tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65431204132484469212024-03-14T01:11:31.765+01:00Cinnamon Hot ChocolateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-34612471246986135862014-02-16T02:25:00.001+01:002014-02-16T02:30:05.006+01:00It's Been A While<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Hello
everyone! Did you miss me? I know <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i>
missed this space! I couldn't put off blogging anymore, so here I am! I honestly did not realize how long it's been.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Despite
being an absentee blogger, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i>
been reading all the blogs I usually do. I just didn't leave any comments
because some part of my brain convinced me it would be rude to comment but not
have any new posts up for other bloggers to read (or leave a comment on) if
they click back. Basically I was thinking, "No comments anywhere till I
write a new blog post" and assumed I was doing the right thing. I was
convinced it should be a reciprocal give and take relationship wherein I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">take</i> by reading the other bloggers' post
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">give </i>by writing something of my
own for them to read. Because I didn't have any post up, I felt like I was
being selfish and just taking all the time. Leaving a comment would have
validated my having read the post, hence having <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">taken</i>, but not having anything new on my blog for them. Now that I
think about it, that is the dumbest notion I could ever have conceived. Just
letting the other person know I read their posts and sharing my two cents' worth
on it would have been better than this long silence. I shouldn't have listened
to that brain of mine; it's feeding me all sorts of silly ideas.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">...are
you still here, or did I lose you in that last paragraph?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So what
has been going on, you ask? Well, things haven't been all that rosy - there are
some academic issues giving me trouble. I would love to go into detail about
that, but since I am not keen on any acquaintances of mine finding my online
space, I shall have to refrain from sharing much. Suffice it to say that not
every foreign degree is accepted in every other country. Yeah. Major headache
and huge downer. I have a Masters degree in one country and a big zero in the
other. Not cool, fatherland. Not cool at all.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA7xsy9yoPMg2xJJ-aruFKmRDz2iXRKasmMCBldTHFJ1M-YghcehFX8Jj-l4mqpoqyzPHHUbz9c7t-9pTToZiKlq6aF4dEfJZnSpR24zm63KbPzzve8_UCWHn0037Prwy74imVh58wiw/s1600/it+isn%27t+fair.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA7xsy9yoPMg2xJJ-aruFKmRDz2iXRKasmMCBldTHFJ1M-YghcehFX8Jj-l4mqpoqyzPHHUbz9c7t-9pTToZiKlq6aF4dEfJZnSpR24zm63KbPzzve8_UCWHn0037Prwy74imVh58wiw/s1600/it+isn't+fair.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://namasteorshouldigo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Now that
the elephant in the room has been addressed, I'll move on to other things that
have been keeping me entertained. I've been cooking and baking a lot, haunting
the library, and catching up on my favourite series and anime. I've started a
new hobby which I might blog about another time. I've made some lifestyle
changes I'm enjoying.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiROG6shs7Hq2I38pkxoToILL3qmp2L7_D3OTdFNg41Jb4XqBChn5lnTdfCQ6XWEJ0XAnp-U5h03Cg_F64j1HDtab-vuEpyt4GSvuKy_2OcyjyRNl0sNeIuBJQtf_6zO8CGvQcA2_IkQM/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiROG6shs7Hq2I38pkxoToILL3qmp2L7_D3OTdFNg41Jb4XqBChn5lnTdfCQ6XWEJ0XAnp-U5h03Cg_F64j1HDtab-vuEpyt4GSvuKy_2OcyjyRNl0sNeIuBJQtf_6zO8CGvQcA2_IkQM/s1600/baking.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True, that. (<a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I won't
promise I'll blog often because I noticed a trend in my emails to my friends -
whenever I mail them saying I promise I shall write them a legit long novel of
a reply, I never get around to doing it. Conversely, if I just say "Till
next time!" and do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> promise
anything, I send them that long novel that has been writing itself in the back
of my mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So...
Till next time!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-86726139634687737942013-09-10T16:36:00.001+02:002013-10-31T04:53:33.102+01:00Sophie Did It!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><br />
I spent a good deal of time thinking this over, and came to a realization -
My life changing moment was not a moment per se, but a book.<br />
<br />
This is the story of the book that changed my life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBYpAXbcAVgRIM7a-CbpILVQ-nlppFWN6D6iKlv_0IxdqWymrUvTPT4PpUH6WhRdTysoUmG3KhTcAxW9VNExLzmNm8GC0OVsnsuF23Jo88EuZB4pKw70QWXRd6TtzIbICP2igEJPzAtU/s1600/reading+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBYpAXbcAVgRIM7a-CbpILVQ-nlppFWN6D6iKlv_0IxdqWymrUvTPT4PpUH6WhRdTysoUmG3KhTcAxW9VNExLzmNm8GC0OVsnsuF23Jo88EuZB4pKw70QWXRd6TtzIbICP2igEJPzAtU/s1600/reading+books.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My parents did a pretty good job raising my sister and me; I am sure, beyond
doubt, I was the tougher one. I was born a rebel. Not the kind who does things
she shouldn't; no, I was the kind of rebel who didn't want to do what she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i>. Homework? Grumble fest. Daily
piano practice? Stubborn stony silence. I did always do what was required of
me, but not without first making it clear I took no pleasure whatsoever in the
task. My poor parents must have reached the end of their tether much more
frequently with me than with my sister.<br />
<br />
One thing my dad was intent on getting me started on as early as possible
was reading. I loved listening to stories, I enjoyed reading picture books and
comics, I really liked it when I was read to...but when dad started saying,
"Here's a <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(real, picture-less)</span> book I picked out for you. I want you to read it, it's nice.” I
rebelled. I must have been 6 or 7 years old at that time. (In retrospect, I
think my parents didn't realize they needed a completely different approach
with me than with my sister. I am the kind of person who does not like to be
"made" to do something. If I'm forced to, I lose interest in the
task. If the idea comes from myself, I'm enthusiastic. That's still a major trait of
mine.)<br />
<br />
Back to the story, dad spent some time everyday making me read a bit. I
enjoyed the stories, but not the "being made to read" part. The major
problem was, living in a relatively small town in <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/a-short-history-of-me.html" target="_blank">Country B</a>, which back then
didn't offer quite as much as it does now, books for children were very hard to
come by. After a few semi-interesting books, the next one on the agenda was
"Arabian Nights". Murders, revenge, abduction, fights, torture,
blood...yeah, not exactly the kind of thing a 6 year old girl's dreams and
fantasies are made of. That book very nearly destroyed whatever interest I had
in reading. Thankfully, dad discovered a critically acclaimed children's book
and bought it immediately. That book changed my life. I was hooked. I read page
after page, devouring the whole book much faster than any other before it. The
passion had been ignited, and it was not to be satiated with one book. I was bodily
thrown into the world where books are the only way of life.<br />
<br />
That book which changed me was (one of) Sophie’s Adventures by Dick
King-Smith. It’s part of a series…<span style="font-size: xx-small;">which I didn’t know until a minute ago,
when I searched for an image online!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp9kH4A9N7qyF5uJv-71I97FjPjJMdJLZ9oXTB9fkuEDeevbLWHp3uvQraj7vZ4_JPUn6addKWozDy_syC-DeQRE9aus0Gqe-iS7gRbv2JIVFyvCGIB55TWLLXqRTH7wR8tzMdBbShZg/s1600/sophies+adventures+childrensbookshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp9kH4A9N7qyF5uJv-71I97FjPjJMdJLZ9oXTB9fkuEDeevbLWHp3uvQraj7vZ4_JPUn6addKWozDy_syC-DeQRE9aus0Gqe-iS7gRbv2JIVFyvCGIB55TWLLXqRTH7wR8tzMdBbShZg/s1600/sophies+adventures+childrensbookshop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://childrensbookshop.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Maybe I identified with the young, stubborn, animal-loving Sophie. Maybe the
book came along at the right time point. I don't know exactly why, but that was
that one single thing that pushed me into the world of books I now lovingly
hold dear.<br />
<br />
I think maybe at some time, sooner or later, one or the other book might have
converted me into the novel worshipper I now am, but right then, it was Sophie
who took my hand and lead me into the world of books. That book changed me, and
changed my life by opening up a whole new world for me to explore and live in.<br />
<br />
Maybe I should revise my first sentence: My life changing moment was the moment I met Sophie. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What was <i>your </i>life changing moment?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Today's prompt: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Describe
a distinct moment when your life took a turn.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">
<img border="0" src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m553/jennilu07/Blogtember200_zps4672ae9b.png" />
</a></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-44204308335348288652013-09-05T14:34:00.000+02:002013-09-05T14:36:04.571+02:00The Rope Analogy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->There was this girl I was friends with in school. In fact, she was my best
friend for a couple of years till we reached the age of 14. Then something
happened, and suddenly we were at the opposite end of the friendship spectrum.
It was over, and I moved on.<br />
<br />
A few years later, I formed a small study group with a couple of friends.
One of them brought my former friend along too one day, and despite our
differences, I couldn't back out as that would have ruined everything for the
whole group. As time went by, we got more civil, and eventually started
regarding each other as "friends" again. We studied together, we
laughed, we hung out. And yet, something always kept prickling my subconscious.
I didn't feel very comfortable in her presence. My guard was always up. The
friendship felt superficial...and forced.<br />
<br />
This disturbed me, and also affected my results from the combined study we
were doing in the group. I confided my misgivings to my mum. That's when mum
told me,<br />
<br />
<br />
"<i>You can tie a severed rope back together, but the knot will always be
present</i>."<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOyjMHu25YN1KmOxhHxzp7bAQ79aHLteAhIIavQK09sXnT_jt6SIhTO7hKinz7PGPbZTLI_JIN7krZh1cqAmI6E9zO381ktEz5Xy48xLrXbSJlltpf1kyD-3Z78b0KKkJqBtjDHuRAHE/s1600/knot+rougefitness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOyjMHu25YN1KmOxhHxzp7bAQ79aHLteAhIIavQK09sXnT_jt6SIhTO7hKinz7PGPbZTLI_JIN7krZh1cqAmI6E9zO381ktEz5Xy48xLrXbSJlltpf1kyD-3Z78b0KKkJqBtjDHuRAHE/s1600/knot+rougefitness.jpg" height="530" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rougefitness.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Needless to say, my relationship with that friend soon soured. Again.<br />
<br />
I find that what mum said is true. An ex is an ex for a reason, be it
friend, partner, or anything else. You can glue the pieces back together, be
civil for the sake of civility, but it won't be the same relationship again.
