Our new home!

We have finally decided to own a personal website at http://kirantarun.com. Head over there and say Hi! We are excited and awaiting to share this with you all 🙂 There would be lots of tweaking and loop holes around, so please be patient while we sort this out. See you all there!

ps: Please update your feed and bookmark our new webpage.

Help Charmaine Lim

As I scour through my feed reads this morning, I came across a blog post from Karen Cheng’s Snippets of Life. The blog post is about a heart-wrenching struggle of a child. Charmaine Lim, a four year old Singaporean, is dying of a rare cancer. Dubbed by her mother, Charmaine is her feisty princess diagnosed with neuroblastoma. She is currently in the 4th stage of her struggle.

Cynthia Lim, Charmaine’s mom quoted on her website as follows:

I thought over, probably a couple hundreds of times wondering how to write this entry. At the end of the day, I still have no idea what to write.

Truth is when I first saw the email sent by Dr Aung on the amount needed to bring Charmaine to New York for treatment, I was shocked. $350,000 is the upfront deposit. I weren’t sure what currency it was in. Sent Jolene and Charlene a text message, ending the message with “I would give up if it is in USD”.

And of course, the bad news never ends.

$350,000 USD.

Half a million Singapore dollars.

How would I ever be able to raise this amount of sum? How do I convince anyone that Charmaine’s life is worth half a million dollars? I don’t know how. I seriously don’t know how. So many times, I want to give up. I don’t know how to think. I don’t know what to think. I don’t want to think. I don’t dare to think.

A week has passed since I received the email and I know I have already procrastinated a week away and made no progress.

I am brought up to think rationally and weigh my decisions against benefits and cost. Rationally speaking, I know fully well that half a million dollars can be better spent on saving thousands of malnourished kids in Africa than on Charmaine who only has a 40-50% chance of survival even with the antibody in New York.

But Charmaine is my daughter. No amount of money can justify how important she is to me. And Jase. Despite Jase’s young age and maturity, I know fully well that he loves his mei mei just as much as I do.

I would do just about anything to save her. I thought about selling my kidney, being a surrogate mom. They may sound stupid and crazy but my conscience feels so much better with me earning that USD $350,000 because I cannot think of any rational reason to convince you to help me save Charmaine.

I really thought of giving up. Its so much more easier and I am so tired.

I don’t want to think about anything anymore. Its easier just remembering the next doctor’s appointment, the next time for medication, the next time to pay the bills and just things I can do without thinking…

I even avoided Jolene and Charlene for a week because I have no answer for them. Their suggestion to go public and seek for help. My permission to allow them to publicise the materials.

Even as I am typing right now, I don’t exactly know what am I doing. I don’t know what I have decided. I don’t know the consequences of me typing this.

The only thing I know for sure is that should anything happen to Charmaine, I would never be able to forgive myself for not trying to fight for Charmaine when all she has to help her is me.

This is the very reason why I am typing this.

Dear friends, please help Jase and me to save Charmaine.

Such a young, innocent, sweet angel – Charmaine and her family needs your support. For donation details and words of encouragement, please visit http://ourfeistyprincess.com/. For current updates on Charmaine’s health, you can visit Charmaine’s blog at http://ourfeistyprincess.blogspot.com/. Help spread the word around and support this cause by placing Charmaine’s badge/widget “Feisty Princess needs bullets to fight, be her weapon” on your blog, via email, viral communication or conduct a charity drive in your community.

I am just lost of words at the moment – cannot fathom the type of diseases out there, plaguing even the smallest of soul on earth. Hang in there Charmaine – the angel’s are watching over you.

Brain freeze…

I am back, but…

with a major brain freeze!

I know I am supposed to be back in the blogging world with a “BANG” and many travelogue posts. Unfortunately, I am hit with a bug. A very dangerous and undead bug which is referred to as –  “H1B sponsorship” bug. I am looking for help, advice, guidance and light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a turbulent time. We are planning to move out from US if economical and, naturally, employment scenes are not showing any more signs of improvement. I am in dire need of a H1B sponsorship from any company in any part of US. If there aren’t any opportunities, we are thinking of packing our bags and moving out of US by end of next year. Period.

