Day 252: list five things that make you happy
- Books, books and more books
- Photographs of cute babies
- Music
- Junk food
- Walking along the beach
Day 37: Who Am I?
Day 37: who are you
The eternal question that plagues mankind- Who am I?
My answer is still being formulated but here's a brief excerpt....
Who am I? I am....
A girl
An engineer
Married lady
Former software testing executive
The eternal question that plagues mankind- Who am I?
My answer is still being formulated but here's a brief excerpt....
Who am I? I am....
A girl
An engineer
Married lady
Former software testing executive
Voracious reader
Opinionated brat
Pampered darling
One of twins
Middle class Indian living away from home
Housewife
Puzzle lover
Loyal friend
Stubborn creature hesitant of change
Mixture of Modern schooling and traditional beliefs
Inefficient housekeeper
Music lover
Fairly good singer
When the occasion arises, reasonably good liar!
Tactful and socially correct young lady
Forever striving to improve and better myself
In short:
A constant work in progress. :)
Day 155: Achievement
day 155: what is one achievement you are proud of
That my friends and teachers in college and school still remember me as a principled, hard working friendly girl. Sure, I was a model student and a bright scholar. But I'm proud that even today, four years after college, ten years since I finished school, people recall my character and personality even more than my learning abilities.
I'm glad that I evoke a trusted image among my peers and professors. That is definitely something that I am unabashedly proud of.
How would you answer this question?
That my friends and teachers in college and school still remember me as a principled, hard working friendly girl. Sure, I was a model student and a bright scholar. But I'm proud that even today, four years after college, ten years since I finished school, people recall my character and personality even more than my learning abilities.
I'm glad that I evoke a trusted image among my peers and professors. That is definitely something that I am unabashedly proud of.
How would you answer this question?
Day 36: Friends
Day 36: what you think about your friends
What do I think about my friends? I think they are:
Awesome
Amazing
Loyal
Supportive
Fun (Loads)
Sharing
Considerate and Sympathetic
Quirky (Likes attract)
What do I think about my friends? I think they are:
Awesome
Amazing
Loyal
Supportive
Fun (Loads)
Sharing
Considerate and Sympathetic
Quirky (Likes attract)
Fab at partying
Just the BEST!!
Thanks people for being my friends!
Day 154: Moments of Life
day 154: a moment you felt most satisfied in your life
Lots of moments like that. Touch wood. Thank you so much dear Lord.
But coming back to the topic, I guess a major moment of satisfaction was when I got my first job offer.
Day Zero and am the first person to get recruited in my college. I still remember the pride and happiness on my Dad's face who was waiting anxiously for me outside the college. It was hugely satisfying to see him sharing the news with all our family and friends.
Lots of moments like that. Touch wood. Thank you so much dear Lord.
But coming back to the topic, I guess a major moment of satisfaction was when I got my first job offer.
Day Zero and am the first person to get recruited in my college. I still remember the pride and happiness on my Dad's face who was waiting anxiously for me outside the college. It was hugely satisfying to see him sharing the news with all our family and friends.
I've always been a good student and a fairly reasonable child. (I think) But this was my first foray into the outside world and I feel that my parents were proud that I had successfully maneouvred my maiden step.
Since then, there have been many more worthy occasions but definitely that first big leap that gave me the confidence to do more will always be the first to spring to mind.
Day 35: Words to Live By
Day 35: words you live by, why do you like them
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi
I think it's apt for me.
I like to do all the tasks that I love and indulge myself. Naturally the first part makes perfect sense to me. Also, I like to constantly dabble in new stuff just for the learning. That's how the second part is true for me.
As part of the StrengthsFinder test, my strengths were determined as Ambition and Learner. I mean there were 3 more. But these two are again in keeping with this personal stance.
I like to enjoy myself. Doing stuff that I like. Not what others deem might be fun. Stubborn, but hey, it works. I'm happy. :P
I have this irrestible urge to forever learn something new. I like knowing. Even if it trivia. I dislike being completely blank about subjects. Ok, so I do draw a blank several times. But that is another reason why I love chatting to different people. You learn SO much.
That's my motto- Live now and Learn Forever. What's yours?
day 111: Wishes
day 111: do you wish upon 11:11 even if it may not come true
I have no idea what this means.
But yes, I wish on the first star I see every night, on shooting stars, on my birthday cake, on fallen eyelashes.
I touch wood, circle near and dear one's heads to shake off untoward gazes, break my knuckles in my temples to ward off evil eyes.
Superstitious. Maybe. Why take a chance? If it increases my chances of good fortune and keep away ill luck. Sure. costs nothing. And if it works, awesome. :)
I have no idea what this means.
But yes, I wish on the first star I see every night, on shooting stars, on my birthday cake, on fallen eyelashes.
I touch wood, circle near and dear one's heads to shake off untoward gazes, break my knuckles in my temples to ward off evil eyes.
