Ears Pierced!

I was under the impression my ear lobes were spared until I turned 5 but I guess I was wrong. The man (daddy) who feared it the most ended up planning the whole thing.

I got it done on Friday as it turned out to be an auspicious day for it. A family friend who's a goldsmith by profession did the honors. His suggestion to go with a pair of red starter studs complemented my complexion to perfection. Apologies on the blur photo ... daddy's hands were still trembling.

We decided to go with the modern approach using this fancy little gadget. The Piercing gun. It was a wise choice compared to enduring mega pain doing this the traditional way. I admit, I had a tear or 2 when I got hit but the pain went away soon enough. Uncle Goldsmith handed me a candy for being brave but daddy needed it more so I gave it to him instead.

 

Well all major events in my life is a celebration so we headed for a good lunch right after. Both me and daddy weren't in the mood for any heavy stuff after that ant biting experience so we decided to have small portions and shared it on the same banana leaf ...

Yesterday we were at the hypermart to get some essentials and was surprised to see Manny and Sid roaming around. They must be tired with all the ice and opted for some sunshine in Kepong.

Happy Deepavali

 

It's a quiet one this year. Lots of food and great shows on TV. Fireworks at night. What else can one ask for.

Deepavali - 1 Day to Go!

On the eve of Deepavali, we normally take things easy. No major work to indulge in, enjoy a good lunch ... afternoon cat nap and an early dinner before hitting the bed for the big day tomorrow.

The prayer room was given a good brush-up and a minor rearrangement took place. Pooja items were all prepared in advance so that we don't run around looking for them in the morning.

The night was capped with some fireworks and this time, the big ones were brought out. Well it might not be considered big for some but to daddy it's dangerous enough.

 

I was happy with my sparklers. They too were starting to show signs that they have been kept for far too long.

The serving dishes were given a good wash before they are lined up filled with all the fantastic traditional fare and the modern cookies. I'm not sure why we take so much risk with these glass pieces.

We decided on packet drinks so that it would be easy to serve. Now the Fitnesse whole wheat fruit cereal is for post Deepavali slim down. Note the free dance workout CD that's included.

Deepavali - 2 Days to Go!

We finally completed all the major cleaning and pending the prayer room which will be top priority tomorrow. Sleeves rolled up for one more outstanding goodie ... Nei Urundai (Ghee Balls).

It's not as easy as it seems. You have to put some ghee in a saucepan and bring it to boil. In a separate container, empty a packet of ready made ghee urundai flour and based on your preference, you can add chopped raisins or cashew nuts together. Stir the mixture while you add in the boiling ghee.

Cautiously grab a reasonable amount and roll the dough with your hands into small balls. You can use the excess flour to dust them before serving. It can be served just like that or wrapped in coloured tissues.

 

It's a must have delicacy for us every Deepavali. We normally go with Baba's and I'm not endorsing it.

Our stock ran out so we had to get fresh vegetables for lunch tomorrow and looking at the condition they are in, we just have to make do with it.

And there's always time for a quick train ride too ...

Deepavali - 3 Days to Go!

Cleaning is a very tiring chore. The hardest thing about it is when you race to complete them in time. Cherry to the cake is to have more windows, an extra bathroom and a yard this big.

Daddy does most of the maintenance and I do help occasionally by picking the dry leaves. We had the lawn mowed 2 weeks ago but thanks to the downpour frequently, they are growing fast.

This stone walkway through the yard gave daddy a serious back ache this evening. Well it was all covered up in cow grass and using a hand spade, champion went on clearing all 15 of them right up to dinner time.

The fireworks were lit tonight and the sparklers were lovely. We had our apprehension that some of them may fail as these items were known to be old stock. I am careful with them and it's played strictly under adult supervision.

Deepavali - 4 Days to Go!

Once a year for Deepavali we get a little carried away on getting new stuff. It's a reason we use to justify the expenses that accumulates over a month preparing for it. Everyone wants to look like a star!

I'm not getting left behind so the 'puppy eye' trick worked and I've made good collection this year. My reason ... kids ride on a steep growth curve so by the time next Deepavali kicks in, I doubt I'll fit in any of these. The colourful leggings you see in the middle ... now those I can stretch and get in.

This is my evening piece, lovely colour and it goes well for informal functions and temple prayers.

This piece adds to the prior as they both are simple and elegant. I normally go for sleeveless since it complements my tall frame.

And this piece is gonna be the highlight this year. Bangalore silk saree. Daddy got it exclusively for me in India and the best part ... I don't have to spin it all around. Meant for kids and you just slide into it. Easy peasy.

This line of clothing caught my eye during one of my shopping trips. Mother Blouse ... stereotyping?

Deepavali - 5 Days to Go!

The festivities are not an easy thing to go by. We really need a plan ... tracked on Microsoft Project and perhaps a Project Manager to work closely on them.

Despite having a fair amount of munchies for the big day, we are behind time with couple of major ones that still needs to be prepared. We're already running out of storage space.

From what I hear, there's a cake, another 2 types of cookies and maybe some packet drinks to buy. For certain households there's the thrill in last minute preparations but I for one am not up to it. I should hire daddy as the PM, my financial standings gets better on Deepavali day so I should be able to pay him for his services.

Here's something interesting I came by today while helping the elders with the food stuff. The source of water mentioned on this bottle is 'Treated Pipe Water supply'. We had to get couple of them while we were out, so the learning here is to invest on a basic water purifier & carry a water bottle from home at all times.