It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday....

Actually it's really not that hard, I felt like poop yesterday...Literally. I feel so much better! I'm enjoying spicy food again, I'm going out not fearing a sudden upset tummy. However, it is bitter sweet. I am leaving Mumbai, and heading towards Kerela. I'm excited to see my parents and my cousins. However, I did enjoy my in laws so much, and they took such good care of me. Kerelas weather is going to be killer hot. My mom said she had to change her clothes 3 times cause she sweat so bad. I talked to Lindsey today, and she told me Sammi is not being such a good boy. I'm sorry Lindsey!!! Tinu and I were thinking of ways to calm Sammi down, and have him behave. I found myself thinking, wait till I get home. Have your parents ever said that to you? " Just wait till we get home" or that evil crazy look they give you, like "your butts mine when we get home." But you think to yourself, we're not leaving for another hour, if I'm gonna get beat, might as well make it worth it. That's what Sammi is doing, and boy oh boy is he gonna get the hurt. I'm so turning into my father, and every other Malu father out there. Thank you Lindsey for watching him, and being such a great friend. I hope you don't hate Sammi, cause Sammi really loves you. How crazy do I sound? Okay my friends, I must finish packing. I may get the Internet in kerela so please write me. Keep me posted on every little thing!!! Did Tricia have her twins? What are they? Did she name them Tinu and Asha???? Tinu and I are trying to stay updated on the playoffs. We jump online to keep up with the scores. Every time Cleavland scored, Tinu would do a funky/geeky/cute dance. Every time pistons scored, I'd do a cool/fun/hip dance. When the game was over, I ran into the room to check the score, and there was Tinu in the bathroom, dancing around with his hands waving up in the air and shaking his booty like a white boy. (sorry to all the white boys reading this). You guys have no clue how annoyed I was. He's talking so much trash. Pistons need to win, so I can do a dance, I mean I do got some hot moves.

WHAT'S UP DOC

My mother in law called the doctor to come and see me yesterday. I really didn't want to see a doc cause I thought it was just to silly to have a doctor come see me over my tummy problems. I just felt sick, weak, I just wanted to sleep all the time., I took a nap from 2-8, I would have slept longer if Tinu didn't wake me up. Then I fell asleep again from 10-6. Well the doctor came, and said some funny things like, "you are so hot, you must be running a fever." So i replied, "no I'm just really hot cause its just really hot weather." DUH!! "Then she said your pulse is beating fast. " I could see my mother in law and Tinu look worried. The only reason I pulse was beating fast, is cause this lady was trying to make me feel, or think I had malaria or something. Anyways, she wrote out some meds, which I think is making me nauseous and caused me to throw up. I feel much better today, I'm keeping hydrated and my mother in law is taking such good care of me. We leave day after tomorrow to go to Kerela. My mom is already there, and she said it's crazy hot. I can't believe it can get hotter than it already is. I'm excited to see my cousins and laugh with them. Tinu and I may slip away for a day and just spend some alone time together. Any good gossip back at home someone could share with me????

May 27, 2005

Who knows what happened 2 years ago today????? Okay I'll tell you, a special person in my life met a couple of my close friends and took us out to dinner. Not only did my friends love him my parents and brother adored him. I was head over heals all mushy over him. After an amazing day, where I thought it couldn't get any better, he proposed! This was one of the very best days in my entire life! I love you Tinu! Thank you for making every day even better. Okay you all can go vomit now.

The Motions

Yesterday we were on the road for most of the day. My father in law got a new job in the teaching field so we went and checked out the school. I was very impressed. Flat screens as computer monitor, bio and chem room all set up. It was not at all what I expected. His last job was at a Highschool where all the celebrities such as Shuru Kahn sends there kids. We drove past the highshool, it looked soo nice. The 12 richest person in the world, Mr. Ambhani owns this school. We also went looking for flats which are closer to the new school. There was one nice one but it was a bit away. We then went out to eat, had some butter chicken and some other stuff. I was hungry so I ate...I also paid the price. After lunch we went and visited my cousin Anitha and her family. It was so nice to see her after seven years. I had never met her husband or two kids, so it was nice to meet everyone. We stayed there for awhile and laughed and just enjoyed each other. We headed out after a couple of hours, and then headed to bed. Around 3 in the morning my tummy started hurting...and then it was over. As my father and mother in law would say, "loose motion" Yes guys, I have the motions. They began asking me questions when I told them my tummy wasn't feeling well, "is it loose?" "does it come out a little at a time?" "is there sharp pain?" "are you gassy?" I answered yes to all with no shame, because that was exactly how I felt. I thought to myself you guys have all been here at one point or another, or you wouldn't know all these questions to ask, so I had a sense of freedom to say Yes, Yes, Yes. No need to be scared, I will survive, my tummy feels a whole lot better. However, I am very tired. The picture I posted is of my Father and Sharu Kahn, this is just for you Felicia. For all who don't know, he's a big movie star here, like Brad Pitt. All the ladies, and some men go gaagaagoogoo over him. I have no clue why, I start twitching when he speaks English, I'll have to imitate it for you one day. Felicia you know what I'm talking about! Keep me posted with the Pistons please.