Superstitious. Maybe. Why take a chance? If it increases my chances of good fortune and keep away ill luck. Sure. costs nothing. And if it works, awesome. :)
Day 152: Change the World!
day 152: what is one step of action you would take to change the world
Change me! If everyone acted like they wanted everyone else to, the world would be an amazing place to be.
Think about it.
Change me! If everyone acted like they wanted everyone else to, the world would be an amazing place to be.
Think about it.
- We expect others to act charitably, kindly, pay us loads of cash for little or no work (how awesome!), shower us with compliments, think grandly of us, but do we ever do it for others? Nope.
- We think others should stop corruption, violence. But we don't hesitate to bribe, we excuse our road rage and tantrums. Well, that's how all these problems began.
- We chastise others for clutter, for littering, for not maintaing public places and transport badly. Our duty as the aforementioned public? I don't think Cribbing is the right answer.
- We talk about others behind their back but never label ourselves as 'gossip mongers'. Oh no, we are just letting off steam.
- We think the world owes us. But have we managed to justify our existence. I think not. Unless one is a Mother Teresa or Mandela or Einstein or Gandhi.
- We talk about humanity but when was the last time we even smiled at our housekeepers, street sweepers or even bade a good morning to the soul collecting OUR trash.
Lots to think and lots to do. Let's change the world one person at a time.
Day 153: It's only the first step that is hard!
day 153: do you think the hardest thing is sometimes the easiest thing
The first step. Whether jumping off the ziplining board or the first heave in a kayak or the first word in a fresh post. It's the first step that is the most difficult but also the easiest. All it requires is the resolve, the mind. Or more appropriately, the mindless plunge. Begin and everything is easy.
The first step. Whether jumping off the ziplining board or the first heave in a kayak or the first word in a fresh post. It's the first step that is the most difficult but also the easiest. All it requires is the resolve, the mind. Or more appropriately, the mindless plunge. Begin and everything is easy.
Like today- I saw that I have posted about three months back. I remembered staring countless times in this period and thinking I need to post. But each time, all those missed posts mocked me. The numerous unsuccessful attempts to write daily floated before mind. And depressed, I'd switch over to something else in a blank. But not today.
The title itself gives me courage. As soon I pasted the topic of the, all the words seem to just ooze out. And lo and behod, here is today's post. % minutes tops, and I am done. :)
So, yes, sometimes the hardest thing is the easiest.
As ever, Happy Writing!
Day 97: I Wonder Why...
day 97: something you’ve always wondered
Things I have always wondered about:
Yep, these are some of the many things I wonder about my gender and so does, I know, the opposite sex. I know. But hey, this is why we are so adorable and fun to be with. :)
Things I have always wondered about:
- Why do we girls never find things in our handbags even though we know exactly where things are located in the cranny of our houses, can nose out treasures in departments stores and spot stuff the men would rather we not see from, like a mile away?
- Why are we women so afraid of creepy crawlies, cry at our bruised elbows and scraped knees and scalded skin (I can understand shedding tears for the same happening to our loved ones)? One would think that specimens suffering lifelong from growing pains and Aunt flow and who voluntarily throw hot wax upon themselves in voluntary hirsute pursuits would surely not cringe at the aforementioned list.
- We can wash clothes and grind batters and make flour but we cannot open jars. Ridiculous.
- We talk eloquently and words with more than four syllables roll off like butter on our tongues; but give us a cute babe and it's all delighted gammon and spinach for us. Hand us a bag of chocolates or a bunch of balloons or a bouquet of roses and all we can come up with are shining eyes and "Awwww!"
- We remember histories of all our close and chance acquaintances, attire and jewelry of all the people at all the events we have ever been to, completely random and extremely ling list of birthdays, anniversaries and events. But, no ways or directions. Sadly, we bungle up directions every single time. Sigh!
Yep, these are some of the many things I wonder about my gender and so does, I know, the opposite sex. I know. But hey, this is why we are so adorable and fun to be with. :)
Day 82: Would you break the law to save a loved one?
day 82: would you break the law to save a loved one
One word. Absolutely.
Without doubt, the answer is a vehement affirmation. And I thank the Good Lord for blessing me many wonderful loving people in my life who will definitely do the same for me. Thank you God!
Day 80: Favorite childhood Memory
Day 80: one of your favorite childhood memories
Firstly, I have to thank God for a truly wonderful and blessed childhood. It was full of fun and frolic and lots of little pleasures and simple joys.
But of all those cherished memories, one stands out. And that is my habit of checking out every nook and cranny of my home after a stay away from home. Whether it was our ancestral home that we visited every summer or coming back home again after a holiday, I loved exploring our home.
Every time I came home, I would rush through the mandatory ablutions (imposed after a long trip) and glug down the glass of milky concoction before impatiently running through all the rooms. In our ancestral home, I like to see all the new plants, the solid old tamarind tree with its outstretched arms, the ancient discarded wooden boxes (full of junk but nevertheless exciting) and the wild, unattended garden. On coming home, I liked to see if any new birds had succeeded in making any nest, if my stuffed, furry friends were still waiting atop our bed, and that all my diaries/ scrapbooks were unspied upon (despite the contents being disclosed by myself :) ).
