"Thank you for calling HSBC Mortgage Services, this is Gaurav, may I have your loan#?"
"My loan# is ********"
"Thank you ..May I have your name & the last four digits of your Social?"
"My name is **** & the last four of my social is ****"
"Thank you Mr/Mrs/Ms. *** for verifying your account. How may I help you today??"
"My account is ......"
Yes, this was pretty cliched for around 11 months, when we hit the floor after our process training. I lost a year in college, but cannot sit idle at home[though parents had no problem in feeding their elder son], but I would feel sick. I took this noble thought of working in a callcentre & then carry on with my course. Additionally, call centre gives easy money.
Professionally, it was my first job & with all humility, I was a top performer [I am sure,my the then colleagues & trainer, Smita Shee & Lori J. Lype] will vouch this fact...ever since the day of training. I loved their training or the process training, since I was in a mortgage related process of North America. It was so interactive & also helped me to develop my communication skills. I made a couple of friends there..weekly chilling out..or chatting for hours, weekly outing, dinner, lunch n what not???Also...number of crushes, since there were many sexy girls, working in the same BPO, but diff. process.
However, what used to suck bigtime, was the night shift...initially in winter, it was fine..as I used to sleep almost throughout the day, but during summer..my god..no sleep!!!It was so horrible.
In 2007, went for a vacation for 14 days...[It was so wonderful...], went to Delhi n then Varanasi[my first trip there] n then back to work???Ohh....no..
After I rejoined after vacation, I put my resignation. The deptt. manager was stunned & started firing me with questions..why r u leaving n dozens of reasons why I shouldn't leave. I was stern in my decision..."No...I want to join my college[re-admission in 3rd year]".He had to accept.
Unfortunately, he stopped talking to me, he started avoiding me. Well, even I don't care, but that doesn't mean that I don't understand.He took my name from Process Improvement Team & many teams....NO ISSUES!!!
Oneday, he was around my desk...suddenly I said, "These days, some people have stopped talking to me", & he replied, "Well, I may say the same thing" & we started laughing..
A couple of days he came to me & started asking me, "Gaurav, are you reconsidering your decision??". I replied point-blank, "NO" & back to calls..
Notice period for 3 months..that was too long!!! In the end, I gave him an option, "Part-time job", else no point in continuing & putting my studies at stake. Yes, I needed money as I was self-dependent & wanted to carry on self-styled life[Come on, who doesn't like that???].
He agreed n I carried on...College+work. Initially, it was agreeable, I had to miss a couple of classes ...but thats okay!!
However, an offer came from the company, a visit to Manila, Philippines & train them the process HSBC Mortgage Services, since the process was being remigrated to Manila. I was one of the contenders, I was excited too..Passport was ready long back... I had to miss 15 weeks of college[a crucial miss though...]I told my mom about this possibility, but she was reluctant as I would be missing college for sometime..
Umm..okay..I wont go!!!!
From september, College+work became hectic. My schedule was like getting up at 6:30 am, reaching college by 8:30 am, n then back home by 5:30 pm, going to work by 8 pm, at shift from 8:30 pm to 1 am, returning home by 2 am, n then checking mails, chat n then to bed by 3 am..n getting up at 6:30 am...
Health was being screwed bigtime, so was my schedule...no time for self...except weekends...
Finally...I made a sudden exit...absconding....
It was becoming too much for me....too much loads...studies, work...problems in family, in my life..n so many things..I had to leave...n I left...
Yes, it was a great learning place..I developed my communication & also I was introduced to the corporate world...had some great friends, for hanging out, team outing...boozing, lunch, dinner..potluck..n wut not??
I saw how politics works in macro-level & in micro level in corporate level & got to know that US Economy is going to fall, how does credit rating work etc. I was awarded "Rising Superstar" award, Quality Awards, Team Top performer, n final it was "Mr.Fitness", for no sick leave!!!
