We know it is nearly Christmas when...

There are a trillion men/kids hanging around PC World, Game and Dixons waiting for the Nintendo Wii games console

Whilst waiting in the queue at Starbucks/Nero/Pret people complain about the cold weather AND wish for snow

Every knacker wears a Santa's outfit

Shops play The Pogues song!

The neighbours refuse to leave a brick undecorated

I wear my pink suede boots with fur trim and everybody comments on how festive I am, ignoring the obvious fact that my boots are pink NOT red

Guys (in an attempt to get lucky) fasten mistletoe tightly around their forehead

People are expected to remain in a drunk state every waking hour

Christmas lunch sponsored by David !!!

Thank you David...

The snowman in Canary Wharf

168 hrs with the flu...

A storm of germs swept me away into a hellish state known as the flu. It has taken 7 whole days to recover (with the aid of day and night nurse). I am quite sure (and friends would agree) that the loss of appetite has led to a reduction in body weight.

Since I was unable to do much else other than laze around, I finally decided to read some essays written by Dr Victor Frankl. He discusses the torment he experienced in a camp during the Second World War. What sets this read apart from other autobiographical essays and books is that it is not written like a story - he analyses his experience from a psychological and scientific point of view. I still have a bit more to read, but I can definitely see the correlation between his essays and the making of Covey's habits (another book to finish!). Which reminds me, has anybody read Sean Covey's book? I think that would be a treat to read...

As I was ploughing through more books, I came across The Game by Neill Strauss, which I bought about a year ago. Now that is a funny read. It sets out to help an average frustrated chump pick up girls. Why did I buy it then? I first heard about this book whilst I was in New York, in the company of a particular person (who will remain as an unidentified object) and I did not take much notice. Then when I arrived back into the UK, I innocently overheard somebody else talking about it in Starbucks. So my eager self could not wait to burn 20 quid to get it. So I read it and actually started to think like a man! Maybe Strauss wrote it in a way to incorporate an element of Neuro Linguistic Programming? Who knows but I guess some of the stuff in there could actually work, that is, if the girl hasn't read it too ; )

I have yet to finish that book. A page remains folded about half way through maybe because I was afraid of turning into a man-minder, or I landed a job!

The rest of my birthday

Featuring...

Mindi-licious (Naturally)
Beryl Brownie (Denise)
Luscious Lady (Levke)
WTF (Carol)
Paresh : )
Hummus bi tahina (Sooki Dooki)
Babaganoush (Bobby Sanchez) - Pls click to see the Babaganoush
Aajjagavinderpreetpal (I think)
Phorcious Phillipa (Phil)
Alex The Great
Clari - The Lasagne Maker
Gimp (Arfan)
XXX Emma XXX
~Kaily~
Dave ; )
The Groover
Le Matt
Krazy Egg Kev

We started out in 38 after work, where a moody 'les' works. Ended up in Brodie's... exposed some wacky dance moves including: the infamous Airplane dance, Beg on ze knees, Running Bi man, Bhangra (had to be there), sizzlin salsa, and a few lame attempts at a robot dance, oh yeah and obviously hipsters from Shakira.

Strutted and stumbled off back home, after Alex The Great's ridiculous attmepts at breaking and entering the Canary Wharf Ice Rink....

Arrived home to find the Gimp in my bed screaming out 'Don't look, im nearly naked' ... Great one! I was actually supposed to sleep in Beryl Brownies room, but I was locked out, Great one! So I had to return to the Gimp. I was soooooo trying to sleep, but the Gimp just could not stop the old snoring act!

Some funny Birthday emails

From Vikal Kapoor

oh.....what you should do is
take yourself out or wait till you come here and we'll hit the town (NYC)....all in reason being -- so that you enjoy your BIRTHDAY !!!!
* * * *
* * * * *
Happy Birthday Mindy!
* * * *
* * * * *

From Joe Singh

Did you think that Joe Singh would forget???? I just wanted to say happy birthday and I hope you go out and drink tons of pints and find a fit guy! But only for a night because we are definitely getting married someday, did I just propose? Anyway, have a good day in Jolly Old England and get back to NYC soon!!

