Over a Cuppa Copy

Thank you...

2010-06-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

I never imagined the day was so near. Like, so damn near !
But it is (was) and now I am at home sleeping till 8.30, waking up to think that on a normal day my bus would have reached Tripunithura by now; at 9.30 I am having breakfast and I can't stop smiling thinking, how at this time none of you reached office and I was happily cyber scaffing! ; at 11.30 I am watching a discussion on tv and my mind wanders to the chai-time discussions we had; at 12.30 I am lunching and I know that you guys are not even hungry....every train of thought is somehow leading to that little space we so fondly called our own, where we laughed, giggled, argued over silly stuff and did everything but work. Ok, I am exaggerating. There were times when we worked. ;)

I won't say it's bad sitting at home doing nothing. I am kind of enjoying it. But it is also true that I am missing a lot of stuff. I guess I must get straight to the point of this post, which is very simple. I want to thank you guys for being there, for loving me, for giving me opportunities for personal and professional growth (that last line is right outta my rsg. letter, but I mean it), for being true friends. I would be sinning if I do not write something nice about each one of you here. So here it is, from the depths of my heart...

Expresso aka RGB: I have never met anyone who can actually look 'perfection' in the eye and say 'I personify you'. RGB is a perfectionist when it comes to her work. You would overlook it- a spot on the design with a darker tint, an almost invisible line running around a nmemonic, a slight change in the tone of the copy, a broken link, a spelling mistake...the list goes on. On a personal level, she's the most chilled out person you would have ever met. No pretences, unnecessary flourishes, ego, attitude or bossiness. A friend who lends you a willing ear no matter how silly the subject you are talking about, who has a hundred interesting tales to narrate (re-re-re-replay sometimes..hihi), who encourages, motivates and inspires. I pray to God that everyone gets a boss like her. But I guess the Lord is busy. Wonder if He would entertain such requests. I can already sense that there would be none like you in the future. You have spoilt me for sure! Love you!

KK aka Holy Lama: Truth, righteouness, knowledge, goodness, spirituality...these words resonate when I say the words Holy Lama. The fact that it has little or nothing to do with what you really are (fun, funny, naughty), is something I choose to shrug off. You definitely are my holy guru. Who do I turn to for advice in times of distress, who shows me the inside of her palm with the tip of the thumb and index finger touching each other, saying All izz well, who mesmerizes me with that halo around the head (a trick of the light of course), and who, finally who, smiles that wicked smile and mouth that funny hash-push accent, making all woes disappear into thin air? Who? Who? Who? Of course, YOU! What would our office have been, without a soul like you? KK is just the person to go to when your spirits are low, hopes hit rock bottom and when the world seems unjust and unfair. Speaking to her you will realize, just how trivial your own mental problem is. ;)
Well, take this. KK is the only person on the face of this earth who will laugh heartily at a jibe like this. Sporty, thy name is Lama. :) Your are kids are lucky to have a mom like you around. I have never said this to you but I feel obliged to share the details of my day with you. Somehow, narrating them to you makes me feel great. I love the way you talk, yes, I do. :) I love you. Miss our non-stop chattering :(

Latte aka Novice Writer: You made the process of settling in easy. No, that's an understatement. You made me realize that it was not important to know a person for a hundred years to be able to call them your best friend. The best thing about you is that you are sensitive, which makes you sensitive to other's feelings. You can never hurt a person. Intentionally or unintentionally. You are crazy enough to have dreams where vampire attacks turn you into a rabid dog, where ants where pants and where all the books that you have read and not read, form a frightening collage! In you I found another sister, a friend for life. :) I love you. You have a bright creative spark and please, please, please, don't let it die down. Fuel it, nurture it and I see you going places. Literally and otherwise. :) I have not even said half of what I feel about you but I must say this, you really mean a lot to me.

Well, so that's that. This is what I feel. Before I get too emotional and all that let me round off saying that I was destined to meet you people. That's why I also call myself Destiny's child. Because so far, my destiny has taken me to people and places I have loved. Wish me luck dear friends, I hope my destiny continues riding this good tide....

-Cappuccino

Untitled Document(Can't think of another title!)

2010-03-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

Scene: Office
Four copywriters working efficiently & professionally (ahem)
Espresso: Gals, I am going for ‘some meeting or the other’
Gals (turning their heads): OK! Great! Tataaa!
Exit Espresso

After sometime
KK:Gals, I am going for lunch
Gals (turning their heads again): OK! Tataaaa!
Exit KK

(Pretty quiet day for the gals, eh?)

After some more time…
TDing TDing Ting Ting TingtingtinGGG....

It is Cappuccino’s mobile
Cappuccino: Hello! Where are you? Ok, I will be there in a minute
Latte’s ears suddenly become alert.
Cappuccino: A friend of mine is waiting outside to see me. I will be back after sometime. Don’t miss me…
Latte: Alright, I won’t. Tataaaaa..
Exit Cappuccino

Latte is all alone, working energetically. It is all very quiet…Spooky, Eerie... A strong wind barges in, which reminds Latte of all the spooky stories she has read… An owl hoots in the distance and a bat... No,no, shouldn’t get carried away now...Where was I?? Ah, yes…

Latte feels lonely. Why had they all left her alone? Life is cruel, she thinks. Tears of self-pity did not well up in her eyes. Thank God for that…And then..

KK glides in

KK: Where is Cappuccino?
Latte, knowledgeably: Oh, she has gone to meet her friend. Will be back soon. Asked not to miss her and all that.
KK: Ok, cool.

Back to work.

After even more time
Cappuccino storms in with a shopping bag like a super fast express train.

Cappuccino: Am I in trouble? Did I take long?? Have I lost my job???
Latte: Yea, you are in trouble, girl. The Boss called three or four times asking where you were!

Cappuccino feels at ease on cleverly noting the subtle voice modulations in Latte’s speech. Latte does not ask about the contents of the mysterious shopping bag. Something was going on. She could tell.

Cappuccino: It was a friend from Bangalore. We went to shop to buy some stuff. And I had forgotten to take my purse and thank God she did not forget her purse as well...And we had a great time and...yea, that’s it.
Latte: You shopped real fast!
Cappuccino: Yea, we sure did!

In a matter of minutes

Espresso trots in and looks at all the faces to make sure that no trouble had brewed in her absence. Seeing nothing but robotic beings, she settles down.
Latte: So how was the meeting?
A blank expression.
Espresso: The meeting? Oh, yes, it went fine. Buttered them good!
Cappuccino slowly faces Espresso like a guilty child.
Cappuccino: Er..Ma’am, I went out to see my friend during your absence.
Espresso:Really? And you did not ask my permission! Once I am out of office you all slip out, eh? Not acceptable, not acceptable!

Another sheepish smile.

More work. More silence…

Soon Latte wakes up…that is to say…Latte notices hushed voices behind her and turns to see what was going on. The three gals are smiling at her and is handing over the mysterious shopping bag to her. Latte looks like an Untitled Document as partial understanding hits her like a thunderbolt.

Latte: But…Why? What? You…
Cappuccino: This is your farewell gift. Surely, you did not think we would let you go without a gift, did you?
Latte: But…
Cappuccino: The mysterious Bangalore friend was none other than Espresso. She came back to the office after the meeting, called me, and both of us went to get you this.
Espresso: We did not want it to look suspicious so we left KK behind…
KK: We planned the whole thing over the phone. I think we pulled the whole thing off quite nicely.

Latte: Nicely?? You deserve the Academy Award for the best actresses!!!!!
The gals glows in triumph.
Gals: What are you waiting for? Open it!!

The beautiful gift wrap had hidden Joseph Heller’s Catch-22, An Anchor Quick Stitch Kit and a really sweet card + a special gift from Cappuccino.

Latte: Thank you so much gals! I am going to miss you so much…
Gals: We are all going to miss you too….
An emotional moment…

[Latte after being relieved from her job as Copywriter set to work on the Quick Stitch Kit. As for the three gals, they went on with their work in their dear old office and can be seen in the premises even now….]

The End
Hell, no, I will be around. Can’t get rid of me that easily :-)

Latte

Another year

2009-12-30T04:58:00.000-08:00

Just one more day and the curtains come down on 2009. A year that has changed much, at work, at home and for the world. Looking back it brings mixed emotions. Let's just take a test of how much we recall... Just simple stuff. Answer Yes or No.

1. Do you remember what you wore on 01.01.2009?

2. Do you remember how many times you called or mailed your parents this year?

3. Do you remember the great bargain sale you missed?

4. Do you remember how many times you said you are going to buy a new car?

5. Do you remember how many times you thought you might not have the job by end of year?

6. Do you remember how remember how lucky you are to live in a secure country?

If you answered more than 4 Yes, What are you doing here? Tell Guiness Records about your memory power.

If you answered in more 'Nos', stay put. It's just another year.