People often tell me,"Gaurav, why don't you rejoin & leave culinary"....I refuse such obnoxious proposal...I left it long back..dont want to leave Culinary ...an industry, in which now I have developed a passion...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Raavan: A review
I have been hearing about this movie for a couple of years,specially when parts of this movie was shot in Kolkata & around. I was wondering why this name "Raavan",is it going to be a movie based on the life of "Raavan", the ten-headed demon of Ramayan[an Indian epic]?
While coming back from work yesterday, a colleague was talking about it. Yes, I was interested, as one of my favorite stars, Abhishek Bachchan acted in that movie as one of the protagonists & secondly, for the last 18 months I have not seen a hindi movie!!![Yes, the one before it was Ghajini!!]
So with great interest & excitement, we entered the movie theatre[Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall]& was waiting for the movie to start. It starts with a couple of happenings, specially the local villagers[Local mafia???] targetting the cops when they were trying to enter a jungle, a couple of them were in a village fair & also few of them on their way to a village. All were beaten to death & those who were alive, were burnt to death & in the end, a tall villager, 6 feet 3 inches dances to the beats of drums!!!
This tall, guy is "Beera"[Abhishek Bachchan], who is both angel & demon in a rural town of North India[Bihar/UP??], Lalmati. To some he is Robin Hood[for he does a couple of good deeds] & to few he is "Raavan", as he has 10 forms in one place, 10 hands,10 legs & also 10 heads, the ten-headed Raavan.
To cut short, Beera is on a spree, taking a revenge when his sister Jamuniya[Priyamani] who was picked up from her wedding canopy to police station & was an object for the sexual satisfaction of all the police in the police station[ a touchy scene!!!].
Beera kidnaps Raagini[Aishwarya Rai] who happens to be the wife of Dev[Bikram, in his debut hindi movie]. Terms of release??Perhaps, Beera forgot to put any terms, but why did he kidnap Raagini??To reach Dev & kill or allure Dev so that Dev can be killed. By the way, Dev happens to be a police Superintendent & has recently moved to Lal Mati to kill the demon Beera.
To cut short, in the end, there was a good action between Dev & Beera, & none of them, while Beera leaves Raagini in his hands & leave. On their way back, Dev & Raagini were talking to each other & then started doubting Raagini's morals since she was with Beera & in his den for 14 days & 14 nights, so they have had developed some relationships...Raagini breaks apart & feels it is better to stay with Beera than Dev, who she considers the best in the world..
Raagini comes back & wanted to know from Beera, what he told about Raagini to Dev. After hearing all these praises, Raagini decides to stay back, however, in her awe, Beera starts disbelieving her, when he starts thinking why Dev would lie?Is it a trap to reach Beera??
Yes, Dev used Raagini as his pawn to reach Beera, so that he can be killed...with all military & paramilitary forces, Beera was shot, in front of Raagini...the movie ends here!!!
This movie is a loose adaptation of Ramayan, an Indian epic, where wife of Ramchandra, Sita was being kidnapped & while they were on exile for 14 years. In the movie it was 14 days. Beera is a primitive warrior, an analogy has been imposed on him, 10 hands, 10 legs, 10 minds & 10 heads, akin to mythical Raavan.
Aishwarya in the role of Raagini was excellent, specially I loved her dance skills[Rarely, we get to see nowadays]. Vikram was flawless, specially his hindi, despite he being a South Indian.Govinda was a comic relief, as if he is the Hanuman of Ramayana & often like monkey jumping from trees to trees...from branches to branches..
Excellent direction from Mani Ratnam yet again...Abhishek in the role of Beera was "okay", sometimes he was eccentric to me[perhaps the role demanded this..], with his "chaka-chaka-chaka, cheeky-cheeky-cheeky..."
Overall out of 5, I would give it 3.5--It is not a great movie, for obvious reasons, as there has been overacting. Music was not great by AR Rahman, as everyone would expect. Rest all ok!!You should see this...
While coming back from work yesterday, a colleague was talking about it. Yes, I was interested, as one of my favorite stars, Abhishek Bachchan acted in that movie as one of the protagonists & secondly, for the last 18 months I have not seen a hindi movie!!![Yes, the one before it was Ghajini!!]