NEWS FLASH

Today was the day I got to call and find out if I passed my Teachers Certification Exams for Ohio. You guys have no clue how scared I was, I mean if you read my last blog you would know I wasn't having such a great day. I gathered all the courage I could and picked up the phone and called. Gave them all the info they needed and then..drum roll please......Education of Young Children...PASSED, PLT Early Childhood....PASSED. I turned to Tinu and said I passed both. Then I went out in the living room and gave my mother in law a high five and told her I passed. Thank you to all who prayed for me, listened to me, encouraged me, and totally loved on me. Big thank you to Tinu who had to live with my paranoid booty for the past 2 months, and totally being so amazingly patient and supportive. God is so good, He smiled at me today, and paid me a compliment. Okay now I need my friends to start praying that a job opens up.

Is There Something Hanging From My Nose?

I went shopping today, not as enjoyable as I thought it would be. The mall was just like the ones we have back at home, plus the birds that flew around in it. It felt like Wayne State, dang birds coming up to you. They had an eatery there, and one restaurant was McDonalds,my mother in law got the Mc chicken. It had chutney in it instead of Mayo. But it was really nice. I was impressed with how much Bombay has changed. I bought a couple of things, which was nice. However, people wouldn't stop staring at me. I was so annoyed, and getting very self conscience. No one smiles here. It sucks. I smile all the freek'n time, but no one ever smiles back. Why? Smiles are nice, staring is not. So I thought to myself next time some monkey stares without smiling, I'm talking to their rude butt. So I looked at the security guy at the mall, and caught him looking at us, and then I turned to him and smiled. NOTHING!! so then I asked with a smile.. "Hello, how are you today?" He looked at me, gave me a smile....WOOOFREEKINHOOOOO...and then he spoke, "Fine madam." I mean madam was a bit too much, but I'd take it, I'd take anything then just a freekin stare. I seriously felt like something was hanging from my nose. As much as I love staying with my in laws, I really do miss home. So I need some cheering up. Will you help me out here, smile back at me with a funny story?
Question: Whats the funniest thing you have ever seen, done, or/and heard?? Or write me anything you think would make me crack up. The funniest one, will give me the freedom of knowing I have nothing hanging from my nose...and in fact I have a cute nose, a precious nose, a nose that deserves a smile. Oh yeah and I'll get you a Mc curry chicken. AKA Mc Nasty.
PS. I've changed my settings, so anyone can comment. (pic of the mall in bombay)

Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road.

Hello my little friends. It is our third day in Bombay, and it has been lovely. Tinu and I are still out of wack with our sleep. It's very hot here, I'm sweating in places I never knew I could sweat. My bedroom window faces out to the Arabian sea, it is absolutely beautiful. Tinu drove his parents car today. You guys have no idea the amount of fear that was rushing through my body. Cars were headed right towards us, people do not care, they manage to squeeze in. He did great, we came home alive. We went shopping today and walked around. For a third world country, I'm pretty impressed with the services they provide. I went and got my eye brows done, and a lady is coming to the house to do my nails. Yes, please call me queen asha. No for real though, Tinu's parents have a lady come in and clean. I was reading a book and she was wiping the tables around me, I couldn't stand it. I wanted so bad to help her, but I knew I couldn't, I washed the plates earlier and she went nutty. They work for so little, it's so sad. One thing here I notice is that, if people need money they will work, they will do anything and everything just to survive. I haven't seen anyone stand out on the side of the road with a cup that says, I'm poor, give me money. I have however seen men, women, children sleeping on the side walk, under a bridge, next to a dog. We are so blessed, we need to share our blessings.
We just finished lunch and it was good! Nothing better than real Indian food. I think I'm gonna crash. I found out Jordan won American Idol. YEAH!!ANDDDDDDDDDDDDD pistons are kicking some Cleavland booty. If pistons wins the series I get to blow 100 bucks on anything I want. so keep me posted. Okay guys I need to go wipe my upper lip, beads of sweat is dripping down. I know I'm sexy.

