As per my resolutions for this year, I am starting my weekly journal in French. A translation in English follows, just in case I forget the language myself!
C’est la première semaine de la nouvelle année. Je suis pleine d’espoir. Je ne sais pas ce que l’année me réserve, mais quoi qu’il arrive, je suis prête.
Le 1er janvier, j’ai gagné un peu d’argent. Le 2 janvier, je suis allée au Livingston Mall avec une amie. J’ai adoré le long trajet en voiture, et encore plus le shopping. Les jours suivants, je suis restée à la maison. Nous avons commandé à manger et regardé des films. Le 5 janvier, j’ai reçu un email confirmant mon entretien pour la semaine prochaine.
Je peux dire que l’année a commencé sur une bonne note.
This is the first week of the new year. I am full of hope. I don't know what the year has in store for me. Whatever it is, I am ready for it.
On January 1, I earned some money. On January 2, I went to Livingston Mall with a friend. I enjoyed the long drive and the shopping even more. I was at home the next few days. We ordered food and watched movies. On January 5, I got an email confirming my interview for next week.
I can say that the year has started on a happy note.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Saturday, December 13, 2025
A Dinner Date
At my GCC course, I met a girl called K. In her, I saw what others may have once seen in me. Usually, I am the one who approaches people, makes them feel comfortable, and extends a hand of friendship. Over the years, though, I have grown wary and prefer to keep my circle tight. But K is like a warm ray of sunshine in the cloudy Glasgow weather. She’s kind, patient, funny, and always has a ready smile for everyone - like the manic pixie dream girl in movies.
Over the next few weeks, we became really good friends. Our prof at uni was a funny man, and his antics would set K off, making it impossible for me to stay serious. Soon enough, we would both be giggling. She made my classes so much more enjoyable. From sharing coursework and assignments to dreams and secrets, we have come a long way. It helped that K wasn’t part of my husband’s circle - it made me feel like I had a life of my own. When the course ended, we decided to stay in touch and meet often.
And that’s how we ended up in Bombay Blues last week. K is from France but loves Indian food. We ordered golgappa/pani puri for starters. She was delighted by the tangy taste and the whole way of eating it. Next, we tried garlic naan with Chettinad chicken. Chettinad chicken wasn't on the menu, but the staff generously offered to make it for us. The server waiting on our table was completely in awe of K and conveniently forgot about me - a fellow Indian, after all. But this fellow Indian could definitely tell the difference between the regular tomato-onion base gravy they served versus the spicy curry I expected. Still, K enjoyed the dish, and I couldn’t complain.
During the meal, I made K listen to a French song that was one of my recent favorites - Love Story by Indila. The app played the song with lyrics, and K asked if I could understand them. She knew I had been learning French on Duolingo. Little did I expect her to quiz me on it. With due credit to the app, I managed to translate most of the song, except for a few words and the implied meaning that is apparent only to native speakers. Since it’s Christmas time, our table had crackers for décor. And for the first time in my life, I pulled a cracker. Inside was a golden paper tiara, a lame joke, and a fun fact. Finally, we moved on to dessert. By then, I felt like a pro at explaining Indian dishes to foreigners. With my guidance, K ordered fried doughnuts in sweet syrup - gulab jamun!
This dinner was special because, for the first time in two years, I felt independent and free. I chose K as my friend. I didn’t have to overthink my words or tone down my humour. I could open up to her without worrying about any repercussions. It felt so refreshing that I just had to write everything down and turn it into a core memory!
Over the next few weeks, we became really good friends. Our prof at uni was a funny man, and his antics would set K off, making it impossible for me to stay serious. Soon enough, we would both be giggling. She made my classes so much more enjoyable. From sharing coursework and assignments to dreams and secrets, we have come a long way. It helped that K wasn’t part of my husband’s circle - it made me feel like I had a life of my own. When the course ended, we decided to stay in touch and meet often.
And that’s how we ended up in Bombay Blues last week. K is from France but loves Indian food. We ordered golgappa/pani puri for starters. She was delighted by the tangy taste and the whole way of eating it. Next, we tried garlic naan with Chettinad chicken. Chettinad chicken wasn't on the menu, but the staff generously offered to make it for us. The server waiting on our table was completely in awe of K and conveniently forgot about me - a fellow Indian, after all. But this fellow Indian could definitely tell the difference between the regular tomato-onion base gravy they served versus the spicy curry I expected. Still, K enjoyed the dish, and I couldn’t complain.