So with great interest & excitement, we entered the movie theatre[Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall]& was waiting for the movie to start. It starts with a couple of happenings, specially the local villagers[Local mafia???] targetting the cops when they were trying to enter a jungle, a couple of them were in a village fair & also few of them on their way to a village. All were beaten to death & those who were alive, were burnt to death & in the end, a tall villager, 6 feet 3 inches dances to the beats of drums!!!
This tall, guy is "Beera"[Abhishek Bachchan], who is both angel & demon in a rural town of North India[Bihar/UP??], Lalmati. To some he is Robin Hood[for he does a couple of good deeds] & to few he is "Raavan", as he has 10 forms in one place, 10 hands,10 legs & also 10 heads, the ten-headed Raavan.
To cut short, Beera is on a spree, taking a revenge when his sister Jamuniya[Priyamani] who was picked up from her wedding canopy to police station & was an object for the sexual satisfaction of all the police in the police station[ a touchy scene!!!].
Beera kidnaps Raagini[Aishwarya Rai] who happens to be the wife of Dev[Bikram, in his debut hindi movie]. Terms of release??Perhaps, Beera forgot to put any terms, but why did he kidnap Raagini??To reach Dev & kill or allure Dev so that Dev can be killed. By the way, Dev happens to be a police Superintendent & has recently moved to Lal Mati to kill the demon Beera.
To cut short, in the end, there was a good action between Dev & Beera, & none of them, while Beera leaves Raagini in his hands & leave. On their way back, Dev & Raagini were talking to each other & then started doubting Raagini's morals since she was with Beera & in his den for 14 days & 14 nights, so they have had developed some relationships...Raagini breaks apart & feels it is better to stay with Beera than Dev, who she considers the best in the world..
Raagini comes back & wanted to know from Beera, what he told about Raagini to Dev. After hearing all these praises, Raagini decides to stay back, however, in her awe, Beera starts disbelieving her, when he starts thinking why Dev would lie?Is it a trap to reach Beera??
Yes, Dev used Raagini as his pawn to reach Beera, so that he can be killed...with all military & paramilitary forces, Beera was shot, in front of Raagini...the movie ends here!!!
This movie is a loose adaptation of Ramayan, an Indian epic, where wife of Ramchandra, Sita was being kidnapped & while they were on exile for 14 years. In the movie it was 14 days. Beera is a primitive warrior, an analogy has been imposed on him, 10 hands, 10 legs, 10 minds & 10 heads, akin to mythical Raavan.
Aishwarya in the role of Raagini was excellent, specially I loved her dance skills[Rarely, we get to see nowadays]. Vikram was flawless, specially his hindi, despite he being a South Indian.Govinda was a comic relief, as if he is the Hanuman of Ramayana & often like monkey jumping from trees to trees...from branches to branches..
Excellent direction from Mani Ratnam yet again...Abhishek in the role of Beera was "okay", sometimes he was eccentric to me[perhaps the role demanded this..], with his "chaka-chaka-chaka, cheeky-cheeky-cheeky..."
Overall out of 5, I would give it 3.5--It is not a great movie, for obvious reasons, as there has been overacting. Music was not great by AR Rahman, as everyone would expect. Rest all ok!!You should see this...
Friday, June 18, 2010
Rumours, Scandals n Gossips...
Of late, I have been irregular in my posts, as days have been busy, less time for writing..more time is invested at sleep[get tired easily these days, don't know why]....
Since childhood, I have been involved in rumours & scandals. In school especially, when I was in the elementary school, my name got involved with various kind of affairs. Specially rumours floating that I wrote a love letter, addressed to my classmate & later I tore it off[of course, this happened at home], but how come the journalists[i.e., people spreading the rumours] go to know, since everything happened at home?A question, which I never asked them.
Such things kept on happening & continuing...sometimes, it was a fact & sometimes, some false reports by those reporters!!!I let them carry on...if such gossips give them a little pleasure...I have been aloof--"Don't break the rhythm", my grandfather used to say.
When I was in middle school, people got something to gossip, especially when I let them my crush/infatuation on of our class mates. Some went to create stories & history also...I enjoyed them.
