Tag: Weverb Dec 21-Dec 25

Dec 21: read [LIVE]
Did you read a book this year that left you craving more when it was over?
Not any book I read this year but "The Time Traveller's wife" (read last year) made me left wondering even after it was over.

Dec 22: recharge [CREATE]
What did you do to recharge your batteries in 2012?
It must be the evil of internet  but this is how I wasted my time and this is what I used to recharge the batteries as well.

Dec 23: communicate [LISTEN]
Describe a conversation that you had this year. Why was it memorable?
It was talk with my father who told me when I was sharing with him the problems in office, to look forward, that this happens in everyone's work life and in life there will many more difficulties, you just keep calm and enjoy.

Dec 24: delight [HOPE]
How can you bring more joy into your life in 2013?

1) By not sweating over the small stuff.

2) By Meditation and exercise

3) By enjoying each day as it comes.

Oh, how I wish I do all this and more in the coming year and life..

Dec 25: give [CREATE]
What was the best gift you gave someone this year?

Though I love to receive gifts, I am not very good in gift giving department. I framed the nameplate that I had made, wrapped it up to gift it to ZZ for anniversary but didnt out any sticker over it. ZZ sniffed that his wife is giving him that colourful painting she has been making in his presence itself, found out that it was hiding in her wardrobe, pasted a sticker "Dear Wife, Happy Anniversary, from ZZ!!". Yes, its true. I received the gift that I made myself and that I was to give it to him. It was hilarious and I couldnt stop laughing when before I could bring it out, he handed me it. Talk about timing and most importantly, Sticker that proclaims who gifted who!!

Hair story

               I have straight hair. By birth. "I am so lucky", tell my friends that I would never have to pay for straightening. But they dont know the experiments my hairs have been through to be manageable. Having thick straight hair which are dull, drizzy and not in your control is not a blessing.  I still remember my father oiling my hair and wetting it every morning before school so that my boycut hair could be parted and I could look presentable.

               I longed for curly hair like Maggi. The heroines of the late 80s and 90s had curls, my friends had curls, some had straight hair which looked lovely in blunt cut.I never liked my straight hair. Thinking that if I keep long hair it will be more problematic than they are right then, my hair were kept short all the way. When I was in Class 4^th we went to Delhi for our vacations. There my mother took me to parlour, shared my hair woes and the parlour girl suggested to get my hair curled. The weird logic being that once the hair is curled it will change the natural texture of my hair and the hair will be manageable and able to parted in any direction I (my parents) wanted. So using strong chemicals and curlours hanging on my hair for hours, my hair were transformed from straight to curly. After paying a hefty sum to the parlour wali aunty my parents thought that the problem resolved .

                 But just like a dog's tail cant be straightened, my thick straight hair couldnt hold the curls for long and in a few months my hair started showing the signs of their own. And beneath the curls the straight hair started sprouting. And with the next cut, the originals were back. The huge sum that was spent got lost with the curls.

                   Now that I had seen both kinds of hair, I and my parents made peace with my hair. Using light, chemical-free shampoos and conditioners, weekly oil massages I started caring for my hair. Later after my Class 12th, I started keeping shoulder-length hair. With the whole world around going gaga over straightening, I get compliments for my natural straight hair What can I say. I still love curly hair like maggi but given a choice I would rather keep my hair straight.Oh, I love my imperfect straight hair.

This post is written for Sunsilk Straight Hair Experiment Contest.

Tag: Weverb12 (Dec15-Dec20)

Dec 15: quote [GROW]: What inspirational quote would you associate with this past year for you?
As per situation, i look for strength under different inspirational words. But one 

"Get up & face the music"


Dec 16: replicate [CREATE]: What were you inspired to create/make this year based on something else? (i.e. a pin from pinterest, recipe from a friend, etc.)
It has to be a name plate drawing I made inspired from this blog. I also have a picture during the painting.

Dec 17: thank [HOPE]: Write that thank you note that you’ve been meaning to send this year… or would like to send next year…

This has to be to my parents. Even though I believe that it is important to "say" you love when you mean it, I have never  been open to my parents to tell them "I love you". 

"I feel blessed to be your daughter. Thank you for all the unconditional love you showered on us, for all the scoldings we had in our childhood, for being the patient ears to our stupid and angry vents, for being the helping hands in our downfalls, for being the inspiration and motivation to look forward to, for being the best parents in the world. I love you!!"

Dec18: soak [LISTEN]: What have you soaked in this year? (Baths, sun, ideas?) How did it affect your mentality?

