JayVin

2011

2012-01-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

2011 was a good year for most part. Vinny won the Village Earthday Essay

contest and was facilitated by the Mayor of Oak forest. Jay came 2nd

in his spelling bee contest for 5th graders in his school and

qualified for the All school bee in Jan 2012. Our good friend Brian Thomas

got married to Anila and we are delighted to be a part of it. I was

given the task of introducing Brian at the wedding and it was truly

an honor. Lata's parents visited over summer and we took a short

trip to Door county which was absolutely beautiful. Boys went

para sailing and were frolicking in the cool waters of lake Michigan.

Earlier in the year, they went snowboarding and made the best of

the severe winter we had in 2011. Early February of 2011 we got

dumped with 22 inches of snow in 24 hours which brought the whole

chicagoland to a grinding halt. The icing on the cake was the

purchase of a VW Routan after sayng goodbye to old friend Olds

Silhouette who served us faithfully since 2003.

Hope 2012 is just as good or even better. We wish ourselves and

everyone a healthy and happy new year.

If it's October... it must be birthday time....

2011-11-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

The boys turned 11 and 9. Happy birthday to my precious little gems. Well... not so little any more, Jay frowns if I call him little, although he is only a 5th grader. Both had a good summer with Football, swimming, occasional sleepovers and an overdose of videogames thanks to Gamefly and Blockbuster. It is back to business now, focusing on getting good grades for 3 and 5th grades. Straight A's in the first trimester for both. Also excellent grades at the end of 2nd and 4th grade. Jay has joined the band and practicing percussion 3 times a week. Longer school days, anxiety due to being in advanced Math class, general middle school blues... Vinny has adjusted well to grammar school, he has already made a name for himself with his outgoing personality, he also has the advantage of following Jay's footsteps. Jay always left a good impression with all his teachers and Vinny benefits from that.
jay is looking forward to going snowboarding in Denver CO. He is playing SAK basketball with 5th and 6th graders and enjoying it. Vinny will do another year of Jr. league in Crestwood Basketball program and join SAK next year. Both are healthy and happy and looking forward to a successful 2011-2012 school year.

Amma

2011-08-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

7 years since she's been gone. Love you ma! hope you are in peace wherever you are. Always on my mind!

Choral Singers!!

2011-01-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hello boys and Girls! Hello Ms. Quatrini! How are you today?........

Thus started the winter choral singing concert at Morton Gingerwood Elementary school. Vinny was way at the back flashing his big toothy grin and singing away happily. He was one of the 25 odd kids from 2nd grade participating in the concert singing about the changing seasons, Halloween, thanksgiving and finally Christmas and welcoming the new year. The whole family was in attendance to witness his performance. Due to work I could not attend Jay's concert 2 years back and I regret it till to date. This time I made sure to take time off and be there while our boy was performing.

We were all given programs as we entered the hall and sat down ready with our cameras and camcorders. Ms Quatrini, the music teacher and the children did a tremendous job. They have been practicing for the past 2 months or so for this special date. Kudos the 2010 2nd grade Morton Ginger wood Choral singers.

Happy 2011.

Jay Pillai for Pres...........?

2010-12-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Jay had a Social Science lesson in 4th grade about Presidents of the US. One of his assignments was to take the oath if he were ever to become the President. Here is what he wrote and his teacher Mrs. Newton's response.

Happy Birthday, Boys!

2010-10-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ah, October.....my one of my favorite time of the year. Postseason baseball, Regular season football, preseason Hockey and basketball, Autumn breeze, falling and changing colors of leaves. Most importantly, birthdays of my 2 boys. Jay is hitting double digits- he will be 10 this year. Vinny is going to be 8. We are inviting a few of their friends to a game of bowling and laser tag. Accompanied by Pizza and their favorite beverage- Sodas and lemonade. I guess all kids like soda. I remember, once I drank so much orange soda ( this was when I was an adult), it gave me a heartburn. These days I don't care much for any aerated beverage, good old iced water will do just fine.

Boys are excited! we are too. We surprised Jay with an early birthday present- a motorized bike, see attached picture. Vinny wanted a laptop. I spruced up my old laptop got a wireless card and handed it to him. He is happy! and easy to please. Soccer and Football is coming to an end. Vinny's team is in second place and it looks like they will remain that way after the last game. Jay's football team has a lot of new comers this year and it is unlikely they will make the playoffs with a 1-1-3 record with 2 games to play. OK, we'll call this a rebuilding year :-). Next year these kids will remain with him and they have a real shot at the championship, just like how they won it all in his rookie year.

Come winter they'll be doing a lot of swimming, continue with Taekwondo, piano and the winter basketball league. We are planning a trip to California in January, let us see how it materializes. Hopefully we can hit the ski slopes at least once, even though we are terrible skiers, I love the mountains covered with snow, smell of campfires and just getting away from the daily mundane chores. I may have to drag the rest of the family along but I am sure they will appreciate it in the years to come.

Happy birthday Jay and Vin- lots of love and hugs from Amma and Achchan.

Ormakal marikkumo? Olangal Nilakkumo? Does the memories ever fade? Does tide ever cease?

2010-06-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Mulakulam- the quaint little village where I was born lies in Central Kerala in Kottayam District. Although, it has changed over the last 40 years since I have been there, it always brings back pleasant memories of my child hood. I was born in my Uncle's house. I have happy memories of following my Aunt around while she did her chores around the house and listening to my grandma reciting shlokas from Bhagvad gita. The west verandah where my Uncle used to sit and read his news paper and my grandpa would fix his "Murukkan" ( Tobacco chew).