Today afternoon, someone told me, "Gaurav, I heard you ......", I asked him back, "Who told you?", he replied, "For the last 1 month everyone knows, but never got an opportunity to ask you". I said, "Am I mad or what??" & we closed the matter right there.
Hmm...what is the outcome???I was in the limelight a couple of months before for some reason & someone asked, "Are you over with it?", I gently replied to him, "Hopefully, but invariably they make you famous & popular"...Good for me, if I am becoming famous...afterall, what is the use being Gaurav???
Since childhood, I have been involved in rumours & scandals. In school especially, when I was in the elementary school, my name got involved with various kind of affairs. Specially rumours floating that I wrote a love letter, addressed to my classmate & later I tore it off[of course, this happened at home], but how come the journalists[i.e., people spreading the rumours] go to know, since everything happened at home?A question, which I never asked them.
Such things kept on happening & continuing...sometimes, it was a fact & sometimes, some false reports by those reporters!!!I let them carry on...if such gossips give them a little pleasure...I have been aloof--"Don't break the rhythm", my grandfather used to say.
When I was in middle school, people got something to gossip, especially when I let them my crush/infatuation on of our class mates. Some went to create stories & history also...I enjoyed them.
Today afternoon, someone told me, "Gaurav, I heard you ......", I asked him back, "Who told you?", he replied, "For the last 1 month everyone knows, but never got an opportunity to ask you". I said, "Am I mad or what??" & we closed the matter right there.
Hmm...what is the outcome???I was in the limelight a couple of months before for some reason & someone asked, "Are you over with it?", I gently replied to him, "Hopefully, but invariably they make you famous & popular"...Good for me, if I am becoming famous...afterall, what is the use being Gaurav???
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Me, Myself & I--Part 3
"Change is the only constant", I was told about this quote many years before & I share this quote with my pals, friends, colleagues & any people who I come across--worth talking to.
Yes, everything change--people change, their attitude change, their way of dealing with other people change...I change too. I have changed from my birth--my looks, my way of talking to people & dealing with them, my tastes, interests...
However, few things have not changed. Few things I hate in life--first & foremost I hate liars & lying. The reason I hate liars because from the next time, I can't believe them--I will become skeptical on what they say...even if they speak the truth..it will be a fake news to me. I have come across so many examples in my life & still facing such examples everyday--school, family, work...everywhere!!!Especially, if such lies come from people who trust you the most....
I am not disciplined--perhaps this thing will never change, so is my tidiness. I have never learnt how to lead a disciplined life & be punctual. My mother made endless efforts to bring me on track--but I never made myself available for her teachings!!Few examples, like if I have to meet someone on a given time, I make sure that I leave home at that given time[In other words, I am delinquent!!], taking up a task in 11th hour & finish off within the stipulated time--a legacy I have followed since childhood till date. During exams, interviews I become superstitious--I leave home during an auspicious time..thus running late again. Same thing goes, when I have to catch a flight/train..I will leave late!!
Though I am a believer of the philosophy "Cleanliness is next to Godliness", seldom I follow this. My profession demands this, so I try as much as I can...but in personal life???I leave it upto my visitors, friends..who have come to my room..here & in India.!!!
My taste of music have changed over the years. My mother used to sing Classical Hindusthani music, but when she used to practise, I used to stop her from practising music. But when I started growing up, I could taste the essence of music. But when I wanted to learn music, specially classical music, it was late...but still, I love music...ones soothing to ears...
Bengalis have this long drawn attachment to Rabindrasangeet..I have interest in them...so in devotional songs. Bengalis listen to Western music less--a fact, however, I listen to Boney M n whatever my father used to play[as Hindi movie songs used to beckon me more...]but now have restarted...thanks to my cousin who introduced me to James Blunt... :)
Food habits have remained almost same...kinda bland food. Quite contrary to popular belief, I can't eat spicy food--though my family members are accustomed to it. I prefer Italian food over anything[obviously, Bengali food first!!] & then Biryani. Calcutta has so many chinese restaurants[Yes..the Indo-Chine version...] that I am not crazy about Chinese cuisine[even I didn't read about their cuisine with interest]..however, can die for a plate of Hakka Noodles & Sweet & sour Chicken/Pork.However, sometimes I am picky about foods...sometimes, not.Sometimes I am hungry...sometimes not...
