2015: Resolutions that I kept

I am writing this post at 12:30 am on 1^st of January 2016. From my room I can listen to the full blast music from the DJ playing outside.

The past year has been unique in its own ways.  And when the year began, I made few resolutions, like every year. While most of my resolutions failed just like every year, there were few which I was able to complete.

So without further ado, here is the one which I was proud of.

1) On the 1^st day of 2015, in a random chit-chat with a friend we joked that we should wear sari at least a week.  The thought stuck with me. Mind you, till then I have no clue of #100sareepact that was later started. I have always loved wearing saree but the problem was that I was not very good in draping it. I thought this practice would give me an opportunity to learn draping saree.  So I made this pact with myself- 52 sarees in a year (going by the logic of one saree a week). The sarees were ofcorse repeated many times owing to my little collection.

And on the last day of year 2015, I wore my 52^nd saree, thus keeping my resolution. Now, I cant claim that I can drape saree perfectly, there is always something amiss/ not quite right but now I no longer fear wearing saree.

2) For few years, I am trying to maintain one tradition, if one can say so: it is to read at least 30 books a year. 2013 was good in this regard and I actually finished more than 30 books that year and proudly displayed here in the blog.  2014 was not good in this regard. But in 2015 I got lucky. I managed to finish more than 35 books. The credit goes to the free time that I had and a well-stocked library. The list is proudly displayed in the blog.

These 2 are the only ones that I can think of. Here's hoping that this new year will bring cheer, health and success to all of us.

PS: This sudden spur in the activity is because uhmm, one of the resolutions of the new year is to post often. And I have done it again. What? Signed up for the month long January Blogathon just like in 2014.

On fountain pen:part 2

And I asked for the pen
To the guy sitting next
So that I can scribble
in one page some text.

And as I hold the pen
I grinned so wide
For I was holding a fountain-pen
in ink blue bright.

It brought back nostalgia
of school days glories
And I discussed with this guy
of pens and old memories.

And as I returned back.
To my old blogger home
I realized some loves
never grow old.
Like my love and surprise on seeing someone using fountain pen.

April rains

It is blasphemous not to enjoy good weather. Period.

The weather for the past few days has been salubrious. Just like that of hills. Chill inducing breeze, intermittent thunder and rains. And I love this weather. This kind of weather makes me feel happy. I make it a point that in such weather I go outdoors to play or walk just to enjoy the weather. Ofcourse when it is not raining as I dont like rains much.  April rains. There is a beautiful Korean movie named April Snow. Why do I tell you that? No particular reason. It just came to my mind when I typed April rains.

And when it rained, what did I do? Good question. Like yesterday, when it rained, I opened my balcony door to let the cool breeze in, played my favourite play-list on phone, made myself ginger-lemon green tea and savoured on the snacks my mom had sent and read that novel I have been reading. And I watched movies in home. After like 4-5 months.
.
The Intouchables: Its a French movie. This movie was the best thing in my day filled with meaningless internet browsing. Y ou know some movies fill your heart with such warmth that you cant stop smiling in the mention of that movie. Yes it is that kind of movie. The French actor who played the quadplegic is very handsome and so likeable was the main actor. Do watch this movie if get time.

The other movies that I watched was 'The Darjeeling Limited" and "The boy in the Striped Pajamas". The former movie by Wes Anderson was on my to-be-watched list for a long time and finally when I watched it, I was not flattered. The movie is shot in Rajasthan and I was not able to link the Darjeeling limited and the Rajasthan scenery. But for Western audience the name is just to show the link to India. But yes can be watched when you have no better movie to watch. "The boy in the Striped Pajamas" was good and sad like most movies based on Nazi-Jew issue. But must-match.

For old time's sake

An ode to my first watch

When I was in eighth class, my father gifted me my first watch. A Timex. This was literally my first watch. I dont remember if I had worn any fancy, plastic, digital kid watches before that.

It was love at first sight. I had never seen any beauty like that before. My mom had an old HMT watch-that classic gold dial with black leather strap. And I had never liked that watch. Mine was black metallic dial with pale gold interiors and diamond-like crystals at the four cardinal points. The strap was black of silicon-like material with horizontal engravings along its length. It sat pretty in my left hand and I was ecstatic.

The watch came with a stand. Something like the below image with a glass cover. I still remember, after coming from school I would dutifully strap off my watch and adjust it in its stand. This was my daily routine during my school years. One of my relative noticed me doing it and intrigued, asked me why I do it. "Out of habit, I suppose." I told her. The thinking logically, I answered "this way the watch doesnt get any dust". She thought about it and told me "No. By putting that watch in its stand you ensure that you can see the time on the watch from afar. which would not be possible if , instead, it lies." Touche, but I definitely didnt gather her point as my dainty little watch sits in the top shelf adjacent to my bed and I had a big clock in the same room.

the case in question (Image courtesy: Google images)

The watch came with a warranty of 2 years and I remember very correctly just a month passed after its 2 year anniversary, the cells went down. As the watch was not purchased from my town and the cells were not available there , I waited for good 2-3 months before I could get it repaired.

That watch has seen thousands of academic hours spent in school and college, standed the pressure test of many exams and been a witness to many triumphs and frustrations. My 10th board exams, 12th Board exams, college semesters, competitive exams- the watch can proudly say "been there, done that".More than 10 years that watch sat elegantly on my left hand.