Sunshine. A loads of sunshine. During the walks in lunch break out in the garden. From the window panes in my office seat. In the little square of my balcony at home. Sunshine makes me warm and happy. It is the combination of sunshine and cold winds that makes my winters beautiful.

Dec 19: exercise [LIVE]: How did you live actively in 2012? What will you change in 2013?

I participated in 5k race this July. I think I have already boasted about  it earlier. So for at least a month I jogged religiously before the D-day and later it all stopped. 

For 2013 I have plans. To do yoga every day, morning walks and running more. 

 Dec 20: reminisce [GROW] What distant memory/time did you find yourself longing for in 2012?

I didnt travel much this year. So at so many times I found myself longing to travel to new places , remembering the good old times of distant places with family/ friends.

Tag:Weverb12 (Dec12-Dec14)

Continuing from Part1 and Part2

Dec 12: toss [GROW]: 2012 was the last time for ________________

1) poor communication skills

2) planning more but travelling less

3) procrastination of important things

Dec 13: associate [LISTEN]: What blog/book/article spoke to you the most in 2012?

Though I didnt read much in 2012, I happened to read more women writers this year than I have earlier. So, from Helen Fielding, Sophie Kinsella, Caitlin Moran, Sudha Murty, Chitra Divakurni (currently reading) I got to read tales of female protagonists by female authors.I laughed and felt sad along with the heroines and wondered that thinking too much of small issues is not my problem it is of all women across the globe.

Dec 14: walk [LIVE]: Describe the path to a favorite place of yours to walk in 2012. What’s meaningful about the place or the journey

The city Delhi has so much to offer: bylanes of old city, ancient monuments, world-class transport system, shopping heaven, large gardens & parks, time-to-time cultural festivals that Delhi govt and other agencies organise. A place where history is in its stones and future in air. For long time, I had wanted to visit all important monuments of Delhi.

 It was a very very lovely day when with ZZ and friends we decided to go some place to enjoy the lovely weather and thus Humayun's Tomb was visited. Stood on an elevated platform the red-stone structure is said to be the inspiration behind the architecture of Taj Mahal.

Awesome weather, lovely company, 2 photographers;) and click-happy grins with the wonderful background/ foreground where every corner shows view like this.

 next installment tomorrow..:)

Tag:Weverb 2012 (Dec5-Dec11)

Punctuality is a virtue and I lack it. Online at least. So without further ado, lets continue:

Lets continue..

Cook: What was your best recipe/dish of the year? Share it!

 

And as I looked at my photo folder, I noticed a lot of new experiments I did this year. Favorite recipe of the year should go to Som-Tam (Thai Green Papaya Salad). I had brought 2 raw-papayas from the kitchen garden of mother-in-law this diwali. Each papaya made one dessert and a big salad bowl. 

Recipe is very simple (the reason I made it). I scouted google for its recipe and found this http://www.swapnascuisine.com/2011/05/green-papaya-salad-kappalanga-omakka.html which is almost how I made mine.

Enliven:  Was there a book or article that inspired you to make a change in your life this year? What was the source and what did you change?

I got to read a book from one of my father's friend. The book not only is a biography of a forgotten hero but also give a glimpse of the bygone society.Reading the book inspired me to someday write a book myself. (I woman can dream, right.)

Respond: Do you actively listen to your inner voice/conscience? Describe a time this year you heard and responded to it.

 

No, I don’t. I am a confused soul trying my best to simplify my life. Actively listening to my inner conscience would definitely help me but its mostly in the times of problem, when I try to look for the answers by looking inwards.

Triumph: How were you challenged by a project or goal this year? What did you learn from it?

 

 Zindagi mein aisi bahut si mushkilein aayengi but always stand up for yourself. I shall not call that episode  triumph, because in a direct sense it  ultimately leads to loss for me but indirectly, I learnt so much. That there are people with inflated egos who take official things personally, try their best to damage you and create barriers on your way. That people would be nice to you since you have been nice to them is eye-wash. That there are people who will always be your strength, cherish them. That life is tough and unpredictable, just have faith, keep doing good and have belief in yourself.

Lose:  Did you have to say goodbye to a person, or even a cherished object, this year? Take a moment to celebrate the memory

I can only think of one person right now when it comes to loss. He was a mess worker in the girls hostel. Happy-go-lucky fellow who made many a parties possible, run for many a errands and always check on you if you skip your meal. Everyone in the hostel had nice memories of him. He died young and it was a sad news to hear the news.

Spend/Save: Are you richer or poorer this year, compared to last year?

Richer. Richer by age and the wisdom it brings;), by experience and yeah a few pennies richer monetarily for sure.

