SATI THE GREAT!

That niggling feeling...

2009-02-16T11:48:00.003Z

I've been having that urge - most lazy bloggers like myself will now it, where you've been MIA for so long and suddenly a thunderous waterfall of words comes crashing down looking to exit somehow somewhere with as much damage as possible.
I've been able to contain that urge for a while now, but now feel I should give some heed to the cerebral regions and let it run its course - better out of the system than in, wise people will say.

Where to begin?!
We'll begin at the beginning...we'll talk about Dad...

YES WE CAN!

2008-11-05T10:42:00.003Z

I found this on the web and had to put it up somewhere!
We're suddenly finding ourselves being incredibly patriotic...to our 'mother' Kenya. And Obama is all of a sudden 'our son'!
There is even a national holiday declared on 6th Nov to celebrate our son's victory!
(makes me wonder - lest he have lost, would rioting have broken out in mother Kenya?!)
All I have to say is:
NDIYO TUNAWEZA!

We're back!

2008-04-23T14:00:00.002+01:00

Finally returned from our 6 month adventure! Got tons of stories and a ridiculously large number of photos! All posted on the travel blog.

Hope all is well in blogland! :O)

New blog new blog new blog

2007-09-26T09:04:00.001+01:00

I have a new blog - co-authored by the lovely Mr Husband Singh Ji :o)

http://whatwedoingtoday.blogspot.com

Most of you will know by now that Gurcharan and I are going travelling for 6 months to SE Asia!

Oh yes we are!!! (I have to say that to convince myself - seems like a dream!) :o)

So, I will be posting on the new blog from now - detailing my Eastern experiences (complete with loadsa pictures!) with the lovely hubby who has been soooo great at sorting this whole thing out! ;o)

Something for the weekend

2007-09-14T09:31:00.000+01:00

Hmmnnn...should go check this out

Carnival Spirit

2007-08-29T15:38:00.001+01:00

Carnival Spirit
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

This is the best I got with my phone camera :o( well, its kinda the only one I could post cos its kinda the only one where they're actually wearing some clothes!

2007-08-24T14:14:00.000+01:00

Buzzie: Hey Flaps, So what we going to do?

Flaps: I don't know, what'cha wanna do?

Buzzie: Look Flaps, first I say "what we going to do?" then you say "I don't know, what'cha
wanna do?" then I say "what we going to do" then you say what'cha wanna do" let's do something.

Flaps: Ok. What'cha wanna do?

New Blog on the Block!

2007-08-14T09:13:00.000+01:00

http://sikhtalk.blogspot.com

A swashbuckling light-hearted look at the laughable gripes surrounding the new generation of Sikhs in Britain.

Hilarious, witty with no lack of charm and charisma.

Sure to be a huge hit in the blog sphere!

New look

2007-08-11T16:56:00.000+01:00

I think I quite like this - its fresh, its zingy, it makes me feel like drinking a tall glass of cool lemonade!

Hmmmnnn......makes the pics look nicer.

Race for life...

2007-07-11T09:18:00.001+01:00

Race for life...
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Visit my online sponsor page using this link:

sponsor form

I'm doing the 'Race for Life' agian this year, please dig deep! A little £ goes a long way! :o)

Also running with me this year is my dear mom! YES! It's going to be a crazy mom+daughter team effort this year! ;o)

I'll be running in memory of my lovely handsome dad! :o)

A few of my good friends are also running this year, you can view Sony's sponsor form using this link:

Sony's sponsor form

At last!

2007-07-05T09:19:00.001+01:00

At last!
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

I used to see loadsa bugs and crawlies when in Kenya - hardly see any here :(
Gurcharan found this unusually coloured ladybird on his car - he does not like any ladies or birds near his car!

good verses evil

2007-07-05T09:18:00.001+01:00

good verses evil
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Last week was 'Cheat Week'! For those not familiar with the term, this is a full week dedicated to stuffin your face with anything and everything ungodly until you're blue in the face. Fun? no! Its hard work! And without an ounce of shame, I spent all of last week stuffin my face silly!
But the fun and games are over, its back to being...normal (?!) ;o)

My Lush Obsession

2007-06-28T09:23:00.001+01:00

My Lush Obsession
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Some of the Lush goodies at home at the moment.

Ahh, I LOVE LUSH!

He's havin an affair...

2007-06-26T08:22:00.001+01:00

He's havin an affair...
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Honestly, all the love care and attention should be directed at me!
*meeeowww!!!!*
Surely........I got better curves! ;o)

Sukhmani Sahib Paath, Neville Road Gurdwara

2007-06-25T09:44:00.001+01:00

Neville Road Gurdwara (the one off Green Street) is now holding the 13 Sukhmani Sahib Prayers.
These are done non-stop for 13 days - thirteen beautiful ladies clad in the purest of white do the prayers so sweetly, you have to try to hold back the tears as its so overwhelmingly beautiful.

Please note it is in the old gurwara - not the new one where it was last year.

Bhog is on 1st July at 8am.

Do make an effort to attend - you will honestly be moved by the spiritual atmosphere.

Bollywood Party

2007-06-22T14:29:00.001+01:00

Bollywood Party
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

I love LUSH! This was taken about 12midnight - I was asked to do their decor for their Bollywood Party.
Me in a Lush store with nobody else there......ahhhhh it was HEAVEN!!!
No, I didnt roll around in all the products!
No, I didnt steal anything!
eee I LOVE LUSH!!!!