In those 10 years, the batteries were replaced a no. of times, the strap was changed twice and one of the diamond crystals fell off but the watch remained a sturdy companion. That watch begin my love affair with timepieces. When I got job, I fell in love with another watch, a Titan Raga this time. This new watch replaced the old one and my first watch finally caught dust in the spare watch box. But as they say, the first one is always special.

Realization: Sometimes problems have a way to solve themselves out.

Complexity at its best. Patience is not my forte yet procrastination is something I live by.

I have this tendency that when I have been asked to do some thing in my capacity (officially especially) I try to do it asap, never mind if the job is big or small, urgent or not and report it back when done. Because of this, while I have come across with some compliments, I have got into trouble at times as well. Of late I have realised that instead of getting things done as and when it comes at my table, it is better if I analyse the situation and the nature of the work. 

Sometimes when problems poke their heads in life, professional or personal, and one finds herself trapped, dont panic and start breaking your back worrying/working/sorting it. Take a breath. Use your conscience. Analyse the situation. Leave it aside for an hour, a day or a week and engage yourself in your day to day life. When working with a clear head, one finds the solution. And the best part is:  Sometimes problems, given time, have a way to solve themselves out.

Irony

In these cold winter days, my grumpy mornings in bed begin hearing the boisterous sounds of the "Laughter Club" from the nearby park.
Arghh!!!

Pic Courtesy: www.imgarcade.com

Carry on Tuesday: Forwarded message

Now this is a forwarded message. I found it in Facebook and thought of keeping it here in the blog for gentle reminder on small tips to keep oneself healthy.


1. Walk for 30 minutes daily.
2. Eat a piece of fruit daily.
3. Eat whole foods instead of processed foods whenever possible.
4. Reject foods and drinks made of artificial colors or sweetener.
5. Start each lunch/dinner with salad.
6. Give your partner a hug every day before work.
7. Take a deep belly breath for three to five minutes twice a day.
8. Smell the scent of lavender to relax and sleep well.
9. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed.
10. Drink plenty of water.
11. Get 10-15 minutes of sunlight and fresh air daily.
12. Jog.
13. Run in place.
14. Have a greater variety of food. Variety means no excess of anything and more nutrients. Eat three different foods at every meal.
15. Eat slowly.
16. Have snacks between meals.
17. Watch comedy and add humor to your life.
18. Never skip breakfast.
19. Try to have seven hours of sleep at night.
20. Have a fixed bed time, preferably at 10:00 pm.
21. Increase your fiber intake.
22. Eat foods with bright rich colors.
23. Join a Yoga class.
24. Surround yourself with loving and supportive people.
25. Know that healthy food tastes great later.
26. Drink green tea twice a day.
27. Exercise till you sweat once a week.
28. Save a one year’s worth of living expenses to eliminate the money stress.
29. Have as much sex as possible … At least twice a week.
30. Do pull-ups and push-ups for 30 minutes twice a week.
31. Eat a handful of nuts 30 minutes before a meal.
32. Step on a treadmill.
33. Learn to cook and gain control of what goes into your meals … and save money!
34. Take a Vitamin D rich supplement.
35. Chew food thoroughly.
36. Avoid cold drinks with meals.
37. Take ginger.
38. Cut down sugar.
39. Don’t over-eat!
40. Don’t eat 3 hours before going to bed.
41. Fast.
42. Sit in silence for 10 minutes each day.
43. Play games.
44. Read good books.
45. Pray.
46. Meditate.
47. Don’t compare yourself to others.
48. Do work that you are passionate about.
49. Quit a job you hate.
50. Keep in touch with your family.
51. Do something good to one person everyday.
52. Don’t drink coffee twice a day.
53. When you feel tired, REST.
54. If you’re stressed, don’t try to manage it. Instead, take time off and relax.
55. Laugh out loud.
56. Quit smoking by smoking one less cigarette every week.
57. Walk in nature barefoot.
58. Spend time with friends.
59. Start a gratitude journal. Record one thing you’re grateful for everyday.
60. Ride a bike for fun or cycle to work a few times a week.
61. Read 8 Weeks To Optimum Health by Dr. Weil.
62. Wash hands with soap.
63. Avoid passive smoking.
64. Ask for help when you need it.
65. Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese and green leafy vegetables.
66. Don’t sit for a prolonged time. Stand up and stretch.
67. Wash your eyes and face regularly.
68. Sing.
69. Dance.
70. Swim regularly in open air.
71. Take the stairs. No elevators. No escalators.
72. Remain faithful to one sexual partner to avoid AIDS.
73. Travel more often.
74. Wear high quality comfortable shoes.
75. Eat until you’re 80% full.
76. Cook meals with curry powder.
77. Take a 15-30 minutes nap.
78. Eat dark chocolate.
79. Eat wild salmon at least once a week (Omega-3 rich).
80. Forgive someone.
81. Call an old friend.
82. Eat oranges.
83. Sometimes, you need to say no for the sake of your health.
84. Take care of your teeth. Floss and brush your teeth twice a day at least.
85. Take honey to build up your immunity system.
86. Don’t sleep right after having a meal.
87. Don’t sleep when you’re emotionally upset.
88. Begin a garden.
89. Build your self confidence.
90. Don’t over-spend your money.
91. Volunteer in a good cause.
92. Do some strength training twice a week.
93. Eat one or two fish meals per week.
94. Find your passion and purpose in life.
95. Consider massage.
96. Don’t solve your emotional problems by eating more.
97. A garlic a day!
98. Cut back on salt.
99. Avoid negative people.
100. Herbs, herbs, herbs.