I HAVE ARRIVED TO THE MOTHER LAND

Hey guys Tinu and I safely made it to Bombay. We are now at his parents house. I was all emotional before I left. I'm calming down now. It was a good but long ride over. Things have changed since the last time I came to India. I got to watch movies, on my own personal screen!! I started watching movies and then the motion sickness meds would kick in and I'd be passed out. Everything went great! Tinu's parents were at the airport and it was so nice to see them. We are at their place, about to go to sleep. They live in a really nice place, and the area around them is beautiful. The heat wasn't that bad when we got here. It was actually really nice. My parents are at the airport in Bombay waiting to catch their flight to Cochin at 545am. Pray they get there safely with no problems. I'm going enjoy my week in Bombay with Tinu and his parents, also my parents, but I don't want to confuse anyone about where my parents will be. That probably confused you. One thing that stuck out as we were driving along the streets while other cars were driving the opposite way in the same lane, was the amount of stray dogs there are here. INSANE! Oh I miss Sammi! Love you guys! I'll write more later, it is like 330am, I'm gonna crash! Hey who won pistons or cavalier??? Let me know!

Happy Anniversary Moms and Pops

We are packed!!! I have to give all credit to Tinu, he packed everything so well. I went shopping while he packed, yes I'm blessed. We have 4 suitcases. Isn't that crazy, I have no clue what we packed. I mean we bought gifts for people, but nothing crazy. I bet all of it is my clothes. It's funny cause last week when I was visiting my parents, I saw all the stuff they bought to take to India. My dad gets a bit nutty when it comes to taking things to India. In one plastic bag was a loaf of wheat bread. Why? It's my Dad's birthday tomorrow. Today was their anniversary. They've been married for 38 years. How do our (Malyalee) parents do it? Tinu and I went through premarital counseling, then we did a couples book together which we continue to do. I continue to read about marriage and how to better it. How did our parents do it? My dad and mom saw each other once before they got married. I think it has to be purely God. My Mom always prayed and I know God honored that. There has to be a sense of Grace God pours down on our parents to allow them to continue on when there are so many bumps in the road. Even in the storms God is still working. They were and are great parents, they continue to give so much of anything and everything they got to Tinu and I. If it wasn't for my parents blessing and Gods discernment, Tinu and I wouldn't be together. It was always so hard to honor my parents, but when I did, God honored all my desires and sent me a man who is more than I could ever have asked for and imagined. Back to my parents, I get side tracked when I talk about Tinu. My parents are so loving, I can pick up the phone any time for anything, and my dad and mom will always be so excited to hear from me, it makes me feel so good. I hope I give them the same feeling. They have raised my brother and me the best as they could. I was a brat growing up, I still am. But I realize now how blessed I was. My Dad is a man that helps anyone anytime. He will take his shirt of his back for anyone. He cracks crazy jokes, he loves to see others laugh. He knows how to fix anything. He loves to get cards and give it to us. I mean nice cards, cards that he takes time to pick out. How many men does that? My mom is a loyal wife, and women who forgives. My mom physically isn't very strong. However, as a human being she has so much inner strength It's strength of God who dwells in her. She's been soo happy lately because of her grand daughter. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time. I love it. She lives to love on her children. I pray I'm wife and mother like her. Now there are no kids at home, and they are retired. That's what their life was about, children and work. Now what do they talk about? The shows they see on Asia net? Is that all? Is there more? The grand babies (grand baby for now). They both are such fun people. I use to remember seeing them snuggling on the couch while they watched TV, I would almost lose my lunch. Now I love it. I use to think my dad was teasing my mom when ever she would get dressed up to go somewhere. He would say in Malayalam "oh look at you looking all good." but now I realize, he was being sweet and telling her she looked pretty. Playa!! My prayer for my parents is that God will allow them to fall in love with each other even more, to live a life of happiness and fun together. I pray that my brother and I will speak encouragement and love into their lives. That they will know by our words how wonderful they are. I love you Mommy and Papa!!

Marvelously Made

For the past year I had the joy to mentor and tutor Thursday evenings at my church, the program is called Whiz Kids. We partner up with the local school district and spend an hour and a half with them. When they arrive they get a healthy snack and then the mentor and child sit and review homework, read together, practice math facts, play educational games talk about thier day and family. At the end of one hour there is Club time. At Club different mentors talk about Jesus, discussing his life, and how much he loves us. There is usually a project to go along with it, and then we pray. This was a great way to reach out to students not only when they are being academically challenged, but also emotionally and socially. It allows us to build a relationship into their lives, and to provide a safe place. This year I worked with a little girl who is very bright, but came from a home where there was emotional stress. Her challenge was how to deal with emotions in appropriate way, instead of crying, yelling and storming out. We first developed a friendship, and then as time went by she began to share with me some of her fears and issues she was dealing with. My heart broke when I heard about the sadness this seven year old was carrying. No one would ever know by the way she interacted with people, she was very outgoing and had a strong personality. With in this past year she has grown academically, socially, and emotionally. She has learned that her feelings of anger, hurt, sadness is okay, but not to let those feelings control her. She has taught me to be patient, to listen, to laugh more, and to appreciate my parents for their sacrifices and unconditional love. Yesterday was my last day of Whiz Kids. I believe in the fall we will be together again. I pray that this summer God will keep her safe, he will hold her in the palm of His hands, that she will know that she is special and allow her to laugh and love, to enjoy being a child. I encourage you to be a mentor in a childs life. One hour a week can help a child be happy. To feel as if they are important and that someone cares about them. To help them make good choices in life to confide thier fears and hopes in someone. To know they were marvelously made.

