Valentine'sDay

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Valentines day is just round the corner. Love is in the air: time for chocolates, candlelit dinners, and a stolen kiss :P. It is a day that couples show their love for one another either through words, actions or gifts.

The tradition of Valentine's day started in 5th Century Rome as a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop and the first true Valentine card was sent in 1415 by Charles, duke of Orleans, to his wife.

The day is named after a Christian martyr, Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

“We spend so much time being caught up in the everyday rat race that we often forget to take the time to make ourselves and our partners feel special,” Whether we have been in a relationship for a long time or just a few weeks a special Valentine’s Day celebration can make lasting memories. Although I believe that Love should be a day-to-day feeling, not a one-day display but still an extra celebration doesn't hurt :P.

So this is how my V day was like :P. It was our second V day as a married couple and 4th since we are together. My intention was to 'give' love to everyone I encounter that day, in the form of smiles, hugs, kind words and 'loving' energy. As my day starts and my love awakes, breakfast is served with the smell and taste of a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee to the tunes of Barry White’s “Just the Way You Are”. Our next step is sun and driving. :P.. followed by a spicy sandwich and cold cold beer :P. In addition, the pain the chilli causes releases so many pain fighting endorphins that you get the added fun experience of feeling light headed, dizzy and the sensation of flying.

What is missing? A gourmet, multi course dinner with an hour of cocktails, bottles of wine and a husband to share in the fun :P. Dessert is some kind of decadent, dark chocolate extravaganza!

I had a fab day filled with music, coffee, sun, travel, spicy food, cold beer, laughter, chocolates and rest is a secret story :P.

Alrito, thats all from me as of now.. more to write later.. Keep reading and remember, love makes the world go round. Let's spread some love around.

As said by Socrates: "One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life, that word is Love."

First day at Work - 25th Sept 2006

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I dusted off my resume, polished it up and killed it in the interview. And finally I got "hired".

Initially I was excited, relieved and proud but as the starting date for my new job looms closer, these first feelings were being overshadowed by a growing sense of nervousness and anxiety. I lay awake long the night before my First Day at Work. I was eager to begin life on my own responsibility but was also afraid.

Next morning I was ready all excited and a bit anxious too. Took the National rail from Kingston to Waterloo and Jubilee line there after to London bridge station. The walk from the station to my office along river Thames was truly fun, scenic and relaxing. The old boats moored along the banks, and also the various old and modern buildings to look at on both sides of the river.

Finally, I reached office-34 Lafone street standing at the front door for the first time as an employee, with insecurities and doubts prevailing in my mind: What some of the challenges will be? What if I don't fit in? etc. etc.

I took a deep breath and walk in with a smile on my face. I Kept my head up and made eye contact with everyone. Introducing myself to everyone I met, being polite and friendly to everyone. Everyone was very welcoming and it made me feel really comfortable and reduced my anxiety.

Than I was taken to my desk, it was like starting a new life, a new identity - a swiveling chair, an empty desk, a new email address and a feeling that I have started my ventures in the real world brought a smile on my face.

First Day, every conversation, every meeting is a learning experience. From finding out where the coffee machine is to whether the coffee is actually worth drinking or not, to finding out the best place for lunch. Such days are as memorable as the first day at a new school back when we were kids, when we worried about being able to find the bathroom.

The day flew by so fast, I was surprised it was already 6 pm. But I enjoyed and will cherish each and every minute of this First Day at work. Right from the excitement to anxiety, to meeting new people.

Ah What a day it was; It couldn't have been any better!!!