Forgiveness is all fine, but expecting a once-broken relationship to go back to
what it was is not feasible. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.ch/" target="_blank">Jenni</a> is hosting a blogging challenge this month. I expect I'll sporadically be joining in on the fun.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Today's Prompt:<b> </b>Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered.</span> <br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/blogtember-september-blog-challenge.html">
<img border="0" src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m553/jennilu07/Blogtember200_zps4672ae9b.png" />
</a></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-34283776194527837302013-09-02T00:32:00.000+02:002013-09-02T03:35:17.397+02:00You Filthy Little Liar<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><br />
If you remember <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/quit-checking-so-much.html" target="_blank">this</a> post from a few months ago, I spoke of
the need to not check things obsessively. One thing I used to do daily in the
morning, out of habit, was checking my weight. The weighing machine sits
conveniently in the kitchen (<i>I don't know how it got there</i>), so before
breakfast, I'd automatically weigh myself. Not because I'm keeping tabs on it or anything. Just...because.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the past two months, though, this pattern was broken due
to inconveniences resulting from the renovation that’s currently on. I pulled
out my faithful weighing machine again a couple of days ago, fully prepared to
see a higher number than the last time I’d checked (I’ve <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/08/lately-ive-been.html" target="_blank">not exactly</a> been
watching my dessert consumption). The weight indicated by the machine shocked me.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV4OfNas8addir2WpKQKOGCUum7jQSAh5NUKBcALORDVcpAKDRgUwInqlT9aohKzK9huURACBmvgCxdeF4vBAT-s1_NMiomgtYtXHzHCCf2E7a329JhN_p16JZNksPTD35dBP0SV9mv4/s1600/weighing+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV4OfNas8addir2WpKQKOGCUum7jQSAh5NUKBcALORDVcpAKDRgUwInqlT9aohKzK9huURACBmvgCxdeF4vBAT-s1_NMiomgtYtXHzHCCf2E7a329JhN_p16JZNksPTD35dBP0SV9mv4/s1600/weighing+machine.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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According to it, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lost</i>
a couple of Kilograms! Yeah, right. Who are you kidding, you filthy little
liar. I can <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see</i> I’ve been piling on a
little. I can <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i> my jeans fit a
little snugger. Are you trying to make me think those two big slices of black
forest cake I had yesterday are perfectly fine? (In my defense, I bought the
cake half-off. Who would be crazy enough to pass up a chance to buy a black
forest cake at 50% off??)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time to change your batteries, you old fibber. I’d rather
know the cold hard truth than get lied to.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-49091388983828449172013-08-30T00:13:00.000+02:002013-08-30T00:13:59.720+02:00 Revisiting My New Year’s Resolution<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I don’t follow the trend of making New Year’s resolutions;
not because I agree with Calvin…
<br />
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6BOv2HuDhVVs1HWgpsmo3QRByZgDraau5PN54FYIGYtd0SyKCXTcRmFIEotgUrOCtmqzHFpsomDzIy-WiCJJme1xbalOzytKQOzIX7SD_HHpQR_sHS0CqP1MpbTzAI62d0HecSQyxxE/s550/calvin+hobbes+new+year+resolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6BOv2HuDhVVs1HWgpsmo3QRByZgDraau5PN54FYIGYtd0SyKCXTcRmFIEotgUrOCtmqzHFpsomDzIy-WiCJJme1xbalOzytKQOzIX7SD_HHpQR_sHS0CqP1MpbTzAI62d0HecSQyxxE/s550/calvin+hobbes+new+year+resolution.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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…but possibly because I know that for the major part, they
won’t be followed through (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ha! Such
optimism!</i>) . This year, however, I decided to make one. Not a big list with
lots of high hopes written down, but a single, simple resolution.<br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0gR1lgXQNceBYQ65STUU6rXsKo1q5QbD-Ac0y2dXaSnYC76QC1_qPrDmfxDA6MaB1jW-5o3YjiN2ur9v59yWUaWrfzUOke2rk31TcfafxkCGCdP9MILGbPFcvwYPwW88Ewt0s_legkE/s550/new+year+resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0gR1lgXQNceBYQ65STUU6rXsKo1q5QbD-Ac0y2dXaSnYC76QC1_qPrDmfxDA6MaB1jW-5o3YjiN2ur9v59yWUaWrfzUOke2rk31TcfafxkCGCdP9MILGbPFcvwYPwW88Ewt0s_legkE/s550/new+year+resolutions.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My New Year’s resolution was this - to drink more water daily.</div>
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Yes, that was it! My water intake was
shamefully less, and I thought if I had just a single item on my resolutions
list, I’d stick to it.</div>
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So did I?</div>
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After 2/3 of the year has passed and we’re closer to the end
of the year than the beginning, I’m finally making a reassessment of my water
intake - and I realize that I haven’t been sticking to my resolution completely.
Yes, I have noticed an improvement in my water intake, but sometimes, I go
through extreme dry spells. </div>
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One thing which helps remind me to hydrate myself more often
is keeping a jug of water on the table through the day. It serves as a visual
reminder, while at the same time helping me keep track of the amount I drink. The prettier the jug, the better!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb341nQZmPw7zTnNm8clvaz9oDMgwx4_bdgMBObB57h8W3AyBTm-lKeEa0Pr9YSNjI8sDAQC6p4DE7z1y0Bs-SxTq4DpHKcgsjFqFlTu6wu0ATpqvEQv-oFPBrjshxyhdZwDRUmohsLb8/s550/water+jug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb341nQZmPw7zTnNm8clvaz9oDMgwx4_bdgMBObB57h8W3AyBTm-lKeEa0Pr9YSNjI8sDAQC6p4DE7z1y0Bs-SxTq4DpHKcgsjFqFlTu6wu0ATpqvEQv-oFPBrjshxyhdZwDRUmohsLb8/s550/water+jug.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tryingforsighs.com/2013/08/flea-market-finds.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Having a jug of water and a glass beside me while blogging
works wonders; that’s when I drink like a camel!</div>
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Now please excuse me while I go fill ‘er up.</div>
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Have you kept up with your New Year’s resolutions?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-14946190976453463642013-08-28T22:09:00.000+02:002014-02-16T02:35:34.797+01:00Wedding Bells, Twice<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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One of my close friends, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A</i>, is
getting married in a few days. Another really close friend <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">F</i> is tying the knot on the following day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYgUnJmgyPtM5SWX76EGXy6nFrMdMAzVq_vzoEKhSJ83G0dz3s27-e5m5AUBzsH9mGtdFEya2RJvmdEylCjQNcV2WlogFrxkzUb1LLuyzpPjk6mDFOz0EN4tEzjSeOy6_TdoZu-o7o9E/s1600/bride+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I'd gone to college with
both of them, with <i>A</i> during my masters degree, and with <i>F</i> during my bachelors.
Both times, we were part of a close-knit gang of friends, pulling through
adversity together, supporting each other, and enjoying each others company.
I'm still in touch with all of them (thank god for the internet!). From among
my friends group from my bachelors, a gang of four girls (discreetly mentioned
<a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/college-life.html" target="_blank">here</a>!), two are married, and the third will be in a few days! It is unbelievable
how time flies and circumstances change. I'm genuinely happy for these friends
who have found good partners for themselves. Two more girls, crossing the
threshold, becoming ladies with added responsibilities to their own,
discovering a new, different way of life, entering a whole new epoch.
Weddings are fun, and also extremely stressful and hectic. I'm usually
one who worms her way out of such hassle, but if it is a friend's wedding, I
wouldn't miss it if I had the choice. I've been invited to both these upcoming
weddings, but sadly won't be able to attend as I'm in a different country.
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfugITAx9msj2pDiWdz6Z2wdaeqkw1zLF_Xq6WumDnpmo5QqKEGA-MqhX736NTkNfrnW_jQuSTiIRkHZZdW-z3yt0_bBdx6hE-wMX6B1hkDDpzNE5IQoVRjfKHMnwuJOAVhKI15Um3IRM/s1600/bride+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfugITAx9msj2pDiWdz6Z2wdaeqkw1zLF_Xq6WumDnpmo5QqKEGA-MqhX736NTkNfrnW_jQuSTiIRkHZZdW-z3yt0_bBdx6hE-wMX6B1hkDDpzNE5IQoVRjfKHMnwuJOAVhKI15Um3IRM/s1600/bride+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
All my wedded friends, and myself, are under the age of 25. It makes me
feel...a little left out, to be honest. Not because I’m not married, but
because everyone else is. Once a friend is married, I feel like they might not
have time for long, elaborate emails or phone conversations like they did
before. I know this might not be true about everyone, that it might just be my
assumption, but whenever I want to call a married friend, I hesitate a bit,
thinking, "What if she's busy? What if she's with the family?" I know
I shouldn't let my presumptions dictate the degree of contact I keep with my
friends, but that's the sad truth. I also hesitate to talk about some topics
which had flowed freely and unrestrained before, but suddenly seem
inappropriate or out-of-bounds. <br />
<br />
I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> the person is still the
same, that it is only a change of status and situation, not of character. I
think this is something I need to work on. I do realize that if the same were
to be reversed, if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i> were getting
married and then my friends' calls diminished, I'd feel left out. I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">definitely</i> need to work on this! And no,
there's no danger of myself getting hitched anytime soon!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEl_NpvWL8_FwHv0Bt2HGyO0yoMG7y2Po4Pau5kRigRWizgXW1q_Kl-cnGyLnptY8DWWkHaojXshO5oORj7zF5K8teLKrAcRf2ejJmCaAzp7RmuTUS64GgdC9arO2fTCfvIfLQUCiq5o/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEl_NpvWL8_FwHv0Bt2HGyO0yoMG7y2Po4Pau5kRigRWizgXW1q_Kl-cnGyLnptY8DWWkHaojXshO5oORj7zF5K8teLKrAcRf2ejJmCaAzp7RmuTUS64GgdC9arO2fTCfvIfLQUCiq5o/s1600/flowers.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I wish friend <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A</i> a wonderful
wedding day and a lifetime of falling and growing in love. I wish her happiness
in her marriage, peppered with lots of laughter and understanding. <br />
<br />
I wish friend <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">F</i> a memorable day and
a happy marriage. I wish her lots of fun times with her husband-to-be, truckloads
of humour to tackle the differences that inevitably will be, and a love-filled
environment.<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-60506567465833958102013-08-25T16:04:00.000+02:002013-08-25T16:18:53.498+02:00The Night Writer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I am an evening person. In the mornings, my pajamas are firmly nailed to the
bed. It takes real physical effort to drag myself out of my warm lover's
embrace (the lover being my bed, in case there were any confusions). I feel
most energetic past 5 p.m., am more up to doing chores and such in the
evenings, and get my best ideas past midnight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZkUlLgXrZHfPsfTsSnawEJQSMZpJe_EklLDxJlYprpq6R2ngCqHYeckAI2plumS4JtFJ3ZaXkiRs7BuDzxv85Lzi4WYulzU-6rOX28OLhv7W0ZdZG7K8M2ITf9qcd8vmFetBg5-3Gkg/s1600/night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZkUlLgXrZHfPsfTsSnawEJQSMZpJe_EklLDxJlYprpq6R2ngCqHYeckAI2plumS4JtFJ3ZaXkiRs7BuDzxv85Lzi4WYulzU-6rOX28OLhv7W0ZdZG7K8M2ITf9qcd8vmFetBg5-3Gkg/s1600/night.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
During my undergrad, I went to a college close by, so I didn't have to stay
at a hostel. There was this one time before a major exam, my young cousin came
to stay over for a month. Having a hyperactive, attention demanding 5 year old
around the whole day is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> the
perfect formula for a great setting to study! That's when I started staying up
late to study in peace, often till the early hours of the day, and
subsequently getting up way after regular people do. I found that I can work
best at night, because there are much fewer distractions. I work really well,
or even better, early in the morning too...if I get up.<br />
<br />
I get my best ideas at night. I want to write, do craft, make cards, draw,
cook, bake. But with everybody else's clocks set at a different time zone than
mine, and the need to get up on time the next day, keep me from pursuing these
ideas. A lot of blogging brainwaves got lost because I decided to pick sleep
over blogging at 3 a.m., until I finally found my common sense and started
jotting down my thoughts in my cell phone, to explore them further at a more
acceptable time. Now I have an ever growing list of prompts. I get the ideas at
night, but I realized, I often pen those ideas best at night too.<br />
<br />
Now I've found a new solution. I recently downloaded an app for my android
phone, which enables me to reduce the screen brightness by a lot (Of course,
this still isn't that much better for the eyes). So some nights, I find myself
in bed, tap-tapping on the cell, giving birth to my new blog post. These fruits
of the night are saved offline, transferred to the laptop the next day, and
proof-read before posting. Like this one. <br />
<br />
When do you write? Do you have a specific time you're most comfortable with?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yes
you're right<br />
I write at night<br />
After daylight has gone.<br />
It's then my sight<br />
And thoughts ignite<br />
Hence I keep writing on.</span></i></div>
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<![endif]--><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-84436102324353852152013-08-22T23:31:00.000+02:002013-08-22T23:31:17.651+02:00Marginalia (Or How I Met My Ghost Teacher)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b>Marginalia</b> (n., pl.) - notes in the margin of a book, manuscript, or letter (<a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/marginalia" target="_blank">source</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
I had borrowed a few books from the library earlier this month. Soon after
reaching home and flipping through them, one book in particular stood out – The
Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. For one, it wasn't a glossy, newer print like the
other books in the stash. It was older, more used but still in excellent
condition. More importantly, it had light notes and markings in pencil on
the margins of some pages.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DP142t4IbLvnFekehB7cGQYR_qoihLzig_DW-5RnNZrV9-zsIU1K9tWbD5LFQLzzfG3q7AaM6U849NXkK4khoDgbZHxdzJ1I3U82T-baN_5oWDVU80N17dX7HUrJV76LH35e6q9i21c/s1600/marginalia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DP142t4IbLvnFekehB7cGQYR_qoihLzig_DW-5RnNZrV9-zsIU1K9tWbD5LFQLzzfG3q7AaM6U849NXkK4khoDgbZHxdzJ1I3U82T-baN_5oWDVU80N17dX7HUrJV76LH35e6q9i21c/s1600/marginalia.jpg" height="640" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://library.vicu.utoronto.ca/exhibitions/nassr/colonialism_culture.htm#title" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I am one who never defaces a novel. I can't bring myself to write <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anything</i> in those beautiful leaves which
transport you to a whole different world. Textbooks, though, are a different
matter. I underline important passages. I jot down small points on the margins.
