That day that keeps coming each year!

Today is that day!

Yesterday evening was wonderful. Monday evening dance class students and I went out dinner after dance class. We were celebrating many things. 

- Senior member Shaheen was taking a hiatus for a year or so

- Remembering our Guru Narmada

- Celebrating two Birthdays

Our company also received a good beginning for the 25th Anniversary  to be celebrated in August. These caring students have already contributed in so many ways.

I came home after a delightful evening and learnt that the Karnataka Cultural Association would be honoring me on May 2nd during their annual function.  www.kca-sc.com

I am gratified to be recognized by my own community . Thank you!

Honoring our Roots!

Today is the 2nd year of Guru Narmada's passing. In our Monday night dance class, we are dancing Ganesha Kauthuvam and other dances in her memory. Thank you for a lifetime of unforgettable skills, grace, and beauty you left behind for us to cherish and enjoy. 

New Beginning!

Today is Ugadi, a time to celebrate new year, fresh beginnings, good health and prosperity. 

I was just thinking about how when movie stars loose weight, they have lot of resources to do it. It is wonderful to know that they have worked hard, but it is important to note that have had a lot of help along the way. 

The other factor is -  it is expensive to keep a healthy diet. Most healthy food products cost more and are not easily available all the time the way fast food is. However the groceries stocked in the stores these days do offer a whole lot of options to stay fit. 

I must say I am proud of myself to have given the time to take a good look at myself. Introspection is necessary.  I am an ordinary woman and have taken on this change in life style  journey completely on my own. I have stayed driven and motivated. I have not had any outside help like diet plans, personal trainers, or other forms of enhancement.  I do everything from my home. I have received lot of support from my family.

One does not have to be famous or rich to make changes to benefit their own well being.  This is a gift to oneself.  I pray and hope I not only stay the course, but also support and help others. 

Felt like blogging finally!

It has been a long time since I came here. Much has happened since. Our trip to Delhi and Jaipur was simply amazing. The NRI Welfare Society of India honored me with a Hind Rattan Award for my contributions in the field of art and culture. All three of us went to attend the ceremony. The organizers had arranged the entire event, trip to Jaipur very well. They took care of all details and worked very hard to make our trip comfortable and enjoyable. We met some nice people who had come from all over the world. 

Jaipur was simply mesmerizing. I would go back any day. The city has so much to offer in terms of culture, music, dance, visual arts, food,  crafts etc...

We also had a chance to go to this beautiful ethnic village resort called Chowki Dhani. 

www.chowkidhani.com We had a splendid time here. 

Also I had known about this wonderful jewellery store called Amrapali during my visits to Chennai and Bangalore each year. Now I had a chance to visit the original showroom in Jaipur and see their beautiful work. We met the designers and owners of Amrapali also. It so happened that they were invited as chief guests to honor all the awardees in Jaipur. It was a wonderful experience meeting such enterprising artists. 

Having been gone for almost two months, it took some time to catch up with my life here. Of course, lot of bills to pay and needed to work again. I was also thinking about my aging parents quite a bit during my absence.

I have kept up my fitness and food regiment since I returned from India. I am still working out 5 days a week. I think my body has finally got used to this life style. I like it. It feels free and exciting. I cannot explain in adequate words. 

Slowly I have been able to change the grocery shopping to suit our current needs. I used to eat brown rice few times a week. Now I have substituted with wheat and it tastes just fine. I eat sambar and rasam with wheat too. Wheat cooks faster and is lighter than rice. My mother suggested this idea. Anyway Suresh, Lakshmi, and I have embraced this well.