During the meal, I made K listen to a French song that was one of my recent favorites - Love Story by Indila. The app played the song with lyrics, and K asked if I could understand them. She knew I had been learning French on Duolingo. Little did I expect her to quiz me on it. With due credit to the app, I managed to translate most of the song, except for a few words and the implied meaning that is apparent only to native speakers. Since it’s Christmas time, our table had crackers for décor. And for the first time in my life, I pulled a cracker. Inside was a golden paper tiara, a lame joke, and a fun fact. Finally, we moved on to dessert. By then, I felt like a pro at explaining Indian dishes to foreigners. With my guidance, K ordered fried doughnuts in sweet syrup - gulab jamun!
This dinner was special because, for the first time in two years, I felt independent and free. I chose K as my friend. I didn’t have to overthink my words or tone down my humour. I could open up to her without worrying about any repercussions. It felt so refreshing that I just had to write everything down and turn it into a core memory!
K gifted me these :)
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Glasgow Code Learning
A couple of months back, I found out that Glasgow Clyde College offers free certification courses. This was actually on my 2025 to-do list, so the timing felt perfect. At that point, our visa status was still a bit unclear and job opportunities weren’t really in sight. So, I applied for the Glasgow Code Learning SCQF Level 5 course in Web Design. But the college got back to me saying I was eligible for the Level 7 Software Development course instead. It’s a 12-week program, and each student gets paired with a mentor from the industry. There might even be internship opportunities at the end. So, I enrolled for it.
Walking into the college on the very first day felt like a breath of fresh air. Young people everywhere, the whole place buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. I was nervous but also super excited. The classroom is set up like a computer lab, with each student having their own server to work on. I even got a loaner laptop for the duration of the course (more blog posts on the way). I made a couple of new friends - K and S. They’re both really sweet. One offered me her umbrella, the other her sunscreen. It honestly feels so good to have a girl gang again.
After months of staying at home with no real routine, my mind feels so much happier being engaged. The course itself isn’t too hard for me. I’m loving the social interaction and just the chance to get out of the house makes me jump for joy. The college is about 1.8 miles away, which is a bit of a stretch compared to my recent walks, but I am more than ready for the challenge. I’m also trying to figure out if my student card gets me any discounts (fingers crossed 🤞).
Oh, and I almost forgot the best part! The Glasgow Student Welfare Fund is awarding £150 to every student who completes the course! How amazing is that? Apparently, it was introduced this year. I am definitely God's favourite child.
Walking into the college on the very first day felt like a breath of fresh air. Young people everywhere, the whole place buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. I was nervous but also super excited. The classroom is set up like a computer lab, with each student having their own server to work on. I even got a loaner laptop for the duration of the course (more blog posts on the way). I made a couple of new friends - K and S. They’re both really sweet. One offered me her umbrella, the other her sunscreen. It honestly feels so good to have a girl gang again.
After months of staying at home with no real routine, my mind feels so much happier being engaged. The course itself isn’t too hard for me. I’m loving the social interaction and just the chance to get out of the house makes me jump for joy. The college is about 1.8 miles away, which is a bit of a stretch compared to my recent walks, but I am more than ready for the challenge. I’m also trying to figure out if my student card gets me any discounts (fingers crossed 🤞).
Oh, and I almost forgot the best part! The Glasgow Student Welfare Fund is awarding £150 to every student who completes the course! How amazing is that? Apparently, it was introduced this year. I am definitely God's favourite child.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Still yet moving ahead
I was on my regular evening walk. After a sudden stroke of humidity, the weather had calmed down. It was pleasantly sunny with gentle breezes playing along. I looked at the clear blue skies, the Victorian houses in the residential lanes, neatly kept gardens with blooming flowers. Waves of tranquility washed over me. It was an ordinary day but I felt blessed.
Life has been hard in the past decade. My sister moved abroad, mom fell sick and passed away, I got married and divorced. COVID happened. Work became mundane. I quit my job, moved abroad and faced new challenges in unfamiliar territory. There were happier times too but the gloomy ones left a stronger impression on my soul. I became pessimistic and forlorn.
Earlier, I used to blog often and that helped me gain perspective of things. I was aware of what was going on and conscious of what needed to be done. These days, since I don't own a laptop, I stopped writing and in turn stopped contemplating too. But, in that blissful moment during my walk, I had a sort of enlightenment.