Sometimes, I even draw some pictures in it… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maybe
I'll do a whole separate blog post about this later.</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i> <br />
This novel bears some one-word notes on the margins at some
places, as well as a few marked paragraphs in every page, all by a very light hand, in
pencil. I reckon this is by a student, the way it's done; someone who read it
as part of their school or college curriculum.<br />
<br />
I was rather surprised I didn't find it as disturbing as I'd expected. In
fact, by lightly marking out certain paragraphs and words, the person has
succeeded in making me pay a little extra attention to those parts. I find it
is quite like having my own friendly ghost teacher, encouraging me to read and
understand the book on my own, but still gently pointing out the parts I should
pay more attention to so I can eventually understand the plot better. I am now
halfway through the book and am eager to finish it, even if only to find out if
my ghost teacher is pointing me in the right direction and making me take more
note of the details that will eventually prove to be the important ones all
along.<br />
<br />
Tonight again, I'll be curled up on the sofa, book in hand, with my ghost
teacher silently watching my progress. In the end, I'll see if I'm disappointed, shaking my head at her for distracting me throughout, or quietly
nodding in agreement and smiling when all the highlighted passages finally come
together and make sense.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-80367182959556823662013-08-21T05:42:00.000+02:002013-08-21T05:42:41.169+02:00Lately I've Been...I've not been blogging as often as I'd like, of late. I have the ideas in my head, I have quite a few potential topics noted down in my trusty cell phone, but it just doesn't seem to translate itself to paper...or word file. <i>If only my posts would write themselves..!</i> Is this what writer's block is like?<br />
<br />
So instead of writing something <i>deep</i> and <i>meaningful</i>, I thought I'll give you a run down of what's been occupying me lately.<br />
<br />
I've been baking. <strike>I made</strike> We made a <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/youll-love-me-because.html" target="_blank">tiramisu cake</a> last week (I can't claim I made it <i>all</i> by myself! Having a baking partner is fun...and quicker.). Yesterday, we made "Kalter Hund / Hunde Schnauze", a no-bake dessert, which is basically like a giant chocolate wafer. I haven't transferred photos of our own chocolate brick to my laptop yet, so this googled photo will do just fine. Ours is pretty much the same, minus the white chocolate drizzle on top.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLx70syjrrGJMW0Zpd4whQT_R5vOvoe1PO7dn_Vs6jArsBYvGOcW5MuKs5db69m5q11j5XUylE-nesFadOSTrAOFdvJTMvlu6OxLuHHkcmF_24Ro3s0M3YlN_UWuxw1ynqtvsKHa0GCs/s1600/kalter+hund+tumblr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLx70syjrrGJMW0Zpd4whQT_R5vOvoe1PO7dn_Vs6jArsBYvGOcW5MuKs5db69m5q11j5XUylE-nesFadOSTrAOFdvJTMvlu6OxLuHHkcmF_24Ro3s0M3YlN_UWuxw1ynqtvsKHa0GCs/s1600/kalter+hund+tumblr.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was a double batch of banana loaf cake and carrot cake muffins before this. Plans to bake a coffee cake are on the way as well. And maybe something fruity too, while we're at it. We decided to scratch the chocolate souffle idea, because really, so much chocolate in so short a time can become a little too much even for <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/how-to-eat-chocolate-like-connoisseur.html" target="_blank">someone like me</a>. <br />
<br />
Looking back at the huge helpings of dessert I've been shoveling in this month, I feel aghast.<i> Forgive me, waistline! Can we please be friends again?</i> :(<br />
<br />
I've been brainstorming, and have a few ideas lined up for the blog! A new series is on its way... stay tuned!<br />
<br />
After <i>meaning</i> to go to the library since a few weeks, I finally paid a visit. I had compiled a long list of books I intent to lay my hands on. I found only five of those, but that will keep me happy for the time being. I'd be delighted if you leave me some reading recommendations! <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnzdzRc_r3I4_i_NQLy9awlUwcR954uPmsK0SxdpWKqNj4RUx8WHdK9Rq-9WaBxU2RqdtEy2HgMC-UmRMLX4l9eoCfzO2vSfZuRGOaVu5aozKBianqUmbsAeSfA0fAVSw_jrLMlvIbns/s1600/books+tumblr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnzdzRc_r3I4_i_NQLy9awlUwcR954uPmsK0SxdpWKqNj4RUx8WHdK9Rq-9WaBxU2RqdtEy2HgMC-UmRMLX4l9eoCfzO2vSfZuRGOaVu5aozKBianqUmbsAeSfA0fAVSw_jrLMlvIbns/s1600/books+tumblr.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I finished one novel today; I might review it later on the blog. I'll just say, instead of helping me go to sleep earlier by keeping me away from the internet, like I'd hoped, it had the exact opposite effect - I stayed up reading till the crack of dawn, oblivious to the time.<br />
<br />
Speaking of books, <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/harpercollins/17-problems-only-book-lovers-will-understand-9npd" target="_blank">this</a> is something I can wholeheartedly identify with.<br />
<br />
While we're already including external links, may I point out <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/pictures-that-will-warm-your-cold-dead-heart" target="_blank">this</a> as well. (Warning - could cause over-stimulation of lacrimal glands.)<br />
<br />
I'll be off now, to finally supply some much needed repose to my sleep-deprived self.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-65815974457546235102013-08-12T18:03:00.000+02:002013-08-12T18:03:10.366+02:00 One Ingredient Ice Cream<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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You read the title right.
<br />
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As improbable as it sounds, this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> true. Ice cream. Soft-serve style. A single ingredient. No ice
cream maker necessary. </div>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0kQzzjZ8WbGw1LJvba-M24q9rpoX6RoHo6C6qHLT5MXfYroU7Ey6g_9ShfJr9ejfQaUZNRDeEhCxbXFcJrwv951fD_Ei5xz4uDsgdTx4wz_3aCSTGN0vwEaNg_OUx_y5QFWmax-s5co/s1600/banana+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0kQzzjZ8WbGw1LJvba-M24q9rpoX6RoHo6C6qHLT5MXfYroU7Ey6g_9ShfJr9ejfQaUZNRDeEhCxbXFcJrwv951fD_Ei5xz4uDsgdTx4wz_3aCSTGN0vwEaNg_OUx_y5QFWmax-s5co/s1600/banana+ice+cream.jpg" height="367" width="541" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I came across this “recipe”, if it can be called that, in
the videos of two youtubers (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bubzbeauty" target="_blank">bubz </a>and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/BlogilatesTV" target="_blank">blogilates</a>), and subsequently, in the
weekly newspaper supplement. That was a sign that I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i> to try it out!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re looking for a fat-free, sugar-free, dairy-free,
egg-free, fuss-free healthy tasty vegan ice cream recipe, this is it. Even if
you’re not looking for one, you should try it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> this
wonderful ingredient with such super powers?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Presenting….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.<br />
.<br />
. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The humble <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Banana</b>!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHlUS-Mp_iA_lpiyItIuA5zlzQunXXEQrNe2r1mzM_5MwDNff8GvVG4KFCeQT1gEj9zeTknMEk4DhHOIAZfq2B0zf0-m-sovtmRlbdTHxHMDMGFfls5OIKkwSRNlHNkQn7olH9gNEuww/s1600/banana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHlUS-Mp_iA_lpiyItIuA5zlzQunXXEQrNe2r1mzM_5MwDNff8GvVG4KFCeQT1gEj9zeTknMEk4DhHOIAZfq2B0zf0-m-sovtmRlbdTHxHMDMGFfls5OIKkwSRNlHNkQn7olH9gNEuww/s1600/banana.jpg" height="468" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enough talk, now let’s get to it.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">One
Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Serves one)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Ingredients</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
1-2 Ripe bananas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Method</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Peel, slice and freeze the bananas for a few hours
till they’re solid.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJhIVeg_zIa0pCN_b22gcLjLXWgUTYOM4ruc-DApHW8qPyzaVVCvgI9aGfb2Zqcbbghk9WLufgmP4FTyyjbHSdHECbjUVEBCEKIo-JSOj9ecTLE9-1vfBo5o3VyzOqxqOx3J2EOGlaXs/s1600/banana+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJhIVeg_zIa0pCN_b22gcLjLXWgUTYOM4ruc-DApHW8qPyzaVVCvgI9aGfb2Zqcbbghk9WLufgmP4FTyyjbHSdHECbjUVEBCEKIo-JSOj9ecTLE9-1vfBo5o3VyzOqxqOx3J2EOGlaXs/s1600/banana+2.jpg" height="364" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Place the frozen banana slices in a blender,
blend for a minute or two till creamy. Scrape down the sides while blending to give all banana slices an equal chance.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDv0RmcWcsuLLLgLhiofjwtHtBfbGjLdsK5vz_RW_DEfT9H-UO5E-oAkUkggqkGBX88PPDf3mx4DHVPZGvh7UBYDaY2KopyI5-V0GbHksOnBD2s9mW5z6jCW2KzpkCfhqdk_p3NZojO8/s1600/banana+ice+cream+cravingchronicles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDv0RmcWcsuLLLgLhiofjwtHtBfbGjLdsK5vz_RW_DEfT9H-UO5E-oAkUkggqkGBX88PPDf3mx4DHVPZGvh7UBYDaY2KopyI5-V0GbHksOnBD2s9mW5z6jCW2KzpkCfhqdk_p3NZojO8/s1600/banana+ice+cream+cravingchronicles.jpg" height="360" width="542" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cravingchronicles.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Oh, and Step 3: Eat.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trust me, this is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i>
tasty! Frozen blended banana gets the exact texture and taste of soft-serve ice
cream, if not better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few points I’d like to specify:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>The bananas <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i>
be sliced. I slice them into one-centimeter thick pieces. Big pieces or uncut
frozen bananas won’t blend well, and they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">might</i>
harm your blender’s blades.</li>
<li>I personally prefer slicing the bananas <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> freezing. You can do it the other
way round, and slice them when frozen, but that results
in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">frozen finger syndrome</i>. Not
comfortable.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Do not over blend, as the friction from the blades
will warm the ice cream up and make it runny.</li>
<li>If you're making bigger batches, I recommend using a really powerful blender (I prefer making small batches.)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can customize your ice cream in any way you want. Add
fresh or frozen fruits, chocolate chips, vanilla, nutella, chocolate sauce, caramel
