I ended last time with the idea of wanting to be a homemaker sometimes. I can hear many of my feminist friends cringe at this notion, and a couple of my friends cheer.
But there a another reality here, I love working. My current job is not my destination but I still enjoy it. I have been very lucky with the exception of banking, I have enjoyed all my jobs. Yes, even my retail and catering jobs. Of course there were aspects I disliked about all my jobs. But it was not until I worked in banking, that I understood the meaning of hating a job. Honestly, it sucks. I realized then also how important liking my job was to my identity. I will most likely always work, at least part time. I think its important to me to do so- for myself, and for security. Although, don't get be wrong vacation/ sabbaticals that last multiple months are welcome :-)
In the United States and around the world many women ( and luckily a growing number of men) work and take care of their home but in my experience they genuinely prefer one. They would like to be able to just be stay at homes but can't financially. They would love to work and not have to household stuff but can't afford to pay someone. For now- lets not talk about the lucky women who can work and afford to pay someone to take care of their home or have the ability to stay at home or those who have to do neither*.
The struggle however comes here. There are two facts:
1) I enjoy working
2) I also enjoy taking care of my home.
I do want to say I am strictly talking about doing household projects, being able to cook more, cleaning, etc. I realize very much that there is a complex layer
of relationships involved in this that motivate choices.
I don't know that I prefer working or home stuff. I want to excel at both.I don't want to pause my career for my home, or vice-versa. I know that is not possible as I move up in my career.Life is about compromises and some day I will need to make it. Heck, I make it now. My home falls to the back end since school and work take priority. Luckily M does more of the home stuff. But I feel my home is not to the standards I want. Not saying M is doing a poor job, but there are things that in my opinion need two people with more time to tackle. These things are not happening. In general I am concerned I am trying to be a perfectionist, and I might never be satisfied. I struggle because I don't see other men or women who enjoy and want to do both things. Am I weird?
*Its important to note that not all people have the free will to choose these scenarios-some women to this day are being forced into one. Unfortunately not by circumstances but society and people, even in the United States.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Scholar. Practitioner. Homemaker? ( Part 1)
In this series of posts I am going to explore my ambitiousness and homemaking, make sense of it?
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I will say it (with fear of backlash) I envy stay at home spouses, and parents. For much of my childhood my mom was one and my home was much less chaotic. There is something to be said about having a tidy home and fresh meals when you get home that I truly miss.Of course, I am not saying that is all stay at home spouses or parents do- but that is what I miss as an adult in my house. Stay at home (women and men) do something incredible everyday, they keep homes together, and awesomely functioning.
Some days when despite my desperate efforts to have a functioning, organized, and clean home with good food- I just cannot do it. Perhaps it will be easier when I am not trying to juggle it with school and work, but somehow I am not sure its ever going to be that.
My mom is incredible. When we moved to the U.S.- she started working again, and even with that she maintained a home very well. Although, it was not never quite like when she stayed at home. And as she has gotten older- its been harder. My parents home is not as clean or as organized as before.(Although, I never thought it was particularly organized just really clean. But I am an organizing freak, on the border line of insane of how much I expect things to be organized. It should also be noted that I am terrible at reaching my expectations).
I think when it comes to domestic task something very detrimental has happened in society. While more and more women have the ability and need to work- they still are expected to be the primary homemaker. S, says that the most terrible outcome of the feminism moment is that it it never emancipated men from their stereotypes too (more on that some other day). I know this true in my parent's home, my father does not help out with a lot of domestic chores.
My home is a little different it represents the slowly changing world. M is very helpful around the home- he enjoys cooking, loves baking, is a laundry expert, but his organizing skills are questionable at best. Cleaning is a hit or miss. So many days I wish I could stay at home and work, or just be a stay at home wife some day??
Friday, September 27, 2013
Appearance, Inferiority, and Dignity
Eleanor Roosevelt once said," No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." I think she was a brilliant women, and this is a quote I have myself use. However, I think like everything there are limitations to this thought. Today I am going to reflect about appearance, inferiority, and dignity. When I say "appearance" I am primarily thinking about weight, grooming, and body enhancements. But there are of course other very crucial things to your appearance like race, culture, etc. that are significantly more complicated. Not to say what I am discussing today is not complicated.