I think my life has turned a corner. At times, I still cannot believe that am living in an English country that looks straight out of the pages of an Enid Blyton book. My investments are paying off and I have enough money to retire. I have settled in my new life and have a handle on most things. I now have friends here. Of course, there is always a chance for life to be better but do I really need more?
I know that I still don't have a purpose. Why am I so hard on myself though? What is the hurry? What is the need to be perfect all the time? It is ok to step back and relax for a bit. Spend time doing things I like. And in that one moment, the universe told me - it is alright to be still, indulge and savor every moment of life.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Update on the year
This year has been so amazing, it kinda makes me want to believe in manifestation!
When I scribbled down my “to-do” list in my diary, a lot of those things felt like a long shot. But I kicked off the year determined to tick off as many as I could. What I didn’t expect was to actually cross out so many of them 😃
First up, I explored Ashton Lane and De Courcy’s Arcade. While hunting for food, I randomly stumbled into the Botanical Gardens and ended up walking along the Kelvin Walkway. On the way back, I grabbed the most delicious churros from “Loop n Scoop.” The very next week, I toured the Glasgow City Chambers. Not only did I get a dose of history, but I also learned that Glasgow is celebrating its 850th birthday this year and that it’s hosting the Commonwealth Games next year. Super excited for that!
Valentine’s week was gift-shopping time. I took a little detour through Queen’s Park and dropped by the Gurudwara, which had a calming effect on me. Later, I scored the perfect gift for my foodie hubby - Biryani and Indian sweets (which, by the way, have now become a regular in our house). We also discovered cookie dough, apparently a big dessert thing here, and it’s our new obsession. Oh, and I dared myself to go on a solo day trip to Dundee. Honestly, I wish the city was a bit more exciting, but hey, baby steps.
Amidst all the sightseeing, I managed to sneak in some Jane Austen. It was easy to lose myself in the Regency era, with Scotland providing the perfect real-life backdrop. I also tried a bunch of new recipes. I like cooking but not the daily grind, so I’ve been experimenting with weekly set menus just so I can “sleep-cook” my way through dinner.
Finances are always buzzing in the back of my brain, so I decided to try my hand at trading. Started with equities and, with a friend’s nudge, jumped into futures and options. It’s nerve-wracking, but it makes me feel alive! I have also been playing 'Puppy Keep' on Shein. It takes forever, but once done, you get a free gift of your choice, which is kinda fun. I won a Dyson Airwrap dupe on it and it works just fine. Oh, and I landed two interview opportunities in my field. Although I didn't get the job (am I secretly happy?) but they helped me gauge where I stand.
And then there were the random things on my bingo card like eating pizza, learning chopsticks, visiting a spa - all checked off without me even trying. Don't you love it when life does that?
When I scribbled down my “to-do” list in my diary, a lot of those things felt like a long shot. But I kicked off the year determined to tick off as many as I could. What I didn’t expect was to actually cross out so many of them 😃
First up, I explored Ashton Lane and De Courcy’s Arcade. While hunting for food, I randomly stumbled into the Botanical Gardens and ended up walking along the Kelvin Walkway. On the way back, I grabbed the most delicious churros from “Loop n Scoop.” The very next week, I toured the Glasgow City Chambers. Not only did I get a dose of history, but I also learned that Glasgow is celebrating its 850th birthday this year and that it’s hosting the Commonwealth Games next year. Super excited for that!
Valentine’s week was gift-shopping time. I took a little detour through Queen’s Park and dropped by the Gurudwara, which had a calming effect on me. Later, I scored the perfect gift for my foodie hubby - Biryani and Indian sweets (which, by the way, have now become a regular in our house). We also discovered cookie dough, apparently a big dessert thing here, and it’s our new obsession. Oh, and I dared myself to go on a solo day trip to Dundee. Honestly, I wish the city was a bit more exciting, but hey, baby steps.
Amidst all the sightseeing, I managed to sneak in some Jane Austen. It was easy to lose myself in the Regency era, with Scotland providing the perfect real-life backdrop. I also tried a bunch of new recipes. I like cooking but not the daily grind, so I’ve been experimenting with weekly set menus just so I can “sleep-cook” my way through dinner.
Finances are always buzzing in the back of my brain, so I decided to try my hand at trading. Started with equities and, with a friend’s nudge, jumped into futures and options. It’s nerve-wracking, but it makes me feel alive! I have also been playing 'Puppy Keep' on Shein. It takes forever, but once done, you get a free gift of your choice, which is kinda fun. I won a Dyson Airwrap dupe on it and it works just fine. Oh, and I landed two interview opportunities in my field. Although I didn't get the job (am I secretly happy?) but they helped me gauge where I stand.
