HEALTHY EATING

HI
Healthy eating habits create a healthy person. A child should be made to eat good nutritious food. If this habit is introduced early in the child's life, then surely he will be careful of his eating habits in future too.
Nowadays children grow up on eating junk food. That has become a trend nowadays.It is freely available too.Once in a way is ok but making it a habit is not good. Youngsters opt to eat noodles, pastas,burgers rather than eat good home made food. Mostly people travelling,doing jobs, or studying have no other alternative than eating outside food. Care should be taken to see that food eaten is good and hygenic.
Another reason for eating junk food is shortage of time.
Food eaten should be nutritious. Vegetables, pulses, fruits and pulses should be taken regularly. A healthy diet is necessary if a person wants to stay healthy. Bad food habits invite health problems.

yoga

Hi
" A healthy mind in a healthy body" is a popular phrase. Yoga is a very good way to keep your body and mind healthy. I believe yoga should be learned from a experienced person. There are a lot of books and cassettes available, but a wrong way to do the asanaas can create a lot of physical problem.
Pranayam is another way to keep healthy. Baically it is all about the right way of breathing, healthy food and enough sleep.I had attended a pranayam workshop. In the beginning I was thinking that this cannot help me in any way , but after a few days most of my health problems were solved. These asanas have to be done regularly to keep fit in mind and body. Meditation is also an important part of this routine.
All you need is only fifteen minutes two or three times a day. Many people say they have no time, they are very busy but if we want to do something we can surely find the time to do it.
Proper diet, a good life style and yoga can surely help us too lead a healthy life.

Father's Day

Hello Friends
Next week is Father's Day. A father is a very important figure in a person's life. A loving father can be a role model for his child. Many children specially girls grow up in their fathers footsteps. There is a saying that sons love their mothers and daughters love their fathers. I dont believe it.
A father is the head of the family.He is responsible for his family. He has to earn for his family, take care of them etc. In most families where the income is less the mother also join in to earn . Parents work hard so that their children can live a happy life, educate them so they can get a good job.When they grow old they expect that these children will take of them but nowadays children have no time to take care of them. Often they are left in old age homes with no one to love them.
They just spend their old age wishing that their children were different.
I was lucky to have a loving father. He saw that I got a good education, was strict when neccesary. Sadly today he is no more. I miss him. A child suffers a lot if his father is irresponsible. Many men leave the mother to take care of the children.
It is mostly seen that sons imitate their fathers in their life. A father who is alcoholic should be careful that he is not a bad example to his children. When parents are seperated the child misses the love of the parent. Sometimes he grows up hating that parent. In adult life he or she looks for a father figure as they have lacked that love. It is sad that many marriages break up due to the actions of the partners.
I salute all the fathers out there on this day. Be a good influence on your child.

Animals

Hi
I saw a blog on animal friendship[photos]. It was too good to be true. Animals of different species were taking care of each other specially the younger ones. It made me think that we humans can learn a lot from just seeing these pictures.
Human beings are sometimes so difficult to get along with each other. With close friends all are fine but sometimes with family members there is no love lost.
I have seen and heard of families where siblings hate each other, parents dont care for their children and vice versa.
Animals on the other hand show gratefulness blindly. I had saved a puppy from near our house. She was hardly a week old. She was all wet and scared. I gave her shelter at my house, then her mother came searching for her. After a few days the pup was left alone. I had another dog, so I was unable to keep this puppy .
The puppy grew big in our courtyard and guarded our house effeciently. This was her way of showing gratitude. It is a pity that human beings are not always grateful to those who help them.
People nowadays think only of themselves. Sometimes parents are also ignored. They do not care about anything . Old values are lost. The next generation will turn out to be more selfish. Youngsters just want a good job or flourishing business. They do not hesitate to hurt the feelings of others.

