I planned on putting this post up yesterday evening, but I was too busy hiding under my blanket cause I'm terrified of firecrackers! Me and my dog gave eachother company.Lol

I always loved helping my friends put up lights and diyas all around the house and when we were done, we used to just stare in awe at how beautiful the house looked(the best part were the delicious pure ghee sweets that I devoured afterward) but the aura of positivity that surrounded us whilst standing in the midst of beautifully lit houses with lanterns and rangolis.The sound of the bell during puja, the smell of the incense, families having a great time...you can't help but feel festive!

I didn't really light any firecrackers because I'm dead against them but I do love watching the fuljhadis and the rockets in the sky.

A very HAPPY DIWALI to all the BUFers.Hope this festival of lights brought with it a lot of happiness, hope and lots of love.Keep letting your light shine!

There I was sitting blue

Staring at the picture of you

Your hazel eyes made my heart sink

The blush creeping upto my cheeks turning me pink

I loved those words you said,

With a rose so very red

You've put me on a pedestal with a crown

Entangled with my locks of brown

This kind of love I have never seen

Its better than a view of lush grass blades of green

I love you more than a smushy marshmellow

You are my sun with rays of yellow

Your ways and talk always make me swoon and croon

Baby your love has left me marooned!

(very cheesy I know :P)

Being a very materialistic girl, the first thought that pops into my mind is the glint of a precious stone sparkling in all its glory luring me to want it :P I'm totally the type that gets distracted by things that sparkle.

But lately theres only one thing thats been sparkling a lot

and its all because of all my friends!

Thank you guys so much for all the good wishes, phone calls, text messages, facebook gifts and posts...made my day!!!

Most importantly, thank you for sparkling your way into my life! :-)

The word 'fresh' reminds me of so many emotions.

Was he going insane? Was this mental conflict driving him to insanity?

His favourite fictional character of all time was right there in front of him! He suddenly felt immense happiness. He forgot all his worries and starting singing and dancing to the ever famous ''I like to move it move it, I like to move it move it''. He moved closer to those big huge fun filled eyes motioning King Julien to join in and before he knew it, King Julien pulled out a chainsaw from thin air, threw his furry little head back, screamed and spoke with an evil glint in its eye.

''I hate that damn song'' said the lemur

My addictions cannot be shortlisted, so I'll emphasize on my most dominating one.
Everyone has aims in life.You reach them, you don't.Some go all out, some give up.
I've always been addicted to have something to aim for.I love setting certain obstacles for myself
and love testing myself as to how long it takes me to overcome them.It doesn't always have to
be something that I NEED to overcome, its often just the high i get going through all that pain
and finally accomplishing something i set out to.I know it might sound very eccentric, but the minute one thing is accomplished, i set the bar
higher each time and only those that know me really well know what I put myself through.

When I was on my whole diet spree when I had few kgs left to shed, I used to enjoy looking at
my friends stuffing their faces with fatty goodiness and refrain..and they found it SO weird how I put something I would probably sell my soul to eat in front of me, stare at it, but not eat it.

Or how I knew I just had to prove some people wrong when they thought I could never do certain things on my own.It took a lot of hardwork and sleepless nights yes, but the satisfaction I felt when the result was achieved was something I can never explain.

Every success, got me drawn further, got me addicted to being more determined and every
failure just made me push myself one step further till I got it right.
A couple of years back I wasn't half as determined as I was now.Yes, certain events in my life
did trigger this unusual need to put myself through hell to achieve things I don't even require but its made me a stronger person and the look on peoples faces that never did believe in you is
quite worth it :-)

Theres a lot I have to achieve as yet, there are a lot of people I have to prove myself to and you
know what? Despite doing things I would never imagine sometime back, I still have to prove a lot of things to myself.This time, it will take more determination and a hell lot of time!
I've never been patient.But surprisingly, slow and steady did the trick.

Determination gets me on a high.I love being addicted to think that nothing is ever
impossible.I'm addicted to pushing myself more and more even if you think you can't go
further.Because when you achieve it, irrespective of whether you wanted it in the first place or
not, is ecstasy.

This incident took place many years ago when I might have been around 9 years old.I don't remember too many incidents that took place so long back but you obviously tend to remember the ones that touch you.

This one, however, has never been forgotten.

