Indian Dinners in Ohio

Cleveland isn't like Chicago, New York, LA, San Fransisco, Austen, Atlanta, Boston... It's one of those quarter-way-there "big" cities. There are a handful of Ethnic Restaurants scattered all across Northeast Ohio, and people aren't exposed to much here compared to NYC. The minorities are minorities, so there isn't much exposure to other cultures, foods, lifestyles, clothes, other than on TV.

A few years ago a 7 year old told me, "I'm sorry you will never be beautiful". This was because she had only ONE idea of beauty which was her "barbie doll"  and Hanna Montana. Sad, I know. When I lived in Michigan (I will leave the city unnamed to not embarrass the fold), people asked me things like "Do you have Elephants as pets in India?" "How do you go to school?" "Is there electricity there?" "Have you ever been to a huge city like Chicago, or even _____ (City Name in Michigan)?"

Some may call this ignorance, I think it's lack of exposure. Most of these people were fairly young too, some were older, having seen a couple of wars, yet didn't know things. Anyway I think people in general are sometime scared to try new things especially if its something they weren't taught to do since childhood. My mom always told us to try everything and she made us like it - we had NO OPTION. So we grew up to be open to everything, and see things from different perspectives.

Here I am in Cleveland, and trying to make best of what diversity is at my disposal, the college campuses are always thriving with diversity, however not the main walks of life, especially not the suburbs (depending on which suburb). A few of my friends from my group of climbing friends asked me what was a good Indian restaurant in these parts. Having the best Indian food served to me at home by my mom, I really don't eat Indian food at restaurants. So I decided to take a tour of Indian restaurants 1-2 times a month all across North East Ohio, maybe even near Columbus, to help friends get comfortable ordering, understanding and eating Indian foods.

Most of the popular Indian food is Dhaba foods - the naans, the dahls, the paneer tikka masala, tandoori, biryani, etc. There is one or two South Indian restaurants, a chaat restaurant, and ok zero bengali, gujarati, etc. restaurants. It's all Delhi/ North Indian food! Anyway it's still yummy, and full of butter and ghee :-P

In some ways authentic/ home made Indian food is way healthier than what is served at restaurants, but it's still probably healthier than pizza, if eaten with roti and not butter naan. Indulge in the raita (yogurt salad eaten with rice), drink the lassi (refreshing milkshake), and taste lots of veggies in curries, the oxidizing spices. In school in Chennai (Southern India), we were always given the most healthiest Indian food to eat. All vegetarian lunch followed by fruit, a snack (egg-less cookie/ biscuit) and fresh lime juice in the morning, and another snack and milk in the evening (ugh the milk was gross though fresh). Lime rice, tamarind rice, pongal rice, bisibela baath (don't ask me to explain that one), sambar rice, rasam rice... Rasam - the best soup ever, it can cure you of any cold!

My home made dal (lentils)! it's actually really good! and healthy!

Masala dosa and coconut chutney

Although the food my friends get to taste is but a small fraction of the foods available in India, it's better than being oblivious to it! I wish I had an elephant to ride to school as a kid, that would have been a tale! Now atleast it is but a Tall-Tale!


Breathe!

Upma, ginger chicken, butter chicken and guacamole (I like to mix it up)

Feminism in the Second Decade of the 2000s

I have always considered myself a feminist... well until all the feminists made a huge hue and cry about the sexism in Seth McFarlane's boob song, and other comments he made in his typical jocular satirical manner during the "Oscars". Then I read this article about what true feminists are, which talked about a book called the "feminine mystique" by Betty Friedan. Where feminism seemed to be defined vs. American Feminism which claims feminism can be sexy and funny, but still feminism. So is there a true feminism? Have i never been truly a feminist?

True feminists do not give into their insecurities and the "lies" sold to us. Ie. don't shave legs, wax, because that's what men want us to be. They want us to have a certain body type, look a certain way... I do agree with the part that states "To my mind, the most amazing and miserable aspect of The Feminine Mystique is how relevant it still is. Women of my generation are still being sold lies to keep us obedient. We are told that we are valued, until we accuse a revered man of rape. We are told we are equal, and yet we still do most of the low-paid and unpaid work. We are told we are respected, and yet we are harassed in the street, objectified and ridiculed in the media, and haunted by words like nag, harridan and hysteric in our personal relationships. Like Friedan's, our feminism is stifled by the belief that the battles have been won, and we are free to enjoy equality in all of its male-sanctioned glory." However, I do feel we can choose to take feminism, like anything in life, to extremes.

The author of the article goes to make the comparison between the feminists of yesterday and feminists today, that there was the hardcore feminists that helped us get where we are, and today you have the "Sex and the City" type feminists which combine humor, sexiness and feminism. However she points out that's just a way of pleasing everyone, and feminism isn't mean to please people. It is meant to show the harsh reality of women today. I think this idea is 1- subjective (to lifestyle, career choices, political view points, etc.), 2- relative (compare women in say Sudan to women in America) 3- dependent on individual opinion. Here's a quote of what the author actually says "In my mind, if being sexy and funny are the two cornerstones of a new feminist movement, we may as well all pack up and go home now. At its core, feminism should be angry. It should be angry because women are still being taken for a ride. Like the women in The Feminine Mystique, we are being sold a lie of equality in a society where the odds are politically, socially and economically stacked against us."