Chau Hermosa,
Joe Singh

From Zin Zin Baby

Hello MAN MINDER!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL!!!
LET THE WORLD MAKE YOU FEEL EXTRA SPECIAL TODAY!!!

Sun is beaming from the east!
Wait the universe announces Mindy's first beat.

A special day allures in joy and celebration!
The decor on London streets shows no inhibitions

She is the purest of the pure
We are so blessed to have her adore

Her eyes sparkle extra bright
May her dearest wishes come to light.

From Sukhraj and Philip Lloyd

Didn't you get the birthday singers that he sent? We agreed that he'd get an ensemble of midgets to reenact that scene from Wizard of Oz replacing 'lollipop land' with 'birthday land', and i'd get the skywriter to write 'happy birthday mindy' over tower of london. I can't believe he pulled out. the nerve...

OK, so the birthday hat will make an appearance. It is pink though (just thought I'd warn you..). My friend says he's going to wear his birthday suit - i don't suppose that's allowed as well? We will definitely be in on monday - and if there are samosas on offer, sukhi and i will find them out and smote them down.

We're prob finishing work pretty soon, and I'm planning on hitting the drinks asap. i suppose we'll see you guys when we see you guys (which is probably not too long!).

From Rajni

Dearest dearest mindy,

I'm so glad i got to know you this last year or so... has it only been that long>? feel like its been centuries :)

i know you couldnt decipher my little card i wrote up for you when u left nyc but i thnk i expresssed to come extent on there how much i love you for your wit, wisdom, insanity, fun-ness, craziness, warmth, and the light you bring into people's lives.

I'm so proud of you for taking the party to canary wharf, CEMA and now beyond. Mindy 2007 is only goign to get better- this 25th year is going to see my mindy going places! Here's to a great year, many boyfreinds to snog, many girlfriends to jig with, and many more good times!

Mwah
Love
Rrrrrrrajni

PS _ the presents and the party will sadly have to come with me in jan~

From Azmina

YOOOOOO!!!!!!

Hope you have an excellent birthday. Wishing you all the happiness in the world. Thanks for being such an amazing friend

It's my birthday today, the story so far...

'Twas the dawn of my birthday
It is my 25th birthday today. And it all started with a phone call from my mum : ) at midnight, Denise prancing around in my room, and me looking like a mickey mouse gone wrong.

Breakfast with the hillbillies (starring Denise as Beryl Brownie, Levke as Luscious Lady, and Mindy as Percy the Penguin)
'Come and knock on my door, take a step that is new....'

8.15am, Beryl Brownie knocks on my door. I open it and to my amazement, dear old Beryl is standing there, quite gracefully, with a Pret chocolocate croissant (this season's must have) and a cup of cwaafee, how sweet. Whats more, the dear Brownie dunked a pink candle in the croissant too! Apparently Beryl Brownie ran upto to Canary Wharf real early to fetch this hot chocolate croissant.

I had my birthday breakfast, accompanied with GHD (Good Hair Day) and make-up. Beryl Brownie wrapped up a rather sparkly heart shaped necklace : ) and Luscious Lady bought me some much needed make-up. Now that's something that definaly flaps my penguin-ity...Percy is loving it

Arrival into work
So I enter the building, the secuirty people raise to their feet, form a choir and boy am I knocked off my feet... they start singing Happy Birthday, suited and booted passers by stop and watch, I put a spring in my step and begin to dance... what a show, bravo!