And then there were the random things on my bingo card like eating pizza, learning chopsticks, visiting a spa - all checked off without me even trying. Don't you love it when life does that?
Friday, January 3, 2025
2025 - Oddly satisfying
We have already completed a quarter of the 21st century. 2025 is here and I seem to be in a whole new dimension. For the first time ever, I slept at 9:45 P.M. on New Year's Eve. Well, apart from that, everything else is the same. I have my hopes up and my resolutions ready.
For the past ten years or so, life seemed to be the same. Even though we got through a pandemic and some people were in and out of my life, nothing felt too drastic. Probably, because I always had my loved ones around me and my work felt like my security blanket. Having moved to Scotland, without any of these, I feel vulnerable. Life works in strange ways. I have somehow landed in what I may call a dream life. I have much to be grateful for.
Scotland is breathtaking. Surrounded by greenery, stillness, and an almost meditative quiet, it’s easy to feel at peace. The weather, though, can be temperamental with the rain and wind often arriving uninvited. But the warmth of the people more than makes up for it. Our home is conveniently located, with a library and train station just a short walk away. One striking difference here is the climate. One can walk for miles and not break a sweat.
My social scene has changed drastically. We know only a handful of people, and my husband isn’t exactly enthusiastic about traveling or sightseeing. I have managed to make a few friends and try to explore on my own when I can. The cost of living here is ridiculous and the UK prices make my Indian savings feel alarmingly small. The job market has been a tough nut to crack, with few roles aligning with my experience. So, I’m using this time to unwind and invest in skills and areas I couldn’t focus on before.
The last six months were especially challenging, but I have managed to navigate it. Today, I feel stronger, more grounded. I am in a much better frame of mind now. My only wish is to live my life intentionally and not merely exist.
For the past ten years or so, life seemed to be the same. Even though we got through a pandemic and some people were in and out of my life, nothing felt too drastic. Probably, because I always had my loved ones around me and my work felt like my security blanket. Having moved to Scotland, without any of these, I feel vulnerable. Life works in strange ways. I have somehow landed in what I may call a dream life. I have much to be grateful for.
Scotland is breathtaking. Surrounded by greenery, stillness, and an almost meditative quiet, it’s easy to feel at peace. The weather, though, can be temperamental with the rain and wind often arriving uninvited. But the warmth of the people more than makes up for it. Our home is conveniently located, with a library and train station just a short walk away. One striking difference here is the climate. One can walk for miles and not break a sweat.
My social scene has changed drastically. We know only a handful of people, and my husband isn’t exactly enthusiastic about traveling or sightseeing. I have managed to make a few friends and try to explore on my own when I can. The cost of living here is ridiculous and the UK prices make my Indian savings feel alarmingly small. The job market has been a tough nut to crack, with few roles aligning with my experience. So, I’m using this time to unwind and invest in skills and areas I couldn’t focus on before.
The last six months were especially challenging, but I have managed to navigate it. Today, I feel stronger, more grounded. I am in a much better frame of mind now. My only wish is to live my life intentionally and not merely exist.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
2024 - New Horizons
Every year, when I sit down to write my dreams and desires for the new year, I am clueless about how the year will turn out to be. Not this time. It's mid-Feb and I have already made some major life decisions.
I am going to quit my job. A job I have been doing for almost 14 years of my life. I have forgotten how it feels not having to wake up to official work. But I think I am ready for it. The other anticipated change is moving to Scotland for the rest of the year. So far, all I know is that I will be going there. For how many months is still a question. I am good at what I do, I had ample money coming in, a supportive team, and great friends along with the fact that I get to stay in the place I love the most - Bangalore! Then why did I make the premature decision to resign from such a cushy job?
Life may seem perfect from the outside but everybody has their inner demons. I think I was in a rut. I badly needed to shake up things to stop me from dwelling in the past. I love my home, the one I bought and set up with so much pride. However, this house also reminds me of my mom who passed away barely months after moving in. My sister moved to the US and my dad to Mangalore. I feel incredibly lonely at times in this house full of memories of people I love and miss. My husband is in Scotland and having a long-distance relationship is not easy. I want to be with him and have a family of my own even if it is just the two of us.