Alcohol

Hi
Many people take alcohol. Some take it to be social, others have some or the other excuse like problems, worries etc. It is fine when taken in limits but when it exceeds its limit many problems arise .
This habit starts at a young age specially younsters in college , just to have fun.Later it becomes a habit.Some of these youngsters are able to break this habit when they start earning and start a family. In upper society it is fashionable for the ladies also to take drinks.
Sometimes it makes me wonder if anything is gained by taking alcohol. I have seen families ruined due to this drinking habit. Health also is at stake. It effects the proper functioning of the liver.
Many poor families become more poor when the man of the house starts drinking alcohol.It is the woman in the house who suffers, physically and mentally. He uses foul language, steals money , does not earn so ultimately all the responsibility has to be undertaken by the woman.
Abroad it is neccesary due to climate conditions etc. Although I guess here too it should be moderate. Partying , get togethers, clubs all encourage the members to take alcohol. If one person is a teetotaller there are others who will make him an addict. In a family where the father is addicted , the son too follows in his footsteps. They start taking it on the sly then as they grow older father and the children enjoy their drink.
The habit of drinking is a bad vice as it is emotionally draining. Some say they need it so they can sleep better, forget their troubles etc. I personally feel that nothing is gained by this habit. It start as a small sip and then gradually increases, till the person becomes a addict. He or she has to have it daily. If a person can control his take it is fine otherwise it will ruin him. It should be that a person is able to contol himself when he drinks. A peg or two is ok. I am no judge but as I do not have this drinking problem in my family I wish that people should not become addicted.

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Innocent Children

Hi Friends
Some days back I read an article in the newspaper.It stated that a young mother had tried to kill her four small children . I was shocked to read this. I thought why should a mother do this to her innocent children? The youngest baby was only 8 months old. She was found alive, sadly the other three kids died and the mother too committed suicide. It was further stated that she was seperated from her husband. Maybe she was financially insecure , so she took this step.
There were other stories too about mothers killing their innocent children. How can a mother be so merciless to do so. Whatever her reasons she should try to find some other solutions. In most cases the mother is charged, arrested and then either left on bail or released. Her lawyer easily somehow proves that she is not mentally stable.
I personally think that if two consenting adults are unable to support their children , then they have no right to kill these children. A mother is believed to be another substitute for god ,then why should she try to kill these poor innocent helpless children, who cannot even defend themselves. They should not be let off free. Sometimes it happens that the father is doubtful if the baby is his, so he leaves her. The mother takes the easy way out as she alone may not be able to support the child. She then kills this child. What a pity that such incidents are increasing day by day.

Sea World

Hi Friends


Recently we went to see Sea World Adventure Park at San Deigo. It is a real sight to see all the different sea animals performing so well. If you see them once You will come to know that some animals have a better memory , maybe they can surpass us human beings.All they want is a word of praise from their caretakers.


We saw the dolphins performing. The trainees were very competent. The dolphins did all the acrobatics that they were signalled to do.There is a very favourite dolphin among the public. She is called Shamu. Recently she has had a baby. Both of them gave us a very exciting time.


The next place we saw was the pet show. Here we saw pets like the dogs, cats and a pig. They were so well trained. This was the first time that I saw a tamed dog skipping with a trainee. There were birds also .


Then we visited the ice zone. It was all artifically made up to represent the artic zone.There we saw fishes and animals which live in these areas. An under -water display was also seen. We saw the Aquarium too. Many different species of fishes could be seen.


There was also a special stadium where the children could play. All this is worth visiting .

DISNEYLAND

Hi Friends

I would like to share my experience at Disneyland.

After a lot of preparations for our trip we finally took off early in the morning by car. We were five members , including a baby. My daughter had taken great pains to check out details as to what to see , where to have food etc. Hotel rooms were also booked in advance.


We reached our destination in the noon after two breaks on the way. We checked in at the hotel. Maps had to be followed for directions. In the evening we just had a walk around downtown. As we were all tired we decided to have an early night.

Next day was the great day as it was special too. It was our 36th wedding anniversary. I had just read about Disneyland in books, but never dreamt that I would see it. We set out early and after a short drive , reached Disney drive. We then proceeded to the main gate, then went in search for a wheel chair for me, as I am unable to walk for long distances. After getting it, we started looking for main attractions, as it is impossible to see everything in a single day. Our first stop was the .JUNGLE CRUISE. The wheelchair was a great help as we were able to move freely. The guide took us on a tour through the jungles in a boat. Many different kinds of animals were seen. They were so made that they looked very much alive. It was exciting to see these animals. I could not believe that they were not real. Hats of to those people who created them.

