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

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?

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)

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. 

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

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. :)

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.

• 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.

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:

• 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 81: Biggest Fear

day 81: what is your biggest fear


Falling down a staircase. :(

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?

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.