The Taste of the Newspaper with a Cup of Tea

I feel so lazy to get up in the morning. But, once up, the day starts working as if everything has been fed like that in a computer.

The taste buds start working with the morning cup of tea.

Over a Cup of Tea -- My Daily Write-up

A Cup of Tea

That evening she was the unexpected guest. She disliked me and in return all I can tell about her is I had distaste for her.

It was 4.22 in the evening when the doorbell rang. Never expected anyone at this time of the evening. My hair was uncombed and I had just got out of my bed after finishing a few pages from the book I was reading. Eyes looked like I was just out of a dreamland and searching for reality. I knew I had to go and see who was there.

As I looked out, a strange air filled all around. Surprise came calling at me to see Prativa standing there with a smile on her face. Returning a smile took the keys and opened the gate. As we came face to face with one another, she hugged me tightly and released her clasp soon.

Prativa was my neighbor when I stayed in the flat next-door to hers. At first we had friendly relationship and she would spend most of her spare time in my house. She had someone to do all the housework and she was so fond of gossip that she had befriended me to be her gossip-friend.

Individual characters differ and I as always busy looking after my home, my books were my best companions and gossip would stay miles away from me.

Her gossips put me into trouble one day and that was the reason I had asked her to give me more time to myself and not disturb me at odd time. Being sharp with words, that’s my nature, I had bought an enemy in her without profit but loss and loss.

Disturbed and hurt Prativa started telling things against me and we stopped seeing each other except for exchange of a smile or a hello on meeting.

That day I was so happy when we bought our own house and shifted. I felt relaxed and never got a chance to meet Prativa again.

Her presence that evening astounded me. Yet I welcomed her. As was her nature, she went around the house and observed each and every nook and corner with all the precision her eyes could catch. This time I saw a different sparkle in her eyes…I guessed it was not of hatred but appreciation.

She suddenly said, “Lily dear, I know how nicely you decorate your house. You know how to keep different things at the right place and that gives your house so much perfection. We have bought a new house and I want you to come and help me do the interiors for me.”

I looked at her shocked, for it has been about eight years we had seen one another.

She went on to say, “That day I made a mistake and lost a good friend like you. I know you will forgive me and help me.”

She followed me to my kitchen. I made two cups of tea and served some home-made snacks. And after that we spoke to each other like long lost friends.

She said, “I will always remember this day we spent over a cup of tea.”

Smiling she took leave and I promised to help her with the interior designing of her new house.

Morning Mantra

Morning brings with it a common Mantra.

1. Leave the bed, rise up from sleep and begin your day.

2. Begin the day remembering the Creator.

3. Duties to be finished in the bathroom.

4. Spend some value time on health and fitness which is very much individual. Some like to do Pranayam, some Yoga, others go for a morning walk to breathe in fresh air, many prefer to spend some time on physical exercises at home and some others will like the fresh air to surround them for sometime.

5. A morning cup of tea is a must for many. There are preferences like a glass of water, lime juice with honey, tepid water, overall something liquid first thing in the morning.

6. A warm water or cold water bath as individual preference.

7. Breakfast is a must after the long interval of  last night’s dinner.

8. The body and mind is ready and fit to face the challenges of the day.

With such easy and common Morning Mantra it is absolutely right to say “Morning shows the day”.

A Pre-Budget Thought

The first morning cup of tea invigorates the mind and body. But the saddest part is this morning cuppa has burdened the household by becoming costlier. It is all because of the rise in the price of petrol and diesel. Why has the government taken this decision in a hurry? This hurry raises the eyebrows of the millions in this country with a question that needs an answer. Why didn’t the government wait till the budget was placed before the nation by the Finance minister of this country?

The price of all commodities will rise further, leaving the home ministers of every household to re-write their monthly budget. In this whole process, many households will have to cut down on even some basic needs. With soaring prices it has become a tough job to shop for the monthly grocery and at the green grocer for fruits and vegetables.