Why does this particular memory mean so much to me? Simple. It wasn't the differences in decor or verdant growth that I sought to see, it was the reassurance that no matter how old I or the homes got, the welcoming havens would remain the same. I was always comforted by the security of knowing that these were safe cocoons that would have a embrace me in their warmth and affection no matter how naughty or annoying I was.
Isn't that a truly a memory to cherish?
Firstly, I have to thank God for a truly wonderful and blessed childhood. It was full of fun and frolic and lots of little pleasures and simple joys.
But of all those cherished memories, one stands out. And that is my habit of checking out every nook and cranny of my home after a stay away from home. Whether it was our ancestral home that we visited every summer or coming back home again after a holiday, I loved exploring our home.
Every time I came home, I would rush through the mandatory ablutions (imposed after a long trip) and glug down the glass of milky concoction before impatiently running through all the rooms. In our ancestral home, I like to see all the new plants, the solid old tamarind tree with its outstretched arms, the ancient discarded wooden boxes (full of junk but nevertheless exciting) and the wild, unattended garden. On coming home, I liked to see if any new birds had succeeded in making any nest, if my stuffed, furry friends were still waiting atop our bed, and that all my diaries/ scrapbooks were unspied upon (despite the contents being disclosed by myself :) ).
Why does this particular memory mean so much to me? Simple. It wasn't the differences in decor or verdant growth that I sought to see, it was the reassurance that no matter how old I or the homes got, the welcoming havens would remain the same. I was always comforted by the security of knowing that these were safe cocoons that would have a embrace me in their warmth and affection no matter how naughty or annoying I was.
Isn't that a truly a memory to cherish?
Day 79: Judging Others
day 79: why do you feel as though people judge others
People judge others all the time. And quite critically too. We fail to allow for circumstances, or emotional upheavals or even ignorance and are ever ready to pronounce our assessment (mostly unflattering).
Some reasons for such an attitude that I can attribute are:
Closed Mindset
Prejudices dud to prior unhappy experiences
Petty jealousy
An unwavering opinion that we are excellent judges of character
Need to establish our own superiority over others
Obviously I am being quite an intellectual snob if I claim to know all the answers or even right reasons. But for what it's worth, this is my take on why people judge others.
People judge others all the time. And quite critically too. We fail to allow for circumstances, or emotional upheavals or even ignorance and are ever ready to pronounce our assessment (mostly unflattering).
Some reasons for such an attitude that I can attribute are:
Closed Mindset
Prejudices dud to prior unhappy experiences
Petty jealousy
An unwavering opinion that we are excellent judges of character
Need to establish our own superiority over others
Obviously I am being quite an intellectual snob if I claim to know all the answers or even right reasons. But for what it's worth, this is my take on why people judge others.
Day 78: Give Me an Honest Opinion or None at All!
day 78: would you rather people be honest with you, even if it’s something not good, or lie to you to make you feel good
I'd rather people give me an honest opinion than none at all. I ask only few people for their opinions and in such cases, I'd like the truth and not a warped version sugar coated for palatability. Not only is it helpful but prevents eventual disappointment, blame games and eventual mistrust.
Truth is always better.
I'd liek to add a disclaimer here that this applies only for topics that I am genuinely asking people for. I am opinionated myself, so I limit my inquiries to important issues and discourage others from imposing their own on me as well. :P
I'd rather people give me an honest opinion than none at all. I ask only few people for their opinions and in such cases, I'd like the truth and not a warped version sugar coated for palatability. Not only is it helpful but prevents eventual disappointment, blame games and eventual mistrust.
Truth is always better.
I'd liek to add a disclaimer here that this applies only for topics that I am genuinely asking people for. I am opinionated myself, so I limit my inquiries to important issues and discourage others from imposing their own on me as well. :P
Day 77: Inspiration
day 77: what gives you every day inspiration
Everything around me is inspiring........
To be happy. Not to blog, sadly.
Flowers, great weather, a cheerful tune, a smiling cherub, Hubbyji's happy countenance, Mom's voice, a Hi! from an old friend.
And that is also the inspiration for my amateur attempts at photography.
Here are some samples:
Hubbyji caught in his protective Angel look.
I wanted to shoot a wintry scene as I walked back from the gym to our apartment.
Everything around me is inspiring........
To be happy. Not to blog, sadly.
Flowers, great weather, a cheerful tune, a smiling cherub, Hubbyji's happy countenance, Mom's voice, a Hi! from an old friend.
And that is also the inspiration for my amateur attempts at photography.
Here are some samples:
Hubbyji caught in his protective Angel look.
I wanted to shoot a wintry scene as I walked back from the gym to our apartment.
This was at Glencoe beach. The scene looked straight out of a movie or fantasy story that I just had to capture it forever.