Besides job searching, I have many ideas in the workings already. Self employment is one of them. In what? To be truthful, I am still in negotiations back and forth and I can’t reveal any more. But I am very indecisive at the moment, and hoping for more suggestions, advice and moral support from my blog friends. I guess, it’s trying times for all of us.

Happy 3-0 to me :)

Today, 6th April 2009, is my birthday. Not a very long post as I am still in India and travelling all over. I want to blog more often, as soon as possible. But time doesn’t permit. As soon as I arrive in the US, I shall commence blogging and replying to subscribed feedreader’s as well. I dare not look at my feed count. I am sure it has crossed 1000 post! Missing the blogosphere 🙂 I have so many photos and travel post to share soon. Tune in for that! Take care family and friends 🙂

Kiran

Blogging break – Update 1

Gosh! It’s been a long time since I blogged. Apologies for the long absence. Completing MBA is currently my priority. I have my last thesis in the workings before I (hopefully) graduate 🙂 Promise to blog, reply to comments and feed read as soon as time permits. Meanwhile, I would be catching a flight to Amsterdam tonight and 2 days down the road, to Malaysia. A few weeks after that, to India and I can’t wait to chronology my journey with every one here in the blogosphere. Unfortunately, hubby has to work and would only join me in India some time early March. Sigh!

Thanks for all your kind wishes and moral support. I would be blogging actively in a week or ten days from now. I can’t wait to catch up into my feed reader for a glimpse of what is happening in the life’s of my blogging buddies 🙂  Bon voyage to myself 🙂

Kiran

Blogging break

I am taking a break from blogging for some time to concentrate in completing my final MBA journey. I would surely read and reply comments and feeds as soon as time permits. If you hadn’t, do subscribe to Chatterbox via feed reader or email to ensure you receive the news of our comeback—won’t be too long, that’s for sure 🙂 Don’t forget to miss us and drop me a message or an email with encouragements—it would definitely cheer me up 🙂

Would miss you all loads, take care!

Over and out… Wait a sec? Before I leave, some bits and pieces from the collection of my favorite quotes.

What are your favorite quote(s)?

Kiran Srivastava

Fashionably late?

Warning: This post is all about fashion and shopping guides – no offense, I am a little (fashionably) late with this post! You are welcome to devour over any brilliant (if you insist) gift/shopping ideas for your loved ones. Not that I am accusing you of your gift choices. Hell, I won’t make any more excuses on your behalf. Read on, you fashion freak ! 😀

A cupboard full of trendy and designer label wears.

Shoe rack or wheel bursting with flip flops, wedges, peep toes, pumps, heels, boots etc.

Accessories, beauty products, handbags etc..

And the list can goes on and on. Fashion sense is in every one. It wouldn’t hurt to recognize fashion favorites of the significant other. It is just a matter of knowing the actual size, favorite color, type and designs. I must confess that I’ve became a shoe and handbag freak! Surprisingly, I wasn’t a fashion addict before marriage—I didn’t had the luxury nor time to spruce my ego—you can judge me, I won’t hire a lawyer 🙂 It all started when Tarun gifted me quite a few pairs of shoes and handbags since we eloped—don’t fret at his great eye for fashion. Thank goodness he has not regretted on his decisions. We are not keen in spending unnecessarily. Anything wearable is doable. A decent wardrobe, nothing fancy. It is actually simple to maintain a decent lifestyle without splurging on expensive labels. The important key is recognizing the bargaining power! Simply means, SALE! I’ve never purchase any fashionable items at a ridiculous price tag. I always scour and wait for season sales. The best bargains are found after Christmas and better still, New Year sale! And that would probably be the best time to catch me hopping from one shop into the other 🙂 Please don’t ignore if you see me. A simple Hi won’t hurt. Anyways…

*These are some of the outlets (name brands if you insist) that I frequently visit. Click on the images for current bargains:

