b'day list but I hope you and Arti had a beautiful day :) and have many more lovely years of togetherness!!

Another Year Passing By (Michelle)

The concept of making a resolution at the end of each year is a very good idea.Around 90% of us don't stick to it but it makes you feel good to commit to something you really need to work on.

I've made resolutions and very effectively broken them a few days later.But this year, I will try my best to stick to one.

I really need to get over being such a paranoid person.I'm always worrying about something or the other and I'm rarely ever calm! I need to chill and relax.

So, next year, I'll worry a little less and enjoy a little more.Binge a little more, laugh a little harder, cry a little lesser, always see the glass as half full, be less realistic, stop trying so hard to please everybody and give others a chance to please me! (gifts wouldn't hurt) :P

I'm going to drill all of that into my head and just enjoy 2008 to its fullest!

Congratulations & Topics (Ishita)

On Marriage
Kahlil Gibran "You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."

Congratulations Poo :) and Satya. Wishing you happiness forever! (10th Dec)

::: About the topics, the word is "Spirit" and the other topics to write on include "Christmas", "New Year" & "Resolutions" :)

10 things about someone spl :):):) (Uttara)

At last.. I got time to scribble.. Phewww!! one topic i have been waitingggggggggggggggggggggg to write on... God alone knows what I've been going thru at my personal and professional front...

alright coming to the most interesting topic... :D

10 things about a bloggers.. MY MY!! by now most of them would have guessed it who it would be... but nevertheless I would announce it myself :D none other thannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Rajbir Mukherjee :D ahem ahem... BTW how many of you all know that we both got married?? I'm Mrs. Mukherjee now "Blushhhhhhhh"

Ok ok am kidding ( b4 he comes to Bombay n strangles me for putting such comments i keep my mouth shut n not spread rumours...lol) I saw people falling off their chairs and fainting ... lol

Now coming to the list

Committed: A guy who will stand by his words. He will never put you down, I mean if he commits or says anything he will keep up the words for sure. ( it's my experience ) :D

Multi talented: He is is goood at everything man.. SHHHH!!!! don't ask me the details :p hehe i can give an eg. for sure .. he is good at his work, cooking, singing, boxing, playing guitar, patauing girls (making gf's) at his terms :p ..lol boy boy he is a complete stunner..

Strong Man with a soft heart :) .. This guys is way too emotional and caring.. One cannot imagine how emotional he can get, he is tooo caring and will make sure u r fine no matter if people are driving him nuts at that time :D

Focused: I've never seen anyone as who has his set principles and abides by them all throughout.. He is Damn focused when he does any job and a perfectionist i must say :)

Choosy: He is very very chooosy about what he wears to what he eats to who are his friends. Not everyone get lucky to befriend him. Not exaggerating, but its a FACT .. and i feel lucky to have him as my best friend :)

Loving/ lovable :p: Guys should i even say how loving this guy is... you all would have seen his love towards his wife, he will do anything for her.. BTW i must say, not only for her, but whoever are close to his heart :):):) He will give his life for them ...

Straight forward: If you want a rosy picture about anything then plsssssss don't make a mistake of asking him cos he will say what he feels it may be a "Kadva Sach" i mean truth which may hurt you.. He will never go round the bush to explain things .. Right straight from the heart...I love this attitude along with the rest. :D

Sharp Memory: One cannot try and fool him about anything.. he is not only well versed with everything but he cannot forget the past and remembers each and everything as though it happened yesterday... PHEWWW! Elephant's memory i must say..

Flirt: lol ( i'm literally laughing :p He is one big fat flirt.. I still remember we first flirted and then spoke and became friends..lol He has a class of flirting ahem ahem...

Mentor: He is my mentor my guide.. I must give him all the credit for what I'm today. Professionally and at personal level.. He has guided me in all aspects.. And a mentor to an extent to which i had bad times few months back really BAD and he made sure i was safe not only that he also came down just to see me and make sure I was fine... I love you for this raj.. muaaaaah I can never forget that :)

funny Hello!! messages (Puja)

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet, and so are you
The roses have wilted, the violets are dead,
The sugar bowl's empty, and so is your head
The roses stink, sorta like sheep
But leave your name, number, and message after the beep
The roses are molding, the violets are rotten
And I might call you back, if I haven't forgotten

We might be in, we might be out, but leave a message and you might find out!

Hi. This is John:
If you are the phone company, I already sent the money.
If you are my parents, please send money.
If you are my financial aid institution, you didn't lend me enough money.
If you are my friends, you owe me money.
If you are a female, don't worry, I have plenty of money.

Talk to the phone, the face ain't home, please leave a message, after the tone. BEEP!

Go away, leave me alone, please leave a message, after the tone BEEP!

These words are lovely dark and deep
But I've got promises to keep
and miles to go before I sleep
So leave a message at the beep.

Sorry we’re not here to lend an ear, so leave a word and you'll be heard.
Please leave a message. However, you have the right to remain silent. Everything you say will be recorded and will be used by us.

Now I lay me down to sleep; Leave a message at the beep. If I should die before I wake, remember to erase the tape.

After the tone, leave your name, number, and tell where you left the money. I'll get back to you as soon as it's safe for you to come out of hiding.

Already know who you are and why you've called, please hang up after and we tell each other everything.

C'mon... you can do it... just a little one. That's the way... just a little beep, just a little one. C'mon... good boy... here we go... like this -- beeeeep, just a little one, beeeeeeeeeep, c'mon... There you go!

Dear Caller: As I'm leaving you this message, the sun is shining for a change. Little children are cavorting in the park, and their tasty mothers and teenage sisters are sunbathing practically nude. So, did you really think I was going to stick around this dump?

Don't you do it! Don't you dare! I don't want to hear it! Don't you beep! If you beep, I'll... don't even think about it!... Don't...!

happy Monday :)

Word:Fault:AmitL

Hey,we're all inundated with Chinese things,these days,right? So, I thought,why not share some of my Chinese jokes collection with everyone and see how you enjoy it? The third one,in particular,was brilliant...ROFL.


Footnote: If you did not get any of the above jokes, don't blame me- it's not my 'Fault'- you should take TOCFL,you know.(Test Of Chinese as a Foreign Language).

Cheers.Happy December!