Now that I'm 25...

Now that I have turned 25, my list of things I gotta do:

• Keep grinning my goofy grin. My bunny teeth showing? Like I care.. am too busy grinning. :}

• Laugh louder and harder. 

• Stop Swearing!! F**k is gonna be Ollie!

• Continue the duck walk. Let's face it. I ain't ever gonna do the cat walk, so duckie it is.

• Run more. I feel embarrassed running to classes, to catch a bus..yada yada. Well.. I ain't no Usain Bolt, but I'm a gazelle. So I'm running. 

• Love myself more , I deserve that.

• Appreciate life coz i'm still alive!

• Keep looking younger :p

• Be the kid I always am.

• Feel happy without feeling guilty.

• Help people more. I like doing this.

• Be stronger. 

• Respect myself more to not take crap from people who ain't worth the ground I walk on.

• Have only few close friends who'd protect me and who'd always wish the best for me.

• Find something that drives me.

• Stop procrastinating.

• Walk with my head held high and not looking at the ground. (Am practicing this one)

• Look at people in the eye. ( I kinda shy away from this too. Not anymore. I'm gonna win staring matches. Bring it on bitches.)

• Make gluttony my middle name.

• Wear a th**g for one whole day. (I'd be giggling all the while and the world will never know why). It's my own little secret.

• Read more books in their physical form. My dependence on ebooks is not helping. 

• Continue being the caring and warm person to those special few. 

• My naivete appalls me. Gotta put an end to that but without being cynical. (tough)

• I ain't letting hard times make a cynical bitch outta me.

• Every time I fall, I'm gonna pull myself up and fight harder.I ain't giving up.

• Stop caring what other people think becoz they couldn't take a step in my shoes.

• Immerse myself in more music.

If I could get hitched in a Library ...

Today, after a long time I found myself in a library, reading. The smell of books, the quiet and me flipping through pages alone,  got me feeling a calm bliss.
I apparently love books more than I love social contact and suddenly thought it would be a wacky idea to get married in a library. This triggered my thought on why I have always loved books.

 My first book was 'Little Red Riding Hood' which my dad got me from a lending library. To this day, I don't remember if I chose the book because it had a red girl on it or if I love Red because I chose the book.

As a child I remember reading 'The Secret Garden' and crying my heart out and as I grew, I've read suspense, fantasy, sci-fi action with romances being a fixture. I've read books for 2 days straight without water or food! Yeah, am that crazy.

Non-fiction never appealed much to me because I read books to escape from hard reality.
I still do, seek to escape from reality, that is. Sometimes though, my cynical self rears its head and I throw the soppy novel I've been reading. Then, after weeks, I read another one all through the night. I realized that sometimes I'm completely buried in books and then I get bored and stay away from them. A love-hate relationship of sorts.

With the advent of e-books, I see myself reading more stories, but I still miss the thrill of turning pages and the smell of a well-read book. Books have shaped the way I think, the way I perceive the world and unfortunately my expectations too. So far, the only grouse has been that books have, in a way, clouded my sense of reality and my expectations. However, I'm still in two minds if it's a good thing or not.

For other people books are a hobby, for me books have always been a part of my life, I could always bury my sorrows in a good book, laugh the loudest because I read something  or be completely moved by a book for days together.

To books, I will always love you. Thank you for being there for me.

Here's to Steel Magnolias

 I can't make up my mind on whether I want to be rescued or do the rescuing.

When I was younger, I wanted a Knight in shining armor to sweep me off my feet. To be honest, even now some girlish part of me thinks it might happen. Then, I realize I'm more of a warrior woman and any girlish part I might have curtails to primping myself.

I think it's a huge gender reversal of sorts. Times have changed but some men are still intimidated by a confident woman or worse they don't respect the woman. We are still compassionate, emotional and feminine. We still love clothes, kittens, puppies and food, just that now, we're made of steel. If men were confident with themselves, they wouldn't be intimidated by us. And no, just because we do the wooing, doesn't mean we belong to the fast lane.