Honestly, I don't want to be an angry feminist. I mean I am angry sometimes, but really it might be because of the Occupy Wallstreet movement by the 99%, which I totally feel by the way but I am lucky to have had work throughout not in my field, and still underemployed. Anyway I do get angry but not because I feel I have been lied to, taken for a ride... I agree for us women there is economical, political, socio-culture issues still to tackle, such as married women vs. single women, health insurance, political and religious ideologies that may shape our choices, rights to our own body through policy in the future, and socio-culture issues being heck let's start with women judging women, women judging men, and men judging women. No wonder we aren't taken seriously. First off - we judge who's a true feminist and who isn't!

In all honesty (yes I start another paragraph with the same word), I am tired of being uber sensitve. I used to be super sensitive regarding my race, sex, body, sexuality, religion, and culture once. I mean was hyper sensitive about "comedy" in general because ALL comedians (including Russell Peters)  fall back on racism, sexism, etc. I did realize though that if I continued being as sensitive as I was, I would probably have zero friends. I would over analyze jokes my friends would tell me, and make it into something to cry about. I would be so offended by people's jokes, I stayed away from them unless I knew their jokes were PG level. Until I met Ryan: a guy I really liked and though let me try seeing things from his perspective. He isn't ignorant, he knows about the harsh realities for women, and has experienced it through near and dear ones. So I decided to give comedy the American style a shot. From The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, to Tosh.0, and even Family Guy (Right now we are just finishing the Family Guy series that was based on the Star Wars). I try to watch South Park, but I don't get why they kill that little guy in the orange hoodie every time, it makes me sad. Up until then I was always sensitive, sensitive to others, and politically correct. Now I balance it, I get a feel for my friends and know who I can let down the "sensitivities" around.


Sometime last year Daniel Tosh made a joke about rape during his stand-up comedy tour, a girl pointed out that it was not funny. He retorted with the comment that - wouldn't it be funny if everyone just raped her now?
I was pretty offended by that, because I took it personally. Ryan and I had a long discussion about it, and although he is a feminist at heart too, we both decided that although it was a joke and probably highly inappropriate, it was a joke, its who Tosh is, actors do that, especially comedians. I have a hillbilly southern persona myself, and he/she is not politically correct, forget grammar! From this Seth Mcfarlane hosting the Oscars, to Colbert, to Tosh, I think what I have learnt is that we can create a mountain out of a mole hill in regards to anything... it depends on your attitude in life. Like remember forgiveness? Remember teaching people through love? Being open minded to other people's perspectives? There are many examples of this... and Feminists just need to be angry because anger is the only thing which changes anything. :-O Not the way I live, not in what I believe in. Gandhi helped India get freedom by harnessing the anger into Ahimsa, peace. Why can't "feminists" learn that?

It is true, as seen last December, India has had its own feminist rising. A truly horrific incident shook the nation, and woke them up to the basic plight of day to day living in India. Forget the "objectification" of women in Bollywood, lets change the basic attitudes towards dress and lifestyle first. There is a lot of ground work before addressing the way "celebrities" handle themselves, ie. education of boys and girls. Sure media/celebrities influence us everyday, but it is we who let them, thus education at home, school and play, can help make people realize this.

Yes, women and their insecurities, do help companies sell large amounts of products. We forget that companies target the insecurities of men too. Yes they have insecurities too, and are lied to as well- hair loss, abs, shoes, cars, guns, "size" matters stuff,  clothes, hair! (Some men are lucky and don't have the loss of hair problem), body hair (women like hairless chests, hairless backs). It goes both ways. We just CARE more of what other women think, than men worrying about what women and men think of them. Yeah analyze your thoughts, feelings etc.


Feminists how can you stand for women who spend millions on dresses, millions that could help women in Africa, but make a hue and cry about the boob song. There's something not right in that equation. Maybe it's liberating to walk nude, appear nude in a movie... but its subjective to perspective. Sometimes I may see a naked body as an art, but I have hormones and have not mastered Brahmacharya (the art and science of disciplining your sexual energies) yet! This leads me to point out a double standard/ stereotype in movie making/ acting etc.

Glee is known for addressing socio-culture, political, economic and all sorts of other issues in tactful ways that apply to high school kids' lives. Recently Rachel Berry, character played by Lea Michelle, goes to art school in New York, and gets an opportunity to act in a student film. The catch is she has to do a nude scene. She justifies doing the film by saying nudity is alright because every great actress has done it sometime in their lives. She is still uncomfortable with the idea, but her role models were all strong confident women who appeared nude on the silver screen, so this would make her strong, confident and later an acclaimed actress. Her friends come to the rescue and tell her that it's a student film, and there will be other opportunities and she should wait till she is comfortable with the idea. The point I'm trying to make is that there's porn side of nudity on film, and then there's the great actresses that have appeared nude, and then there's the actresses who haven't in the middle. Most academy winning female nudity is artistic, anyway these actresses are also usually of a certain body type so are they in fact a part of the "lie". Oh wait they were directed by men, probably!

