Adrenaline Rush

Happy dussehra doston! I had a fantabulous day. Went out to lunch with colleagues to an Indian buffet, yet again! This time we were 10 of us. Loved the comments that were passed on the food. The Americans associated gulab jamun with doughnuts and when I told them that the dosa and idli batter was fermented overnight, the expression on their face was worth watching. I wish I had a camera with me. Highlight of the day tough was when a good friend called me. She was using her cell phone which was registered in a different state. She caught me by surprise alright. I love pleasant surprises like that. I hope all of you reading this are taking notes.:)
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Think of the word adrenaline and it conjures up an image of a bunch of testosterone-driven individuals racing, bungie jumping, flying off a cliff, diving into the open skies. Recently, the movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara showed the thrill of some adventures like this and how the individuals experienced a sense of satisfaction after they had the adrenaline rush. An adrenaline rush is the feeling and reaction you get from the release of epinephrine, which is aka adrenaline. Adrenaline rushes can cause you're body to do things that it normally wouldn't be able to do if it weren't for the adrenaline such as running faster than normal. Nothing can beat the thrill and excitement experienced when faced with highly stressful and dangerous situations and adrenaline is what causes the excitement. Roller coaster rides are one such example. Although, for the life of me, I cannot sit on one of those. Not even the baby rides. I remember reading what Mithun Chakraborty had to say about roller coasters. He said, he initially thought that people on the roller coaster screamed because they were happy, but when he sat on one of them he realised that they screamed out of fear. They were clearly having an adrenalin moment. They were high from it. Speed, video games, music, even sex are some examples where I think one can experience this type of high. Conquering your fear, whether it is fear of public speaking, fear of heights, etc. gives you that rush too. It's good when it has positive effects on you. Negative effects - Let's not talk about that.

Spiritualism - is it for you?

Hi friends. Attended an Odyssey of the Mind information session yesterday at my son's school. Interesting way of engaging kids in creative thinking. The OM philosophy is that there is no right or wrong answer, there is only a different answer. It motivates a child to speak up. I like that. It was a beautiful day today here in VA. In between rains the sun came out for a few hours as a teaser.
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Spiritualism- Belief in some religion. I was born a Hindu. Does it mean that I should follow Hinduism? I don't think so. Most of our parents, inculcate into us, a religion that we are born into. Nothing wrong with that. It is their duty to teach us what is right and wrong according to what they have learnt and understood. I pass my knowledge on to my kids too. But forcing an individual is not good. Ultimately, the goal is to have good citizens who respect others.  Every religion has good and bad and is debatable. As a kid, I observed most of the rituals that my parents followed. At that time, it did not mean much to me. It was a family event filled with joy - chanting mantras, eating good food, wearing good clothes and getting together with a lot of family members. But today, as a grown up, I understand why my parents observed such events. It was to thank the almighty for what we had and to protect us from all the evil things that surround us. Today, I feel the need to follow exactly what my parents did. I want to thank god for what I have, keep my children healthy and protect them. I also think spirituality is not something you are born with. It has to come from within you. It is a developed sense. For the longest time, I did not understand it. I used to go to the temples as an outing, I used to sing bhajans for pleasure ( I still do), but I am experiencing  a sense of calmness in the singing. Whenever I feel low, I sing a bhajan and it rejuvenates me. I know I have a long way to go to understand in depth, what spiritualism means. All I know and care at this point is - Yes, I am God's child and I am beginning to understand HIM and connect with HIM. Yes, I am spiritual! Are you?

Confused Women Club

Good evening friends! I think we should make Saturday the new Sunday and skip Sunday altogether from the week. I might be able to get over Monday blues this way. Something HAS to change. It has been 19 years. Every Sunday, the same sinking feeling, like it's all over. Please let me know if you have any ideas to solve this problem of mine. Finally watched the movie "When Harry met Sally" on Friday. Talked to a couple of friends in India. It was a quiet weekend otherwise. Mostly getting organised around the house.
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While talking to my friend in India, we realised that there are many women who think exactly like us. We joked about starting a "confused women club". I think I can unanimously be elected as the president of that club. The member of this club is a confused soul. Confused, because she is not sure about what she wants in life. Does she want to live in the US or in India? Since she is in her middle age, she feels the need to enjoy all the parts of life that she missed during her teens and in her child bearing and rearing age. Now, that her children are grown up, she feels her life has started now. But is it too late to do some of the things she really wants to do like follow the current fashion trend, go to discotheques, hang out with friends and giggle like silly school girls. She wants to live in the current times. Social fear, or fear of family, or fear of being the odd person out is stopping her from enjoying the things she wants to do. Some women are still single. They would like to meet the man of their dreams. It is getting tougher as the clock ticks. Some women might want to lose or gain weight, some others might have family problems. Only women can understand women completely and it is nice to share the experiences with one another. I think this type of  a club will be successful. I know of many of my friends who would love to be a part of such a group. A group that can do things together. The company that they long for. It's a great idea! Solution to loneliness.