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10月24日 ICSK Project for 2009 – Inventions & InnovationsIt’s remarkable that ICSK (Indian Community School of Kuwait) is able to come up with such amazing topics for their annual exhibition. Yes it’s hard when they publish the subject. The parents go insane trying to understand what the topic means? How should one go about researching it? Is this actually possible to relate to? and so on. The school, understanding the parents dilemma, try to give hints or details as to what should the project contain. “Ahhh!!! Now, it all makes sense. Isn’t it very easy?” Then comes the “moment of truth”… The sketch board comes alive with ideas – ideas roll out while the adrenal rushes to the brain… and low, the master piece is completed. Click here to see our daughters’ projects. More to come during the actual presentation… 9月21日 Christmas 2008 & New Year 2009I wonder why? But the two occasions are a week apart and seems like one occasion. This was our small Christmas Day and our New Year Day Lunch with our family. Some people prefer to have a large gathering but we seem to love our small together lunch & dinner. It’s been two years since we decided to cook & eat a meal that is usually out of the blues for us. This is what makes the day different and exciting… The traditional Goan food for such occasion has stopped since we cook them during our parties… I suggest that you try that out… or treat yourself to something that you’d never do normally. December Birthdays…Yes, we have two birthdays in our home… 17th December is Crystal’s birthday and this we celebrated on the 19th with close family (cousins). Click here for pictures of the day. This was a children’s Christmas party too but Santa had to fly off far away and did not come for it. But he did keep some surprises for the kids the night before. 30th December is mama Bena’s birthday and this was celebrated as a surprise in Winner’s Restaurant. Bena only knew that we going to have a simple dinner along with my Dad in the evening. Little did she know that I had to drop off the cake an hour before we arrived. Stage was being set by our friends, Carlos & Agnelo, who work there. We arrived as normal, looked for the table in the center because it was not crowed. Sat down, read the menu and placed our order. After dinner – SURPRISE!!! The birthday song was being played while the cake was brought out… Bena looked around wondering “someone must have their birthday today” Click here for the pictures. Our Tour to the Holy Land, December 2008Overjoyed with the information that a tour will take off during the Eid holidays, we signed up for the tour with Dnata Travels. Wild shopping sprees began and checklist were being ticked and reached over again. Yes the excitement was building up. My wife and myself, at the time of booking, only had this down in theory but looked forward for the really event. Finally, December 4th, we arrived at the airport, early & awaited for our agent. We got together, the whole group met and checked in. An overwhelming feeling arising within me, it was the excitement building up and looking forward for the next few days… We took off for Jordan via the Jordanian Airlines & arrived in Amman at night. To greet us was the local travel agent in a huge tour bus, taking us to the hotel… Below are the web albums for each day (pictures talk a thousand words): Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6 - Day 7 - Day 8 Ingredients & highlights of our Tour: Points to remember when you are on this Tour: Our Girls Holy Land Tour in March, 2008My parents and our girls when on a Holy Land tour towards the end of March, 2008. This was during their school break, just before the new academic year. They arrived Jordan on 20th… Spend the night there & the next morning drove to Jerusalem and walked the “Via Dolorosa” on Good Friday… a blessed moment, walking the “Way of the Cross”. They got to visit so many places (describing each, in detail, would take about 10 web pages!!). On Easter Sunday, they reached Bethlehem and visited the Church of the Nativity (Birth place of Jesus Christ). The tour lasted 9 days after which they retuned all exhausted but thrilled to have visited places from the Bible. Rising up to the challengeYes, “Rocky” seems to back in fashion… I’m reemerging from my long gap with my blog… So many events have happened, both fun & sad. And time has not been a friend. A gap of about one and a half year has flown like a minute. My promise to updated the blog “tomorrow” did not stay and events kept building up and never did get pen down. I’ll try to updated you’ll with these events… if I remember the chronological order… (keeping my fingers crossed) 3月19日 2008 ICSK Parents Day
"India - A Treasure Trove" was the theme of ICSK's Parents Day that was celebrated on the 17th and 18th of March, Nursery & Primary respectively. The hosts of this event were the children. Yes, my dear friends, ICSK students (Primary) out did themselves. The evening was filled with the spirit of India (Home far from home) and comprised of dances from various parts of India.