Devil Plant

2007-06-22T14:28:00.001+01:00

Devil Plant
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

I bought this for Gurcharan the other day - its on my desk at work now! crreeepy - what sort of 'plant' eats crawlies and bugs!?!?!?!
Thats just wierd!

To zap or not to zap...

2007-06-18T12:34:00.000+01:00

...the current question that is

So, the latest hot topic at work is...whether I should get some obscure lazer magic wand thingy pointed at my eyes which miraculously makes me see again! Hallelujah!

All are dead against, whereas I...in my infinite wisdom/utter stupidity (pick one)...am so over the 'ooohh i look so sophisticated in me glasses' phase

To make things that little bit more interesting (yes folks, never a dull moment in the land of Preet) - I will probably run off to some obscure third world country (Thailand?!) where such obscure magic laser wand seems to be in existence

At mention of this my lovely and supportive colleagues at work awarded me the 'even more of an idiot than we thought' badge

I would love to know what my oh so lovely and supportive friends in the blog world think of this - please feel free to use such phrases as 'are you insane woman?' (which by the way is subject to discussion)

Your opinions are much appreciated! Thank you! ;o)

LUSH party!!!

2007-06-15T15:06:00.000+01:00

All you dirty smelly people out there (eee easy I'm only kiddin - I know people who wast...er...use their time reading my pointless rubbish posts dont smell. Besides, all smelly people are too busy terrorising Jatlee in his shoe shop) Go go sweaty summer days! MUAAHHAAHHAA!

Take note:
THURSDAY 21st June 2007
Carnaby Street branch.

Lush Party with a bollywood theme!

I mean WOOOHOOOO or wot???!!!

Im thinkin - im Asian right - its a bollywood party right - oh well then this automatically qualifies me for atleast a free bunch of goodies right right right!??!!

Oooo it doesn't stop there boys and girls - if I gym it every day starting today - refuse to shower - then go for a great big 'ol Indian lunch just before the party.......surely that will SUBMIT em into giving me a great big bunch of free goodies!

Or there's always my mind control powers......

Anyhoo - the idea is to bag as many free goodies as poss to add to your Lush collection, in the process try to find out who the manager is and where they live......this will come handy for when future need for free Lush stuff arises. (A separate post on 'how to terrorise your local LUSH manager into giving you free Lush goodies' will follow shortly - watch this space, as they say)

In the mean time, im open to any more ideas on how to dupe the lovely people over at "The World's Bestest Store Ever....EVER" aka Lush into promoting a 'anyone who goes by the name Preet gets anything they want....for FREE!!!" scheme.

Thanks - i'll see you all next Friday - I'll be the one smelling like a goddess - a goddess that didnt spend a penny to smell like so. Well, that's if my plans work, now if you'll excuse me I have some garlic that needs rubbing into the middle bit of my toes.

Wizzz Kid!

2007-06-14T13:17:00.000+01:00

ehe....who put a flikr badge on the side bar of her blog page eh eh eh??!!!

Thaz rite...me me me! ;o)

ANd you know what.......I did it ALL by myself!!!

Not just a pretty face you know! ;o)

Gurchlyn Singhroe

2007-06-01T08:32:00.001+01:00

Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Hee hee! ;o)

More Indian thoughts..

2007-05-25T15:27:00.000+01:00

Carrying on from the previous post:

I am quite clueless (and I ain’t just saying this) when it comes to…well, anything really!
So, just an interesting observation while I was in India:

It seems there is a massive gurdwara every which way you look, yet I didn’t seem to come across many schools, hospitals etc.

Am I mistaken?

Scale of Power!

2007-05-24T08:34:00.000+01:00

While I was in India, I spent a day with the in-laws doing a mini yatra of gurdwaras in their locality. When I got back home to Jalandhar to my 'out'-laws (!), I had this interesting little conversation with my mamaji, which, in short, went something like this:

Mamaji: Prreeeti, where is this 'saropa' and 'parshaad' from?

Preet: I went to 'Flahi Sahib' Gurdwara and did an 'ardaas' there, they gave it to me there

Mamaji: You should have done your ardaas when you went to 'Alamghir' Gurdwara

Preet: Why? Surely the ardaas is the same regardless of the gurdwara you do it in, the Maharaj da saroop is the same everywhere, right?

Mamaji: Well, there is more power in that Gurdwara!

I, in my infinite stupidity, fail to understand this concept!

Anyone care to set me straight?

A smile and a twinkle

2007-05-14T08:28:00.001+01:00

A smile and a twinkle
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

IM BACK!
This is Yoda...aka naniji
Had a fantastic time with her, miss them all so much :o(

2007-05-10T13:04:00.000+01:00

Guess who's back?! :o)

Will try to post a few of the hundreds of pics (very crappy pics, I so need to take a photography course) when I get round to it...

World's most adorable bridesmaid ever!

2007-04-20T13:10:00.001+01:00

World's most adorable bridesmaid ever!
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Gurcharan posing with the flower arrangements I made for the Gurdwara for Vaisakhi - aint he the cutest thing?!

Shame bout the colours in the pic - does no justice to the beauty of the flowers (and Gurch!) - i took it in the evenin, i wish i could make the dullness go away

I have soo much work to do today...

2007-04-20T08:41:00.000+01:00

...and so I will blog!