Being nice to people sometimes hurts, specially when you are nice to people around & they act nicely also, but stab you behind. It becomes really painful..so many things I saw & also seeing it around everyday...I was taught once, "Gaurav...sometimes you need to be hard". True--if I am flippant, people will take me for granted--at least I was not born in this earth to please people or kiss their ass!!!!I really need to be hard...
Life has been a rollercoaster rides for the last 4-5 years. Ups & downs-rise & fall--securing the ground firm & shaky ground has taught me a lot--to distinguish between good & evil & so many things. I easily get flattered & then people take me on a ride. If someone walks 1 mile for me, I am ready to run 100 miles for that person but in the end...I find that I was taken for a ride...& there another mistake....which cannot be undone.
Sometimes, I am overly professional--with my family members, with friends..when I don't care about anyone else except my guests. Yes, I dont take care of myself too..often. Missing lunch, breakfast, dinner...n sometimes no time for myself[Readers, I am not complaining!!!]
Many people chose Culinary as their profession but when understood they did a mistake..they quit. But I...no matter how hard it is, how difficult things become when I move up high in the ladder--I will never quit.I learnt patience from my mother[Though I am impatient often] & hardwork from my father.
This is as of now...more to come, unless I want to close the chapter here... :)
Yes, everything change--people change, their attitude change, their way of dealing with other people change...I change too. I have changed from my birth--my looks, my way of talking to people & dealing with them, my tastes, interests...
However, few things have not changed. Few things I hate in life--first & foremost I hate liars & lying. The reason I hate liars because from the next time, I can't believe them--I will become skeptical on what they say...even if they speak the truth..it will be a fake news to me. I have come across so many examples in my life & still facing such examples everyday--school, family, work...everywhere!!!Especially, if such lies come from people who trust you the most....
I am not disciplined--perhaps this thing will never change, so is my tidiness. I have never learnt how to lead a disciplined life & be punctual. My mother made endless efforts to bring me on track--but I never made myself available for her teachings!!Few examples, like if I have to meet someone on a given time, I make sure that I leave home at that given time[In other words, I am delinquent!!], taking up a task in 11th hour & finish off within the stipulated time--a legacy I have followed since childhood till date. During exams, interviews I become superstitious--I leave home during an auspicious time..thus running late again. Same thing goes, when I have to catch a flight/train..I will leave late!!
Though I am a believer of the philosophy "Cleanliness is next to Godliness", seldom I follow this. My profession demands this, so I try as much as I can...but in personal life???I leave it upto my visitors, friends..who have come to my room..here & in India.!!!
My taste of music have changed over the years. My mother used to sing Classical Hindusthani music, but when she used to practise, I used to stop her from practising music. But when I started growing up, I could taste the essence of music. But when I wanted to learn music, specially classical music, it was late...but still, I love music...ones soothing to ears...
Bengalis have this long drawn attachment to Rabindrasangeet..I have interest in them...so in devotional songs. Bengalis listen to Western music less--a fact, however, I listen to Boney M n whatever my father used to play[as Hindi movie songs used to beckon me more...]but now have restarted...thanks to my cousin who introduced me to James Blunt... :)
Food habits have remained almost same...kinda bland food. Quite contrary to popular belief, I can't eat spicy food--though my family members are accustomed to it. I prefer Italian food over anything[obviously, Bengali food first!!] & then Biryani. Calcutta has so many chinese restaurants[Yes..the Indo-Chine version...] that I am not crazy about Chinese cuisine[even I didn't read about their cuisine with interest]..however, can die for a plate of Hakka Noodles & Sweet & sour Chicken/Pork.However, sometimes I am picky about foods...sometimes, not.Sometimes I am hungry...sometimes not...
