Part 1: Pre-India FestTime: 8:30 pm -- night before India Fest Location: Niyati's House The first and last practice that we have as a group (Niyati, Asmita and I). There's still a bit of choreography and a lot of coordination left. We inhale our pizza and start soon after. These were good times; lot of messing around, snap-chatting, ice cream and of course, dance :) These are the memories we will cherish forever. Part 2: India FestTime: 8 am -- 6 pm Location: Niyati's House; Temple We were all up at normal time and started to get ready for the performance. We were all planning to get ready at Niyati's house, so I took a shower and threw on some clothes before leaving. The weather wasn't the best...gray clouds suffocated the sky, but it hadn't started raining yet. We reached her house and practiced a couple times before starting to get ready. My dad had already gone on and said he would text us about an hour before the program started. That should be the time we left from her house. When he actually sent the text, we hadn't even started to get ready yet. We had finished practice and only just started to dress. Asmita and I were also in the Fashion show and were supposed to dress up like Madhuri and Aishwarya Rai from Devdas so there was a lot of prep work. We left when the 6th program was going on. We were the 13th. I would take us at least 20 minutes to get to the temple. It was raining quite hard at this point. Forget walking down the ramp on time; we weren't even sure if we could walk through the door on time. I hate to keep you guys in suspense, but I know this is very exciting ;) Ok, I'll tell you, yes we did make it (even if it was about 5 minutes before we were up). Overall, the 10 minute fashion show turned out to be a success. Everyone looked great, and most importantly, no one fell (and since we were the characters from Devdas, we even did one of the famous steps) As soon as that part of the afternoon was completed, both of us had to immediately change for the actual dance. In about 30 minutes (with butterflies eating out the inside of our stomachs) the music was cued, and we danced. And we danced. And no matter what, we danced. Although I have to admit that the performance could have gone a bit better, based on the limited amount of time that we had to practice, I would say that it went off alright. But I have to say, normally when we dance on stage, the song goes by really fast and the music ends before we even realize it. This time, I felt like we were dancing for a much longer time than what we originally practiced with. Not sure why... After the actual dance, I had to MC (for the first time!) to a dying crowd (...). Not the very best experience but it was all worth it. By the end of the MCing it was about 5. I hadn't eaten anything but one bowl of cereal from that morning at about 8. Now if you know me, you may also know that I have to be constantly fed in order for me to even be on my feet. During the performances that I had to MC for I had a couple of chips, but other than that nothing had gone through my normally bottomless pit. So as soon as we could, the three of us went out to scavenge for some food. Now, a large part of India Fest in the numerous stalls that are outside, filled with clothes, jewelry, paintings, and of course, snacks. But with our luck, by the time we were able to make it outside, most of the stalls had already packed up. Fortunately, we were able to find one last stall selling bhel, all the way in the back. When asked, we made it extra large and extra spicy, in order to satisfy 3 girls hungry stomachs (I'm actually surprised we had stomachs at all because of all the butterflies that were in it). Not only could we barely hold it because it was so full, but (once we got a table) when we went to eat it, it started to fall out! In fact, I was forced to use my backup fork that I took just in case things got out of hand. (For instances like this it is always good to be prepared.) By the end... Well I guess you can see that... Although the weather may not have been up in spirits, everyone over there sure was :) Part 3: Post-India FestTime: 7 pm -- 11 pm
Location: The Mehta's residence Soon after we got home we were off again, this time to Manavi and Pranav's house for a Holi/Pool party.Even though the water was freezing, the jacuzzi was actually really hot and even though I spent a long time straightening my hair for earlier today, it still felt nice and it was a good way to end the break :) But the hardest part? Not being able to eat uncle's famous chicken, which smelled ohh soo delightful when he teasingly waved it under my nose.
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The first part of the title is not the whole truth. It's not a lie; just, not the whole truth. Actually, I got up this morning and I did henna on my hand, but henna is not two word title. Plus, hand tattoo sounds a lot cooler.