Tag: Weverb12

        With just 2 posts in 2012, the blog had become a half-yearly event, BUT then there happens something in your life, which needs a mention in your blog. Right!! No..the blog was always in my mind when things happened to me but I just kept postponing it and hola, its December!!

          delhte hi dekhte, 2012 is coming to an end.And even though 2012 has not been a favourite year and from last few months, office life is pain, it needs a summary. I have never documented anything like this earlier, but then in this blog, I found a link to Weverb12 and decide to hop on it. 

          And now that I have been 5 days late, let me write it all in a single post.

Dec 1: Compose

I have never written a haiku nor know its rules (except that its short, 3 lines etc) but let me describe my 2012:
Dark night:

Search for self

Unending, unnerving

May bliss be mine.

Dec 2: Watch

The movie of this year that I would recommend to a friend would be "English Vinglish"

Dec 3: Stay

I have a monkey mind and a monkey heart. I have heard a few comments about me stating that I look lost at times.So to truely stay in the moment is effort. I so want to do meditation, but then laziness has always been my second name. But this year, with so much negativity and politics, I think its my family and ZZ which helped me to stay in the moment. Also I am trying to meditate and form a relationship with God.

Dec 4: Experiment

This made me thinking. But recently on my office tour, I took a half-day detour and visited Amritsar to see Golden Temple. This was first solo travel as a tourist, and I loved it. Got to visit the Temple, some shopping at market, food at Brotheren da Dhaba. I ticked all points my To-Do list. Yes, I will definitely like to travel solo again.

Also I ran 5k Amateur Run. My first and only time. Just after my birthday. And alas, after that I stopped my daily practice. Yes, let this winter pass, and I will be on my tracks again.

Day 5: Fellowship

Online, I have become addicted to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) blogs like YoungHouseLove, BowerPower and I wasted spent many a hours surfing them. Did created a few things for home. While I love the arty-crafty stuff, when I see those people doing big-time renovations in their homes, I am awestruck. 

Offline, there is no specific community I am engaged in. There have been phases: running, books etc. But nothing concrete. And what I get from it was also not concrete , just temporary satisfaction. so next year will devote more time in to these activities.

Hmmm, so this was my 101th post and my nth attempt to keep this blog journey continue.

Love Marriage ya Arranged Marriage

Just an attempt to share "words of wisdom":p 

I am not a relationship expert nor am I so smart

All I know is one thing that marriage is tricky art

Like in every relation there are highs and lows

Some days of pure ectasy, some agony in full dose.

                         Love grows with time, they say and they sure are not wrong.

                          This thread of love that ties two makes a bond strong

                           If care is not taken, the thread can break as well

                           It takes two to tango, and two  to swell a hell.

A new journey begins after the vows of “I do”

“Sweet Heart”,” I am busy”,” I love you too”

“You always ..”, “You never..”,  “How can you?”

Is the order of marriage to name a few..

                                                      Some hugs of care, few tears of joy

                                                      Some touch-me-not, some hurtful cries

                                                      These scenes from a marriage are true to say

                                                      It happens in every marriage, come what may.

Doesnt really matter if its love or if its arranged

It takes love and respect to make marriage stand

And some words of love, little appreciation

A little adjustment, words of inspiration. 

                                      I am not a relationship expert nor am I so smart

                                      But for a happy journey in the marriage cart

                                      Just believe in your love no matter the weather
                                      Its always better when we are together.

                                                               

  This is a post for the Indiblogger contest. You can hop into http://www.facebook.com/LoveYaArrange to know more about what it is about.

10 Day You Challenge: 1 photo

The tag continues..
And here I am..




Glad that I FINALLY finished the tag before the new year(the tag was supposed to be done in the month of July though)..

10 Day You Challenge: 2 songs

2 Songs
Strange how some songs holds memories. One day I was listening to some song and it reminded me of a college friend, a random song playing in the radio brought back the memories of days bygone. So the two songs are not only the favourite songs but favourite old memories also..

1) Dil dhoondta hain: An old friend introduced me to this song. I bought my first Gulzaar cassette at that time. Everytime I listen to this song, it reminds me of those lazy afternoons when me and my mother spread on the bed listened to the songs, me fast-forwarding/ rewinding the cassette so as to reach to my favourite song, getting in and out of the bed to change the side of the cassette once it has rolled completely. Those were such carefree days and everytime the song sings of the lazy afternoons of the winters and breezy nights of the summers, the heart dreams to live them.