Lunch at Nando's

For my dear bleaders. After scouring the net and a few dodgy dealings I managed to conjure up a helpful list to save you some money! So please go ahead and spoil yourself, you deserve it...

http://www.dorothyperkins.co.uk - use code DPMN29 for free delivery and 15% off anything

http://www.oasis-stores.com - use code GLAMOUR06 for 20% off anything

http://www.usc.co.uk - use code SDM20 for 20% off anything till Sunday

http://www.missselfridge.co.uk - use code MSGL15 for 15% off anything

http://www.faith.co.uk - use code 150906 for 15% off till 2nd December

http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk - use code URBAN1 to get £10 off if you spend £50

http://www.asos.co.uk - use code HSBC182116 to get 15% off

http://www.warehouse.co.uk - use code MCY291006 to get 20% off till 30th December

http://www.next.co.uk - free p&p if you use code K8004

http://www.powderrooms.com - use code 4E5KT for 20% off

http://www.hannahzakari.com - use code hzhb10 for 10% off

http://www.hqhair.com - use code BEAUTYBIBLE for 10% off

http://www.lasenza.co.uk - use code AUTUMN06 for 15% off till 30th November

http://www.ravel.co.uk - use code NEWW20 for 20% off till 30th November

http://www.cathkidson.co.uk - use code CKLR06 for 10% off and free p&p till 30th November

My CIMA exams are finally over ...

Now I can lead a normal life like normal people. No more rushing around, I can just sit at home and take up a few new hobbies, starting with knitting. I plan to knit a chic and sophisticated scarlet jumper with a green Xmas tree planted on it. Just because I love more I will also try to add electronic flashing lights too. (Excuse the rather large exaggerated shoulder)

Since I know everyone will want one, I have decided to mass produce them. If you would like to purchase this jumper you may do so by contacting me (through this blog). And because I love all my bleaders, you can buy it for £10 plus p&p (No shipping agents, scammers, overseas buyers, money orders, or western union transfers).

PS. Due to my somewhat busy social schedule and the expected huge demand, there will be a 2 month waiting list, but at least you will be ahead of fashion (for winter 2007).

GIRL SEEKING GUY ads taken from Shaddi.com (Indian matrimonial site)

These are actual ads on a matrimony site. Grammar and spell errors have no place in a profile description as everything is straight from the heart! Disclaimer : I am not responsible if you forget your basic grammar after reading this mail...

- Hello To Viewvers My Name is Sowmya , I am single i dont have male, If any one whant to marrie to me u can visite to my home. I am not a good education but i working all field in bangalroe.. if u like me u welcome to my heart... when ever u whant to meet pls viset my resident or send u letter.. Thanks yours Regards Sowmya

- i want very simple boy. from brahmin educated family from orissa state she is also know about RAMAYAN, GEETA BHAGABATA, and other homework (Homework?)

- Wants a man who knows me better and can adjust with me forever. he may never create any difficulties in my life or his life by which the entire life can run smoothly. thank you (The principle of running life smoothly was never so easy!)

- he should be good looking and should have a service. he Shoulsd have one brother and one sister. he should be educated. (ain't it unique !! 1 brother 1 sister criteria !)

- I am a happy-go-lucky kind of person. Enjoys every moments of life. I love to make friendship. Becauese friendship is a first step of love. I am looking for my dreamboy who will love me more than i. Because i love myself a lot. If u think that is u then why to late come on ........ hold my hand forever !!! (The dilwale dulhaniya effect)

- i am simple girl.I have lot ofproblemin mylife because ofmylucknow i amlooking oneboyhe caremeandloveme lot lot lot (I don't know why but this is one of my favorites)

- i want a boy with no drinks if he wants he can wear jeans in house but while steping out of house he should give recpect to our cast (by not wearing his jeans? Wat the hell...)

- whatever he may be but he should feel that he is going to be someone groom and he must think of the future life if he is toolike this he would bde called the man of the lamp (I am clueless, I feel so lost. Can anyone tell me what this girl wants)

- my colour is black,but my heart is white.i like social service (Zebra..???)

- my name is farhanbegum and i am unmarried. pleaes you marrige me pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes (height of desperation! J )

Sadly, the list is endless!

Livin' in da ghetto innet

I finished up my Project Management studies last night at midnight on the dot. I knew that I would not be able to sleep immediately because of the over-activity of my brain cells. In light of this, I decided to prance around for aprrox 30 mins, niavely thinking that my brain would have calmed down enabling me to sleep. To my dismay, I was still wide awake at 3.40am. Between 3.40am and 7.30am my sleep was extremely light, and more often than not I was tossing and turning. WHY? I hear you ask... Well basically, some juvenile delinquent(s) decided to pop fireworks in my neighbourhood, which were alarmingly loud and disturbing.

