Long time...

Just a shout out to any BUFers who still visit :)! There's been no activity here for a while but I drop by to read through old posts and relive some of the memories of those days. This space was special :) ... always will be!

Better late than never (Ishita)

About time I put up a post here!!! I meant to do so earlier but got caught up with stuff at home (been updating my blog with whatever's on with me)....

BUF is one blog that I have followed through out my self imposed break. There were days when I would get to BUF even without going through my own blog :) ... I must thank those of you who still get here for sustaining it. Though I do miss the ones who well aren't around. But then I tell myself just as I had reasons to stay away, I am sure they have theirs.

I won't put an update on my life. Most of you know it all :)

I will however make a topic suggestion. It's quite a simple one really. How about a topic called "I recommend..." so basically u can write about whatever u want to recommend to people...a book, a dish, a movie, a blog, clothes, places to visit, suggestions to improve BUF!, blogging tips....u have an idea to recommend...just go ahead write about it!

I'll get back once I work on mine :) ...

Of course apart from Kesh and Amit no one's been posting regularly here...but BUF's a blog and even one person is enough to make it work :) ... I'll do my bit and send out a mail to everyone (just presuming that some don't get here at all and hence don't know what's going on...or if anythings on at all!)

That's it for now :) ... I'll be back!

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? ;-)

Silvara: Howdy Partners!

Hello BUFers and the world!! It’s been a while again since I last posted and the guilty feelings have been gnawing away at me for so long that I HAD to see what had been happening. Since I last dropped by And what do I find when I take a peek but a whole new template!! Very nice…I like pink – it reminds me of fairy floss and we could all do with a bit of sugar in our lives.

Been looking at the topics from the last update and the last time somebody pulled a prank on me (despite it NOT being April’s Fools) was this morning when the café where I get my morning coffee told me that they no longer served skinny lattes!! While I was hyperventilating at the thought of having to go full-cream (it’s not that big a deal but you know me – I like to exaggerate just a teeny bit) the guy serving me just winked and said he was Just Kidding. I have to admire his balls though. Joking with me before I’ve had my caffeine fix and ABOUT my coffee was a very brave thing to do. He is lucky he didn’t see my baaaad side :P

As for the other topic on the last time I cried tears of happiness…well….it might get a little too intimate for this blog and shoot the rating up to saying ‘WARNING: Mature Content’ but then I could just say it and all the people who blush at the thought of an orgasm can go giggle away.

Anyways….moving on.

In my life – I finally started my new job at a huge firm and have been on training for the last MONTH. That was boring as hell for the most part but every day we got a catered lunch that consisted of different varieties of gourmet sandwiches which was fine for the first few days but eventually we got sick of the sight of bread and different insides. And I have finally discovered Friday Night Drinks which makes for very interesting times.

I have been devouring books by the dozen having discovered my local library (I moved suburbs after I got married) and have been amazed again and again with the calibre and intensity of Indian authors. I have read most of the books written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Amulya Malladi, Anita Nair and have discovered and fallen in love with my homeland all over again. I have read about NRI’s looking for love again in India (so Indian chick lit lol), heartbreaking stories of the Partition and massacre at the Golden Temple in Amritsar (which caused me to bawl like a baby), and stories of brave women breaking the mould of a ‘good Indian woman’. So it’s hard to pick just one of the books to review but the current one I am reading - ‘The Sari Shop’ by Rupa Bhajwa is very good and I might come back with that one later.

So this is my quick update on love, life and blogging….

Keep coming back y’all…!

April - Topics and Announcements (Ishita)

A new month and time again to write on some new topics!!!

I won't be around much this month - got my parents coming to visit and the whole house moving happening. But before I disappear yet again, let me announce the new topics :)

1. A suggestion came from Loongal...I'm simply taking the liberty to copy paste it here :P coz I don't think I can explain it better :)

"How about a little blog game where everyone writes a post for a fellow-BUFer, where he/she names a shop / store / institution / organisation/etc after that BUFer based on his/her personality and traits."

An example she shared was - "Since Michelle is such a fitness freak, someone could name a fitness centre after her called Michelle's Fitness Club (actually should be something more interesting) and then describe the place according to his perception of Michelle's lifestyle."