Being nice to people sometimes hurts, specially when you are nice to people around & they act nicely also, but stab you behind. It becomes really painful..so many things I saw & also seeing it around everyday...I was taught once, "Gaurav...sometimes you need to be hard". True--if I am flippant, people will take me for granted--at least I was not born in this earth to please people or kiss their ass!!!!I really need to be hard...
Life has been a rollercoaster rides for the last 4-5 years. Ups & downs-rise & fall--securing the ground firm & shaky ground has taught me a lot--to distinguish between good & evil & so many things. I easily get flattered & then people take me on a ride. If someone walks 1 mile for me, I am ready to run 100 miles for that person but in the end...I find that I was taken for a ride...& there another mistake....which cannot be undone.
Sometimes, I am overly professional--with my family members, with friends..when I don't care about anyone else except my guests. Yes, I dont take care of myself too..often. Missing lunch, breakfast, dinner...n sometimes no time for myself[Readers, I am not complaining!!!]
Many people chose Culinary as their profession but when understood they did a mistake..they quit. But I...no matter how hard it is, how difficult things become when I move up high in the ladder--I will never quit.I learnt patience from my mother[Though I am impatient often] & hardwork from my father.
This is as of now...more to come, unless I want to close the chapter here... :)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sunday offs & cooking with friends...
Umm...today...Sunday..is a good day. When an European specially an English says "Today is a good day"...it means, he wants to drink. Same thing happens down South, Australia --I am not aware whether this legacy has been left by the Britishers when they left India.To me, Good day means a day, when you can relax[my friend Kaustav makes it a combination of "Chillax"-->Chill+relax], drink[yes,if you want. Non-alcoholics find pleasure in endless carbonated bevvies, etc whilst the alcoholics...no need to talk about them], get up late from the bed & sleep as many times you want to..n cook!!!![When I am home, I would rather ask my mother to cook, than cooking for me!!].
I was going through a video of Chef Gordon Ramsay, "The F word" series to be specific. In one of the videos, he says, about rib-eye "It is a chef's dream". Partially true, I cooked a couple of weeks before, the meat was excellent.
I was planning with a friend, for "joint-cooking", since our day off is on the same day. How about rib-eye??He had no problems, though according to him, beef is a little heavy.Cooking is fine..how abt a little menu planning??I love to cook for friends & also cooking with friends...its kind a fun..u know..
I decided on having Tortilla Espanola as our Amuse bouche. I can now fantasize on Spanish cooking, since I am now studying their cuisine. Though, I am now learning Sushi, I am not a sushi lover--but got to taste is, being a chef..
Let me not drift away from today's point of discussion.
After the amouse bouche, the first course is a simple salad. My friend loves to have light food[I dont know what pleasure he gets in it....!!!]. Its a simple romaine lettuce with balsamic dressing, orange segments topped with grilled chicken[I dont think he will have the same nightmare, like the last time..when his Caesar's salad was topped with horrible grilled chicken] & semi-dried tomato.
Moving on to next course, the main course, is the favorite butter-grilled rib-eye, an adapted version of Chef Gordon Ramsay. I have my own sides--roasted pumpkin, confit potatoes, buttered carrots. My friend loves to have beef cooked medium, so he doesn't prefer sauce. For me, sauce is the complement for the mains. So I made my rosemary jus with pan drippings.
Something sweet???We were hanging around a couple of days & we were planning our menu. I asked, "How about panna cotta?? It is so simple..served with summer fruits compote..what do you think??" & then we came across a picture of pannacotta with mango. He said, "How about mango?"..I said, "Yes..why not..let's give it a try". I made the pannacotta,traditional vanilla flavouring, however, I also put grated orange zest to give it a distinct flavour & served it with fresh mango..
At the end of the meal..my friend was more than full....I was a little high after 2 cans of Heineken. I was full too. I am sure, my friend liked my food...n the dessert was not too sweet, which made it more palatable & I asked, "I hope u liked the lunch.."..he said, "Its not lunch..but brunch..Sunday brunch".
All is well..that ends well... :)
I was going through a video of Chef Gordon Ramsay, "The F word" series to be specific. In one of the videos, he says, about rib-eye "It is a chef's dream". Partially true, I cooked a couple of weeks before, the meat was excellent.