My maternal grandfather was very ill and was hospitalised in Kerala.He had been ill for quite sometime but his condition was deteriorating and he was going through dialysis almost everyday.This happened in the middle of an academic term.My mom, who is a teacher had to take leave and so did I and we took the next train to Kerala.Most of my maternal cousins were already there because he was very serious and nobody knew what could happen when.

As a kid, you tend to get bored easily and I was done listening to music, reading 2 books and staring aimlessly out of the window.I had this habit of making friends everywhere I went.I have always befriended strangers on every trip I have taken.To my dismay, on this trip, there were no kids of my age, just a couple of bachelor guys.

One of the bachelor guys got talking with my mom and me and even though we had quite a huge age difference, we had so much to talk about! His name was Xavier and I became fond of him instantly.I told him all about how my grandad was ill, and how I hope hes ok and my school and my friends and he listened to me with so much of interest and did not speak to me like I was a little girl, but like I was his friend.We played cards, listened to music, sang songs!! In a few hours, he was my best friend!

We reached Kerala the next evening and I was really sad that we had to go our separate ways.My uncle came to pick us up and offered to drop him wherever he had to go which made me really happy because I would get to spend more time with him.In the car, my uncle broke the news to us that my grandad had passed away that afternoon.Everything felt so far away...I could hear my mom crying in the background and a rush of memories blew past me.

A cycle.

Me getting jealous of my cousin who got to sit on his lap

His glasses

The way he smiled.

And then a strong arm pull me into a hug.I cried for a long time until he had to leave.He left his contact number with my mom and I kept staring at his dark silhouette till it disappeared.I have never heard from him since.

We all have our flaws.

My biggest flaw is to trust people at the drop of a hat.I let them in to such an extent that they hold immense power.Power over my feelings, power to make me grateful, happy, loved but sadly also depressed.

I know thats a very bad thing, and have often been advised to change.But, somehow, the forgiving and forgetting policy is the one I always adopt.I don't learn from my mistakes and still go on, trusting blindly, being completely oblivious to what the real intentions are.Its happened to me so many times.But just sometime back was the last straw.It reduced me to nothing.I hated myself for trusting and caring so much only to get something I do not deserve in return.Betrayl.Cold hearted betrayl.

I really don't get why such things happen sometimes.When you go all out to help people you care about and make sure they don't get hurt, they have been sharpening a knife to stab you in the mean while.

But now, things are a bit different.I care and I love the same...but I can never trust as much as I did before...even though those that did hurt me apologised endlessly and stated how ashamed they were.It just isn't the same.

p.s-Sorry for getting all emotional.

I don't know if 10 things will be enough, but I'll give it a try anyway.

1.I love being spoiled and pampered so he should be the type that loves spoiling and pampering me :P

2.Very creative.The little surprises and the things he says, should be very creative(even if they are cheesy lines, he should find a way to make them creative!)

3.I usually go for cute guys more than hot guys.You know, the dimpled cheek, shy types.They totally draw me.I dont know why, but it also could be because my hot guy friends have saw dust in their brains and are so full of themselves it takes more than hot girls to snap them back to reality.

4.The eyes.Thats the first thing I look at.If they catch my attention, I'm interested ;-)

5.Very possessive.I am super possessive so it would be quite a turn off if my guy did not mind me flirting with someone else.

6.Articulate.He should have a way with words.In fact, words can woo me more than anything else, so if he has a way with words, impressing me should not be difficult.

7.Adventurous.He should be willing to experiment with anything and everything.Be it places, food, music, languages...ANYTHING! Should be the type that gets a rush from doing things that aren't supposed to be done (a good guy with a hint of craziness)

8.Classy.Doing things lavishly is one thing, but not as attractive as class.A guy who knows how to do things differently and with class.So different that it leaves you stunned.

9.Our thoughts and opinions should match enough to click instantly but I would also like a bit of opposites attract into the mixture because having the same opinion on everything would be a little boring.

10.Last, but not least, he should love me unconditionally, even when I'm having a bad hair day or bad everything day and he should want to be with me all the time! :D

I've found my Mr Right, Good Luck with yours! ;D

As Sam pointed out in his post, the word 'virtual' never really held much importance while conversing with anyone I haven't met or heard.It was always the connection that mattered.You may or may not connect with certain people depending or various likes or dislikes.

I never drew a line between someone I knew virtually or someone I knew in person because the only thing that separated the two was the physical form.

There are quite a few people whom I have confided in deeply, more than I have let out to my closest of friends.Some might say its easier to confess something when its not face to face, but I think it always comes down to how you click with a person.

