Verdict on Resolutions of 2012

I took up quite a few resolutions last year. Here's the net result on all of that.

• A-Z challenge : Trying to read 52 books- 26 titles for every letter of the alphabet and 26 authors, named for every English letter. I scored 48 on 52 in this one. Not bad.
• Books I Read : I was trying to note all the books I've read (other than those for the goal of completing A-Z challenge). Well done on this one, if I might say so myself.
• 365 Day challenge : I decided to write a post everyday on previously decided topics. The topics were taken from a Tumblr challenge. I was trying to inculcate perseverance and develop my articulation skills by this challenge. As far as I can see, I have certainly improved my voice but  struggled pathetically with the habit of posting daily. I was always writing two or more to keep up with the backlog, never got around to comfortably posting daily. Procrastination is a bad habit that I had hoped to shed through this self-imposed task, but did not quite achieve.

Overall, an average year. I did not accomplish any lofty feats but I had fun trying. For this year,I am planning to post at  weekly once at the very least. I've even given this whole blog a makeover to inspire me. Let's see how it goes.

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 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 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 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 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?

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.

Day 24: List of My Favourite 10 People

Day 24: your favorite 10 people right now and why

1. Mom: For more details, read this one and and this.
2. AR: My twin sister. We call her SunshineGirl because it aptly symbolizes her cheerful personality. As to why she is my favorite person, one reason- She's Awesome!
3. Daddy Dearest: For being the anchor in my life. How can you not love a person who daily professes, "I Love You Baby. If you have any problems, just give me a whistle."
4. Hubby: My own TDH hunk is just adorable. For special moments that make him sweeter, read here and again.
5. Dimma: Babushkas cannot get nicer and cooler than this.
6. Thatha: For being the best grandpa in the world. I love your smile, your tennis prowess and your trademark Old Spice scent.
7. Amma & Appa- Best parents-in-law ever.
8. Mama: Is it any wonder that uncles are Double mummy when loosely translated in Hindi?
9. Mami: 'coz you twice as nice as Mama
10. BFF: you gals and guys rock!

Day 17: Indian Idol (Personal)

Day 17: your idol and why you look up to them


This definitely has to be my Mom. The reasons are many but I'll try to sort and list my top reasons and the favorite ones too.

1. My Mom has persistence and patience. I don't know of many eighteen year olds who get married, have squalling and stubborn twins in a year and yet manage to single-mindedly study, finish a doctorate, pursue a career as the Principal of a college and enjoy motherhood. Add in taking care of dependent relations, buying their own flat, building a home library and reading all those books, socializing with lots of friends, mentoring thousands of kids each year and you realize that she is truly one awesome lady.
2. Doing things backwards has always been Mummy's way. If marriage, career and college were not unconventional an order enough, here's something that I like to call her success mantra. We follow the alphabet as I, U, V. But for my Mom, it's always been the other way round. It is V- as in We can do it, U- for U are awesome and let me help you become more terrific and finally, I - translating to I'd like to help some more. Selflessly helping others is another reason that I look up to her in absolute admiration.
3. Her smile and optimism. No matter how hectic or grueling the day has been, she'll always sport a smile and a cheerful countenance. Despite being a khadoos* of the highest order, I have to admire this trait.
4. If there were an award for doing things with Effortless Ease, I'd hand it over to her. How does she make everything look so blessed easy?
5. I frequently focus on people's weaknesses and flaws. Simply, because I like to guard myself against it. But not so for my Mom. She always focuses on the inherent good in people and tries to instill in them the confidence to become better and follow their talents. And that is one more reason I think that my Mommy dearest id definitely the person I look up to.

*Grouch

Day 13- Favorite Quote(s)

Day 13: your favorite quote


Actually I have 3 favorite quotes. 

• B.E. the change you wish to see in the world. 

This is from my engineering days. As Bachelors of Engineering was the graduate recognition we were aiming for, this was funny and profound. Over the years, I've realized its deeper truth though. We can't instill change in anybody but ourselves but we can inspire it in others. So, change yourself, the way you treat others and you start seeing that change in your surroundings too. 

• Little Drops Make an Ocean.

I read this interesting line in my childhood. You can't eat a whole elephant but you can eat it one bite at a time. Back then, I wondered why anybody would would want to eat an elephant and how would they anyway. But now I focus more on the actual meaning. Almost everything can be broken up into small chunks and you can do them one thing at a time. Hate the clutter. Tackle it fifteen minutes at a time. Dislike ironing, do two pieces of clothing every 2 hours during the weekend. You won't accomplish everything but you will make a dent. Afraid of public speaking. Bid people Hello at the mall, restaurant for a month. Say a line or two for the next. Initiate a conversation about the weather in the third and in some time, you actually will enjoy holding audiences spellbound.