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Cuppa Copy Lingo

2009-12-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Some new words, phrases, sounds and expressions by yours truly, that just might find an entry in the Oxford Dictionary some day:

Klipithiri: Referring to a small twist or problem
Tsuna / Tsunapi: Thing
Fool of a guy / Moron of a guy: When the person alluding to is an absolute fool or moron
Is he dumb or is he dumb?: When the person on the other end pretends to be a real dumbass
Shing: That easy
Tapping the head or chin, twirling the tresses: Thinking
Rolling the eye: Warning
Don't you dare: Warning again
Dusht Kumari: Cruel Girl
Vyaaj Kumar: A con guy, or someone who cannot be trusted
Santhosh Kumar: Happy Guy
Ksheen Kumar: Tired Guy
When to use the word 'Funny': When you want to refer to someone or something as different, ugly, awkward, bad or just plain 'funny'. Sometimes can be used as a word filler, when you run out of words, and still come clean.
Fooling around: Again a sort of filler, where you can say 'fooling around' for just about anything without really meaning 'fooling around'.
'Ga' Shape: In malayalam the letter 'ga' resembles the letter 's' when horizontally tilted at 90 deg. It refers to the condition of a person when physically unwell (a combination, or otherwise, of headache, neck-ache, backache, leg-ache etc)
La-la-la-la-la: (in a sing-song) If something needs to be done with a flourish, like write poetically or la-la-la-la-la!
Dishkyaeow: The sound says it all!
Zokka: Fatso task /thing/person
No Raksha: No hope
Ithian Bothamless: A person who has no common sense ('Botham' in malayalam means sense)
'Meim' (as in gori 'meim') - 'Maam' with a twist (and a dollop of butter for maska-fying) ;)

Mannerism: A study

2009-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

A very serious study has been conducted on mannerism. The results were..erm rather amusing.

Aim: To find out the types of mannerisms in the selected specimens and to notify general public of the existence of such rare species!
Specimen: Espresso, KK, Latte, Cappuccino
Time taken: Hmm
Request: Don’t kill poor Latte, gals!!

Espresso

Her famous jingle: lala lala la...when she wants to say something she simply goes...you know... lalalala... eg: “You can go lala lala la on that content’ - Meaning you can take your time on writing the content. (Heard that there is a recent remix version of it..hmmm..)
When she is hungry she makes actions of nibbling....always reminds Latte of a rabbit
Rolling eyes, straight-lipped smile, the biting-finger-nails action, the running action (ha, classic), the ‘boss’y stare (oooh scary!)- and SO MANY indescribable actions! Phew!

Sometimes bursts out laughing making every head turn
Likes to do a dance by moving her hands to and fro, sometimes accompanied by appropriate jingles
Likes to singgggg!! (Refer another post for a detailed description)
Taps her chin with her fingers when in meditation or when she has just heard/ said something that requires thinking

Cappuccino

Has the habit of saying “Yikes...Such a shame!!” whenever and wherever she thinks appropriate
Narrows her eyes and gives a smile when she is in absolute disbelief
Likes to add a ‘Tishyavu’ (Or something like that) for effect sometimes..like in a Bruce Lee movie..
Likes to say “I am feeling scared” especially when Latte starts cracking un-laughable (Is that a word??) jokes

Latte

Nods her head vigorously to let people know that she agrees with them completely and wholly
Likes to twirl her hair when at the heights of absent-mindedness
Sometimes tries to look at people with spectacles at the tip of her nose (Ah curse the specs!)
Yea, Ok, likes to be a cry baby!! eeeeeeeheeeee

Observations: Specimen exceeded all expectations. This is Nobel Prize material, people!

Bang on!

2009-11-22T01:36:00.000-08:00

Around 130 employees sat at their desks looking straight into the monitor. The only sound heard was the tik-tik-tik as fingers ran over the keyboards and the click-click-click of the index fingers on the mouse. The usually noisy Creative Department was unusually quiet as KK, Latte and Cappuccino sat thinking-typing-thinking-typing at their seats. Espresso was on leave and so her seat lay empty, the computer switched off.

BANG BANG BANG BANG! THUD THUD THUD THUD! The ‘computerish’ silence was suddenly broken.

Around 100 employees got up from their seats and looked towards the canteen from where the noise seemed to be coming. Yes, we have around 30 employees who seldom look beyond their computer screens, codes or programs. For them, no distraction is a distraction. God bless them! It takes all types….Ok…I am going into unnecessary details.

A few guys ran to the spot where the noise was coming from. We all stood there, watching the drama unfold. Latte looked alarmed. Cappuccino looked anxious. KK wanted to go with the investigating team but Latte and Cappu held her back.

After a few moments, we saw one of the big bosses (lets call him x) striding out of the canteen area with a frazzled look. His hair was slightly disheveled (mm…we couldn’t tell actually, he has close-cropped hair, you see) and his shirt was not completely tucked in. Out came another guy (the one who sets our computers right whenever there is a virus attack or something of the sort) with an equally fatigued look. Now, his hair was really ruffled and his face looked like he had received a blow. X strode off into the biggest boss’s room and the computer mechanic went out off the office. The investigating team was seen coming out with an exhausted look too.

'Fight scene! Fight scene!’ KK squeaked.

'What fight scene?’ asked Latte and Cappuccino

‘The mechanic and X had a fight! Isn’t that obvious? You didn’t see them coming out?’ KK said. She went on, ‘See X has gone in to complain to the boss and the mechanic he went out, right?’

Latte and Cappuccino nodded wildly.

'Now, I know where he has gone.’ ‘I know, I know.’ KK repeated so that Latte and Cappuccino would ask her ‘Where oh where?’ It worked.

‘Where oh where?’ chorused Latte and Cappu.

‘He has gone to write his resignation letter. Just wait and watch.’ KK chanted.

We saw the mechanic guy coming in and yes, he had a neatly folded sheet in his hand!!!!

‘See, see, what did I say?’ KK said triumphantly

Latte and Cappu swallowed hard. A fight (mm…physical) had never broken out in the office. It was surreal. Almost Hindi movie-like.

One of the guys of the investigating team sits next to Latte. He reached his desk. Keeping her eyes glued on to X and the mechanic who walked towards each other, in slow-motion, Latte asked the investigating team member, ‘What was it about?’

X and mechanic were now just a few feet away.

'Oh that..’ he said…

‘Oh what?’ Cappu, Latte and KK asked

X and mechanic were a few inches away now.

‘X got locked inside the bathroom; mechanic was trying to get him out. We helped him open the door.’

KK, Latte and Cappuccino stood there with their mouth slightly open. They must have looked very foolish indeed for the guy who broke (read spoiled) the news to them let out an amused chuckle.

The three of them looked on as X and mechanic came face-to-face; smiled at each other; X put a hand around mechanic’s shoulder in a thankful gesture and they walked towards the canteen.

Latte and Cappuccino sank into their seats and Cappuccino asked, ‘then what was that paper? Sheesh…what fools we are!’

KK narrowed her eyes, kept staring at the duo that walked into the canteen and said, ‘I think I know what the paper is…’

One vexed look from Cappu and Latte, and KK was back on her seat thinking-typing-thinking-typing….

- Cappuccino

Compare Notes

2009-10-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

“Hello, we’re planning a get together. Come along. We can relive the good old times”, boomed Mr. Achuthan from the other end.

“Why not? Who else is coming”, asked Dad.

“Oh! The Menons, the Arvindakshans, the Nalinakshans, The Sudhakarans and the Surendrans.”

“And Hemachandran?”

“No. His mother in law is not doing fine.”

“Let me call him up”

Before I go further, this presumed get together was for some retired fellows most of them free with kids married and settled in far off places within India or in some foreign country.

“Hello, Hemachandran? Ah! Why are you not coming over for the get together? You ask your brother in law to manage for a day, no?”

“Eeek! Should one bother?”

“Bother about what?”

“What can we do? A pack of oldies who can’t drink or smoke or eat their fill? Compare notes on how much sugar one has or pressure? Or talk about the pains and aches? Iam not coming!”

Dad broke out laughing. A call to Hemachandran always makes you laugh.

KK's singing mania

2009-10-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

KK: Aee mere...humsafar..........(singing)

Cappuccino looks up from her computer

Cappuccino: Did you say something?

KK: No, I was singing..Didn’t you hear?

Cappuccino: Er..No..not really

KK: Aee mere...humsafar..........Ek zaaaaraaaaaaaaaa
Cappuccino smiles weakly. Latte manoeuvres towards the duo.

Latte: What is happening here? Why are you talking like that KK? And that too in Hindi?

KK: [With a look of disbelief on her face] What?? I AM SINGING!

Latte: [Looking alarmed] Really??

KK: Of course!!!! Listen.. [Resumes singing]
Latte and Cappuccino exchange troubled glances. Espresso approaches.

Espresso: Girls, come on, we can have tea

Cappuccino and Latte: YES! [Scramble to their feet and walk fast towards the cafeteria with KK right behind]
Everyone with their cup of tea. Tranquillity. Everyone entranced by the silence.
Suddenly...

KK: Aee mere...humsafar..........Ek zaaaaraaaaaaaaaa...

Latte and Cappuccino: OH NOOOO!!!

Espresso: What the hell!!!!

KK: [Ignores everyone’s looks and continues singing and taps the glass with the ring on her finger, in tune with the song]

Espresso: What happened to you?

KK: [Stops suddenly and looks Espresso up and down] Why? Can’t I sing??

Espresso: No, if it is like this, you can’t!

Cappuccino: If you stop singing, we will buy you anything you like!

KK: [Slightly interested]Really? Like what?

Latte: Hmm..peanuts??

KK: Peanuts??? Couldn't you have offered me something better??

Latte gives her classic sheepish grin.

KK:[Who had a generous mind] Ok, then I will stop singing..And I won’t be cracking any jokes either. Let us see how you survive when I am quiet.. And get me the peanuts...[Mumbling] Hmph can’t even give me a good deal..

Cappuccino:[With a look of relief] Ok, cool!
[KK keeps her promise. After some quiet minutes, everyone gets this feeling that something is not quite right.]

Espresso: Ok KK, stop it! You sing or talk or do whatever you like...