One thing I reflected upon in my coming into your own style post is the fact that women have a lot of pressure to look good.I also state that a person should change for themselves and not society. I truly do believe that, you should change your appearance because you want too. But the reality is quite complex, its not like a child looks at a their nose and says "its crooked", the child at some point has learned that.I have struggled with how I feel about appearance for a long time. Its one of those places where society has constructed notions on prettiness, and make people feel inferior all the time. But there are personal choices involved too.
I use to believe that plastic surgery unless for medical reasons is vain but then I thought about how unhappy someone must be with a body part to willingly change it sometimes via painful procedures. If they have the money, and it brings them happiness- what is wrong with it? How is it any different that spending money on other luxury items for feeling better. But isn't there something wrong? Especially when we as a society choose to promote some particular features. There is something inherently disturbing about east Asians wanting to fix their eyes to look more big. Hair Removal in women in another thing that is similar- why are women expected to shave, and remove their facial hair and judged if they don't. I remember the Sikh women who chose not to due to her religion, and the internet was HARSH. Although, many did come to her rescue and point out the gender hypocrisy and such. This hits especially close to heart because I myself have dark facial hair.Weight is even more tricky because health concerns associated with it. Of course there are many more things associated with appearance as such; make- up, dressing,etc. On many of these I don't have the right answer they are more grey that society makes it to be. There are people's emotions, meaning in daily life, and much more involved. Its not easy to answer.
So how then do we say what is right?
I say the answer is DIGNITY. Treating people no matter how they look with dignity. I am not prefect at this- I have my personal preferences on appearances. So I am trying everyday to not let it cloud my judgement and treatment of others. That said wanting people you care about to change for their benefit for example loosing or putting on weight is not wrong in my opinion. But one must do so in a manner that acknowledges that it is that person's body, and they have the right to choose. Acknowledging that their feelings are more important than your notions. I am not prefect at this by any means- but I am trying, and striving to do it right everyday. Now only if I could get more of the world on board with this.
P.S- I still think that is wrong to physically change children (eg. nose job) without a medical reason. I think that is a choice they should make when they are olde, and not because you have some notions of being pretty. But that too gets complicated. For example its common in my dad's culture to have kids' (boys and girls) ears pierced. That is something I was planning on doing when/if I choose to have kinds- but is it right?
One thing I reflected upon in my coming into your own style post is the fact that women have a lot of pressure to look good.I also state that a person should change for themselves and not society. I truly do believe that, you should change your appearance because you want too. But the reality is quite complex, its not like a child looks at a their nose and says "its crooked", the child at some point has learned that.I have struggled with how I feel about appearance for a long time. Its one of those places where society has constructed notions on prettiness, and make people feel inferior all the time. But there are personal choices involved too.
I use to believe that plastic surgery unless for medical reasons is vain but then I thought about how unhappy someone must be with a body part to willingly change it sometimes via painful procedures. If they have the money, and it brings them happiness- what is wrong with it? How is it any different that spending money on other luxury items for feeling better. But isn't there something wrong? Especially when we as a society choose to promote some particular features. There is something inherently disturbing about east Asians wanting to fix their eyes to look more big. Hair Removal in women in another thing that is similar- why are women expected to shave, and remove their facial hair and judged if they don't. I remember the Sikh women who chose not to due to her religion, and the internet was HARSH. Although, many did come to her rescue and point out the gender hypocrisy and such. This hits especially close to heart because I myself have dark facial hair.Weight is even more tricky because health concerns associated with it. Of course there are many more things associated with appearance as such; make- up, dressing,etc. On many of these I don't have the right answer they are more grey that society makes it to be. There are people's emotions, meaning in daily life, and much more involved. Its not easy to answer.
So how then do we say what is right?
I say the answer is DIGNITY. Treating people no matter how they look with dignity. I am not prefect at this- I have my personal preferences on appearances. So I am trying everyday to not let it cloud my judgement and treatment of others. That said wanting people you care about to change for their benefit for example loosing or putting on weight is not wrong in my opinion. But one must do so in a manner that acknowledges that it is that person's body, and they have the right to choose. Acknowledging that their feelings are more important than your notions. I am not prefect at this by any means- but I am trying, and striving to do it right everyday. Now only if I could get more of the world on board with this.
P.S- I still think that is wrong to physically change children (eg. nose job) without a medical reason. I think that is a choice they should make when they are olde, and not because you have some notions of being pretty. But that too gets complicated. For example its common in my dad's culture to have kids' (boys and girls) ears pierced. That is something I was planning on doing when/if I choose to have kinds- but is it right?
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Eek...