sauce, peanut butter, nuts, honey…whatever rocks your boat!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjtxmMFfHmtyQJsqAV7kdZ1EmSevg02Dfxo1hOr1qT9mscXlyANTk9kTw4BxMbU-2DBFdR2L8soaV-zToWFGwQzUQ0iXrCOi13fjuv_8RbyOuladHpN0f4pUSWheEyUm1_09aL0bvmDM/s1600/banana+ice+cream+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjtxmMFfHmtyQJsqAV7kdZ1EmSevg02Dfxo1hOr1qT9mscXlyANTk9kTw4BxMbU-2DBFdR2L8soaV-zToWFGwQzUQ0iXrCOi13fjuv_8RbyOuladHpN0f4pUSWheEyUm1_09aL0bvmDM/s1600/banana+ice+cream+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I added a handful of frozen raspberries, and a little sugar
to compensate for the resulting sourness, to mine. Perfect raspberry coloured, raspberry
flavoured bowl of healthy frozen goodness! Yes, this definitely counts towards your five daily servings of fruit. Technically, you're eating fruit, but <i>actually</i> it's ice cream. Couldn't get better than that!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This one-ingredient ice cream freezes well, and can be
stored in the freezer just like regular ice cream. Freshly made, the texture is
delightful, just like soft serve. Frozen, it gets the texture of regular ice
cream. Still delightful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re trying to reduce your intake of refined sugar,
dairy, fats, or going vegan, this is perfect for that sweet-tooth. Or if you
have a couple of bananas just lying around, waiting to be transformed into
delectable ice cream ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me know if you try this recipe!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Disclaimer: Photos are not mine; I was too involved in making and devouring my own creation) </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-58533322198611906832013-08-10T01:17:00.001+02:002013-08-12T17:34:53.170+02:00Rendezvous With The Dentist<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->I had a dental appointment a couple of days ago. Nothing
major, just a routine semiannual check-up and cleaning. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite knowing my teeth are in good condition, I was a
little apprehensive. I always am, before going to the dentist. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What will he say this time? Will I have
cavities? Will I need drilling?? </i>I’m at ease going for any other kind of
check-up to the doctor: regular all-round check-ups, dermatology appointments,
even to the gynaecologist. But going to the dentist? It freaks me out every
single time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is this fear innate or learnt? It has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">got</i> to be learnt, but it sure as heck doesn’t feel like it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday’s appointment was at a dentist’s I’d never been to
before. The place was small, but felt welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised. Of
course, it helped that I couldn’t hear the sounds of drills <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">drillin’ away</i>; I feel like I get tooth
ache by just hearing the drilling noises. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The check-up went quick, and the routine cleaning was just
the way it’s always been. I survived a scare of potentially having to get my
molars pulled; the x-rays showed they needn’t be. The thought of having to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">maybe</i> get rid of two (or four!) quite
healthy teeth with humungous roots did nothing to ease my intimidation of
dentists and dental anything. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time, however, my visit to the dentist was much more
satisfactory than it usually is. I'll tell you why at the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The overall verdict was good. I was told to keep doing
everything I already do: brush half an hour post meal, and floss daily. I was also
told that since I don't have any cavities or immediate risk thereof
(touchwood!), I can schedule my biannual checkup annually. That is good,
because: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) Have you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seen</i>
how much dentists charge??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Health insurance does <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i>
foot the bill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) I don't like visits to dental clinics (so I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> take care of my teeth).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, the reason why this visit was more satisfactory….<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had THE handsomest dentist ever!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEEoOZlKLu605MZjG-0ni-MOelCp1uxc7rVCubCdw7m8lk_KKBN8ecQyGAMm2NKQRm3RDNkn326EGPO7dyYbVj5GNODFJeESa3z_Ivj7RlWb7B3aShzIcyWDNmL9UMfB_FDTqkYBvJk0/s1600/doctor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEEoOZlKLu605MZjG-0ni-MOelCp1uxc7rVCubCdw7m8lk_KKBN8ecQyGAMm2NKQRm3RDNkn326EGPO7dyYbVj5GNODFJeESa3z_Ivj7RlWb7B3aShzIcyWDNmL9UMfB_FDTqkYBvJk0/s1600/doctor.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ducktheory.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young, friendly, and attractive. I am already looking forward
to my next appointment. The wonders having a good-looking dentist can do!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm sure we're all unanimous that eye-candy puts one in a
good mood. Especially when the said eye-candy looks, smiles and talks to you
(and you're allowed to look back!). </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-69126796309611228492013-08-08T01:01:00.000+02:002013-08-08T01:01:50.506+02:00...That Is Life<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif210vsgLf4eO0zxRNdS4TYxRHX46SUwf888kp8tvdWQVpO0uVBjZV17zBww8LBo46gLKR8ru3e9xHEM94dUNrGfRl2_bozWMNLwn8xGap5O-9XjMpkEg-1lgQDlP2MtoAQ3z3EBl9Oa0/s1600/train+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif210vsgLf4eO0zxRNdS4TYxRHX46SUwf888kp8tvdWQVpO0uVBjZV17zBww8LBo46gLKR8ru3e9xHEM94dUNrGfRl2_bozWMNLwn8xGap5O-9XjMpkEg-1lgQDlP2MtoAQ3z3EBl9Oa0/s1600/train+5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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I was on the platform,</div>
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all this time,</div>
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but I missed the
train.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I stood by,</div>
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watched it rumble
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without uttering a
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was so close,</div>
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and yet I let the
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due to nobody's fault
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<br /></div>
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The passengers who
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to board that train</div>
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have made it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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They have reached the
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had initially set out
for.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now I can only wait
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if another train to
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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I will have to change
my destination.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
That is life.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-14708398733554196272013-08-05T01:34:00.000+02:002013-08-05T01:40:45.898+02:00Flower Power<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->I am no beauty or nail polish blogger, but I couldn’t resist
sharing what’s on my nails this week! Well, what’s a girl to do on a rainy
afternoon when she’s bored out of her mind?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJGUSgtagIPn7RwWYxnpa_I53YYmEK9v7z2JZ7yv8do_4HmFO9guHigRLfPFiVAvDef-DnPSsRdbrLMiqXu8ofBKXv-gbmj9e5Ys_wGXkvkV3P0vCzrT2wwPHlQ_aLO0j06LnbgCNUbU/s1600/Nail+art+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJGUSgtagIPn7RwWYxnpa_I53YYmEK9v7z2JZ7yv8do_4HmFO9guHigRLfPFiVAvDef-DnPSsRdbrLMiqXu8ofBKXv-gbmj9e5Ys_wGXkvkV3P0vCzrT2wwPHlQ_aLO0j06LnbgCNUbU/s1600/Nail+art+flowers.jpg" height="371" width="558" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like I said, I’m no nail polish blogger, so I don’t have
fancy close-up pictures. This photo of my nails “in action” is all you’re going
to see.<br />
<br />
Alright, here's one more photo because you asked nicely (<i>or because I'm a show-off</i>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokiLZ8nrDxczpmC5QFl_B8_ih6SQfpdc5-UxU7shdWipAHmsrlHeoCFBoaO2-pCxsj0ExYS5_1yFn4ApYq0niVkQFgvGXfXFS1J54CejCPK0kTxR-v81U_6wSijtHDHtlaQuLm-Myh2A/s1600/Nail+art+flowers+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokiLZ8nrDxczpmC5QFl_B8_ih6SQfpdc5-UxU7shdWipAHmsrlHeoCFBoaO2-pCxsj0ExYS5_1yFn4ApYq0niVkQFgvGXfXFS1J54CejCPK0kTxR-v81U_6wSijtHDHtlaQuLm-Myh2A/s1600/Nail+art+flowers+3.jpg" height="406" width="558" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'll stop right here before I embarrass myself with more photos of my chubby fingers, short nails and unprofessional photos. <br />
<br />
My nails make me think of quaint English tea cups. I adore things
like that! A friend, though, said my nail art reminds her of the print she saw
on a push up bra! There you have it – proof that nails <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i>
be sexy ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a confession – that bored girl on a rainy afternoon I
mention above? That’s not me. That’s my sister, and I volunteered my nails as
her canvas. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My conscience won’t let me
take credit. Trust me, I tried not to include this detail!</i>) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-58637113135222985902013-08-02T17:11:00.001+02:002013-08-02T17:52:45.256+02:00Fireworks: The Ugly Truth<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
This week included a pretty important day for <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/a-short-history-of-me.html" target="_blank">Country A</a>. There were big
celebrations, and obviously, there were fireworks. Now, I like watching
fireworks once in a while, but they don’t hold any special significance for me.
And I have no problem whatsoever if there aren't any.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJialKFCh6w4jcuSpYlaIHKXzU0yV__CBP_vNgZI5tLulotDuArUKFPc-89RcTvf8vqNVJogUSw-Qt7Q-2va2j5orzgmcejRWk7YAJrjByaOAO-RgssRWIG5Hrq4T3H8iDn0bOeevlVA/s1600/firework+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJialKFCh6w4jcuSpYlaIHKXzU0yV__CBP_vNgZI5tLulotDuArUKFPc-89RcTvf8vqNVJogUSw-Qt7Q-2va2j5orzgmcejRWk7YAJrjByaOAO-RgssRWIG5Hrq4T3H8iDn0bOeevlVA/s1600/firework+1.jpg" height="389" width="523" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographing fireworks is HARD.<u><br /></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Fireworks are filled with chemicals, including toxic heavy metals like
barium, lead, mercury salts, antimony, copper, and strontium. Where do they go?
