I still remember the eagerness on their faces when they entered the room… the eagerness to know the magical number sealed in that small envelope in their Project Manager’s (PM) hands. Those numbers were an indicator of how much their work was appreciated. This is one of the fondest memories that I have from my very short career life.
As an HR professional, I was a part of the process that delivered those envelopes. Unfortunately I didn’t get an envelope at that time because I was serving my notice period. Honestly, I didn’t care much… I was eagerly waiting for my mega bonus in Bahrain… you know who ;) Moreover I thought I’ll get my envelope in my next job. But Life had other plans for me, though I worked in 2 more companies, envelopes seemed to be an extinct species.
I thought about those magical envelopes again when I was jobless & ‘blogless’ ;) I was sad about missing my chance of experiencing that feeling and wondered whether I’d ever get another shot. Well, I was wrong again. Today, I’m getting my magical numbers on a daily basis. But then I haven’t celebrated the numbers so far. Each time I planned to celebrate, my Project Manager (read Jose) reminded me that what matters is quality and not quantity, (as if I didn’t know) and he gave me new goals & targets like a ruthless PM!
Anyways now I’ve decided enough is enough. Let’s celebrate. I’ve decided to dump the PM & I’d like YOU, my team mate to join me in this celebration. Ohh I haven’t told you what we’re celebrating right? It’s a small number game, MariasMenu FB page has 1,000 + likes. This is the third 1,000 for this site. The first was 2 years ago when we had more than 1,000 eyeballs a day, the second was a few months back… we crossed 1,000 subscribers. I know this is a very small milestone but I’m compensating for missing my chance of the magical envelope ;) Thanks a billion to you!
Btw, since we dumped the PM there is no sponsored giveaway :( I’ve only a virtual sweet treat for you below. Let’s see… I’ll try to convince the PM and arrange some nice giveaways next year… deal?
Since it’s Diwali time, I wanted to share an Indian sweet with you. Gajar Ka Halwa is something that I love. Though I’ve made it several times, I wasn’t able to record the measurements, hence the delay in posting. I’m not sure whether this is the authentic or traditional method, but this is how I make it :). Hope you too will like it. This is something that you can make, to satisfy a sudden sweet craving.
Wish you and your family a happy Diwali! May this festival season brings you joy & happiness & prosperity!
Here is the recipe:
- Grated Carrots – 2 cups
- Warm milk – 2½ cups
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Crushed cardamom – 2
- Ghee – 1-2 tbsp
- Cashew nuts – a handful
- Heat ghee in a pan. Add cashew nuts & fry it for a minute, remove from the pan & keep it aside. Add crushed cardamom & fry it for a few seconds. Add grated carrots & cook it for a few minutes. Add warm milk & sugar to this. Let it boil. Reduce the flame & cook till the carrots are soft & the milk is evaporated. Add fried cashews to this & mix well. Serve hot or warm with Vanilla ice cream.