So my promise to update my blog frequently more than failed. It really frustrates me because I do not normally make promises I cannot keep. But life happens and sometimes intentions are important. In the last month I have reconciled with many things. One of the those things is this blog-this is something I do want to. However, it cannot at this time be a bigger part of my life but may be in the future? I will continue to update it, just not as often as I would like.
The last month has been about getting our new apartment straightened out, many social obligations, and preparing for school, and last but not the least- starting of school. This semester is a test of my will, strength , patience and so much more. I am working full time, I am in graduate school full time ( Nine credits, for the first time. I took six the last two semesters since I started grad school, due to wedding stuff), and still have my home life. I want to do this and do it well, for myself and the people who have believed in me.
The last month has been about getting our new apartment straightened out, many social obligations, and preparing for school, and last but not the least- starting of school. This semester is a test of my will, strength , patience and so much more. I am working full time, I am in graduate school full time ( Nine credits, for the first time. I took six the last two semesters since I started grad school, due to wedding stuff), and still have my home life. I want to do this and do it well, for myself and the people who have believed in me.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
What is in a Name?
In the words of Shakespeare:
What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself.
I love that quote of Shakespeare. I have remembered it since high school, I cannot say that for much else. Yet the world of Romeo and Juliet shows that a name does matter. Their names at the end of the day got them killed. But we call it a tragedy- because we think the feud, and them getting killed were both unnecessary. So then perhaps their names should not matter- for an individual would be that person with or without their name. Right? Honestly, I dont know.
How are you named?( Who came up with your Given Name) What is your last name? ( Does it mean anything?) The answer to all these questions differs greatly depending on where you live. Many of us, most of the time don't even think about how our first and last name came about.It is something we accept. We more than accept, we love and cherish it as a crucial part of our identity. But there is a time that people in some cultures start thinking about their name more, especially women- that is if you answer yes to the question below.
Do you live in a culture where there is a practice of changing names after marriage?
I happen to be born in a culture where women change their last name after marriage,(although note that this is not true for all Indians but rather most) and happen to live in one. I started thinking about it shortly after getting engaged. For multiple reasons I chose to keep my name, something that not many Indian women do. One day while talking about my name with M, he asked me " would you have changed your name if you were in India?" I thought about it and said, " Honestly, I am not sure not changing would have been a choice. I am glad it is" He smiled and said, " I am glad it is too." So my main two reasons for not changing my name is to celebrate that choice I had, and because when I moved here my name became a very important part of cultural identity. I was marrying outside my culture, and it was a way to hold on to a bit more of it. This was a very personal choice.
2013 in the United States, I was really surprised at the negative reactions I got from people (Very few from Indians)- honestly, sometimes it hurt. Someone actually went "oh do you not want to be associated with M?" Really then why would I marry him? Honestly, I dont mind being called Mrs.M either, as long as it is not something you are doing to be a prick. I have had family and friends call me that in good conscious and I am more than happy.
My good friend from college changed her last name to her husband's, a fellow classmate of mine changed his name to his wife's last name, my aunt hyphenated her surname, another friend kept her last name, and a couple I knew both combined their last names. All these are people I respect, and their name choices have nothing to do with it. I can also respect all the choices they made about their names, because I realize that they are still the same person. I think choosing to change or not change your name is a personal decision. There are several:cultural, practical, personal, historical, etc reasons for it. Some people think a name is worth fighting for, others don't. What I do wish is that people could respect all choices equally.
A name is personal- respect it, like you do the person.
What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself.
I love that quote of Shakespeare. I have remembered it since high school, I cannot say that for much else. Yet the world of Romeo and Juliet shows that a name does matter. Their names at the end of the day got them killed. But we call it a tragedy- because we think the feud, and them getting killed were both unnecessary. So then perhaps their names should not matter- for an individual would be that person with or without their name. Right? Honestly, I dont know.
How are you named?( Who came up with your Given Name) What is your last name? ( Does it mean anything?) The answer to all these questions differs greatly depending on where you live. Many of us, most of the time don't even think about how our first and last name came about.It is something we accept. We more than accept, we love and cherish it as a crucial part of our identity. But there is a time that people in some cultures start thinking about their name more, especially women- that is if you answer yes to the question below.
Do you live in a culture where there is a practice of changing names after marriage?