They don't just magically disappear after they're let off, or get burnt and
converted into harmless steam. No, these poisonous substances stay in the
atmosphere, they percolate the soil, they contaminate the water. Eventually,
all those beautiful fireworks work their way to your system, into your food,
your water, and least controllably, into your lungs. The air smells putrid
after a firework show. It causes breathing problems in people without them, and
exacerbates it for asthmatics. Let's not forget about the carcinogenics either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLZCaVAZdGv316TJXANBzi6FAHT67whp5meiJAuIeq1T21JlTWBJBBy_g-GA9wWSSFmIuG00gpaWx4eg8oxJDXDSTUCZRLnCBdMfaIk9HH7WYcpB9G65l4iSdrxGs9HzczE9MAjKnqbM/s1600/fireworks-pollution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLZCaVAZdGv316TJXANBzi6FAHT67whp5meiJAuIeq1T21JlTWBJBBy_g-GA9wWSSFmIuG00gpaWx4eg8oxJDXDSTUCZRLnCBdMfaIk9HH7WYcpB9G65l4iSdrxGs9HzczE9MAjKnqbM/s1600/fireworks-pollution.jpg" height="361" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.backcountryattitude.com/toxic_fireworks.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
What about the big bang most make? It almost feels like there's a mentality
of "the louder the bang, the better the firework.” Prolonged exposure to sounds
above 85 decibels causes hearing loss. Regular conversation takes place at
around 60 decibels. Compare this to fireworks, which at their peak can reach up
to 150 decibels! (The higher the decibels, the shorted the time exposure
required to cause hearing loss and related problems) A big concern for me are also the animals and
birds. Usually, fireworks are let off at night, which is when most animals and
birds sleep. They get scared by the noise; get woken from their sleep; baby
birds fall from their nests. They get startled, and it sends them to panic.
Pets get extremely unnerved too. A large number of dogs and cats are reported
missing shortly after festivals which incorporate fireworks. My late German
Shepherd dog used to make a racket every New Year's eve. I'd stay awake with
him till 4 a.m. every time, till the noises subsided and he'd calmed down. I
could <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see</i> how much it affected him.<br />
<br />
One more thing we hardly give a thought to are their production and storage.
Fireworks contain lots of explosives, and that, coupled with the harmful
chemicals, make for a horrendous combination for workers in factories producing
them, and for people handling them.<br />
<br />
Do we really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need</i> all these
fireworks? Do they serve any purpose? Yes, they look pretty when they light up
the sky. The sheer variety leaves me flabbergasted. The colours are beautiful.
The sparkles are magical. Is it worth all the poison and contamination, though?
Is it fine to disrupt the lives of all other living beings around us for our
entertainment? To pollute our environment to this extent?<br />
<br />
As much as I'd like to say we should eliminate fireworks all together, I
fear it isn't a feasible option for many, at least not yet. A good alternative to having hour
long displays of fireworks and lots of extremely loud bangs, would be to let
off just a select few low-noise ones, which will be enough to satiate the
crowd's hunger for a good show. After all, who watches a firework display
beyond the first few minutes? After that, it's all the same. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-24913489357292261732013-07-31T16:38:00.000+02:002013-07-31T16:43:20.179+02:00"Don't Be So Childish"<br />
"Don't be so childish."<br />
<br />
The words cut me like a sword. I remember who said it because it came from
someone I least expected to make such a remark, but as the words themselves are
more important for the current purpose than their original speaker, let's
pretend I've forgotten the source.<br />
<br />
I've had this statement thrown at me more than a few times. Most often than
not, they're not meant to be hurtful, just descriptive, but at the same time
slightly disapproving as I don't necessarily "act my age". That
realization made me understand that they often meant "childlike", and
not "childish", but the demarcations in their meanings just didn't
exist in their vocabulary. (In a nutshell, childlike is seen in a more positive
light, while childish behaviour is rather undesirable and immature.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TclurKSuJFeADTIPACer_CfasfCVzKxhdfz4B3-AlqM44vn0sGfYI8_MsdQBUBd-qfeYNrQVCCfBs2jDassXTq5GAha0MXwEB2-F1WSR3Z6bPHZxJdbigJom8x8MV-hsRL0HjcZQ4w0/s1600/girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TclurKSuJFeADTIPACer_CfasfCVzKxhdfz4B3-AlqM44vn0sGfYI8_MsdQBUBd-qfeYNrQVCCfBs2jDassXTq5GAha0MXwEB2-F1WSR3Z6bPHZxJdbigJom8x8MV-hsRL0HjcZQ4w0/s1600/girl.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I find joy in little things. <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Animals</a> <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/07/woof-woof.html" target="_blank">literally</a> <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/10-things-that-make-me-happy.html" target="_blank">make</a> <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/i-am.html" target="_blank">me</a> <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/a-short-history-of-me.html" target="_blank">squeal</a>. I can bend
over a shrub and start examining its morphology with exclamations of delight,
trying to see how much of my high school knowledge I’ve retained. I love
getting drenched in the rain and make it obvious. I goof. I make a fool of
myself. My facial expressions are not smothered in an attempt to appear more
grown up and mature.<br />
<br />
We are expected to fit the mould, behave like everyone else does, especially
as we get older. Anybody who doesn't, gets labeled various things, including
"childish". It's like they want to stomp out the person's spark,
their innocent and uncomplicated approach to life. I have to admit, I've not
been immune to that stomping. I don't like the way I sometimes subconsciously
(or consciously) control myself and my spontaneous exclamations just so I won't
draw further comments of the sort. It has changed me when I'd much rather
remain the same.<br />
<br />
I spoke about this to my sister (who played a major role in <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/06/the-mane-concern.html" target="_blank">this</a> post), and
she too has had similar experiences. Classmates saying she's too
"innocent", being nicknamed Kung Fu Panda for her many facial
expressions, even getting reprimanded by a professor for "having the
facial expressions of a two year old child"! I find that last one
especially hurtful and disturbing. Why do some people get bothered by a person
who has an uncensored, genuine outlook and expression of life?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKlbmFmAwh2wN-LEZCf6ZFXWzeBZvvBC7PjsKzYmjkbSViwViB2Hg3VLM-HLQO8CEDM2bKezNQfNxk-OBOZjT2tm6PadNmD_F4uXE0Vxd1ASk2e8jafKTFb0e2hSf_pnNuNI5XdTuC3Y/s1600/child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKlbmFmAwh2wN-LEZCf6ZFXWzeBZvvBC7PjsKzYmjkbSViwViB2Hg3VLM-HLQO8CEDM2bKezNQfNxk-OBOZjT2tm6PadNmD_F4uXE0Vxd1ASk2e8jafKTFb0e2hSf_pnNuNI5XdTuC3Y/s1600/child.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I believe that you have enough time to get older, and irrevocably, you will.
Being young though, is irretrievably moving further and further away from us
each passing day. I'd rather remain young inside for as long as I can than give
in to society's guidelines on the desired and expected level of
"maturity", involving perfectly controlled expressions,
well-manicured conversations, zero spontaneity, poker faces and no display of
authentic emotions once you cross your mid-teens.<br />
<br />
Like I once said, unfortunately oblivious to the alternative interpretation,
“One must nourish the child within oneself.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-49506153907435914352013-07-28T21:27:00.000+02:002013-07-30T00:10:19.565+02:00We've Been Robbed<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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There’s been a robbery in my home back in <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/a-short-history-of-me.html" target="_blank">Country B</a>. Yes,
you read that right. Things have been stolen. My parents informed me that they’ve
been having suspicions for a few days now, that they’ve felt like someone’s
been trying to break in a few nights in a row. Being away from home, it really
scares me, not just for the monetary damage it could cause, but also for the
people. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little back story now: we’re renovating. Which means, there
are workers inside the house five days a week, for a relatively long time. I
think it could be one (or a group) of them, for they are now familiar with the
house’s construction. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mentioned that someone’s been trying to break in, right?
Well, something’s already been stolen. Somehow, strangely enough, these two
incidents seem separate, yet connected. The burning question now, what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has</i> been stolen? What <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> those thieves take? They took
chocolates. Yes, you read that right. Chocolates. See, we have a pretty good
stash of exquisite chocolates stored in a small, separate fridge. We consumed
them sparingly, as they’re the kind not available in Asia, these chocolates
aren’t very tolerant of shipping, and we get to restock only every two years or
so. And what did those bastards do? They took everything from the fridge. All
the chocolates. Today, mum found some of the empty original boxes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inside</i> the house. That means it was one,
or a group, of the workers currently renovating the house. It made me so
furious; I was literally shaking with rage when I heard it. I do <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/how-to-eat-chocolate-like-connoisseur.html" target="_blank">take my chocolates seriously</a>, but this time, I was infuriated at the self-righteous
manner in which they were taken, at the arrogance of exploring our fridges (and
maybe cupboards too), the contemptuous way in which the empty boxes were
discarded. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It might seem like something small, “just a few chocolates”,
but who knows what they might nick next, or have already nicked? There’s only
so much you can do to keep watch on a big group of workers at all times, and to
find out who the culprit is is practically impossible. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">second</i>
incident I spoke about, of my parents feeling like someone’s been trying to
break in – that isn’t connected to the chocolate robbery, but I have this
foreboding that these two are related, possibly by the same person or group of
people. I certainly hope nothing happens, that no one breaks in. From what I've heard, they've been lurking around for the past three nights. They sound frighteningly adamant. We do have a
big ol’ Dobermann, but if the thief comes armed, I fear for his life. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-66135409735704382932013-07-22T21:22:00.000+02:002013-07-22T21:22:44.448+02:00Le Petit Nicolas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Last night, the whole household was unanimously craving a
light, feel-good movie. We dug around in our archives and found one none of us
had seen yet: the French movie “Le Petit Nicolas”.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7m1UWsv7hBPhDD72ryQpRwNYnBNktqaPyZaH7Yb5fZA1mqJMygjicrqQkCI_wo99KsSebKaPKwruM6dFSagxhKR-eeEyL73t_XXf7jy0hSzx4y3L0FKmTwxA0B5gw0sbhYXCp3Q4m-Y/s1600/le+petit+nicolas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7m1UWsv7hBPhDD72ryQpRwNYnBNktqaPyZaH7Yb5fZA1mqJMygjicrqQkCI_wo99KsSebKaPKwruM6dFSagxhKR-eeEyL73t_XXf7jy0hSzx4y3L0FKmTwxA0B5gw0sbhYXCp3Q4m-Y/s1600/le+petit+nicolas+1.jpg" height="389" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vacuumspace.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Le Petit Nicolas is a 2009 French movie directed by Laurent
Tirard based on a series of French children’s books by René Goscinny (Does the
name ring a bell? Clue – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Astérix</i>!).
The movie centers on the 8 year old Nicolas, his parents, his school, and his
friends, and is set in the ‘50s. After learning that one of his friends has a
new baby brother, Nicolas misreads his parents’ exchanges as signs that he,
too, will get a baby brother soon. Having heard accounts (some real, most
exaggerated) from his friends of how their own younger siblings ousted them of
their spoilt only-child positions, Nicolas fears that his own future younger
sibling will supplant him. What follows is Nicolas and his friends’ efforts to
find the perfect way to get rid of the forthcoming baby.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The movie is shot from the perspective of the young Nicolas.
I liked that there is neither an attempt to make it appeal to adults through an
exaggerated child’s perspective, nor a version of how adults like to think
children see the word. The humour is subtle and understated. It isn’t a loud,
slapstick comedy, there are no painfully obvious jokes, and the characters go
about their business with complete earnestness. The movie transports us for a
short while into the world of these kids, with their firm, albeit inaccurate,
beliefs, their untouched perspective of adult behavior, and their innocent
shenanigans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The acting by the whole cast is commendable. I liked that
every character is well-developed. Each person has a well-defined personality,
story and conduct. The visuals are not overwhelming, with understated beauty, and
are very naturalistic. I liked that they let children be children, and not what
we want them or would like them to be. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If you are looking for a subtly humourous, light, engaging,
beautiful movie to be watched with the whole family, I highly recommend Le
Petit Nicolas. I honestly have nothing negative to say about this well-made
gem.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-16592709973075848872013-07-18T20:48:00.001+02:002013-07-18T20:54:21.938+02:00A Lesbian Wedding<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Last month, this happened:
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stephgrantphotography.com/blog/shannon-seema-indian-lesbian-wedding-los-angeles-ca/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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</xml><![endif]-->I recently saw <a href="http://www.stephgrantphotography.com/blog/shannon-seema-indian-lesbian-wedding-los-angeles-ca/" target="_blank">this</a> article making its rounds on Facebook, and was
sucked in the moment I clicked the link. There is so much happiness. So many
beautiful photos. Such a mixture of cultures. So much love.