KK: AHA! GREAT! I knew it! This is the deal I am talking about

Cappuccino: [To Latte] I will put on my ear plugs

Latte: And I will assume that somebody is talking to herself

KK: Aee mere...humsafar..........Ek zaaaaraaaaaaaaaa...
[Espresso shakes her head and gulps down the tea]

-Latte

Humour strikes a chord with joblessness and absolute boredom

2009-10-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

We’re trying hard to laugh. Well, most of the time. We think if we’re not funny, or if we don’t understand if someone else is funny, we’re not part of the “team”.

We strike animated conversations (exaggerated expressions and hand gestures) assuming that we’re visible only to the equally mad teammates and invisible to the rest of the office.

We fish for comments (read compliments), both offline and online. Offline, by trumpeting our day’s achievements…errr…tasks (which goes like – “my maid’s away and I had to get up early to prepare breakfast and lunch for my daughter” – and I pray they don’t ask “what did you make” – but they do – and I had to cough up the truth with a sheepish grin – “cheese sandwich for breakfast, cheese & shredded chicken sandwich for lunch” – and shredded chicken was the leftover-reheated version of my maid’s chicken dish, btw!). Online, by literally taking out a begging bowl and loafing from one blog to another, leaving traces of our footprints, so that they trace it back to ours and leave a nice comment, whether they like it or not.

Coming back to the topic of humour and how it connects with joblessness and boredom…The recession did it, I tell you. We were neck deep in work until then. We took the fourth person on board, because we couldn’t handle the endless jobs that came in with deadlines like “yesterday”. And then, recession came in. After which, new work hardly came in.

The joblessness is driving us up the wall. We’re sinking deep into boredom. Most often, we go searching for matchsticks to keep our eyes open, especially after lunch time. Now we’re waiting for the teeny-weeny morsels (any job – even if it’s just editing content) to be thrown our way, like wet-behind-the-ears puppies, eager to lap up anything that comes our way.

We throw in the humour just to keep our spirits up. We laugh at pretty much anything, even if remotely funny. I make funny faces & funny sounds (they join in) and narrate incidents at home – which primarily revolve around my 2 children (presuming that “they” are enjoying every minute of it). The 2 big time dreamers of the team narrate weird dreams and nightmares with each or any of us playing the weirdest part in it and I naively ask “how do you remember your dream so distinctly, when try as much as I do, fail to bring even 1 dream successfully to the table?”. She sings, nay croons, nay raps …jeez, I give up…she thinks she sings and expects a standing ovation. We keep the spirit up. We play our part. We give her a standing ovation. We laugh. We disperse. But we’re back after the short break. To continue our long, jobless, boring day with our self-amusing jokes, dreams, stories, songs…and other such nonsense.

-Espresso

A note to the boss: We’re not really jobless. Please do not throw us out of our jobs. We’re actually researching websites to improve our writing skills (like hell!).

To the girls: I was just trying to be funny!

To others: I’ve hyped up the ‘joblessness’ and ‘boredom’ bit - a bit, to make it sound a bit exciting. We’re not really that jobless, maybe just a bit.

Rolling pins

2009-10-05T23:05:00.000-07:00

It’s a small world. Everything and everyone is related to one another in ways more than one. Let’s just take the case of the rolling pin. Used universally in kitchens, this unassuming invention has found many uses.

For making Rotis, pancakes, etc: Very useful info, isn’t it?
As a Perfect stopper to drain cooked rice when used with a small cup.
For Getting your way:At home, you can always use this gadget to get your way. Just threaten to send as missile to anyone who has a different idea.
For the Keralite:One can always use it to push the steamed puttu out.( a delicacy steam cooked in longish container)
And for Content writing: If you are given a line like the company is into logistics, you meditate and chant the Rolling pin mantra. And lo and Behold- you have a whole page of profile ready, spread from the wisp of information.

What in the name of God does a copywriter do?

2009-09-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

It’s a question I have been asked umpteen times. And it’s a question I am not particularly fond of. No, I am not in the habit of snubbing people off but circumstances compel me to answer that particular question with my eyebrows furrowed, with a tone that comes somewhere between a snarl and an irritated shriek and a look that tells wise people to back off.

You may think I am a zombie gone paranoid. But listen to the precise way the question is framed for me. May be you will empathize.

Someone: What do you do?
Me (Creased brow, shaky voice, suspicious look): I am a copywriter

Someone (looks amused. Giggles, shows all of his/her teeth and asks as if he/she has just deciphered the Da Vinci Code), ‘Haha…You copy and write. Right?’

I am going to call him Ignorant Fool now.

Me (Takes a deep breath, smiles fake, takes a deep breath again): No. We write original copy.

Ignorant Fool: Ha Ha! Hi Hi! How can copy be original? (Another fit of laughter)

Me (Sound of my teeth cracking): I mean we write content. Content for websites, print ads, brochures or whatever.

Ignorant Fool (Slightly enlightened expression): Oh…ok…I get it now…

Me (Eyes light up): Yes…now you know! (May be I should just call him ignorant.)

Ignorant (The doubtful look is back on his face): So, it must be an easy job? Right?

Me (What-in-the-world look): Easy?! Depends on how creative you are! (May be I must stick to Ignorant Fool)

Ignorant Fool: Hahahahaahhahaahhahaa……….Oh my…haha…how can you..hahaha (He is laughing so much that he cant stop the drool drops he is spraying around)

Me (What’s-tickling-you-so-much-you-@#$%&* look): What?

Ignorant Fool: What is so…haha...creative…haha…about typing in content?

Me: I DON’T JUST TYPE IT! I WRITE THE REAL THING YOU DUMBASS!!!

Most foolishly ignorant person on earth: Arrey! Don’t get so hyper. You should have told me earlier that you take down what is given to you and then type it on the keyboard.

Me: (Wonders if he thinks that content is self generated from the computer, before fainting and hitting the ground hard)

PS: The title is not actually about the question 'someones’, ignorants, ignorant fools or most foolishly ignorant persons on earth' have. It is the question we copywriters have: ‘What in the name of God does a copywriter do... when he/she is asked the most insulting questions about his/her profession?’

Cappuccino

Not homesick, never

2009-09-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

This was part of our over-a-cuppa discussion this evening. As usual, we were talking about this and that, and I'm not sure how it all got started, but here is how it went...

Me: When I was in the NCC, I attended the RD (Republic Day) Camp at Delhi, which was a month long camp.

Others: Listening (maybe wondering...oh no! not again!!)

Me: Almost at the fag end of the camp I got this telegram from my father. My camp commandant & superiors were all worried and called me over immediately. They were anxiously waiting for me to tear it open and read the contents. There were just 3 words printed on it. DEAD OR ALIVE?

Others: What?

Me: I hadn't written or called my parents in the almost 1 month period that I had been in the camp. My camp superiors were furious. They got me to write a long letter to my folks back at home right in front of them, just in case I changed my mind when I got back to the bunker.

Others: One month and you didn't write or call them? No wonder your dad sent you that telegram.

Me: That's me. When I get out of home, I'm in my own world. And I presume everybody else thinks that I'll do fine and leave me alone. But that's not how this world works. Some day, I'll mend my ways. Maybe, when my kids grow up and do the same with me!

- Espresso

Angel in disguise

2009-09-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

Long, long ago...when I just started to walk, and maybe when I realized that my legs could actually take me wherever I please...my life played out like a nightmare.

My dad was deputed on the auditing job, so we literally travelled country-wide back then - Dad, mom, sometimes my sis, and myself (My sis and I were just 1 year apart. As it was difficult to manage 2 little kids in unknown places on her own, mom left my sis back at her parents' place - in Calicut during this trip). It was some place in Andhra Pradesh, if I remember right. We didn't know the local language (Telugu). Dad & Mom managed with English and the spatter of Hindi they knew.

It was just a week in this new place. My mom rubbed oil over my whole body and left me for maybe about 5 minutes to get some hot water for the bath. Meanwhile, I ventured out of the bathroom. Reached the gate, opened the lock and wandered around the entrance (Not sure what exactly happened here, because this is a third person account that I am relating here).

Our milk-maid was walking down our lane to deliver milk at our house, when she saw this stranger carrying me and walking in the opposite direction. He didn't look related to us and she'd never seen him in the vicinity before. By instinct, she realized there was something wrong. She immediately approached him and enquired who he was, how he was related to me and where he was headed with me in his arms...He fumbled for words. She smelt it right away. She threatened to report him to the police unless he handed me over to her immediately. He couldn't get himself to say anything, since this was out of the blue. He expected to get away scotfree. He did eventually. But at least he was frightened enough to put me down and make his escape while he could.

Back at home, my mom was all anxious and wondering where I had vanished. Her eyes were welling with tears and flooding down her cheeks. She didn't know what to do. The Bank Manager came down and consoled her saying they'd do everything they could to help find me. And then, the milk-maid made a grand entry, with me in her arms. She narrated the whole incident. My mom thanked her profusely , thanked God and everybody around. It was a miracle indeed. My angel in disguise!

I still wonder what would have happened to me if the milk-maid hadn't come there that very moment . He would have probably whisked me away, pulled out an eye or two, given me a begging bowl and sent me out in the streets to beg. It's big business I hear. It happens, really! Hundreds of children are , this very moment. It's sad, but it's the truth. Wish we could do something to stop this horrendous crime!

- Espresso

Management of Change

2009-09-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

"Change is inevitable. Your strength and ability lies in adapting and assimilating as much as you can and delivering according to the changed needs", went on the management guru.

The company had arranged a management class for us. And this exceptional talk was I the post lunch session. Dozing off was not possible because it was a small room and there were only about ten of us from the creative division.

“ We are in the service industry and we can survive only if we meet the customer’s demands. Customer satisfaction is a must”, he droned on.