2. The second suggestion is from Amit and has everything to do with April 1st :D

"The last time someone fooled me! or I fooled someone!"

Happy Posting ppl :)

Ps: I didn't make a formal announcement of Suchi's B'day (22nd March) here on BUF... but we celebrated it together and had a lovely time :) ... I baked her a chocolate cake (that's her favorite) and we spent the wkend together celebrating her special day and also Holi - the festival of colors :)

This month Neha (Messy) celebrates another year of wedded bliss on 18th April. Here's wishing her a lovely anniversary! and this is also the birthday month of a BUFer who's long since disappeared but yet left us with fond memories :)... Yes Kathy, Happy Birthday girl (29th April).

For the birthday and anniversaries that I might have missed...I'm truly sorry guys. Blame it on my continued absence from the blog I miss the most!

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!

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.

I, me and BUF... (Ishita)

Hmmm… Not that I intended to get here today and do a post. But I guess it’s become necessary to do so. For one thing I haven’t made a formal announcement of my extended break from BUF though I have blogged about it in my ‘personal’ blog to which some of you do have access but it’s a different story that not many get around it. And of course another reason for this post is simply to question the absence of many of us from BUF. I think I know why Kesh feels the way she does right now because I’ve been through the same feelings many times over here on BUF. Every single time someone’s walked away with or without a reason. I don't know if reading this will change your mind about staying or leaving Kesh. But I know for a fact BUF won't be the same without you....

BUF by the way…just in case any of you didn’t notice…will be completing a year in March (and almost touching the 450 post mark...this one's no. 449) and amazingly it feels like more than a year has passed by when I look at the way BUF’s been. Personally, I think I lost more than gained here. But the optimist in me chooses to look at the positives rather than the negatives. That’s simply the way I’ve conditioned my mind. It may not always be realistic but it works for me.

I guess in many ways the loss of friends from BUF doesn’t hurt as much because I do still keep in touch out of BUF. What hurts is the loss of BUF as I thought it would be…could be….should have been. A huge part of my resentment lies in the way I probably handled it. I sometimes get confused as to which is the right approach. When I would email frequently and do updates and send out personal mails etc etc, some termed it pushy and asked for more freedom to post per will. When I made BUF more flexible and open, I found BUFer’s losing interest. I’m not sure what works best for BUF….or maybe BUF doesn’t work at all? It’s an idea like many that just fizzles away once the novelty is gone…maybe that’s it?

But I don’t want to sit and analyse it all here. I’ve been more or less off blogging and the virtual world for the past month…though the blogger in me does do the random post now and then on “Daily Dose” (my personal space). It has a lot to do with some changes in my personal life. These are days of complete relaxation and anticipation for me. I’ve been told to stay completely stress free so I intend to keep it that way!! I’m superstitious I guess which is why I won’t blog about it openly but you’re free to make your own guesses :)

And yes, my past experience in being an active BUFer has been anything but stress free :P … No seriously, I enjoyed it (despite the many mistakes I might have made) but the times when issues cropped up took a huge toll on me and people living around me, which is why I’ve been advised to stay off BUF in terms of handling stuff around here.

Of course that would mean having someone else or everyone taking the onus of keeping BUF going. I’d rather everyone did so. Make your suggestions in the shoutbox., do an occasional update, wish each other on your special days….etc. Just be interactive and hang around chit chatting. No one gets around here anymore…. It’s simply sad :( *sigh*

I will be back you know. I can’t be kept away forever. But I’m wondering what will I come back to? That’s the thought that plays on my mind….the answer to which I dread.

That’s all for now…I’m hoping some of u will drop by to read and comment and maybe come up with some answers.

4th February and 5th February are special days … Deepthi and Uttara’s birthday respectively! Nope I’m not wishing you yet :P but I hope to be around and write on your day uttsy :)!

9th February is Rajbir and Kavita's anniversary...another milestone...another year of togetherness :)

24th February is also an old long missing BUFer and dear friend to many...Kathy's anniversary. Miss u girl!

I haven’t accessed the team mailbox in ages. If I’ve missed any special days, I sincerely apologise. It’s not intentional at all and I want to thank Rajbir for the lovely dedication for Messy. Hope you had a lovely day and have many more such special and happy birthdays :)

Wishing you all a whole lot of reasons to smile :)

Ishi

Update (Uttara)

Update Update Update !!!!!