The house was surrounded by coconut trees on all sides and a vast rice paddy field in the back. In front right across the road was a temple- Vadukunnapuzha kshetram. My Uncle's house was a big house during that time, in the early 60s. The wrought iron gate said- "Manimandiram". Mani was my uncle's nickname. The long winding road in one direction took you to another town - Peruva and the “Sri Lakshmana swamy kshetram” (temple)on the other side. That was my world till I turned 5. I did not know if anything existed beyond that. Neither did I care. My cousins would make me "Olapanthu" (ball made out of coconut leaves), Olawatch-watch made out of coconut leaves etc. There was a certain kind of leaf that would spin in circles when placed strategically on an "Eerkili" ( vein of coconut leaf), it was called "Kattadi".

One time a lottery ticket seller came to the house and my Aunt bought a ticket, I was curious to know how it worked, so my Aunt explained if our ticket wins, the next day we can go to kottayam to collect the winner's share, Rs 50,000.00. I was excited. the next day I woke up, took a shower and I was ready to go, My Aunt had forgotten about the whole thing and she asked me where to ? to which I replied to collect our money from the lottery winnings. She tried to make me understand , but I would have none of it, I threw tantrums and cried a lot. My aunt, God bless her soul.

What prompted me to write this? I don't know.....may be I am afraid that some day I will forget the details of the joy I had as a little child. Or maybe it is because I miss my chettan (oldest cousin) who passed away recently. I was lucky to be by his side when he passed away. I saw him slowly drifting away into blissful oblivion. May Lord Lakshmana always be with you, chetta.

Black Belt!

2010-06-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it has been a year since I posted some thing here. A year older, gained a few pounds, lost a ton of hair and what is left of it is turning grey. All the depressing stuff.

On the bright side- the boys are 9 and 7 and collectively they have lost all their baby teeth. Jay had expanders on his upper jaw for 3 months and made our pockets lighter by a couple of thousand dollars. All worth it 'cos his smile can brighten up a room now, not that it was bad earlier, just enhanced. They will be finishing school in less than 10 days. Going on to 4th and 2nd grade.

If all goes well, in two days they will have their black belts in taekwondo. Jay got straight A's in 2 of the quarters missed the third by a single point. The last quarter is again too close to call, I think he will get straight A's but remains to be seen and may end up with one B+. that's OK, he did his best and that what counts.

Vinny has been consistent and stays sharp, way ahead of his classmates in 1st grade. They both did well in basketball this winter and also swimming. Jay played flag football and his team placed 3rd in the league. Vinny's soccer team did decently. I was the assistant coach for his soccer team.

Jay's science project was "potato battery and Vinny's- balloon hovercraft. In first grade jay's science project was an erupting volcano and in second grade he made a magnetic compass.

That was the academic year 2009-2010 in a nutshell.

On May 17th, I lost my oldest cousin to colon cancer. I was by his bedside along with his family when he took his last breath. It is a tragic loss, he was only 62 years old. He had so many plans for retirement with my bhabhi(Sister in law) but God took him away. We miss him and will always love him.

We are headed to India for 4 weeks towards the end of June for Lata's cousin's wedding and then visiting all the extended family. looking forward to a pleasant summer ahead.

On June 2nd, 2010, Jay and Vinny got their black belts in Taekwondo. Really proud of my boys. All their hard work paid off. Master C, their instructor is quite fond of them and says- I wish I had more kids like jay and vinny in the class. So does the teachers in their school.

For getting good grades and bringing all the accolades home they got what they wanted when school was out, Pokémon games for their DS. that should keep them busy at least for a few days.

Letter to Dad from Jay

2009-06-19T12:47:00.001-07:00

Jay who is all of 8 years old wrote me this letter. Don't know what made him do it but I am humbled and honored :-).

Land of the Deep Freeze

2009-01-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a brutal winter so far. Since the begining of December 2008, we have had maybe 2 days where the temperature went above freezing. We have probably shovelled atleast 15 inches of snow in the past 30 days, today is January 9th.. One time the snowblower broke down and it took 3 days to repair. Luckily, with a little trickery, it cost only a few dollars to fix and it works beautifully.
The best thing about this winter so far is the boys helping out. They are out there with me cleaning the sidewalk and path to the front door while I am shovelling or using the blow dryer on the driveway. After all is done we'll have a snowball fight. The boys really get me good, covering me from top to bottom with snow. In return I drag them in snow and also pull the sled with both of them on it. Oh, the joy! We are looking forward to our ski trip to Wisconsin, atleast I am some time end of this month or early february.
I am heading to India to be with my ailing father and give a hand to my brothers and sister. he has been ill for a while and detiorating. God bless him, keep him in peace, good health, pain free and in good spirits. that is all I ask for. I will miss my honey and the boys. I will miss Lata's birthday on the 19th. There is a surprise ;-), the boys don't know about it either.
God bless and take care of my little family!

The "Citizen'.

2008-12-18T09:51:00.000-08:00

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the.........16 years after I came in to the USA I became a citizen of this great nation on November 6th 2008. Seems like a lifetime and rather painful. It was like running a marathon full of obstacles, distractions, small victories, shameful humiliations and setbacks, but I saw a small ray of hope at the horizon which kept me chugging along.