As they say, inspiration can come anywhere, anytime. It's up to us to make something out of it. :)
Day 73: Moving scenes
day 73: a movie you cried in
Ok. This is silly and I completely did not expect this. But I sobbed to the high heavens when I saw my sister's wedding video a day after she got married. I thought I had exhausted my supply of tears and indeed my strength. But come the momentous scene of Kanyadaan and tying of Mangalsutra, and I launched into a full blown hysterical lament. I was dressed to the nines too, so am sure I looked like somebody vying for the part of our Indian soap operas. But alas, this was the genuine article.
But other than that, one really moving movie would be Tare Zameen Par which I have watched only in parts because I found it too moving. Here's the famous, heart wrenching song from it.
Ok. This is silly and I completely did not expect this. But I sobbed to the high heavens when I saw my sister's wedding video a day after she got married. I thought I had exhausted my supply of tears and indeed my strength. But come the momentous scene of Kanyadaan and tying of Mangalsutra, and I launched into a full blown hysterical lament. I was dressed to the nines too, so am sure I looked like somebody vying for the part of our Indian soap operas. But alas, this was the genuine article.
Day 74: My Style
day 74: how would you describe your style of clothing
My style is Indian ethnic and casual. Roughly translated, it means Jeans with an Indian kurta and dangly matching earrings, a wristwatch on my right hand and either bangles or rings or both on my left. Since I am married now, Sindoor in my hair's middle parting would complete the look.
Easy, comfortable and individualistic. That is my style.
My style is Indian ethnic and casual. Roughly translated, it means Jeans with an Indian kurta and dangly matching earrings, a wristwatch on my right hand and either bangles or rings or both on my left. Since I am married now, Sindoor in my hair's middle parting would complete the look.
Easy, comfortable and individualistic. That is my style.
Day 75: Dreams
day 75: what is one of the best dreams you have ever had
The best dream that I ever had was that I own a large house with a nice driveway and lawn and it houses a huge library. Awesome. I know I had to be smiling as I walked past the various shelves selecting an armload of books and settling down into a chair, uninterrupted to read for ages. Just me, with well leafed books and a slowly ticking clock..... Ah! Heavenly.
The best dream that I ever had was that I own a large house with a nice driveway and lawn and it houses a huge library. Awesome. I know I had to be smiling as I walked past the various shelves selecting an armload of books and settling down into a chair, uninterrupted to read for ages. Just me, with well leafed books and a slowly ticking clock..... Ah! Heavenly.
Day 76: Going Green
day 76: how do you feel about going green
Tough! Tough! Tough!
Recyclable in everything is quite difficult. I find it difficult to visualize myself carrying jhola bags for my grocery shopping and saying No to plastic in any from. What about Tupperware tiffin boxes and kitchen shelves full of plastic dabbas. What about my accessories in their cute plastic covers and boxes? And spectacle cases?
I admit I have never actively gone gree. I keep my carbon footprint to a minimum. I try to use as little electricity as possible. But that sadly is the extent of my green efforts.
Perhaps somebody can give me great ideas to go as green as possible?
Tough! Tough! Tough!
Recyclable in everything is quite difficult. I find it difficult to visualize myself carrying jhola bags for my grocery shopping and saying No to plastic in any from. What about Tupperware tiffin boxes and kitchen shelves full of plastic dabbas. What about my accessories in their cute plastic covers and boxes? And spectacle cases?
I admit I have never actively gone gree. I keep my carbon footprint to a minimum. I try to use as little electricity as possible. But that sadly is the extent of my green efforts.
Perhaps somebody can give me great ideas to go as green as possible?
Day 69: Lyrics That Move
day 69: powerful song lyrics you love
This is a beautiful love song rendered by my favourite Kishore Kumar. I adore it for the love, the splendid lyrics and the video. Sunil Dutt as a simpleton, country bumpkin lip-synching his inner feelings id quite well portrayed.
This is a beautiful love song rendered by my favourite Kishore Kumar. I adore it for the love, the splendid lyrics and the video. Sunil Dutt as a simpleton, country bumpkin lip-synching his inner feelings id quite well portrayed.
Day 66: Switch
day 66: if you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be
I'm happy in my life. So, I would not wish to be anyplace else. But for the sake of answering the question, if I were to switch places with someone for a day- that someone would be Leonardo Da Vinci. I mean, such an intellectual person. Astronomer, mathematician, artist, musician; he could even write with two hands. And I would write down all my information and make a will and write it to the present me. I mean that would be awesome. Plus, I'd write about how I accomplished so many great things, how I find the time and more importantly, the enthusiasm to do all that.
So who would you be?
I'm happy in my life. So, I would not wish to be anyplace else. But for the sake of answering the question, if I were to switch places with someone for a day- that someone would be Leonardo Da Vinci. I mean, such an intellectual person. Astronomer, mathematician, artist, musician; he could even write with two hands. And I would write down all my information and make a will and write it to the present me. I mean that would be awesome. Plus, I'd write about how I accomplished so many great things, how I find the time and more importantly, the enthusiasm to do all that.
So who would you be?
Day 62: Best Friends Forever
day 62: describe your best friend completely
I am lucky enough to have a handful of best friends. Touch wood!
I'll describe my oldest friend from school here.