By the time men get the courage to walk up to us, we're rolling our eyes and would rather have fun with our gal pals. We'd rather charge into the battle field wearing armor ourselves, than wait for some imaginary Knight. It doesn't make us any less of a Lady.

Then there's another enigma.Why are women measured depending on who their partner/spouse is, or if they even have one? Why can't a woman be single and enjoy life on her own terms? Why can't she get shackled to whom she wants and when she wants?

I prefer being the warrior woman and getting a man who can handle me, just the way I am. The societal dainty ladies need rescuing from Knights, not steel magnolias.

List of things I ought to do so they don't get added on to my Bucket List.

There are a lot of things I've been wanting to do over the years.. I've had a Bucket list before but I lost it and I'm sure I never did even one thing on the list.

This is my digitized version. I am hoping that this time, I get to do the stuff on the list with a little help and eventually the list grows.

• Throw a house party for all my best pals.
• Dye a couple of my hair strands in pink or red. 
• Play football with boys.
• Catch a movie alone and absolutely enjoy the solitude.
• Wear clothes I don't usually wear- Denim shorts and a closed halter.
• Play hop scotch.
• Dance in a room full of people without a care that I have two left feet.
• Go for a long drive with a bunch of good pals.
• Buy lingerie in all my favorite colors. I'm an unrepentant lingerie lover.
• Sleep under the stars.
• Lie on snow and make snow angels. Age no bar.
• Go to Rome and drink afternoon tea.
• Stay in an archaic bed room and sleep on an old four poster bed with white sheets.
• Wear a bikini and go for a swim in a closed enclave one evening.
• Do the waltz with a significant other.
• Ride a horse or at least pat down one.
• Pay for food in an old age home/orphanage.
• Buy a bright yellow hand bag.
• Ask an unattached young French man if he can French kiss.
• Have a charcoal grill and make yummy chicken.
• Travel!!
• Write a love letter.
• Get a kitten. Said kitten sleeps near my bed.
• Significant other gifts me blood red roses. 
• Woman up and get a Brazilian wax. Ouch.
• Publish my novel.

To be continued........

Wacky things to do when you are bored

When you are not in the mood to watch television, read, listen to music or embark on any hobby you like but are suffering from acute boredom, this list will help you :p

! Wear socks and skate when you are at home. Most offices have sparkly flooring so shoes will do.

!  Play games online with a ten year old and when he loses, tell him he lost to a seven year old girl! :D

! Stare at people for a long time and see who breaks eye contact first. ( Me and the youngest bro always have staring matches.)

! Jump on your bed. When was the last time you did that?

! Day dream. I'm married to a vampire knight from the 12th century , we live in a Scottish castle and the sex is of course amazing! :p

! Look around your room, think it deserves to be cleaner? Think of ways it could be worse and then commend yourself for having a clean room. 

! Find different ways of shaking your bum in front of your mirror. I can draw an infinity symbol. Can you?? :D

! Bug other people. I sweetly ask permission with a puppy face and then bug them relentlessly.

! Feed the crows near your home regularly. Trust me, they recognize you after a while! It effectively stops accidental swooping, pecking or the pooping.

! Take a shower all the while singing in a loud voice. 

! Play dress up. Yes. More power to you if you are a male.

! Ask your parents where you were when they got married, this always gets ridiculous looks if you are in your twenties.

Now I'm off to try all of the above. Any things you'd like to add?

Can love make you happy?

The person who can make you happy is... You. Happiness comes from within, from who you are, from what you do. Sometimes, we make the mistake of thinking some one else can make us happy.

Another person, a friend or a partner can only add on or enrich your life experience, good or bad. Expecting some one else to make your life happy is like expecting some one else to do your work. It doesn't work always.

Why do we always think that falling in love or getting hitched will make us happy? No one 'completes you'. If you think your partner can 'complete you', you are in for a major disappointment in life.

Why do we give so much emphasis on another person and not on ourselves? If you cannot make yourself happy, how can anybody else?