It was the first 5 years which was the most painful. I was a cocky twenty something young man ready to take on the world or so I thought, naive, gullible, insecure- yeah insecurity can make you cocky :-), easily influencable and a high risk taker. During the process, I met good people who gave me bad advices- only because they did not know any better, good people who gave me good advice- which I often ignored, bad people who gave me bad advices and took advantage of my naiveté. I lost tens of thousands of dollars and ended up with sleepless nights, guilt and sense of helplessness which even drove me to the brink of ..........yeah, you guessed it right. Quoting Morgan Freeman's character Red from the movie "The Shawshank Redemption"- "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." Yeah- Hope, everyday I would wake up without knowing what lay ahead but somewhere a small part of me was hoping for a miracle, end to my miseries and a better tomorrow.

Getting married in 1998, continuing my education, changing my career, birth of our 2 sons, owning a home which we see build from the ground up-put a different perspective to life. I was thankful to have a purpose in life, to nurture and raise my family to give them a better life than what I experienced. It is good to experience adversities and learn from it. In my honest opinion, the mythical Heaven and Hell which we talk and discuss is something that we experience during our lives. it is hard to tell what happens in one's after life but if you look around there is heaven and hell around you. It is a state of mind and you can choose to be in either or.

Dear reader, you must be wondering what the hell I am talking about and what it has to do with becoming a U S citizen. Well, everyone who comes to these shores dreams of becoming a citizen at some point or the other. I did too, but due to all my experiences during my 5 year misadventures, I stopped caring. It did not matter to me if I became one. However, it was important for me to live in peace with myself, knowing that intentionally I did nothing wrong and I have a clear consciousness, I had to become one. I always believed in holding my head up high and never to fear anyone but God. These are the values I want to instill in my kids and I hope God gives me the strength and perseverance to do that. To the nation that so willingly adopted me as one of their own, I bring thousands of years of heritage and culture passed down for generations from my ancestors. As Mayor David Dinkins of New York from the 80's once quoted "New York is a beautiful mosaic- with so many colors, so many dreams, different characteristics". This applies to the whole of America which is a land of immigrants, some came yesterday and the others 500 years ago or even 20000 years ago walking across the Bering Straits- so historians say.

I am honored and humbled for your acceptance of me, America. I hope and pray to God that I can live up to your expectations and make positive contributions to mankind.

Eight and Six!!

2008-11-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

My li'l pun'kin turned 6 and my big boy turned 8 on Oct 25th and 26th respectively.
Seems like only yesterday, we brought them home, could hold them on my right had like a football :-). Today Jay is almost 59 inches tall, an inch shy of 5 feet and Vinny is about 42 inches ( 3.5 feet). Vinny is in kindergarten and jay is in second grade. Vinny played soccer and T-ball this year and got an white/orange belt in Taekwondo. Jay played baseball, Flag football and an orange belt in Teakwondo.Vinny's soccer team came 2nd overall in the Crestwood Soccer league and Jay's flag foot ball team is playing a game on sunday to be in the "Super-Bowl" of oakforest flag football league.
Both are good readers and writers and above average in Math. we are so proud of them. As a birthday gift they got a Nintendo Wii which they have been looking forward to have for a long time. They have been exceptionally good, model kids, playful but mindful and good listeners. All of saturday and sunday- their birthdays, we played on the Wii and had the their friends Frankie,Will,Abby, CJ and Walker over to share their birthday fun. We also had the first snow flurries of the year on Oct 26th even though it only lasted a minute or so.
Happy Birthday, our precious gems!
Mom & Dad.

Celebrating the life of my mom, Saru.

2008-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

It has been 4 years since she said goodbye to the world and left for the heavenly abode. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and have a conversation with her in my own way. Jay too remembers Ammachi fondly and some times he says he wants to go up to heaven and live with ammachi. Yesterday he was about to eat a piece of sweet treat, he asked all of us if we wanted a piece and we all said no, then he points it upwards towards heaven and asked ammachi if she wanted a bite, I couldn't help smiling and feeling proud of him for that gesture. He is an emotional little fella... just like me, he tears up at the slightest and acknowledges all my words of encouragement and when I narrate stories of my childhood and how amma would react at different occasions. Vinny was not around to see her and experience her love and warmth. But he misses her in his own way. Lata proudly remembers her mother in law with reverence and love, the "master sergeant" who orchestrated our wedding in 9 days flat :-). She considers herself lucky to have had a Mother in law like my mom. Good for her she never got her in a foul mood or she would have tasted a piece of broom stick :-).

We offered Shradham ( "Bali")- a traditional Hindu ritual for the salvation of a departed soul, at the Lemont Temple. My brothers and sister do it according to the malayalam calendar but me....I have to be different and perform the ceremony on the day she died according to the English calendar. No disrespect to any one, I have always been different. It is inborn, I don't pretend or try to be, it just comes natural. perhaps something I inherited from my paternal or maternal ancestors.....I don't know. It puzzles me and annoys my wife. She thinks I am trying to be a show off but I am not. If you read the previous posts in this blog you may be able to somewhat decipher my quirkiness.