I was just thinking the type of writing that is expected of us sometimes and how we dread to stoop to that standards. But the next day at office, everyone was game to giving it a try- to change.

So we decided to make a change in our spoken English first and then carry it forward to our written English.

Espresso: let’s in the do.

Latte: yes yes

Cappucino: Change is in the us

Myself :My head is in the circle

Espresso: What?

Myself: My head is in the circle

Cappucino leans over to read something on my desktop and: She is in circle and Iam in the runs

Latte(giggling): Sheesh. You in the go there.

Espresso: Me going meeting moron

Myself: me the thirsty

Suze floats in. “Is that interface ready?”, she asks

We blink. We don’t understand.

She asks again.

She hasn’t changed. The management class has not affected her.

“Tell me when it is ready” and drifts off again

Cappuccino looks at the time, “ Oh no. I see butt of bus”

Myself offers, “ Iam the droppings”
And then corrects, “ Iam in the dropping”

What do you suggest? Is change good?

An English Lesson: Copywriters exploring new possibilities

2009-09-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Scene: Office. Four copywriters busily working...

Latte reads a ‘mega special’ (meaning, absolutely horrendous) content (something like this) from a client, rolls her eyes, is dumbstruck and passes the said content to KK, Espresso and Cappuccino for inspection.

[After a few minutes]

Cappuccino: Yikes...Such a shame!!

KK gives that extra special smile reserved exclusively for such occasions

Espresso rolls her eyes, raises her eyebrows to full extent, tilts her head to one side and has a painful straight-lipped smile... (Don’t ask me to explain, I am not very good at explaining)
In short, pure shock reflects every copywriter face...

Espresso: Girls, Why don’t you learn to write like this?

Silence...Shock...

Espresso: I guess everyone expects us to ‘upgrade’ our copywriting skills to this....level

Latte: Yea, It is like we should learn their language

Cappuccino: Best! [Heavy sarcasm]

KK still remains silent and brings together the fingertips in her right hand, holds it above her head and taps her scalp with it... indicating a deeply meditative mood

Latte looks from one person to another like watching a tennis match (Ok, with the exception that there are actually three people involved)

KK: So much ‘klipithiri’ (KK dictionary definition: major problem) there...How do people manage to write like that?

Espresso: I know! This is outrageous!

Latte nods vigorously

Latte: Oh my! Did you actually hear my neck crick?

Cappuccino: No surprise there! The way you were shaking your head!

Espresso: [Takes charge before the gals get distracted by Latte’s story of pains and aches] This calls for drastic measures! From now on we will try to learn their language!

Cappuccino: Like, if we have to write about India, we will say, “India is a country. There are people here. We are all very happy here.”

KK: No, not like that...”India are the countries. We are the peoples and we are in the exploding with happiness!!”

Cappuccino: Oh! I get it...”We is the country! India the beautifullest in the countries! People here is wonderfuls and beautifuls!!

Latte: Good God!!!!

Espresso: You is in the correct road gals..A brightest futures stopping for you!!

Cappuccino gives the classic look when she is in disbelief, with lips and eyes narrowed.

Latte: Oh God! Please help, God!

[Disclaimer: Yea, we are not the authority on the English language, but it is too darn difficult to put up with senseless writing! Sigh...Expecting some sincere sympathy here...Sigh]

Try This

2009-09-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

Clue: Open Up
Alphabets 5
Middle letter Y

It was another day when work was less. Recession had made us crossword enthusiasts @ dictionary.com. But this was a bit tough.

Cappuccino: Let’s try the vowels in first cell. a, e, i, o and u. The cell remained yellow

Latte: Let’s try the other across clues

Espresso(reads): Said sheepishly 5 letters, first letter B

Latte: Must be Bleat

Cappuccino keys in l and cell shows yellow.
Silence

KK: It is Baawed

Espresso: Yeah, right

Capuccino obediently types in with Latte looking on amusedly
And Voila its right.

Rrring, the phone rings. Espresso attends while others go on pondering over the crossword

Latte: So now we have the second letter too…
Clue: Open Up
Alphabets 5
Second letter A
Middle letter Y

Everyone thinks hard but no aswers.
KK: What’s the last across? ( Reads) This and …
Latte: That

Cappuccino: So we have the last letter also H
Clue: Open Up
Alphabets 5
Second letter A
Middle letter Y
Last letter H

Espresso is done with the call of speaking to some moron and explaining to him some silly thing. She joins.
Espresso: Did you girls get it?
Cappuccino: Not yet
Latte: what’s the first across( reads) Solomon the
Cappuccino Wise

So now we have
Clue: Open Up
Alphabets 5
First letter: S
Second letter A
Middle letter Y
Last letter H

What? Disbelieving Cappuccino starts the vowel test. And it is
CAN YOU BELIEVE?!!!

SAYAH
Cappuccino wore her classic"Don't tell me" look.
And this time too, KK missed to shoot her pose.

That was the last time we thought that Crossword helped vocabulary

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me…

2009-09-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it happens after you are married to someone who doesn’t understand why we need to celebrate birthdays at all!

Birthday was a special day for us, back at home. My mom used to bake us delicious cakes (yum-scrum!), with all the frills and to top it all – with the icing on top (Happy bday da, da, da…) for each of our birthdays. The whole process of preparation was itself fun (My sis & I, under the premise of helping mom with the baking, help with eating the cherries, cashews, raisins and even lick up the leftover batter and the icing instead!). And on the d-day, mom used to play the tape with the birthday song (the same that we’ve listened to for as long as I can remember) – the birthday baby (dad, mom, sis or myself) gets to make a wish, blow the candles, cut the cake and resume our otherwise routine day. We used to get each other surprise gifts – big or small didn’t matter – it was the gesture that was all important.

Now after marriage and two kids, it’s only these fond memories that remain. I try to (first) gently remind my hubby almost a month back…

Me: (clearing my throat) my birthday’s coming up (again, clearing my throat) what do you plan to get me this time around?!
Hubby: Well, you’ve got a car, you’ve got a card…go ahead, buy anything you want!
Me: What do you mean? You’re supposed to buy me something as a gift!
Hubby: Ok, what do you want?
Me: I dunno. You’re supposed to come with an idea. Buy anything you think I’ll like.
Hubby: Phew! How about a watch? Or how about some gold ornament? That would be an investment as well!
Me: There you go again! Thinking of making an investment rather than buying me a gift.

It’s the same story every year. But I’m not giving up. Try and try until you succeed, they say. Put on the long face, it helps sometimes. He gave in last year. Bought me a solitaire. This year, I grabbed an outfit (for once, I didn’t care about the price tag!). Today, I’m dressed in it. Because…it’s my birthday!

Thank you,
Espresso

More on Onam

2009-09-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

After the Onam celebrations in our office...

KK: Wow! It feels like Onam is finally here!

Latte: Yea, that is true

Espresso: Yea, so why so sad??

Latte: Because I am in a holiday mood now and tomorrow is a working day!!

Cappuccino: Lazy girl!

Latte grins

KK: So what all plans for Onam, gals? I will be going to my native place

Three gals: Me too…

Cappuccino: Did the Onam shopping? Onakkodi (New clothes that are given as presents for family members) and everything?

KK:Yes, we finished that part..The shops were all so crowded!!! It seemed everyone in the city had become shopaholics!

Espresso: I know! Going to the city is more or less a nightmare now

Latte: For some peace and quiet, we should visit places outside the towns and cities… So tranquil and peaceful…And there Onam celebrations are so different…with Pookkalam (Floral carpet), Thiruvathirakali (a dance form), Pulikkali (another dance form in which people dress up like tigers) and Onasadya (Onam feast with rice, many varieties of curries, payasam (sweet desserts)) … yummy…Here we don’t have time for anything... Too busy running about…

Espresso: Onasadya is one of the best parts of an Onam celebration

KK: And the Pookkalam!

Cappuccino: Yes, of course... The floral carpet we had at our office was simply gorgeous!

Latte: Gosh I remember setting up a pookkalam with flowers from the garden in my grandparents’ house…

KK: Surely we can’t do that now... Nobody has gardens now and the only option is buying flowers…

Espresso: Say, does anybody actually bother putting a pookkalam in their houses nowadays??

Latte: Well..No…Hmm... The competitions and pookkalams at offices and other public places are all that is left…

Cappuccino: And of Onam, the programmes in Asianet channel and the announcements like ‘Thiruvonadina special programmes, sponsored by….” over and over again

KK:Oh well, we can’t do anything about all that! All we can do is enjoy to the maximum, spend some quality time with our families and celebrate the spirit of Onam..

Espresso: And show Mahabali (It is said that Onam is celebrated every year when the great king Mahabali visits Kerala) that we are all very good even now:-)

Cappuccino: O…K..that remains to be seen...

Everyone smiles

A Cuppa Onam

2009-09-01T03:18:00.000-07:00

It’s Onam! The festival is right here, right now!!!
Ok…I am overdoing the excitement but then it truly is something to rejoice about. The other day at office we celebrated Onam. And boy! Wasn’t it fun?

All the people in our office came in the traditional Kerala attire – girls in the Kerala Saree and guys in Shirt and Mundu. Of course, there were spoil sports who gallantly walked in, in casuals giving excuses such as ‘I don’t have a matching blouse for my saree’, or ‘I woke up late’ and the worst one, ‘It’s so damn difficult’! Aaargh! If we could, why couldn’t they? Anyway, the loss was all theirs. While we gathered compliments from all directions on how lovely we looked, we could see the kill joys regretting not donning the saree. Haha! That put us at ease (evil laugh)

The sumptuous Onasadya was followed by entertainment programmes that included dumbsharade. But before that we had an ‘introduce yourself’ session for the new employees. Since Latte and I fall into that category, we were to ahem…introduce ourselves (as if no one knows us already ;) )! And it was Expresso’s and Suze’s wicked idea to convert into a mini-ragging session.

