shisha.hookah

Last week I went to Edmonton to be with my best friend, Aasttha. It was so nice to get away and escape my life in Winnipeg.
One thing I have missed the most besides her, and now Pablo (her dog) is shisha or hookah. It's one of the most relaxing things one can do.

Hookah.Shisha

It's basically flavoured tobacco and you smoke it through a pipe. We had apple and watermelon.

We listened to Jack Johnson and one my favourites right now is "Indian Summer- Buddha Bar". Below I have posted the song for you all to listen to and enjoy.

So take the time to  have a glass of wine, light a candle, chill and listen to the music. And if you have shisha or hookah at home, give it a try! Ps. I think you can buy one from The Joint - Winnipeg, MB. But I am not certain. xo.

release.

Today is the second last day before our reading week begins. I am looking forward to it. It's true when the educators in my program say this will be a tough term. I thought I was doing well, but i am POOPED out! Plus, since the new year has begun it hasn't been the greatest.

In the Indian culture what I find is no matter what family always comes first.  During this month I have realized that I can never escape my family. They will always be by my side through the good and bad, and though sometimes I want them to back off and let me make the choices I would like to make, I know they are always looking out for my best interest.
          
Another thing I have found so far this year is the struggle to find balance. Considering I work and I am in a program that requires so much of my creative mind, it's so hard to find time for family, friends and myself. Though I am thankful each and everyday for the life I have, it is nice to have time to re-fresh the mind and body.  

My small, simple escape will be making my way to Edmonton. I am looking forward to going there because I am meeting the organizers of One! International- a non-profit organization that teaches literacy to children in the slums of Mumbai. I am hoping to volunteer my time there during the summer. I encourage all of you to check out their website
 www.one-international.com 

But also I am looking forward to seeing my best friend. Whenever we get together, it's just us- full of laughs. She is one person where I laugh till our tummy hurts or till we start coughing and can't breathe. So it will be a nice escape. Plus I am bringing my dog, Chotu. Him and Pablo (best friends dog) can have a get together! Looking forward to it.

something simple and cute to look at- le love blog.

do not harm children.

INDIA

I recently read an article from BBC News online called
"Shocking story of a battered toddler". It's about a young child who was brutally beaten, with human bites all over her body, broken arms and a 'partially' smashed head. She was taken to a hospital in Delhi. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16828725

After reading this short, brutal article, I am questioning who is at fault? Who is to blame for this act? The person who did the act? (Of course the  person is to blame, because why in the hell would they even dare to touch a child who did no harm to them! ) I do not mean to sound as a person who is full of hate, but at this moment in time I cannot even fathom how there are people out there who even think it is okay to do such disgusting, hurtful acts.

The government of India? Why is it so common in India for acts to even exist and persist. It's not even shocking anymore to hear such issues. That's what's so wrong. It should not be common.

It is said that 11 children in India go missing every hour!  If that is the case why isn't the government of India doing anything more to stop it? India is a rich, vibrant, beautiful country. It has the resources to educate human-beings. But why is it so divided? Is the real issue that humans want to be able to differientiate with one another? To be divided into social classes and only help themselves and not a country as a whole?

CANADA

A day after reading the above article, I kept questioning what the government of India can do to change such acts from happening. Then, I was on my Twitter and a Canadian article came up and the headline wrote "Saskatchewan couple guilty of neglect after girl starved, kept in basement."
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/saskatchewan-judge-finds-couple-guilty-of-not-providing-basics-to-granddaughter-138647134.html?device=mobile

You can read the article for yourself. But it was interesting how coincidentally I happened to read both articles during the same time.

So my new questions and thoughts on this matter are, if acts such as these are happening mostly everywhere what can we do so stop it?
Canada does not lack anything. We are a VERY rich country full of opportunities and resources.  Education is right in front of us!  So what happened?  
I know that's a very broad question... But it's important to ask these questions and attempt to solve them. 

Pondering.....


Comments from the Winnipeg Free Press Article: 

jonsinvolved

10:52 AM on 2/3/2012

This is tragic to no end. One cannot but feel grief on behalf of the child who has received such despicable treatment. Yet, so many questions remain. What evidence did the Judge find extensive and compelling ? What will become of the child? Why do we still struggle with this type of behavior in our society? The question begs, What are we still doing wrong? Hopefully, this is another good day for our Justice system.

Blue Eyes

3:19 PM on 2/3/2012

Why did they ever fight for custody of her in the first place when they so clearly despised this little girl? She'd have been no worse off as a ward of CFS. What terrible, terrible people. That poor little girl will be scarred for life. I pray her next home is a loving one.

happy veg!

I've been officially vegetarian for 33 days! I have 332 days left to go! I guess I should tell you why I became vegetarian. I felt I had to do 'my' part. It started off from watching documentaries.One being HOME (you can watch it on YouTube) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU&feature=watch-now-button&wide=1
Conveniently new years was coming up and I decided YES I can finally make a resolution and ACTUALLY go through with it!

The observations I've made so far being veg is, I get intoxicated way FASTER. I have minimized how much I consume on the weekends (added health benefit). I eat way more vegetables than I would of when I used to eat meat. I am constantly eating, but in a healthier way. I can see better (ha just kidding,broccoli has YET to have that affect on me). But overall I feel better!

My protein is mainly from lentils and beans. I usually have 'daal' which is yellow lentils. Below is a recipe on how to make it. Overall, it has been a great 'life' decision and not a difficult transition at all!