Anyway....back to my mom. I guess I neglected her during the time she was alive so I am so much emotional after she passed away. I left home when I was 17 ( 27 years ago) and since then we have had a long distance mother-son relationship. Her values were different than mine, I loved and respected her but still somehow felt distant from her. I wanted her to be happy but I wanted to do things my way and often had differences due to that. She came and lived with us here in Chicago, I hoped that she would be happy and we all wanted to be happy but it turned out to be a disaster due to circumstances and she went back to India after a month's stay. How I wish I could go back in time and make things right for her. Que sera..sera.. whatever will be will be.

I am sure my mom's soul in peace. I have found peace :-) and finally come to terms with myself in the past year or so. No more bitterness towards the people and circumstances that mercilessly caused her pain and anguish for a better part of her life.

Let me tell you a story of when I was maybe 7 or 8 years old. I had conveniently forgotten to do my homework and gone to sleep. Mom woke me up after she had finished her chores late at night and went through my book bag, when she realized that I had not done my home work, she woke me up and made me do my homework which was preceded and followed by beatings with a guava twig which stung and hurt like anything. I fell asleep sobbing and crying. later in the dark of the night I could hear sitting beside me crying silently and gently patting my arms and legs where she had planted the guava twig:-). Next morning she woke up early and walked me to the bus stop at 6.45 am( normally I go myself, she had tons of chores to do before she went to work), consoling me and holding me close to her bosom. That was my mom, full of love and compassion for her children but helpless to show what she had in her heart due to the circumstances and commitments.

I hope she reincarnates and comes back to this world as a happy, healthy and peaceful being and make this world a better place.

Suprabhatham! Good Morning!!

2007-12-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykB1Zg_fBcs&feature=related

One of my favorite songs of all times. What the lens is capturing is the picturesque landscape of Simla in the foothills of himalayas. The movie is "Panitheeratha veedu"and the actor is "Prem Naseer", a malayalam superstar of yesteryears who has acted in 400 + movies in the leading role.

Film : `Pani theeratha veedu`
Song : `Suprabhatam,....., Neelagiriyude sakhikale,.....`
Singer: Jayachandran.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suprabhatam, suprabhatam, suprabhatam !
Neelagiriyude sakhikale, jwalamukhikale,
Jyotirmayiyam ushassinu velli-chamaram veesum meghangale,
Suprabhatam, ...... , ...... !
------
Anjana-kallukal minukki adukki, akhilanda-mandala silpi,
Panithittum panithittum panitheerath`oru prapancha mandirame,....mandirame,
Ninte nalukettinte padippura-muttathu `jan-ente muri koodi paniyichotte ?
Aha,ha,ha,....Oho,ho,ho,.....!
---------
Neelagiriyude.....
---------
Aayiram thamara-thalirukal vidarthi, arayannagale valarthi,
Vasanthavum sisiravum kulikkan-irangunna vana-sarovarame,...sarovarame,
Ninte neela varmukil-churulinte attathu `jan-ente poo koodi choodichotte ?
---------
Neelagiriyude.....
=====================================================================
Good morning , ..... , .... !
Ye friends/consorts of Neelgiri/Blue-mountains, ye volcanic crators,
Good morning, .... , .... !
-----
Ye bright dawn being breezed/fanned by the silver clouds,
Good morning, .... , .... !
------------
Ye still unfinished universal home ,
Laid of polished gem-stones by the sculptor of the world,
May I add my room too to the courtyard of your palace ?
-------
Ye friends/.... .....
------------
Ye forest-lake in which autumn and winter bathe,
Blooming a thousand lotus-buds and breeding the swans,
May I décor your dark-blue braid/hair with my flower too ?!
------------
Ye friends/ ..... ....
----------------------

Translated by my chettan- Gopan Nair, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Dec 25th 2007. happy birthday........Chetta!!

DisneyWorld.....here we come!

2007-12-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Pillai family (us) visited Mickeyland from November 21st to the 27th. We stayed at the Sheraton Safari Hotel outside the park for free thanks to American Express point redemption system. Visted Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios. Kids met and spent quality time with their heroes. Also visited the Kennedy Space Center and got to see the launching pad from 300 feet away with the main rocket booster ready for the upcoming shuttle launch on Dec 6th. It was a holiday to remember and cherish for years to come.

Kid Logic- part deux

2007-12-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

I was in awe when my 7 year old son explained the process of death and rebirth in his own words. His theory is when Christians die, the body is buried in a grave and God comes to get his heart ( he means Soul) and is given to a baby that has not been born yet.
On the other hand, when a Hindu person dies and the body is cremated, God collects the soul from the remains ( ashes) and is handed over to a baby. Just so we understands he clarifies that this way the soul is recyled into another living persons body.
We have some what of an idea where he may have learnt and interpreted this from. We always talk about his grandma who died not too long ago and we talk about her and say that she is in heaven and really really happy there. Sometimes I jokingly tell my wife that I may have mahatma Gandhi's soul, as if I did something good.
Just puts a lot of things into perspective and know that kids are always listening and paying attention to what grown ups are talking about.
I am so proud of my boy and his thinking capabilities. May God bless him with all the wisdom, courage and strength that is required to manouvre through this journey of life.

Happy Birthday to Jay & Vinny

2007-10-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ok....its birthday time again. Vinny turned 5 on October 25th and Jay turned 7 on October 26th.

For... they are jolly good fellows... that nobody can deny :-)

How much affection is too much? or too little? If I can freeze time.......!! Who wants to be a Rocket scientist?