Friendships,partnerships, relationships, marriages are all about sharing each others' life experiences. 'Trying to change' the other is when all of the above come crashing down.
People are the happiest when friends or spouses accept them the way they are.

The key is "I am happy being this way and you are happy being who you are. Let's share our lives."

Follies happen when either try to conform the other to their personal rules, family expectations or their society's rules.Acceptance is the key here. If you cannot accept them, then it is better to steer away from that person.

If you are a person who drinks, get a partner who will take you out for shots. If you love dancing, get a partner who will dance away the night with you. If you are a home body, get someone who will stay at home with you. If you love weird sex get a partner who will share your kinky nature. To put it simply, get someone who has a lot in common with you or get someone whose differences, beliefs and outlook you truly accept.

When you get friends or get hitched to suit what your parents or society mandates as good for you, is when you are asking for trouble. If your parents views or society's views match with yours then go for it. Else put your happiness in front of all of them. Losing one's individuality to fit in someone's rule book will never give either peace. Life's too short to live satisfying everyone else but you.

Love can make you happy only when those involved accept the other with all their faults or quirks and not try to change them. Ever. Not now, not in 10 years and not in 50 years either. Love or Marriage won't mellow you down nor will it make you responsible or anything else elders believe. If you always have a free streak, mingle more with friends, or have a flirty nature then nothing can change you nor the other person.

The saying people change is a myth. People can never change who they are. They may become better or worse, but their essence never changes. People do not change into something they never were.

So love yourself and accept that neither will you change nor can you change another person. That is where happiness is.

The Under dog & Me

My definition of the Under-dog is someone who is over-looked, not cared for, under estimated and that person who sits quietly in a corner waiting for someone to talk to. 

I have always been a bit protective of my family and close pals, but some stranger in dire need manages to make my eyes and nose runny. This stems from the thought that, I have myself to pull me through tough situations (I try hard), but what if that person does not have that strength? What if he/she thinks no one cares or life is just too difficult?

No. I'm not a saint. I don't work selflessly. But I want to make this world a bit happier, at the least try to help people if I can. Sometimes, all a person needs is just some one to say, "You are not alone. I'm there." For some, these are just words, for some even words mean a lot. 

To be honest, I don't remember anyone telling me those words, except that person in the mirror ( If the reader has, do remind me to thank you and then scold me for being an ungrateful wretch) . Most of the times, I think it's because I hate showing my vulnerability. I am heavily armored. However, I believe, just because the world gives you a short hand, doesn't meant you have to. I rationalize that there are people like me, so I say, " I'm there, don't worry." 

I mean it too. The only time I abscond is when I think my good intentions are taken advantage of, or if the other person thinks my attentions are a given or if their sadness should have me fawn over them. Oh, no you don't. I bend, but never to play slave to your sad princess. 

It's not about Karma either. Good deeds count.. good thoughts just make you happy. 

I love 'She will be loved' by Maroon5. My favorite lyrics goes like this, "Look for the girl with the broken smile, ask her if she wants to stay a while and she will be loved."

 The irony is that I'm the girl with the broken smile belting out crappy karaoke just to make another person feel better. And no, I'm not complaining. I'm proud. I don't mind clowning about if some one else can laugh through their tears. I just wish more people had the same outlook in life.

I love the under dog because that person needs it more than anyone else. If you can spread a cheer why not? In life, it is not always about getting things in return. Giving might just make you more happier. So if you are an under dog, know that we can go on a tire pissing spree together!! :-D

Who is a 'good' person?

Something which has always puzzled me is that, what do we exactly mean by he/she is a 'good' person?

In my life, I have always made choices which I feel are right for me and I'm sure many of us follow the same ideology.

I'm sure I may have other vices, but I have always been proud of my choices as a non-drinker, non-smoker, non-weeder (Is that even a word?) and unfortunately believe in wedding and then bedding. My motivation is solely the fact that I consider myself a social rebel in this time and age and certainly not to get into someone's good graces.