Wishing you all ...

...Happy Lohri !!!
...Happy Sankrant !!!

...Happy Pongal !!!

Since our Ishi Pishi has been busy or rather is busy, I’m putting up the update instead her. I was in Delhi for a week and we had a long long chat over this (BUF), she is actually quite busy with her personal front, I doubt if she could give her 200 % like before. But, this doesn’t mean that she is NOT going to come back. It will take some time. So I have been told to do this ;).

Firstly, lemme also say 'SORRY' for NOT being around and I also would be on and off here for some more time. Few of my close friends here know how busy I have gotten. I’ve been touring extensively to Bangalore and Delhi. So now smile as I’ll not abscond like before “smiles” .Talking about smile and thinking about it, lemme say that the new topic or the new word would be "SMILE " and "REFLECTION(S)". So go ahead and shoot with your posts :)

Happy Blogging!!!

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!!

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" :)

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!

Wishes (Ishita)

"One Woman, one Man
with hearts so true
come before you
to say I do...

A love so fair
A dream come true
A couple shares
what they are destined to do

He takes her hand
to have and to hold
Their hearts embrace
and never let go...

A touch so pure
A smile so real
She closes her eyes
so she may feel

The love of one man
The love of her life
They join as one
as Man and Wife... "

- Gretchen Gould –

Congratulations Silvara and Evs :) ...Wishing you happiness and a lifetime of togetherness! :)

And Pavan (an ex-BUFer and dear friend) who’s getting engaged today! Congrats!!!! :)))

Andd… Diya on her Anniversary on 26th! Happy Anniversary!!

That’s a whole lot of loving and happiness for us to celebrate right :)

Stay Beautiful…Stay loved…

The song is a dedication for all of them… *smile*

Knock Knock!! :-) (Ishita)

Yes I had a wonderful holiday … thank you :)

Being with my family, both brothers and their families after a span of “God knows how many” years … was something that had me break down in tears when the time to say goodbye came. And now I’m left wondering when next?

Accessing the net was a MAJOR problem at my parents place – they have dial-up you see! And the one day we all decided to check our mails…the home pc crashed!! Yeah, lucky us :P … heh…

Anyway, the laptops came in handy but we had so many things to do and catch up on that being online or checking emails was simply set aside….BUT of course I sneaked in to check on BUF….

What amazes me is that despite the whole lot of topics given and the freedom to write on that many….the response has been…quite disappointing. Then again I know how it is during the festival season etc. So let’s just say the disappointment was ‘expected’ yet prior knowledge did nothing to ease that… *sigh*

I don’t want to start yet another debate on why, what, if, how…blah blah. Seriously, I think those of us who care to hang around and be a part of this space for the purpose of keeping in touch and simply being ourselves should simply let it be…

Let it be… and by that I mean, let each of us prioritise BUF the way we want to. First or last in our scheme of things, a visit a day or a week or a fortnight or a month or never at all…at the risk of sounding “oh so philosophical’ – lets just not “EXPECT” things from each other except the one basic thing that can make relationships (be it virtual or online) work – an effort to see it (the way people choose to prioritise BUF) from their point of view.

No one can feel more elated than I do when BUFers write and comment at a regular pace and no one can feel more disappointed when they don’t…! And if I can reach a stage where after all the “appreciation” and the “criticism” I can still hope to make it work…. I don’t see why the rest of you can’t? I guess you do. It gets very upsetting at times I know….but when’s life perfect?

I’ve tried different ways and means to sustain this plc… BUT it’s never been about the kind of effort I may make….in the end it’s always been about everyone in it and the level of interest shown. I dread to think what would become of this place if everyone decided to put BUF at the bottom of their list of priorities OR lose the ability to step into each others shoes…

The true test of friendships…I guess…is in difficult times. And Keshi’s sense of frustration is one I completely empathise with. I struggle with my sense of disappointment with the diminishing enthusiasm among BUFers and at the same time understanding that everyone has a life…it’s not easy…

I could go on and on and on and on….

But seriously, what I’d like to see in this space which lets remember is a BLOG first….is some posts and good writing. Comments or no comments – BUF is essentially a space to write!