Either way, (out of the blue) I was in the mood for henna. So I searched up a design and I would have to say that it turned out decently :) Next order of business: Lunch. When my mom was in the midst of thinking of what to make for lunch, Ajit Uncle stopped by to give us a bit of food that they made at home. Now, aunty mentioned that they were just 'trying' out something new. I had no idea a trial could come out this perfect. We were brought creamy tomato soup, buttery bread (from Boston!!) and a lettuce wrap. This was a vegetarian Indian twist on the P.F. Changs Lettuce Wrap. Instead of beef or chicken, it was substituted with paneer (a form of cottage cheese), and a lot of different spices blended to perfection. The meal was heavenly. Shoba Aunty, if you are reading this, thank you so much! With a full stomach, and after a quick nap, mom and I decided to put the raspberry plant in a large pot outside my bedroom window. The challenge? The pot that the raspberry plant was supposed to go in had another large jasmine plant in it. We took that plant out, dug a hole in the ground (which is a lot harder than it looks), and placed it in the soil. We then transferred the raspberry plant into the pot, and covered it with soil. In the meantime, I also made a couple of new creepy crawly friends ;) This is the first time I've held an earthworm. Or the first time I've gardened. Not bad for a days work. Actually the title should be:
Lights, Camera, (cue attractive male figure) aaaannnddd Action This evening, after a day at the temple with rehearsals for the upcoming India Fest, my friends and I headed to the movies, in DownTown Disney The extra? Katherine was able to make it as well! She had come back down to spend her spring break in Orlando, and after about 3 (?) years, we got to see her again. After paying for an overpriced ticket (actually it wasn't that bad..) we took our seats in a relatively empty theater and watched Divergent. I guess most people went the first couple days it showed. (Let me add: we went on Sunday. The movie came out on Friday. And it is a box office hit. So that ^ statement was not sarcasm.) The movie itself? Fantastic. Although there hasn't been a single movie version of a book, that's been as good as the book, this one came pretty close. It did miss out some details here and there, the over all plot was fairly accurate. Only one thing bothered me just a little bit...The age difference between Shaline Woodly and Theo James. Although Shaline (Tris) looks to be about 16, the age she is supposed to portray based on the novel, Theo is supposed to play a 24 year old. Not only is this inaccurate (he was supposed to only be 18) but in real life, he is actually 28 years old. Now, although some people may disagree, I feel that they needed someone who looked a bit...younger...to play our Four. On the other hand, I can't deny the fact that Theo James is quite gorgeous ;) But apart from that, the movie was spectacular, and definitely worth a watch, especially if you have read the book. This morning we went to the temple and I got the opportunity to talk a bit about Bharatanatym, the form of dance that I've been learning for most of my life. It was a really great opportunity to explain (and show) something that I really love. It was nothing big; all taking place in a small room, there were about 25-30 students from UCF who were touring the whole temple, and this (the dance plus another music segment that featured the tabalas) was one of the last parts. The entire presentation was no more than 15 minutes, in which I talked about the form of dance and its history, and concluded with a small item. I felt that it was a great way to expand the knowledge of others who may not be aware, and it was a great way to give them insight on this marvelous art form.
Plus, I got flowers at the end c: Thursday morning started out like any other day. I woke up, got ready, went to school. The 'only' difference? I didn't have a backpack and attended a period and a half. On top of that we even went to Dr. Weaver's room for first period and started watching Harry Potter. We did close to nothing during second period, and left about halfway through. But why? you may ask, for such unusual behavior? It is because we weren't going to be spending the day at school (as you probably already know). Instead we were going to have our first IB field trip of the year to Islands of Adventure!! And everyone was excited. From the moment we reached to the moment we left was a day full of fun. I got to spend the day with the most amazing people and we had such a great time. I can't tell any stories because there were just too many. From tan lines, to Popeye's, to running in order to 'catch' the bus with starbucks dripping down my hand, the day turned out to be incredible and unforgettable. And what made the day even better? We got to go on all the rides we wanted, some even more than once ;) Thanks to everyone who made this day so special. I love you all :) We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun :)
On this bright, beautiful Sunday morning, we hear the doorbell ring at 8 o'clock, and I hurry to get it, with half a bagel in my mouth. But this is no surprise visit from anyone, but rather it is Angela who is coming with us to visit the temple! I haven't seen her since the last day of junior high, so this is the perfect 'excuse' for us to reunite again. Angela is here for a human geography project for her school, and one part was to visit the place of worship of any religion (apart from her own). After she changed into one of my Indian outfits, we started the interview. Truthfully, I was surprised that I could answer all these questions, although I wasn't sure about certain one's like what my purpose was on Earth (is it just to do good? Is there even a right answer?).