2007-09-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Love you Dad!... Love you Mom!... Love my boys!....Love my honey!.... who loves his boys?, who loves his girl?!.......If some one eaves drop around our home these phrases are flying around intermittently almost every few minutes when we are home. Call us loonies but we are a bunch of people who don't hide our affection for one another. That keeps the home fun and relaxed.

Consider this... I grew up in a household where affection was rarely shown and it was also considered that if you too much affection to your kids they will get spoiled and take advantage of you. I disagree....if you have love and affection ..show it.......else how is the other person going to know?, especially if they are little kids. It only makes them more secure and strong.

I was 16 years old when I left home for college, My sister was 10, brothers were 8 and 6 respectively. For me that age is frozen in time and I still see my little siblings as the little kids that they were.. If course I do not treat like them, they are all grown up adults now. Sometimes I call my two boys Aji and Manu, my brothers nicknames........out of habit from 25+ years ago. I happily took them under my wings and proudly looked after them.

Our kids are 5 and 7 and there are times when I wish I could freeze time and keep them that way for ever...that is selfish of me....they have to grow up and experience everything like everybody else. But it is that age where they are innocent, look up to us as we are superheroes ( mom and dad) and we can make anything better with a little kiss and a hug. My 2 boys' bed are occupied all the time by Barry the bear, blue the little dog, Mooomu the big dog, Moosie the Moose(deer), Snaky the teddy bear, Kiki the tiger, Dino the dinosuar and "Pup Pillai" Vinny newest hand puppet. OK, now you know that these are all stuffed animal toys. Also, their best friends, when they feel sick or sad, they find comfort with these dudes.

Soon they will pass this stage, resistence and independence is going to slowly break out in their diemnsion and things are going to change . I guess we have to keep a sane head and take one day at a time. Show them appreciation and teach values as you would want them to appreciate life. Easier said than done with today's dynamic world where things are changing at such a fast pace and peer pressure to top that.

We all want our kids to succeed, but is it right to contantly push them?......where is the limit? where is the fine line when encouragement becomes a nag? my older son wants to be a fireman when he grows up and save lifes and fight fires. the younger one wants to be a garbage truck driver with his best buddy Chris as the garbage picker who tosses garbage into the truck. when i was a little boy I wanted to be the school bus driver, as he was some one with a lot of authority and power. Here we have parents encouraging and enrolling their kids at tender ages to participate in academic programs which are above and beyond the normal curriculum. Is it absolutely necessary to do that? I would rather have a child who is happy, secure, aware, and street smart. Also some one who is a strong team player with good leadership qualities, when required. A healthy body also helps a healthy mind. Get good grades but also understand the concept and context during the learning process.

You...dear reader.....anything you wanna say? agree with me? no? Say something.....will ya?

Goal!! Goal!! Gooaall!!

2007-09-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Jay scored his first goal today playing soccer at the all star game at his crestwood soccer club today. His team came second out of 16 teams and won the silver medal. His contribution was his solid defence. With his above normal height he was able to thwart some sure chances for the opposing teams and frustrate them. One of his coaches called him the "Wall". Although this is his first season playing soccer, he has made considerable improvement with his body checking techniques and able to lift the ball above opponents heads. Quite an achievement for a 6 year old. We are really proud of our boy. His all star team members were Nick, Meghan, Luke and Ryan. His team name is Bulgaria. The regular memebers of his team are Christina, Tyler, Lucas, Israel, Jacob.

Pictures to follow!!

Love you Jay...from Mom, Vinny and Dad.

Another Milestone!

2007-09-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Our little Vinny ( Vineet Rajeev Pillai- his fully dignified name) finally conquered the 2 wheeler. Yesterday, Sept. 11th 2007, he learned to ride his bike without the help of training wheels. He is all of 4 years and 10 months, keeping pace with his older brother who learned to ride a 2 wheeler on 9/17/2005, yours truly's birthday :-). He is all excited and declared his bike to be the power ranger mobile on which he can fly and beat up bad guys.

Love you Vin and Jay!! Mom and Dad are proud of you.

Walk of Life

2007-09-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

It was July 7th, 1980, on a unusually warm and sultry day, I left Bhopal for Mumbai. I say unusually, because normally it is wet and rainy in Bhopal that time of the year- monsoon in its full fury.I was all of 16 years and 10 months, baby face, no facial hair and little fuzz on my upper lip.
Somehow I knew I was leaving Bhopal for good, infact my mom stated later- "he did not even look back once when he left". I distictly remember holding a pillow in one hand and a shoulder bag ("Airbag" as it used be called those days) with everything that I need to start my college in IHMCTAN, Mumbai, walking as fast as I could to the bus stop, my dad a few paces ahead with another small bag with his change of clothes and necessities for the train and a short stay while he ensured I was settled comfortably in the new envirionment. Bus stop was about quarter of a mile from our humble BHEL quarters where I spent my childhood ( 629, N2 B Sector, Govindpura, Bhopal-462023-see picture). We walked past the N1 quarters, through TRT's (another classification of BHEL quarters) narrow lanes and there it was , the Bus stop from where I would take bus # 15A to Bhopal railway station ( fare 15 paise).
From there on I would board Dadar-Amritsar Express, second class ticket all the way to Dadar in the outskirts of Mumbai- mahanagari.My "chettan" (oldest cousin )was there with a big smile to greet me and take me to his PG dig ( paying guest accomodation for bachelors in Mumbai).I was seeing him after almost 10 years and I was happy because I knew that he would take good care of me :-), God bless him for that.
Although I would still remain the same naive, insecure, withdrawn country boy for years to come, as I walked that narrow path with filth on either sides, avoiding cows, buffaloes and mangy dogs in front of me, somehow I knew that would be a turning point in my life.My ears are still ringing with my little brothers and sister saying "Annna Ta-Ta" and my mother reminding me to say goodbye to "Ammini-Aunty".
In another 12 days, I will turn 44. Deep inside my heart, I am still the same old country boy who misses his mom and his little brothers and sister.