We had to pick lots and do whatever stuff was written on that fateful piece of paper. Latte and I luckily escaped with simple stuff such as saying A-Z the reverse order (which I didn’t complete! ‘Grins shamelessly’) and saying Happy Onam in some absurd order, which Latte did. Some people got ‘sing a song’, ‘dance’ etc etc, after watching which Espresso wished she hadn’t come up with the ragging idea in the first place. Ok, I am being mean here. It really was fun.

We also discovered some great talents, such as our new receptionist who looks this meek and sweet girl, but she set the stage on fire with her absolutely delightful mimicry skills. She mimicked male actors and politicians, in a way that would have put even male artists to shame. It was fab. And that is an understatement.

So all in all, it was a day filled with fun and enjoyment. Did I forget to mention the Pookalam (floral carpet)? I think I did. Well, it was all colours, wonderful designs and fragrance. That must give you an idea of how beautiful it was…

So that’s Onam at Over a Cuppa Copy. We have a couple of day’s holiday and will be back with our Onam @ home experiences soon. Till then, it is one big ‘Happy Onam’ wish from all of us to you.

On behalf of Latte, Espresso and KK,

Cappuccino

Have a wonderful Onam folks! :)

Please don’t bother…

2009-08-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

Come holidays and the usual annual round of family visits start. You walk into relatives’ homes unannounced and they come to yours. And following the rule, we went to one distant aunt’s place. There were only the two of them there- an old uncle and the aunt.

As we had barged in with no prior notice, the aunt said, “I have some nice home grown bananas and maybe your son will like it”.

I glanced at the two year old beside me and said, “Don’t bother. He doesn’t like bananas”.

“Let’s see”, said she and soon she came out with a platter of sliced bananas with a fork et al.

“I know him well. We buy bananas and it goes rotten but he won’t touch one”, I say.

The aunt takes my son on her knee and offers him a slice with the fork.

He gulps it down without hesitation. I blink

2,3,4, 5, …Soon the plate is empty and he is smiling.

“You just have to present it well” , said the aunt with a grin.

I tried it many times later with no success.

Kids, they really know how to make you look a fool.

Life is maid

2009-08-20T03:45:00.000-07:00

I spent 4 harrowing days working my ass off, back at home. My maid was away on leave, and I was left with household chores – cooking, cleaning, washing the dishes etc. Though my better half helped me with cooking, still, it was a bit exhausting for me – considering kitchen is one of the places I detest, most! I had just one fervent prayer. Lord, bring the maid back to me quick! I am weary and on my knees.

Life without a maid is hell. When I get back home after a long day at work (after picking up my 6 year old daughter from my mom’s place), I see my li’l one jumping with excitement and putting out her arms for me to pick her up. So I spend some time coochy-cooing, then put her on a walker (she doesn’t like it much!) quickly catch up with family as to what happened during the day, do the ‘survival’ cooking – just bare basic stuff – rice, curds and one side dish, feed the baby, grab a bite myself, wash the plates, clean up and then drop dead – well almost, bcoz I’d sleep like a log if not for the in-between baby feeds.

That being my routine, almost every day, I’m really grateful my maid is back. I’m thanking the heavens. Now, I can at least put up my feet and relax for a while. Not think about what to cook. Not break my back doing chores I’m not really fond of. My life is made, er…maid!

- Espresso

The Boss is always .....

2009-08-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it is a simple fill in the blanks. Come on, let's get the words: a moron, a fool, a pain, haughty. But the best still is RIGHT.
Any questions? Koi shak Koi Sawaal? Better not have one.
But as it is, us poor mortals, get carried away once a while and question the RIGHT BOSS.
Nothing gained by the exercise except that you lose whatever little privileges you had like walking in a bit late to the office.
Conditions today in most places of work are a bit taut. Just count your blessings and be happy and don't gossip and try to prove something.
Zombies. Back to work.
The lesson is THE BOSS IS ALWAYS RIGHT.
-KK

The malady of redundancy

2009-08-17T04:46:00.000-07:00

I hate doing nothing!
On some other day I might have said exactly the opposite. Opposite not in the sense that I love doing nothing, but in the sense that I hate doing everything. Now, don’t look at me as if both sentences mean the same thing. There is a slight difference there. In fact, quite an obvious one, i.e. when you look at it intently. When you say, love doing everything it means that you are….oh..ok…I got a little carried away, sorry, I won’t go on, on that. Happy?

Well…it’s been a long week, the last one. Longer still, because there isn’t anything interesting to do. And that’s the reason why I am blogging away (a month ago, I was slogging away! Come to think of it!!!). And I don’t know if the recession is to blame. Ah…let’s leave the poor thing out of this. I am sure everyone’s sick of hearing that word now.

But I am so thankful to this little, teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy, cozy-cuddly space of ours where we let down our hair, put up our feet and sit back in peace and type our way to relief. Er…the letting down the hair and putting up the feet part are used as the phrases they are meant to be. I mean, come on. We are in the office. How can we put up our feet?!

And when I am done with the blogging, I go back to work. Hit the key board and get bored(these days i.e. the story is absolutely different on hectic days). And that is when my eyes stray around. Not that there is a great scenery around but then, something is better than nothing.

I look right and there sits KK and typing intently. I crane my neck and look at her monitor. I stifle a yawn. She is lurking around our blog. Yeah, this one. I look left and I see Latte staring dazedly at the screen. I crane my neck again. Oh, she is checking the number of visits we’ve had on google analytics. Wasn’t she doing that a couple of hours ago too? Ah…whatever. I turn around and look at Espresso. Now she is doing some serious work. And then she yawns and gives me one of her animated smiles.

And she navigates her chair to a spot close to the three of us and we laugh over some stupid content we have been asked to edit. Like, ‘Resort XYZ is located on the absolute beachfront.’ Or, ‘the people of Kerala are gourmets. They not only taste different but are different in the method they are prepared.’ (Er, who? The people?! All of us gulp). Another masterpiece, ‘here you get many gastronomic opportunities…’ (haha! This is fun, yeah, really!)

After the giggling session that turns into a guffawing session, I go back to my seat. In fact, I am back at my seat now. I am looking at the graphic guys. One of them is scratching his head and staring at the screen(I must mention he has drawn something incredible, which I can’t make head or tail of), another one just belched loudly and he, on the far end, did he just try to pick his nose? I don’t know. Whatever, if he did, then my gaze stopped him right on time.

People, by now you know that I am having some idle hours. I wish to go on but suddenly, I remember one translation stuff I have been procrastinating. Lemme get back to it.
Will get back to you real soon. It’s a promise!

-Cappuccino

On carrots

2009-08-17T02:43:00.000-07:00

It's swine flu everywhere. As is often the case, suddenly everyone is overtly health conscious. Organic foods, back to Nature etc etc are making their usual rounds. The latest was what was overheard on bus, "Carrots, my dear...never buy those fat ones. They are all dipped in disinfectants. Go for the slim tender ones prefereably from the retail chains like Reliance."
The thought of carrots somehow took me to the incentive I was expecting for some time. I felt like an ass after the proverbial dangling carrot. Recession is now a reason for them to hold it back.
Lost in thoughts for a while, I woke up to overhear the rest of carrot conversation.
"And carrot halwas should be in pure ghee. When you roast the cashews, be sure that they don't get too brown."
Brown the colour of earth. It is said to be the colour most preferred by fools. I was wearing a brown apparel. The dangling carrot was there again. I was ten minutes late for office. The carrot was still in front of me.

KK

Regarding waitresses, cooks, palmistry and other matters

2009-08-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

There is a fine line between insanity and genius and quite often the four of us find ourselves on the other side of the line- er..no, not on the genius side.. Sometimes you will find us talking about very serious things that are meant to be rather clever, but which unfortunately would sound a little over the edge, making us doubt each other's sanity...

Yea, so here is something we have been talking about:

Espresso: What else can we do?

KK: Why? What?

Espresso: You know, what all job options do we have other than being copywriters?

Latte: Aha, I know! The four of us can start a business together! We will sell craft items! We will have this shop where all the foreigners can buy elephants and stuff!

Cappuccino: Elephants????

Latte: I meant elephants in wood!

Cappuccino: Ok, since it was your big idea, I thought it would be real elephants...

[Latte smiles sheepishly]

Espresso: Er...Maybe not...

KK: Oh! How about palmistry? I am sure it has a lot of scope nowadays...People would want to know when they will lose their jobs and whether they will catch swine flu...

Latte: Ooo Swine flu... don’t talk to me about that!

Cappuccino [Ignoring Latte’s apparent distress]: Hmm..Not a bad idea..But what will be our roles? We don’t know anything about palmistry..I think the best idea will be to start a drama troop! How about that?? We are all so good at animated conversations, aren’t we? That should help...

[KK and Latte exchange looks with the thought “My idea is obviously the best!”]

Espresso: Not bad at all...But how about starting a restaurant?? We can make it a really cool place where all these cool people can hang out... And we can all be waitresses...

Latte: Oooo good good!! Great idea! And we can make Suze our chief cook...

KK: And I will give palmistry reports to our dear customers...And maybe I should wear a gypsy skirt, tie a bandana around my head..and also get hold of a crystal ball..you know, for an effect...
[Everybody imagines KK in the said attire...]

Latte: And I will sell craft items in another corner...

Cappuccino: And we can perform a drama...?