With other people, I intervene only when I feel it's detrimental to their health. Else, I give them their space. 

But how do these choices have anything to do with being a 'good' person?

Who is a good person? You decide :

A person refrains from the above 'bad habits', but is prejudiced, racist or a terrible blight on humanity and this person's moral values affects another human being, physically or emotionally. Is he/she a good person?

Another liberal person lives life based on his/her choices, helps people in need without bias and the moral values of this person strongly vouch for loyalty, trustworthiness, honesty and kindness. Is he/she a good person?

 Lifestyle choices are not indicators of 'goodness'. A friend who drinks is a bad person only when he/she 'forces' you to do the same. A good friend will back off once you say a firm no. Blaming others for our indecisiveness is only our folly.

I personally believe humanity maketh a good person more than anything else.

I'd chose liberal people with big hearts, any day over prudes with a small mind. I don't let other peoples' prejudices cloud my judgement, I give everyone a fair chance before I make my own, be it a priest or stripper. 

What about you?

The deconstruction of "Like" in Fb and Life

So you are friendly, you are cheerful and some people know you. Does that make you sociable?

Have you ever come across situations where seemingly uninteresting people seem to be more popular than you are and you're wondering how?

Do you find calling a spade a spade easier than diplomacy?


You're at the right place then. Read on.


After reading books and armed with my own personal experience, I realized that,
 "People like being liked". Furthermore, we really wonder about how much we are liked by people and the reasons.
Some people base this on their looks, some on their personality and some base it on the number of people they call as friends.

Case in point. Some XYZ person posts something monumental on Facebook and it draws a zillion likes. Truth is, only 10 people who truly know the person, would have liked it. The others would have clicked the Like button just because the person is on their friend's list and it would be rude not to like something obviously important to the said person.

So, even when you don't really care about the person , you click the Like button and even more lame, give a comment that clearly shows it's not heart felt.

Why do we do it then? Is it because we don't want to be seen as rude? Or is it because we  don't want to be left out of the herd?

 There are few people I've met who smile and talk to everyone but really don't care much about the person they're waving to. Are they friendly? Or is the person who has two friends and sticks by them through thick and thin, friendly?

Even when we know the answer, why is it that we are hard on people who call a spade a spade? Sure, they lack diplomacy but is it not better than being two-faced or being lied ?

Truth be told, we have an inflated opinion about ourselves. Hence anyone who does not cater to that need of making us feel good, is not liked. The person who compliments you, flatters you and is other wise completely uninteresting on the other hand is seen as more friendly.

I, along with a few others [ Or wait.. is it just me?], fortunately belong to the species of humans that really can't get the art of being sociable.

Sure, I compliment people. But only when I really mean it. I cannot flatter a person even if they deserve it, but if I don't mean it.
I am very friendly with people whom I'm comfortable with or I truly know, the others... eh not much, because that would again be two-faced.

This might make some of us rebels, or the social out casts. But I'm proud that I belong to a dwindling breed of people who live life on their terms and don't bow to the herd mentality.

So, to the dwindling breed, if you are not popular with the herd, don't fret. You won't be able to stand them anyway. Appreciate the people who honestly criticize you, tell you things that really deflates your opinion about yourself or get angry at you. They may not congratulate you later when you succeed, but they are the ones who truly care.

 And finally, click the Like button only if you truly "Like" something. Respect yourself enough to be honest to yourself.



Remember, YOU ROCK!!!

Romantic Comedies for a Friday Evening

It's a recent ritual of mine that I hunt down Rom-Coms or just the Roms and stay glued to the screen. Some are not exactly chick-flicks, I'm sure a few men might watch them, if only to laugh about the delusions of women.

I like the happy endings, the occasional awwwww and the "I don't know whether I'm crying happy tears or sad tears" phenomenon. A major plus is that these Rom-Coms always have good looking men and women.

So, here's the list of movies I like to curl up with after a Friday dinner.


1. Kate and Leopold   


It's a fantasy movie with old school chivalry and absolute romance.