What differs these outlets from others are not just in their price competitiveness but also the quality, variety of name brand carriers, comfort, style, and range. Now you would question, what about Thanksgiving Black Friday sale? Well, if you are willing to wait for hours in cold, chilly or undeserving weather conditions, than by all means. Personally, I would only go for gadget shopping during Black Friday. This is just personal, though this theory is yet to be tested 😀 Be my guess and let me know your take on Black Friday. On the other hand, eShopping is so convenient! There is no waiting in line, fuel consumption or feet aches. Occasionally, I indulge into online shopping as long as I avoid purchasing anything that involves measurement. All in all, I still prefer in-store experiences where I am able to have a feel of comfort while shopping for any merchandises. That is just me, what about you? Do you prefer eShopping or in-store?

Now that we are planning a trip back to India and Malaysia, what could be better than to shop mementos in bulk for family’s and friends without breaking the bank balance right? With the right time, place and list, you are in for a surprise with great bargains out there. And also, don’t forget to sign up online with your favorite outlet(s) to receive discounts and special offers!

Shopaholic’s, splurge away! Husbands, considered warned!

*the author has no affiliation with the labels or outlets as mentioned above, whether in
the form of gratuity or advertisement revenue.

In loving memory of Bade Mausa Ji

His Journey’s Just Begun

by: Ellen Brenneman

Don’t think of him as gone away

His journey’s just begun

Life holds so many facets

This earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

From the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

That we could know today

How nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away.

And think of him as living

In the hearts of those he touched

For nothing loved is ever lost

And he was loved so much.

Mausa Ji, We All Love and Miss You So Much. Rest In Peace.

Departed: January 5th 2009

Happy 2009 Resolutions

We ushered 2009, the first new year in our new home, with dear family’s and friends 🙂 Great fun, lots of food, music, watching Times Square countdown on TV, and Walt Disney World firework’s indulgence in our backyard. It was awesomeness and magical. Somewhere along the festivities, I caught a glimpse of hope and peace for 2009. I know it in my heart that we can be safe and tremendously happy. I know that we prayed for unity, safety and security. I know that we ushered in 2009 with loads of love. I sense that we all reunited, at least for one day, with similar purposes. So, tell me. How did you usher in your new year? 🙂

I love new year resolutions. It keeps me grounded with my goals. I have to set them, specifically because I lack in time management. OK, I’ve said it. I am not good at everything, and it is not a shame for me to admit it. Yes, I do lack time management skills. I am so used to time tables and alerts so often that I experience helplessness without my virtual assistant. Without further waste of your precious time, here are the list of my 2009 goals – unfortunately, I forgot to add : work on my time management skills! Ignorance is bliss, that’s what I heard! 😀

What are your new year resolution’s or goals?

Have a Safe, Blessed and Happy 2009!

2008 Reminisce

Exactly 1 year and 2 months ago we started a blog. There never was any specific plan, direction or reasons for our first blog. I just trusted my instinct, and never once regretted my decision. Though I now realize I forgot about my blog anniversary this year. Forgive me for I have sinned 😀 I love the idea of blogging on our blog anniversary end of each year.

I have made many great friends through blogosphere, and I truly honor each and every friendship 🙂 Blogging is not easy without criticism, and I greatly appreciate all the help and wonderful words of encouragement. 2008 is almost history, and we have all been through thick and thin. Many event’s have either left me in smiles, laughter, tears and sadness. For some of us, we’ve felt the hurt from catastrophes this year. Nonetheless, life has to move on with sheer determination, positive mind, and confidence for a better future. I would like to share one of my favorite quotes — Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday — Dale Carnegie. I am sure we are all looking forward to a fruitful 2009.

Before we bid adieu to 2008, some of my personal 2008 highlights would be when we moved into our new home, solemnized our marriage, happy moments with my in-laws, hubby and the continuation of MBA torture inflicted upon me 😀

Our 2009 resolutions are…well, it would be revealed in 2009 of course 🙂

Over and out, 2008…. Till we meet again, in 2009 🙂