tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6295021353827710092024-03-05T05:11:52.102-08:00! Messy Mama !advice your mother will never give youUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-76949558608447611762010-10-20T04:10:00.001-07:002010-10-20T04:10:47.992-07:00The DHL Package<div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in"> <p class="MsoTitle" align="center" style="text-align:center"><br /></p></div> <p class="MsoSubtitle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%">DHL delivers packages door to door. It’s expensive but we are assured of fast and safe delivery. The package goes to the other end of the world but it is totally unaware of how it got there. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoSubtitle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%">The Sri Lankan child is like a DHL package. He is taken everywhere by his mother. The safety and wellbeing of the child is of utmost importance to the mother. She only wants the child to study, pass exams and enter university. The child has to face a lot of competition and is under a lot of pressure. The mother does everything for the child. As a result the child is unable to do anything for himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoSubtitle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%">When the child leaves school he is expected to transform himself miraculously from a helpless and pampered package into an independent adult.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoSubtitle" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%">Recently a caring university lecturer told me that her students have problems because of their emotional immaturity. I was not surprised since I am an over protective mother like all the other mothers I know.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-38144909492432697762010-08-04T04:26:00.000-07:002010-08-04T05:13:40.600-07:00The Love for UN<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">The teens of Sri Lanka seem to be big fans of the UN</span></b><div><br /></div><div> 1300 teens participated in the Sri Lanka Model United Nations (MUN) which concluded yesterday. I expected all Sri Lankans to hate the UN because of the troubles created for us by the Secretary General. Looks like I was wrong.<div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">Talking the Talk</span></b></div><div> </div><div>My daughter Tish was a delegate representing a western nation. She did research, wrote position papers and used jargon like passing resolutions. I was in a state of euphoria. I imagined an era of world peace in the near future. I imagined all these teen peacenics at MUN being the leaders of tomorrow. Well which mother does not imagine her child to be a future leader?</div><div> </div><div>My euphoria was short lived. This morning Tish informed me that she was on Face Book discussing with her friend the best method of destroying the country they represented. They were discussing the best weapons to use ( the most potent weapons of mass destruction) and if or not they should buy weapons from Iran. I asked her why she wanted to destroy the country. She said they had learned a lot about the country and had come to hate it. I suppose everything has unforeseen consequences.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">Teens Would be Kids </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Tish looked smart in a suit and gorgeous in saree - a mother's biased opinion. I think these teens were only playing dress up like little kids do. Maybe for a little while they feel they have power and so have a good time. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-42189121697886411132010-07-31T02:15:00.000-07:002010-07-31T02:48:04.143-07:00Sea and SandI spent idyllic holidays in Kuchchaveli and Nilaweli. <div> </div><div>There was a little house called the Shanty in Kuchchaveli made of timber. Previous occupants had drawn the the fish they had caught. The little house had only the bare essentials. We managed without electricity. </div><div>We spent endless days floating in the beautiful sea with inner tubes of tires around our waists. Nobody cared about sunburn. We used to buy crabs when the pots were taken out of the water. We played cards or read by lamplight in the evenings. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the war I ended I started dreaming of going to Trinco. I don't think the little holiday homes survived the war. Today I tried to book hotel rooms for a couple of days in August when my husband is free but both hotels are fully booked.</div><div> </div><div>I feel very sad. It's more than the disappointment of not being able to go to Trinco. It's the inability to recapture the innocent happiness of my childhood. It was a time time before sickness, death and broken marriages. I wanted my girls to experience the same happiness as I had experienced in Trinco. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am still dreaming of Trinco with hope of walking on her beaches and watching the sun rise in the cool early morning. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-44538913536333563832010-07-25T22:07:00.000-07:002010-07-25T23:05:40.555-07:00Kissing<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Are Sri Lankans turning into a nation of Kissers?</span></b><div><b></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I am getting kissed by Strange Men</span></span><br /></b></span><div>When I was a kid I got kissed only by my parents, aunts and grand mother.</div><div>Later cousins and good friends I saw after a long absence kissed me. </div><div>Now people who are virtual strangers have started kissing me. It's like everybody has suddenly turned into French. I am suffering from culture shock.</div><div>It takes some getting used to.</div><div><br /></div><div>I first noticed the trend at a family get together . Relatives of my mother whom I hardly knew kissed when greeting. I thought it was because I lost my mother. These peopled loved my mother so I thought it was OK.</div><div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Kissed By Men</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></b></div><div>At a recent Old Boys get together the men were talking and drinking - thrilled to see each other. The wives sat around the tables trying hard to make conversation. It was very hard with the noise the men and the band were making.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then the men started coming over to talk to us. They went around the table hugging and kissing the women. I do not like to be kissed by sweaty drunk strangers. I realised the women were sitting ducks. I joined my husband and circulated with him. It was much more interesting and surprisingly even though I met more men they did not kiss. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> Being Trendy Is not Always Good</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> </span></b></div><div>Is hugging and kissing an international trend? I am not used to it. I don't like being touched by strangers or even strangers coming too close to me. I like to have some personal space. The Sri Lankan greeting is bringing the palms together or worshiping there is no physical contact. I think I prefer it that way. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-27489403574700902972010-06-16T21:51:00.000-07:002010-06-20T19:59:37.984-07:00Boys Are CreaturesThey are compared to animals, aliens and even body parts. There is a Lizard, an alien and a Ephron in my daughter Tish's school. Thats the way Tish describes the boys in her school. <div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Who's That?