HAHA!

2007-04-10T09:34:00.003+01:00

My sidekick Jat left this on my dressing table! hehe I've never laughed so hard!!!

Just as well Gurcharan has life insurance, eh?! ;o)

Greatest CD collection!

2007-04-10T09:34:00.001+01:00

Greatest collection!
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

BIG BIG Thanks to Harpreet Singh who bought this present for me (er, I mean for Himmat!)! The greatest bestest collection of Nusrat CDs.

Dad was a MASSIVE fan and even met him a couple of times - he was as excited as a little teenager meeting Jacko! ;o)

I did something all on my own!

2007-04-05T09:09:00.000+01:00

I put a counter on my blog without any help whatsoever!

Now that im such an expert wiz kid, i'll be installing a mind control devise for any who visit my blog.

"You will all be under my sole control...MUUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!"

"You will start by robbing all LUSH stores for me! MUUUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!"

"I WILL BE SQUEEKY CLEAN FOREVEEEEEEEEER!"

Sitar Master

2007-04-03T09:45:00.000+01:00

Here's another one for all you Himmat fans!
This was also taken by Sukhmani Kaur Penji at the S-hall nagar kirtan on Sunday.

For you sharp eagle eyed people you will notice the red board behind Himmat! Haha!

Ustaad Himmat Singh Ji!

2007-04-03T09:42:00.001+01:00

himmat
Originally uploaded by s.kaur.

When the moon is full...

2007-04-02T10:17:00.001+01:00

Ah, nice!
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BURDAY!!! :o)

2007-03-23T15:44:00.003Z

Heaven on a plate!

Hope you have an absolutly CHOCOLICIOUS day!!
Big hugs and kisses and lots of chocolatey sweet love!
xxx

I know its tomorrow - but I can't really blog on weekends. x

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BURDAY!!! :o)

2007-03-23T15:44:00.001Z

Heaven on a plate!
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Heaven on a plate!

Hope you have an absolutly fantastic day!
Big hugs and kisses!
x

New boy in the office

2007-03-22T11:40:00.000Z

Hmmnnn...not sure where I've seen him before, sure does look familiar!
He's our new Project Manager, must say looks very much like our old one!

Red Nose Day

2007-03-19T08:58:00.000Z

So, what do they make me do - SPONSORED SILENCE!

I mean, they were all falling over each other to sponsor me to SHUT UP for 24 hours!!!
And boy did I manage to raise a nice stash of cash!

Actually, I quite enjoyed it! :o)

Triple H strikes again!

2007-03-15T15:53:00.000Z

This one's for Rumta!

Triple H is back due to great public demand.

This kid's far too popular for his own good - people actually request me to upload posts on HIM on MY blog!!! shheeeeesh!

Meet Cesc

2007-03-12T08:36:00.001Z

Isnt he adorable?! No, he's not my dog :o(
Meet Cesc
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Weekend madness

2007-03-08T13:37:00.000Z

This is a post I was typing up a week ago - but the PC crashed and I haven't had the time to post since. Oh well, might as well post this anyway - its only a week old.

As my right arm finally regains consciousness, I am finally able to muster a word or two about the cause of my appendage related misery.
What started off as an unusually placid weekend turned into a barmy up-to-no-good weekend! (Why is it that the claim “oh I have nothing planned for the weekend” on Fridays turns into “you wont believe what I did over the weekend” on Mondays).
Anyway, on with the saga.

Act 1 scene 1:
So, off we went to watch Handsome Handsome Holy Himmat (otherwise known as Quadruple H) play against Redbridge & Ilford (by the way, check out the http://www.plashethc.co.uk/home.htm website).

Plashet totally thrashed the opposing team, a sweet 7 – 0, no doubt thanks to my superb cheerleading and banner brandish. Although, strangely enough Himmat seemed to avoid me throughout that evening. I mean – I did an excellent job of shouting some really well rehearsed slogans! Hmph!

After the game a certain tingling in the cerebral pits threateningly conjured up the idea of reliving my past (I WAS vice-captain of my school hockey team I’ll have you know!) and shoot some rounds on the pitch. This, as I realised later, should have been filed under “no, HELL NO!”. 5 minutes later, my rusty ol body realised my hockey playing days were over – the fat lady’s done her riyaaz, said her fateh and is on a plane to the Bahamas to retire.

Act 1 Scene 2:
After all the cheerleading and that intense 5min of hockey, I thought id oil my vocal cords with a nice round of samosas, spring rolls and darling selection of tarts. I deserved it!

The game was sooo one sided, the Plashet goal keeper was actually seen snoozing on the pitch! These pics were taken during the game, the poor guy was so bored he decided to catch up on his beauty sleep!

Act 2 Scene 1:
Yup! You guessed it – when I awoke the next morning someone had replaced by right arm with a timber log. And No – this time, it wasn’t an excuse to get out of doing the house work. That 5minutes of hockey took its toll!

Act 2 Scene 2:
Some bright pipsqueak thought it would be a good idea to play a game of golf! Aha not one game – but two!

I let mom play my rounds, and she found her mark every with single shot! She was getting me more points than I managed to score for myself! Hmmn, obviously all those years of watchin Dad play golf did have an effect on her.

The man of the match - this dooode scored 20 TWICE!!! and won a free game! That grin says it all!