[Everyone rolls eyes]

Cappuccino: Ok, we will sing then! That should keep our customers entertained!

[It was indeed another matter and way beyond the scope of the discussion whether those unlucky customers will run away on hearing us sing. So everybody felt satisfied and content and had their cuppa tea with no worries at all...]

P.S. Suze is another soul who roams our office and who is likely to make her appearance in our narratives often...So take note!

Latte

The Devil's Workshop

2009-07-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

I'm starting up a workshop. Coz I've got nothing better to do. Yeah...I'm going by that good old idiom...An idle mind is a devil's workshop.

Well, what's my workshop going to be about. Hmmm...A workshop on how to idle away time. How about that? Bad, eh? Lemme think again. Ok, got it. Something constructive for a change. Let this workshop be a platform to exchange interesting information, snippets, something new you or I have learnt, so on and so forth. Want to join up my workshop? You're welcome.

My sessions begin...

Lesson No.1:

No English words rhyme fully with orange, silver, or month (however, there are some pararhymes for these words, such as salver for silver and lozenge for orange).

Lesson No.2:

The longest words that can be typed on a standard QWERTY keyboard using only the left hand are twelve letters long. There are six such words: aftereffects, desegregated, desegregates, reverberated, reverberates, and stewardesses.

Lesson No.3:

"Dreamt" is the only English word ending in "mt".

- Espresso

Ladies n gentlemen, here I am, lil miss cappuccino! ;)

Lesson No.4:

Malayalam is the only language which is also a palindrome!

Lesson No. 5

"Marry" in Shakesperean English meant "By Mary"

Lesson No. 6

Oh this is just..well...[the most functional word in the English language]

Read it: http://www.funfacts.com.au/the-most-functional-word-in-the-english-language/

Latte

When writing is special

2009-07-27T04:46:00.000-07:00

Each day at office, we come across some real good snips ( read bad) of writing. Here we share them with you.
About an ayurvedic resort ( 27-07-09):
The resorts gives you the rare facility to stay as an honoured guest of a local resident and enjoy all the nuisances of what the rustic village life of Kerala and its rich tradition has to offer.

About a Company (05-08-09)
At XYZ Projects Drilling & Blasting, we drill rock. We blast rock. We've even carved in it ... our founding principles we've brought to every job for over 40 years. Hard work. Honesty. Quality of Service. So, if you've got rock, call us for safe, reliable service you can count on. We're the with values in your neighbourhood that match your own.

A Real Tall Story

2009-07-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is going to be a really tall story..

Here we are going to start a story which, I am sure, will break all walls and fences and what nots of imagination..
And the best thing is that YOU TOO CAN CONTRIBUTE to this epic ! Let loose your creativity and take the story forward by telling us what you think should happen next (you can post it as a comment). Whether this story will turn out to be a tragedy, a comedy, a thriller or something which does not make any sense whatsoever- it is all upto you!! Make use of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity..Ahem...
Let this cock-and-bull story, I mean, this delightful piece of literature commence....

Chapter 1
KK: Not even leaf moved. The atmosphere was omniously still and quiet. Perfect silence ruled. But it was to be. The siesta was soon to be disturbed. She was reading a run of the mill magazine, the sorts that publishes all kinds of crap.

Cappuccino: She heard a bloodcurdling yell and the book fell out of her hand...

Latte: 'What could it be?? Could it be a ghost? Technically, they appear only during nights, don't they??..But what if they were making an exception today??Oh God! help me!' She felt herself unable to move, unable to speak, unable to think; such was her courage..And her heart beat even faster, as she watched a shadow slowly approaching the doorway...

Espresso: Ding-dong. The calling bell. Her heart raced faster. Her blood ran cold. And she was sweating profusely...

KK: She opens it slowly. There is a frantic looking young man with blood splattered on shirt. "It is an accident. Will someone drop us at the hospital?"

Cappuccino: The girl nods a 'yes' and rushes with him to the spot of the accident. She looks at the car the guy had been driving and is shocked to see what she saw inside....

Espresso: All she could see was something bundled up in a strange sort of a way. And something green and gooey oozing out of it. She screamed, but no sound escaped her throat. She wanted to run, but...

Latte: ...the man grabbed her and forced her into the car. Ann saw that he was smiling, and it was an ugly and wicked smile...The gooey thing that was at the back seat was silent and she was too scared even to take a look. As she sat there shivering, praying and hoping that it was just a very creepy nightmare, something incredible happened....

Cappuccino: The gooey green thing shrugged out of the bundle it was in and Ann stared at it. This had to be a dream, she thought and pinched herself. 'Ow' she yelped as her pinch got too strong...she stared with disgust at the strange creature which was all slimy...but she could't take her eyes off its lovely brandy brown eyes....

KK: It holds out a hair colour bottle and says," will you apply this on me. I hate this slimy green I have."
Cappuccino: Ann looks at the bottle which is as slimy as the creature itself...she takes the bottle from him and and pours out the disgusting liquid into her palm....

KK: "Poof". Lo and behold! It was none other than St. Peter sitting beside her. And Immediately the driver also changed to an angel.
Ann thought 'This is some roller coaster ride'
Ahem, says St. Peter. Actually God sent me down to canvas some good spirits. Nowadays , back in Heaven, we are facing a slump , a recession of sorts. Not many good souls come by. So I have been sent down to do some marketing. We got you as a courageous good soul to guide us around the world.
Ann was trying to think
Cappuccino: Ann looked at the driver who had changed into an angel...His shiny black hair, those dimpled cheeks, the perfect set of teeth, the high cheekbones...he was...not just handsome...he was beautiful...simply beautiful....may be it was not such a bad idea to be their guide....'yes' she said...'I will take you around the world'..and smiled enigmatically at the driver-angel......

Latte: But then, her mind was not at ease. If they were really angels, why had they not told her about their purpose of visit directly? What was the need of all the drama and scaring the hell out of her?? She was troubled, but when she once again looked at the angel sitting beside her, she pushed away all her doubts to a corner of her mind...

Cappuccino: So Ann set out on the tour with St Peter and the handsome angel. She took them to China and showed them the great wall; St Peter wandered away all by himself leaving Ann and the angel alone... Ann turned around to look at the angel who was staring at her....

KK: And she asked, "Whipi dupu stapare?
The angel looked at her blankly
Again she said, "Sepe supumthiping".

Espresso: The jaws dropped wide open. So wide, the great wall of China could go down in one gulp! The angel stuttered for a while. I'm....sorry....(he blinked his eyes) I don't think I understand, he managed to say. Ann laughed out loud. It's the 'p' language hapandsupum hupunk. Why were you staring at me like that? Once upon a time, he started.... when I was a mortal being, about 20-something, I fell in love with a girl just like you...

Latte: And then I..."He stopped abruptly as he saw St. Peter running towards them.

"Come fast guys, I think I found another one!!" St. Peter shouted from a distance.

"Maybe now is not the best time to relate the story..Some other time.." Ann felt really disappointed but followed the two angels with a curious mind, a puzzled brain and starry eyes....

KK: It was almost dusk. The great wall had few lingering tourists. In his excitement, St. Peter was almost dragging the poor angel. Ann could not keep pace. And there it was. Someone had forgotten a skate board there. ..

Cappuccino: And beside the skate board stood a lovely girl who wore a pink flowy dress with floral prints. So was she what St Peter had found? Ann shot a glance at the lovely girl and turned to look at the handsome angel who would have told her his love story if only St Peter had not come running like hell! Ann looked at the angel...he was staring at the girl...and staring would only be an understatement! Though she was wearing white Ann felt all green......

Latte: “Why is this angel staring at all the girls?? Hasn’t he seen any during his lifetime?? And this girl isn’t that beautiful... She looks just OK..” As the green monster worked furiously inside her, she failed to notice the skateboard and stepped on it and slipped…What followed was a loud THUD, a sudden roar of laughter and lots of stars and birds circling her…

Roll it over

2009-07-13T03:20:00.000-07:00

And now let's have a lollipop,Espresso said handing out nice little lollipops. The lunch over, this was unexpected dessert. But it wasn't easy. Twist, turn, tug. Do what we can, the wrapper wouldn't budge. And the effort was taking its toll. the lollipop inside was melting. Our efforts did not go unnoticed. Amused glances from our colleagues did not put us off the job at hand.

Hurrah! Off comes Cappucino's wrapper ( I mean, her lollipop's). Others join band. Everyone tries to beat the other in putting it in first.

Then it was expressions galore. Navarasas appeared on each face one by one. Disbelief, astonishment, the urge to spit, I'm fooled, How can You, were the varying kinds of moods. It was tangy, very unlike a lollilop in looks and taste.

Latte chickened out from the expressions we displayed. She did not eat it. But everyone had a good laugh looking at others as they painfully rolled the lollipop over.
Thankfully, Sue had brought in some real goodies. We gave our poor tongues a better fare and settled down.

Hats Off to Espresso lil girl who likes these lollipos.
KK

Oops, again!

2009-07-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

Ding Dong

The chicken was on stove. The boys were fighting. The phone was ringing. Too many things happening at the same time. My poor brain was overloaded with apt reactions for each. And now the door bell.

Ding Dong

A man in dishelveled hair and clothes reaches into a crumpled polythene bag.
"No. No alms here."
Again he gropes inside the bag.
"I don't want to read any plea."
He is silent but holds out a cover with my husband's name on it.

It dawns. the poor fellow is a courier deliverer.
I feel bad.
"Sorry", I blurt out.
But the deed is done.
He gives the receipt slip to sign. I scrawl something. I feel peeved by the stature of the man.
Someone save me.