The event began with the entry of the Guests of Honor... After they sat down, a girl from the 4th standard (Grade 4) welcomed the gathering and various officials gave speeches. "Speeches!!" you might say... Yes, but they contained words that were very enlightening to both parents and students. As the Principal mentioned in his speech, ICSK has always strived to improve the student’s overall performance and this event proved his point. The Guest of Honor, Mr. Vijay Singh, of the Indian Embassy, stressed that event such as these lay the foundation for the Student’s growth to the future. With all that said and this laid the pathway to the rise of the show.
A small skit involving kids and parents (roles played by kids)... the Parents were introducing the various cultures in India – famous people from the area, their arts, monuments that exists in wonder. Dances flowed between common states… these depicted the rich wealth of culture that dwells in India. You could see the pride of Indians students as they learnt a lot of their own culture and others too. From the East to West, South to the North… talents of our children dazzled like a huge production out of Bollywood studios.
Crystal has taken part in the Gujarati Dance. She has looked forward for this evening from the time she was chosen to take part. I do take this opportunity to thank the Teachers who has put their heart and soul in making this event a success. They always were the helping & guiding hands behind the curtains. It is not easy to have 300+ junior students coordinated and well-mannered on and off the stage
Conclusion: With so much diversity in India, it is amazing how we Indians live together while the rest of the world are still trying to learn how to live with each other.
Overall this event was a master piece comparing to the age group of these students. But please do excuse my pictures because the Camera man would not tilt to the side. He remained in the middle of the view till the end. I could not have his image & shadow disappear. Perhaps, when I learn the art of Magic.  No News is Good NewsHi all... Sorry that there has not been any post for quite sometime. I've been busy with various activities in these couple of months...
Please carry on reading new events... and please please please leave your precious comments so I can read them... 1月10日 Happy New Year 2008Yes, my dear friends and family - Wishing you a Happy New Year 2008, a prosperous & joyous one to come your way. This post was put at this time because if I did publish it earlier, everyone would have been busy with the New Year celebration that no one would have read it. Now, we all have resumed with our daily routine and new year seems a time of the past...we can get back to reading my thoughts....
 On 31st when we attended the evening service at Chruch, the priest said, rightfully, that we go to Church for 2 reasons... 1st reason, to thank God for all the rewards / favours / happiness that He granted us in 2007... 2nd reason, to lay our petition to ask for the same in the year 2008... I might sound relgious, now, but I believe this is true... hmmm... any say?
 Let's reflect... We think back and feel good only of the good favours and times that we got our way as the blessing that was granted to us... We forget and don't want to think of the times that we were sunk low with "bad luck". But those were times of hardship & stepping stone to the blessing... Believe it or not? I've checked my life and that has turned true...
Anyways, away from the philosophy of life... to New Year's Day... We had a small family gathering for dinner in which we had invited my Dad, Mum and my brother, Agnelo, & family. We began with a snack for Garlic Cheese Bread... everyone seemed to enjoy it
12月30日 Happy Birthday BenaToday was Bena's Birthday... Being a week day, party or a grand celebration was not possible... But a quite email to DJ Linda of the Kuwait Radio FM service got a big smile and blush on Bena's face...
Message read as "To the woman I married almost 10 years ago... To the mother that gave birth to our 2 lovely daughters. On behalf of the girls and myself, we thank you for being with us, through hardships, pains, joys, happiness and showing us your love. Wishing you my wife and mum - Bena, a Precious and Happy Birthday - with lots of loves from your gems - Crystal & Danielle and your hubby - Anthony"
Song dedicated to Bena is "The Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Middler
The Day began with us waking at 5am, call from Goa - Bena's Sister & Mother wishing her... myself and the girls running and singing the Birthday Song to their Mum... Then the phones began wishing her one after the other... This all followed with a moment of "Stand Still" at 6:50am when DJ Linda read the dedication and played the song...