I happen to be born in a culture where women change their last name after marriage,(although note that this is not true for all Indians but rather most) and happen to live in one. I started thinking about it shortly after getting engaged. For multiple reasons I chose to keep my name, something that not many Indian women do. One day while talking about my name with M, he asked me " would you have changed your name if you were in India?" I thought about it and said, " Honestly, I am not sure not changing would have been a choice. I am glad it is" He smiled and said, " I am glad it is too." So my main two reasons for not changing my name is to celebrate that choice I had, and because when I moved here my name became a very important part of cultural identity. I was marrying outside my culture, and it was a way to hold on to a bit more of it. This was a very personal choice.
2013 in the United States, I was really surprised at the negative reactions I got from people (Very few from Indians)- honestly, sometimes it hurt. Someone actually went "oh do you not want to be associated with M?" Really then why would I marry him? Honestly, I dont mind being called Mrs.M either, as long as it is not something you are doing to be a prick. I have had family and friends call me that in good conscious and I am more than happy.
My good friend from college changed her last name to her husband's, a fellow classmate of mine changed his name to his wife's last name, my aunt hyphenated her surname, another friend kept her last name, and a couple I knew both combined their last names. All these are people I respect, and their name choices have nothing to do with it. I can also respect all the choices they made about their names, because I realize that they are still the same person. I think choosing to change or not change your name is a personal decision. There are several:cultural, practical, personal, historical, etc reasons for it. Some people think a name is worth fighting for, others don't. What I do wish is that people could respect all choices equally.
A name is personal- respect it, like you do the person.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Goodbye July!
July was crazy. Started out busy with concerts, weddings, plays, games, so much more. July ended on a bad note. I have been to the ER, and had to move. Now it is time to say good bye to July. So with a promise to try and update this blog more. And a promise to maintain a little more control of my life and actions, I continue. Welcome August!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Good Day Supreme Court, Good Day
"Good Day Supreme Court, Good Day" was my status on June 26th. The status got more likes than most of my statuses indicating that many of my friends are for same-sex marriage. I am actually surprised at the decisions made. My prediction was that DOMA would get repealed and Prop 8 would stay. My reasoning was that DOMA is clearly unconstitutional, it denies citizens rights that others have. However, the states do have the right to make their own marriage laws according to the constitution- so Prop 8 would stay. I was wrong, but there are times, its good to be wrong. Of course, that is exactly what the supreme court said, however, they said a state can't pass a law that is unconstitutional (aka denying the citizens the rights they deserve). Yay! While this is a great day for equal rights, I fear it might halt the LGBT rights movement. There are still things to fight for, and I hope the fight continues.
I never intended to discuss politics on this blog, but realized that it was too close to my heart not to discuss. The blog is about my experiences, and this is important to me. People are different, that does not mean they don't deserve the same rights, and opportunities. I am different than most around me, I want the same chance. I believe that everyone should have the same shot at life regardless of race, class, sexuality, gender, etc.I might be a little socialist, but I am very staunch supporter of a democracy. Liberty. Equality and Fraternity, right? A little to French?
Friday, June 21, 2013
Apartment Hunt Fatigue
As professionals in your mid- twenties no matter what city you are in there is one fact: Apartment Hunting is Awful! No matter what you do, you feel you are paying a lot for not much. So after my first true apartment hunt (after college living) and conversations with friends here are my conclusions and tips.
CONCLUSIONS:
- Apartment hunting differs greatly by city. Talk to people to learn what they did to get their apartment.
- Surprisingly, online presence of good apartments is often lacking. ( third party sites are more useful). Its getting better but you might be surprised at places that do not have websites (at least this is true in Madison, WI).So driving around neighborhoods and writing phone numbers, and checking Craigslist like crazy might be a necessity.
- Good apartments turnover quickly, you might need to sign a contract faster than you want.
- If you live in a college town, August is a terrible time to move. Rules are also very different if you want places close to campus. In Madison it is common for people to sign leases between October- January for leases that start in August.
- If you live in a place with a major employer like EPIC, there are apartments that mostly cater to that corporate.
So that brings me to some TIPS
- Know your priorities while apartment shopping ALWAYS
- Make a list of your TOP 5 most important things you are looking for. If you are living with someone else, have them do the same. Then compare it : if your lists are different, then talk and compromise. If you cannot compromise on this list, you probably should not live with them.