She's Gharwali. So she looks like something straight out of a Barbara Cartland book. Fair, slim, golden brown silky hair. Cheeks that go pink in the sun and when she blushes. Very sensible, down-to-earth and homely. Fairly great cook. She is an ace student and a doctor. Extremely sweet natured and beautiful with a heart of gold.
She likes reading and talking and helping people. She rarely uses makeup. She is one of those lucky blessed few. She is such a nice person that I sometimes ask her to twirl around and inspect for a halo. Yes, she is that good.
She has a good sense of humor, empathizes with people and is very perceptive.
I am glad she is one of my best friends.
I am lucky enough to have a handful of best friends. Touch wood!
I'll describe my oldest friend from school here.
She's Gharwali. So she looks like something straight out of a Barbara Cartland book. Fair, slim, golden brown silky hair. Cheeks that go pink in the sun and when she blushes. Very sensible, down-to-earth and homely. Fairly great cook. She is an ace student and a doctor. Extremely sweet natured and beautiful with a heart of gold.
She likes reading and talking and helping people. She rarely uses makeup. She is one of those lucky blessed few. She is such a nice person that I sometimes ask her to twirl around and inspect for a halo. Yes, she is that good.
She has a good sense of humor, empathizes with people and is very perceptive.
I am glad she is one of my best friends.
Day 61: Prized Possessions
day 61: one of your most prized possessions
Has to be my phone. I've had these smart phones since the last year of my engineering degree and I've been hooked to them. From the first slim Bleu model to my current iPhone, I just love them because of their multiple uses and looks and entertainment factor.
Her's a list of all the things I rely on my phone for:
Has to be my phone. I've had these smart phones since the last year of my engineering degree and I've been hooked to them. From the first slim Bleu model to my current iPhone, I just love them because of their multiple uses and looks and entertainment factor.
Her's a list of all the things I rely on my phone for:
- Making calls. Basic role.
- Messages. Connecting with friends and family needs constant messages. I admit it is a little infrequent, here, in the US. But I consider that to be one of the best things about Indian Mobile Plans. I actually used to pay a scant 34 rupees for unlimited free National messaging facility. That so rocks. Keeping in touch was so simple and CHEAP! :)
- Internet Surfing. Facebook. Mails. News- obviously the Gossipy and trashy kind. All this on Mobiles. Now I have added WordPress and Blogging to the growing list. Awesome.
- Photos. With phones becoming tinier and MP of phone cameras becoming greater, it is a perfect tool to capture life's many happy moments. Just flip open and shoot. So simple. If only discovering my phone in my stuffed handbags were so easy.... Sigh!
- Music. Radio. The one thing that iPhone does not have is radio. Or radio Recording. I love Music and think it's the perfect remedy for long drives, low moods and boredom.
- Alarms. Waking up is a little hard for me. So alarms are so useful. And God bless whoever invented the Snooze button.
- Reminders and Lists. I am an inveterate List-Maker. Case in point. This Post! Phones are so perfect to keep all your lists organized and stashed away in one place. Ditto for Reminders. No need to tax my poor, overworked brain. Just add reminders and leave the rest to this highly evolved descendant of Bard's original invention.
- Games. Snakes, Sudoku, Brain Challenge, Scrabble, Diamond Dash, FruitNinja. All are a blast.
- Navigation. For a geographically challenged girl like me, this is a VERY IMPORTANT aid.
- Fake calls and Decoy Messages. Best use of a phone, really. Imagine seeing Ms.Gossip Girl or Mr.Know-it-All and racking your brains to find the perfect getaway excuse. Simple. Your phone. Pretend you are taking an important call or just have received an urgent message that prevents you from enjoying the joyous occasions
Day 60: YouTube Best Video
day 60: a youtube video you absolutely love and describe why
I find his comedy very very funny and hilarious and worth sharing. Watch and you will realize what I'm talking about.
Please do see his other acts as well.
Day 59: I Share Secrets With
day 59: one person you can tell everything to
The one person I can tell everything to is:
MOM!
Obviously! Friend, confidante, guide and my source of inspiration.
Love you Mummy!
The one person I can tell everything to is:
MOM!
Obviously! Friend, confidante, guide and my source of inspiration.
Love you Mummy!
Day 50: Why this challenge
day 50: why you are doing this challenge
I am doing this challenge:
To make sense of my many thoughts
To have the satisfaction of completing a task
To keep writing everyday on this blog and thus, get the thrill of having consistently slogged at a task
To hone my writing skills
Because I am opinionated
Because I believe that I can speak just about anything
I am doing this challenge:
To make sense of my many thoughts
To have the satisfaction of completing a task
To keep writing everyday on this blog and thus, get the thrill of having consistently slogged at a task
To hone my writing skills
Because I am opinionated
Because I believe that I can speak just about anything
Day 58: Travel
day 58: places you want to visit, and why
I would like to visit Kanniyakumari. I really want to see the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
I want to see Calcutta and Durgapur- the place where my parents started their married life. Kolkata is also the only metro I've never been to.