I find it very weird when I term someone I know through blogs as a 'blog friend' or someone I have only chatted with as a 'chat friend'.We converse, share views and opinions but somewhere along the line, you do end up having feelings for the other person.You do feel for the person when he or she is sad and you do smile when he or she is happy.Sometime or the other, the person does affect you knowingly or unknowingly.

I truly appreciate many of my old friends Vipul, Loon Gal, Rohan, Keshi, Khayarti, Tanvi and Zoonie that have always looked out for me and showed great concern when I wasn't around(including sending me threatening mails demanding an explanation).I appreciate the level of comfort everyone has created over here that really makes you feel like home.

Even though I have only met one friend
in person, I do not feel the need to term anyone I haven't met till date as virtual.Your my friend, not a virtual friend, not a blog friend, but my friend.

I could hear Jack screaming my name. It wasn't very clear. It seemed so far. Suddenly, everything came back into focus. I could see Tom alternating concerned glances between me and the road from his rearview mirror.

''Daniella, are you ok?'' Tom asked.

I nodded. Beads of sweat on my forehead. I opened my mouth and closed it again. I looked at Jack who’s expression seemed concerned and hurt. He gazed into my eyes like there was an answer deep down inside and turned away welcoming the hot breeze on his face.

''I'm sorry Jack, I didn't mean to space out like that. You just took me by surprise''. I looked at him, my eyes full of apology.

"Its ok'' he mumbled and continued staring out of the window.

My head felt heavy. I felt like I was being immersed in a whirlpool of emotions. Anger, sadness, regret, compassion, hurt...and love...

I was tired of this wait. It was taking too much out of me. It was throttling me like a python around its prey. It was mocking me and laughing at my cries of hope.

Hope.

All I have left is that one word...

This is one of my recent favourite posts and of course the favourite of the person who its dedicated to, and who also suggested I post this particular one.Thinking about how I was feeling when I wrote this post makes me smile.Hopefully, it will make you smile too :-)

Ever had that one person in your life for who you have thanked God a million times? Ever had that one person, whos number you dial almost automatically every time something good or bad or upsetting happens? I see my friends who have loved and lost, who have hurt and have been hurt, who have given up on this wonderful thing called 'love' and those who still have hope...I used to be that confused person.Confused about if life ever will give me a break and just let me be happy or confused about how situations mock me so horribly or confused about karma that always turned right back around...confusion confusion confusion.But, despite all this confusion, I always found happiness in the smallest of things...I began to expect so less, that every small thing seemed like such a huge deal!

I see my friends who have had their share of bad luck in love simply give up on the aspect of finally meeting that 'ideal' person, they scorn and scoff about those 'fairy tale' like endings and often just lock up their hearts and throw the keys as far as they can.I see some of them refer to love as 'bullshit' or 'crap' or the ever famous parent line, 'your too young'.Let me ask you a question...how can people that never found the true meaning of love, judge such an intimate and wonderful feeling? How can you just dismiss the entire prospect of loving someone after just one or two bad experiences.If you do believe someone is out there for you, bad experiences should simply be brushed off your shoulder.I used to be that person.The person that just GAVE UP.I wasted all my time wallowing and hurting myself over something that was NEVER mine.Something, that was never worth my tears or my love.

I just want to tell those that have given up, NEVER give up cause the person that is actually meant for you, is around...and when the time is right, you will know.He will open up his hand and will have that key to your heart in his palm :-)

I want to thank someone for making me feel so special...and for always holding my hand tighter and never letting go whatever the situation maybe...Thank You...You mean the world to me!

Climbing a tree.Licking an ice candy.Playing dress up.Exchanging tazos(that disc like thing you used to get with Lays).Playing house.Collecting pretty rocks.Squeezing my eyes shut thinking that no one will see me if I do.Trying to give my Barbie a haircut.My mom making tiny dresses for my Barbies.Learning how to swim properly because my least favourite friend advanced from the 'baby pool' to the 'big pool'.Playing Little Mermaid.A tree house still in construction.Racing.Playing football in the rain.8 stitches.Tears.A dictionary I guarded with my life.Crayons strewn across the floor.Drawing on the walls(and getting spanked for it).UNO matches till 3 am.Cheating during hide and seek.Wondering why he always followed me around.A teddy bear with one button eye.Ghost stories.Laughter.Water balloons being hurled.My friend determined to help me get over my fear of crackers.A mickey mouse clip.Hair that would never stop being wavy.Seven stones.The ripping of my skirt while trying to climb a tree(Don't worry I was only 8 or something).Burying my pet fish.Catching butterflies and keeping them as pets.Cry to find them dead the next morning.Decorating a real Christmas tree.Feeding jam to my second pet(a fly).Skipping competitions.Carefree.Making a fort out of mud.Baking a cake.Receiving my first pair of ghungroos from my Kathak guru.Jumping on a bed.A half-smile.Suppandi jokes.