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Tish was in an all girls school till OL's. I got to know her classmates and their families. When she talked about her friends I knew all about them. Now when she mentions somebody I am lost. So I ask her "who's that?" . She has no problem describing the girls. She describes their physical appearance and personalities. I can visualise them</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">What's That?</span></b></div><div>.</div><div>The descriptions of boys are completely different. One is a lizard. I don't know what a lizardy boy is supposed to look like. Another is like Betty's nephew. I know it's Ugly Betty's nephew Justin, so shouldn't have been a problem except for the fact that the boy doesn't actually look like Justin but only talks like him and has his mannerisms. The Alien poses anther set of problems since I don't know which type of alien the boy is supposed to look like. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is also a boy who looks like an Ephron. I know what a nephron is, it's in the kidney but I am yet to figure out what an Ephron is. If not a body part it has to be a mythical creature in the Harry Potter series or the Lord of the rings series.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Why's That?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div> Tish is an articulate child. She spoke in sentences at 12 months. Her creative writing impressed her teachers. So her inability to describe boys was puzzling.Now I think I have figured out the reason. Tish grew up with girls so she does not consider boys human. To her they are Alien creatures and animals. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-66368555397211245812010-04-29T21:15:00.000-07:002010-04-29T22:42:04.761-07:00For My Husband<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Hardworking Public Servant - It's Not a Oxymoron</span></b><div><div><br /></div><div>It's a description of my husband. My husband never takes a break. He comes home after work only in time for dinner. He says he is not entitled to a single day's leave. It's a shocking violation of human rights. It's speially shocking when you consider the fact that he is a poorly paid public servant. Totally different from the stereotype of the lankan public servant. I would have got him to take legal action for human rights violations if I believed him.<div><br /></div><div> He is never at home during weekends because he goes to his village to take care of his family business. He says it's so he can give us a comfortable life. Forget about Poya days, they are for the temple society meetings. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Embarrassed</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>He is tired when he is at home so he does not want to do anything fun with me and our daughters. On the rare occasion I get to go out with him, like to the neighborhood Food City, I am very excited I think it quite romantic. Then I feel embarrassed. I am not used to sitting in the front passenger seat. I feel like I'm out with an illicit lover. I can hardly look at the Food City employees in the eye. I think " now they know who fathered my daughters". </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I feel sorry for my husband</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>He is missing the best part of life, spending time with his children. In two years time our elder daughter will be an adult and will be leaving home. I enjoy every minute I get to spend with my daughters. I feel lucky to be a full time mum. So actually I am grateful to my husband for enabling me to do so.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's happy May Day to my husband and all the other hardworking people especially the public servants because they don't get paid enough. </div><div> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-47801857853118800552010-04-20T20:06:00.000-07:002010-04-20T21:59:07.989-07:00Shopping With Nerds<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Steve Jobs Has Nothing On Me</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></b></div><div>I can't understand all the fuss about the i pad.. My products, my daughters, are much more useful and smarter than the i pad. They look better too. I don't have to worry about charging batteries. Well the best example for their utility value is when shopping for DVDs.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can get the following info from Tish</div><div>1. The names of the 10 top grossing movies</div><div>2. The names of Academy award winning movies</div><div>3. The award winning actors and actresses</div><div>4. The relationship status' ( actual/speculated) of actors and directors </div><div>5. The movies she thinks I'll like</div><div><br /></div><div>Tish gets all this useful info form E News. Who says watching TV is a waste of time?</div><div>I don't have to push a single button to get this info.. My product works on voice recognition. I don't even have to carry her around. The only problem with my invention is getting her to go shopping.</div><div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">No Time For shopping</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>It's near impossible to persuade my daughters to go shopping. I expected teen aged girls to love shopping for cloths and accessories. I thought that they loved to hang out at malls. That's how girls are portrayed in movies and sitcoms. I now know that these girls are unrealistic stereotypes.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">A conversation with real girls, i.e. my girls, goes like this</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me : Lets go shopping.</div><div>Tish: Why?</div><div>Me: You need clothes.</div><div>Tish: I have clothes.</div><div>Me: then why do you go around in rags?</div><div>Tish: Ha ... I like my clothes. Then she comes up with an excuse </div><div><br /></div><div>Following is her usual list of excuses</div><div>1. I have to start an unit</div><div>2. I have to finish an unit</div><div>3. I have to do a paper</div><div>4. I have home work</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't buy these excuses because</div><div>1. It's all to do with maths. Girls are not supposed to like math.</div><div>2. If she is too busy to go shopping how come she has time for TV and Face Book?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">In the Clothing Shop</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></b></div><div>On the rare occasion I persuade my girls to go shopping there's not much shopping done. </div><div>Tish hardly looks at the clothes - she daydreams. When I frown at her she moves the clothes along the rack a bit. Then she says there's nothing that she likes. I wonder how she know that if she doesn't actually look?</div><div><br /></div><div> If it's a mall I have to take the girls to the bookshop first so that they can read while I look at stuff. I lose all enthusiasm for shopping because they look so bored and unhappy. Then we eat. At least they love to eat out. So though the purpose of the trip is shopping I spend mostly on food. I leave buying CDs tiil the end because the girls want to return home as soon as we buy them so that they can watch them.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Visiting Relatives</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>During the New Year holidays we visited relatives as tradition dictates. My husband's relatives are old fashioned, prim and proper people living in the Wayamba province. Although we are supposed to wear nice new clothes on these visits my girls were in torn jeans and rubber slippers. They claim this is the latest trend. They must think I am really naive. There's no way that worn-out black Bata slippers could be in fashion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The relatives love my girls anyway. Maybe it's because they love my husband or maybe it's because my girls get on their knees to worship every relative older than them, on arrival and when leaving. Everybody praises my husband for training the girls so well. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the raggedly outfits of the girls.... there's no doubt on who will be blamed for that. These relatives are too polite to mention it so I don't have an opportunity to give excuses.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-6070681761112062362010-04-11T04:05:00.000-07:002010-04-11T05:13:13.504-07:00Beware of Cashew Nuts<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">This is A Warning</span></b><div><br /></div><div>This is about a little known but potent side effect of cashew nuts. This is the season of cashew, the season of fun and relaxation. It's Avurudu time, the time of indulgence. Everybody knows you have to be careful with firecrackers but nobody knows about the dangers of cashew.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Against All Odds</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Five of the eight cousins of my husband, on his father's side, were born in January. The probability of this happening is 0.002%. When both our daughters were born in January we tried to figure out the reason behind this phenomenon. My initial assumption was that this happened because people are happy and relaxed during April holidays. This did not make sense as if it is true most Sri Lankans would have their birthdays in January.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Aphrodisiac</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Then we heard that Cashew is an aphrodisiac. This explains everything. My husband's village is in a cashew growing area. The cashew is harvested before the Avurudu celebrations. So there is enough and more cashew for everybody to indulge in. The cashew curry made with fresh cashew is a family specialty. It is an unique recipe brought to the family by my husband's grandmother. Cashew is also eaten dried, fried and in sweetmeats. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our theory for the family baby-booms in January is the consumption of cashew. Maybe there are fertility chemicals in cashew. So consume cashew with caution or take precautions. If it's babies you want go ahead and indulge.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Happy New Year. Subha Aluth Avuruddak. </span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-52491618892996624822010-04-05T22:34:00.001-07:002010-04-05T23:13:07.566-07:00My Daughters speak Sign LanguageMy husband speaks it too.. I don't know it and don't want to learn it. It's so boring. My girls enjoy the time they spend with their father. There are many aha moments for them. I feel excluded and jealous. I think it really unfair. I consider my girls my creations.<div><br /></div><div>Its been unfair from the start</div><div><br /></div><div>I carried them for nine months. It was uncomfortable and I had nausea. Then I gave birth to them the natural way which is not fun. That's risking my life. Both of them them resemble their father. Not fair.</div><div>I nursed my elder daughter for hours at end. I was a believer of demand feeding. She was a nocturnal so I stayed up at night. I had to put up with my mother's fussing and criticism. I was in a constant state of fatigue. Well after all this the first smile was to her father. She spoke her first words to her father. Not fair.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was a full time mum. Took care of my girls with the greatest care. I drove them around and supervised their studies. Whenever the girls did anything well everybody says " like the father". I am sure I am blamed for everything that goes wrong. Not fair.</div><div><br /></div><div>After all this the father and daughters speak a language I don't understand. It's sine and cos, integration and differentiation and the fun's just starting... I'm dreading it. I would have been interested if it was history or literature.</div><div><br /></div><div>During term test time I distracted and disturbed them. I know it's stupid. I wonder if fathers feel left out when the kids spend time the mothers... I suppose not. They must be saints like my husband.</div><div>( shall edit later have to pick up my girl from school)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-20776964728834773152010-03-22T21:11:00.000-07:002010-03-22T21:30:37.429-07:00Presents for Men<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I am desperately in need of ideas.. </span></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>My husband's birthday is this week and so is our 17th wedding anniversary. I keep him supplied with shirt, ties and books so these can't be given as presents. After being married for so long I have presented him with whatever I can think of. It's very easy to buy women presents. There are so many things they want. Example jewelery is welcome anytime.<div><br /></div><div>I have given him surprise parties so thats out... I am getting weired ideas like buying myself sexy lingerie like in the movies but I don't want to kill my husband.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Please please help me. Tell me some good gift ideas</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b>My husband is the best in the world. so I want to buy him something really nice.</b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-12689056822882537772010-03-18T21:34:00.000-07:002010-03-18T23:02:16.344-07:00Does Champika Really Love Trees?<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Saving The Environment by Saving Trees</span></b><div><br /></div><div>I thought all lankan politicos are criminals till I read the publicity of Champaka Ranawaka, the minister of environment. I love the fact that Champika Ranawaka, the minister of environment, loves trees. He does not do posters - not because it's illegal but to save trees. He says the poster campaigns of some politicians will cause hundreds of trees to be cut. Then on the 17th he planted 17 trees. He does this tree loving in addition to the work at the ministry. He has made the organisations under the ministry efficient. They earn lots of money for the government. Which other minister can make such claims? I regretted that I could not vote for him ( I am married to a Wanniar so have to vote in the Puttlam district). <div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Champika Good. Other Politicos Very Bad.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Champika is in the papers a lot. The reporters are as impressed with his as I am. Champika is an example for the other politicians. While other politicians cost us this man is earning for us. I can't understand why we have to pay to remove posters and cutouts. We pay tax with everything we buy so all of us bear the cost. The cost should be recovered from the criminals. It would be so easy to catch them - their faces and names are on the posters. </div><div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Newspapers are Paper</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I like everything about Champika except the fact that he thinks we are stupid. He has put large advertisements in the newspapers. Newspaper is paper too. Everybody knows that. It's no secret. It's in the name. Champika should let us know how many trees are cut to publish his ads. The tree planting is publicised with lots of 17s . Could it be a publicity stunt? He cycles to save the environment. Now who is going to believe that? I am sure he has a motorcade like all other other politicians. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Moderation </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We can't stop using paper. Well I can't. I can't survive without Newspapers, Magazines and Books. I don't know about Champika. Maybe the 17 Trees makes him carbon neutral. At least Champika is not breaking the law by putting up posters. He should have stopped at that. Now he just looks silly, especially on the bike, and he is insulting us by assuming we are stupid. Breaking the law being the norm and mot breaking it being the exception shows the quality of our politicians.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-40369028542420858482010-03-16T22:15:00.000-07:002010-03-18T21:34:48.895-07:00Age Is No Barrier<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">I like her Because....</span></b><div><br /><div>I love hanging out with my young friend Neeshi. So do my girls. Actually Neeshi is closer to their ages than mine. I like her for all the usual reasons like her kindness, intelligence and same interests ( books and movies). I like being with her more than with friends my age because she is alway cheerful.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Women My Age</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div> Women my age have had problems and bad experiences so there is an element of bitterness in them. Neeshi is optimistic and enthusiastic about her future so it's a joy to be with her. I like to think she gets something out of our friendship. Though I never follow anybody's advice I love advising others. I give Neeshi great advice. Some examples - don't depend on horoscopes.. follow your instincts.. don't let people take advantage of you.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Cakes, Desserts and Me</span></b></div><div> <div>Neeshi loves food. So I can enjoy my food when I eat out with her. Whereas friends my age are counting calories. They make a fuss about eating cakes and desserts which are my favorites. They also remember what and how much I eat and bring it up years and years later. Some even ask me to go for check ups. It's no joy going out with them.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">As good as it gets</span></b></div><div> </div><div>Yesterday was Neeshi's birthday. We had a buffet lunch at a hotel. I has sushi and as many desserts as I could manage, among other things. We bought some goodies to bring back home. I think it's was good as it gets.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note.</div><div>You are right if you think I am immature. </div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-7040272444135450092010-03-08T18:39:00.000-08:002010-03-08T20:24:14.262-08:00My Mother is Dead<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I Did Not Shed A Single Tear When My Mother Died</span></b><div>I took care of my mother during the last two months of her life. I cooked for her, fed her and washed her but I did not cry when she died. She suffered from a rare form of cancer for 17 years. She was brave and strong. She underwent torturous treatments, some in the research stage, without complaining. She always had hope and wanted to live. She took care of herself, cooking and maintaining a house, as long as she possibly could. When I used to call her she never complained about her illness. She was only concerned about me and my kids.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Taking Care of My Mother </span></b></div><div>My mother spent the last months of her life with my sister. She helped with the cooking as long as she had the energy to do so. It was difficult to watch her suffer. My exquisitely beautiful mother had turned into a fragile skeleton with a swollen tummy. Her face was still beautiful. She was in pain but did not complain because she did not want to take pain killers. Handling her was difficult because my sister and I knew we were hurting her. Hurting a mother is so very hard.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">The Last Birthday</span></b></div><div>Tomorrow is my mother's birthday. This time last year we were preparing for her 70th birthday. Everybody knew it was her last birthday. I got instructions from my mother and prepared a chicken curry. She was not happy with it. Obviously it could not be good as her curry. She was a wonderful cook. We did not know if we could have a party because a cyclone was expected to hit the area. Fortunately the cyclone passed out to sea and so we had the party.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though my mother was very weak she sat at the table till we sang happy birthday. She cut the chocolate cake but could not eat a piece. My had brother flown in for the party so all members of our immediate family was together for the first time in 16 years, after my wedding.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Death</span></b></div><div>My mother died a month after her birthday. She waited till my daughter came. She hadn't seen them for a while. She asked my husband for news of the war. She was happy the war was nearly over. She spent the last day of her life unconscious in hospital. She wanted to die at home but we could not take care of her. We could not watch her choking and struggling for breath. My sister and I dressed our mothers still warm dead body in a kandyan saree. It sounds bad but we felt as if she was alive since she was warm. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I am still moaning</span></b></div><div>I thought I was a horrible parson not to cry when my mother died. Now I know it was a coping mechanism, that I was numb with pain. I was a robot for the first 3 months after my mother died. I am still sad. I cry for stupid thing like coming across a recipe of something my mother used to make or seeing a photo of my aunt on face book. I do not believe in rebirth or the eternal soul so I don't have the consolation of knowing she is out there somewhere and that I'll meet her someday. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Regrets</span></b></div><div> My mother's fussing and worrying about me and my brother and sister used to annoy me but I miss it now. I miss my mother's love. I regret I did not tell her I loved her before she died. I regret that I did not thank her for being a good mother. I regret not phoning her more often. I regret being impatient with her. </div><div><br /></div><div>My mother was not rich so I did not inherit any great wealth from her but I inherited something more valuable, the ability to love. She taught me how to love by loving me. She taught me how to be a good mother by doing her best for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Celebrating</span></b></div><div>Tomorrow is my mother's birthday so I am going to make a chocolate cake exactly the way my mother made it. I shall sing happy birthday Amma. I will be celebrating my mother's birthday and I will tell my daughters how great their grandmother was. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Tell your mother you love her<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; "> </span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; ">Visit her or call her as often as possible. Thank her for being a good mother. If she worries about you it's only because she love you. Put up with the advise and the fussing. You'll miss it once it's gone.