I was planning with a friend, for "joint-cooking", since our day off is on the same day. How about rib-eye??He had no problems, though according to him, beef is a little heavy.Cooking is fine..how abt a little menu planning??I love to cook for friends & also cooking with friends...its kind a fun..u know..
I decided on having Tortilla Espanola as our Amuse bouche. I can now fantasize on Spanish cooking, since I am now studying their cuisine. Though, I am now learning Sushi, I am not a sushi lover--but got to taste is, being a chef..
Let me not drift away from today's point of discussion.
After the amouse bouche, the first course is a simple salad. My friend loves to have light food[I dont know what pleasure he gets in it....!!!]. Its a simple romaine lettuce with balsamic dressing, orange segments topped with grilled chicken[I dont think he will have the same nightmare, like the last time..when his Caesar's salad was topped with horrible grilled chicken] & semi-dried tomato.
Moving on to next course, the main course, is the favorite butter-grilled rib-eye, an adapted version of Chef Gordon Ramsay. I have my own sides--roasted pumpkin, confit potatoes, buttered carrots. My friend loves to have beef cooked medium, so he doesn't prefer sauce. For me, sauce is the complement for the mains. So I made my rosemary jus with pan drippings.
Something sweet???We were hanging around a couple of days & we were planning our menu. I asked, "How about panna cotta?? It is so simple..served with summer fruits compote..what do you think??" & then we came across a picture of pannacotta with mango. He said, "How about mango?"..I said, "Yes..why not..let's give it a try". I made the pannacotta,traditional vanilla flavouring, however, I also put grated orange zest to give it a distinct flavour & served it with fresh mango..
At the end of the meal..my friend was more than full....I was a little high after 2 cans of Heineken. I was full too. I am sure, my friend liked my food...n the dessert was not too sweet, which made it more palatable & I asked, "I hope u liked the lunch.."..he said, "Its not lunch..but brunch..Sunday brunch".
All is well..that ends well... :)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Me, Myself & I--Part 2
Sometimes I love to write about myself...dont perceive it to be "self-publicising note"...
Looking at me, people assume that I am too matured...but whatever, I do..I feel I am not matured enough. Being the first child, I was burdened with lot of responsibilities when I started growing up--going to grocers, going to the market...n also going to the bank for withdrawing[thanks to modern technology--we dont need to go to banks for withdrawing money!!].I have never been afraid, rather boldly & with confidence handled such situations, including myself, when I have faced odd situations, health, wealthwise.
Since our family is a little conservative[& I am not!!!], certain things are meant to be taboo. Even though I am not conservative, I have always remained within family norms & customs, whenever I am amongst them.For example, in any hindu family, having beef is an act of blasphemy. I eat beef, but never at home. However, I told my parents that I have beef....but seldom!!
My parents put a lot of restrictions on me, when I was growing up, specially to stay away from odd & bad company. Also seeking their permission before any decision n lots....by nature, I am friendly, however,I am leo...the born king of the jungle. People of my nature, attract me--I never thought that Samrat would be my best friend. When he joined us in school in 1997...I did never talk to him, however, certain situations in school, brought us close...n since then.....I remember, once telling him, "You are my bosom friend....".
In a couple of months, I will completing 25 years & head towards 26[this birthday is coming so fast...]. To maintain human race, to keep generation & family of "Ghosh", I will marry ...sooner or later[God knows...who she is..still trying to find her out...]
Seldom I am unhappy--only when I am pissed off with a bunch of people...either my way...or no way!!!When I am in the limelight, I get certain pleasure, which u cannot imagine-& I always love to be... ;)
Coming here in Dubai...yes...sometimes boring..nothing to do...specially on day offs, except cleaning the room[I used to flunk in housekeeping!!!], cooking...n if terribly bored...going for a long walk....or to the mall....thats it!!!Few weeks before, I went out with a friend, who wanted to see the beach. I took him out...n while on our way back, he was telling me, "Gaurav, you need to have a girlfriend". I was like, "Hmm..okkk!!!Let's see..if it is in the cards"...It is not like I am afraid of them, since they come from a different planet[i.e. Venus].It is not I hate girls, like M.C.P.s...but there is always this "But". I remember, when I was Class-8, I liked this classmate[names withheld for obvious reasons]. But I couldn't tell her...when she got to know..it was too late..she got married[but still, I am in touch with her & her hubby..who also knows...].
