Both parts of this post are an entry in Blogadda’s Tribute to Dad contest, sponsored by Pringoo. CoolDad For kids who love their fathers ———- Father’s Day — another Hallmark creation that drives people to stores for greeting cards that try to spell out a lifetime of gratitude in 20 words. I have never…
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Food is such a big part of our culture. All Indian celebrations have a heavy focus on preparing delicacies. Deep-fried mathris, calorie-rich laddoos, spice-laden curries…as unhealthy as these things sound, they are absolutely delicious. And I indulge, reminding myself to eat well during the in-between period. Being vegetarian is part of our healthy diet…
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Everyone has favorites when it comes to food. For me, food is not just a means to survive…it is meant to be relished, savored, appreciated, and enjoyed. I was never a fussy eater. Sure, I would squirm and make faces when mom served me mung dal (a kind of lentil) or lauki (gourd), but…
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Weddings are a special time. For most people, it is a time of celebration and parties. The ceremony symbolizing the union may vary in each culture, but the ethos is the same: it’s a time for new beginnings. A time when two families, not just two individuals, join forces. And society acknowledges, and blesses,…
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Daadi was the epitome of resilience, compassion, patience and devotion. Not once did she lose her composure in the six odd decades she lived on this planet. Not when she was wheeled into the intensive care unit. Not when doctors gave up on her. Not even when Daada, my stone-faced grandfather, broke down the…
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Move on Let the healing begin So what if he raped you And beat you senseless? So what if he violated you When you were 8 And he was your grandfather? Go to your happy place And pretend He never cheated on you That he never felt another woman That he alienated himself Physically…
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Many people piss me off. And yes, stating that reminds me how judgmental I can be, but truly there are some people you just can’t be around without having the urge to whack them on the head. You want examples? I’ll give you some: 1. Drivers putting on makeup, texting, fixing their hair, talking…
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I have been a very conventional cook. Partly because I learned cooking very late in life (the only way to eat “familiar” food in Iowa City was to cook it) and partly because living in the Bay Area allows me the freedom to go on culinary adventures without spending time and energy in my…
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This is part two of a two-part essay dedicated to my mom. Read part one here. Ma opted for voluntary retirement at the peak of her career. After committing 28 years of her life to the bank she quit at the prime age of 48. She said she needed to do it, so I…
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This is part 1 of a two-part essay dedicated to my mom. The entire essay is also an entry in BlogAdda’s Tribute to your Mom contest sponsored by Pringoo. My mom’s not the typical mother. She never has been. Ma was always there — and still never was. I served food for myself when…
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