Sydney Stories - Week 20

Hello,

Wonder what I would be doing if www.raaga.com did not exist. Early morning begins with some vedic shlokas and the day ends with ML Vasanthakumari's thaalaattu paadalgal (lullabies). I think I was first introduced to vedic chanting by some Adi Shankarar cassette (80s maybe?), the next significant incident was in Phoenix at the Udupi Puthige Matt. They used to chant this every Monday evening. Before you start getting ideas about ME listening to shlokas. Nothing religious about it. I think the music feels good to begin the day with. MLV was introduced when Nandhitha was born. Nandha seems to be liking it too. It is part of his sleeping routine now (especially the midnight round). Nandhitha puts her "baby Nandha" to sleep (Winnie the Pooh) with MLV as well. 

The week and especially the weekends are zooming past with no notice. I really wonder how the previous generation managed with so many kids. Probably, servants and maids would be a key factor. There seems to be a never ending pile of clothes to be washed and dishes to be cleaned. Wonder how my electricity bill is going to look like this quarter. Hopefully we come up with an improved routine soon. 

This weekend attended a friend's son's b'day party. He turned 2 today. My friend stays at a place at about 20 kms away. He came down to our place, gave his car (so that we can attend the b'day party) and went back with his friends. Now that's what I call an invitation. :-) I would normally take a bus (which would take about an hour or so) to reach his place. They were too particular that I don't take the bus this time with kids. On the way back he dropped us back. Preparing 2 kids to a party is not a joke. Again goes back to the same question - how did our parents manage? We were just about an hour late than planned. Thankfully they did not wait for us to cut the cake which reduced the guilt by just a bit.

Met another distant relative of mine in the b'day party. They also have 2 kids both born in December. We were discussing about hosting a b'day mela for December to avoid multiple invitations and trips for everybody.

Liverpool had an interesting street where it was lined with Indian shops. It was an unexpected surprise for that suburb. There was even a Fiji Indian restaurant. How much more Indian can it get?

Being a family man (re-instated) seemed to have added some extra qualification. Received a couple of phone calls from people whom I knew who wouldn't normally bother to call. 

Oh well, I better hit the sack soon. Yet another long week awaiting.

Have a great week.

Chetty