Act 2 Scene 3
Lunch at Chennai – the poor South Indian waiters were aghast - never in their waiter-ing lives had they seen a bunch of Punjabis devour so much food in one sitting!

Here Gurcharan is trying to mimic Himmat's green eyes!

Act 3 Final Scene
Now this takes the clinch – Indi left his Nintendo Wii at ours and we played non stop for over 5hours! By this time the right arm had transfigured from log to lead without so much as a transfiguration charm by Mrs McGonagall!

Aw, true love!

THE END

2 lovers and a perv

2007-03-08T11:45:00.001Z

2 lovers and a perv
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

These two cant keep their hands off each other! awww...true love! ;o)

I don't even want to know what the one standing behind them is thinkin(or doing, Jat and Himmi have some rather happy smiles!!!!) !!!

Musical Sensation

2007-03-06T09:14:00.001Z

Musical Sensation
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Baljit Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Sarab Singh and Jatinder Singh.
Beautiful!

Test

2007-02-20T16:14:00.000Z

Why is this not working???!!!

mmm!

2007-02-20T14:45:00.001Z

DSC00178
Originally uploaded by Preet_D.

Delicious!

Giant snowman

2007-02-20T10:38:00.001Z

Giant snowman, originally uploaded by Preet_D.

We took about 2 hours to create this giant - took some rebel kids 2 mins to demolish him! :o(

I will squish him like a grape!

2007-02-20T10:29:00.001Z

I will squish him like a grape!, originally uploaded by Preet_D.

actually took the day off from work to play in the snow! And made Gurcharan take the day off too! However, Jat needed absolutely no convincing! :o)

2007-02-20T09:52:00.000Z

Inspirational post by Jatlee - check it out:
http://jatlee.blogspot.com/2007/02/inspirational-sikhs-of-guru.html

Jump!

2007-02-16T13:32:00.000Z

This has gota be the most hilarious live theatre performance I've EVER seen!!

GENIOUS!!!

Jungle Book

2007-01-16T13:29:00.000Z

This totally reminds me of Dad - we used to swing to the sound track all the time! You might call it our all time personal fav album.

He had an old school vinyl record and he would play it on the record player. He would dance like Baloo and make me laugh so much!

Ahhhh.....I have some good memories! ;o)

Classical Raag Kirtan

2007-01-09T14:55:00.000Z

Times are now 7:30 to 8:30pm

Location: Karamsar Gurdwara

400 High Road

Ilford, Essex

Happy New Year!

2007-01-03T10:05:00.000Z

Nice bindi, eh?! :o)

Perfume - the story of a murderer

2006-12-29T13:45:00.000Z

Good book.
Reading is far more exciting than watching the film.

How can onemake a film about smell??! Smellovision?!

Baljit Singh and Gurmeet Singh

2006-12-20T14:50:00.000Z

These two masters were Dad's absolute favourite ragis!

They will be doing kirtan in Karamsar Gurdwara from Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th Dec. Then from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th Jan.

If dad were here, he'd go crazy and probably follow them round the country! hehe!

I remember when they came to Kenya, dad would get up early in the morning and load up all his equipment to record their Asa-di-war.
He recorded all their kirtan while they were in Kenya - I still listen to his tapes (yes tapes, no CD's back then!) nearly every morning.
Brings back some nice warm memories.
Dad has a massive collection of his recordings, must get Himmat to put them onto something more permanent.

Dad has always had a keen interest in raag kirtan. I wonder if I ask Gurmeet Singh Ji nicely if he'll do a shabad dedicated to my daddy?? hmmnn...

Christmas Party

2006-12-18T18:58:00.000Z

The pic was taken at work before I got ready to go out for the Christmas party on friday. Everything was in a pile and thought it'd make a good photo (well, a good photographer would've made this look more appealing though!!!)

Im like those little school girls who leave the house with their hair in a neat bun, nice long sleeved cardigan with ankle length skirt and not a lick of paint on their innocent lil faces...but as soon as they get near the school the hair turns into something out of Mad Max, somehow the cardi turns into a skimpy dress and out comes the paint paraphernalia! hehe! :D

ah, the annual team bonding Christmas party, which is a great way to be paid to watch your diligent work mates get drunk and disorderly! And boy did they get disorderly! ;o)

Some interesting pics ive come across

2006-12-14T09:28:00.000Z

2006-12-14T09:17:00.000Z

"It is our choices, Harry, that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities"

Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets

2006-12-12T21:50:00.000Z

Geisha!

2006-12-10T13:25:00.000Z

Valentines Park

2006-12-10T12:52:00.000Z

Some good shots by Gurcharan

Gurcharan & I like to go for long walks when the weather is nice. Jatinder's lil friends always come to say hellooo! :o)

Don't be fooled by the sun, this is London you know - brrrrr!

Laughter that is infectious!

2006-12-09T11:38:00.000Z

These were taken at my wedding - his smile and laughter...

Hmnnn...looks like a big smiley podgy teddy bear here! ;o)
Dad with his look-a-like! Well atleat before Dad got his grey whiskers, these two always got mistaken for each other! Papu paaji is Dad's nephew and waaay younger than him - Dad always looked too young for his age!

Dad and his big bro!

Dad showing off his dancing skills!

This has gota be one of my ABSOLUTE FAV photos!!

Although this pic doesn't capture everything - the pange he was getting up to with the kids has ALL been caught on film!! hehe!

Orchids orchids everywhere!

