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 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 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 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 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 18: Top Reasons Why I blog and Am Still at it!

Day 18: why you made your blog, why you still have it
The reasons for blogging are listed in Day 3 of this series. But my top reasons for continuing to blog are as below:

1. Blogging is fun.
2. Writing a post every single day takes patience and teaches consistency and the importance of persevering. 
3. It keeps me result-driven. One post needs to get published every day. I usually find that I lapse during weekends; since those two days fly away with Hubs and all our outings and shopping and Skype chats with our large family back home. However, my challenge dictates that I post an article EVERY day. So, I just write my posts beforehand and then press the publish button on the weekends. It's not exactly cheating according to me. I like to call it 'Delivering what you Promise'. It's a lesson from my days as an engineer in a corporate firm. Nobody cares how you deliver so long as you DO. (Subject to the means being legal and civil.) I used to adopt this technique to flee early and get home sooner on Fridays. I  needed the precious hour since I travelled on Friday- so, I'd work extra on Thursday to keep my work up to date. I always delivered, so nobody cared a hoot. 
4. It's free. That alone is an awesome reason to use it to the fullest.
5. I like playing around with the themes, widgets and am looking at web designing aspects as well. So, I get to indulge in my creative and technical streaks. 
6. My typing has improved loads due to blogging.
7. A lot of the questions are introspective and help me discover more about myself. Self-improvement and introspection has never been so enjoyable.
8. I'm a housewife and blogging is a great way to keep boredom at bay while Hubbyji works for our living.
9. Blogging makes me think.
10. I actually have made friends and learnt so much about people I would have never known were it not for Blogger. This kind of platform opens up new vistas of learning that are enlightening as much as they pleasing.

Day 14: What I believe in

Day 14: write about something you believe in, anything at all


I believe everybody should have a hobby or leisure time pursuit, something that they are passionate about, that they love doing. The joy that lights up in one's eyes as we indulge in our favorite activity, the sheer thrill of getting down to enjoy in that one special, personally favored task is something that we shall always cherish. They give us those treasured moments that we spent on ourselves. 
In a lifetime of trying to care for the family, being around for friends, work and numerous social obligations, these times that we invest in ourselves sure are a great way to recharge and rejuvenate.
Mine is reading. What's yours?

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 6- Changing For the Better

Day 6: something you would like to change about yourself


Actually, there are a lot of things I would like to change about myself. 
Procrastinating nature
Lack of organization
Dislike for cleaning
Clueless Culinary skills
Sulkiness
Lip biting habit (my own, as should be obvious)
Disinterest in beauty care
Intense dislike for gym regimes


Reading the above list makes me wonder how I still manage to possess such copious amounts of self-esteem, positive self-worth and continue to feel so cheerfully ecstatic about my own self. But then not everybody has their own Personal Cheerleading Squad cum Mutual Admiration Society, do they? [They comprise of my twin sis and Mom! :) ]


But coming back to the things I would like to change about myself, my procrastinating nature is one major thing that I would like to change about myself. All the others are things that I am working on or have managed to reach an easy compromise on. I tackle clutter and daily tasks one thing at a time, I hit the gym everyday, even if only for twenty minutes; I am experimenting in the kitchen and with my personal care. I even have roped in Hubbyji to bring any lip biting to my conscious notice and try to avoid sulking. 


But postponing things is almost like second nature to me. Either I plan out too much in too many details or I dread things and keep stalling till it is upon me like a bursting volcano. Bad idea. 
And hence, that is the one thing I would like very much to change about myself.

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.

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.

Small Change

Hmm... Just finished reading Small Change by Sheila Roberts. Great book on how a bunch of girlfriends change their spend-thrift ways and eventually straighten their out of control lives. I liked the characterization and the vivid descriptions of the emotional dilemmas faced by the lead characters. But it also set me thinking about altering my own ways.

Ok. I am definitely not a spend-thrift. I like to call myself 'Economical'- which is far from stingy and definitely farther from spending foolishly. I do not skimp on education, health and food and safety. For everything else, there always sales and bargains. :)

But the department in which I fear, I am sadly lacking is Housekeeping. Oh- I'm quite all right. Not pathetic- but definitely not exemplary. But I want to be. So, my New Year Resolution is to take charge of all the Household chores [which are not many and which is why my Guilt-o-meter beeps frequently.]

I've been reading Jen's Blog 'IHeart Organising' and taking inspiration from it- am going about to do just that. Will post on my progress soon enough.

Oh, and do read both Jen's Blog and Sheila Robert's book.