Next, we all went our ways - girls to school, Bena & myself to work... In the evening, attended the mass at 6pm... and now all of getting ready for the next day...
Don't change this station... A few words of farewell till we meet next year...
Christmas 2007Ho... Ho... Ho... Merry Christmas Everyone... Better later than never...
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and May this season bring you all the joy & happiness that you seek... the love and warmth that you desire... and cosy - tingling feeling that this month brings all...
We, at the ABCD Rodrigues residence, were all at home for Christmas... We attended the night vigil held at 7:15pm at the Church of St. Therese, Salmiya. This followed with a dinner at my Dad's place... Since 25th of off, we came home late... Kicked our shoes and fell off to sleep...
Crystal Birthday & House Warming PartyDear Family and Friends,
On the 19 of December, we celebrated Crystal's Birthday party and our house warming too... The party started at 9pm since everyone was getting used to the new location... The best part of it all, was that my new place being a hop, skip, jump away from my old... thus making it easy to find.
The party began with cutting the Crystal's Birthday cake... it was a Chocolate Butter Cake... that Bena and myself downloaded. Of course, we modified the topping with Cream whisked in Fruit Syrup...
Next on the event list was the traditional game of Housie (some would call it bingo)... We had the following winners in the Children Corner: Quick 5 - Brendan, Any Line - Mikita & the Full House - Jemima. The winners in the Adult Corner: Quick 5 - Debbie, 4 Corner - Felcy, Any Line - Luiza & Full House - Carmin.
While the game was being played, Bena & myself was busy warming the food (I know... I can resist this corner...) and later laid the table... Dishes placed from the Right to the left is as follow: Salad of Greens, Carrots and cheese sauce (my new creation - I'll label is later...) - Cashew nut Pulao with Crispy Onion cooked by my wife, Bena - Hommus made by my Mum - Goans speciality, Chicken Xachuti - Channa Masala - Fish Cutlets all 3 dishes by Bena - Mixed pasta with Beef strips and veggies... On to the next corner table, Cake and Trufle of Biscuits, Mix fruits, Jelly & cream... All yummy...yummy... I couldn't help it & had to take 3 helpings... Now you know the secrets to my "Cream Muscles"
The Party was fun and crossed into mid-night... We thank all who had come and had us in your prayers... Click on the album on the top to view the evening... 12月17日 Our new Apartment & House BlessingAtlast, we have moved to the new place... We had begun moving during the previous Eid holidays in October. With us not keeping too well and moving between 2 places, we had to keep things posponding... Furthermore, we try our best to be perfectionist, thus our place never seemed ready to have family & friends come over.
We then decided to that we had to finalize on things... Our first decision was to have the house blessing today but the Priests were quite busy. We settled to have the house blessing on Saturday, 15th of December at 12noon. We had invited Rev. Fr. Berchman Aruldoss (lovinly known as Fr. Bercky), our Salmiya Church Parish Priest to grace our occassion. Being a close friend of the children, he came over prayed and blessed our home. During this time we got to know a little more about Fr. Bercky. He is a warm shy person but has an intense devotion to St. Therese of the Child Jesus and that is brought about in this medition and prayers to the Lord. We thank you Fr. Bercky & keep you in our prayers.
Our Lunch was a mild (not spicy) food from Goa... Simple crunchy Green Salad (carrot, capicum, cucumber, lettuce, mayo), Cashew nut Pulav, Channa Masala (Fr. Bercky's Favourite), Dodi Bhaji (Pumpkin, crated coconut, dried shimps), Mutton Curry, Chicken Green Curry (Corriander), Fried Chicken Breast... Yes, yes, yes... Dessert followed with Bena famous Bread Pudding and our Carrot Cake...
Enjoy the photo album above... Happy Birthday Crystal7 years ago this little girl was born as a gift to Bena & myself. Yes, my dear family & friends, Crystal was born... A tiny pre-term baby that caught our hearts the first time we set our eyes on our first child. "Would she make it? How will she survive?", the very first thoughts that ran in our heads but has God had planned, some changes needed to happen in our lifes to make all these seem a dream.