Wow! That was tough. Moving on to lighter stuff, I completed my A2 course in French on Duolingo!! I have graduated to the B1 level. That's some serious commitment. Now that I have more time on my hands, I want to practice material from other sources apart from Duolingo to make myself much more proficient. One more constant through the years has been my Goodreads Reading Challenge. I have set my target low this year - 15 books. I may read more than that but I don't want to pressurize myself considering everything else that is happening. I also plan to catch up on a lot of sitcoms and movies coz that's what unemployed folks do, right?
I was looking at my blog and, sadly, there are hardly any posts in between the year. It seems more of a to-do list than a bucket of memories. I have several incomplete drafts begging to be posted. I want to be more consistent with my writing. I also want to capture more memories. I have realized that if we make a constant effort to romanticize life, we can manifest it. Fake it till you make it. Of course, it is important to be in touch with reality but there's no harm in creating the life you wish to see.
I am amused whenever I look at my 2021 Bucket List. It's been 3 years now and it is still not complete. I seem to have added everything under the sun. Surprisingly, an item gets ticked off now and then and ends up making me double happy! I know I have an even bigger list that is ironically named Small Dreams :D And the numerous other challenges that I have taken up. I am happy to let them be. I know I will keep clearing them and coming up with new ones. That's life. There's always something to look forward to. I also intend to focus on my health and appearance. I am not worried about them, I would rather say I am conscious about them.
It almost feels surreal to think of the future. After three and a half decades of living life a certain way, it truly feels like entering a different era. I want to be hopeful and expectant without any negative connotations weighing me down. Ah, the age of innocence, wish you could come back :)
Thursday, February 1, 2024
2023 - A year to remember
A quick recap of 2023. The year started with a visit to 'Prani' the pet sanctuary. I got to meet several icky reptiles and rodents :P Next came the Enchanta Premier League in which I enrolled myself for Throwball. Our team was the underdog but with sheer grit and hard work, we emerged out the winners!! I have probably not won anything in sports and hence it was a memorable event for me. Meanwhile, at work, some women were coming together to form a Diversity and Inclusion initiative. I was recruited as well. We conducted many activities for which I had to design posters, talk to people and host events. It was the perfect creative outlet for me.
Back in 2022, Ikea opened a store in Bangalore. Somehow I hadn't been able to go there at all. When the bed in my room started making noises resembling ghosts, it led to my first Ikea purchase. I have to admit the new bed is not very sturdy but goes really well with my room's aesthetic. It was Dad's 70th birthday this year. Me and Sis planned a surprise birthday party for him. I invited all his friends and close family. He looked so pleased like a kid. I have been socializing a lot more than usual this year. Met up with friends for lunch, had a team dinner with colleagues I have known for more than a decade, and went to Mangalore plenty of times for baby showers, naming ceremonies and weddings. Also, hosted a cocktail party for the newlyweds like a pro. It was last minute with no prep but I managed to pull it off.
There were three major events this year. The first was a vacation in Europe with my cousins and the second was a vacation with my friends in Malaysia. Both of them were girls only and, needless to say, we had a lot of fun and fantastic memories! I made sure to take as many pictures as possible. The third highlight of the year is that I got married <3 It seems as if R was written in my fate and it was just a matter of time before we got together. We are so perfect for each other. I am currently basking in marital bliss, enjoying the sunshine and hoping it will last forever!
I also tried new air fryer recipes, had some amazing French toast, joined a dance class for a while and welcomed the new year with my favorite people - my Sis and nephew. Overall, it's been a great 2023. And I truly believe, there are only good things to come :)
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Feb leads the way
I have decided that my new year will officially start in Feb!
January swooshed by and I barely registered it. Where did all the days go? I did not even make any new year's resolutions. It's only fair that I get one more chance at it. So, here goes. I have read about the concept of having a word of the year. Basically, you are choosing a word that sets your intention for the year. My word of the year is Acceptance. There is no point in questioning the past and wondering what could have been different. Life is a journey meant for experiencing and learning new things. The idea is not to dwell but to move on.
Next up are the usual suspects. I feel immense joy and pride when I think of my French course. I started learning French on Duolingo and never expected to come this far. I recently completed 650 days of the course. I am done with Intro to French and French Foundations 1 and 2. I started French Foundations 3 in Jan. It has a total of 35 units. My plan is to finish at least 3 units per month so that I can ace this level by the year-end. As per tradition, I have signed up for the Goodreads Reading Challenge. However, I have set my goal too low. Only 20 books. I don't want to over-commit and feel pressurized into reading average stuff.