I don't have a particular childhood memory, there are countless memories.Thought I'd share a few that are at the back of my mind :-)

Thats right.These two nutcases in the picture are the craziest, whackiest, funniest, weirdest people in the world.They are also my best friends :-)

I love this picture for two reasons-

1.I clicked it

2.It actually defines them.

It really shows how crazy and fun they are.All three of us have one common hobby-We're big posers.We love being in pictures, we love clicking crazy pictures, bascially, we love capturing every memory spent with eachother.

Its been almost 15 years we've been friends and we've seen eachother through all aspects of life.We've supported eachother through different phases of our lives and I have noticed one thing that we've never changed.We've always been ourselves whenever we're with eachother.

I really can't imagine my life without these two.I look at old videos of us where we're acting completely barbaric, totally oblivious to the existence of others around us and I can't help reminiscing and smiling.

From crazy dares to gossips to tears to laughing till I pee.I have shared most of my memories with them.They are my girls and I love them to death =)

Ok, this is really difficult for me because I don't know many of the BUFers personally-except a few.

Anyway, given a chance I'd love to meet

Kathy.

I think she is a very genuine person with a very vibrant personality and she seems like the type you always get positive vibes from.

I love the way she talks! Its so animated and cute! Shes been very helpful with my Japanese, she helps me improve my language and sends me links to cool songs.

I used to love her comments on my blog, really made me smile :-) not to forget her orkut scraps hehe.

I think if I got to know her better, I'd be lucky to have a good friend like her because she seems like the type you could get really attatched to.

I love her pictures, they really depict what a fun person she is! Her daughter is so cute...I think she must be a very cool mom! :P

I'd love to meet up with her soon and talk a lot about Japan over sushi (or prawn tempura ;-)

I love her posts on Japan! I really like learning about different cultures and it really helps me during class because my teacher loves me even more now after I read your post on Sakura(cherry blossom).

Stay the way you are Kathy!!

*Hugs*

(your a beautiful person)

I stumbled upon Betweenusfriends and I thought it was a wonderful idea and I got to hand it to everyone that has played a role in keeping it so systematic!

I started blogging two years ago and its really amusing to read all my posts from the time I began to now...part of me feels so great to read certain things and another part really makes me want to guffaw about how silly I used to be.

Anyway, I'm 17 years old and I'm currently on vacation(Whoop pee da dee doo) awaiting my 12th results :-S.

Well, I could go on and on AND ON but i guess the topic will pretty much say it all about me

10 Things About Moi(it would cause you to call a fire brigade if I could cook)

1.I am quite the extrovert(or so I think) but yes I love being around people.I love talking to different people and I love meeting new people(provided they aren't crazy psychopaths that would want me to join some cult and then eventually kill me)

2.I love languages.I'm quite fluent in french and am currently learning Japanese, which I must say is my weekend treat(seriously).

3.I always end up being the ''teacher's pet''(not the annoying know-it-all type though)...which is why people tend to hate me during classes.*Evil laugh*

4.I am so punctual its not funny.I will be there before time but I will never be late for any kind of rendezvous or class or gym or even a lecture(yes, I need therapy)

5.I am a total fitness freak(wow, I'm the extremes of everything :P).I love gymming and I am super weight conscious which is why I hate people with a high metabolic rate.I ate only celery for a whole week to lose my last kilo :P

6.I live for music.Name a song, I've heard it(including russian, japanese and french)

7.I love adventure but I like my life/routine to be predictable at the same time.

8.I love to write.The way I write always depends on my mood though(currently-sarcastic)

9.I love experimenting-be it food(sigh...), music or clothes...One day you'll find me dressed all retro and next minute I'm feeling boho!

10.I love talking.I might be shy at first but once you know me really well, its jabber jabber jabber :P

So, enough about me...how you doin'? ;-)