Now, as time passed, Crystal has turned out to me a young smart girl. Her most loved person is her younger sister, Danielle. Even if we (her parents) are not around, she would always want her sister. That's what I would say "Sisterly love" {I hope they stay that way}
I also take this time to thank my wife, Bena, for having the patients to bear this child. Yes folks, the mother should also have her moment, if it was for her - we would not have this child. Thank you mum for baby. :)
My wife, Danielle & myself put up a dedication this morning on the radio for Crystal. The message read as "Wish you, Crystal, a very Happy Birthday. May this & every day of yours be filled with Love, Happiness & Joy. Thank you for being a special person in our life. Lots of Loves from your Dad - Anthony, Mum - Bena & younger Sister - Danielle". And the song dedecated was "In my daughter's eyes" by Martina McBride
This song is very inspirational and I would recommend all parents to read the lyrics and you would know what I mean. To the parent-to-be, this also will be meaningful when your precious gift has arrived in your arms.
In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride In my daughter's eyes I am a hero I am strong and wise and I know no fear But the truth is plain to see She was sent to rescue me I see who I wanna be In my daughter's eyes In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak I find reason to believe In my daughter's eyes And when she wraps her hand around my finger Oh it puts a smile in my heart Everything becomes a little clearer I realize what life is all about It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough It's giving more when you feel like giving up I've seen the light It's in my daughter's eyes In my daughter's eyes I can see the future A reflection of who I am and what will be Though she'll grow and someday leave Maybe raise a family When I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me For I'll be there In my daughter's eyes 10月21日 Gaining Energy!!Hi my fans... I know I've disappointed you, but there are couple of reasons...
1st - at last our day has come to move from our residence where we have lived for 9 years... We had been busy home hunting... (that's gonna be another long story)
2nd - we had hoped to move during these Eid holidays but all 4 of us ended up with high fever, cold, flu, etc... Nope it was not only us but almost the whole of Kuwait. Many say - it's because of the weather. Other's say - it's in the air... But it's good we all got it together or else it would be worst to have someone stay alone at home going through this...
Anyways, we back again - although I'm still down with a little sorethroat. Call me but hang up if you hear a weird sound... LOL 9月1日 2007 Vacation to Goa - Part 1As promised following are details of our vacation: 21st June, 2007 - Bena & the kids arrived to Goa on the 21st of August at 9am after being delayed on flight for about 2 hours because of heavy rainfall and the runway being flooded. Upon arrival, they visited Mr. Santosh Kurtarkar (the contractor for Kurtarkar Contructions and for our building Kurtarkar Gardens). Crystal received the keys to our new flat and Bena opened the door to our new asset. Click here to view the pictures. 24th June, 2007 - Bena & the kids joined my parents in Siolim to celebrate San Joao festival. This festival is well-known and specially celebrate in Siolim in the most colourful and traditional manner. It began with all the villagers attending the Mass at Tropa Church (for the serious part of the festival). This followed by all the grown-up & kids heading to St. Anthony water well. This is where the kids jump into the well and have grownup to help them out. This is symbolized as being "Baptized". Next was the colourful Boat and floats flowing to St. Anthony Church (the central church of Siolim). Everyone was rocking with Lorna, a famous singer from Goa. Click here to view the pictures. 19th July, 2007 - Yes, the day when I arrived... The morning was busy, cause we had to arrange for 2 events in the evening. There was not much for me to do, just minor touch-ups here and there. It was a day filled with double joys... First, we had our home blessing at 4pm in the evening - followed by the the 2nd joy, my birthday :) My mum, aunt & her family, my in-laws and a dear friend. A small gathering but filled with joy, I must say. Click here to view the pictures. Our home - We celebrated India Independence day & Our Lady of Assumption feast on the 15th of August and had a small lunch for our near ones. Click here to see our home decorated with wonderful furniture made of Burma Teak wood and was hand picked by my wife. I arrived home to find all furniture in-place and ready to be used. 2 heavy beds with great mattress & side tables, beautiful