2006-12-05T22:07:00.000Z

Personally delivered from Thailand!
Such an unusual flower.

Dad's Birthday Party on Sunday 3rd Dec

2006-12-05T21:59:00.000Z

What better way to celebrate Dad's birthday than with a round of golf, a slap up meal and a homemade very-chocolatey cake!

What started of as a typical nasty wet winter morning, turned out quite sunny and pleasant.
Dad was a master golfer in his day, having won a number of trophies, prizes and cash in competitions. Himmat and I would trotter along as his caddies, well not quite, his golf clubs were twice the size we were! But I remember it just being hours of fun in the sun, when we were allowed to tag along!

Gurch is the boss when it comes to ordering the meals at restaurants! Good food is a speciality of his, in fact, to some he is simply known as Mr Finely Tuned Tastebuds!

As far as Himmat goes, his speciality is EATING!!! (you can just make out his face, but most importantly, his large hands and nearly empty plate of food!)

The man of the match showing off his scores!

Himmat, concentrating rather hard on the ball. He is usually the champion golfer...uhum...not this time matey!!!

Kayaking Super Stud

2006-12-05T09:38:00.000Z

row row row your boat...! :o)

Choo choo train! Part 2

2006-12-04T17:36:00.000Z

Cont...

Where is the next station? No joke – I REALLY CANNOT hold out any longer! The station finally arrived, doors finally opened and I managed to stumble out. A quick survey was not promising, not a bench in site to collapse on. Next best thing, a grubby pole which I clung on to for dear life! Ahh the cool fresh morning air (be it slightly…uhum…largely polluted) rushed through my ravenous lungs. ‘Arh you aall rhight?’ inquired the American. Aha, its my Good Samaritan, finally here. ‘Yes, fine, thank you’ I managed weakly with a forced smile. Funny how everyone else did nothing but stare. But I couldn’t care less, I had bigger problems. ‘It can get prrhetty hot in there. Do you need any help?’ Oh the kindness of strangers. Thank God nice people still exist. ‘No im fine,thanks’ and with that, my little friend left. He realised I just needed a moment. There were no benches, so I was simply sprawled on the platform, this was no time for etiquette. After what seemed an eternity, the breathing slowly got back to normality. The nausea ceased. The body was gaining its strength. There will be no black out today!

I gathered my strength, shuffled off to the nearest shop and bought a Kit Kat. A good an excuse as any to get a quick bout of energy. My hands were still trembling and the man behind the counter stared at me curiously. Im sure he must have thought I was just another junkie (the area I was in does not quite have a good reputation). Fully confident I could make the next couple of stops to the office, and the bus ride + walk that would follow, I jumped back on to the next train and luckily got a seat.

And here I am, still not 100%, but at least not passed out on a cold wet platform! Thank you kind American sir – at least there is one person who will not just walk past.
What a strange experience – never happened to me before. Hmmnn…wonder what it was – still cant figure it out. Am I getting old? It is a Monday thing? Did the evil train do this? Any ideas?

Now, if only I can make sure the journey home is not as eventful!

Choo choo train! Part 1

2006-12-04T17:28:00.000Z

Choo choo train!

I left the car at home today and felt brave enough to risk the perils of public transport to commute to work. This is no mean feat, what with a (very irregular) train ride, a tube, a bus and finally a fair bit of walking to reach my destination, not to mention the signature dull grey skies and bitter winds that make London an oh so ‘delightful’ city (and you wonder why I opt for the car – im all for going green but this journey twice a day everyday is asking for trouble of the cardiac variety). Little did I know what adventure awaited me on my innocent little journey.

The voyage started harmlessly – just the usual tedious wait at all the stations, the elbows and bags threatening to create craters in squeegee body parts, the overpowering aftershave, perfume, body odour of fellow commuters and my favourite – the ‘freshie’ who just does not get the concept of ‘My Personal Space’!

Here I was, diligently reading my Harry Potter and quite impressively getting through the journey when a rather peculiar thing happened! Completely out of the blue, I broke out into a sweat and started hyperventilating. No, not because my dream car drove past! And certainly not because some cute guy jumped on next to me…im a MARRIED WOMAN (happily married, might I add)!! Good heavens, what should I do??! I can feel myself slowly loosing conscious – all I can see is blankets of black flashing before my eyes. Legs are about to fail me any minute now…what is happening to me???!! Oh Good Lord, is this the end? I promise I will never say another bad word about public transport, save me from the wrath of this evil train! The breathing is now getting more and more rapid and laboured. That didn’t work. What to do??! Do I ask for help? Do I press the ominous ‘red button’? The one that you always wanted to press – now is my chance, do it Preet, do it!! Alas, I have no energy left!

By now im in serious need of a Good Samaritan. What if I throw up on the smart lady standing beside me, ewww – nasty! I AM going to pass out if I don’t get out of this horrib……er…nice train! I NEED to get out of this train – sweat pouring down my back – muster up all your strength and move to the door, the next station is not too far (oh please let the next station not be too far) – entire body is now trembling uncontrollably – walk, slide, waddle to the door, I need support, where is the railing? Blast, a very unfriendly looking teenager is standing in front of it. I have no choice, I actually lunge for his arm. He is NOT very happy, but said nothing (thank God). Poor kid couldn’t understand why this funny little girl (er… think im supposed to qualify as a woman now, more like aunty – eek) kept tugging on his jacket! Quite funny actually – but not at the time! At the time I was cursing myself for not doing my Nitnem!

to be cont...