"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mohter's womb.
I thank you, High God-you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration-what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
You know every bone in my body,
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
the days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day. "
Psalms 139:13-16

FACE OFF

"Relationships with parents, siblings, spouses and friends shape the very character of who we are and how we view God. Unfortunately, many relationships, even among believers, have been wounded by various forms of abuse. In some respects, abuse has already woven its hold into the fabric of our Malayalee cultural and social norms. We have kept this secret hidden far too long. Now is the time to FACE OFF and confront these hidden issues within in order to bring healing and restoration back to our community.

This year at PCNAK, we will be having a seminar that will target this very issue. First, we will identify and discuss the basic forms of abuse. We will then use statistical evidence and case studies to explore its effects in areas of our walk with Christ and relationship with others. Finally, faith based teaching coupled with break-out sessions will address what it means to seek God for inner healing and forgiveness and where to find help.

Whether you have been a victim or know of someone who has, the truth of the matter is-- each of us has been or will be affected by abuse. It is time we acknowledge what is happening in our community and take a stand against this injustice once and for all. Knowing that God stands on behalf of the oppressed and the vulnerable, we must stand with Him as well." Renta Varghese

Silly little Nuts

So I think I will start packing today, the thought of packing just makes me all queasy inside. It's not the fact of packing, it's the fact of immigration going through our stuff. Ever since I was a little girl the memory of going to India was always nerve wrecking when we got to immigration. I seriously felt like we were smuggling a body in. My dad would get very worked up, he would be putting the suitcases on the belt in such a rush and hurrying us to go through. Then when the big scary man with a gun on his side pocket would ask "Are you bringing anything into the country." I would think what in the world? Who trained you fools to ask these questions, would you look at the 8 big suitcases, of course we are bringing stuff Sherlock! Then my dad, would respond, with beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "No, nothing, nothing at all." Then the officer would look at him like, I've been trained to tell if one is lying. "Open the cases." I just remember hanging my head low and thinking this is the end of the road for us, love you moms love you bro. The officers would open it up and start going through it. They'd find a plant...Kariappla plant (curry leaves) Officer would look at my dad, "Sir you can't bring plants over." My dad would seem so confused."I don't know how that got in there." DOH! Pappa!!! Then my dad would take out like a 20 dollar bill wave it discretely in front of his face and say, "I don't think you know either." That's when I'd throw my arms back and say just book me now. At one point during the intergation the officer pulls out a plastic bag and digs his hand into it, "whats in this bag" my dad replys "Oh that is nothing just my dirty underwear" at one point of the search my dad conviently forgets how to speak english. So as I stare at my Kellogg's granola bars, and trail mix I wonder will I be doing time for these silly little nuts??

Hello Blogger World

I have decided to be a blogger. I don't know how intresting this will be, since I really don't have an exciting life. However, very weird things tend to happen to me during the day. All I want to do at that moment is turn to someone and share my utter shock. Since I do not have a job, and my husband is working, you my blogger friends will have the joy of sharing with me my daily interactions with the world! I will be sharing tons of stories of my puppy sammi, yes I know you are ecstatic. He's an amazing dog, very smart, very hyper. He's a mixture of something...we are not quite sure. I'm leaving him for a month while I go to India. I'm extremely sad. I pray he doesn't tear my house apart. We are leaving in 5 days to go back to the mother land. It's insane the amount of money one spends to get ready to go to India. I have mixed emotions. I'm meeting Tinu's side of the family. I really won't know what to say since I speak Manglish. I hear it's like over 100 degrees there. BLAH! I'm okay thought I bought myself hand held fans. Yeah they'll never know I'm a tourist. I have to say I am excited to see my cousins, I haven't seen them for eight years. I promised myself I wouldn't go back till after I was married. Shoot I ain't no fool, I know how it is. They'd have me walk out with chiya to give to some man named Babu. No thank you, not my cup of tea nor will it be Babu's. One thing I really wanted to do is work at an orphanage there, but it didn't' work out. It could have worked out, but I didn't plan it very well. Anyways I'll be gone from my Sammi for a month May 21-June 16. Lindsay a friend from Church will be house sitting, thank God for good friends.