As for Mr. McFarlane: Everyone knows how crude and "crass" he is in his shows Family Guy, The Cleveland Show etc. So why is everyone so shocked, surprised, and offended? Maybe it was not appropriate for the Oscars, but he was chosen knowing how he is. He is highly talented and I thought he was hilarious, and I still consider myself a feminist (perhaps a "balanced feminist"). I think through comedy, satire, we can show people what is wrong in our culture, our programming... Maybe we/ feminists, instead of just attacking individuals should hold the culture, all the "Seth McFarlanes" of Hollywood especially the men and women behind the scenes, the anti-feminists in Government, the men who rule Wallstreet and corporate America "selling us lies based on our insecurities", all the men of Religion who hold being female against us, the fashion world which helped skinny boy like bodies for women get popular...  All of them accountable for this atrocity at the Oscars.

I guess my point is I'm a feminist, but not an extremist. I believe we can see the truth of our world through humor and satire. I believe in being balanced with regards to sensitivities, and not going over board. I believe in being mindful, peaceful and loving in all my endeavors. (By the way the use the crazy angry irrational woman, against us, no matter how educated and intelligent, when you let anger take over it's the breaking of the dam).




Breathe

My idea of the feminine mystique... the magical gift of birth, the balanced yin and yang, peace, love and harmony.

2 Week Deadline

Dear Me,

It's your birthday in 2 weeks almost, and you're having a big birthday bash! So maybe it would be nice to dress up just a little bit and look good for yourself? So let's work on that gorgeous bod that you haven't been pushing. Sure you have been exercising and are recovering from health issues and injuries, but it's about that time. You've healed, everything is under control, so we can take over this mother-ship once again.

Spring is fast approaching, then summer! It's that time of the year again, the most wonderful time of the year!Nope not Christmas, that's the killer of the fitness plan... I'm talking about warm weather and outdoor activities. We need to get in shape for biking that 30+ miles, camping, rafting, climbing, running, hiking, traveling!

Also let's look good this year, we have a closet full of amazing clothes, and nope we arent buying new clothes to fit the big butt!

Yep am beating you up about this, but if I don't push you? Who will, and even if they do it's not as big of a deal as me telling you. So here's the plan:

Work out in gym at least 3 times a week 1+hour of cardio and then toning on the other days via weights and yoga.
M-yoga
T- cardio
W- Yoga
Th- Cardio
Fr- Cardio
Sat-Yoga 
Sun- Cardio

Drink lots of water.
Eat smaller portions of food. (come on 10 day fast helped you with this).
Eat lots of veggies and fruits, cut out processed foods and sugars.

Great work hard.
Get lots of sleep.


You can do this Me! Just a little determination, effort, and yes waking up in the early morning to hit the gym, that's when this body will burn the fat and set the metabolic pace for the day. We can do this together!
See you in 2 weeks!

Love!

Breathe

 

Maugran Thaulk

Also known as Maugron Thaulk.
Famous for his country-rock music, misanthrope and highly private person, philanthropy, famous accidental obstetrician, lewd nude actor, male sex god, and world traveler, famous for the late night talk show - Talking with the Graun.
Known for his neck that totally looks like Channing Tatum's hunky thick sexy neck, and outmatches him in the brutish goodlooks department. His beach blonde hair and surfer - emo bo - meets hillbilly farmer brought him the title of male sex god. If women's magazines rated men like GQ, Playboy, and Sports Illustrated rank women, He would be number #1 on the list, for 5 years straight.
Margaun Thaulk and his talents was discovered by Wallstreet investment banker Gokul Mohanty who  helped him rise to fame and cashed in on his sudden success. This is the epic true story of a rags to riches, a mans loyalty to to his friend, and the hottest man coming out to the world. In some ways he's the Derek Zoolander of real life...

This is the only picture I could find of him:

Last night he gave an unparalleled critique on comedians today, feminism, homophobia, and the Oscars... all in his down to earth, southern Louisiana accent (that IS where it's at... he should have been Bill in HBO TV show Trueblood).

"Offended by Seth McFarlane hosting the Oscars?
Ever been to a stand-up comedy show?
Watch Comedy Central much?

Ever called your bff a bitch?


Well I'll tell you a story, I was super sensitive about all this stuff being raised catholic and all, and one day I realized that there ain't nothing wrong about being sexy, being gay or being a redneck. Heck, am proud of myself. Anyway my point is I make fun of me all the time, I mean that's what got me famous! Me making fun of all the stereotypes I do encompass, and heck its funny, its sometimes very dysfunctional (I do realize), in the end it's just who I am.