Dad's Birthday on Sunday!

2006-12-01T09:07:00.000Z

Hey its Dad's Birthday this Sunday 3rd Dec.
He would have been 57.

Great excuse to rummage through the old pics and have a good laugh and reminisce about the good times.
And especially good excuse to bake that very chocolaty cake that I bake on special occasions! mmmm!
Dad would have hated the cake! But hey, cake's are not cakes unless they're chocolate cakes, right?!! ;o)

2006-12-01T08:52:00.000Z

“ ‘But why couldn’t Quirrell touch me?’

‘Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn’t realise that love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign…to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something good.’ “

J K Rowling
Harry Potter
(!)

2006-11-28T16:23:00.000Z

Cue droooooling and hyperventilating!!!!!!!!!!!

Breath Preet, breeeeeath!

Akhand Jaap 10

2006-11-28T10:24:00.000Z

Boy am I getting old! My knees were ready to pop after sitting through the Akhand Jaap. But a fantastic experience and im so glad I was lucky enough to be there.

(and for those who were too far away to attend but were still viewing via live feed, you had the good seats! :o) There were so many people it was almost impossible to find a space to sit. But hopefully, next time you'll manage to be there in person)

Funky Posters

2006-11-27T09:41:00.000Z

By http://lakhvir02.wordpress.com/ from Kenya

I wana fly like a bird!!

2006-11-24T08:39:00.000Z

This is Gurch Singh Bond and his sexy apprentice Miss Bleachhead.
(Do not adjust your monitors, they are both really that black!) ;o)

Catch of the day is goochi fish! mmmm....tasty when bbq-ed! heehee!
Just look at the colour of the sea! Looks like a great big swimming pool!

Bombay Bad Boy! ;o)

2006-11-24T08:35:00.000Z

WHATS THIS???!!!! ;o)

2006-11-23T09:15:00.000Z

I can see the left hand safely tucked away in his pocket, BUT WHERE
IS THE RIGHT HAND??!! ;o)

2006-11-23T08:55:00.000Z

Wat Pho is home to the largest reclining Buddha in the world, over 46m long and covered in gold! Yes aunties, 5 TONNES of pure gold!
The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of the Buddha.
This reclining position depicts the time when Buddha left this world.

This photo doesn't do justice, he is much more impressive up front. Oh and the sleeping buddha aint too bad either! ;o)

Goochi Fan Club!

2006-11-23T08:51:00.000Z

Even the monks couldn't resist gettin a photo taken with the Gorrrrgeous Goochi! ;o)

Akhand Jaap 10

2006-11-22T08:51:00.000Z

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH.Prayer for Peace - 'Akhand Jaap' by British Sikh YouthThe world we live in today is full of conflict and suffering. In this context people can often feel helpless and anxious about what they can do. Sikh youth believe they have found some guidance in a 500 year old message from the founder of the Sikh faith Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The message is a simple one, to pray and have love and respect for humanity. In an effort to spread this message, British Sikh youth have been conducting events known as Akhand Jaap (continuous recitation) since September 11th 2001. These events have previously taken place on nine occasions around the UK, hosted by Gurudwaras in Essex, London, Middlesex and Yorkshire.At the Akhand Jaap the word Vaheguru (wonderful Lord) is sung continuously for 24 hours. The congregation is lead by various groups of 'Keertanias' from around the UK and abroad. In singing this 'Gur Mantar', even small children can join in and feel the power of congregational prayer. This youth initiative attempts to create an atmosphere in which every participating soul can benefit. Past programmes have had a tremendously uplifting effect on participants propelling them to tread the path of Sikhi.Since 2001, 'Jaap' events have grown larger and even attracted members of diverse communities. This programme has had world-wide effect, as other countries have begun emulating similar prayer events.The 10th 24 hour Youth Peace Prayer event takes place on Saturday 25th November 2006 at the Gurudwara on 18-20 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9BH. This Gurudwara is served by members of the charitable organisation - Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha. It may be noted that at this place of Sikh worship 11 day prayers to promote individual and collective peace have been held for the past 29 years.The doors of any Gurudwara are open to all. Let's pray for peace together.

Gucci Fan Club!

2006-11-22T08:35:00.000Z

He's back!!
Now comes with a gooorgeous golden chocy tan!! yum yum! ;o)

A beautiful story :o) Part 2

2006-11-21T14:29:00.000Z

cont...

He was known always for his adventurous personality while growing up. He has managed to climb a number of mountains, including Mt. Kenya. In his youth he completed the Outward Bound Course, which was a particularly hard camping expedition in Kenya. He has also run a number of marathons for charity, completed intensive courses in scuba diving, travelled around Europe and Kenya by car, learned karate and judo, the list is endless.

Dad’s one trademark was that wherever you saw him, he would always have a book in his hand. He had an obsession of reading books, be it novels or general interest books, anything he could lay his hands on! He even read my French history books that I used at school for my lessons. He must have read enough books for the whole of Britain! His current favourite author was Terry Pratchett – simply because they had similar levels of humour.
And because of all his reading, he developed quite a talent for writing some very funny little stories. He has managed to win a prize on the BBC world radio show when he sent in one of his articles. My dad had an astounding ability to write little humorous anecdotes, which he would circulate to his group of friends. All his friends would eagerly await his articles. Reading any of his sketches would leave the reader rolling on the floor with laughter! This was one of his biggest gifts, he could make anyone laugh.