Then we visited many other attractions too. All of them were equally thrilling. I enjoyed the
different sections of fantasy land. Some of them were Alice in wonderland, Peter Pans flight,

Snow whites scary adventures,Mr. Toads wild ride,King Arthur's Carousel[merry go round] the best of them, Its A Small World. Here dolls in different costumes depicting many countries were seen. They were so beautiful. Only seeing these is beleiving.

There were other rides also which we enjoyed. Big thunder mountain[fronteir land],The Haunted Mansion,Splash mountain critter country,Roger Rabbit's cartoon spin etc.

This day will be always cherished in my memory. A trip to Disneyland should be in your programme if you are visiting the states.

Homeless Children

Hi folks
India is a country where many homeless children can be seen in every nook and corner. It is a sad sight to see them roaming about in tattered clothes, asking for alms. They have that ill fed look on their faces.
It is a real pity that day by day the number of homeless children are increasing. Some people try to help out these children, by giving them food and clothes . But if they get some basic education , it would be a lot of help to them.Money should not be given to these children as they can easily be tempted to try drugs .
These children are rendered homeless by poverty or circumstances.Most of them do not have parents. Some NGO'S do try to help out these children, but this is only a drop in the ocean. Such children take to the easy way of living , by begging.Some of them need only some timely help to become responsible citizens.
These children generally sleep on railway platforms or shop verandas. During monsoons it is very difficult for them. As they grow older outside influences shape their lives. They turn to bad ways.; and end up in jails. Very few of them learn some trade and start earning for themselves. It is really a pity that these homeless children do not know what a family life is or get love from family . They feel they are unwanted and a burden to society.
It is good that a ban has been imposed on child labour. Previously children could be seen working in hotels, beedi making, as servants in houses etc. They do not get enough food or rest and are made to work hard. We see some children at traffic signals selling something or the other , ready to clean vehicles etc.
I personally feel that such children should be given opportunities to better their lives.

MOTHERS DAY

Hi
Today is MOTHER'S DAY. I am lucky to have a mother who although having a large family, took good care of all her children. She was born in a city but after marraige had to stay with a joint family in a small town. Those days she had to slog all alone with all the house work.
Now she is quite old, but still able to help around. She loves all her grandchildren . When I go to meet her , she is happy and tells me all her troubles. Most of them are imaginary. I try to calm her down.
I am also a happy mother. My children love me. I have two grandchildren. They are the apple of my eyes. One of my grandchild is just a toddler. She is an angel. I am so happy when I see her playing, smiling, talking gibberish.
The elder one has joined school. She has a lot to talk to me when she returns from school. I am her playmate.
Nowadays children grow up too soon. Even kids become mature fast. Life in metros is tension filled. People have no time to say a kind word to somebody. Everyone has their own problems. Living in nuclear families is the norm today. Joint families where everyone willingly helps each other has become rare.

BOOKS

Believe books teach us a lot. I love reading books. I like light reading specially fiction. My favourite authors are, Danieel Steele, Erving Wallace, Sandra Brown . Reading is a hobby for me.Whenever I find time I spend it reading. When reading I am lost to the surroundings. I still remember that I used to stay awake half the night to finish reading. Then it was James Hadley Chase. I have read all his books. When I get a good book I dont know how time flies. I dont feel like doing anything else.Back in india in my home town, libraries are small. So I do not get good selection. Here in the States , I literary went mad seeing the different books in the library. But sad to say I have only limited time, so I will not be able to read much.Anyway I will make the most of the free time I have. Having a good education has helped me a lot and reading books is my addiction.

FEELINGS

Hi
Life is precious. Do not waste it by having ill feelings. There are many types of feelings. Positive and Negative.
By having positive feelings a person gains a lot. He is loved , respected and has a sense of satisfaction.
On the other hand nothing is gained from negative feelings. Your life becomes a burden. Your family and friends try to avoid you. I personally cannot understand why a person wants to behave in such a way.
When a child is born his or her mother showers all the love she is capable of. A child learns to love his mother trusts her and runs to her when needed to be comforted. That is the only bond in this world that has no selfishness.
Brothers or sisters when small , grow up together as friends. As they grow older many times they drift apart. Also couples learn to love , trust each other but sometimes due to circumstances and problems[made by themselves] seperate.
A person should always be satisfied with what he has gained in life. Be it financially or socially. There is no use feeling jealous of others. Everyone has problems but it is finally in your hands to solve these problems.
Many people turn to alchol. That is only going to give you health problems. In limit it is ok. When it exceeds that a lot of tension is created.
Live life in such a way that you people always have something good to say about you.