About Seth's boob song, all I gotta say is that women and their insecurities! Heck and they do rub onto us guys too. Here I'm worried about my chest hair color, but really women! First you want us to accept you for your body type so we do, then we point out that hey we saw your boobs they were nice... OSCAR worthy nice, take a prize. And then they get offended? Why did you take it off then? If yer actin' was so darn good, then why did ya have to play the boob card? We guys we don't do that, but I'd sure love to! Honestly in the end we choose to be affected or not affected by others actions... we choose to be sensitive or insensitive ... balanced or imbalanced... we choose to be who we are and how we interact with people and perceive their interactions. Either extreme end of the spectrum of sensitivity is not good!

America is known for its laid back country humor, freedom of speech, right to bare arms... and know ya'all are up in arms about this guy speaking freely! Do we need the third reality check? If ya'll so upset then take it up with the TV people! It's not like he dropped the f!#@% bomb or the C@#$ bomb! He was sayin' it like it is... and as usual we can't handle the truth. We get all upset... both the libs and the conservatives. We forget to laugh cause we got somethin' stuck up our butts. It needs removin' real quick. So why not appreciate a man's work just like we appreciate a nice pair of boobs... or even one boob! Besides I think all them ladies were enjoying it (the scenes of them being embarrassed were prerecorded or somethin'). And if they didn't want them mentioned they shouldn't have done it in the first place.

Now i ain't got no time for this no more!"

Mother and Daughter Cooking Lessons

I've been spending time with my mother these few days, to keep her company, eat healthy, and relax.
So we are sitting there watching her television shows, and the phone rings.Since it's closer to me I answer it, after seeing that it is my sister calling in the caller ID. I am a punk so I answer in my dad's voice ...
Sis- ded give it to ma
Me- how did you know it was me?
Sis- give it to ma I need to talk to her its urgent.
Me- like an emergency?
Sis- yeah.
Me- she's indisposed at the mo. You can ask me I can be your stand in mother-sister
Sis- no I need her!!!!
 
Worried that it is something serious... like "girl problems" or something, I give the phone to my mom. A long conversation ensues on how my sister is trying to make my mom's delicious cauliflower curry, and my mom giving her instructions while she does it.

15 minutes later still listening to the these two banter. My mom is seriously giving my sis a step by step on the phone cooking lesson, as we hear dishes clang and clash in the background. My mom tells her to heat some oil in the frying pan, and in the mean time get the spices ready, and dice up an onion. Also she must set the potatoes to cook separately, and since she has no pressure cooker, she must boil it. 

My mom tells sis - add 3/4 panch pharang, jeere, and diced onion to the hot oil in the frying pan...
Sis - umm this is a little scary (as the oil splatters a little) 
Mom- ... after lowering the heat of the oil.
Mom - this is such a simple and easy recipe, you can't go wrong with it.
Sis - none of this is easy!
Mom - check to see if the potatoes are cooked simultaneously
Sis- they look done...
Mom- no you need to prick it... don't just "look" at it!
Me- stab it you need to staaaaaab it! (I say in the background, with a stabbing motion).
Mom- (bursts out laughing) You two are too cute, well you are a little insane (pointing at me, and she resumes instructing my sis.


Eventually my sister completes the food, but realizes there's nothing to eat it with ie. Indian food is usually eaten with rice/ roti  or naan (types of Indian Bread). She has no rice, but she does have couscous and quinoa. My mom says either is acceptable. She prepares it and sends us a picture and boy does it look yummy!







Breathe

Let's Talk About Weight Baby!

So I just read this article by NPR and it compelled me to write this piece.

Are you Obese? Do you need to lose weight? Do you want to get healthy? Do you want to safe on future health costs? Do you want to look good for you?

I know I do!
Have you tried the following and it didn't work for you?
Diets - doesn't work
Working out - doesn't work
Medicine - doesn't work
Surgery- doesn't work
Cleanse - doesn't work
Walking - doesn't work
Support Group - doesn't work
Counting Calories - doesn't work

So weight loss isn't easy, but luckily it isn't rocket science, but it is science and it is life. Your life. Forget media, and body image, this is about getting healthy- preventing diabetes, depression, heart disease, etc. etc. etc. We also want to not push it the weight loss issue to the point of Bulimia or Anorexia. First find out a good body weight for your height, age, sex and body frame. Yes, we all want to look like either Kate moss, or Beyonce, but we are blessed with unique bodies. Each one is so different.

What weight loss method have you tried? How long did you try it for? Did it work? Why did you stop?

We live in a society where instant gratification of the senses is so important, easily available, and temptation is constantly flung at our faces, body, mind, and all our deepest desires. Yes I do want a huge Tiramisu all to myself. I think I can get it at any major grocery store, or probably an Olive Garden or Macaroni Grille, but I'm not going to give in to it. It's just not something I would do.

