On browsing through back issues of Architectural Digest
The only way I am ever going to live in these kind of houses is if I get a job there as a maid! Still, its nice to know that its possible to ive in an all-white house or to build a home perched above a waterfall. Or that there are 30 different shades of beige. Gives one hope somehow.
On meeting a whole bunch of my friends, all from previous IT jobs, but with whom I am very close
Why are so many of my friends Brahmins? They form less than 5% of the population but sometimes it feels like I know the whole 5%. My Brahmin side of the family hasnt prepared me well in handling overt displays of Brahmin-ness either. They either talk in English or a sort of urban Tamil. And they arent seriously into major rituals etc. With the end result that when I do get together with tradional Brahmins, I feel completely smothered!
On meeting two of my oldest friends (they arent old in themselves - they are the same age as me - just that I've known them since the third standard)
I love that they are still honest and honourable and decent and cheerful and utterly full of life. And that we all still understand each other. Maybe which school you go to really or limb.
On meeting two of my oldest friends
I cant believe it! Finally someone who spends more than me!Yay! I'm not Satan's little helper after all!
On watching the movie Milk, which is about the gay rights activist Harvey Milk
At first it's weird watching men kiss but over time (in this case two hours) it doesnt look so strange after all. Wonder what Madras would be like if we had men kissing on the streets! Even more radical: straight people necking in the streets!
On attending a friend's engagement
I cannot believe that it takes two hours to get two people engaged! Or how absolutely tacky and tedious the whole procedure is. As long as I move around in a world of my making everything is alright. Once I come up against the real world, real India, its like I've suddenly been pitchforked into some new alien country, where everyone looks like me but they all think and speak and behave in a completely baffling way. Total disconnect.Why didnt I get out earlier? Do I even have a chance now?
On wondering if I was going to get caught by the police for buying wine and vodka in Pondicherry
How does this work? Even when I come from abroad I can bring in two litres of alcohol so why should I be scared to buy something in my own country?
On getting back home, hot, tired, with a crick in my neck, to see my dog jump up to greet me
There really trully is no place like home.