</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; "><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; ">My mother liked orange and red. </span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-88052969615987241422010-03-04T19:56:00.000-08:002010-03-08T18:38:42.210-08:00Mahesh Amalean took a Risk<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">First in the World</span></b><div><b></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><b><br /></b></span><div>Mahesh Amalean, the chairman of MAS Holdings took a risk when he chose the academics of the University of Moratuwa to design the Green factory at Thulhiriya. The MAS Intimates Thurulie is <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">the first newly built factory in the world to be awarded the Platinum Award</span></b> given by the Green Building Rating System of the US. This is the first factory in the world to win the award. Marks and Spencer has a program for environmental and social sustainability called Plan A. It invited 3 Sri Lankan companies which supplies them goods to build Green factories. MAS was the first to build a new factory under this programme.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">What Green Means</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Design</span></b></div><div> The building is designed for low energy consumption. The orientation and massing of building volumes and the design of windows maximise the use of natural light and ventilation. A part of the roofs have solar panels another trees and grass the rest white metal that reflects solar energy.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Power - Clean Energy</span></b></div><div>The factory is powered by carbon neutral sources. Solar 10% and 90% hydro electric power plant. The energy consumption has been reduced by using efficient equipment, natural light and ventilation and a evaporative cooling system. Task lighting is used instead of floodlighting used in other factories. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Water</span></b></div><div>The use of potable water is 50 % of comparable factories. Rain water is used and waste water is treated.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">Trees</span></b></div><div>400 trees were planted to minimise the carbon footprint. The trees makes the environment pleasant for the workers and cools the factory. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">University of Moratuwa Produced the Stars</span></span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Moratuwa Graduates</span></div><div>Team Leader - Vidhura Ralapanawa</div><div>Architect - Sanjeewa Lokuliyana</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Moratuwa Academics</span></div><div>Architecture and conceptual Framework - Prof. Rohinton Emanuel</div><div>Civil Engineering - Prof. Thishan Jayasinghe</div><div>Building materials - Dr. Chintha Jayasinghe</div><div>Energy and Cooling Systems - Prof. Rahula Attalage</div><div>Chemical Engineering - Prof. Ajith de Alwis</div><div><br /></div><div>( Info. from Holcim Foundation book - Clothing Factory in Sri Lanka)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Over to you - the VC of the University of Mortuwa</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Why aren't the buildings being built at your university green since the uni has all the expertise needed. Lot of electricity is used for AC and lighting. Ok, so you have to go for the minimum cost in construction to get funds from the government. Surely you can explain the concept to the government. Champika Ranawana the former minister of environment will understand you since he too is a graduate of your uni.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Mr. Amalean set an example</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Amalean trusted the local academics. He chose them over foreign consultants who would have cost more and who do not know the local conditions. We have academics who have studied at the best foreign universities. They are underutilised in this country. If they are used for projects, like Mr. Amalean did, it would reduce brain drain and encourage qualified Lankans to return to this country. We need all the help we can get to develop this country.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Thank you Mr. Amalean for trusting the Lankan academics and for setting an example for the private and public sector. </span></b></div><div> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-90519276460485118182010-02-25T20:15:00.000-08:002010-02-25T23:25:11.326-08:00Age Miracle Cream Did Not Work<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I AM a Desperate Wife</span></b><div><br /></div><div>I am sure you have seen the ad. A wrinkled, spotty and dull skinned woman is turned into a beauty with a flawless complexion within 7 days by a miracle cream. The husband notices the change and his attitude towards the wife changes. He serves her a romantic candlelit dinner. A romantic and risque conversation ensues. Remember all this happens after after the wife uses the cream for 7 days." Who believes all this crap?" you ask yourselves. Well th answer is women like me. Middle aged women desperate for the attention of their busy husbands.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>So I Bought the Miracle Cream</b></span></div><div>I am a sceptic and a pessimist but I could not resist the ad. Also my friend Sammy said the cream worked for her I believed her because she is smart and sensible. This cream is not cheap. My husband called me" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">high maintenance </span>"when I bought it. I am OK with the way I look but I wanted my husband's attitude towards me to change.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I Noticed the Change</span></b></div><div>I noticed a change in my face within 7 days. The skin was dry and felt taut. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I am yet to see a change in my husband even after using the cream for 7 weeks. </span>He still comes home, in time for dinner, tired after work. He eats whatever I cook without complaining, for which I am grateful. Then I get to listen to the sweet music of his snoring.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>The advertisers Know Us Too Well</b></span></div><div>My husband is a typical lankan husband from what my friends tell me. Most middle aged men are busy with work. They are at the prime of their careers. The middle aged woman can see the signs of aging on her face which makes her insecure. If the woman has two lovely teen-aged daughters, like I do, who remind her frequently that she is old it makes matters worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>The advertisers are smart to use these facts. We desperate women suspend our disbelief to buy the cream. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">A miracle cream can't teach a husband to cook and serve a fancy meal. </span>I was stupid to think that it would. I am sure the man in the ad is a gigolo. Thats what I tell myself to console myself. A husband who doesn't notice a new hairstyle is not going notice the effects of a cream, however miraculous. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Actually I am reassured because my husband did not noticed my (hopefully) younger looking skin. If he had I would have started worrying that he would leave me for a younger woman. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-70902646662580005562010-02-17T21:29:00.000-08:002010-02-17T23:01:17.049-08:00Is Tuition Essential ?<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Good Teachers Small Classes</span></b><div><br /></div><div>My daughter wants to be an engineer to save lives. We have put her into a school which has good teachers and where the classroom sizes are small. I decided to send my daughter to this particular school because I do not want to send her for Tuition. The students can ask the teachers for extra help. Also my husband claims to be an engineer (even though I am not aware of him doing any engineering, ever) and can help our daughter with maths. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I'm no Super Mum</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>From what I hear the hours of the tuition classes are long and inconvenient. How do the children find the time or the energy to study and to do homework after they finish with school and classes? Also I do not fancy Driving around Colombo and it's suburbs in the middle of the night. I am not a self sacrificing martyr of a super mum. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">The Enablers </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></b></div><div>I am getting worried about my decision. All my aunts, cousins and friends, whose children are doing ALs or have finished recently, tell me that it is not possible to get good results without good tuition teachers. They are being helpful. They want to give me the numbers and addresses of the best teachers. They offer to organise the classes and even guarantee As.</div><div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Are we Addicted to tuition?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I have a niece who is the same age as my daughter. She manages wonderfully without tuition and is planning to go to medical school next year. She even has a social life. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">She does not live in Sri Lanka.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why are we addicted to tuition? Is it the herd mentality or are we insecure?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Tell me if you think I am making a mistake</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you or anyone you know passed the ALs well without tuition, in Sri Lanka? What's your opinion on tuition? </div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-32278927941971164732010-02-15T05:38:00.000-08:002010-02-16T06:16:56.201-08:00The Dreams of Jeevs - Oh to be Singapore<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Jeevs To The Rescue.</span></b></div><div>Since I have been feeling angry and anxious these past few days I called my cousin Jeevs. Jeevs has the wonderful and unique talent of being able to cheer me up. Now let me tell you something about Jeevs first. He is the golden boy of our family. He was held up as an example, to all us lesser cousins, by our grand mother. He is very smart and now a very successful man but a supporter of the Sihala Urumaya. Though he is a lovely person Jeevs is a Sinhala chauvinist. I blame our grandmother for this.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>Sri Lanka Is Like Singapore</b></span></div><div>So yesterday Jeevs worked his magic on me and cheered me up. He told me that everything was going to be ok. He believes that Sri Lanka is going to develop under MR and be like Singapore in the near future. His reasoning is that Singapore too does not have a proper democracy. The opposition is virtually non existent. It is ruled by a family dynasty too - the Lee dynasty.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Choosing Candidates in Singapore</span></b></div><div>Since our political parties are in the process of choosing candidates I thought I'd check how it's done by the PAP, the ruling party in Singapore. I found the descriptions of the new candidates. They are mostly from the business world - CEOs, GMs and Directors but also an Eye Surgeon, a Professor and some lawyers. These men and women seem so great..... it brought tears to my eyes. I got the impression that suitable people are invited to contest.( Please let me know if you know how the candidates are selected in Singapore). You should check them out. </div><div> ( The link is HTTP://www.pap.org.sg) . Following is an extract.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 14 MANIFESTO</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We believe that the quality</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">of the candidates is critical.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We want men and women</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">of substance, with ideas and</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">commitment.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">– Mr Lim Boon Heng, PAP Chairman,Introduction of PAP New Candidates Session 4,s</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 April 2006.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">In choosing candidates to become Members</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">of Parliament, the PAP Leadership looks for</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">the 4Cs – <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Capability, Character, Commitment</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">and Compassion. </span></b>Candidates must also have</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">strong convictions on issues so that they can</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">add to the robust debate within the PAP, leading</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">to the formulation of sound policies for the</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">good of Singapore. They must also care for other</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Singaporeans. Some candidates carry with them</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a wealth of experience in grassroots work; others</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">do not. But they will develop the political touch</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">after they become MPs, as they will learn to move</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">people in the right direction. Because “Action” is</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">the Party’s middle name, the PAP looks for people</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">who can get things done.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Unlike in Sri Lanka there are no Actors, Singers or Talk show hosts. They chose people who can manage and develop the country. We chose entertainers because one of the main tasks of our politicians is to entertain.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">How it's Done in Sri Lanka</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I heard a rumour that prospective candidates here are asked</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. How much money they can spend for campaigning </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">2. How many thugs they control</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">3. How many vehicles they have at their disposal</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">Please feel free to correct me, but politely.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I really do want to believe Jeevs</span></b> (hope he has not got the computer animations of the election propaganda confused with reality). So I hope our political parties will choose candidates similar to those of the PAP. We have to have peopole capable of develpoing this country. Some of our present MPs are criminals, clowns and incompetents. These guys would never be in the Singaporean parliament, they would be in the Singaporean prison - now you know why the crime rate in Singapore is low. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-37648194105915171102010-02-14T22:12:00.000-08:002010-02-14T23:14:52.153-08:00Please not Duminda Silva<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Rapist and Abuser</span></b><div>Duminda Silva was imprisoned for raping a 13 year old girl. Pedophiles are people with serious psychological problems. This man also kept Anarkali a virtual prisoner and abused her. When she escaped she was kidnapped. Well that's what Anarkali said. The only reason any party would nominate Duminda is because he has money and thugs.