The secret to weight loss is a balanced, healthy, all - round approach. Support from friends and family, a healthy balanced diet, giving up bad habits (laziness, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, pop/soda, excessive carbs and comfort foods), anaerobic and aerobic exercise, yoga, meditation, periodic cleanses, self control and discipline. It's a whole life style change. Change from depressed to calm yet energized and focused. Change from stagnant body to active body. Change from eating garbage to eating mindfully and consciously. Change from instant gratification, to patience and new sources of gratification. Change from thinking fat, to thinking lean. Change from thinking negative to positive. Change from large portions to smaller portions. Change your Circadian cycle. Change from bad habits to good habits. Change to a better circadian cycle. Change from no stress management, to better, effective and healthy form of stress management. Change to trying new things like dance, yoga, zumba etc.

It's about balance, and being responsible to yourself.
Find a combination that works for you, your body, your life and work.
Be good to yourself, be nourishing, loving, gentle, kind to yourself (which does not translate as indulge yourself in processed foods). Make yourself a colorful delicious salad, take time grocery shopping, reading labels, research what's good for you! Remember its about you, and your happiness after all. Surround yourself with good friends who support you in your endeavors!
You can do this!




Breathe with me friends! Breathe!

Valentine's Day: Love in the name of profits!

Have you noticed your waist-line grow with every holiday?

Chocolates for Valentines day, Candy for Easter, Candy for Halloween, Candy for thanksgiving and Christmas... In India there are sweets for every occasion. At least someone is making profit.

I'm a huge romantic, or was... but life happens, and one gets jaded about such things. However, doesn't mean I don't love my boyfriend any less. In fact when I love I make sure its 33.3% Intimacy (intellectual, mental chemistry), 33.3% Commitment (trust and loyalty) and 33.3% Passion (chemistry, if you get my drift!) ... lastly (this is my own creation) 0.1% personality/character = 100% True Pure Strong, Intense but Stable LOVE! Actually that's Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, which I studied in college. Yes I studied Psychology, anyway this theory made sense to me, and a very good balance between what's needed in a healthy, mature relationship. Definitely read it, if you really want to get out of all the games, drama and bull$!@#.

Love is still a combination of more than just this! It takes a lot of work, acceptance, patience, tolerance, being open to change, caring, sharing, compromising, space, understanding...

Back to Valentine's Day, I just read an article that exposes the truth about this holiday that celebrates LOVE! Read it... Pagans in Rome celebrated it by getting drunk and naked and whipping women with animal hide. Kind of explains rape, violence against women etc. However the sexual deviant side of me thinks... "hmm there could me some "sado-masochistic" fun here! ;-)

Anyway, apparently the Christians came in and saved the day, by changing it into a clothed event, and later it got romanticized by Chaucer and Shakespeare... but of course!
                                           .... And now we have this Hallmark Holiday!


I do enjoy Dark Chocolate, and which girl doesn't like being doted upon every now and then. Yes I still fantasize about my Boyfriend Ryan, riding a black horse, in shiny armor, coming to save me from a bunch of werewolves, and chopping their heads off with a silver sword. massacring them all, like a hero, and then passionately kissing me...
... and then I wake up! Ok it's highly unrealistic, but the best part is being surprised by your love when you least expect it, in good ways, and letting love take its own course. Come to think of it, I'd rather be the one on the horse saving him... sometimes! Times have changed and so have fantasies! Funny how life is!

In the end I can have chocolates any day... No! Cause I'm watching my weight, and no sugars!! He does makes me feel special every night when we cuddle! And do I really need to feed this consumer based commercial holiday, also once again advertising catering to women's insecurities, also I celebrate my love for me, my love for you, my love for my parents, my love for Ryan, everyday! If you feel that your man / woman doesn't acknowledge you appropriately with chocolates, roses, etc. Then perhaps that is your insecurity. Reflect. However, sometimes it might be tradition between a couple... I remember Ryan told me he loved me 2011 Feb 14th at dinner. It was special but I don't feel it is a necessity to celebrate it. To each their own. I really recommend communication as being the biggest thing if you aren't happy with you valentine. I think mainly valentine's day is about loving, trusting and having faith in love, and letting go of expectations It is just another day!

I've always had mixed feelings about this day! But this is my 3rd Valentine's Day with Ryan. He better have something planned for the weekend ;-) really though I don't care as long as he'll just be mine, and serenade me with the guitar, like he does all the time. <3

Whatever - buy chocolates, buy local, and buy the 3 terabyte hard drive while you're at it!


Happy Valentine's day to you all!


Breathe!