I really want to do the Doodle Challenge. I love drawing small cute images and colouring them. The sketchbooks I own will finally attain salvation through this challenge. I am trying to clean out stuff accumulated over the years. The hoarder in me hates parting with things. But this time, I am just going to Marie-Kondo it. I have learnt to be mindful of the things I buy. Now, it's time to let go. Something else I am aspiring to do is travel. I have been bookmarking so many places on Instagram and Pinterest. I hope to visit at least a few of them.
My iPad has been helping a lot in this regard. I found an adorable planner and I look forward to filling it in every day. This helps me keep track of the things I want to do and need to do. Things like planning my meals. I am trying to eat clean and work out. So, I take a lunch box to work. I have also decided not to eat non-veg on Mondays. This is something my mother stressed on to inculcate discipline and self-control in us.
That's the list. I finally feel at peace. Writing down my vision for the year is a ritual I religiously follow. It pumps me up for the days ahead. Now that the plan is here, time to get cracking.
January swooshed by and I barely registered it. Where did all the days go? I did not even make any new year's resolutions. It's only fair that I get one more chance at it. So, here goes. I have read about the concept of having a word of the year. Basically, you are choosing a word that sets your intention for the year. My word of the year is Acceptance. There is no point in questioning the past and wondering what could have been different. Life is a journey meant for experiencing and learning new things. The idea is not to dwell but to move on.
Next up are the usual suspects. I feel immense joy and pride when I think of my French course. I started learning French on Duolingo and never expected to come this far. I recently completed 650 days of the course. I am done with Intro to French and French Foundations 1 and 2. I started French Foundations 3 in Jan. It has a total of 35 units. My plan is to finish at least 3 units per month so that I can ace this level by the year-end. As per tradition, I have signed up for the Goodreads Reading Challenge. However, I have set my goal too low. Only 20 books. I don't want to over-commit and feel pressurized into reading average stuff.
I really want to do the Doodle Challenge. I love drawing small cute images and colouring them. The sketchbooks I own will finally attain salvation through this challenge. I am trying to clean out stuff accumulated over the years. The hoarder in me hates parting with things. But this time, I am just going to Marie-Kondo it. I have learnt to be mindful of the things I buy. Now, it's time to let go. Something else I am aspiring to do is travel. I have been bookmarking so many places on Instagram and Pinterest. I hope to visit at least a few of them.
My iPad has been helping a lot in this regard. I found an adorable planner and I look forward to filling it in every day. This helps me keep track of the things I want to do and need to do. Things like planning my meals. I am trying to eat clean and work out. So, I take a lunch box to work. I have also decided not to eat non-veg on Mondays. This is something my mother stressed on to inculcate discipline and self-control in us.
That's the list. I finally feel at peace. Writing down my vision for the year is a ritual I religiously follow. It pumps me up for the days ahead. Now that the plan is here, time to get cracking.
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Hello 2023!
The first week of the New Year is already done. Time to reminiscence and simultaneously plan for the days ahead.
The highlight of last year is me meeting my darling nephew A. I went saat samundar paar to the USA and had the most wonderful time there. I also tried Froyo for the first time. I am not very fond of yoghurt but froyo actually tasted good! My friends also planned a short trip to Kodaikanal after learning that I had never been there. I couldn't get enough of the chilly mornings and scenic views. My sister is in India for the holiday season. We had to travel to Chennai for their visa stamping. We went to Mahabalipuram for a day. The sculptures there are beautiful. I would love to revisit it someday.
Back home, I really wanted to change the home decor a bit. Give it that cute and cosy vibe. I love plants and flowers around the house and bought a number of them. But I am also a responsible plant parent and have been taking care of them quite well with my dad's help. I also got a swing hung on our balcony. It's my favourite part of the house now <3 And am overjoyed that it's A's fav place too. The aesthetics are not the only upgrade in my house though. Without planning to, I ended up buying an Air fryer, a washing machine, a Robo vacuum cleaner and an AC. I have to admit these things make life so much easier. I love deep-fried stuff but the thought of all that oil turns me off. But with the air fryer, the guilt reduces drastically. Similarly, the vacuum cleaner has helped me avoid the maid during the week guaranteeing calm mornings. I have avoided the AC for the longest time but gave in because of the fluctuations in the Bangalore weather.