Ooops, again!
KK

The power of cuppa sessions...

2009-07-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Cuppa sessions are really something, I tell you! The things that we discuss remain in my head for quite sometime. As in, say, till bed time? I guess even beyond.

Like the other day, we were discussing about pets and dear lil’ Latte spoke about some chicks she had at home who jumped off the edge. Literally and otherwise. Otherwise, because they must have been crazy to do so and literally because they really jumped off the terrace into a pit outside Latte’s residence. And after all the drama got over all that Latte saw was a few feathers rising up from the pit… just like we see in cartoons…dust getting kicked up in clouds when Tom cat falls off a steep ravine…

I was so inspired about these stories about hens that that night I dreamt about it. Ultimate Drama queen that I am, how couldn’t I add some spice to it? I dreamt that Espresso, the head of our team lives in a palatial house. It is fully done in marble; there are white satin curtains and exquisite furniture. Antiquities such as marble cherubs are placed around tables.

Soon I discover that she runs an academy there. And I am her new student. I have no clue what the academy is about. But I find out soon. I see espresso catching hens and putting them into cages. So I was in a hen academy!!!

Espresso asks rather commands me to do the same. I tell her that I cant do it. Immediately she walks up to the calendar hung on the wall, picks up a green highlighter and puts a tick across that days date. “What?” I ask her looking baffled.

“I will do this every time you don’t catch a hen. Last month Latte also had a few ticks across her chart.” She tells me serenely.

I stare at her for a moment, blink and then…I guess I woke up.

And when I narrated this dream to my cuppa mates, all of them went into fits of uncontrollable laughter. All but one. Our dear Katten, who felt left out because I hadn’t included her in my dream. Too scared to disappoint her, I vowed that she would be present in my next dream/nightmare whatever…

And my wild thoughts are kind to me. I had a dream with all four us, that very night. I, Latte and Katten are going in a lift. Espresso is the lift operator. The three of us look like zombies. Espresso is quite cool doing her job. But I don’t think she is doing it right. The lift stops at all the wrong places. Anyway, we soon make it to the right floor. All four of us enter a room. There, I see my sister mopping the floor; her limbs moving mechanically, and a blank expression on her face. And this time, all four of us look like zombies…

And boy! Didn’t this make Katten glad? She was jumping up in joy for being included in this bizarre dream.

And guess what, my dreams seem to entertain my teammates so much, that right now, they deliberately talk of weird things hoping to trigger my imagination so that I have amusing dreams. And more often than not, they don’t have to try very hard. The crazy and the whacky come quite naturally to all of us. Yeah, seriously!

Cheers!

Cappucccino

Why oh why????

2009-07-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Espresso: “Say, why are you not posting anything in 'Over a Cuppa' ???”

Latte: “Er..Hmm..I can’t think of any good topics...”

Espresso: “What??? A person who goes blah blah blah non-stop can’t think of a topic??? Shame on you, Latte...Shame on you!!!”

Sigh.....These inspiring words sparked that thing called inspiration and here I am blogging about er..hmm..well nothing in particular :-D
Wait a minute! Here is something you might like.. Something that has happened a number of times over a cuppa...

Espresso: "[Sigh]..This tea tastes horrible..”

KK: {Tastes the tea and makes strange sounds}

Latte: {Sips and grimaces} "Yea, Why is it so sweet?? Why??"

Espresso: "Also no snacks today.. Atleast that could have made it easier to drink this thing...Why aren't there any snacks??"

Latte: {Gulps down tea and puts down the cup looking joyful (having finished the job) and miserable at the same time}

Cappuccino: {Looks at the three girls in turn} "Why do you drink it then?? Why??" {She does not drink tea, BTW}

Espresso: "Because it is a habit... And we get the chance to reflect on how bad tea could taste and count our blessings when we get to drink good tea..

KK: Yes, that is so true...

Latte: [Sigh]

Cappuccino: {Shakes her head disapprovingly and sips her glass of water}

To be continued.... (Too many 'sighs' and 'why's in this post?? That is life people....that is life...)

LATTE

Those were the days...

2009-07-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

"Those were the days my friend
I wish they'd never end..."

Hmmm... our hot discussions almost always begin with the most innocent comments from any of the crazy 4 members. And unwind into the good, bad, ugly, hilarious, (and what not!) subjects - Reminiscence of our yesteryears, as we recount them with all the excitement left over, after tea that rather tastes like sweet milk flavoured with tea!

Back then, in nineteen hundred and something....I begin. And I hear giggle...there she goes again, they say! Hey, I'm keeping you amused guys. Isn't that something? Trying to be insane, to keep my sanity.

What I started out to be, and what's become of me. I've always had this urge to do something different. But what I've been doing for dog years now, is pretty much routine. Work-home and nothing else in between!

Anyways, I'm not complaining. Bcoz, I do have an easy life. A family that understands me and lets me be who I am, a job that's not too hard, team-mates who are as crazy as I am, blah-blah!

But, I'd like to believe that I'm made of better stuff. I could have been there, done that. Things that I did not want, I ended up doing or being. For eg. I never wanted to settle down in Kerala, but here I am. I never wanted to marry a typical mallu boy 'born-and-brought-up-in-Kerala' (afraid that he would turn out to be another male chauvinist), but ended up marrying one (luckily he isn't the chauvinistic kind). I never wanted to get into an IT Company (I prefer working in an ad agency), but I've been working in one for almost 5 years now (though what I'm doing is still the creative side of it)....And the list of 'I never wanted to..., but ended up doing!' is aplenty.

Still, I'm not complaining. B'coz life could have been harsher. I'm just glad it isn't. And I'm thanking my lucky stars and the good Lord above that I've got a great family, a decent job, a fine home and plenty of friends, when so many of them don't have any!

OK. now somebody tell me how the f*** am I gonna wrap up this blog. One thing leads to another. And I just can't stop, as always. Help!

Yours truly,
Espresso

Time & tide waits for none

2009-07-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

And now Expresso beat me to it. Recession management guru was what I desired to be. But she took away the honours. Anyways, I feel a little elevated today and would wish to share an anecdote which helps you just count your blessings and forget recession or whatever.

It was the May of 1985. Dad bought the first car of his life , old rugged 1962 model ambassador. He used to work in central India then. And he bought the car from a doc in Kerala. He had this adventurous idea of driving it all the way up to Bhilai where we lived from Thrissur, covering more than 2000kms. So we got ourselves a mechanic and started off.

Summer in the Deccan is not one of the most pleasant regions to travel in a non Ac car. But there we we were, driving through little villages with a trail of amused children and dust. We tasted all kinds of cuisines on the way from wayside little hotels and somewhat better restaurants. It was fun.

Well, we reached Hyderabad around 2 AM. And the town was asleep. We were new to the city and we did not how to get to the main road to the better hotels. We tried one or two, but they were kind of unwilling to take in late visitors and said"No rooms available". so we finally ended up in an old house converted into a hotel. It had one big squarish inner courtyard, around which the rooms were set. That night was horrible. The room was full of gigantic mosquitoes who made sure that we did not sleep a wink.

The next day we started off in search of a better hotel and found one. And we saw the Golconda fort and the Sala-e- jung museum. Drive to Bhilai from there took another two days. By the time we reached Bhilai, the driver had Chicken pox and I had fever.

The fever I had was peculiar. I ran high temperatures every alternate day and only at night. After about three cycles , I was hallucinating, seeing peacocks from my window, Amitabh Bachchan dancing by the bedside and so on... Soon, I ended up in the hospital in a double room where the other bed was occupied by a woman. I drifted off to sleep with IVs injecting medicines into me. I regained complete consciouness only by late afternoon. I had opened my eyes earlier and seen my mother talking with the woman on the bed. Now, she told me that her name was Kamala and that she had kidney failure.
" How are feeling now?", Kamala asked
" Better", I managed.
" Oh! It's nothing. I have dialysis twice a month but Iam OK".

I smiled. Mom took over the conversation part.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the adjoining room. A girl my age was being given Oxygen. I saw her some moments ago as she peeked into my room from the small corridor that joined the rooms. She was a beautiful girl. And when mom said that she being given oxygen, I did not believe it. She had a cardiac problem.

Next day, Kamala had a visitor. Her husband, a trucking businessman had come over. They spoke in hushed tones. He was crying and she was trying to comfort him. And when he left, she told us that he would return the next with the kids. She showed some photos of the kids - a three year daughter and a five year old son.

"Cute children, are'nt they?", asked Kamala.
" And who is this?", mom asked
"That's me. I looked beautiful then. It is at a wedding."
Tears welled up in her eyes. She was lost in thought.

Later she told mom that her treatment costs were getting out of hand and that her husband was the youngest brother and he could no more take money from the family business to treat her. But she held nothing against her in -laws. She believed in God and fate.

Next day, Kamala was up early, all dressed to see the kids. Soon, we heard chattering voices in the passage. The kids were here. They came and leapt at Kamala in joy.

"Come home", they said.

I was a witness to the poignant moment. Her husband and her eyes were happy and sad at the same time. The husband had brought some food. She fed the children with her hands. The elder was telling her about school, the younger one about her cousins. It was the first time I realised, the value of life.

That evening, she was mum, unlike her chattering self. By night, she said that she asked her husband not to show her body to the kids. She wants them to remember her as an active mother.

I got discharged the next day. Later we came to know, she was soon paralysed and her systems shut down one after other and she died. She was cremated nearby and not taken home as per her wishes.

This story I wanted to narrate for long. Destiny was that it came out now.

katten kaapi

Brother, can you spare me a dime?