This year I wanted to find a creative way to share my love with all my friends. So this is what I did:

Chicken Butter Masala

Chicken Butter Masala (Spice)

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamon (crush before adding)
• 1 thingy of garlic chopped finely
• 1 inch of fresh ginger grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin, toasted and ground (Ryan is a cumin fiend. extra cumin so I added 1 tablespoon whole cumin) - Indian store also called Jeera
• 1 teaspoon coriander, toasted and ground - Indian Store also called Dhania
• 1/2 an onion
• 2 cups tomato (freshly diced)
• 3 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste (Or 1-2 whole dried chilli can be got in any ethnic store)
• 3-4 chicken breast cut into bite sized cubes (I like to use the antibiotic/ hormone free chicken which don't have ridiculously abnormal sized breasts)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves - Indian store also called Methi
• 2 tablespoons cashew or almond butter (optional - I couldn't find this)
• 1/2 -1 cup non-fat plain yogurt (this was instead of heavy cream to make it more healthy)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala - Indian store (or I shall post a different recipe on how to make your own, my mom makes her own, and I borrowed some of hers)
• salt to taste
• butter (optional for garnish)
• cilantro (optional for garnish), chopped

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken cubes in the garam masala, honey, fenugreek, almond butter and yogurt, for an 10 minutes to an hour (if you have time at hand, I just did 10 minutes and it was fine).
2. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, ginger, garlic, cumin and coriander and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste and cayenne, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the sauce starts to thicken, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the chicken, honey, fenugreek, almond butter and yogurt and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Add salt to taste and remove from heat.
7. Serve over basmati rice garnished with butter and cilantro. Also good with naan, puri, roti etc.

Geek Guy Gets The Sexy Model

There are two hot girls, and one is talking and suddenly you notice oh there's a frog looking guy on the right side of the screen. The hot girl in the pink dress suddenly slowly turns towards the frog, and they move in ever so slowly, purposefully for a kiss. The shot goes in close to show them kiss, intimately. For a seemingly long time, until you feel uncomfortable and squirm in your seat. Something seems wrong. Something is off. They shouldn't be kissing? This isn't porn? What? What is this? <--- click to watch!

Note: I am not a big fan of Go Daddy per se, but their latest ad did cause me to think deeply.

Have you noticed how are mind works sometimes, especially when we think we are the most open minded person, and then WHAM!

A year ago my friend started learning pole dancing, I was kind of surprised, for she and I had taken other dance lessons together. She told me it was an amazing work out, and lost a lot of weight doing so. It was funner than going to a gym and running on a treadmill. I realized more women were learning pole dancing for this very reason. Later she told me she was learning burlesque, and this was something I had no idea about, but I had to take a moment and think about it before I judged a friend I love to dearly.

My thoughts went like this - I love her a lot as my friend. She is doing a dance which I equate with stripping. Is stripping really bad? I should research burlesque. Should I not like her, judge her, or have a lower opinion of her because she chooses to express herself with her body? After all isn't belly dance, and other dances similar? Wow I am not as open minded as I thought I was, so now I am a hypocrite to claiming I am open minded.

I researched burlesque, watched videos online, and even watched Christina Aguilera and Cher's movie "Burlesque" (I don't care what the critics say, but I loved it!). I also talked to her about it, and understood it more. She was brave to go and drop her clothes in front of a crowd. It seriously takes balls! This isn't streaking, this is performing in skimpy clothes. I actually grew to admire her more. One has to be very comfortable with one's body to be able to do that.

I have another friend that enjoys photographing naked ladies for artistic photography. It isn't porn. It's tasteful nudity and appreciation of the human form. Especially with the unhealthy mindset we have in regards to what a woman's body should look like, appreciating the feminine form in all her shapes and sizes is something not many people can do. But she does. First I thought "Omg this is scandalous" Then I told my self to shut up and learn to love myself naked. How many of you honestly love your self naked - yes love handles, bulges et. al. ? How many of us truly think "She may look like an hippopotamus on the outside, but maybe she is a wonderful person on the inside. Let me get to know her." How many of us do that? We usually judge on appearances, careers, hobbies, dress choices before we even let ourselves get to know the stranger.

Many such incidences occur through out our lifetimes. Where we me encounter a cognitive dissonance type situation. It's tough, but we find ways to overcome it. So this years Superbowl featured an advertisement for a Go Daddy dot com featuring a hot model, and a nerd kissing. I think the point was sexy websites/ technology and the mastermind behind it all - a geek, come together to give you amazing web hosting services. Apparently this imagery caused a big hue and cry, disgust, and was termed "inappropriate" (an gun violence on TV is totally appropriate?). Maybe parents were concerned kids would see this "kiss" and suddenly the encyclopedia on SEX, and the Kamasutra would magically get downloaded into their brains through this perversion on TV. Like men jumping on each other, a murderer running amok the teams, and Beyonce dancing in a skimpy outfit is totally appropriate. Then again what do I know, i don't have kids yet. It's funny how we accept certain things, but don't accept others.

Some people claim it was a hot woman kissing an unattractive guy, the imbalance got to them. Maybe we accept people who are equally attractive or equally unattractive to date each other. That is acceptable. However an unattractive person dating an attractive person is not? Who makes these lame societal norms? So a skinny person should not date an obese person? Older woman should not date a younger man? Aren't we above this? Love is love! Let it be! Do we prefer war over love?

Since when did Love seem inappropriate over Violence?
We need to teach our kids to love better than we have learned to love.