<div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">UPFA does not need Duminda</span></b><br /><div>The ruling party, the UPFA, is sure to win the upcoming general elections. They have enough resources to fight the elections (legitimate or otherwise). So they do not need Dumimda Silva. If MR is serious about the Mahinda Chinthana he has to get capable people elected to parliament. I mean with the knowhow, skills and ability to spearhead the development program not people capable of criminal activities. Maybe the MR has no choice but to nominate Duminda as no decent person is willing to come forward. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I am specially sickened by Duminda </span></b>because I am the the mother of two girls who are teenagers. They are so innocent and vulnerable. If a teenager is raped her whole life is ruined and it will affect even her future children. The effects of this wile deed will be felt for generations. Originally I wanted to write this as a plea to the President but then decided that it is pointless.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Things look good for Duminda</span></b></div><div>According to the word on the street Duminda will be nominated and he will elected to parliament because he has money to throw around (so probably it's ill gotten) . So we will have to see the larger than life images of this aberration of human nature for a while.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">It's not all Bad</span></b></div><div>Last weekend I was driving to Odel to satisfy my craving for a Burger from the Sandwich Factory. I lost my appetite completely when I saw the big billboard of Duminda calling himself the " Pride of Colombo". Thy say every cloud has a silver lining so I am hoping I'd be able to shed my extra kilos thanks to Duminda. </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-1383470510532671682010-02-11T22:14:00.000-08:002010-02-11T22:34:23.922-08:00GL was Disgusting<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">GL was on Rupavahini last night.</span></b><div><br /></div><div>He said that in his opinion, as a citizen of this country, the worst effects of SF's statements is the loss of trade and aid. He said the result of SF talking about abuse by the army will slowdown the economic growth. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Is he telling us to hide human rights abuses for economic reasons? </span></b>He is a former academic. What lesson is he teaching us?</div><div><br /></div><div>There are mothers who ignore it when their husbands abuse their own daughters. It's to protect their reputations and to have economic security. They find fault with the daughter if she reveals the truth. What GL wants us to do is something like that.</div><div><br /></div><div>People usually respect academics. GL gives academics a bad name along with the VCs who went on TV to support MR. University administrators getting involved in politics is against regulations but as they supported the president it's ok.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-87492881398541906792010-02-10T19:40:00.000-08:002010-02-11T04:09:51.693-08:00MR is Not Entitled to Abuse<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">A Parent Has no Right to Abuse His Own Child</span></b><div><br /></div><div> A mother gives birth to a child but that that does not give her a right to abuse the child. What is expected of the mother is for her to take care of the child to the the best of her ability. Everybody agrees that a parents who abuse their children are the worst criminals and should be punished. Right?</div><div> <div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">A Man Does Not Have a Right to Abuse an Animal</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></b></div><div>A man who takes in an injured animal, takes care of it and cures it does not then get the right to starve it, torture it and keep it locked up. All of you agree with me. Right?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Why do You Think MR has the Right to Abuse?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Then why do the supporters of MR think that MR can abuse his powers because we won the war against the Tigers? Why do the supporters of MR think MR and clan have the right to plunder this country and distort the law to destroy opposition?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">I am very grateful to MR for ending the war</span> but I don't think that it gives him the right to be corrupt, above the law and not have common decency. He should be a caring parent to the people of this country and take care of us to the best of his ability. He should not be a bully that all of have to live in fear of.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Why Didn't the Liberated Tamils vote for MR?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div> The Tamils of the north and east suffered the most because of the Tigers. MR liberated them. How come these Tamils did not vote for MR? If any of you know the reason or have any theories please let me know. I am genuinely puzzled. This is not a rhetorical question. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-27609300624864719062010-02-08T22:25:00.000-08:002010-02-08T22:45:09.817-08:00I am Scared<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">A very bad start</span></b><div>If this is the start of the second presidential term I truly dread the rest.</div><div>I am the mother of two young daughters. The next few years are vital for them. The time futures will be decided. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I am scared</span></b></span></div><div>Our leader is ruthless. Does not care about the opinion of others. His buddies are the leaders of Libya, Burma, Iran, China and Russia. I don't think MR sees anything wrong in what he does. A sociopath like his best buddies. I lived through the Premadasa era. This could be worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am a pessimist so usually things turn out better than I expected.</div><div>Today I am in shock. </div><div>I don't know what to expect.</div><div> So I am scared.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-39075723217049180522010-02-07T19:31:00.000-08:002010-02-07T20:38:24.751-08:00Politicians NEED the Masses Ignorant<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">MR Supporters do not Gloat</span></b><div>Abdul Halik, it is true that the ignorant masses elect our leaders. So MR supporters, you should not gloat. The politicians like the people ignorant. There is a high rate of literacy in this country so the people are not ignorant in the conventional sense.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">If only the Masses Knew</span></b></div><div>An average Lankan is clueless about <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">economic policies and monetary policies</span></i></b> of the governement. They have no idea of how the governement gets money for it's expenditure. They do not know that a substantial propotion of the money they spend on purchases go to the governement. They do not know how inflation happens.</div><div> </div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Would the masses have voted for MR</span></b> if they knew that their money was funding the lavish lifestyle of MR, other politcians and their clans, the election campaign and the governement wastage? The masses can't afford the basic foodstuff and health care is in a mess. They fund fleets of vehicles and foreign travel for the politicians while the public transport is a mess and some can't even afford bus fare.