Chandni Chowk To China To Crashing Way Way Down At The Box Office

I can confidently advise you to not waste your precious time and money (what, with recession and all!) and watch Chandni Chowk To China.I was dragged to watch it like a dead carcass with no feet and half way through I, the dragger, dragged the dragees out of the movie theatre.Akshay Kumar movies are usually known for senseless, yet entertaining banter but this one was just senseless.It was quite clear that the director had no basic plot.It was just a big huge enmeshed blob of confusion.
It had a little bit of Kung Fu Panda and Seeta Aur Geeta. Thats one combo I thought I'd never see!
And whats with Deepika Padukone and signing up for movies only with double roles? She is of mixed parentage in the movie; one, a Chinese mafia type girl, and the other, a ditzy Indian model.What cracked me up(only cause everything else was so lame) was Chinese Deepika's underworld name-Meow Meow.Everytime she came on screen, the sound effects produced a screechy 'Meeeeoowww'.

Akshay Kumar plays a vegetable cutter in Chandni Chowk who is mistaken by very dumb Chinese villagers to be the re-incarnation of their historic warrior.It thus involves the journey of a flabby paratha seller's son who eventually takes revenge by taking down the guy -crime master Hojo (lol) that bullies the villagers and that killed Akshay Kumar's dad and destroyed Deepika's family.Trust me, after all the boredom, you might look forward to the one on one action between the villan and Akshay, but you will be DISAPPOINTED.I'm a huge fan of martial art ass kicking scenes( I'm currently in my second year of Thai Kickboxing) and the scenes in Kung Fu Panda got me more riled up than this movie.Oh! Don't miss out on the super exaggerated cosmos energy move.Thats just dope.Bruce Lee must be spinning in his grave.

Miss Me When I'm Gone

Hey everybody! It makes me sad and annoyed about how I haven't been able to regularly follow up with this place.I guess when you set your mind on something, you pretty much devote all your time to it till you achieve it.

The past few months haven't exactly been a joy ride.Sometimes, getting chronically obsessed with something takes quite a toll on you.

I know, what I'm doing has its pros and cons but I'm growing along with all the change and kind of learning in the process so I guess thats ok.

I'm going to be applying for SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), London either in 2010 or 2011 for my Masters and Phd in Applied Japanese Linguistics and I have another year of intense studying to do till my credentials prove worthy of that college.I have to sync my getting in with a lot of things going on in my life and worrying about it pretty much brings me down horribly.I have been working really hard and this is pretty much something that I want REALLY REALLY BAD.In order to get in, I practically have to devote all of my time to studying and I haven't had much time for friends.In fact, I almost forgot I turn 19 in a week!

So, thats what I've been upto.I know I won't have 'friend' problems there.With Loony and Sam there ;-). I need all the support from everyone here at BUF! :-)

Faltering and Giggling (Michelle)

Hello everyone! The topics are perfect given the weather and a lot of people being A.W.O.L (including me). But I DO have excuse(s). I still am stuck in this time warp which only allows me to work and absolutely NOT have time for anything else other than my books.So, all that gives me all the more reason to update all you nice people that actually want to know whats up with me! :P

Firstly,

A BIG HEARTY HUG AND LOTS OF BEST WISHES TO ISHITA, RAJIV AND VEDANT for little ANURAJ! The pictures I saw were adorable and I can tell he is going to make a lot of girls swoon.So, Vedant has competition now.

This is one of the few days that I have gotten to view my computer screen so please cut me some slack :-( . I can tell that I really have no time cause I haven't changed my facebook display picture in over a month!! :-O

Yes, I still am teaching Japanese and I have been buried in my books cause my exams are coming soon and I must beat my previous score in order to not gouge and scratch everyone in sight.Things have also been depressing lately because I HATE THE RAINS and my favourite teacher is on leave for 3 months and I simply cannot imgaine studying poetry without her.