Or apparently it feeds a negative stereotype that beautiful women/women are dumb. And most unattractive men are rich? What?! Bill Gates and Melinda Gates should sue these people who think this stereotype is common? Shouldn't they also ban Modern Family then?

Yeah, I was kind of grossed out by the kiss, but at the same time I thought why can't the nerdy guy get the pretty girl. Maybe because it was a raw kiss, no chick flick music in the background. Just a sensual kiss, tongue and all. I do it! So why did it seem wrong? Or is something wrong in my head cause I was all like "yeah go beat up the (-insert team name-)!!!" Really Pree? You condone violent sports that cause serious injuries all for an egg shaped ball, but can't deal with the nerd's dream come true kiss?

I'm thinking that kid was the luckiest nerd kid ever! And may all unattractive guys know they can get a hot chick on their arm. :-P Anyway the advertisement did work for the company!

All I'm trying to say is think, think before you realize some skewed societal norm is leading you to judge another person!

 

 

The Princess and the Frog Prince!

Other Articles:
http://www.underwearexpert.com/2013/02/bar-rafaeli-underwear-godaddy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bar-rafaeli-underwear-godaddy

 http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/02/06/the-woman-behind-godaddys-crass-effective-super-bowl-ads/







Breathe!

ॐ Master Cleanse - Day 10

I did it, to the best of my ability.
I drank lemonade for 10 days, and detoxing with a triple leaf Chinese, detox tea.
I also munched an apple. Due to the onset of feminine problems (yes, the monthly kind) I have had to eat apples, and a little protein and iron so that I just didn't lose it all. It was unforeseen, and shouldn't have started, oh well, it is nature's way of purging.

The ten days have been insightful, intense, and eye opening. Balance, awareness, and mindfulness come into mind when I look back on what I have learned. I meditated on bringing more balance to my life. Also I learned, that hunger like all other problems can be overcome through determination and persistence one can reach their goal.

There are people there who are hungry not by choice, but due to famine, drought, poverty... Every time I had a hunger pang, I thought of them. I had the choice to go eat whenever I wanted, but had I been in their position, I would receive no option, but starvation. So I did not eat. I had headaches a few times, but they became increasingly less, as I DID have the juice. I had dizziness at times, but I focused on breathing to abate it. I was aware of the connection I had through hunger to other hungry people. Today I break that connection. At some points during the fast, the thought of just a crumb would satiate my hunger. I begged for even a crumb of bread, a drop of other liquids, but I held strong to my promise of fasting, and remembered there were those with out that choice. I was aware. I saw and felt, and suffered. I overcame, and worked on.

I had odd cravings, and thought about what it would feel like to put it into my body. Do I want to? I was mindful about whether I wanted that in my body, and questioned it's nourishing potential. I desired nourishing foods such as fresh fruit, vegetable, ethnic dishes made fresh. I made the decision to not ingest artificial, processed, hormone and preservative laden food any more. To focus on in-taking as much as I can natural spices, nuts, live foods such as vegetables, and if and when consuming meat, be conscious of how, where, and when (what they were fed, treated, lived, and always getting it fresh). Being aware and mindful of what I put in my body became so important to me. Also having balanced meals to keep everything within me balanced.

Living a balanced, mindful life is important, for there are so many things going on, and there is an ease in which I for one can slip into extremes - extremes of working, extremes of watching television, extremes of gym-ing , extremes of drinking alcohol, extremes of eating, the list goes on. Everything should be moderated. At times it may be difficult, however we can strive for the balance in every aspect of our lives, by being mindful, and aware.

Fasting/ Master cleanse is not for everyone. There are other ways one can learn to meditate better, live better, or whatever other goal you are trying to achieve. So follow your own path, and remember to do it right, and stick to it. Every one's body is different, (as well as thought processes, emotions etc.), so your experience maybe different. Everybody learns something different from an experience that maybe similar. Be open, accepting, and ready to experience new things (I mean it in all the good things one can do).

Breathe!

Changing Times at Downton Abbey

Warning: May Contain Spoilers - Don't read if you haven't watched Downton Abbey Season 1,2, and 3. Also please note, this is all written from my interpretation, perspective, and observation of the show. This is also a fictional show, however based on actual historical events.

Season 3 of Downton Abbey, so many changes have erupted after World War 1. Especially for women. A few episodes in (3.06 to be exact), we have Ethel working for Mrs.Isobel Crawley. The could be scandal is that Ethel was once a maid at Downton Abbey, but got pregnant by an officer who was healing at the house during WW1. They were in fact fooling around. He denied the child, and died when he returned to his post at war. So, Ethel having no where to go, shunned by the officers family, turned to desperate measures - prostitution. Apparently "Bastard" children were looked down upon in those days. Are they still?

Eventually Ethel makes the difficult decision of giving up her son to the family of the officer. They would promise him a good education etc. Mrs. Crawley takes her in, out of the goodness of her heart, because she believes in reformation, changes, and second chances. Ethel is her cook, and cooks tea or luncheon for the Crawley ladies, to which Lord Grantham utterly objects. He's very stuck in the old ways, however these women support change, and praise Ethel. So good to see support, and women coming together.