If the will to write is gone…then this space has no meaning – right? :)

So if there’s just me and a handful who want to keep “writing” on topics … that’s what matters in the end – that’s enough reason to keep BUF going :)

I’ll be back when I’m ready with a post on the topics mentioned in this post (put up before I went off) –

http://betweenusfriends.blogspot.com/2007/10/whats-on-buf-ishita.html

Till then,

Happy Blogging!

Ps: The pic was taken at my parent's place...I love the diya (lamp) amidst the flowers.*sigh* I miss home...

Festival season ... :) (Uttara)

festival time....

Guys this is my favvvvv festival... "Diwali" ( festival of light, colour, wealth, happiness, and people) and its makes me feel so positive just like the way u find a ray of light/hope in the darkness...

Its a festival season.. just by putting up these pics it made me smile.. my heart smiles indeed :)... have u ever felt so peaceful ever b4?

Since it's festival time... i want each and everyone to write a post on "light" and how this festival changes your present mood andhow u celebrate.. etc etc :)( anything regarding this festival)....:) isn't it interesting?? :D

I tag RAJ n KESHI to write the next post :p get onto the act n tag ppl here.. they all r so slack!! goshhhh!!

Ps: this is in addition to the topics given in the last update!

What's on @ BUF! (Ishita)

Hi

Right then, as is obvious I’ve been busy and haven’t been coming around here since I put up my last post…

And this is likely to continue in the next couple of weeks. On 6th I will be off to visit my folks and being online will be severely limited. But before that in the next 5 days I have a helluva lot of stuff to pack and settle plus two events coming up – the grandparent’s day show at Vedant’s school :) and a Diwali Extravaganza in out apartment complex this weekend…which ofcourse leaves me with less than 5 days to get set for my trip!!!

So now while I am away what’s gonna go on in BUF? :P

Lots if I can have my way and convince you all to be in it! I do notice it gets a little slow here towards the end of a topic…and since I will be off for 2 whole weeks, I guess it’s best to run more than one word or one topic ….

Firstly, besides the word that did get selected “color” … feel free to write on all the other words on the poll! Yes that’s – ‘Hello’, ‘Ring’, ‘Fault’ and ‘Home’!

Also from the old topics – let’s have posts on “Blog/Music/Movie Review” and “My fav recipe” ….

And if that’s not enough, how about “10 things” but this time pick a fellow BUFer and write about them!

Or any updates or dedication...

I guess that’s a lot to write and comment on for the next two weeks. If there are pending invites, I’ll try and get those done before I leave.

I’m sorry I can’t come around and leave comments…I just read up the posts I missed out on and needless to say loved them all!

Loony I envy your beautiful fingers and the way you come up with such innovative ideas!

Vipul sorry I had no clue u were unwell…hope u’re much better and have a wonderful festival wkend :)

Sudeep, Mich, Silvara, Kesh and Amit….Sudeep ke pics ka toh kya kehna :P! I’ve always loved Mich’s posts…Silvara – lovely read :) … Kesh that pic is beautiful…and Amit yours made an interesting read indeed!

Lack of time has me writing this out here rather than commenting on your posts individually….I hope you guys understand…

Ideally I'd have written a post on this in my personal blogs but since that no longer exists...I'm sharing this special mention here ... Read the following!:)

Back in May I wrote a post on the topic “One day with someone from BUF” – Read this! And this weekend I finally met John and it was fun!!! He was just the way I thought he would be and that made it all the more easy to just be myself and feel totally comfortable with him. Which I guess is the way we all (R, Vedant, Suchi) felt….in fact V is quite a fan of John “bhaiya” as he chooses to call him. Interestingly, he was John uncle till one evening he spent sometime with V playing online games and since then V switched to bhaiya… :D … and we gotto have his famous chicken curry (Read here!) which was Yummyy! :) …. All in all time well spent and I’m hoping he’ll come stay with us again! :)

That's it ppl...Have fun!

And oh yes Happy Diwali!!! :) (that's on 9th Oct)

Word of the Week & Birthdays (Ishita)

Hi…

I meant to do this earlier but I’ve been extremely busy the past few days and haven’t had the chance to venture anywhere close to this laptop or any pc anywhere!! The Durga Puja festivities have kept me busy and having a rather exciting time…(will share pics on Picasa via email)

In all the excitement, I missed out on wishing Sam on his birthday! :( … I’m sorry Sam – I hope you’ll understand. Wishing you a “belated” HAPPY BIRTHDAY and the best ever year ahead!! It was his birthday yesterday…21st October.