Kodaikanal, Ooty and Coorg are on my list for their natural beauty.
Of the options abroad- (though I am living in Chicago right now), Venice and Paris with the taller half would top my list.
I would like to visit Kanniyakumari. I really want to see the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
I want to see Calcutta and Durgapur- the place where my parents started their married life. Kolkata is also the only metro I've never been to.
Kodaikanal, Ooty and Coorg are on my list for their natural beauty.
Of the options abroad- (though I am living in Chicago right now), Venice and Paris with the taller half would top my list.
Day 57: Happiness is...
day 57: what is your definition of happiness
Happiness is :
a loving family
welcoming home
being curled up in a couch with a good book
the joy of a task well done
winning a prize
making a person laugh
cooing at a baby
singing along with your favorite artists
chuckling over a funny cartoon
being complimented
the comfort of knowing that people care
a warm hug
having loyal friends
seeing your favorite people succeed
the simple wonder of watching the sun rise and set
the first plane trip
a vacation abroad
trying on an old attire and seeing it still fits
rooting for your favorites
Any more ideas?
Happiness is :
a loving family
welcoming home
being curled up in a couch with a good book
the joy of a task well done
winning a prize
making a person laugh
cooing at a baby
singing along with your favorite artists
chuckling over a funny cartoon
being complimented
the comfort of knowing that people care
a warm hug
having loyal friends
seeing your favorite people succeed
the simple wonder of watching the sun rise and set
the first plane trip
a vacation abroad
trying on an old attire and seeing it still fits
rooting for your favorites
Any more ideas?
Day 56: Childhood Days
day 56: something you did as a child that other people remember you for
As a kid, I loved writing poems. I was a mooning sort of a child who had a passion for scribbling verses at all times. In fact, my favorite book at that time was my Mom's Collector's Edition of Poems.
I was a moody kid most of the times, sulky and mournful. and only writing poems seemed to keep me quiet and happy. I don't know how it began but I'd forever hang out with a notepad and a pencil scribbling various random thoughts in rhyming lines. My mother encouraged me to keep it up and would keep buying notebooks to give a harmless outlet to my bursts of energy.
Looking back, I can see how skillfully my mother channelized my habit into a wonderful habit of reading and learning. Rhyming schemes, figures of speech, sonnets, little by little she introduced these concepts as tips to improve my poems. Just a word or two to pique my interest. She knew I'd hound her till I got enough information to quench my curiosity. I have to thank her for showing me patience all those years back and for giving me the gift of learning and appreciating great works in verse.
But yes, as a specific answer to today's question, poetry is something people remember me for.
As a kid, I loved writing poems. I was a mooning sort of a child who had a passion for scribbling verses at all times. In fact, my favorite book at that time was my Mom's Collector's Edition of Poems.
I was a moody kid most of the times, sulky and mournful. and only writing poems seemed to keep me quiet and happy. I don't know how it began but I'd forever hang out with a notepad and a pencil scribbling various random thoughts in rhyming lines. My mother encouraged me to keep it up and would keep buying notebooks to give a harmless outlet to my bursts of energy.
Looking back, I can see how skillfully my mother channelized my habit into a wonderful habit of reading and learning. Rhyming schemes, figures of speech, sonnets, little by little she introduced these concepts as tips to improve my poems. Just a word or two to pique my interest. She knew I'd hound her till I got enough information to quench my curiosity. I have to thank her for showing me patience all those years back and for giving me the gift of learning and appreciating great works in verse.
But yes, as a specific answer to today's question, poetry is something people remember me for.
day 55: a passage from a book that has touched you
I love books to much to answer this with a single answer. So, I'll just link it to a really poignant story of hope amidst everyday troubles.
The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus
I love books to much to answer this with a single answer. So, I'll just link it to a really poignant story of hope amidst everyday troubles.
The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus
Day 53: Daily Log
day 53: your day, in great detail
The day began with an empty bed and a husband up unusually early. Then it struck me - cricket. Matches at unearthly hours rob him of his sleep.
Since, we were to go shopping at noon for some appliances, my plan of preparing Chole was scrapped. I rustled up some rice, dal and plantain chips to go with the katrika-pachadi I had prepared the night before. Our trip was cancelled eventually due to heavy rains and we went grocery shopping instead at our international farmers market.
My cooking duties were cut, freeing the morning hours. The better half was still glued to the laptop, keenly following every move of IPL. So, I decided. Time to covet the Bose speaker. I listened to Bollywood beats while merrily ironing our laundered mounds.
Noon came with downpours and a lazy lunch. I started on my favorite pastime, reading and warned the other half that disruptions would be severely dealt with. Since the Auto show was on, I knew I could be as impertinent as I wished.
Evening saw Hubbyji help his friend get furniture and crockery from an acquaintance's garage sale. In the meanwhile, I ran the dishwasher while studying some Java books. Hubbyji hogs them while he is about, so I wanted to savour every minute alone. :) Oh, I baked a delicious banana-walnut bread and boxed it in a handy dabba well.