Ah, good memories.

A beautiful story :o) Part 1

2006-11-21T09:10:00.000Z

Dad was born on 3rd December 1949 in Nairobi, Kenya to Amar Singh Sembi and Rattan Kaur Sembi. His father passed away when Dad was only 12. Incidentally, his father passed away on 18th July 1961, and my father departed on 18th July 2005.

Dad spent most of his life in Nairobi Kenya, where he grew up with his mother, brother and two sisters. He moved to Manchester, England in his younger days to do a degree in Civil Engineering, after which he moved back to Kenya to pursue a career in this field. He then moved to England permanently in 1997, leaving behind his own business just so he can secure a future for his children.
Isn't it amazing how much he sacrificed just so his kids could have a stable future?! It is ever so impossible to describe the amount of love and dedication he had for the two of us. There is still such a bountiful supply of his love emanating from every single object, thought and feeling associated with him.

From a very young age, he has had a keen interest in classical Indian music. He himself has played the violin and the clarinet. He learnt the violin from Sital Singh Sitara, a well known teacher in Kenya and UK. Amazingly Sitara Ji is blind, yet a master at many instruments and saw potential in my dad.
Dad has a huge record collection of all the maestros of Indian Raag. Had a particular interest in raag kirtan and made many visits to various gurdwaras around the country so as to listen to them live. He has encouraged and inspired me from a very young age to learn this classical form of Indian music. I am currently learning sitar.
Dad was a huge fan of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and was well known for it.

While in UK, dad developed an interest in Ayurvedic Medicine. He took the difficult decision of starting from the beginning and going back to university, where he spend three years completing a degree in Ayurvedic Medicine at Thames Valley University under the tutelage of Mr Gopi Warrier, from the Ayurvedic Company of Great Britain. He was a hard working student and made impressive progress in his studies. This was due to his genuine interest and passion in learning this ancient form of healing. He even spent a substantial amount of time in India to learn more about this form of medicine. I believe dad had a real talent in healing people and making them truly happy. He was willing to dedicate his life to healing people, and was always genuinely happy to see people walk away feeling better due to his healing talent. I often heard him say how happy he was seeing his patients improve in health. He would often change his personal agenda to accommodate those of his patients.

stay tuned for more exiting tales of the amazing journey of the DAD......!!

2006-11-01T09:09:00.000Z

At least I know he is in a better place...

Too Handsome!

2006-11-01T08:59:00.000Z

What a pose, eh?! :o)

Thanks!

2006-10-16T11:09:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all of you who made this wonderful evening a memorable one.

Thanks to all those who put that extra bit of hard work to make it happen, for all those who took time out to attend, for all your love and warm wishes.

Thanks again!

Sembi and Durhailay Family

Clasical Indian Concert - In Memory of My Dad

2006-10-05T09:54:00.000+01:00

Dear friends,

With Guruji's sweet blessings, a concert has been organized on 15th October at 7.30pm in honor of my Dad, to commemorate his achievements and to celebrate the joy that he spread while he was with us.

Matra have kindly organized this in dedication of my dad. Mr. Palwinder Bhamra, a good friend of my dad's will be hosting and will pay tribute to him on the day.

I know there is a cost involved, but please do make the effort to attend. It will mean so much to me if you do. This is a minimum fee that goes towards hiring the hall, organising the artists etc. None of it is profit.

You can book your tickets through myself, Himmat, Gurcharan, Ravinderpal(Rumta) or Jatinder. But please please do so as soon as possible. Just drop us an email, a comment on this blog or give us a buzz and we will either post or hand over the tickets.

Hope to see you at the concert. Please do make the effort.

Love and regards,
Sembi and Durhailay family

2006-07-02T18:13:00.000+01:00

2006-07-02T18:11:00.000+01:00

2006-07-02T18:09:00.000+01:00

2006-07-02T18:06:00.000+01:00

2006-07-02T18:03:00.000+01:00

waz diz?!

2006-07-02T17:55:00.000+01:00

2006-06-18T20:46:00.000+01:00

HE LIVES IN ME!

Happy Father's Day!

2006-06-18T20:44:00.000+01:00

Like angels...

2006-06-18T20:43:00.000+01:00

Sant Baba Pooran Singh Ji Maharaaj

2006-06-18T20:41:00.000+01:00

2006-06-18T20:36:00.000+01:00

Liv Kaur / Khushi Kaur the orchid (haven't decided on the name yet) is in full blossom now! She looks

all grown up! ;o)

On the other hand, Jeevan Kaur is looking a bit dull these days, not sure why.

2006-06-18T20:27:00.000+01:00

Orchids...a month later, and still flourishing!

Lunch...

2006-06-15T12:07:00.000+01:00

Gurcharan made me a packed lunch today:
ciabatta bread with rocket leaves, basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, mixed herbs and fresh motzarella.
YUMMY!

(isn't he adorable! ;o)

In memory of his greatness...

2006-06-05T11:36:00.000+01:00

Not sure whether I should wait to finalise things before I post anything.
I guess I just feel like I want to post my progress as I go along – which should keep me on my toes and hopefully get some good ideas/input from anyone reading the Sati blog.