''Absence decreases mediocre passions and increases great ones; just like the wind extinguishes candles and the fans fire''

Me and my guy completed 2 years in July which was quite unbelievable...in fact, I still don't believe it.Another thing that has gotten me ecstatic is how amazingly me and his mom clicked.Its like shopping sprees and hugs X 2. :D

Right now, I wish life would slow down a little and I wish I could be lying down on a hammock and sipping a smoothie :-( but I am going to make use of this long weekend coming up.I'm bringing in Independance Day in Mumbai!! Even though the weather is TERRIBLE, I shall still have fun and just relax.

Have a great weekend guys! Jai Hind! :-)

10 Things I'd Like To Do In This Lifetime (Michelle)

Wow.So many BUF-ers born in June! Hope all you guys had amazing birthdays!

Anyway, 10 is too small a number to compress the stuff I want to do in this lifetime.Then again, 100 is too big a number :P

1. Steal all of Sarah Jessica Parker's clothes and shoes

I will not rest till i own either more or all of the clothes she does because having that much of amazing fashion in one wardrobe is just not fair to the world!

2. Have photographer Nigel Barker click my pictures

He could make a monkey with constipation look gorgeous! It would be the best day of my life if he made me do all kinds of things with 'props' and used all those amazing effects! :D

3. Do all the possible adventure sports

Bunjee jumping, white water rafting, skiing, scuba diving etc etc.Hopefully come out alive though.

4. Run the amazing race!!

That would be a total rush!! Taking in the customs and culture of soo many countries whilst managing a tight budget is something I really need!

5. Own a Porsche, Lexus, Mercedes and customise it to being SUPER GIRLY!! Interiors et al!

6. Act in an action comedy and kick the bad guys' asses :P

This was inspired by watching 'Get Smart' and seeing Anne Hathaway in super ass kicking mode and looking hot at the same time! I know that would never happen in real life cause there would be a bullet hole in my Burberry trench coat.

7. Meet Russel Peters

Just to tell him that even though his jokes slay me, he needs to come up with more cause listening to the same stuff gets a little annoying

8. To be able to finish a big Burger King burger! :P

Till date I have never been able to finish one entirely

9. Buy my Mom a house

Dont go 'aww' cause I know right now our house is a compilation of all family members' ideas and my mom hasn't got her way with everything :P so I would like to buy one for her so that she can decorate it as she pleases ;-)

10. Headbutt Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt

We don't need more posers.

Topics For The Month Of June (Michelle)

I agree that the summer vacation hiatus is a good excuse for not too many posts, but guess what people? The summer is OVER! So stop lazing around and start BUF-ing!

Anyway, Amit suggested some really interesting and write-able (is that even a word?) topics for this month so get scribbling!

10/101/1001 things you would like to do in this lifetime

The holiday spot(s) that stole your heart

Happy monsoons! What better atmosphere to write? ;-)

IM ME ASAP! (Michelle)

I have always been a huge instant messenger user.My loyalties shifted to MSN a very long time ago because most of my friends use that but now you can add people on YAHOO! on your MSN which is very cool.That way, I get to keep in touch with everybody! There was a point when I was completely addicted to IM-ing.It was the phase where I had to burn the midnight oil and ''study'' for my boards but I was too busy learning new IM words.

I remember using shortforms was totally in vogue at one point.A person was considered super cool...or should I say -''kewl'' (I never understood the use of this one.It sounds so silly!) if they knew all the shortforms to words.

I remember I had sent my friend a text message once and she sent me a reply saying ''Michelle, I did not understand a word of what you typed, how about typing it in english?" I have to admit, it was quite hard typing the entire word!

We're living in such a fast-paced world now, everyone is in a hurry.We don't even have time to write entire sentences!

I think the word that has become universally put to use is LOL.If you really think about it, saying ''laugh out loud'' to something that isn't that funny, is pretty stupid...but I use it anyway! Of course, it is also a very handy acronym as Loon Gal pointed out- you can use it when you have nothing better to say! So, now you know why I ''LOL'' so much ;-)

LMAO.