A few hours later, I was seated in the aforementioned friend's place, sipping chai and masala pori. A long talkathon later, we hit the stores for a week's supplies of salads, veggies and cleaning aids. Dinner was at an Indian restaurant. The appetizers were so-so but the main course was sumptous. The naans were soft, fluffy and delicious as were the spicy malai-koftas and aromatic vegetable biryani.
Singing to the tunes of Alaipayuthey and Love Aaj Kal, we drove back home and slipped into sandman's land.
The day began with an empty bed and a husband up unusually early. Then it struck me - cricket. Matches at unearthly hours rob him of his sleep.
Since, we were to go shopping at noon for some appliances, my plan of preparing Chole was scrapped. I rustled up some rice, dal and plantain chips to go with the katrika-pachadi I had prepared the night before. Our trip was cancelled eventually due to heavy rains and we went grocery shopping instead at our international farmers market.
My cooking duties were cut, freeing the morning hours. The better half was still glued to the laptop, keenly following every move of IPL. So, I decided. Time to covet the Bose speaker. I listened to Bollywood beats while merrily ironing our laundered mounds.
Noon came with downpours and a lazy lunch. I started on my favorite pastime, reading and warned the other half that disruptions would be severely dealt with. Since the Auto show was on, I knew I could be as impertinent as I wished.
Evening saw Hubbyji help his friend get furniture and crockery from an acquaintance's garage sale. In the meanwhile, I ran the dishwasher while studying some Java books. Hubbyji hogs them while he is about, so I wanted to savour every minute alone. :) Oh, I baked a delicious banana-walnut bread and boxed it in a handy dabba well.
A few hours later, I was seated in the aforementioned friend's place, sipping chai and masala pori. A long talkathon later, we hit the stores for a week's supplies of salads, veggies and cleaning aids. Dinner was at an Indian restaurant. The appetizers were so-so but the main course was sumptous. The naans were soft, fluffy and delicious as were the spicy malai-koftas and aromatic vegetable biryani.
Singing to the tunes of Alaipayuthey and Love Aaj Kal, we drove back home and slipped into sandman's land.
Day 52: Inspiration
day 52: what is the most inspirational thing you’ve ever heard
Inspirational words:
B.E. the change you wish to see in the world!
Awesome because I am a B.E. graduate! This was our college Tshirt slogan :)
A glass of water or success, you need to get up and get it.
Age considers, youth ventures.
Absolutely true and totally cool.
For more inspiring thoughts, read Quotes page at my Wordpress blog here.
Inspirational words:
B.E. the change you wish to see in the world!
Awesome because I am a B.E. graduate! This was our college Tshirt slogan :)
A glass of water or success, you need to get up and get it.
Age considers, youth ventures.
Absolutely true and totally cool.
For more inspiring thoughts, read Quotes page at my Wordpress blog here.
Day 54: Love Is...
day 54: your definition of love
Love has many definitions. It means unconditional love. It means caring for a person despite their flaws. It means trust and loyalty.
The best expressions of love are caricatured in one of my favorite Comic strips : Love Is..
Click on the link Love Is... to see some heart warming and yet, profound definitions.
Love has many definitions. It means unconditional love. It means caring for a person despite their flaws. It means trust and loyalty.
The best expressions of love are caricatured in one of my favorite Comic strips : Love Is..
Click on the link Love Is... to see some heart warming and yet, profound definitions.
Day 51: Wedding Bells
day 51: describe your future wedding
Hmm... In case people are wondering what on earth happened to Days 35 to 50. Well, I've fast forwarded my blog. Ha ha ha.
Well, jokes apart, I'm now on Day 51 but thanks to some bad mismanagement and joyfully hectic weekends, I'm lagging behind in my posts. But for now, I've decided to write for the correct day and fill in the missing ones later. As usual, I'll have to keep posts ready for the weekend but that can be done and will be. I feel another wave of enthu coming all over me and this time I am determined to see it through the end.
Coming back to the topic. I'm already enjoying wedded life, so I'll write about my own happy wedding to the Man who looks and behaves like an MB Hero. Oh joy!
First let me add a pic of the two of us in the main function to get things started.
Hmm... In case people are wondering what on earth happened to Days 35 to 50. Well, I've fast forwarded my blog. Ha ha ha.
Well, jokes apart, I'm now on Day 51 but thanks to some bad mismanagement and joyfully hectic weekends, I'm lagging behind in my posts. But for now, I've decided to write for the correct day and fill in the missing ones later. As usual, I'll have to keep posts ready for the weekend but that can be done and will be. I feel another wave of enthu coming all over me and this time I am determined to see it through the end.
Coming back to the topic. I'm already enjoying wedded life, so I'll write about my own happy wedding to the Man who looks and behaves like an MB Hero. Oh joy!
First let me add a pic of the two of us in the main function to get things started.