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Free Education - Opportunity Wasted</span></b></div><div>It is easy to educate the public because we have a free education system. My 14 year old daughter studies Business Studies in school. She understood, within half an hour, the use of fiscal and monetory policies by the governement to manage the economy, economic growth,recession ect.</div><div>Making it compulsory for students to learn the basics of economics and money management would be no problem. As it is students are forced to memorise ancient litterature and history- not essential life skills. Whoever decides on the syllubuses and exams either does not know that there are books available or want to numb the brains of students so that they can be controlled and manipulated.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Politicians Need the Masses Ignorant</span></b></div><div>Ignorant people can be manipulated easily and if they are poor it's easy to buy their votes. Masses do not realise that an increase in wages will result in inflation so of no benefit. They do not know that the Central Bank figures are fake. How can the the GDP be growing if architects are out of work?</div><div>So the politicians will keep the masses ignorant. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-5967914791048929722010-02-03T18:59:00.000-08:002010-02-03T20:13:55.481-08:00Death at Engineering College<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Suicide Due to Stress</span></i></b><div><br /></div><div>It's the no.1 college for engineering. Highly competitive entrance exam. Students are offered jobs before they graduate. This college seems a lot like the University of Moratuwa, the best university of our country.</div><div>Students commit suicide due to stress. The director justifies it saying the students need to learn how to handle stress. The students study engineering not because they love engineering or are interested in it but to get a good job and to please their parents. The grades are based purely on book learning.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Parents' Expectations</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The parents expect the children to earn good money and solve the family's problems. A son who is an engineer is for status and image. Nobody cares about the happiness or well being of the child. The interests or aptitudes of the child do not matter. It's just cramming. The parents think they are martyrs for sacrificing everything for their kids and the kids are under obligation to please their parents. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Three Idiots</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div>This is the story of the movie 3 Idiots now showing at the Majestic Cinema. It's a must watch for parents, teachers and university staff.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">It Changed My Views</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">I thought strict discipline with suspension and expelling was good</span>. Not anymore. It's a disaster for the students and their families which are often poor. The lives of these people should not be destroyed. University administrators should show some compassion. These students have been under so much stress from a very young age. Irrational and bad behavior is to be expected. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I thought that my children should get a good degree </span>i.e. a degree in demand in the job market. Sri Lanka is a poor country. Do we have the luxury of choosing a career that we love? After watching the movie I am afraid to let my girls go anywhere near an Engineering college. So I am confused now. I don't know what is best for my girls.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Parents are selfish. </span>They have no right to decide on a child's career and to expect them to solve the family's problems.</div><div> </div><div> <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">The Movie : Highly Recommended</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The movie made me question my believes. So it's a good movie. I sobbed watching it. My young friend said she did not cry that it's a comedy. I suppose mothers react differently.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">My Problem :</span></i></b> How do I get my daughter to give up maths and study English Lit to become a writer? Writers are so glamorous. She will be able go to cocktail parties in lovely sarees and big necklaces. I'd love to have a famous daughter... Engineers are dull and boring. I just could not get why the parents in the movie wanted the sons to become engineers. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-38851530218716077442010-02-02T20:20:00.000-08:002010-02-02T21:37:36.517-08:00Colours of Happiness @ Barefoot<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Colour Therapy</span></b><br /><div><br /></div><div>On Monday, when I was feeling anxious about my daughter going to a new school so I went to Barefoot for a session of colour therapy. It's fast, it's free, no stigma attached to it and works every time.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I feel sad or down or anxious I go for therapy to Barefoot. The beautiful colours there cheer me up. Every colour there is unique, beautiful and can not be copied. They the colours of gems and give me such sensual pleasure. Like going into Ali Baba's cave sans the danger.</div><div>The staff look happy to see me, I feel welcome.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Counselling for Free</span></b></div><div>As I walked in I saw my favourite aunt, Anu. So I got myself free counselling as well.</div><div> </div><div>MM: I put Tish into a new school. I am soooo worried. </div><div>Anu: Why?</div><div>MM: There are boys.</div><div>Anu: So what? High time she had a boyfriend.</div><div>MM: She has to study.</div><div>Anu: You studied, what good was that? Studies do not matter. It's living that's important.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well aunt Anu knows what she is talking about. She is the mother of three perfect sons. An Engineer, a Doctor and an Accountant. I felt much better after our little chat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately I could not get a top that was the right colour, size, style and fit.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">Happiness</span></b></div><div>It's good to take a little bit of happiness home. A cushion or a table mat or a coaster to keep my morning cup of coffee makes me happy. A barefoot bag is my happiness on the go. We have to make ourselves happy and little things make me happy.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629502135382771009.post-47599504782032586302010-01-31T20:58:00.000-08:002010-01-31T21:22:02.504-08:00Scaredy Mama needs Help<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Risk Averse</span></b><div>When it comes to mothering I am totally risk averse. I am overprotective. I have not allowed my daughter to go to parties if there are boy there. I am called the restrictive mother by my daughter and her friends. I take decisions that I think I'll regret the least. Reason for being a stay at home mum.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Dangerous Boys</span></b></div><div>Today I put my beautiful daughter into a coed school. It was against her wishes. I persuaded my husband. I am so scared. If something goes wrong I can only blame myself. I don't have sons, so boys look like scary alien creatures to me. Even though most probably they are nice little mama's boys.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">HELP!!!!!</span></b></div><div>Please help me. I need reassurance. Any moms out there who have daughters in coed schools? Tell me it's going to be OK. PLEASE!!!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3