July 18th 2006 will mark one year since the day Dad left for greener pastures elsewhere.
To commemorate this, with Guruji’s grace, we have come up with a few interesting (I hope) ideas.

1. Classical Concert
In his memory, we are hoping to organise a charity event to raise money for the cause that Dad so strongly believed in – free Ayurvedic treatment for those who cannot afford it.
Dad studied/volunteered at an Ayurvedic hospital in Mumbai – this will be the most appropriate charity as Dad spoke highly of the work that they are doing there.

2. Skydive
Dad was a bit of a dare devil – so I guess it would be most appropriate if I do a skydive in his memory! This will be an opportunity for individuals who are unable to attend the Classical Concert, but would like to donate money to this worthwhile cause.

Please do leave any comments/ideas – your input will be truly appreciated.

More details to follow...

Himmat Singh Sembi

2006-06-01T18:56:00.000+01:00

His name is Triple H - He is buff, he is ruff, he is tuff...and he is READY!!
Yes girls...Triple H is ready for.......MARRIAGE!

What does Triple H stand for, you ask....Handsome Holy Himmat ofcourse!
Although, to his closest friends and family he is known as Quadruple H....Handsome Handsome Holy Himmat!

(Ignore the bimbo standing next to him!)

Quadruple H has now been declared as officially.....i believe the technical term is....'On the Hunt!'

Himmat Singh Sembi

2006-06-01T18:37:00.000+01:00

This is a post I stole from Jatinder's blog: (carrying on with the theme: Himmat Singh)

I've been wating to "big" mr himmat up no my blogg for a long time, it is all about the right moment! now here it is! let me tell you a litlle bit about Himmat Singh! well first things first WHO THE HELL DOES NOT KNOW THIS GUY!!! i think everyone does from litlle ethiaopian tribe members all the way to texas ranch farms all the way to tokyo's number one buisness franchise!!! man this guy is like the yellow pages of the singhs!(my bro sais im trying to be like himmat but im still the thompson local not quite there yet)!! well theres hardly anything to say this photo says enough just look into his eyes! so much "himmat" (cheesy joke) this is the "only" guy in the world who i know that has love for anyone and everyone!! he's been an inpiration for me all since the start! when i met him we just clicked like teh same stuff etc!! LOll we literally like the same things (except our fights over whos the best raagi's ) he's my rocky, iccos, this that subway blah blah indian wedding number one food partner!! Umm waht else!! Oh and he is such a strong guy, who lives in this world and has touched many people and will continue to, but yet he is detached from us all with himself!! (no im not talkin bout him on msn)!! truely a remarkable brother and I AM SO damn glaad to know him!! Wish you all the Best PAAJI!!

and the subsequent comments are worth a read...

J4ZZY_V said...
Himmy layers is joka, a very good singh, not many like him, big him up, heart of gold, stomach lilke an elephant, dont tlet his size fool you, thei guy eats bareee rockys, lol, never treat him, he cost you a fortune, lol, one love x
4:24 PM

billy jim bob billy jim said...
and ladies hes up for grabs! if any you young beautiful single ladies like what u see then please email me! (jat lee)
2:32 PM

H! said...
OMG! what have you done oh brother dear!!!! I dont deserve such praise! I belong at the dust of your feet oh lil brother. You are the G! and I will always look up to you! :DOh yes, forgot to mention! your sooooo buff!!! I love U:D!!!
3:08 PM

jatlee said...
lol chief!! look up to me!! hahah! rememebr im shorter than you! the only one whos looking up is me from the dust of your feet!
4:52 AM

Preet said...
My two doppy brothers are exactly the same - lazy bums! heehee! ;o)Nah - Himmat is a daimond among coals with a heart so pure so gentle. My one true blessing is that he is my brother. He is truly a super sant! (shhh...dont tell him I said that)Same goes for my other brother - Mini Sant Jat! WoW! Guruji was feeling generous with me - he gave me not one but two lovely sants for bros!
5:21 AM

jatlee said...
lol! rockys valle sants!
6:14 AM

Anonymous said...
himmi you are the best of my brother in law's (being you are the only one!!) truely a great man!! an inspiration to us all!and the 'yellow pages' of the community!Gps when we goin pakwaan's???
7:18 AM

H4RV said...
Himmat Singh - what can I say? I think everyone has said it.Not often we get blessed to meet and chill with a REAL Gurmukh.
1:29 AM

H said...
Well, there is alot about me that you don't know!!!! I am like thosse things you eat which look really nice to see, but when you taste them, all horrible and nasty.So dont let the look fool you :-)!You all are the true saints, despite knowing all the filth in me, still love. Love U All! Enjoy!

http://jatlee.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_jatlee_archive.html

Himmat Singh Sembi

2006-06-01T18:34:00.000+01:00

(This was too funny I had to post it, I hope you dont mind Rumta)

Following is a comment left by someone in response to my previous post 'Himmat's sister'
http://satisembi.blogspot.com/2006/04/himmats-sister.html

Rumta said...

LOL!!!
i just had to mention something here.
Everywhere where i went in North America i came across someone who knew Himmat.
The bunda is international.
From NY to California to Seattle and vancouver. people were like 'do you know himmat' - i was like do i KNOW him?!
He's just the main man. simple.

Preet your'e very lucky to have a brother like him (and of course he's lucky to have bro like me)...lol

and of course very lucky to have sis like you!!!!

Big up to the himmat sio - east or west sembi is the best