• It's not your Aptitude but your Attitude that decides your Altitude.

What can I say? Things look bleak? Decide it can be overcome and it will be. Looks difficult. Think it can be done. It's adjusting your perspective and feeling positive that really helps i every situation.


So, what's your favorite quote?

Day 12: Top Ten (Best) Advice

Day 12: the best advice you’ve ever heard, or ever been given


Actually there are some very good ones that I have received over the course of my growing up. Here are my favourites:

1. Smile often. For sure, the best crease your face can sport.
2. When buying clothes, choose taste and comfort over price and fashion trends. Absolutely.
3. Whenever traveling, check for tickets and wallet. You can always get the rest. (I have added cell phone to this list though)
4. There's a silver lining to every cloud. Never found it to be false.
5. Whether it's a glass of water or career, go get it yourself. I can't agree more.
6. If it takes only a minute, do it now. So true and gets so much done.
7. Never touch an unwatched plate or drink. If you are a woman or alone, follow it. You never know.
8. Love yourself. You can't love others when you can't even love yourself.
9. Accept people for what they are and not what they can be. But inspire people to be what they can be and not stay as what they are. 
10. Always tell Mom.

Day 11: Worst Advice Ever

Day 11: the worst advice you’ve ever heard, or ever been given


There are many bad ones but the most irksome are:

1. Stop growing or you won't get married. Like really it's in my hands. Not to mention that I was twelve and not really concerned about whether or not I would be able to clinch an eligible bachelor. I have now but that's another story for another time.
2. Don't study too well or too much or you won't get a suitable match. This was usually followed by the line- Everybody is not like your father. This was in reference to my Dad who encouraged my Mom to work and pursue several degrees and eventually her doctorate. Agreed that not everyone is comfortable with a vastly more qualified wife but surely times are changing. I hated this line especially since people started harping on this aspect once I was in high school and had finally stopped growing any taller. Many were the times when I quelled the desire to turn into a murderess and concentrated instead on my studies. My husband is just like my Dad by the way. That itself is sweet revenge. :)

Day10- Be Yourself

Day 10: what you think when you hear the words “be yourself”


When I hear the words 'Be Yourself', a host of emotions come over me and a flurry of thoughts circle my head like kids circling an ice cream vendor- all vying for immediate attention.
Being yourself :
Is Tough. It takes guts to remain true to oneself in spite of fear of rejection or ridicule.
Takes courage. Conforming to popular beliefs is easy not following our hearts even is it means being rebellious.
Is the right thing to do and is easier in the long run.
Possible only if you are strong and introspective.
Is the only way to be happy.
Always leads to success. 
Is simpler and more rewarding. 
Means being comfortable with yourself.
Is the first step to loving yourself. 


Finally, I have to end with my closing comments on the topic:
Better to be an average original than a splendid copycat.

Day 7: Moving Movie

Day 7: a show or a movie that has changed you, and how


One movie that changed me has to be "The Kung Fu Panda". I have to add here that I've seen a lot of movies, good and bad, commercial and classic, Bollywood and Hollywood. But somehow the one movie that sticks in my mind has to be this one.


The one memorable line that I have is "There is no Secret Ingredient" which leads Poe into realizing that Self-Belief is the chief ingredient to succeeding. The statement is not particularly original but it is profound. What better than cute animated characters to remind us to have faith in ourselves?


Some other things that stuck in my mind from the movie are as follows:

• Love not Blindly. When you love a person, you must do so fully accepting them for what they are- faults and features alike.
• Old people are wise. Their advice generally works, provided the context is right.
• A hug always makes things better.
• Parents always know the right thing to make us feel better.
• Don't judge a person for what they look like. See them for what they are and what they can be.
• Don't lie to your parents.

Day 1 :A Fresh Beginning

Day 1: hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days with a picture of yourself

For the next 365 days, I plan to keep 'Try It' as my Mantra. I hope to be able to shed my natural reservation against new and unknown things. I have a vivid imagination, a strong sense of self-preservation and am completely risk-averse. All this makes me naturally reluctant to accept unknown challenges head-on. Even though, I have led an extremely enjoyable and content life, I want to try out new activities and explore new avenues of fun.


My dream for the next year is to write a post a day and keep at it. I like to write but I want to write worthy lines. I hope to keep at this task diligently and not lose steam midway or even after the first week. That brings me to one change that I would like to see in myself somewhere in the future. I have a habit of taking on too many things at the same time and this leads me to drop a lot of them half-done or finish them but not to my satisfaction. I am talking here of all my hobbies except reading - but I suspect it has a lot to do with my high reading speed. I want to change that. By writing a post every day, I will know that yes, I can stick to something and see it through the finish.