MY VISIT TO AMERICA

HI FOLKS
I never dreamt that one day I would be able to visit America. It was only the name of a country in my school book. Many years later , my son got a job in America.
At first when I heard that he would leave India, I felt sad thinking America is so far away. We kept in touch , through the internet. Thanks for the discovery of the computer. Everything you like to know is only a click away. After his marraige he left India for the job. His wife followed soon. Initially they had a tough time settling down, but with a lot of effort and sacrifices they managed to settle down. Soon it was time to plan a family. A cute baby fulfilled that wish. They invited us to visit them.
After a lot of paper work my dream of visiting my son ,daugter-in-law and grandchild was fulfilled. It was a long flight from India but the thought of being with my son's family was very exciting.
We settled down in a few days. Then a lot of planning was done to visit tourist spots. We saw the Golden bridge. The view was really enchanting. After some days we went to Yosemite. It was a natures paradise. A cool and calm place. We have made plans to visit Disneyland and San-Deigo.
The sight of traffic moving on the roads so methodically really thrills me. Everything is done systemattically. It is so quiet and neat everywhere.People are helpul too. I am waiting to see Disneyland. In the meantime I have a good time playing with my granddaughter. That happiness cannot replace anything in the world.

LIFE

What we all seek in life is happiness. I read somewhere that if you want to be happy it is in your hands only. no one can prevent you from being happy. All this is a state of mind. Some things that help us to be happy are positive thinking, having no ill feelings towards anyone.
If we help someone in need it makes us happy.Learning to be satisfied with what we have can make us happy.
Life is not a bed of roses. Many times it seems that we have all the problems in the world. Sometimes even a small gesture makes us happy. Live life to the fullest. Enjoy all the gifts we have. A loving family is the best gift a person can have. All the money in this world cannot buy you someones love. Learn to get happiness from nature.

Relations

Hi friends.

As someone already said that we have relations by chance and friends by choice. It is so true. I am related to a lot of people but i have a few friends on whom i can depend.
My friends help me out at any time i need them. They give me a lot of moral support too. So everyone needs friends maybe a few in number.
I have undergone many experiences in life, which has also taught me a lot.
Relations..... They are a boon sometimes and sometimes a curse.
I would like to share my thoughts , which maybe will be helpful to someone.
A mother does everything for a baby , sees to all his comforts, makes sacrifices, faces anyone who criticizes her child... But very few are lucky who have children who care.
I heard somewhere that a son was so mean and unkind to his mother. This is a fact. He told his mother during an argument that he would take her to the graveyard.
I was so moved when i heard this. Can children be so insensitive?

In the end i feel that it is better not to have expectations from your children. Many parents feel that their children will look after them when they are old. They give away everything to their children but sometimes it happens that these parents are left in old age homes cause no one is there to take care of them.
Life is a great teacher. We make mistakes and learn from these mistakes.
So it is better to be mentally prepared that we should be able to live not depending on others even when we grow old.
A mother feels it too much when her child does not care for her. All she can do is blame her destiny. But why ? Be prepared. Even if you do not hurt anyone intentionally you get hurt.
In the long run i conclude life is a gift do not waste it.
Live life to the fullest. Whatever happens take it with a pinch of salt.
Yoga and meditation helps to keep a calm mind.

GRANDCHILDREN

I believe that grandchildren are angels sent by god from heaven. I have two cute granddaughters who are my world. A smile from them makes my life worthliving . I forget all my tensions and worries when they are with me.
They are so innocent. I am lucky to be a grandmother . When I play with them I forget all my aches and pains. I too become a child like them. A hug and a kiss is all that I want from them.
Till children are 5 to 6 yrs they know only how to love a person.
After this age many things influence their life. The parents play a major role in moulding the childs character.
In todays nuclear families many grandchildren do not get a chance to experience grandparents love. I still remember what the DR. told me when my first grandchild was born.She told me that whatever milestones you have missed in your childrens life , you will be able to see them in your grandchildren.
It was for the first time in my life that I was a witness to the birth of a baby.She was my cute grandaughter.She brings a lot of happiness in our lifes.Her name is apt for her.KHUSHI is what we call her.