Ask AC
Part 1
I was asked this question today and had to post it here to get others views as well.
C, my son is asking for a mobile phone for his birthday. He will be going to the 7th standard. If I don’t get him one, he will be very upset and throw some tantrums. My life would be easier if I get him one. What shall I do?
Dear, the answer is a big NO. Don’t you realize you are spoiling him. Even in your question you say its easier for you if you buy this gift. Don’t buy...

Anandchitra

My parents recently attended a discourse by Nochoor Venkatraman and they called to tell me that thought more of me than they did of God while listening to him.. So I decided to go online and search for sources to hear him and found on his discourse on Bhagavatam.
While listening to him talk of Lord Krishna, he brought an interesting observation. He said girls today work because of VANITY. Ofcourse this does not apply to girls and women who have to enter the world of making money due to personal...

Anandchitra

Yesterday we were at a restaurant. In the table next to us, a couple with 2 children came and sat. The children were probably less than 10 years old. Maybe around 5 and 7 or 6 and 8. Within moments of sitting down, the children started behaving unruly. They jumped up and down the seats, pushed the cutlery down, threw the napkins around and whatever else they could do to annoy other guests. They yelled and screamed. All this within the restaurant itself. Parents just sat there for the most part....

Anandchitra

I think I should blame it all on my approaching menopause. If I feel out of sorts, short tempered, bored, irritable and what else could be there.. So blame it ALL on menopause methinks!. In some ways it’s easy to hide behind some nametag and not accept responsibility for any actions. Well why else would I feel mood swings and be bitter about some imaginary pain?
Ever since I was a young girl I have wondered why was I born a girl? Truly it could only be randomly decided and why...

Anandchitra

Yesterday my relative Sheila came back from India and dropped in to visit me. After the dinner I had cooked for her and her family they left. The visit did go well except for a small expectation I had. I thought they would atleast get me a small sweet packet, I told my dh, after they left.
My dh ofcourse said I was wrong to have expected this. Actually I am not very fond of sweets and neither is anyone in my home. Its just that would have been a small token to bring back and share after spending...

Anandchitra

One of the most common questions or assuredly a certain question that I will be asked is “What do you do?”. This coming from total strangers usually sets me back a little. Coming from people who are very familiar with me I wonder where they are headed with this question. How does one tackle this question I have wondered these past few years? For many years I have maintained either a full time job or part time so now that I do not work and stay at home my ears perk up and brain starts churning thoughts...

Anandchitra

In 1936 Munro Leaf wrote The Story of Ferdinand, a timeless children's story about a young Spanish Bull who prefers to sit and smell flowers than participate in the aggressive play of his peers. Nonetheless, in case of mistaken identity, he is recruited to the bullfights.
When he makes his much anticipated debut, he is overcome by the smell of flowers being worn by the women in the crowd and no amount of goading will provoke him to fight. The book ends with Ferdinand back in his childhood...

Anandchitra

On the eve of the wedding is the function called Jaanavasam. The Grooms’ party is welcomed into the wedding hall and the first function of that evening is called Mapillai Azaippu. This translated in English means Welcoming the Groom. The Groom and his family are garlanded by members of the bride’s family and are served refreshments. The next function being Jaanvasam. The Groom is seated in a car decorated with flowers and taken to the nearby temple. The car moves very slowly as it is surrounded...

Anandchitra

Recently my husband and I went together for a haircut.When we paid together I took the total amount and gave 10% of it. I could easily sense that the hairdresser was not very happy and impressed. So I had to walk away wondering how I could have done something different. For me this is the most confusing of all tasks. I always wish they would charge us the total amount inclusive of tips. This is not to imply they charge us more since they are including the gratuity as well. It really should be the...

Anandchitra

My son is probably the biggest fan of Tenali Rama.. you should only see the way he laughs and laughs.. So I decided to try and compile some stories for him and others too:)..If anyone has any please do share..

Clown, jester, poet…Tenali Rama, minister in the court of the ruler of Vijaynagar, Krishnadeva Rai (reign: 1509-30), was a lot of things. Stories, about Tenali Rama and his practical jokes on everyone around him including distinguished fellow poets and the emperor himself, abound...

Anandchitra