One more dream is to have a collection of 50 essays that can be deemed worthy of publishing. Not that I aspire to be a writer. But I just wish to improve my writing skills and my flair for expressing my thoughts via the written word.


Hopefully I'll join college this year. That is one more aspiration that I am working towards.


I am learning how to cook well. I'm taking baby steps into the world of culinary arts. Up until now, it's been a roller coaster ride. Worse, of course, for Hubbyji. He has always been a discerning eater, eh likes his meals cooked just so. And he himself is a marvellous cook. (His ambition at one time was to become a chef, but gave it up due to his vegetarian lifestyle.) But he has been so patient and accomodating of my errant cooking that just for him, bless his soul; I want to learn faster and become a fairly decent cook.


Another plan for the year ahead is to keep up my habit of hitting the gym. I hate gym routines but thanks, to the love handles threatening to sneak up on me and my hereditary composition, I need to remain fit. I hope I have it in me to excercise daily and stay focussed. After all, the awesome gym facilities in our apartment are FREE! I've appealed to the bargaining, economist in me to stay committed to this cause.


Here's to dreams, hopes and plans and may they all come true!

Return of the 365 Day Challenge- I'm Back

I am resuming the 365 Day Challenge! Yippee!!

I was feeling quite low about not having stuck to the 365 Day challenge. But I was idly googling 365 Day Challenge again when I noticed a list with 365 topics to write on. And I thought, this is a Leap Year. Should not there be 366 of these? I may have not been able to write continuously for a month but that did not deter me from being critical of others.
And it was then that I realized that the challenge is sticking on for a whole year irrespective of when you begin. So, here's to a great start. Do check out this challenge, it is fun.

365 Day Challenge on Tumblr

And since this IS a Leap Year, today is the introductory piece of my 366 Day Challenge with tomorrow's post as Day1 and so on.
Yes, I really do not change or stop procrastinating, do I? :)
Happy Blogging!

Pfff Goes 365 Day Challenge! On defeat and Salvaging...

Hmm... there sure should not be anything more to write after that rather revealing headline.

Yup. My 365 day challenge which I began in Feb has gone bust.

For someone who is fiercely opinionated, voraciously vocal and fond of writing; this is terribly deflating. But yes, I find that I have not found the inspiration to write everyday. And definitely on the topics I had outlined.

I feel so ridiculous about this but perhaps a part of me knew. I'm no good at keeping resolutions since I suffer from the classic case of biting off more than I can chew.

But nevertheless, I shall aim for quality over quantity [sorry excuse, I know- but best I can some up with at short notice] and write only when I have something worthwhile to write.

Thankfully the Books I Read and A-Z project is coming along fine. Those are my pending posts that will soon be posted too but at least I'm on top of my reading list.

Just to feel happier and salvage a bruised ego, let me state that I've also been hitting the gym since last week and am on my way to get rid of the love handles that were starting to raise their ugly head. Love is awesome. Sure. But love handles- no way. Not when I've not even celebrated the first anniversary and his birthday looming close by. I certailnly want to look good for that.

Before I ramble further, it's time to sign off with the hope of more frequent posts. Ciao.

Valentine Week - Mom

It's Valentines week. So, I am going to post about my favourite Valentines and why I love them so much.

God can't be everywhere. That's why he made Mothers!
Whoever said this was absolutely right. And that is why my first Valentine Post just has to be on Mom.

Contrary to popular ads and television productions, motherhood is no cakewalk. With twins, the troubles are doubly worse. And since one of the aforementioned bratty twins was me, I am sure my mother must have cringed many a times. But my Mom still regards motherhood as the best thing that happened to her. Am I lucky or what?

My Mom has a terrific elephantine memory. But when it comes to my errant behaviour, it's like she has amnesia. Like all mothers, she doesn't remember the late nights, the shrieking, squirming, pooping baby I was or the stubborn toddler who ran amok destroying things that I grew into. She only fondly remembers me as a studious teenager when actually I was moody, sulky and quite fussy. My good grades were probably the only saving grace. College saw me as a girl trying to get organized, become feminist, hate makeup, love accessorizing, and turn into an irritating and an excessively particular shopper. But mother dear always regarded it as growing into my character. She recalls only my degree, the scholarships, the job offers, the neat looks, and what she terms my classy taste.

