Marley & Me - My Thoughts

I watched the movie, Marley & Me yesterday. It touched my heart on so many levels. All dog lovers must watch this movie. My thoughts:

1. A entry of a child in a relationship changes EVERYTHING. Life is not the same and definitely as easy as it used to be. I was watching the movie, while Rajeev my hubby worked away on his laptop in another room. During the scene where Jen snaps at John, Rajeev says 'Oh, this seems to be the story of our life.' Relationships are tough. Add a kid to it and it reaches very close to breaking point. :)
2. Marley reminds me of my dog, Micky. I don't remember a day that she obeyed us. She would drag us when we went for a walk. Like John in the movie, we would constantly be heard saying 'Micky, no!' Not much has changed, these days, you will hear me saying, 'Vidur, no!' That's another thing, Marley' naughtiness/playfulness reminds me of my son.
3. Bringing up a dog is in no way preparing you to bring up a child. Nothing prepares you, you just learn on the way.
4. Marley does everything he is not supposed to do and so does Vidur! :) He leaves no opportunity, no stone unturned.
5. The scene where Marley places his head on Jen's lap when she breaks down after her losing her child reminded me of the time when Micky refused to leave my side when I was extremely upset.
6. The scene where Jen asks Jon to send Marley away but later tell hims that she didn't mean it, makes her so real. Sometimes we feel irrational, snap at people around us, and blame everyone else. It is ok to do this as along as we know later that we were just upset.
7. I cried my eyes out when there was no hope for Marley. I experienced what my parents must have gone through when they had to make the toughest decision of their life, relieve Micky of her misery. I cried even after the movie was over thinking how right John was, dogs love unconditionally. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from...

Peepa and Vidur

Ever since we got back from Mumbai, Vidur insists that I show him the videos we shot there. The first video is one where Deepa (my sister) is cutting her birthday cake. These videos help Vidur remember his aunt and uncle. Infact, he is so found of Deepa that when people ask him what his name is, he responds 'Peepa!' At one time, it was Harish (his favorite uncle... :)

So, Peepa was here for the weekend and Vidur was so happy! He woke up to find Peepa sleeping next to him. He looked at me and said 'Amma! Peepa!' Then, paused and asked 'Chitta?' Chitta a.k.a chittappa a.k.a Sriram (Deepa's hubby). I told him chitta was sleeping in the other room. He was absolutely thrilled! When they got ready to leave, the poor thing was so heartbroken. When Peepa and I went shopping, I got out of the auto and asked V to join me. He said 'No,no. Peepa ba'. He got off the auto and help on to Peepa's hand. A car reversed from the parking lot and was heading past Peepa. V, knight in shining armor, pulled Peepa closer towards him and said 'Peepa!! CAR!!!' Then, he looked left and right, ensured that the lane was safe enough for Peepa to cross. My sister was amazed that V had tried to save her life. Sheesh! My family is good at theatrics! :D (And according to people at work, I am the biggest natak rani. They tell me V takes after me and I am secretly proud!)

It is such a beautiful relationship that of a nephew and aunt/uncle. Children get so attached to people who genuinely care. I know we get to meet each other often. But, how I wish we were all in one place and the kids grew up with each other like a true family! Maybe, one day.....

Going Crazy with a Video Camera

For our 5th wedding anniversary, my parents gifted us a Video Camera. Nice, but totally selfish gesture on their part. Why? Well, they got us a video camera so that we can capture their grandson and share it often with them. :)

It took me time to remember that I had a video cam and start using it often. Once we started though, we are both like tourists with a camera. Taking videos of everything, taking the video cam everywhere! Also, with busy parents who will not invest money in video editing software, we have been uploading short, weirdly taken videos on YouTube. (God bless YouTube for not putting quality checks in place).

My mom very studiously watches, oohs and aahs over everything Vidur does. I guess it is great fun to capture precious moments and share with people who truly care. My memory is really terrible. Most times, I am asking my sister if I have seen a particular movie. She claims that it is great fun sharing gossip with me. Even if she repeats it to me, I respond to it as if I were hearing it for the first time. So, it is good that I have a camera. Now, I don't need to remember, I can just record it!