Leopold is a duke who apparently is caught up in the present day scenario and Kate is a career woman who searches for love. She's got a brother who's the perfect foil for these two. The characters are neatly etched and there's never a lull in the narration.
Meg Ryan was the undisputed queen of Romance movies back in the day.I fell in love with Hugh Jackman when I saw this movie, and for a time Leo was my imaginary boyfriend. Oh.. wait, he still is.

The roof top dinner scene

2. Chocolat 

I clicked the rewind just to see the scene when he says "What"

The story of Vianne, a confectioner single mother who comes to a new town with her daughter and sets up a chocolate shop in the otherwise strait-laced town. Roux and his band of gypsies are temporarily staying on the out skirts of the town and when these two meet, there's absolute fireworks!

I loved the town setting per se. It has a quintessential small town feel to it. The story revolves around the people of this town and we get to see their lives too. This one's a chick-flick through and through.

3. 50 First Dates

Nothing beats a first kiss ;-)

This is a wonderful Romantic Comedy that even guys dig. Drew Barrymore was awesome in this movie. Adam Sandler and his hilarious persona make the movie breezy. Half the time I was laughing and the rest of the time  I was like "awwwwww". 

The girl has a health condition which makes her think its one day before her accident, everyday. The next day she forgets everything and re- lives the day again.

The guy who loves her, wins her everyday, anew. Wow. Who does that in real life?? A complete gem, the whole family can enjoy.

4. Someone Like You

A must watch scene coz I was like awwww
and then had tears in my eyes.

 Chick Flick about a woman with a broken heart who finds love where she was not even looking. Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd play main roles in this movie. A must watch with girl pals, pop corn and pepsi.

5. Friends with Benefits


This movie is an universal Rom-Com because the boys and the girls will like this movie.
It has comedy, sex and romance. A good 'date movie' if you will.
Mila Kunis is a great actress. She has a very chirpy persona and a goofy attitude in this movie that kind of reminded me of myself. Especially the airport luggage scene. Anyhoo, a good movie over all.

She's Hot. He's cute. High-Five!

6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

The story about a guy who is heart broken and cannot get over his ex. Quite a funny and sweet movie. A huge favorite with the guys.

A sweet guy in real life too I heard..

The regular ones like 27 dresses, A walk to remember and others are done to death. These are a few treasures. Might add more for other write-ups. Enjoy Friday evenings :)

To me, from me with love.

To me with love,

Remember this time in your life. What does not kill you, only makes you stronger.

Turmoil and me go way long back. Sometimes, I cause it.. sometimes it's by the people around me. I know the  "This too shall pass.." line, but the patience in waiting for it to end is what drives me crazy.

I wish I could hide under a big rock waiting for my world to turn. I learnt that every time I fall, all I want to do is hibernate. Different people deal with things differently. The way I deal is, facing it all valiantly but hoping I could run off to the arctic circle.

It's all in the mind. My best friend and my worst enemy is my mind. My mind tells me to be patient at the same time is screaming on the emotional roller-coaster!

I once read that happiness is a state of the mind.I heartily agree. But I wonder how many times human beings out there say, "I am happy".
I have said those three words very often in life for the most mundane things. "I am happy" when I eat my chocolate ice cream. "I am happy" when I listen to a song I've just been thinking about. "I am happy" sometimes for reasons I can't fathom.

But, when the going gets tough and I'm on the verge of a break down.. All I can think of at the moment is getting the issue at hand, right. No amount of ice cream, kittens or songs derail me. I am single minded on the turmoil and nothing seems to rev my spirits up.

Then, I forget it all, and with a large smile on my face welcome the world again. I have my knocks. I fall down, scrape badly. But I always rise to stand. I never give up. I never lose hope. I realized that being a cynic in this world is easy, but having hope in the face of difficulty is tough.

And what makes me go on is the thought that I deserve a happy ending. :)

Rava Idly and Coriander Coconut Chutney

I was having this craving to make Rava Idly for the past one week, so today I tried this out after reading an online recipe. My first batch was really good so I was forced to make a second batch which was a damp squib. :(
So here's what to do and not to do for this delicacy.

