Don’t think this book was intended to be a self-help relationship guide for mothers and daughters, but that is the value I gained from reading this. A light-hearted, fun and  easy to read novel with many poignant moments.

Could identify so many characters in the novel with family members and other people in our lives. Started to see the relationship with my mother in a new light, with a new appreciation for her and her experiences. Contains many entertaining situations, strong heroines and other likeable colourful characters not just stereotypes.

The unlikely partner of the arranged marriage for divorced Kiran, their meeting, falling in love and the ending… Also intrigued by the exploration of past lives for Rani.

On another note this novel has recipes included, got so involved with the characters actually trialed some recipes! “Zarkha’s Gosht Ki Biryani” (Lamb & Rice Pilaf Casserole)  page 423 was particularly tasty and got great response.

Cannot wait for the next book by this author, hopefully something out soon. This would also make a great movie, perhaps something along the lines of Bend It Like Beckham.

Also made easier by the fact a tandem dive. The instructor was so relaxed, apparently jumps 11 times a day on average.  Plus my three younger sisters were there jumping also. Took place in North Wollongong on the beach, really amazing views. So jump from 14,000 ft, approx 50 seconds freefall, followed by a 7 minute parachute drop (longer if weigh less).

When I commented to the instructor did not think would be so windy up here, he replied “its’s not the wind but how fast we are dropping, about 250km per hour”.

Really exhilarating experience, which hope to repeat again, maybe a new tradition to welcome the coming year.

On the funny side, just a note that the Sydney Bridge climb had more “safety checks” than the skydive. That is in terms of attire, and the lectures and long process till you actually begin climbing. In contrast the skydive instructions were brief and to the point. Had also checked beforehand about their equipment and safety procedures, so nothing to fear there.

With two weeks of vacation to look forward to, cram it with more must do’s like painting the hallway; start Arabic lessons with my 9 yr old, she would rather learn French, and implement her summer fun; not to mention all the family functions, and my spending quality time with my sister who is on holiday here after a two year gap.

What is with this never-ending list , why before end of year,  with good intentions resolved to complete in Jan and look still out there. Ok so enough with the leftovers, would rather focus on what have accomplished this year. Yeah did manage to meet many unknown extended family members whilst on holiday in US and Canada. Did finally renovate the bathroom; hot air ballooning for the first time; and more theatre like planned. Love SQL server reporting Services 2005. Am being more assertive, even with my mother!

Read some interesting books including in the past month The Witch of Portobello by Paul Coelho, The Hindi Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan (great recipes included), and The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier. Am consciously spending more time with Sakina. Even started my daily routine earlier, managing to get to work 2 hours earlier every Wednesday for the past twelve weeks, bonus other days earlier too, as a result. Am driving more, will finally attempt DQT to get full licence on Monday – yeah another must do before end of year panic task.

Umm, did I mention next year’s resolutions yet, well am booked in for sky-diving with my three sisters on Jan 2, 2008 for starters.

It has been raining since last night and the whole morning, perfect for reading a book in bed. But to work as usual, so have to be content with reading on the train, occasionally gazing out of the window reflecting on something just read, watching the water streak on muddy windows. This is Sydney rail after all, and am on an old train, luckily the limited stops line from Lithgow. Finally arrive at work only 30 minutes later than planned.

Still pouring, in the afternoon. Grey smoke rising from the buildings in front, apparently air conditioning vents. A colleague from the US informs that Sydney is comparatively clean compared to cities at home. Don’t know the only time I visited was long ago, all can remember is Minnie Mouse in Disneyland, playing Golf in the Red Apple Inn in someplace next to Dallas, my parents friends and their children and their house, me throwing a tantrum in some cafe, driving to San Diego Zoo and my first and consecutive tastes of Nachos and Tacos. Now my daughter is eight and pleading for trip to Disneyland except more places to choose from, her destination of choice is in Hong Kong.

How do I feel, still raining, now past midnight, tapping on my laptop about to sleep.  Looking at one of my holiday snaps, plan to dream of life in fortresses in a bygone era.