Gaming Machine(Michelle)

Only two people have posted on the game suggestion? Tch Tch *shakes head*.So, my computer almost died which is why I haven't been around much.Anyway, the game thing sounds fun so I'm going to give it a shot.

Loony's London Couture

I'm high on fashion, she is high on fashion.Our very own Loon Gal has amazing fashion sense and her clothes just keep me bawling and calling her all sorts of names cause all the stuff she has is just so pretty! My friends, here in Pune, love her sense of fashion even though they don't really know her and we often sit and admire and drool over the stuff she puts together( That doesn't make us sound very good does it?) I personally think she'd do great in the couture field.She'd put Valentino out of business.May it be boots, dresses or chuddidars.This girl is top notch! ;-)

Tears Of Joy (Michelle)

This was a real toughie for me cause I'm the type that starts bawling at anything even remotely related to sensitivity/emotion.So you know what to come prepared with the next time you want to take me for a mushy movie.But since its supposed to be recent, I remember an incident that happened few months ago.

My dog, Romeo, is a huge 6 year old doberman who looks like a meanie but hes a softie at heart.He runs under sofas and beds ( with his butt sticking out) when either of us raise our voice.My cousin's cat whacked him once and hes also pretty scared of cats ever since.Hes anything BUT a guard dog.He'd rather dress up in a tutu than chase cats.

My mom is an asthama patient and she started gettting attacks very frequently everytime my dog was around her.It went on for months when finally the doctor discovered that it was because of my dog.

We had to give him away.That was the last thing that I could ever think of doing because I've had him for 6 years and even though hes huge, hes such a baby at heart! My mom's deteriorating health left us no choice and our vet started spreading the word to clients that he thought would be interested.Around 90% of the people we spoke to seemed like freakin airheads.Finally, we found someone that already has two dogs and a huge place on the outskirts of Pune.Being a doberman, Romeo needed a lot of exercise and since we don't live on a farm or whatever he can't run around without kids squealing and running into their homes like a mad bull has been set loose.I fell in love with the place when I saw it.The people seemed to fall in love with him the instant they saw him and he became instant friends with the labrador and pug that they already owned.The day he left, I thought I wouldn't be able to deal with it.But,when I saw him there and how happy he was, I couldn't help but cry and be happier that he was in a place which he loved much more.I still miss him terribly, and I know he does too.He still jumps like a maniac the times I have dropped in to visit and I know he'll always be my Romeo wherever he is.

UPDATE!

Thanks for sharing the wonderful book reviews, many different reflections and your takes on if a sunday went missing! It was fun reading it all!

New topics (you are free to add any if you think of it as a better topic)

The last time you cried tears of happiness (I know I'm corny and cheesy so give me a dose of your cheesiness :P)

My favourite time of the day

Get creative people! Happy writing!

A Thousand Splendid Suns (Michelle)

After The Kite Runner, I knew I was a Khaled Hosseini fan.I had decided that I would read A Thousand Splendid Suns, come what may! The way Kite Runner tugged at my heartstrings made me positive that every book he writes would leave me overwhelmed.I got to admit, reading A Thousand Splendid Suns got me so hooked to his intricate ways of weaving through words that every page was a new thrill, every scene formed into virtual pictures.It takes you to the reality of a world that exists, out there, in Afghanistan.Far away from our day to day comforts.
It narrates the story of two women.Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by fate, to hold onto eachother through the series of events that present themselves that are beyond horrifying.Its during this time, that they find solace in eachother.