dinning table with a strong glass top, sofa set (3 + 2) with a tea poy and a gorgeous tall showcase... We're Back...Yes, my dear fans... We've back in Kuwait... Bena & the kids had left on 20th of June to Goa... I, followed them on 18th of July... After spending 2 & 1 month respectively we arrived back on the 22nd of August... Details of the trip will follow soon (I will try my best to fill you with all the facts)... In summary, although there was heavy rainfalls in Goa - almost everyday - life was still fun filled with alot of various activities... After coming back, we tried to get adjusted to the time change... I know it's not much but after a vacation this seems to be always the case. Now with the weekend change... We all off on Friday & Saturday... Very close to the holidays back in Goa... Don't move from this channel... Loads of pics coming soon... 5月5日 Mr. Tariq's Farewell Dinner
It was sad to hear him take this decision but that's life. We all strive for a better prospect in life. On behalf of the Fawsec staff, we wish him and his family all the success that he deserves. Did you know? Mr. Tariq has a cute son named Ziyad, who is now 7 months old. Speaking to his wonderful wife Ms. Noora, Ziyad, simply makes their life shine. Even in times of pure exhaustion, a look at their son turns their environment heavenly. That's wonderful parenting :) Reminds me when we 1st saw Crystal & Danielle... Well, that's another story altogether... Danielle's 1st Day in KG
Another proud moment in a child's life... The moment when he/she starts their step in school - Kindergarten. On 7th April, started her 1st day at the Indian Community School (ICSK) in KG. She has been registered to join KG B.
Now both sisters leave home together (of course, Mum takes them to school)... And Danielle will be returning home early, just for the month of April. I look forward not to receive complains from both of them... Incidentally, Danielle's class teacher is Ms. Nimmi - she was also Crystal's class teacher when she was in KG. I highly recommend this teacher because she is an excellent teacher. Motivates the young child to strive for excellency!!
UPDATE: Danielle seems to have enjoyed her 1st day in school.
NOTE: Yes, I know it's almost a month ago - but I post memories, it seems better now that it would be on that day... 4月1日 Happy Birthday DanielleYes, another wonderful day in my younger daughter’s life. She has turned 4 today and is still the same angel that she was last year. “Danu”, her nickname, has been recognized by all our relatives. I only hope that we do not forget her real name. LOL!! I know it sounds strange but it’s true. But here is a true incident in my life: A family friend of ours has a nickname “cookie” – I’d been introduced with his nickname and have met him more than a couple of times. All of us know him by his nickname. I still have no idea what’s his real name!!
Back to Danielle… I started this web blog about a year back… My 1st post was “Is 1st April lucky for you or not?” – yes, a year anniversary today. I still say 1st April (April Fools day) is lucky for me… She has really developed into a warm lovely girl who is very considerate of everyone feelings. She understands when someone is down and wipe ones tears away. She has a very soft corner for any small babies – may it be her cousin or a pass-a-by. There are times when we can’t fulfill her needs but she won’t complain. She’s say “no problem, next time”. That’s away a considerate adult would say.
I know you probably want to know about party… Sorry, we could not have a party today – but this weekend was quite busy. Let begin with a summary of what happened this weekend…
29th – my younger brother, Michael, & his family came to Kuwait from Dubai. We had a family gathering at my parents’ place.
30th – my youngest brother, Agnelo, celebrated his daughter’s Christening. Baptism at Church followed by party at New Park Hotel.
31st – a family lunch at my parents’ place, a sort of reunion. Lunch party along with Cake cutting for Danielle.
1st – Michael leaving back for Dubai.
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?? We suggested that Santa might drop something if they had the breakfast... Breakfast was hot chocolate milk with toasted french bread topped with garlic butter, slices of turkish sausage, pepper mortedella & cheese (a varied pizza)... Now that ran down the tummy in seconds.... ( I wish Santa would come everyday... then breakfast would finish at the speed of light)...
Pulling out gifts, under the Christmas Tree, one after the other... the girls was joyed to see Santa did bring them something... It was a different 3D puzzle of each of them... We worked on getting one ready... Will follow with the next soon....
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