My Mother, My Hero

2007-08-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

We observed my mother's 3rd anniversary by performing "bali" or 'shradham' at the Lemont Hindu temple. She passed away on August 9th 2004 at about 6.00pm IST.

Here is a picture of her recieving "Employee of the year award" from Shri Swayambu, general manager of Heavy Electricals India Limited. The year has to be either 1961 or 62, not sure.

Love you, Ma!

Colors of summer in our backyard

2007-08-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

These are the fruits (actually flowers )of Lata's labor. She spends whatever time she can spare tending and nurturing our garden. It is all worthwhile we are happy to share this with you.

Sun Flower( it should flower in a week or so, this belongs to Jay)

Day Lily

Assortment

Liatris

Canna

Phlox

Petunia

Peach tree

Pear tree

Impatients

Day Lily

Black Eyed Susan

Asiatic Lily

Guidelines to a successful life.....

2007-08-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

1. Focus, concentrate and pay attention to the task on hand.
2. Be polite and respectful to others, especially elders.
3. Be a good listener.
4. Put away your toys after playing, do not clutter.
5. Dirty clothes go in the hamper.
6. Brush your teeth upon waking up for atleast 2 minutes and wash your face and eyes.
7. Rinse and clean your mouth after you eat.
8. Always wear clean underwear and socks.
9. Stand up for yourself and your family, do not be a pushover.
10. Don't get into and avoid unpleasant situations.
11. Treat others exactly how you would like to be treated by others.
12. Be kind to animals.
13. If you do not have anything good to say, just don't say anything.
14. Play hard.
15. Do the best you can at every task.
16. Be proud and love yourself.
17. Always listen to suggestions but make your own judgement.
18. Be a leader.
19. Read and comprehend.
20. Have goals, both short term and long term. Work towards achieving your goals.
21. Remember, haste is waste. It takes patience, perseverence and dedication to achieve goals.
22. There is no shortcut to success.
23. If you have an idea, share.
24. If there is something troubling you, talk about it to your mom and dad. If there is no solution there is always a workaround.
25. Be good. God, Ammachi (Grandma) and Santa are always watching you.
26. Always clear your doubts, try to get answers for all your questions.
27. Pay attention when someone is talking! do not interrupt, wait for your turn.
28. Remember to say Please and Thank you.
29. Say hello, Hi, Good Morning or night with a big smile. It makes a difference.
30. Maintain eye contact when talking to someone.
31. Chew your food properly, eat quickly and don't spend too much time at the dining table. Clean up after yourself and put the plates and cups in the sink gently.
32. Drink lots of water and less soda.
33. Thank and pray to God everyday.
34. Have good thoughts in your head.
35. Do not hit anyone or call nasty names.
36. If you get angry or sad about something talk to Mom or Dad.
38. Do not make excuses.
39. Own up to mistakes that you make.
40. Do not fib (lie).
41. Eat healthy food.
42. Learn something new everyday.
43. Remember, Family is the most important thing in the world. School,work and friends come a close second.
44. Be humble.
45. As long as you do the right thing, you don't have to be afraid of anything or anybody.
46. Remember that Mommy and Daddy are your best friends, for life.
47. If we ask questions and sometimes get angry, it is only because we love you and we want the best for you.
48. Be Considerate to other people's feelings.
49. When you feel sad, think of all the people you love and all the good things that has happend in the past. Or, think of something funny, that will make you feel better.
50. If you find difficulty in something, keep practicing and never lose hope.
51. Hope and patience is a good thing.
52. Dare to dream..imagine the impossible and work towards making it happen.
53. Dare to believe.
54.Practice, practice, practice till you become perfect.
55. Don't ever give up.
56. It is better to have tried hard and lost than tried at all.
57. Be alert and quick.
58. Don't let anyone tell you that you are not capable, if they do, prove them wrong.

Who da man?

2007-05-11T14:03:00.001-07:00

We took a vacation to India, not too long ago. Lata, Jay and Vinny left ahead of time by about 3 weeks and I was to join later. Before they left on the trip, I had a man to son talk with Jay, explaining that he was the man of the house when Dad was not around and he had to take care of Mom and Vinny. He was really proud that I would assign him that job.
Few days later while I was here in Chicago and they were in Baroda, I was talking to him ( he was tired and jet lagged ), he said "Dad, I am really tired of being the man. Can I please take a break now? I don't want to be the man anymore :-). So I replied ' Sure Jay, I know it is hard being a man....take a break and let me know when you can be the man again". To which he gladly agreed.

Kid logic

2007-05-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here is what my 6 year old son Jay's thoughts are on how a person comes into this world:

Mommy and Daddy pray to God with folded hands for a baby. God puts the baby in Mommy's tummy. It stays there for a while and grows big. Then they go to the hospital and the doctor takes the baby out and gives it to them to feed and clothe and take care.

Simple... ain't it :-)?

My Mother, Pappykutty Saraswati Amma.