M and Mine were as follows:
- Price (we had a price in mind we wanted to be under that)
- Location (close to work and on the bus line, was what mattered to us the most)
- Pet Friendly (we have our meowy kitty to worry about)
- More Square Footage than we currently have
- In unit Washer and Dryer (we are spending way too much on laundry currently)
- Always read your contract, and ask questions. This shows the landlord you pay attention, and keeps them on their toes, and makes you aware. You might also get a thing or two in return. We asked about painting, and the lady said " well if you really want, come down and talk to us"
Here is one we did not list but should be a no brainer: Available when you need it!
Its annoying, but finding a place you want to live at is important. Enjoy!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Coming into your OWN style
I am not really fashionable. I am not sure that it is or ever has been a goal of mine. But I like to dress well, and feel good about what I am wearing.I grew up with a mother who was very cool about letting my sister and I dress ourselves. As long as we dressed appropriately for the occasion and company (meaning dressing more modest when we met elderly relatives) she let us pick out our own clothes from a pretty early age. When I moved to the US, I was a little lost. Fashion back then was very different than it was in India. Furthermore my body was changing and I was growing up. I really struggled with style. My mom just really wanted me to feel comfortable, and happy so she let me do what I wanted.
In high school I wanted to dress like the popular girls who were trying to be “sexy.” I bought tanks tops, and shorter shorts, than I was used to. I started wearing those but I never felt particularly comfortable, no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise. Showing off your mid-rift became “in” when I was in high school. That my mom did not let me do nor did our high school really. I also had a really difficult time getting pants that fit correctly. I learned later that I never would. A belt is a necessity for me, most of the time.
In college I still wore tank tops, but now I found things that fit be a little better. Slowly my style evolved to be a little more stylish. But still like most college students, involved way too many sweatshirts and t-shirts. After college for my first job I had to buy business casual clothes on a tight budget, so again I really did not like many of the clothes I was wearing. I did not know what my style was and it showed. A few years passed, my clothes really did not make me happy. My personal clothes felt like I was still an undergrad, and my professional clothes were uncomfortable.
So about a year ago I started trying to find my style. I wrote down how I wanted to dress, and here is the list I came up with:
1) Comfortable and Myself
2) At work: Professional and at ease
3) Night Out: I wanted to be classy and sexy
4) Feminine and Age appropriate
Slowly over the last year I have been dressing in a way that I really like. It’s not perfect yet, I still am uncertain sometimes but I have started finding myself. My major problem was that I did not know how to dress very well for my body. So I started to look to the internet for help and came across some blogs that helped me find myself. Those blogs are the following:
1) Putting Me Together
2) Franish
3) Academic Chic (they don’t really blog anymore, but I find their website useful)
4) J’s Everyday Fashion
5) Kacie's Kloset
Really I came across, “Putting me Together” in a Google search and her lovely blog roll led me to the others. I like them all because they dress like everyday people, just more stylish.I have learned a lot from them in the process.
I think our society causes women to feel a lot anxiety about their bodies.Dressing in a way that flatters your body can be a really good way to suppress some of that anxiety. No matter what size you are, there are ways to dress that flatters you while being yourself. You have to find that style. It takes time but it’s possible. Don’t be discouraged if you buy some wrong things, it’s learning and it takes time .I think you need to be comfortable and yourself. If you are not- it’s going to show. Whatever“Yourself” is, can and should evolve over time. If you love jeans and the t-shirts may be the styling changes. If you love skirts may be the length and cut changes. Dressing everyday in a way you like makes you feel better because clothes are pretty much mandatory in society they become an extension of who you are.
Many people say you need to dress better because people judge you. While the argument is unfortunately true, I don’t think that should be your primary motivation. I think you need to dress in a way that makes you feel better and you like. Don’t try to change overnight. Take your time. Clothes are like most things- it’s never going to be perfect. If you want to change how things are it also takes time. I am in still on a journey but I am slowly coming into my own style that I like and enjoy! :)
In high school I wanted to dress like the popular girls who were trying to be “sexy.” I bought tanks tops, and shorter shorts, than I was used to. I started wearing those but I never felt particularly comfortable, no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise. Showing off your mid-rift became “in” when I was in high school. That my mom did not let me do nor did our high school really. I also had a really difficult time getting pants that fit correctly. I learned later that I never would. A belt is a necessity for me, most of the time.
In college I still wore tank tops, but now I found things that fit be a little better. Slowly my style evolved to be a little more stylish. But still like most college students, involved way too many sweatshirts and t-shirts. After college for my first job I had to buy business casual clothes on a tight budget, so again I really did not like many of the clothes I was wearing. I did not know what my style was and it showed. A few years passed, my clothes really did not make me happy. My personal clothes felt like I was still an undergrad, and my professional clothes were uncomfortable.
