THE YEAR THAT WAS

I just realized that we are being ushered into the last week of the year! Yes 2009 is coming to an end. The year 2009 has been rather eventful. I've had several beautiful moments, several learning experiences and made many good friends. The year gave me the opportunity to write a lot! I got a health column to write, a column on colleges and a column on inspiring leaders. I also got an opportunity to do a health supplement single handedly on Mylapore. With all this writing I learnt so much. The most beautiful part of the year was the time I managed to befriend Nina. Its been amazing knowing her. I wouldve been reluctant to interact with her considering the age diff n of course her status but she eased things out for me. And I certainly believe Baba is connecting us and will keep us connected for ever. I've spent some of my happiest and most memorable moments of the year with her. From being at her stunningly beautiful beach house to attending duchess meetings and all her 02 programmes every moment spent with her made me happy! The month of August wasnt great. I went through a bad bout of depression and messed things for myself. I didnt know if things would be like before for me. A trip to Shirdi happened on 1st September. With Baba's blessings I recovered and am back to being my normal bubbly self. I have joined the Duchess club which was a long standing promise to Nina. I have had tough moments during the year in terms of business as well. But have sailed through it all. I look forward to a more beautiful, a more fulfilling and a more prosperous 2010.

MRS CHENNAI FINALE....A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

An event which I had been hearing about for the last couple of years but never had the chance to witness has to be the Mrs Chennai. Last year I went for the prelimary rounds but did not watch the finale! This year I decided to go. I had 2 reasons- My friend Rashmi Bothra being a finalist and of course Nina being honoured with the honorary Mrs Chennai crown this year! The latter is probably what drew me more to it as my mom said! I managed a press pass and was there on the dot at 6.30. But when do events begin on time? Yeah they began an hour late. The show started with a curtain raiser dance by all the finalists. Then came the question answer round which went well. Dr Kamala selvaraj released a brochure on the 10 years of Mrs Chennai. Just before the talent round Nina was crowned the honorary mrs chennai by actor Vivek. It was amazing to see her on stage with the crown and the sash! I could hear people behind me saying - " she looks cute." This was followed by the talent round. My friend Rashmi danced well. She made it to the final 6. The question answer round here messed up her chance. she is not someone who follows current affairs. the question put to her was " was it a wise and correct decision to give obama the nobel peace prize?
and she said yes!! Sadly she didnt feature among the winners! But no regrets! Am sure she has a good learning experience! This year they had a seperate competition for the forty plus and 50 plus as well! The event ended as late as 11 PM. After this we managed to take pics with Nina. Was a great evening and was amazing to see that so many of us had turned up there just to see Nina being crowned! It was indeed a befitting honour for her!

Celebration of Good life!

Two weeks ago I received this beautiful invitation from a well known doctor in Chennai. Amazed at the beauty of the thought of organizing such a programme I immediately accepted to attend the party!

Dear Friend

Every once in a while someone comes along in our lives
Whose touch, smile, hug, helping hand or kind word sinks deep into our hearts
Leaving an indelible mark which warms the soul
Parties,Get togethers, Conferences, Associations, sms, Email,Phones
We hang on to these activities for this very reason
We all need somebody to back us up
This is the GOOD LIFE
Each one of you have performed that service to me over the years and I would like you to join me to celebrate my Good Life.
This is just my way of acknowledging, appreciating and thanking each of you for your love and support.
I need you to be there for me in all that I do.
Please join me for a celebration of the GOOD LIFE
Note : It is not my birthday or anniversary, so just bring yourself and your good heart. No presents please.

As I walked into the party hall I was asked to write my contact details in a notebook. The fellowship and high tea was on and I met lots of new people. All of us were curious to know what the good life celebrations was all about! Sharp at 8, with our plates in hand, we sat and watched the presentation given my doc! An amazing PPT she had different thoughts about how all of us had given her a good life! Some by being good friends, some by giving her compliments when she needed them, Some my sending her emails which left her laughing and pondering and of course by just being our good selves! She thanked all of us! And then came the part which really left us pondering. She wanted us to do something for Caregivers. She told us how people who have parents, spouses, children with disabilities or disorders which require constant care are bound to their houses. they have no space,no opportunity for an outing, no one to speak to and how helpless they are. One gentleman whose wife has alzheiemers shared his experience with us. It was indeed touching. We decided to form an egroup and start brain storming on this. Each one of us can make a difference to these care givers. A small outing once a month can make a huge difference to someone who is stuck in the 4 walls of the house! Aloha our e group is all ready to act and to make a difference!