Second time, it was in the final year of high school...I dont know why I liked the girl...so I asked her out on my real birthday[I was damn nervous..]n she dint turn up & fortunately, Samrat was there...
Thirdtime, when I was in HSBC...I liked this girl...I walked upto her n asked her name[Yes..an improvement!!!]& then started doing a background research-however, the research results were not fruitful..she already had one boyfriend..n older to me by 3 years!!!![Thats mean!!! :((]
Who is next???Even I dont know. But I always believe, God has always selected & reserved the best one for me. The best product is always offered to God...isn't it???
[Never mind if this post doesn't make any sense to you...it is just a powerful overflow of spontaneous feelings]
Looking at me, people assume that I am too matured...but whatever, I do..I feel I am not matured enough. Being the first child, I was burdened with lot of responsibilities when I started growing up--going to grocers, going to the market...n also going to the bank for withdrawing[thanks to modern technology--we dont need to go to banks for withdrawing money!!].I have never been afraid, rather boldly & with confidence handled such situations, including myself, when I have faced odd situations, health, wealthwise.
Since our family is a little conservative[& I am not!!!], certain things are meant to be taboo. Even though I am not conservative, I have always remained within family norms & customs, whenever I am amongst them.For example, in any hindu family, having beef is an act of blasphemy. I eat beef, but never at home. However, I told my parents that I have beef....but seldom!!
My parents put a lot of restrictions on me, when I was growing up, specially to stay away from odd & bad company. Also seeking their permission before any decision n lots....by nature, I am friendly, however,I am leo...the born king of the jungle. People of my nature, attract me--I never thought that Samrat would be my best friend. When he joined us in school in 1997...I did never talk to him, however, certain situations in school, brought us close...n since then.....I remember, once telling him, "You are my bosom friend....".
In a couple of months, I will completing 25 years & head towards 26[this birthday is coming so fast...]. To maintain human race, to keep generation & family of "Ghosh", I will marry ...sooner or later[God knows...who she is..still trying to find her out...]
Seldom I am unhappy--only when I am pissed off with a bunch of people...either my way...or no way!!!When I am in the limelight, I get certain pleasure, which u cannot imagine-& I always love to be... ;)
Coming here in Dubai...yes...sometimes boring..nothing to do...specially on day offs, except cleaning the room[I used to flunk in housekeeping!!!], cooking...n if terribly bored...going for a long walk....or to the mall....thats it!!!Few weeks before, I went out with a friend, who wanted to see the beach. I took him out...n while on our way back, he was telling me, "Gaurav, you need to have a girlfriend". I was like, "Hmm..okkk!!!Let's see..if it is in the cards"...It is not like I am afraid of them, since they come from a different planet[i.e. Venus].It is not I hate girls, like M.C.P.s...but there is always this "But". I remember, when I was Class-8, I liked this classmate[names withheld for obvious reasons]. But I couldn't tell her...when she got to know..it was too late..she got married[but still, I am in touch with her & her hubby..who also knows...].
Second time, it was in the final year of high school...I dont know why I liked the girl...so I asked her out on my real birthday[I was damn nervous..]n she dint turn up & fortunately, Samrat was there...
Thirdtime, when I was in HSBC...I liked this girl...I walked upto her n asked her name[Yes..an improvement!!!]& then started doing a background research-however, the research results were not fruitful..she already had one boyfriend..n older to me by 3 years!!!![Thats mean!!! :((]
Who is next???Even I dont know. But I always believe, God has always selected & reserved the best one for me. The best product is always offered to God...isn't it???
[Never mind if this post doesn't make any sense to you...it is just a powerful overflow of spontaneous feelings]
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