Khaled Hosseini also sheds light on the culture in Afghanistan, the different dialects, the people, the food.
I finished the book in 2 hours because I just couldn't put it down! At the end, I cried.It took me on such an emotional journey.
To think that girls my age, go through a lifetime of pain and sadness and things that I can't even imagine!
I would totally suggest everyone to read this book.I can feel the emotion with which the author has written the book.I can't wait for his next one!
For a more detailed synopsis, go to

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Thousand_Splendid_Suns

* Kite Runner has also been made into a movie, so be sure to watch it.Its in Farsi with English subtitiles

Update!

Ok, I hope I am allowed to post updates.

Don't worry, I'm not leaving or anything.This post is a sincere request for Keshi to please not leave.

Look guys, I know you have busy schedules and issues but EVERYONE DOES so I am urging all you sleepy heads to please wake up! Don't tell me you can't write on one topic cause right now its not Between Us Friends.Its Between Michelle, Amit, Loon Gal, Southpaw, Keshi and Jitendra!

Anyway, Keshi, you have always been one of the major reasons I have stuck around to write not only here but also on my blog and you are always around for everyone all the time.I know you are frustrated, but I am really hoping you come back.Cause right now we need you.Please.I was so upset when I read your post.I signed off altogether.

I have a suggestion.Why don't we write on just anything? If you want everyone to still write on certain topics that is also definitely cool cause then you get a variety of thoughts on the same topic but you can also write on other stuff you think is interesting.

Sam suggested some nice topics.So how about we write on

1. A Book Review
or
2. What if a Sunday went missing in your life

I know I can't force anyone but I just had to let this out.

Its a curve that sets everything straight!(Michelle)

A very big HELLO to everyone! Seems like everyone has plunged into their busy worlds post the holiday season.Ah well, c'est la vie.I have been extremely busy too.I'm beginning Japanese classes so I have to brush up on all my teaching material et al.I can't believe I'm following in the footsteps of my mom (teaching).I never thought that would happen.But hey, its something I love.My friends that slack off come to me for help anyway, might as well start teaching and earn a little dough on the side lol.

Anyway, I'm all about the 'smile'.I feel like I can peek into a person's soul when I catch a glimpse of their smile.I do believe that a smile can go a long way cause everytime I'm not in my best moods and a random person smiles at me, it makes my day (provided the smile isn't creepy and isn't the i'm-gonna-follow-you-now types).Jokes apart, there are myriad expressions and million of ways people smile and I believe everyone has their own way of smiling and thats what makes it so speical! A smile can make you feel lighter in the worst of situations.

So, smile your way through 2008!

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile!

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!

Aloha! (Michelle)

Hey everyone!

I got my exams starting from tomorrow and they go on till the 8th of December.I also got my Japanese exam on the 2nd, so basically its two important exams in one week :-(.I highly doubt I'll have the time to blog this week cause juggling between revising and coming online and watching tv is a tedious task! I could say that I had been so caught up in studying for the Japanese exam that I didn't really pay any attention to my term exam and I really don't want me doing really well in my Japanese exam to be an excuse for doing badly in my terminals! Plus the whole competitive spree that I'm always on, will never let me not try coming in the first three.I'll try my best to be around cause as I said, BUF is a part of my daily routine.

Wish me luck and take care!

See you all next week!

Fantastic Five (Michelle)

Since the topic was to write 10 things about a BUFer, I thought I'd write 2 things about 5 BUFers.Writing just two things will be quite difficult so don't shout at me if I exceed more than two lines :P

Alphabetically,

Ishita

Shes the ultimate super mom.Vedant is really really lucky to have her as a mom because I think shes a wonderful role model.I really hope to be such an amazing mom someday!I love reading all her posts because they always from the heart! The way she weaves her thoughts into words really makes me wish I could do that!

Keshi

Man, the minute I say her name, this siren goes off in my head.Lol.Shes pure heat.I'm like head over heels in love with her.Her attitude, her style, her thoughts...she just blends them perfectly.Her blog is not only my favourtie spot, but also my friends' (non-bloggers) favourite page and they make it a point to visit it.

