Calvin's CLoud

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit. 

~Peter Ustinov

My Nephew Dearest

Hi Rishan, Welcome aboard mate! May 12, 5.20PM

Calvin's CLoud

There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Love with Korean Soaps

Off late, I have been smitten by Korean soaps on hulu. The obsession was of course accidental, but came at the cost of my cooking and daily conversations with my roomie,  which, has since become quite non-existent. 

Whilst browsing for some of my favorite American programs , most of which I had already exhausted (The Practice, Castle, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Client List, The Ghost Whisperer to name a few) and having found none, I decided to give The Great Merchant, a Korean historical drama based on true life story of Jeju's greatest lady merchant, a chance.  I had to literally tear myself away from my laptop to get a good night's rest before sulking off to work the next morning. While it did drag in between, the overall finish towards the last couple of episodes were excellent. There was some learning as well. 

My current love is Baker King Kim Tak Gu, a contemporary soap, loosely based on the true story of the bakery chain, Paris Baguette's President. The President's role played by the famous Korean actor, Juan Kwang Ryul makes it even more irresistible, in addition to the delicious breads that are baked in so many episodes. It gives you a sneak peak into the baking industry and the commitment and principle involved in baking food for the people. 

I have also picked up some Korean words now and have a good time amusing my room mate with my new vocabulary. It would be great to learn the language, and even better to travel to Seoul. The drama is packed with suspense, love, family secrets and betrayals that makes it interesting, and not surprisingly, a highly rated small screen drama. 

I fell in love with Korean soaps because it is mostly the eyes, tone, and tenor that deliver sans any exaggerated body language. The background theme score is also perfect. 

Korean dramas are highly popular and is also believed to have improved relations with Japan and tourism between the two countries. The popularity of Korean dramas are also high in Philippines and in the USA, where there are Korean communities. Now Indian communities are also picking up, I think!

My next love could be Winter Sonata, if it is available. In between I also watch my favorite culinary shows like Chopped, Top Chef and Iron Chef. 

Sri is still not sure what possessed me to go into hiding with my laptop to watch these shows. I am trying to get disciplined about my TV time and hopefully not compromise my usual routine at home. Last two weeks, I cooked like there was no tomorrow, now I'm watching Baker King Kim Tag Gu with the same fervor. 

I guess its a phase. Until the next obsession strikes me, Korean drama shall rule.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

- The Buddha

Funny, But True

Life keeps playing funny, maybe cruel tricks on you all the time. I think that's what makes it interesting, turns you a philosopher, a thinker. 

I caught up with a friend online. She just had her second child and in the course of the conversation, we realized that we both were donning roles contrary to what we wanted for ourselves. She never imagined she would be a housewife and a happy, mother of two sweet boys. 

I never imagined I would come to the States on work. I graduated in economics and political science and landed in the IT industry. Funnily enough, my post graduation in political science from Canada has been of immense help in so many little ways, and maybe in a huge way at work.

I suddenly reached out to a close of friend of mine from my school days, with whom I had since lost communication because of childish misgivings. She writes back about how tough life since ever since her first son has been fighting seizures in the ICU, while she had her second son. 

Incidents are innumerable. Life is one huge melting pot of experiences constantly reaching out to you, teaching you endurance, patience and the transient nature of things. In the end, the dots join. Everything makes sense. 

Another huge puzzle is solved.

Calvin's CLoud

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

- Helen Keller

Seasons in the Sun

I wish we had more of it. 

The past week has been terribly cold and gloomy. I long for the seasons in the sun (I don't fancy the song though). The mood at the moment inspired me to spend the entire afternoon listening to Kishore, Rafi, Asha while coursing through my tasks for the day. I work better with music. The melody of those times with such soulful lyrics are a force to reckon with; something this generation may not fully appreciate.

My trip to Tokyo two weeks ago was great, but splattered with cold, mild, warm and rainy weather through the entire week of my stay. I used to enjoy the winter in my student days - that was a different season. I long for the golden rays now.

The sun rays seem so delicious, warming your soul, infusing life when everything around you brightens up like a million stars. I lap it up greedily, walking through the path where it is warm like a cat!


The moment I step into my apartment, it is freezing cold. I spent last night huddled under a blanket over which a comforter had been added. 

I miss the sun - he is in a playful mood these days. Sigh.

Note: Photo taken at 9/11 memorial site

Calvin's CLoud

Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over.

- Gloria Naylor (African-American Novelist and Educator, 1950)