This incident along with the egg bombing explosion last week leads me to question the location and safety of my residence. I am reluctant to say it, but I believe that I live in the ghetto.

Advantages of living in the ghetto

+ It's moderatly cool-ish
+ In a few decades time it will be the hippest part of London. And going by my personal research of ghetto areas around the world I can safely conclude that a trendy hotspot was orgiginaly a ghetto.
+ Exposure to real London and real Londoners and what they really do (inc stabbings, robbery, muggings etc)
+ Development of awareness, safety and caution, many of the primitive survival skills that have dimmished in today's urban society

Disadvantages of living in the ghetto

- Possibility of being mugged, gunned, raped, knived, verbally abused, salivery abused (spit)
- Anything and everythigng else that is not listed as an advantage

My point exactly

Here is a picture of a few pumpkins we carved out last night. Denise and I decided to head out for a bit, since it was Halloween and our spontaneity was rewarded as soon as we stepped out of the door.

We were merrily walking down the street when we spotted some youths hanging around the corner.

Denise: Those kids better not throw eggs at us
Mindy: Yeah...

SPLAT !!! Those bleading kids started to throw some eggs our way. We screamed and run (I definitely tried to run anyway)
And they chased us down the street. What a joke. We ended up in Bank at this place called New Moon in Leadenhall Market, we were quite happy entertaining ourselves with the food menu (yes, we like to live at the heights of excitement). Then these two chaps started talking to us, and one of them, can't think of his name, was oh-so-interested in Denise, and I spent about an hour trying to understand what she does at work. I was in hysterics. In an attempt to make my laughing not so obvious, I covered my face with the menu, and all that was visible was a body shaking like it was being electrocuted !

Anyway then we went home, trottled off Blackwall DLR.... and saw a couple of Brokeback Mountain's walking n whistling down the stairs... so freaky!

WTF we have a bit of an any problem at home, in fact we have named the ant Martin.... and the most embarrassing thing just happened.... I just picked up my bag and put it on my desk and a couple of Martin's began crawling over this very keyboard....

BTW FYI we have even had pest control in our house, and the Landlord reckons the Martin thing is over ... OBVIOUSLY not!

Eeeewwww Yuk, help someone, please?

This one's for the Exotic One

Ha ha ha ha ... yo Exotic One ... I bet this picture brings back memories ?!

I finally managed to get this back from Azminderjitpreetpaldeep who insisted on keeping it in her bedroom as a shrine or something.

I went to this Asian Diwali SLASH Eid event on Saturday, and what a meat market it was! It was very interesting to watch, aye it was.

Happy Diwali

Hudson York Farrell have failed to respond to complaints about their bad service. This says a lot about Hudson York Farrell. Are they in denial? Or feel that they are too important to respond to customer issues?

On another note, I would like to wish all my bleaders a Happy Diwali. I am at home in Gravesend right now eating eating and eating....

Interesting fact: Pochohontas was buried in Gravesend.

Hudson York Farrell

I registered with Hudson York Farrell, a recruitment agency a few weeks ago. I thought they were okay, until I spoke to Erin Trembley (a recruitment consultant).

Her phone mannerism was terrible. In fact, disgusting. I could only do one thing and that was to bring it to the attention of Hudson York Farrell's management. The email I wrote:

Dear Sir,

I write to inform you of a particular incident that fails to show the commitment, quality of service and good mannerisms expected by a professional company such as Hudson York Farrell.

I recently registered with Hudson York Farrell a few a weeks ago, and sat an exam. My recruitment consultant, David Pritchard was great, however I believe that he is currently on annual leave. Unaware of his absence, I asked to speak to another recruitment consultant and was referred to Erin Trembley who I conversed with today on the phone. To my surprise and astonishment the level of service and mannerism was, unfortunately, appalling. I was informed by Erin that she was "not willing to stay at after 5pm for somebody who only just passed the tests". I acknowledge that my test results were not fantastic and was merely asking for advice and practical solutions to help me improve. Erin was consistently blunt, ill-mannered in her speech and essentially forgot that she was conversing with a client.