It is time instead of making a hole in the pockets of the Aam Admi, the government should be looking into more serious matters relating to the people of this country. Startling revelations of adulterations have shocked and rocked the people. Apart from adulterated milk, recently it has been found how in the name of pure ghee adulterated ghee is entering the market. So also is the case with some of the powdered spices sold in the market. The fruits and vegetables are not safe to eat because they are injected with harmful substances which can cause fatal health problems. All this happening under the very nose of the government and if they say that can’t smell the rat, people will not believe them as confidence in the present government is losing grounds.

Just imagine the shocking revelation in Delhi of thousands of fake MCD employees. We, the tax payers of this country have every right to know where our hard earned money is going and how it is spent.

Most of the people must have seen on a news channel how a Lok Sabha MP is slapping a bank manager in public and thereby misusing his power. It shows those in power have got the right and guts to disrespect an individual publicly and go about unpunished. How can a party remain blind and deaf and let such people remain in their fold. Instead of discouraging with punishment it seems more of encouraging.

Another political controversy that has come up is of the misuse of political power and office. A minister in this ruling government had wanted to pressure a Madras High Court judge to grant anticipatory bail to a father-son duo arrested by CBI. Where are the rulers heading to?

The HRD minister comes up with the thought of doing away with the class X board exams. But he does not give a thought to the trauma the parents in a city go through in getting their child admitted in the entry level of a school. And what about the rising school fees? He should think of more vocational courses that will guarantee more jobs. A lot of homework needs to be done to bring about changes in the education and examination system of this country.

Global recession has hit the world job market not sparing the job market in this country either. At such a juncture more work needs to be done to stop people from flocking the cities and make them concentrate to earn their living out of agriculture in the villages. For that agriculture needs a boost. When people have food and earning at home why will they turn towards the unknown city which gives them a hard and difficult life, at times leaving them without food and a roof over their heads.

Water problem, electricity problem, terrorism, health-related problems, are among the many problems we all are facing in our everyday life. It is no doubt a hard uphill and challenging task for the government with so many problems but there has to be remedial measures. All that is expected from the government is good partnership, consideration and working towards getting the wrong mended so that common man’s life can thrive safely.

Simple Summer Tips

When the summer sun beats on us we find out ways to beat the heat. That’s what summer is all about. There are many simple ways to fight the heat of the hot days of summer in India. Summer days no doubt make life miserable, but that’s what season’s are all about. Summer’s soaring mercury brings with it a host of health complains-dry skin, sun burns, rashes, itching and prickly heat along with mental and physical discomfort.

There are simple ways to beat the heat. Look good and keep healthy with some easy-to-follow tips.

Increase fluid intake: During summer there is loss of water from the body due to sweating, so there is a lack of resistance and energy. A regular liquid intake is a must to combat dehydration. Drink lots of water and carry water when going out and even to your work place. Drink plenty of fruit juices, green coconut water and lassi (curd helps to keep the cool in the body). Eat lots of fruits like grapes, water melons-all this to keeps the body cool and regulate the heat.

Eat right food: Avoid non-vegetarian and rich oily food. Freshly cooked vegetarian food is easily digestible and good source of fluid and is also low in calories. Try to stay away from street food. A diet rich in fruits and liquids will keep the body cool.

Avoid caffeine: Avoid tea and coffee breaks as much as possible. Caffeine dehydrates the body, choose caffeine free drinks, decaffeinated tea or coffee and switch on to more water breaks.
Dress Cool: Loose fitting cool cotton outfits, preferably in light colours is best for summer wear. Avoid bulky or heavy accessories.

Make-up: Wear light make-up along with soft shades of lip gloss. The skin needs to breathe and a heavy make-up in summer hampers the process.

Protection: Use a sun screen lotion while going out in the sun to protect from sun burns. Use a hat or umbrella when going out in the sun. Reduce your travels and avoid outings.

Hair care: Not only the skin, the hair needs care during summer. Wash your hair regularly but avoid shampooing everyday as excessive washing makes the hair dry. A short summer crop makes hair care easier, adds style and check split ends. Use hair conditioners as it keeps the hair manageable and prevents the hair from getting dry and brittle.

Keep your cool: This is the important part of life in summer. There is increased irritation and heightened tempers both at home, at the work place and outside. So the body needs to be taken care of with relaxing, indulging in hobbies, proper rest and carry a smile on your face.

Play safe with your summer with simple daily routines so that you can remember summer once the rains come.