I love the fact that she always is there for me. Even with a heavy workload, an aged mother in law and possessive husband, long commuting hours, time difference [ we are twelve hours apart] she still has the time and energy to talk to me and sound jubilant on hearing my voice. I adore that she can bear my lengthy monologues and yet, soothe me with a 'Oh, I've been keeping you with all my talk. You get on with your work. ' when I need to disconnect to get back to whatever I've been tinkering on. I wish I could replicate the happy tones of her 'Call me later when you are free.' when I know that she waits for her baby's call for a whole week and would love to chat for more than a scant few minutes.
Oh, I do love this woman.

What else makes her so special?
Unconditional love for starters.
The fact that she still is like a mother tigress around her cubs with me. Even though I've grown up into a big, strapping girl.
The way she fusses about my health, emotional well being, dressing and grooming.
I adore how she ends up being right all the time but never once pinpoints the fact.
How she never says I Told You So.
How she is always well dressed even after a ten hour work day and can sport a smile, soothe a fear and pat a frown away.
And her yummy home cooked, served-with-love food. Oh my God!
Her budgeting skills and bargaining tactics I find are as awesome as her diplomacy.
I envy the way she can see hidden talents and tweeze them out; how she instills confidence and boosts esteem in everyone she meets. [She works as the Principal of a college.]

But what I hold dearest is that optimism, that infectious joy for life. Mommy dearest, if I could inculcate one lesson from her- it would be the knack of facing life with a smile and a broad grin. Even life can't help but melt at such an attitude.

Happy Valentine's Day Mummy!

365 Day Challenge Ideas

I just read about the 365 day challenge and it sounds quite interesting. I am quite determined to do it despite the fact that I am short of 30 days. But that is ok, it is the spirit that matters. I was wondering about how to go about it and actually Googled for help. How enthusiastic is that?

Here are some ideas that I mused about:

Gratitude Journal - This was the first thing that popped into my mind. Since I anyway add it in Things That Made the Day Awesome, I need to figure this out.


A Post A Day - now that is something that I ought to be doing daily. But here is a twist I decided to add. I  keep one alphabet for every 2 weeks, randomly pick a word beginning from that letter and write on that topic. This one will keep the creative juices flowing.

Posts on People who influenced Me - This will basically have short descriptions on family and friends. Hmm.... Maybe I ought to tell them. So, I get extra pampered. Now that's a sneaky but delicious thought. :P

Make 12 30-Day Challenges - Now, this could include hitting the gym; keeping the house clean; keeping order of my ironing, etc. Ironing will be a tough one as it's always mine that is pending since I do his first [ I have LOTS more clothes]. Others could be read a news article a day. And just write a short line or two about it. It will give me something to write about and indulge a self-opinionated female like yours truly.

Healthy Challenge - Do something healthy. Eat a fruit, have yoghurt; exercise, whatever and write about it. This will be tough to implement as I hate gyms and love junk food.

Photo A Day- This idea made the list only because I enjoy photos, love posing. but I am not that great a photographer nor do I have the Photographer's gene in me. Pity, as it would have made a nice, enjoyable and perhaps relatively less time consuming challenge. Maybe I can do that and just entitle it the World Around Me. I really should explore this a bit more as I will need to walk around and search for proper subjects and settings. Will be good for a couch potato like me.

Happiness is...

Happiness need not be something big like winning a lottery; becoming Head of State or even discovering the secret to Eternal Youth; though I'd love to have that. Life has more delight when you know how to savour the simple joys in life; compound them and you get a truly blessed life.

Here is my list.
Happiness to me is ...

• A good book
• Singing off-key with the iPod
• Doubling up with laughter 
• Playing Scrabble, Sudoku 
• Competing over game scores with Hubbyji 
• Lemony salad with a dash of chilli and pepper 
• Boiled peanuts 
• Brightly coloured nail polish 
• Gazing at old photograph albums 
• Being pampered by grandparents 
• Squabbling with siblings 
• Window Shopping with friends
• Watching my First snow
• Delicious ice-cream
• Freshly baked cookies
• Sniffing a fragrant bunch of flowers
• Nice, long bath
• Big balloons
• Toothless babies smiling at me
• Making paper boats in the rain
• Dipping my toes in a lake
• Walkin along a beach
• Sunset
• Watching the sun rise
• Freshly brewed coffee
• Munching on chips
• Watching a movie with friends and a bag of popcorn
• Family gatherings
• Long phone calls with Mom
• Gossipping with gal pals
• The first Paycheck
• Cuddling up with my Panda Bear
• Watching cartoons
• Sipping hot chocolate
• Dressing up for family weddings
• Biting into delicious cakes
• Watching the clouds pass by
• Sweet smell of wet earth
• A new addition to the family