Kanave from Chennaiyil Oru Naal

And, here I am. Life has been busier than usual. 

1. My favorite childhood memory is of Appa - bringing us to this cozy restaurant named, "Salad Bowl" monthly. They served super delicious Banana Splits. And, the surprise picnics, he organized during our school holidays. I miss Appa - ALL THE TIME. He was a great father. 
2. Small town. Sungai Petani. My hometown. It has since, been given municipality status. The place where I feel secure and sheltered. Life is still very much laid back, over here. 
3. Big city. Chennai. The metropolitan that I so love and am crazy about. Of daffy drivers, jumping jam, magnified and maudlin Marina, transcendental temples, superfluous shopping, fabulous food and thronging Tamilans. I love this city - 100%.
4. My favorite restaurant - currently, is one named Deluxcious (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2013/5/3/north/13055005&sec=north), on the island of Penang. Ambience is near perfect. Food, is wonderful, too. I also love hanging out at Starbucks for its homey atmosphere. 
5. I would DEFINITELY repeat an awesome vacation. India is an annual liberty. If there is somewhere new that I want to go, it will be Santorini, Greece. 
6. I have had an all-nighter during my uni days. I had 5 awesome girlfriends. We were a crazy but level headed bunch. It was after our 2nd year final semester exams.   
7. One thing in my closet I cannot live without is my Indian traditional attire - be it, the churidhar, the salwar kameez, the kurti and the saree. I feel totally comfortable in them. Decent and a delight, to wear. 
8. The kind of style would I define myself as having. Ethnic. Classic. I do not go by brand. I prefer designs that fit my taste. Presently, I am inspired by this great fashion blogger named Nithya Sugumar (http://thejadebangle.wordpress.com/). She has 99% taste like mine. We would make splendid shopping partners. 
9. I am not named after anyone. But, I like that my parents chose it. Easily pronounced and a moderately popular name. Appa would have named me "Kannamah" if Amma had agreed. That is how I remember him calling me ALL THE TIME. And "Shalini" is on urban dictionary ?? Whoops... (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=shalini)
10. Scary movies during daytime. Happy endings, anytime - think Alaipayuthey!!!!!
11. I believe people deserve second chances. Everyone does. Including me, if I am the wrong doer. We learn from our mistakes. We learn NOT to repeat them. So, yes - everyone deserves a second chance.
12. My favorite vintage find is this Rajastani silver anklet that I purchased during my 2012 Indian vacation, at a CottonFab Exhibition. It was a steal at INR500/-. They do not have bells - thus perfect, even for work. 
13. If my life is a song the title that best fits it would be, hmmm ..... (still thinking)
14. My favourite silly song in Tamil is titled Yen Nenjey from Vamsam. The English one should be Beatles, "Help" which is not silly, but more of an attention seeking one. 
15. I wish on stars - somedays. I love watching them - all the time, though. 
16. There is something pink within 10 feet of me. A soft toy in the form of a pink elephant with the holy "tiruneer" on its forehead. I purchased it while in India. He is a cutie. He ? Yup. He. He is a Kumki. 
17. Heels or flats. Flats - any given time, although I am petite and fashion rules state I should opt for heels.
18. I am an early bird - everyday, even on a public holiday. A night owl, rarely. I stay up on Friday nights, occasionally because I know the next two days are all about resting and relaxing.
19. I like to use post-it notes. In fact, I bought one, in the beginning of the year - which I have yet to use. I hope the glue still works. 
20. Guys who wear pink are cool. Why not ? Pink is the new black. Pink is no more a girlie colour. 
21. I DO NOT think musicals are cheesy. "Mozhi" was categorized as a musical and it garnered rave reviews. It was a great watch. 
22. Occupations I wanted to be when I was a kid. Archaeologist due to too much of Indiana Jones. Private Investigator - thanks to all those Enid Blyton's series.  
23. My latest hobby. Watching skylines from higher grounds. The ability to see the transition of blurred lights in the late evening to full fledged ones into the night, is wonderful. 
24. I love buildings with courtyards. It refers to a space enclosed by a building that is open to the sky. The Old Town White Coffee in Penang Island (the Whiteways Arcade outlet) is a great example. 
25. I am a tea addict. I love tea - with milk. Especially, the one Amma makes. It is far better than the costliest coffee on Starbuck's menu. Last week, I drank three (yes, three) full mugs of milk tea before bedtime. The extra two mugs were actually my brother's and cousin's. they did not turn up on that particular day - so I had a gala of a time, gulping them happily.
26. I am NOT fond of sports. I bought a pair of Nike sport shoes somewhere back in December 2013 which cost me more than Malaysian Ringgit 200.00 - but have worn it ONLY once. It is hibernating in my shoe rack. I wanted to go brisk walking with my sister yesterday evening. - wearing it. Unfortunately, it rained. Vadai poche....

Go have a greatttttttttttttttt week and month. I hope I will be able to blog as often as I did in 2011. So many things come in between. I truly wish to write and share - more.

Take care. God Bless. And, to all the mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day !!!!!

Yes - We are going to the polls !!!

May Greetings - from the nation which is going to the polls, tomorrow - Sunday - 5th May 2013. 

My beloved country is abuzz with political campaigns, minor legislative tussles, galore of flags and individual political opinions. And, yes - I am a responsible citizen who is a registered voter and all set to exercise her rights. The thought of getting my finger inked, in the name of democracy, is just - exhilarating.  
I am so, so excited over tomorrow - despite the fact that I have actually voted prior to this. Change is brewing  and anticipated. We are all praying for the best of the country. 

On other notes, I received some gifts, today. From who else, but my darling sister - who constantly showers me with plush stuff. Today, it was - an Anna Sui Rose Hair Conditioner, a small bottle of Clarins Body Serum and three bars of Tanamera soap. I have tried the hair conditioner. It works wonders. 
Also, watched "Ethir Neechal" at the theaters, yesterday evening. I found it, bland - overall. I was just waiting for the movie to end. With all the hype, the movie was given, it was a big letdown. 
TV time,in a short while. Need to head to bed early. I want to go to the polling station - in good time.
Stay blessed. And, take care. 
And, if you are a fellow Malaysian and a registered voter - PLEASE, PLEASE go vote. We are INDEED the kingmakers, at this point of time. UBAH - That means "change" in our national language. 
p/s - No song for the day. Apologies. I hope I will be able to post a happy song, once the election results are finalised. Shalu is signing off with her fingers crossed.

And, this is proof of my duty towards my country. DONE - with voting. God Bless my country.

Posted at 1.28pm, 5th May 2013.