Talking about gadgets, I have landed the lottery with Apple goods. My uncle gifted me the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Apple Watch Series 7. My sister gifted me Airpods Pro 2nd Gen and the iPad Air 5th Gen. I feel a bit sheepish saying I bought the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen which is the least valued item here. But it is what it is. I was never an Apple fan. In my defence, I will just say "If you can't beat them, join them". I was also gifted a Coach bag by the uncle who planned the New York trip. Both my high-end bags - MK and Coach were gifted by him. I also received a surprise Secret Santa gift from my colleague at work. It was totally unexpected and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I feel blessed and grateful to have such wonderful people around me, both family and friends.
I am just going to skim over the last few things, not because they are insignificant. Writing about them will need posts of their own. One of my favourite cousins got married last year and it was a full-on Bollywood-style wedding! On the heels of it came the Rajyotsava celebrations in our apartment. I was a part of the Treasure Hunt Organization team and also the MC for the evening where we had Prof. Krishne Gowda as the chief guest. A couple of years back, I was gifted ICICI bank cards worth 15k. They had expired during the COVID situation. After a lot of follow-ups, we were finally able to get new cards issued. Ever since the COVID scare passed, we have been asked to report to work every day. The long commute made me take to Audiobooks. I have been able to meet my Goodreads challenge only because of listening to books during the cab ride.
Finally, the best news of the year. I have started driving independently!! Woohooo!! Years after getting my license and free taunts from almost everybody I know, here I am zipping around the city in a four-wheeler. Every day, I appreciate it better.
The highlight of last year is me meeting my darling nephew A. I went saat samundar paar to the USA and had the most wonderful time there. I also tried Froyo for the first time. I am not very fond of yoghurt but froyo actually tasted good! My friends also planned a short trip to Kodaikanal after learning that I had never been there. I couldn't get enough of the chilly mornings and scenic views. My sister is in India for the holiday season. We had to travel to Chennai for their visa stamping. We went to Mahabalipuram for a day. The sculptures there are beautiful. I would love to revisit it someday.
Back home, I really wanted to change the home decor a bit. Give it that cute and cosy vibe. I love plants and flowers around the house and bought a number of them. But I am also a responsible plant parent and have been taking care of them quite well with my dad's help. I also got a swing hung on our balcony. It's my favourite part of the house now <3 And am overjoyed that it's A's fav place too. The aesthetics are not the only upgrade in my house though. Without planning to, I ended up buying an Air fryer, a washing machine, a Robo vacuum cleaner and an AC. I have to admit these things make life so much easier. I love deep-fried stuff but the thought of all that oil turns me off. But with the air fryer, the guilt reduces drastically. Similarly, the vacuum cleaner has helped me avoid the maid during the week guaranteeing calm mornings. I have avoided the AC for the longest time but gave in because of the fluctuations in the Bangalore weather.
Talking about gadgets, I have landed the lottery with Apple goods. My uncle gifted me the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Apple Watch Series 7. My sister gifted me Airpods Pro 2nd Gen and the iPad Air 5th Gen. I feel a bit sheepish saying I bought the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen which is the least valued item here. But it is what it is. I was never an Apple fan. In my defence, I will just say "If you can't beat them, join them". I was also gifted a Coach bag by the uncle who planned the New York trip. Both my high-end bags - MK and Coach were gifted by him. I also received a surprise Secret Santa gift from my colleague at work. It was totally unexpected and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I feel blessed and grateful to have such wonderful people around me, both family and friends.
I am just going to skim over the last few things, not because they are insignificant. Writing about them will need posts of their own. One of my favourite cousins got married last year and it was a full-on Bollywood-style wedding! On the heels of it came the Rajyotsava celebrations in our apartment. I was a part of the Treasure Hunt Organization team and also the MC for the evening where we had Prof. Krishne Gowda as the chief guest. A couple of years back, I was gifted ICICI bank cards worth 15k. They had expired during the COVID situation. After a lot of follow-ups, we were finally able to get new cards issued. Ever since the COVID scare passed, we have been asked to report to work every day. The long commute made me take to Audiobooks. I have been able to meet my Goodreads challenge only because of listening to books during the cab ride.
Finally, the best news of the year. I have started driving independently!! Woohooo!! Years after getting my license and free taunts from almost everybody I know, here I am zipping around the city in a four-wheeler. Every day, I appreciate it better.
So that's a wrap on my 2022. Looking forward to an amazing 2023!