I find it hard to believe that this is the mannerism Hudson York Farrell promote, as with any company, any member of staff is that company's ambassador.

Thank you for your time

Manminder Gill

How are you doing bleaders? Okay? Had a nice weekend? Good yeah?

Cool, cool, cool

I had the ultimate blast this weekend! Almost feel guilty for it !!
So yeah, whats the plan for halloween, yeah, whats going on, yeah

I went to Pravin's sisters wedding on Sunday, and yeah, man yeah, it was cool, innit... in fact I met a guy yeah, yeah , yeah, and guess what, innet, he was talking like this, innet to me, all night, innet... and then he goes, yeah, yeah, 'Im not chatting you up, yeah, but can i have your number innet? I work in canary wharf yeah, and that means we can have lunch yeah, innet, innet'

In the mighty fine words of Clara The Great > GIVE ME A BREAK

I received the following list of mildly amusing statements in my inbox today. They were sent by my dear good friend Arfan. I typed in ARFAN in Google images, and the results were ger-rate! You can see Arfan here.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU ARE AT WORK

1. Ahhh...I see the f*ck-up fairy has visited us again...
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to worship me.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a word you're saying.
10. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of sh*t.

Nice huh?

This is my response to the numerous complaints about New York guys:

NYC is a whole different game
Men over there have no shame

drink drink drink, sleep sleep sleep
wake up in da morning wiv another beech

this is their life
these are their ways
why do the play all these games?

maybe they be insecure
work all day is a bore
they have dosh, house and bling
but that's nothin, no they want more

they be in da club hissin
at the girls, wearing nuffin
who is right and who is wrong?
i cant say, tis devil's prong

the day will come when they wake
not from death but from this fake
life they lead just to please
anyone care? definatly not me

then they want a good good girl
who cooks, cleans and is a pearl
they search and search and find not one
cos the good ones be gone

finally they cry, get mad, upset
wondering what they did to let
go of morals, decency and honour
all in the name
of a game
that has no shame

so listen brother
sister too
just be good
dont be cool

The TamilNadu Sachin Sampath Jr

To watch the show please click here. We all love Sachin the teddy bear : )

you funny bunny runny rujni
makes me laughs a lots like honey
watcha doing, where ya going
when you gonna be a somefin?

why you smile? why you cry?
i know u like apple pie
like a mint in a choc dip
this rhyme is way too hip

now im bored, as y'all know
nearly time to go go home
so wake me up before you go
else i will meet you at your show

im off to college to read accounting
its oh so fun yes very charming
but its raining, yes rain rain rain
ive forgotton my brolley with my brain

what to do? where to now?
im not sure but pow wow now!

Whuttishhh (sound effect)

Normally when I ask 'Who is the best?' I expect the response to be 'Mindy, of course' ... however, on this occasion I must step down from the title and bow down humbly to Clara The Great. What a woman she is and more to the point...what a fantastic cook!!! I was invited to a wonderful dinner party at Clara The Great's house on Saturday evening with a bunch of Trading Screen peeps and friends and my taste buds were not disappointed. It was a magical moment, a bit like when you arrive at lost luggage and find your 101 dalmation briefcase amongst the debris... priceless!

I heard that my dear old friend Rajni The Exotic One was also ruffling up her fine feathers to cook up a treat in Brooklyn Baby Brooklyn... So Rajni The Exotic One, tell us what was cooking on that side of the pond? For those bleaders that do not know, Rajni The Exotic One is a cook book editor...ooooohhh...very flash huh? I expect the food was made with love (and chatting) and enjoyed with smiles : ) I miss my dear chappalas in New York, I miss the background noise (he he he), I miss the rainbows, I miss the Yogi Bear, I miss the flowers (you know what I'm talking about) ... sob, sob, sob...

Anyhoo, my hazelnut latte form Starbucks is getting cold, so I will put up another post in a bit..