We have yet another birthday coming up this week. Yes it’s our very own Diya’s b’day on the 24th!

Time also to announce the new Word of the Week – “COLOR” (received the max. votes in the poll counter!)

I’ll update the poll counter later today. Please keep sending in suggestions and ideas.

Have fun everyone … :)

NEW Word of the Week & Updates (Ishita)

Ok time again for a new word (though I am a day early with this post). The last day for the previous word is still Friday 12th October, 2007 but you can start off with the new word asap! It’ll run till next week sometime depending on the pace of the blog.

But before that we have couple of birthdays coming up :)

Yes our very own Michelle and a dear friend Richa (she left BUF but I’m sure many of us would love to wish her on her special day). They both share the same birthday – 14th October!!

Remember people, anyone can do birthday/anniversary/ special day dedications and there’s no limit on dedication posts, so don’t forget to wear your party hats and wish them the best ever!!! :) Add the post label "update" and "special post" along with your name label for such posts...thanks :)

The new word of the week is - “Sparkle”

The poll counter is back! I’ve put in word suggestions there (from lists sent in by you all) and you can vote for the next word.

New Topic (Ishita)

This will be short and quick. More or less an update on what’s going on with me with respect to BUF.

I’ve heard from you (some not all but that’s ok) since the last post. I know one thing that setting up something that will appeal to everyone is next to impossible but the idea is to make it as acceptable as possible.

The first thing is, the basic essence of BUF is that it’s not a free for all group blog. It runs on the idea that people blog on something specific for a specific time period. I can’t generalize it and make it free from topics, then it would be “just another blog”. But yes, more flexibility is doable.

Secondly, there has to be a limit to the no. of posts per day – 1 to 4 should be fine – too much of it can clutter the space. And one post per BUFer for a topic too is fine or max two if there’s scope for more to be expressed regarding any topic.

I have some ideas in my head but since I have to get back on track, I’ll be slow with things here. Plus I want to settle everything before I go off on my vacation in Nov. Time is short and the festival season is slowing me down here.

In all this debating and talking through, I forgot to update stuff in the template. Plus not having Abhi/Sam with me in admin or any technically sound person is a severe handicap. But I’ll work out something. So basically it’s time for less talk and more work for me!

FYI, I will shoot a mail to the “still missing” people and I guess we’ll be a smaller group but hopefully a more focused and dedicated group of Blogger friends. I’d also welcome mails from those of you who can help manage BUF while I run off next month for my long awaited trip. I’ll need two people to coordinate – thanks :)

Now till such time I don’t get it all settled, I’d like to suggest a topic idea.

We run a word every week and you get to write a topic related to the word – any context, how you interpret it is your look out – be creative or funny or serious or miserable or happy …. Just write ppl !

And let’s limit it to two posts per BUFer for the coming week. I mean max two. If there’s just one from you, that’s fine too.

The word for the week starting Friday (5th October today) to next Friday (12th October) is –

“Fresh” (now use your imagination with this one :P)

Ps: I have a post sent in by Suchi that I will put up later in the afternoon. Please start this topic later in the evening so I have time to put hers up….Thanks.

Straight Talk (Ishi)

Okay

Before I start off, a warm hugg for Poo – Congratulations baby :) … You must let me know when D-day is…and plz share pics on email so even I can have a look at *ahem* you know who :P

Now back to BUF…

Reactions were expected. And “No Reaction” was expected too. Personally I want to thank Keshi, Darsh, Amit, Neha, Loony, Poo and Vishesh for being around and for reaching out to me. It helps to get some perspective when one is as disillusioned as I have been…and maybe still am. I know kesh that not replying to your mails or leaving a comment on your post has you disappointed. I can sense it. And I’m sorry but I needed time out to get my thoughts in place. I want to thank others (Uttsy, Raj, Rajiv, Suchi...etc) for the “support” given behind the scenes (not @ BUF but beyond)… and I want to tell others who’ve walked through BUF and chosen to abandon it that now is the time to make a crucial choice – Get back or leave. I do not want to have to make the choice of removing names from the list one by one.