In this episode we also find out that Mr. Bates who was in prison for a long time on account of murdering his ex-wife, is set free, due to the charges being dropped. Sure he is happy, and I am happy for him and Anna, (who is his newly wedded wife), however it's hard to see everyone accept and welcome a former convict, but not give Ethel a second chance, yes she sold her body, and slept around, but apparently its worse to be that, than to be suspected of murder due to a known past of having a vile temper (his ex-wife was just as vile too though). Maybe a comparison can not be made, but it almost seemed a double standard.

Lady Edith Crawley, was unsuccessful at her one attempt at marriage, as her would-be husband left her at the alter for he was embarrassed by comments made by certain people at his age (he being much older than her was unaccepted by some, and her happiness did not matter to them). Though her rivalry and politics with Mary may have made her seem despicable at first, she changes her ways, and sibling rivalry is always present among women! ;-)  During the war Edith took up driving, and helping out with a tractor on the farm. After the war she seemed bored, especially with marriage not having worked out, she begins writing, and she just might be one of the feminists to be published! Her family especially her father is against her writing, he's against most modern things. I wish Lady Edith all the best with her endeavors, in fact I support her. Let's see what the rest of the season has in store for her!

In the previous episode Lady Sybil passed away due to preeclampsia, on the eve of her giving birth. A sudden complication, overlooked by the knighted Ob/Gyn, but diagnosed by the family physician. It was frustrating to see a bunch of men stand around and make health decisions for women. Isn't this still the case, politically? So many patriarchal societies still exist? Will women ever be "equal" to men? Which goes back to the sibling rivalry, and the tricks that Mrs. Grantham's maid O'Brien is up to, constantly trying to bring others down. Rivalry between women, in a  world where women still get the worst end of the deal, why must we bring each other down? I think this will continue due to some women's catty nature, however I am glad we can stand up and support each other for the most part.

Lastly at dinner The Crawley's invite The Rev. Mr. Travis over to see if he can convince Tom, to change his mind and have Baby Sybil baptized as Protestant. However many of the ladies stand up to the Rev. and question him intelligently with regards to the correctness of Catholicism, and even other religions. This was empowering to watch due to the new independent thought processes that were awakened. Mary eventually revealed that Sybil had confided in Mary and asked her to see that the baby was baptized as Catholic. The questions still remained, is Protestantism superior to Catholicism?  What about all those truly good Catholics? Is Protestantism superior to other religions? What about all those good people in India and China?

So looking back at that episode, how much have we really changed? Would we shun Ethel today? What if you found out your waitress was a former prostitute? Would you object? You find out your son's best friend in 1st grade is a bastard child of a lady who works a lowly job, would you tell him to befriend someone else? Do you believe your culture/religion/race is superior to others? Why is your life more important than anyone else?

I personally enjoy watching Downton Abbey, and other period films, including reading the British literary classics, for they often depict a great "change" - ie. The Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Prejudice, and many more. It's amazing to go into that different time, and live, travel, adventure with these characters, and come back to the present day, relieved that we have so much freedom. From the stoic and stern times, when women were to be seen not heard, to now where women are applauded for walking down the catwalk in their lingerie (Victoria's Secret pageant thing), Beyonce sing awesome empowering songs (Independent Woman, Single Ladies, etc.) in that oh, la, la, la, leotard at the Superbowl, or that I can write my blog and not be looked down on for being a woman putting herself out there through writing, or even Facebook! Social networking existed then of course, but not like it is today, and perhaps clubs were more prominent with men, women would meet quietly and play bridge or something. People could be private as to just stay in a room forever and never come out (Jane Eyre, the Secret Garden etc.). We can still be private, but if you choose to live loud, then people don't mind. There will be criticism, not everyone is as open, but its more accepted now... and what do you know burlesque is making a come back as an art form! Who wudda though!

Girl Power!


<3 to Downton Abbey!

Breathe!

The Characters of Downton Abbey

The Crawley Sisters

The Staff

Mr. Bates, in prison... Les Miserables

Ginger Pork

Last night I was lonely, and bored, so I cooked Ginger Pork, although I couldn't eat it because I am still on the master cleanse. But it turned out great I shall feast on it tomorrow.

Ingredients:
2 inches fresh ginger (grated)
2 clove garlic (grated)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sake
1 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound thinly sliced pork (or beef, etc)
1 green onion (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 tablespoon Cumin (because Ryan loves cumin and can not get enough of it, also optional)
sesame seeds to taste (optional)

Directions:
1. Mix the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sake in a bowl.
2. Marinate the pork in the mixture for 20 minutes.
3. Heat the oil in a pan.
4. Put the onions, tomatoes, and Cumin in for about 10 minutes while the pork is still marinating.
5. Add the pork and the marinade and saute until the pork is cooked and the marinade has reduced to a sauce.

Ready! Now pair with rice or naan! :-P