2009-07-07T02:54:00.000-07:00

The topic over a cuppa today was "begging". And to think it all started with "chai-chai"! As always, Katten started it. And then, there was just no stopping us.

We spoke about train journeys, eunuchs, beggars...phew! There was a report in the papers today about a beggar who had about INR13 lakhs in savings...and we almost considered begging as a serious profession.

Well, the way we're headed, the recession and everything that came with it, it might not be too long when we'll have to dust our guitars, pull a string and set out with a begging bowl. Would you spare me a dime, then?

Yours truly,
Espresso

Remember the time

2009-07-07T02:29:00.000-07:00

Who can ever forget the “timeless” hit number of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop! I grew up listening to his songs. My friends & I have even performed MJ’s popular hits at school & college. It is so unfortunate that he died all so suddenly. Just as mysteriously as he lived his life!

It’s surprising he could keep his personal life under wraps. You know, him being a global pop icon and all! The magic he worked on screen and on stage - his moon walk, his high-voltage and high-energy performances…it’s no surprise that he emerged an icon within a short span. And to imagine, he’s not around anymore!

But he’s left behind a legacy in music. I stand up and salute him, for that. Let’s trash the tittle-tattle (true or untrue, nobody knows for sure!) that did the rounds during his lifetime and even after his death (they won’t even let him R.I.P), and celebrate or rather continue to enjoy his music.

Thriller, Bad, Beat-it, Dangerous, Black or White…. Heal the World.

This column is dedicated to Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. I’ve been wanting to write this ever since he died, but never been able to, until now. Better late than never. And a time never to forget!

Yours truly,
Espresso

Names and Namesakes

2009-07-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Now that we have revealed our profiles we have to let you know how we came to be known as Espresso, Katten Kaapi, Latte and Cappuccino….Here is the story (reasons rather) behind our names and alias’s.

Espresso a.k.a Rhino

Of the several meanings the word (Coffee as well) espresso has, espresso conveys the sense of ‘just for you’ and ‘quickly’ which can be related to the process of its preparation. So, our dear Espresso is called so, because whatever she does is especially for ‘us’; her team mates; and she is quick and witty. And espresso is strong. So is this one. And that’s why she is also known as ‘Rhino’ – the thick-skinned, bold lady…And yes, espresso is also the base for all other coffee drinks…latte, cappuchino or even katten kaapi…Though technically, I must be saying none of us exist without her…it is actually ‘None of us exist without the other’....

Katten Kaapi a.k.a Wild Horse

The desi, malayalee version of black coffee, ‘katten kaapi’ is not everyone’s cup of …er…coffee. It can be made quick and one swig of the hot, black liquid is so refreshing that it can even bring back a corpse to life (well…somewhat…the small doses of katten kaapi at work, are what bring us alive!) So Miss Katten Kaapi, is just what black coffee is – refreshing and different. Her creativity knows no bounds and it all comes in a matter of seconds. As for her other name, ‘Wild Horse’, she is called so because she is wild and whacky, happy-go-lucky and fun-to-be-with. She does not gallop around like a horse, but her creativity sure does…

Latte a.k.a Wet Chick

The Italian word for milk, latte is a coffee that has more milk than cappuccino and is milder in taste. Copy Writer Latte is also a very mild person – gentle, kind, soft and serene. Like latte coffee which can be topped with creativity as in this image, our dear Latte a.k.a. Wet Chick also tops everything with creativity. Good at designing and conceptualizing, the credit for the design and construction of this blog goes to her. As for her other name – Wet Chick, she is this beautiful damsel in distress who frets over a small pimple, not because she’s worried about how she looks, but because she suspects it to be some major skin disease. She sneezes and she looks frazzled. I ask her, “what now?” She replies looking frazzled still, “Could this be swine flu?”

Cappuccino a.k.a. Hot chick in cold water

Cappuccino a strong coffee with frothy cream, topped with a pinch of powdered chocolate, has froth on top which resembles the hood worn by the Capuchin Monks. Well, I am no monk. Not in the least bit. Then why am I called so? Well, the froth that forms on top of Cappuccino Coffee helps retain the heat. And that is I what I do at our discussions over a cuppa copy! I keep the discussions going, keeping them heated and exciting all through (I know this is the heights of blowing my own trumpet…but I can’t help saying the truth!) I contribute and share my crazy dreams and ideas, keeping the chat hot as ever. As for my other name, I am as wet as ‘wet chick’ (you see, I am in cold water too) only thing is, I like to believe that I am hot. And when no one thinks so, it always helps to pretend. ;)

God! That was one lengthy prose. And my description is the longest. Unlike Latte, I seem to be full of myself…Anyway, now you know that our names were not decided just for the heck of it. Not because we wanted something ‘coffee-coffee’ type but because it’s who we are - Crazy, whacky, mad, nutty…add as many synonyms as you like. At the end of it, all geniuses are a little eccentric…

-Cappuccino

The party illusion

2009-07-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

The day dawned with hopes of a afternoon party. Cappucino was throwing one after a long wait. She had topped the exams, you recall. The expectation started to climb after the lunch hour. The clock hands moved wearily on. Time seemed to be still and everyone engrossed in work. As lunch was planned with space for high tea, attention on work was becoming difficult. Eyes could not focus. The head wheeled. Still, the hope and grit that the party is soon to be held me together. By five, patience packed its bags and left for a world tour. An outburst, why don't you guys just enjoy a party when one is offered shook the zombies off the chairs. Glassy eyed workaholics looked at me vacantly. Slowly they started to get up ...Now the Indian Monsoon had different plans. Downpour. And here a down por of woes. None can walk to the neighbourhood cafe in the rains. Can't understand them. Well, the illusion continues till time. I'm still hoping for a high tea. Silent prayers to the rain gods to hold for a bit are on the lips.

-Katten Kaapi

A faithful friend no more

2009-06-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

This is about Latte's faithful friend who died today. It had been coming. Two days ago the trouble deep down was surfacing time and again. But she was faithful. Whatever she had, she left for Latte. Even in the dying moments, a welcoming smile lingered. But by 6P.m IST, she was proclaimed dead. May Latte's computer rest in peace. Amen.

With teary eyes
Katten Kaapi

4 Crazy Profiles..Tadaaa...!

2009-06-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hello there! I am the third mysterious whacky writer who had the honour of being part of this blog!! I have a feeling that this is going to be a superb blog and everyone will go nuts here! Nothing can stop our big mouths now; so world, get ready for non-stop nonsense!!

So Miss. hot chick in cold water, I am THE ONE to describe your unique qualities in lengthy prose and get kicked in the ‘you-know-where’?? But on the bright side, I get to write everything nice about me:-D (Just kidding)

Anyway, here are our resumes for the readers’ perusal... :-)

Espresso aka Rhino- Our one and only Espresso is the heart and soul of our respectable organization! A born perfectionist, she is intelligent, kind and considerate and is the leading light for us mortals (I am NOT trying to get a raise here people, I swear!) And the plus point is that she is totally whacky, just like the rest of us and is always ready to crack a joke, enjoy a good laugh, be it over a cuppa copy, I mean coffee, or otherwise! Epresso, you rock!!

Katten Kaapi aka Wild Horse- “Ideas anyone?? No?? Sheesh! Too bad! Which means it’s time to approach our inimitable Wild Horse!” That is our dear KK(Katten Kaapi). Her brain, it seems, has its own mysterious ways to come up with concepts and ideas in a matter of seconds! No kidding! And as for her imagination, it is boundless, limitless... (add any number of words from the thesaurus). Caring, supportive and impulsive- that is KK. And she loves to joke. You will be meeting her soon, so wait and see.

Cappuccino aka A hot chick in cold water- This girl likes to giggle, make everyone giggle, share funny dreams and stories and so on and so forth. At work she is more or less like a ‘copwriting machine’, who likes to finish jobs at incredible speed! During ‘Over a cuppa copy’ sessions, she comes up with all sorts of crazy stuff and starts new threads of topics for fresh senseless conversations. And to top it all, she is brainy too- she recently got second rank in her degree examination!! (We are all so proud of you!! Love you!)

Latte aka Wet Chick- Where should I start?? So much to write and so much to tell you:-)) Obviously I am cranky, which is my qualification for being a fellow writer here. And then, I like to make jokes and have lots and lots of fun. Honestly, this is very embarrassing, I will leave it at that..

Hmm..So...that’s that...See ya real soon!!

-Latte aka wet chick

Copy Chronicles

2009-06-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Now that Espresso has explained how 'cuppa copy' happened, it's time to let you know what keeps brewing among the worlds whackiest copy writers ever. Concocting biographies, acting like fools to maintain our sanity and pulling each others legs with jokes that wouldn't make even a 5 year old mildly grin (but sends us into fits of uncontrollable laughter), we do everything to keep ourselves amused in this mad, mad world! And being madder always helps.

I know I've made it sound like we are four crazy women in an asylum, but trust me, it only gets worse! :D
For now, I am leaving it at that and will let my friends take the story forward.
Expect to read the world's four most interesting profiles in the next post. I can'tguarantee if I would be writing it, but expect something crazier. As Espresso said, 'one whackier than the other...'

Cheers!

- Cappuchino aka A hot chick in cold water

How about a cuppa?

2009-06-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

It all started over a cup of tea. Like all great ideas do!

4 Copywriters, one whackier than the other, drifting from one topic to another, with no cares in this world. And we decided to put it all down in one blog - Over a Cuppa Copy.

'Over a Cuppa' - bcoz that's where it all started; and 'Copy' (rather than Coffee) - bcoz we're talking 'in B&W' here, aren't we?!

Just wanted to get this blog started...More, next time...I promise!

- Espresso aka Rhino