My problem as you all have rightly pointed out lies in giving a lot of importance to people who walked into BUF all gung ho and then took it for granted. I don’t know all of you personally but I do know some better than others so I may have been more agreeable with the reasons some gave and been doubtful about others. But yes, I was hurt more by people who chose to simply walk out of BUF to suit their convenience. I think there has been only one instance where I did not take someone in and another where a rather “disappointing” experience had one of us leave. Others have either left amicably or simply not bothered to let me know why. I can sit and get pathetically blatant but I think everyone knows which category they fall into.

For me it works like people walking into my home, having a good experience and then leaving without even a trace. It’s as bad as that! Agreed there maybe a few who didn't have a good experience with me personally but then again BUF is about everyone in it and not about who gets along with Ishi or not!

I know not everyone will get along with everyone. I had no desire to remain the common link because honestly I am not a “super” personality who had a common connection with everyone. There are some BUFers with whom I have no contact whatsoever. The emphasis has always been in everyone putting in the same effort to get along with all and sundry and to enjoy a common space to write and share views on topics…subjects etc etc.

*specific statements for specific people below - do not generalise them!*

But let me tell you again, we never really feel as hurt as this when its simple acquaintances that walk all over us. It hurts only when its people we think we know well. My mistake coz looks like I never really knew you then.

I don’t understand why there should be any formal talk between friends. I’m not cut out that way. If I think I know u well enough, I’ll take the liberty of picking up the phone and talking to you even if I have nothing specific to talk about. If you did the same to me, I wouldn’t be looking at my watch wondering when you’ll shut up and I can move on!

If you and I were working together in a project and you were someone I called a friend and not a casual acquaintance, I’d expect you to understand my criticism and give it back to me in equal measure and not just clam up and walk away coz you couldn’t handle my criticism or tell me the same!!

Being friends is not about being petty. Being friends is not about meeting occasionally and making merry!

I call that person a friend who can wait for me to come to terms with my disappointments – even if they felt I was making too much of nothing! I call that person a friend who can pick up the phone and simply hear me out.

I call that person a friend who can show me his/her worst side and not think that I’d hold a grudge forever. I call that person a friend who I may meet after ages and yet have a conversation like we were never apart.

Specific references and names will not be taken by me. It’s enough for me and them to know who I mean.

Who wants to abandon a space they gave so much to? I started BUF with no clue as to where we’re gonna go or how we’re going to be even a month later. In that respect, BUF has done great. I’ve always been very sensitive to people’s emotions. I can sense when they’re positive or when they’re negative. Ditto for the blog and I always treated BUF as home. The idea running in my head was like when you walk into a coffee shop and sit down with friends….have a nice conversation …a good time. That’s how I saw BUF.

I think it’s time to “de – clutter” BUF. It’s time to take stock of just who really wants to be in it and say a goodbye to people who cannot give BUF or BUFers time.

Honestly look at the past posts and comments. Where is everybody? And why the hell am I looking for people who really couldn’t care less. I get around a lot of blogs during the day. I spend hours on Orkut and Facebook, I see these “really too busy to get here” people all over the virtual world and they expect me to buy the excuse that they can’t get here? I’m sorry but I’m done being the “all understanding” Ishi. On second thoughts, I’m not sorry at all.

As far as topics is concerned and the great divide I have among BUFers who are still active. There are those who want “topics” to stay and those who want to blog on any “topic”. I of course feel what makes BUF different is the fact that we run “topics”. I know I don’t let “serious” topics in because they raise debates and arguments. Lets face it some of us get very opinionated (Me too). And I’d hate to see a fight break out because we can’t handle other people’s opinions. But then fine, maybe once in a while we’ll run a serious topics too…what’s needed is for people to come up with more suggestions.

I think it would be wonderful if we could share responsibilities on BUF…maybe take turns to run the show? That way I’d get my time out and you guys could work out your ideas?

All this is for the people I know who will be here. And I’d also like the ones who wanna walk away to get here and say so.

I’m done.

For the ones who made me believe in myself…like Keshi said…words cannot define the emotions I’ve felt. You are all very special in thinking beyond yourself.

Lets get some “reactions” so I can make BUF work again.