2007-05-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Amma's birthday, she would have been 68. God bless her gentle soul. Here is a prayer she would often recite and ironically is symbolic of her life:

"Oottamayulloru Ettumanoorennu kettitteyulloo jnan poyittilla !
Pokenam avidekkay, kanenam Bhagavane,ennurach-anpodu yatrayayi.
Kunnum malakalum, kundum kuzhikalum, vrukshangal-onnum thanalum-illa;
Vellam kutiyanjittullam thalarunnu, deham thalarnitha veenitunnu,
Kaasum kayyililla, kattum thanal-illa,aarum thunayilla ee vazhikku;
Ingine chellumbol valiya kulam kandu, valiya kulathil kulichu vannu.
Ponnum kotimaram, ratna kotikkoora, azhaka`-thazhikutam kanaay vannu;
Mandapam thannil irikkunna yakshikku,azha-kaasum patta`da kazhcha vachu;
Hara-Hara nadhante thirunatayil chennu, thaanu-veenu-anpodu kumbidunnen.
Valiya vilakkile` mashiyetuth-anpodu, kannum-ezhuthi kai kooppidunnen.
ottamayulloru Ettumanoorappa, Pottee jnan nin-paadam kumbidunnen ! "

Baby Tooth

2007-04-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Jay lost his first baby tooth on 02/28/2007. Tooth fairy left a dollar under his pillow and took his tooth :-)

Phoolon ke Rang Se- A song for my wife :-)

2006-10-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

( click on the title to hear the song)

Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se Tujhko Likhi Roz Paati
Kaise Bataaoon Kis Kis Tarah Se Pal Pal Mujhe Tu Sataati
Tere Hi Sapne Lekar Ke Soya Teri Hi Yaadon Mein Jaaga
Tere Khayaalon Mein Uljha Raha Yoon Jaise Ki Maala Mein Dhaaga
Haan Badal Bijli Chandan Pani Jaisa Apna Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Humein Kayi Kayi Baar
Haan Itna Madir Itna Madhur Tera Mera Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hameh Kayi Kayi Baar

Sanson Ki Sargam Dhadkan Ki Beena Sapnon Ki Geetanjali Tu
Man Ki Gali Mein Mehke Jo Hardum Aisi Juhi Ki Kali Tu
Chhota Safar Ho Lamba Safar Ho Sooni Dagar Ho Ya Mela
Yaad Tu Aaye Man Ho Jaaye Bheed Ke Beech Akela
Haan Badal Bijli Chandan Pani Jaisa Apna Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Humein Kayi Kayi Baar
Haan Itna Madir Itna Madhur Tera Mera Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hameh Kayi Kayi Baar

Purab Ho Paschim Uttar Ho Dakshin Tu Har Jagah Muskuraye
Jitna Hi Jaoon Main Door Tujhse Utni Hi Tu Paas Aaye
Aandhi Ne Roka Pani Ne Toka Duniya Ne Hanskar Pukara
Tasveer Teri Lekin Liye Main Kar Aaya Sab Se Kinara
Haan Badal Bijli Chandan Pani Jaisa Apna Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hume Kayi Kayi Baar
Haan Itna Madir Itna Madhur Tera Mera Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hameh Kayi Kayi Baar
Kayi Kayi Baar
Kayi Kayi Baar

Random Musings

2006-10-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

12-16/2004:Conversation between 2 year old Vinny, 4 year old Jay, Mom and Dad:

Vinny playfully frowns at Dad and says " I am going to be Mommy's friend".

Dad pouts, makes a sad face and says" So who's going to be my my friend then?"

Vinny will smile and say " Jay will"

Dad will look and Jay and ask "Will you you be my friend, Jay?"

Jay is anxiously waiting with his hands up and saying " I'll be your freind , Dad!!

Dad will raise his hands and say Alright, Jay is my friend.

Vinny pouts and says who'll be mommy's freind then?

Daddy says we'll all be mommy's friend: Jay, Vinny and Daddy!!

Vinny at this point will change his stand and retorts: I am going to be Mommy's friend, Daddy's friend, and Jay's friend.

the end.

12-16/2004

9/17/2005: Jay learned to ride a two wheeler ( bicycle). All I had to do was help him for about 10 minutes. Balanced his upper torso using a towel, slowly releasing and reassuring him. He gained confidence within no time and off he went on his own, of course with me running beside him constantly to make sure that he know I am there. Awesome!!.

10/24/05: Jay turns 5 on Wednesday, Oct 26, 2005. It has been absolutely wonderful having him in our life.He give us so much joy that we wonder what we did when he was not there. He was born in 2000, same day New York Yankees won the World series for the last time in the 20th century. He spend the first 5 days in hospital. You are so tall, almost like a 7 year old. You are learning to read and write and making great progress.

Jay and Vinny's favorite song from Daddy:

Jay and Vinny, don't say a word
Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird
If that mockingbird don't sing
Daddy's gonna buy you a diamond ring
If that diamond ring turns brass
Daddy's gonna buy you a looking glass
If that looking glass gets broke
Daddy's gonna buy you a billy goat
If that billy goat won't pull
Daddy's gonna buy you a cart and bull
If that cart and pull turn over
Daddy's gonna buy you a dog named Rover
If that dog named Rover won't bark
Daddy's gonna buy you a horse and cart
and if that horse and cart fall down
Jay and Vinny are still the best boys in town

Jay can't wait to be 10 yrs old, so he can get a dog and call him spike.
Vinny can't wait to be 4 yrs old. he wants to call his dog speedy.