Rava Idly :

Rava or Sooji-1 cup
Beaten Curd- 1 cup (I din't use a beater ,there's a utensil to grind
greens, I used that)
Green Chilies- 2 or 3
Chopped Curry leaves
Bengal Gram- adequate amount (It's for the Idly so not too much nor too little)
(Kadalai Paruppu)
Mustard seeds
Salt
Ghee
Oil

Method:

• First grease the Idly plates with adequate oil so that the Idly does not stick.
• Beat the curd while adding very little water. More of curd, less of water. just use water to clean the beater.
• In a pan heat the ghee with little oil and add the Bengal Gram. Use a medium flame. A high flame will burn the bengal gram.
• Add the mustard seeds. When the splatter, add the chilies and curry leaves and saute.
• Now add the Rava or sooji to this. Gradually saute this mixture. The only way to figure out if the Rava is cooked is with the smell and look of it. Rava should not turn brown.
• Now, add this hot mixture to the curd, wile gradually mixing the batter. Add little water to get normal batter consistency. Adding too much of water will cause the Idly to be very watery. 
• Add salt to this batter and mix well.
• Pour this batter immediately into the Idly plates and steam. Check with spoon once in a while to see whether the Idly is cooked.

Coriander Coconut Chutney :

Grated Coconut
Odacha Kadalai ( I dont want to confuse this with the other Bengal gram used above)
Chopped Coriander
Green Chilies
Oil
Urad Dal (little)
Curry leaves
Mustard seeds
Salt

• Grind the coconut,coriander,kadalai and chilies in a mixer. Add water for desired consistency.
• In a pan, heat the oil and splatter the Urad dal. When it turns little brown, add the Mustard seeds. Switch off the stove and add the curry leaves.
• Add this to the ground chutney.
• Add salt as per taste.

As I mentioned before, important things to note.

• Add little water. Too much water will collapse the Idly.
• From the online recipes I've read, it's vital to pour the batter into the Idly plates and steam as soon as possible once the Rava mixture is added to the curd.
• Use a spoon to check whether the Idly has cooked. The Idly should be stiff.

I got it right the first time, the second time, the Idly batter had more water and it made my cry. So, I'm gonna do this later to perfect the art of making Rava Idly :)

When people around you get on your nerves..

This happens to me most of the time, not withstanding that I manage to encompass myself alone. I have always wondered if it was my fault or theirs, then I realize it's a cumulative effort by all parties concerned except me. [It's a matter of perception. You think you're right and the offending folks may think you're wrong.]
Unfortunately you cannot stay away from the said parties when they happen to be your parents, siblings or friends.

So what can a person do short of banging doors, pulling your hair apart and screaming that is accompanied angry tears?

1. Smile inwardly and think of various forms of torture they'd be subjected to for trying to make your life miserable.

2. Be silent and know that this too shall pass.
( I do have a doubt though, does being silent and not retorting mean you're spineless and are taken advantage of or does that mean you're a bigger person????? ). I believe when you resort to the same tactics as people who make it their life's mission to  make you feel terrible, there's never much of a difference between the two.

3. I strongly support the motto "Every dog has its day."

4. I leave the vicinity as quietly as possible and indulge in something which makes me happy like listening to music, reading a book, eating a chocolate bar and anything which calms my synapses. (In this case, I'm blogging about the aforementioned predicament.)

5. And for those who do not follow the "Silent method", put them in place with a harsh wording. Then jump into the battle with guns blazing.

Lots of hurt, anger and tears follow this method. Hence, I prefer the deaf and dumb technique. I hear and don't reply all the while struggling valiantly not to care. This technique has not yet been mastered by me.

So how do you react when people get on your nerves??

The way I make my Sambar

Sambar is a staple dish in many south Indian households.However, the method to make Sambar differs from home to home. This is how I make my Sambar for a sumptuous lunch of Pumpkin-Sambar Rice.