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirYtJWZAkc-YqFHm5hSKoV8ZlVIK_o3pyr2uvZWxLTJ74HJknulvaBtGdcIGT1R3yRl9M9Atm-qoGXSkA8_ftfsVRNnXFd3pbgzbx4vTIsy5DX_tKx0BVjaLWvQgvwp2yaqeYutX-n6Y/s1600/shannon+seema+wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirYtJWZAkc-YqFHm5hSKoV8ZlVIK_o3pyr2uvZWxLTJ74HJknulvaBtGdcIGT1R3yRl9M9Atm-qoGXSkA8_ftfsVRNnXFd3pbgzbx4vTIsy5DX_tKx0BVjaLWvQgvwp2yaqeYutX-n6Y/s1600/shannon+seema+wedding+2.jpg" height="347" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stephgrantphotography.com/blog/shannon-seema-indian-lesbian-wedding-los-angeles-ca/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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An Indian-American inter-racial lesbian wedding, a celebration of love
cutting through so many traditional stereotypes and prejudices. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-F82cior1wwl4jRll2xaDyfDfNiT-DzO4GH6EIpYo-HYwTa9ju2YulMJaNvRMSSYH_U6jmp_fU1vXJE4Pls8yimzfyFjpl3xeXpuYolRv1BV2mqBcXa2LOpgDP6nwjblXSLcynj7Dlc/s1600/shannon+seema+wedding+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-F82cior1wwl4jRll2xaDyfDfNiT-DzO4GH6EIpYo-HYwTa9ju2YulMJaNvRMSSYH_U6jmp_fU1vXJE4Pls8yimzfyFjpl3xeXpuYolRv1BV2mqBcXa2LOpgDP6nwjblXSLcynj7Dlc/s1600/shannon+seema+wedding+6.jpg" height="347" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stephgrantphotography.com/blog/shannon-seema-indian-lesbian-wedding-los-angeles-ca/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My favourite part? Both brides’ families supported them and attended
the wedding.What makes that even more amazing is that Indian culture is rather traditional and conservative, especially in this front. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAAWlBmCka9wm6SWNyzYLgi6JZ97dfa10x7AbJd8TND6v6u6Z0GHq7b732Ume-cEs86Ddh5LHM1yu3TQ0sVVcV6cEVLr9to0g795ufRfwd4Q47MciZybJXofUZgL8BXGg-77P8sIzbtM/s1600/shannon+seema+wedding+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAAWlBmCka9wm6SWNyzYLgi6JZ97dfa10x7AbJd8TND6v6u6Z0GHq7b732Ume-cEs86Ddh5LHM1yu3TQ0sVVcV6cEVLr9to0g795ufRfwd4Q47MciZybJXofUZgL8BXGg-77P8sIzbtM/s1600/shannon+seema+wedding+8.jpg" height="348" width="523" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stephgrantphotography.com/blog/shannon-seema-indian-lesbian-wedding-los-angeles-ca/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also liked that they got both: the beautiful Indian bridal wear, and the traditional white wedding dress. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See more of Shannon and Seema’s wedding <a href="http://www.stephgrantphotography.com/blog/shannon-seema-indian-lesbian-wedding-los-angeles-ca/" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you think about same-sex marriages? Do you think
they’re wrong? Or does everyone deserve their chance at love?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-47405144903865402682013-07-14T02:43:00.000+02:002013-07-14T03:02:52.656+02:00Can I See Your ID, Please?<br />
Growing (and especially looking) older is a delicate
subject, more so for women. Since coming to <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/a-short-history-of-me.html" target="_blank">Country A</a>, however, I noticed a
commendable increase in the number of times I've been mistaken as being
<i>younger</i>. Sometimes it works against me, like the time I was asked to produce an
identity card when I wanted to buy mulled wine at a Christmas stand.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFUbNbjEu1rNdNBJ8vabr3eYLl-ZukzkgcMacRXnV7ubSuEe_NNroKClCw5Sf5AxXB-LvK3AHO_i-_hU8hcLdah4z2QIMa9x2MGFoKx6q3iLs0XA9Cftg8HumlVzeJ3cPPX2o_HccAjw/s1600/id+sharenator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFUbNbjEu1rNdNBJ8vabr3eYLl-ZukzkgcMacRXnV7ubSuEe_NNroKClCw5Sf5AxXB-LvK3AHO_i-_hU8hcLdah4z2QIMa9x2MGFoKx6q3iLs0XA9Cftg8HumlVzeJ3cPPX2o_HccAjw/s1600/id+sharenator.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sharenator.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not
that I have anything against being judged to be younger than I am (<i>heck, I like
it!</i>), but it was a little embarrassing, holding up the queue and having to show
my ID to buy alcohol, in front of so many people. Note that here, you need to
be above 16 to buy alcohol. Nobody else was asked to show their ID.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, it works in my favour; just this
week, I was issued a "child pass" when I went to a museum. The lady
at the counter realized her mistake when I told her my age, but she let me use
that cheaper ticket anyway. Maybe I should mention that I wasn't alone; my
sister, who's older than me by a year, was issued a child pass as well! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't
think we both have some amazing genetic quality which makes us look younger,
although that would have been awesome. No, I think it could be because of the
way we're attired, and the way we behave. I have mentioned <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/a-short-history-of-me.html" target="_blank">before </a>that I grew
up for the most part in an Asian country, where the culture and society are extremely
different from Western countries. That too, it wasn't a big city we lived in.
All that does seem to influence this age confusion. I reckon we both dress, look
and act like a couple of slightly shy teenagers, by European big city standards. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, in <a href="http://cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/a-short-history-of-me.html" target="_blank">Country B</a>, I was often asked if I'm the elder of the two of us.
One very embarrassing situation stands out - when I was 19 or 20, I visited my
sister at her student hostel for the first time. One of her friends asked her
if I'm........<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>wait<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>for<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>it</i></span>........................her mother!!<br />
<br />
That's just... just... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4nTI16QZqHBJH06fZ1QJHTBt-mTZs5QG86h4ZmC8KGW3nhjIGpeKoz-EvwrsJloTOi9VzFiGW7fVKhL8EOjTQstVXAZDUh2Wbi5OPK4j2wQoSriJkZzBx_ojB6OxVZQmQoqvXIb3wyw/s1600/facepalm+tumblr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4nTI16QZqHBJH06fZ1QJHTBt-mTZs5QG86h4ZmC8KGW3nhjIGpeKoz-EvwrsJloTOi9VzFiGW7fVKhL8EOjTQstVXAZDUh2Wbi5OPK4j2wQoSriJkZzBx_ojB6OxVZQmQoqvXIb3wyw/s1600/facepalm+tumblr.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being mistaken as the mother of a 20+ year old college girl
whilst still a teenager is not really a compliment. Anyway, right now, we're
both mistaken to be "teenies" very often, and it doesn't bother us.
All I can say is, I hope this "<i>mistaken as younger</i>" thing carries on
for a good half century more ;)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-74079336643846300892013-07-10T00:30:00.000+02:002013-07-21T02:06:58.225+02:00Book Review: The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><b>...by Maggie
O'Farrell</b><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I read The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox quite a while ago, and finally decided to review it. I saw the book at my aunt's place when I went visiting. The title intrigued me so; I just <i>had</i> to bring it home with me!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCGrVM5Upjzf007N0MWdggMwft_K9Ym1GmV-5Q4m0m5A8iU8ZJx6kVhpzCzS_jy_JbUIXoSqcMN5pwD4-nt4_yRjyEyE5qnVQKXffC326UKRI0H_bmFF9bc82EoyJQAH7V8mFdiYtTLk/s1600/esme+thelovedbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCGrVM5Upjzf007N0MWdggMwft_K9Ym1GmV-5Q4m0m5A8iU8ZJx6kVhpzCzS_jy_JbUIXoSqcMN5pwD4-nt4_yRjyEyE5qnVQKXffC326UKRI0H_bmFF9bc82EoyJQAH7V8mFdiYtTLk/s1600/esme+thelovedbook.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelovedbook.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her
vintage-clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriend’s attempts at
commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme,
whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone Hospital—where
she has been locked away for more than sixty-one years.<br />
<br />
Iris’s grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esme’s papers
prove she is Kitty’s sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in
Esme’s face. <br />
<br />
Esme has been labeled harmless—sane enough to coexist with the rest of the
world. But she's still basically a stranger, a family member never mentioned by
the family, and one who is sure to bring life-altering secrets with her when
she leaves the ward. If Iris takes her in, what dangerous truths might she
inherit?<br />
<br />
A gothic, intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought
by truth, <i>The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox</i> will haunt you long past its
final page.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This novel is difficult to review without giving away major
details of the plot. The story centers on three women: Iris, her grandmother
Kitty, and her great aunt Esme. Iris gets an unexpected phone call, informing
her that her hitherto unknown great aunt, Esme, will be released from the
psychiatric institution she has been locked away for over sixty years. Not
knowing what Esme’s condition is, and having neither seen, nor heard of her,
Iris is unsure at first on whether she should take Esme in. The story unfolds
through the narrative voices of the three women it centers on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox did as it promised: it got
me mulling over the story for days after I’d turned the last page. The book is
written from the perspective of all the three women – Esme, Iris and Kitty. The
rapid shifts in perspective and era took a little time getting used to, but it
was a pleasant challenge keeping up with the narrative. I enjoyed the drama,
the descriptions and the different eras. The author Maggie O’Farrell does a
great job in subtly describing the horrors of bygone times, how women were
expected to behave in a way society deemed appropriate, and were punished for
daring to be different. Esme refused to stick to the mould society expected her
to fit, expressed her opinions a bit too strongly for her family’s liking, and
showed a strength which was discouraged in women during her time. This
eventually led to her being institutionalized, tagged as “mentally unstable”,
and committed to an asylum for the biggest part of her life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Esme’s story is told in a seemingly casual, mostly
disjointed way. The horrible crime committed against her, the wasting away of
her life, the people who were the reason behind it, the immense, shocking
truths which emerge, and ultimately Esme’s revenge for her lost years and the
injustice done to her, are the focal point of the novel. One can’t help but
feel for Esme. It is only towards the end that the whole story with its many
narratives comes together like the pieces of a complex puzzle and reveals the
complete picture. At parts, there is an ambiguity in the narration, which
leaves the reader guessing what exactly happened. Many questions are left
unanswered, which only the subtlest hints and my own imagination could piece
together. This very quality is what left me pondering over the book long after
finishing it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one major qualm I have is that the side-stories and -characters
aren’t well developed. The beginnings of the side stories are promising, but do
not deliver. I didn’t care much for the storyline happening in the present.