Originally, I had a link in this posting that went to a sports blog that contained devasting comments about 'The Kuri and Canary.' A few of my friends, namely Vik and Rajni, read my blog flew straight over to the sports blog and defended The Kuri and Canary's reputation and sl@gged off the sports blog.

However, in my original posting, I forgot to mention, that the sports blog was written by my colleague... who sits right opposite me! Big ooopps! And I also forgot to mention that it was not my colleague who wrote those devasting comments about my blog, it was somebody else's comments on my colleague's blog. Big ooopps!

I have been asked to take down the link to the sports blog. But relaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaax...no big deal : ) I guess I just hit a few nerves.

he he he

Absolutely shocking!!!

WHAT ABOUT ME?

I genuinely feel sorry for those people who are constantly on the go, always working, always the first one in the office and last to leave. I mean what kind of life is that? Work, work, work !!! When I try to work (yes, I do try) something happens to me. I usually start feeling sick. For instance, last week I was actually sick and that had nothing to do with what I ate. Actually, that does not make sense, but you know what I mean. Today I have cold and flu symptoms and I think they may last until the end of the working week. I did not ask this to happen, so don't go thinking that it is the thought of using my brain that makes me ill.

Anyway, do any of you bleaders have any quick fix for these cold/flu symptoms? I have heard that soups and hot drinks are good, so I popped down to Kruger to get a broccoli and stilton soup. I think I will have a chai ti latte too, since I have a good excuse to spend loads on a beverage.

Now onto a more interesting topic... who thinks I should go on a mystery date, this week?

My inbox has been intoxicated by furious Bleaders who want Craigslist links on my blog to make it more interesting. Apparently, to some, the daily dressings of my life are not entertaining enough. Who wants Craigslist links on a blog anyway? After a few days, the links won’t work, and then I will be inandated with requests to remove the link! As you can see dear Bleaders, this is a classic Steven Covey ‘lose-lose’ situation. This blog has a life and purpose of its own and we need to respect it, nuture it and help it grow.

How would you like it if I said to you “You would get more guys/girls fancying you if you had http://www.i-look-like-crap.com/ splattered over your face” (btw fyi … it is not a real link) . Not a nice feeling is it? I guess my point is clear, and no doubt I have trodden over a few nerves along the way, but frankly, this blog just does not care!

I had lunch at La Tasca the other day ... and have been feeling pretty sick since. Apparently, lemonade is the cure for sickness, and although I would normally run my legs off to grab a fizzy drink...today I just don't feel like it! I forced myself to eat a Waitrose sandwich and now feel sick, again. Great one!

Dream of the day I want to go home and sleep, and not face the world for a few days. I'd much rather be whisked away into a palace and treated like the princess I truely am.

Yesterday's lunch ^^^
Rather tasty ... and quite a bargain, only £384

Today's Lunch > nothing : (

Fantasy football: YOU the manager

I have recently joined my company's staff Fantasy football thing. Not knowing much about football - but everything about saving money (thanks to Azmina), I have chosen these players:

I have been told that I am most likely to lose. Great one. But it is the taking part that counts, and apparently the loser wins a prize for 'trying'. I have also been told that there is no point in saving money, since none of the £35 million will be going into my account.

Dissapointed.

It is nearly time to go home, and to put it nicely: today has been the boring-ist day of my life! Im feeling ever so lethargic today! This dazed stated of mind triggered the following output from a couple of my brain cells:

as my eyelids meet... i fall asleep
for a moment or two
i dream of you
then my eyelids part

i wake up, smell a fart
munching away on a strawberry tart
so ha ha ha hee hee hee
dont you think im so funny?

I know, pretty pathetic, but certainly written in the quickest time... a record time of 40 seconds!!!

I booked my CIMA exams today, and the total so far for 2 freakin modules is £1500... and I have 9 more to go!!!

Hello bleader (blog reader) and welcome to Mindy's blog!

When reading my blog posts you are strongly advised to relax, smile occasionally, and never take offence.

I would write something thrilling now, but it's already past 6pm and I shouldn't really be at work during this ungodly hour.