Ingredients:

1 cup Toor Dal

Chopped Pumpkin
Chopped Onions
Chopped Tomatoes
Dried red Chilies (2 or 3)
Tamarind (Soak a little tamarind in a half a cup of water)
Mustard
Cumin seeds
Curry leaves
Oil
Chilli powder
Coriander(Dhania) Powder
Turmeric Powder
Salt

1. Boil the Toor Dal with 2 cups water in a cooker. (Water is twice the amount of Dal)
2. Once boiled, mash the Dal further, add another 2 or 3 cups of water and boil. (The amount of water varies with how thick you want the Sambar.)
3. In a pan, add oil and wait till the oil becomes a bit hot. Next, add Mustard and Cumin seeds. Curry leaves should be added last as they tend to get burnt quickly.
4. Add the chopped onions and saute till they turn brown. Add the dried red chilies.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and allow them to cook.
6. Once the tomatoes are cooked, I add a little of chilli powder, dhania powder and salt.
7. I add this mixture to the boiling dal and water.
8. Next, I add the raw pumpkin to the above. (Pumpkin, beans, drumstick, eggplant  can be added raw. Ladies finger is added after they are sauteed with onions and tomatoes).
9. Add sufficient quantities of chilli powder, dhaniya powder and salt. (I usually add 1 and a half teaspoons and then keep tasting the Sambar to get the right taste and add more if necessary.)
10. Add the tamarind water after straining the tamarind to the sambar. Let the Sambar boil for a few minutes. Check the taste and add chilli powder or salt as needed and let the Sambar boil.

Raw Banana (Vaazhakai) fry

1. Peel the skin of the Raw banana and cut it horizontally into small pieces. While cutting, gradually add the pieces in water.
2. Strain the water and marinate the raw banana pieces with sufficient amount of chilli powder and salt fora few minutes.
3. In a pan, add oil, mustard and curry leaves. To this, add the marinated raw banana pieces. Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for 5-10 minutes sauteing them at intervals.

Inside the mind of an Indian Male

Alright, not all men are degenerate but even seemingly normal men sometimes get on the nerves of the fairer sex. I have always been a crusader of decent men, but I believe that the 'decent' Homosapien is a threatened species. In all my female life, my interactions with this species has been painfully sparse. This is my feeble attempt at studying the mind of the Indian Male and its perceptions.

* Food --- Lots of it. (I'm yet to come across an Indian male who eats less)

* Sex --- A study suggests that 54% men think about sex everyday or several times a day! The male species never ceases to amaze me.

* A woman walking on the road, irrespective of what she's wearing --- Stare at her bosom and or derriere.

* A girl wearing trousers and a T-shirt (unless it resembles a sack) ---- Look at the way she's dressed / She's inviting trouble / She's easy / I can misbehave and she won't mind.

* A woman --- Fit only for household chores / Sex ( Predominantly because the Indian Society is a hypocrite, we are connoisseurs who gave the world the Kamasutra, but sex remains a taboo and women are still objects.)

* Looking for a wife --- Beautiful,tall,slim,fair with a high dowry and good salary ( The guy in question looks like and has a temperament of a baboon).

* Wife --- (Read Woman), brood mare with preference for male offspring(female offspring reflects on the woman and not the man), may provide financial support but must slog for the house too. In the case of not providing financial support, she better not raise her voice.

* Sister --- Better get her married off as soon as possible/ She has absolutely no rights over our Father's property.

* Daughter --- Provide her education, ensure she gets a job and get her married off. Daughter is duty, nothing else.

* Money --- Required for smooth-sailing with all of the above/ booze / any other decadent expenditure only the male mind will incur.

Then there's a section of the male population which has a completely different selection criteria for a woman to love or a girlfriend and a woman to marry. The male population however can sow its wild oats and can gloat about being 'experienced'. Married or not, monogamy is severely under-rated in today's world.

So I believe, majority of the Indian male mindset revolves around the above, if not all of them.