As you might have guessed, that is not us! But minus the blue eyes and nose ring on the bride, that is exactly what we looked like. And obviously ours was a proper TamBram wedding complete with the exhausting two days of functions and rituals. Two days sounds fun when you are merely attending weddings and have nothing to do but swank around, smile and make polite small talk, eagerly strike poses for photos, elicit gossip and enjoy sumptuous meals. Not so when you are the bride!
Now imagine being draped in an unfamiliar nine yard saree, garlanded till your shoulders and neck are hidden, lots of jewellery biting into an already sweaty and on the verge of being makeup-smudged body, tears swimming not because you will miss everyone but because the agnikund is merrily blowing smoke and you are wearing heavy eye makeup instead of spectacles. I am sure your heart goes out to me.
Well, well, well. The thing is I enjoyed it. All the jewellery and fine clothes were making me look good. The tears veiled my impishness and for once, I looked every bit the traditional nari instead of the worse half of the Terrible Twins. The garlands and sandalwood and haldi prevented any BO (big no no on the Wedding Day). The makeup bit was closely watched by various sisters. Feminine attire and hairdos being such a complicated thing and the bridal heart being so fragile, frequent and strategic dabs and pats by sisters escape unnoticed. I had denounced my spectacles for those two days. (I love my scholastic style but it really jars with the cute navvari kanjivaram look. ) This proved very much to be a blessing in disguise. I am short sighted, so was able to smile magnanimously at everybody not on the dais and a little more intelligently at the really important people on stage. Besides, it helped that I was not able to see the hordes of waiting relatives who would keep me on my feet with a frozen smile in front blistering arc lights.
The wedding in its entirety was awesome. I love attention and being the bride, I enjoyed being the focus of every one's eyes. Plus, new clothes and a super efficient makeup staff and an extremely patient Mom (I love you Mummy) made those days breeze by. With lots of delicious juices being handed discreetly to the bride and groom thanks to sensible uncles from both sides and soothing parents, the festivities continued without any fainting or exertion which I was seriously predicting after watching many movies and live functions. (Just why can't the bride eat? I won't burst from my couture dresses in one meal!) And to top it all, I could finally glance at the Hubby to be who was till now only allowed to make phone calls. Geographical distances of 8K miles ensured that no meetings over coffee, ice creams occurred. (We only met LIVE during the engagement. Yep, in this age!)
Anyway, that is the gist of my wedding. A typical Indian wedding, lots of gaana bajana, mantras and pheras, countless relatives, innumerable photos, lots of beaming friends and tearful family. Perfect!
Day 34: What the Stars Forecast
Day 34: your horoscope for today and whether you think it’s accurate
My horoscope for today states : Your creativity is on a huge upswing, so give it plenty of room to soar today!
Reading into the detailed account, I view:
You know in your bones that you've got it made, so make sure you are dealing with people as equals (or minions, if you must). Your confidence shines through and instills deep trust.
I agree with the first statement though not the second. I believe in dealing with people with a positive outlook and not treat subordinates or peers as inferiors. Everything is relative and I myself am great at some stuff and horrible at others. So, cannot accept the second line. But the third is true. 2 out of 3 is a good count; so I'll rate today's prediction as reasonably on target.
My horoscope for today states : Your creativity is on a huge upswing, so give it plenty of room to soar today!
Reading into the detailed account, I view:
You know in your bones that you've got it made, so make sure you are dealing with people as equals (or minions, if you must). Your confidence shines through and instills deep trust.
I agree with the first statement though not the second. I believe in dealing with people with a positive outlook and not treat subordinates or peers as inferiors. Everything is relative and I myself am great at some stuff and horrible at others. So, cannot accept the second line. But the third is true. 2 out of 3 is a good count; so I'll rate today's prediction as reasonably on target.
Day 33: Lucky in Love
Day 33: someone who really hurt you
Cannot think of anybody who hurt me real bad. Possibly, because I choose my friends carefully. Also, I reserve entrusting my heart to all and sundry.
It sounds pompous and fake, am sure to make a statement like that. But I've always exercised caution in matters of the heart. I dislike getting hurt or rejected like so many of my friends and that is why I tread most carefully when it comes to people. Many say that perhaps it is a sorry way to mingle with people and doubtless, I am not a very trusting soul. But hey, I'd rather be called arrogant that a poor dear.
Also, I've been lucky in love. Touch wood. Thanks to a fair judgement in assessing people and wary cultivation of friendships, I've ended up being around people who were awesome and encouraging and loyal. Cheers to that!
Cannot think of anybody who hurt me real bad. Possibly, because I choose my friends carefully. Also, I reserve entrusting my heart to all and sundry.
It sounds pompous and fake, am sure to make a statement like that. But I've always exercised caution in matters of the heart. I dislike getting hurt or rejected like so many of my friends and that is why I tread most carefully when it comes to people. Many say that perhaps it is a sorry way to mingle with people and doubtless, I am not a very trusting soul. But hey, I'd rather be called arrogant that a poor dear.
Also, I've been lucky in love. Touch wood. Thanks to a fair judgement in assessing people and wary cultivation of friendships, I've ended up being around people who were awesome and encouraging and loyal. Cheers to that!
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