So about a year ago I started trying to find my style. I wrote down how I wanted to dress, and here is the list I came up with:
1) Comfortable and Myself
2) At work: Professional and at ease
3) Night Out: I wanted to be classy and sexy
4) Feminine and Age appropriate
Slowly over the last year I have been dressing in a way that I really like. It’s not perfect yet, I still am uncertain sometimes but I have started finding myself. My major problem was that I did not know how to dress very well for my body. So I started to look to the internet for help and came across some blogs that helped me find myself. Those blogs are the following:
1) Putting Me Together
2) Franish
3) Academic Chic (they don’t really blog anymore, but I find their website useful)
4) J’s Everyday Fashion
5) Kacie's Kloset
Really I came across, “Putting me Together” in a Google search and her lovely blog roll led me to the others. I like them all because they dress like everyday people, just more stylish.I have learned a lot from them in the process.
I think our society causes women to feel a lot anxiety about their bodies.Dressing in a way that flatters your body can be a really good way to suppress some of that anxiety. No matter what size you are, there are ways to dress that flatters you while being yourself. You have to find that style. It takes time but it’s possible. Don’t be discouraged if you buy some wrong things, it’s learning and it takes time .I think you need to be comfortable and yourself. If you are not- it’s going to show. Whatever“Yourself” is, can and should evolve over time. If you love jeans and the t-shirts may be the styling changes. If you love skirts may be the length and cut changes. Dressing everyday in a way you like makes you feel better because clothes are pretty much mandatory in society they become an extension of who you are.
Many people say you need to dress better because people judge you. While the argument is unfortunately true, I don’t think that should be your primary motivation. I think you need to dress in a way that makes you feel better and you like. Don’t try to change overnight. Take your time. Clothes are like most things- it’s never going to be perfect. If you want to change how things are it also takes time. I am in still on a journey but I am slowly coming into my own style that I like and enjoy! :)
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The Quest For the Perfect Masala Chai
"Chai"( Hindi) or "Cha" (Marathi and Mandarin) simply means TEA.
In India tea is preferred with milk. So Chai is a black or red tea with milk. Chai can be more elaborate and then is referred to differently, like Masala Chai (tea steeped with various spices which Americans commonly associate with "Chai tea"), or Adhrak Chai (Ginger Chai, the milk is steeped with ginger)
Growing up I was not a fan Chai in all its forms. A ritual in India of sorts is in the afternoon, you have Chai, and a snack. The Indian tea time if you will although South India substitutes filter coffee. A favorite thing to do is to dip Parle- G (a slight sweet biscuit/ American cookie) in chai. I ate the biscuit dipped in tea left the Chai.
Later in life I discovered I love plain tea. Black, and Green tea equals great. Much later I discovered I also adore Masala Chai, it takes plain Chai and makes it absolutely delightful.
Unfortunately, I still have not discovered the perfect Masala Chai Recipe. My parents are not big on Masala Chai so my normal solution of ask "Mom" with Indian food is sort of a fail. M and I, often experiment with Chai Recipes, we have had some good, some bad but nothing great.
So when we want good Masala Chai we go to Indian Restaurants. Our favorite for Chai here in Madison, WI is Dhaba! We also find most coffee shops' Chai to be not very good. Surprisingly Dunkin' Donuts has a Vanilla Chai, which is pretty decent. Its not really a true Masala Chai, but good in it's own way.
So a goal for this summer is to find my go to "masala chai" recipe.
Monday, June 3, 2013
The Blog Begins
Recently married and surprised at how personal people get once you get married/ are getting married. Questions are asked that well stunned me. None the less, its good to be speechless sometimes.
Life is interesting, it was even before I was married. However, here is a point and I have a start.
So I am starting to share the daily somethings of a woman in her mid twenties, who is:
- Generation 1.5 Immigrant (I move from India to the US, when I was 12)
- Married to someone who is a different race and religion than me (Yup, I am the girl that married the white guy and love it)
-Working Full-Time (That thing people need to do to pay the bills. I happen to like what I am doing but its not my career)
-Going to School (getting a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, with a higher education emphasis)
I imagine my life is as complicated and as boring, as most other people, perhaps a little different. I don't know. But here is to figuring it out and enjoying it!
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