After about 20 minutes she was almost out of questions, but it was perfect timing. We had reached. Our temple has three different buildings. We first went to the prayer session at the mission where the classes would later take place (aka. Chinmaya Mission :) After the complete opening prayers, we made our way down to the hall/canteen. I showed her the area where different ceremonies and functions would take place and gave her a very brief tour of the inside (there wasn't much to see in the first place) Finally, we went to the actual temple. Inside, I explained the stories about different Gods, she got to ring the bell, and we even ended the day with a small prasad (offering made to God). Overall, I felt it was a great day :) Not only did Angela learn a bit about some Hindu traditions and culture (I hope ;) but I had a great time catching up with her!! The title of this post was the only thing I wrote/did today relating to 3.14.14. We didn't even eat pie. On the bright side, as I was walking to my locker between classes today, I noticed a couple of mentally disabled kids trying to sell (what looked like homemade) cookies in the hall. No one was really paying attention to them, despite the efforts put forth. So on the way back to class, I decided to buy a cookie. As I placed the money in the boy's hand, the joy on his face was incomparable. He handed me the cookie, said a thank you, and before I was even out of earshot, he ran back to class to tell his teacher about the sale and give her the money. It made me really glad that such small things can give one person so much happiness. We should learn from the people who have less, but can make it the most. ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- Oh but my mom made flan! That kinda count's as pie, right? On Saturday morning my dad left for India as a way to surprise his folks back home (yes. I just said folks). He got on the 8 o'clock flight, reached Newark, and even met Ashish. Everything was fine and dandy. His flight to leave the country was to be at around 8 in the evening and since he was traveling standby, technically he wouldn't know if he is able to get on the flight until about an hour before departure. At around 7, we get a text that he successfully did get the ticket, and is currently on the plane.
Side story: My father NEVER gets on the plane so easily. Its either the a problem with the ticket, or the flight is too full, or (true story) he slept right through it. So we were pleasantly surprised when we found out that he was on. What could possibly go wrong? 8:16 -- Ok...bye bye... almost ready for take off.ttyl 8:18 -- Ok..problem with power 8:18 -- So will be around for some more time 8:19 -- Auxillary power being started ...... 9:42 -- We r still here 9:55 -- Status of flight is not yet definitive and alternate plans are being looked into 9:58 -- Which means we won't be able to leave tomorrow or the day after 9:58 -- Captain just announced this aircraft will not be flying tonight 9:59 -- And we r deplaning now This was the exact conversation between him and my mom (his side only..) How crazy were we to think that today would be any different?? Anyway, he did board the flight the next morning, and reached by 6am our time. Upon reaching his house, his parents got a surprise of a lifetime :) They expected him to be on a business trip in California. So why didn't I post this on Sunday, and wait until Thursday night? First of all, I couldn't until everyone over there knew. Second of all....I'm lazy. Can't help that part sorry. If you asked me to answer honestly, I would say that I fell like AP Environmental Science is an okay class, but the projects we do in that class are of no use (Mrs. WIlliams I hope you aren't reading this....). Sure, I get the hand on experience and get accustomed to the concept, but why is it required to spend 3 weeks on one simple topic? I don't understand half the other subjects we are required to learn for the test that is less that TWO months away. (I really hope she isn't reading this...) But although (and I'll admit..) I procrastinated, I actually didn't mind making this environmentally friendly house. I actually made it as an exact replica of my house, and although it took me all weekend, it think it was worth it (and I certainly hope that my grade reflects it) Sorry, its a lot, I know. I'm just really happy with it. One doesn't understand since when I've wanted to build a model of something!
The other day I came across a very powerful video. It is about the cruelties that every animal goes through before they end up on your plate. Do you know what happens behind the closed doors of the slaughter houses across the country -- across the world? Do you know how inhumanely they are treated and if it was any other type of household animal, all of this would be illegal? Can you even imagine what the poor little chicken had to go through, just to satisfy your mild cravings? Don't forget that animals CAN feel pain. They are smart, living beings? (Don't agree? Pigs have the mental ability of a four year old child. Now the question is - would you send your kid to the slaughter house?) Is this really what humanity has come to? Watch the video. But please be aware that there is a lot of gore in it, and some people may not be able to stand it. ...Ironic. People can't stand watching it, but have no trouble eating it. http://www.meat.org/index.aspx IF SLAUGHTER HOUSES HAD GLASS WALLS, EVERYONE WOULD BE A VEGETARIAN. SPREAD THE WORD, SPREAD THE LINK, SPREAD YOUR ACTIONS.
THE LESS MEAT WE CONSUME, THE MORE WE HELP OUT. |
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