Thankfully, it is just a minor part of the novel. Also, I can’t honestly say I am satisfied with the
ending, neither am I smitten by the writing style.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apart from that, the novel is haunting, shocking, complex
and compelling. It forced me to reflect on what I’d read, trying to find
answers, trying to make connections, and trying to understand. There are a few drawbacks, but I’d still recommend this book for everything else it offers. And
it offers a lot. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-11602039126855940412013-07-05T03:38:00.000+02:002013-07-05T03:57:37.039+02:00Let's Talk About Se... Coffee<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had small a cup of coffee today. Once a week, or once
a fortnight, is as much as I’ll have. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am by no means the kind who says:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4tnwVnbeWlj12SfR2dr2gA1_d1bScGr_UFbfBs1t5P_oRTApUMn0KxzrWOVJeQK7LwVK1lQ-Cd1b9LUITwJBjguzsp5Ur8L7fNjmcVT7NxA4iSbQtLNhB3330X7C6V9aDKIy1w9DE-A/s694/coffee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4tnwVnbeWlj12SfR2dr2gA1_d1bScGr_UFbfBs1t5P_oRTApUMn0KxzrWOVJeQK7LwVK1lQ-Cd1b9LUITwJBjguzsp5Ur8L7fNjmcVT7NxA4iSbQtLNhB3330X7C6V9aDKIy1w9DE-A/s694/coffee.png" height="352" width="472" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been times I used to drink coffee every morning,
just before rushing off to college, until I realized it wasn’t doing me any
good, and that I was doing it just out of habit, and not out of preference. I took
a snap decision and went cold turkey on it…and spent the next two weeks
sleeping in class till my body adjusted back to running normally and learnt to
not depend on coffee to stay awake. I had no other withdrawal symptoms,
thankfully. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there was also this time, again during college, when I’d
make myself a cup of coffee at night (!) with the hopes that it would help me
stay awake longer to study, or to work on that assignment which needed to be
submitted, or something similar. I soon realized it wasn’t doing much in way of
giving me the focus I needed, after catching myself fall asleep on top of my
books within minutes of finishing the beverage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoPZ6cEEfjS3IexWAra8hl6UcUHhxdC_g6v4KMmK2gKsqAnvjB15bbFxJ2FQmrxzkuYZCpeOd89zWwlS-5elsAWcBbDxtyr8SqptF5_0aWYMVShEaeKgI2xXQKCracWK9L-LPxh8A4eg/s500/sleep+weheartit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoPZ6cEEfjS3IexWAra8hl6UcUHhxdC_g6v4KMmK2gKsqAnvjB15bbFxJ2FQmrxzkuYZCpeOd89zWwlS-5elsAWcBbDxtyr8SqptF5_0aWYMVShEaeKgI2xXQKCracWK9L-LPxh8A4eg/s500/sleep+weheartit.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">Zzz...</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was when my aunt suggested
eating oranges instead, and boy, after just two oranges, I got a kick so
strong, I was buzzing. Who knew you could get high on oranges!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUOOoxLGe25Wp3yKo6CwFNZZZicERI_ViQkSvOYvwuS3nw8-lgUQgGbOEqD1qk-B2dZGOeMu9m0zJV8fbJLc2m01oql0trdtsJhz5anDjJ7EVjVbtwrPql4Rraw7JJ9L7C7UAWEa84Bo/s500/orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUOOoxLGe25Wp3yKo6CwFNZZZicERI_ViQkSvOYvwuS3nw8-lgUQgGbOEqD1qk-B2dZGOeMu9m0zJV8fbJLc2m01oql0trdtsJhz5anDjJ7EVjVbtwrPql4Rraw7JJ9L7C7UAWEa84Bo/s500/orange.jpg" height="334" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I don’t have an easy relationship with coffee. I
love the way it smells. Like, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love</i></b> it! I love coffee cake too; it’s
one of my favourites. As well as coffee ice cream. But drinking coffee? I find
that it almost always leaves me disappointed (same story with today’s café noir).
To me, the taste doesn’t live up to the aroma. I’ll be happy just sniffing the
air while that pot’s brewing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s up with society’s obsession with coffee? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7z6fdv4w3NkMz_gqIQjkMCQ0o7_6Q0qJKkwQK9yKujvlA0uwO_p7ZC9xrDkUL-kdU-IVM1uECwlalhceAlbPr_E7ejVB6URstTor-JiG9d1IL7akRvPXiKkyAZwdUrV3z1MBK9hRUvA/s500/coffee+tumblr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7z6fdv4w3NkMz_gqIQjkMCQ0o7_6Q0qJKkwQK9yKujvlA0uwO_p7ZC9xrDkUL-kdU-IVM1uECwlalhceAlbPr_E7ejVB6URstTor-JiG9d1IL7akRvPXiKkyAZwdUrV3z1MBK9hRUvA/s500/coffee+tumblr.png" height="341" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I personally feel that this “coffee culture” is over the
top. And it’s not just coffee per se, it’s the caffeine. A few years ago, there
were very few caffeinated drinks. And now? There are too many kinds of energy
drinks to count. Why do people need so many energy drinks? I know I grew up
just fine without them, but today’s teens and pre-teens chug these sugary caffeinated
aerated drinks down like it’s their life’s elixir. It’s an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">addiction</i> society’s creating and encouraging. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What really got to me, though, was when I saw this new (rather,
new-to-me) bottled drink, SH<sub>2</sub>OCK. Which, they say, is plain water
containing caffeine. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seriously???</i> Have
we become so addicted to this drug that we need it in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">water</i> as well? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">get</i> that coffee
photos look gorgeous. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPBHDQH73c64t9UhwWP0GHagYVro7JaQEL8fSErx76f5vknTrubB4BSByFla8Buh3z0uHpBFLN1pOxyUyf-yrWRI0TnzYSpkLbcF3w7TVdm0H3T6iO7mvZO0NlZ0l4gMhF_vzejAYLOE/s1600/Coffee-Bean.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPBHDQH73c64t9UhwWP0GHagYVro7JaQEL8fSErx76f5vknTrubB4BSByFla8Buh3z0uHpBFLN1pOxyUyf-yrWRI0TnzYSpkLbcF3w7TVdm0H3T6iO7mvZO0NlZ0l4gMhF_vzejAYLOE/s1600/Coffee-Bean.jpg" height="376" width="502" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> get</i> that latte
art is beautiful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AmbR6cUG79gVAbcGw-RZsVZ3rJ4l9D3Xj-stw05jgXIqIc4tMbMMbshUr6Ug74MfMNACmBnq_SmdCFiLcyBMAWTgPoXYytrD637xIGNDC4iRgPujrl-tT40KrBCH7aM8dFWAK38I3SU/s600/coffee+chacha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AmbR6cUG79gVAbcGw-RZsVZ3rJ4l9D3Xj-stw05jgXIqIc4tMbMMbshUr6Ug74MfMNACmBnq_SmdCFiLcyBMAWTgPoXYytrD637xIGNDC4iRgPujrl-tT40KrBCH7aM8dFWAK38I3SU/s600/coffee+chacha.jpg" height="348" width="523" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I <i>get</i> that coffee jokes are funny.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqyKyGTnUyT6XCzBMRinmxsm6h6YD-KTBlusFSJxmFa8qlWqTGdqR0F5tS5iTBfnn5azHtzxfsefsajxAA23UKr7N2pgXt-mXp0h8wr0KsNDwCwYUD6q_6YUNst1G-_Mfh5uxEyHJIiQ/s483/coffee+owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqyKyGTnUyT6XCzBMRinmxsm6h6YD-KTBlusFSJxmFa8qlWqTGdqR0F5tS5iTBfnn5azHtzxfsefsajxAA23UKr7N2pgXt-mXp0h8wr0KsNDwCwYUD6q_6YUNst1G-_Mfh5uxEyHJIiQ/s483/coffee+owls.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeGu62DfBp5VEQO7pZ8FgqHGJk3VBypU1uEwwt5vAeXJKXWQp91TD7qGcCiX0-bp9j64xkRKeyKv3qe5KhvxBnVVa85qwwt7EGKR_zFmYDAveo7JG9lZvwjni07N3BQTu42atDFXzUF0/s375/Coffee__Chocolate__Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeGu62DfBp5VEQO7pZ8FgqHGJk3VBypU1uEwwt5vAeXJKXWQp91TD7qGcCiX0-bp9j64xkRKeyKv3qe5KhvxBnVVa85qwwt7EGKR_zFmYDAveo7JG9lZvwjni07N3BQTu42atDFXzUF0/s375/Coffee__Chocolate__Men.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAHAHA!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I don’t get is this extreme addiction. This coffee
culture. This caffeine-fueled society. The status symbol coffee has reached. The level of idolization. The cult following. And most of all, the myriad energy drinks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost all offices have a coffee machine. Why don’t they have hot chocolate machines as well?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-20256488023655755182013-07-03T03:38:00.000+02:002013-07-03T03:38:59.438+02:00Woof Woof<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’ve mentioned this <a href="http://www.cinnamonhotchocolate.blogspot.ch/2013/05/i-am.html" target="_blank">before </a>– I am a complete animal person.
I can’t seem to restrain myself when I come across a cat or a dog. I
immediately start cooing and blathering. And if I can’t coo out loud, like at a very crowded
public place, I coo in my mind.
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<br /></div>
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I recently came across this picture, and couldn’t help but
agree with it. It is completely true of me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mmm… no, maybe not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quite</i>
true. In my case, I sometimes even avoid making eye-contact when I encounter
someone, let alone say “Hey”. Talking to people sometimes is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncomfortable</i>. Unless I’m really close
with them, that is. You have to think of what to say, of what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> to say, if what you’ve said is okay,
try to remember what the person’s name was and what he’s doing, and of course, answer their endless questions about what you're doing with your life right now… Given the
choice, I’d rather spend my time cuddling and cooing with an animal as opposed
to pretending to hold a conversation with a person I hardly know (or a person
I wish I didn’t). </div>
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<br /></div>
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I think I was a dog in my last life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A German Shepherd.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileX_S4pTgiVE1HAuYQ4Mt82q0qcIdk7U4nmB1Lelxv-nm9M8Q6r8SyXqF7qXnrAAxMQtn8vhW8l4ndoPpuy6JrlLmt7nAUqVlyNlwczBk92bNZEgTtbfGWrvUTNnNFV6CIeZi4k4mUn4/s500/German+Shepherd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileX_S4pTgiVE1HAuYQ4Mt82q0qcIdk7U4nmB1Lelxv-nm9M8Q6r8SyXqF7qXnrAAxMQtn8vhW8l4ndoPpuy6JrlLmt7nAUqVlyNlwczBk92bNZEgTtbfGWrvUTNnNFV6CIeZi4k4mUn4/s500/German+Shepherd.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes. That’s got to be the answer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh, and that title? That's in my native language. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-56004063362660620482013-06-30T14:34:00.000+02:002013-07-10T00:18:56.274+02:00Book Review: Yesterday’s Child<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><b> ...by Barbara Wood</b><br />
<br />
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I just finished reading Yesterday’s Child by Barbara Wood.
Read on to find out how I liked it.