Loon Gal

This girl is the whole package.Shes mature, shes got beautiful skin and hair, shes adorable and hot at the same time, superb dressing sense (veryyy jealous of the stuff she has :P) and watch out for her wit people! Will leave you dumbfounded ;-).Shes what a true friend is all about!

Vipul

Firstly welcome back laddoo! Its been so long I've known him, I can literally say hes seen me grow as a person.I've fought with him, shared secrets with him, had hilarious conversations with him and he never ceases to crack me up! He can be your worst nightmare if you ever take 'panga' with him, but if you really get to know him, hes one sensitive sweetheart!

Vyom

Our conversations on facebook are never ending and I can't help but smile everytime I get a message from him.I've seen my share of smooth talkers but he tops the list and can definitely win you over with words ;-).His smile is one that you can't help but go 'aww' to and his voice definitely perks you up!

Light Of Mine (Michelle)

I planned on putting this post up yesterday evening, but I was too busy hiding under my blanket cause I'm terrified of firecrackers! Me and my dog gave eachother company.Lol

I always loved helping my friends put up lights and diyas all around the house and when we were done, we used to just stare in awe at how beautiful the house looked(the best part were the delicious pure ghee sweets that I devoured afterward) but the aura of positivity that surrounded us whilst standing in the midst of beautifully lit houses with lanterns and rangolis.The sound of the bell during puja, the smell of the incense, families having a great time...you can't help but feel festive!

I didn't really light any firecrackers because I'm dead against them but I do love watching the fuljhadis and the rockets in the sky.

A very HAPPY DIWALI to all the BUFers.Hope this festival of lights brought with it a lot of happiness, hope and lots of love.Keep letting your light shine!

Colours Of The Wind (Michelle)

There I was sitting blue

Staring at the picture of you

Your hazel eyes made my heart sink

The blush creeping upto my cheeks turning me pink

I loved those words you said,

With a rose so very red

You've put me on a pedestal with a crown

Entangled with my locks of brown

This kind of love I have never seen

Its better than a view of lush grass blades of green

I love you more than a smushy marshmellow

You are my sun with rays of yellow

Your ways and talk always make me swoon and croon

Baby your love has left me marooned!

(very cheesy I know :P)

Sparkle Me Timbers! (Michelle)

Being a very materialistic girl, the first thought that pops into my mind is the glint of a precious stone sparkling in all its glory luring me to want it :P I'm totally the type that gets distracted by things that sparkle.

But lately theres only one thing thats been sparkling a lot

and its all because of all my friends!

Thank you guys so much for all the good wishes, phone calls, text messages, facebook gifts and posts...made my day!!!

Most importantly, thank you for sparkling your way into my life! :-)

Fresh It Up! (Michelle)

The word 'fresh' reminds me of so many emotions.

Sinking my teeth into a fresh subway sandwich tasting the lettuce, pickle, the sauce and the chicken being complimented by the mustard (yes I began with hunger because I love to eat)

Fresh hot tears on my face while watching a sad movie

The fresh smile my friends give me early in the morning when they see me

The fresh feeling I get after I've just had my shower laced with the fresh fruity smell of my soap

Starting fresh with a friend you've had a fall out with.

Having a fresh mind and accepting everything that comes by way with a sprinkle of positivity

Fresh opinions, ideas and friends that I've found here.Keep it fresh guys.Lets always keep BUF fresh!

What the...(Michelle): Chain story part IV

Was he going insane? Was this mental conflict driving him to insanity?

His favourite fictional character of all time was right there in front of him! He suddenly felt immense happiness. He forgot all his worries and starting singing and dancing to the ever famous ''I like to move it move it, I like to move it move it''. He moved closer to those big huge fun filled eyes motioning King Julien to join in and before he knew it, King Julien pulled out a chainsaw from thin air, threw his furry little head back, screamed and spoke with an evil glint in its eye.

''I hate that damn song'' said the lemur

[sorry it seems like more than seven lines because of the picture =]