Vinny loves riddles: Daddy, how about we talk about some riddles? its your turn first.. what is long, green...has small eyes... and goes sss...ssss... Its a snake...

Vinny's favorite knock knock joke: knock.. knock.. who's there... cargo... cargo who.. car goes bep beep.....

Jay can talk tirelessly. my nickname for him is John Rooney... the play by play commentarator for Chicago White Sox. He will talk about being a power ranger, "bishing" the bad guys...saving the animals in "Madagascar"( movie)...being a construction worker, being a fireman...ahh the latest... he wants to be a Zamboni driver ( December 2005)

Jay and Vinny has this little song which I found really cute and heartwarming...

Rickly.. tickly bumblebee,
won't you say your name for me?

(At this time they are pointing to me to say my name... so I say: Daddy..)

They continue...

His name is Daddy...

Rickly tickly bumble bee...

Won't you say your name for me...

27 January 2006: took a trip to San Diego, boys had a great time. Jay and Vinny played at the beach- Vinny was a little apprehensive about taking his shoes off and walking on sand. but once he spent a few seconds, he loved it. This is Jay's second trip to the beach, first one to Myrtle beach in South Carolina in 2001.

Vinny is really getting into Power rangers too. He crosses his arms and yells "SPD emergency" and then starts "bishing" the bad guys.

March 9, 2006: For almost a year, before the boys go to sleep, I tell them a story, most of the time it is about Vicky and Jacky, two boys who lives in a castle, or two animals with that name who live in a jungle. I use that story to recap whatever that happened during the day that day from the time Jay and Vinny woke up till the time they go to sleep, ( so vicky and Jackey are actually alter egos of them) Couple of days back Jay told me a story about a little boy who grew up in India, came to America and had 2 little boys named Vicky and Jacky-- I was really touched. They were telling me a story about me.

3 April 2006: Jay 1st day of T/baseball practice. He doesn't want ot go intially but once he is partnered up with Dan who is a six year old he is enthusistic about playing, he turns around and give me the thumbs up sign. after he runs the bases with other kids , practice fileding and do the "Go Dodgers"team cheer at the at the end of the practice, he is all excited and can't wait to tell me all about it. The coaches expect him to do more but I have to remind them that he is only 5 years old and this is his first time practicing.

10 April 2006: Signed up Jay for Kindergarten. He is all excited about going to school. he wants to start today but the teacher told him he has to wait till August.

April 29 2006.: Jays first Tball game and parade on a cold rainy day. He had fun. Vinny stayed for a while then he was tired and slept in the car.

5-3-06: Jay's first baseball game White Sox vs Seattle Mariners. White sox won in 12 innings 6-5. jay got to see a grand slam by Joe crede. A stolen base by Ross Gload, fireworks, he was in awe about the ball parkm the thousands of fans and really excited about the whole thing. He ate a hot dog, peanuts, drank his juice and a bottle of water. Good first experience of the ballpark ( US Cellular field) for Jay.

Daddy's song for Jay and Vin:

nannumonalle... ponnumonalle...

Achante chakarakuttanlle ... monalle...

Achante mon..nannu mon... nannu mon ..ponnu mon..

nannu nannu..naanani..

ponnu ponnu ponnani..

nannaanna ... nanana//

ponnannaa.. nannaa,,

kukku..kukku..kukkooku.

tatta..taatta..ttaa..

llaaalaa...laalaalla..

whistle....whistle... in tune...

Repeat as many times you like...:-)

Kids say the Darndest/Cutest things:

2006-10-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

My 6 year old son Jay states: "Dad, when I grow up, I want to be a Dad just like you."

Also: " When I grow up, I will work three days a week and the rest of the time I will spend with my sons, like my mom ( My wife works 3 days a week and is a homemaker the rest of the time.)

The Temptations- My Girl: A Song for my wife

2006-10-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).

I've got so much honey, the bees envy me.
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).

Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Ooooh.

I don't need no money, fortune, or fame.
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
with my girl.
I've even got the month of May
with my girl

R Kelly- I Believe I can fly: Get inspired!!

2006-10-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

I used to think that I could not go on
and life was nothing but an awful song
But now I know the meaning of true Love
I'm leaning on the Everlasting Arms.
If I can see it
then I can do it
If I just believe it
there's nothing to it

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me runnin' through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly

See, I was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes silence can seem so loud
There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first I know it starts inside of me
Oh, if I can see it (whoo!)
then I can be it
If I just believe it
there's nothin' to it

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me runnin' through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly....whoo!
Oh, I believe I can fly

Hey, 'cuz I believe in You
Ohhhhhh
If I can see it
then I can do it
If I just believe it
there's nothin' to it.

I believe I can fly....whoo!
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
See me runnin' through that open door
I believe I can fly (I can fly!)
I believe I can fly (I can fly!)
I believe I can fly
If I just spread my wings (I can fly!)
I can fly (I can fly!)
I can fly (I can fly!)
I can fly (I can fly!)
Hey, if I just spread my wings
I can fly .....(I can fly!) whoo!!
(I can fly!)
fly............

Rod Stewart's " Forever Young": For my boys

2006-10-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

(Click on the linky to hear and watch the song)

May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
with a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
and in my heart you will remain
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young
Forever Young

And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you, win or lose
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young ,Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
For, Forever Young, Forever Young