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1YEqmgjmg2Ee3xLRVEeKArI_OkoEqAUa_Aicao5ifo5YS5SWV2PxY_xiNrc4632G4Y1m56gM7mZDuo1MaiYNKU9lh0-q6Rnah1lEzsDenhBeU4zVUHCxRARnZPkkghwwFl-Z9nlDErQ/s391/yesterdays+child+barnesandnoble.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1YEqmgjmg2Ee3xLRVEeKArI_OkoEqAUa_Aicao5ifo5YS5SWV2PxY_xiNrc4632G4Y1m56gM7mZDuo1MaiYNKU9lh0-q6Rnah1lEzsDenhBeU4zVUHCxRARnZPkkghwwFl-Z9nlDErQ/s391/yesterdays+child+barnesandnoble.JPG" /></a></div>
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“Andrea travels from Los Angeles to her ancestral home in
England to meet her relatives and confront her mysterious heritage. But from
the first moment she steps foot in her grandmother's cold Victorian house in
Warrington, she senses an awesome, unsettling presence. She knows that a
rendezvous awaits her: a terrifying journey into the past, and a shattering encounter
that will mark her and change her forever. Andrea soon learns how terribly
right her instincts have been. Waiting for her is Victor Townsend, a man who
reaches out to embrace her from beyond the grave, a man for whom she
hungers-even though she knows of his past evil deeds. But Andrea also discovers
the lingering horrors of the old house, its carefully buried secrets, and a
timeless, tragic passion still burning within its aging walls.”</div>
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Andrea is a 27 year old who travels from Los Angeles to her ancestral
home in England at the bid of her mother, when her maternal grandfather is
taken ill and is not expected to live much longer. Going back to a country
where she spent only the first two years of her life, having no memory of the
place or of her relatives, she is not exactly thrilled about making the trip or
getting to know her family. The moment she crosses the threshold of the
ancestral house, however, Andrea senses something disturbing, a haunting power,
emanating from within. Initially dismissing her unsettling feelings about the
old house, she gradually starts realizing that the supernatural pull and
indescribable power the house has exerted over her is not a product of jetlag,
or her imagination. She soon finds that she has access to snippets of the past,
of the Townsend family who are the ancestors of her dying grandfather, and
finds herself increasingly drawn into the lives of those long dead. Of
particular interest to her is Victor Townsend, her grandfather’s father, who,
it is alleged, committed crimes too horrendous to speak of, had a heart so dark
he was the Devil himself. And yet, Andrea finds herself feeling a deep,
inexplicable attraction and attachment towards her great-grandfather, the man
who made life living hell for everyone in the Townsend family, ultimately
ripping the family apart. There seems to be a reason she has to partake in the
scenes of days gone by. She knows the horrifying story of the family as told by
her reluctant grandmother; she fears, yet she desires. Andrea comes to realize
the shocking events which rocked the Townsend family, gets to know the family
members better than anyone else ever did, and discovers the even more shocking
truths.</div>
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I found Yesterday’s Child immensely engaging and compelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plot focuses mainly on past events;
nothing much of interest happens in the present. It is very well written, as I
have come to expect of Barbara Wood. The lead character, Andrea, makes up for
not having a companion to interact with apart from her grandmother by giving us
readers a lot of insight into her thought process and her inner turmoils. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I am usually one who reads a book all in one go. With this
novel, I read at a complacent pace, and finished it over a few days’ time. That
relatively slower pace sat well with me on this. One reason was the lack of
free time on my side. Another, the details. I felt like I couldn’t take too
many descriptive details from the novel at once. That could have been because
the main character is almost always by herself; I like a little more
character-interaction. However, this could be because the main focus in the
novel is on the past, in Victor Townsend’s time, and not on Andrea’s time. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This is an unconventional love story, spanning life-times,
withstanding the test of time, tragic, intense, and beautiful. It has touches
of the supernatural which don’t overwhelm or take the beauty away from the
story. You won’t regret reading this novel!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-26319095389712899752013-06-22T02:32:00.000+02:002013-06-22T02:32:17.604+02:00The Mane Concern<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My sister and I got
this bright idea last week. We were both planning on getting a haircut, so how
about we just cut each other’s hair? It would save us some dough as a visit to
the salon can get pretty pricey, and it looked easy to boot! </span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.classics.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmia4VGuRbdBGLLhiBS-flbRBIGA7JHblExsvxKMTZmOOJFVrjYP1cLaDNWp61OPYSEWXvakz_Hadlew-Hu5dK8_jB0i-A6f1_3WWQmuXedyeJgNCJaohfBgTtkdo1kmQGwgwVuZg6To/s1600/haircut+classics.tumblr.com.gif" height="286" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here’s the youtube
video we referred:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sI8PFCEwm6E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Looks easy, right?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We had the necessary
equipment and time, so we were fired up and ready to face the challenge. This
was our first time ever trying something like this, and boy, were we confident!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I was on first. My
sister took a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> long time cutting my hair,
but it turned out fine. Good, in fact! The only drawback was that quite a bit more
should have been trimmed off to get rid of the damaged ends (Yes, I had those!
Nightmare, I tell you!). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then it was my turn to wield
the shears. I didn’t feel very sure-footed, but thought,<i> heck, Imma do this, and
Imma do it good!</i> Guess what happened next.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I messed up. At the
very first snip. I cut off too much, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i>
sis had been extremely happy of late that she had hair long enough to play
around with. Not anymore, though. She was shocked speechless at my scalping
her. Thankfully, she didn’t kill me. She could have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.weheartit.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFN7vuwlDKbc4LCYpIKl6w67za5DYWLsf3b-RUILJ654u98NVssr1sKCOc6AYIAfMOoG9u3f92I2ZuyjHZciLKhgoE_5UgRoIFHBFoMHdGypfJDFOl4mYCDJDlm51DLQEX-Xz_pc2TZg/s1600/sad.jpg" height="506" width="510" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That was it. We threw in
the towel and called it quits. I ruined her hair! And felt guilty as crap to
boot. Thankfully, what little common sense we’d retained took over, and we made
arrangements to get this nuisance done professionally and have it over with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Two days later, we both
got our hair cut the right way, in the right style, to the right length, by the
right people. And I’m happy with the result. Sis's haircut got saved, thank God! And for me, no more damaged ends, good cut,
manageable length, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> did not burn a
hole in my pocket. Of course, the salon staff tried to talk us into buying hair
care products bearing astronomical price tags, more than quadruple the price of both our haircuts combined, but it didn’t quite work ;)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So, lesson learnt. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Moral of the story?
Leave it to the professionals. Period. No ifs, no buts.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568095711517362117noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543120413248446921.post-75914562213217312013-05-18T12:00:00.000+02:002013-05-19T13:50:09.706+02:00Cheating During Exams<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Third
grade. I was 8 years old. I was this self-absorbed kid, mostly oblivious of my
surroundings. I wouldn’t notice the people or what they were doing. I was lost
in my own world and be contented with it. In retrospect, I feel like I used to
walk about with an invisible bubble around me; like a bubble charm in Harry
Potter, if you will. </span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY02pBvR_u7u6OhoBTJPXDv0eXnTr-Cem8RRRogHzVDFAGb4CyaMuQE7J25w_Z8yIvN3B68c1sC22yi_EGMnBBKgs30TW1wnE8VE9bXUvxhx_Hau5ucM0U7Y_I3N1pJ5pdEGNpFNP6_M/s1600/weheartit.com+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY02pBvR_u7u6OhoBTJPXDv0eXnTr-Cem8RRRogHzVDFAGb4CyaMuQE7J25w_Z8yIvN3B68c1sC22yi_EGMnBBKgs30TW1wnE8VE9bXUvxhx_Hau5ucM0U7Y_I3N1pJ5pdEGNpFNP6_M/s1600/weheartit.com+girl.jpg" height="344" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In my
school, we had exams and tests quite often. I was a pretty good student, and
we’d go into “exam mode” at home, so I was always prepared quite well for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One exam
incident stands out in my memory. It was an English exam, midterms. I liked
English classes well back then as much as I do now. So needless to say, I
wasn’t unprepared, or a nervous wreck. I knew I’d get through it without
much ado.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A week
later, the English teacher handed the graded answer sheets back to us. I don’t
remember how I fared in the exam; what I do remember is what the teacher said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“You
cheated, didn’t you. You copied the answers off Katie’s** paper, in the
comprehension section.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I was
shocked. The “comprehension section” was the last part of the paper, which, I
remember, was a short story about a man. We had to give the story a title, and
answer the questions that were based on it; basically, a test to see how
much of the passage you’ve comprehended.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Katie
had a seat just behind mine. I remember I’d finished the whole paper before she
had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comparing the two answer papers, we
obviously had given the same answers word by word. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHduO6Kit1ohE9oNXwcdpl0-9T4WRNBJ0n9y4tSDVbQ7A0hY2y8aHlblz96v7eg0jl3j4SdoX0IRoOnKnKxrwzyu5YX64jD_KHsWG_ciNKJ1GPEeIZIBMtZRjJ9A_72gR7Rp7B0KkctE/s1600/copying1+bigeducationape.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHduO6Kit1ohE9oNXwcdpl0-9T4WRNBJ0n9y4tSDVbQ7A0hY2y8aHlblz96v7eg0jl3j4SdoX0IRoOnKnKxrwzyu5YX64jD_KHsWG_ciNKJ1GPEeIZIBMtZRjJ9A_72gR7Rp7B0KkctE/s1600/copying1+bigeducationape.blogspot.com.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bigeducationape.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Being so
young and unable to defend myself verbally (like I can now), all I could keep
repeating was, “It wasn’t me, ma’am. I didn’t copy.” But no one listened to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To them, it was clear that I was the
one who had cheated. Katie wouldn’t.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Katie
was pretty. She was popular. She participated in many extra-curricular
activities and brought laurels to the school. She could sing. She could dance.
As I later came to realize, her being my classmate for a total of twelve years,
she could also act well. On stage and off. I’m sure all this worked in her
favour.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNDM8eIvnTiEzgRzflteSKKdtWE6K2j-Ni5pGYHM7ghNxjBlnFGSlil6L2IH9Yy9X8FqvK_oalj8wWzoTTFncHom6i6zMHqrdpl8PYVOpk4wSE01vkHE00dhD3ufpOjYDmDSKx_hOS0Y/s1600/weheartit.com+girl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNDM8eIvnTiEzgRzflteSKKdtWE6K2j-Ni5pGYHM7ghNxjBlnFGSlil6L2IH9Yy9X8FqvK_oalj8wWzoTTFncHom6i6zMHqrdpl8PYVOpk4wSE01vkHE00dhD3ufpOjYDmDSKx_hOS0Y/s1600/weheartit.com+girl1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weheartit.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Me? I
was the ugly duckling. I participated in very few non-academic activities; none
of them involved standing before a big crowd. I wasn’t as eloquent as Katie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">No one
thought that I would have had a hell of a time trying to peek into her answer
sheet while she was behind me. The teacher on duty would have noticed, had that
happened. I didn’t even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> how to
cheat. The idea never occurred to me. No one noticed that I had finished
writing way before she did. All they did notice were the similar answers, and
obviously, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">popular, pretty</i> girl
would not have been the culprit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’m glad
the teachers didn’t mark me down because of the incident. I know that that
particular teacher did not hold a grudge against me, before or after that. I
didn’t get any marks reduced. I didn’t get sent to the Principal’s office. My
parents weren’t called in. They handled it like it wasn’t a big deal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But for
me it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> a big deal. I didn’t tell
my parents about it; I don’t know now why I didn’t. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What
hurt the most, though, was that another teacher, during a different hour the
same day, casually said, “So, Vivienne, I heard that you copied for the English
exam.” Word had gotten around in the staff room. Again, all I could sullenly
repeat was, “I didn’t copy.” Of course, no one listened. No one believed me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> **<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">name changed</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #666666;">Today's prompt:<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Tell a story from your
childhood</span></span></span></span> </span></div>
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