2) Way Back into love: I had just watchd the movie, courtesy ZZ to whom I used to hand-over the list of good movies which he downloaded for me and brought to me during those days. I loved the movie and this song too. Inside one Diwali Greeting card that he had posted to me, there was a paper in which he had written the song in his specially-calligraphed writing in ink pen. I was back into love.

10 Day You Challenge: 3 movies

3 Movies

1) 1Dil Chahta Hain: The kind of movie I would enjoy watching again and again and this statement itself speaks a lot on how much I like that movie. Superb styling, witty dialogues, fantastic acting and fabulous script. “Hum Cake khan eke liye kahi bhi pahuch jate hain..”, “ Tumke kya lagta hain main pillow mein roz baithta hoon?’ etc still can bring a smile on the face.

2) Before Sunrise/ Before Sunset: I have to trust my brother’s choice. He told me long ago that “Before Sunrise’ is a nice movie and you would love watching it. But like his every advice, I ignored and one fine day when I watched this movie (smuggled from his Hard disc), I fall in love with the movie, the actors especially Julie Delpy (such an original) , the locales. The kind brother helped again telling me that its sequel is also there. Downloaded the movie and yes, I enjoyed it as much as the earlier one. One (Two) of the favourites.

3) Amelie: The very charming Audrey Toutou stole the heart. I get ZZ to download this movie for me. Loved the movie. Have already watched it thrice.

10 Day You Challenge: four Books

1) The Time-Travellers Wife: This was such a different kind of book. Took some time to understand the story but once you do, the story engrosses you completely. While reading, I kept wondering how it would feel to have a Time-Traveller companion. It was late evening in the winters when I along with ZZ were roaming in the market when I decided to enter one store. So I stepped down from the bike and ZZ proposed to park the bike in the parking lot. And while I was wrapping the stole around my neck, I looked around and found him vanished. Yes not in the parking lot ahead nor around. And the first thought that came in to my mind at that point was oh, so this must be how Lizzee feel when her husband went away. See, the impact the book made on me.

2) The Catcer in the Rye: Well, I got to read this book in my mid-20s but then better late then never.

3) Memoirs of Geisha: I borrowed this book from the library. And I was transferred into that Japanese era of Chiyo. Later I watched the movie also but didn’t find the movie half as good as the original book.

4) Jeffrey Archer Short Stories: I was tempted to write Jhumpa Lahiri short stories but then of all her short stories, I remember only one even though I enjoyed reading all of them. I love how she plays with memories, fights with love and lonliness in her prose. But Jeffrey Archer style is more I like-straight to the point, with its own twists, the language simple yet captivating. Currently reading “Kane & abel” in ebook format and cant wait to finish it. This may well explain my bias towards the author.

10 day You Challenge: 5 foods

After such a long break, it's no sense to continue this tag but well its end-December. And like many things, I want to finish this and step into the new Year afresh, with new tags to do;) and no laments for the old incomplete ones;)

So here goes my favourite 5 foods:

1) Besan ke laddoo: Ma ke haath ke bane huwe. No matter how less time she has, she always ensures to pack a box of laddoo for me.

2) Biryani: that ZZ makes. I am a big fan and on special demand, the guy cooks his awesome biryani

3) Corn: bhutta, bolied corn, sweet corn, baby corn-corn in every form. I like.

4) Khandvi and Dhokla- I so much relish these snacks.I have tried making Dhokla more than 5 times and eveytime it ended non-fluffy and hard. Hmm..in new year I have to get some of my culinary disasters right.

5) Sweets: I have a sweet touth. As a kid, I was notorious among my relatives for my love for anything sweet.

Tag:After a long time

I found this fun tag at

http://thegalnxtdoor.wordpress.com/

, and here I am.

Rules

: Fill in the rest of the sentence with the title of a book you have read this year. I slightly tweaked the rules, as I haven’t read many books this year, yet. I have filled in the blanks using the names of books I have read so far.

In School I was: The Catcher in the Rye

People Might be surprised I’m: Interpreter of Maladies

I will never be: The White Tiger

My Fantasy job is: The Alchemist

At the end of a long day I need: Unaccustomed Earth

I Hate It When: 3 Mistakes of my Life

Wish I Had: The Secret

My Family Reunions Are: Great Expectations

At A Party You’d Find Me With: Sun Signs

I’ve Never Been To: South of the Border, West of the Sun

A Happy Day Includes: PS I Love You

Motto I Live By: Life as you make it

On My Bucket List: The Last Lecture

In My Next Life, I Want To Be: The Fountainhead

Tagging

Neha of My Lemonade Chronicles

and everyone else who is interested to take up this fun tag..