Saturday, June 18, 2022
One Country One Dish Challenge
I started cooking few years back. It was occasional and only when something caught my fancy. When I lost my mom, it came upon me to cook for my father. He loves traditional dishes which were a challenge to me. Not because they are difficult. It's just that these recipes are not written down anywhere. The jumbled instructions and vague measurements threw me off. I fell back to the tried and tested recipes that my mom had taught me.
As I gained confidence, I started trying out new dishes. Turns out am not a bad cook after all. I mean, I didn't burn down the kitchen. That counts as something right? So now, I have decided to take a up a new challenge. Yayyyyyy! I think am in love with these zebra striped tables and the challenges are just an excuse :P Anyhow, I am going to try cooking one dish from each country. That's almost 200 dishes. But I have a whole life ahead of me, at least long enough to cook two ton dishes I hope. We already have a head start. Check it out.
As I gained confidence, I started trying out new dishes. Turns out am not a bad cook after all. I mean, I didn't burn down the kitchen. That counts as something right? So now, I have decided to take a up a new challenge. Yayyyyyy! I think am in love with these zebra striped tables and the challenges are just an excuse :P Anyhow, I am going to try cooking one dish from each country. That's almost 200 dishes. But I have a whole life ahead of me, at least long enough to cook two ton dishes I hope. We already have a head start. Check it out.
| Country | Cuisine | Dish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Breakfast | Masala Dosa | |
| Lebanon | Dessert | Knafeh | |
| Turkey | Snack | Pide | |
| Japan | Lunch | Bento box | |
| United States of America | Dessert | Boston Cream Cookie Cups | |
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Party in the USA
After one whole year, I could finally travel to the US and see my nephew. It was his first birthday, and I was thrilled that I could make it. He was sleeping when I reached my sister's place. The photos and videos are absolutely deceptive. He looked so tiny in person. When he woke up, I was cautious not to get too close and alarm him. However, he came right into my arms <3 No tantrums, no hang-ups. My life felt truly complete holding this little bundle of joy. My sister had selected 'The Lion King' as the theme for his birthday. We had brainstormed so many ideas over the past few months. I still couldn't believe I was actually there helping her with all the decorations. My brother-in-law got a lovely cake. They had ordered Indian food from a restaurant called 'Aahaar' and it was delicious!
I did not get used to the Michigan cold at all. I was eternally covered in sweaters and socks. However, my sister and BIL took me to all places possible. Since my sister couldn't accompany me at all times due to the baby, I would often go shopping alone. It was kind of fun. I switched off from work completely and tried to enjoy my vacation as much as I could.
On weekends, we would go downtown or visit family and friends. My sister and I would shop in the malls while playing hide and seek with my nephew who was on BIL's watch. We visited a German settlement and it brought back wonderful memories of the time we spent together in Germany. On weekdays, when the weather was kind, we would visit the lake just behind their house.
It had already stopped snowing during my visit and I was kind of disappointed. To my surprise, on the last week of my stay there, it started snowing! The whole place was covered by a thick blanket of snow. I was finally able to tick off my bucket list item by playing to my heart's content in the snow. Dare I say that it may have snowed just for me because by evening, the snow had started melting and the next day there was no trace of it! And you think am joking when I say am God's favourite child :D
The days passed quickly playing with my cutie pie, annoying him, pampering him, and giving all my love to him. It was time to fly back. My return was booked via New York. And out of nowhere, Akka and I got a day to ourselves thanks to this wonderful uncle of ours who planned a city tour of NYC just for us. She flew with me to NY where we watched a Broadway Musical called 'The Music Man' featuring Hugh Jackman!! We then took a rickshaw ride to Times Square which is always buzzing with energy. We had dinner at Priyanka Chopra's famous restaurant 'Sona'. Finally, we rode the limo to the airport!! I have to go crazy with the exclamation marks because that's a lot of name-dropping. This has been the most extravagant day of my life I guess!
And that's how I was able to visit the US once more before my visa expires. I will always cherish this trip because I was seeing my sister and BIL after a tumultuous two years. I met my darling nephew for the first time and spent quality time with him. And I had one of the most exciting days of my life in NYC.
I did not get used to the Michigan cold at all. I was eternally covered in sweaters and socks. However, my sister and BIL took me to all places possible. Since my sister couldn't accompany me at all times due to the baby, I would often go shopping alone. It was kind of fun. I switched off from work completely and tried to enjoy my vacation as much as I could.
On weekends, we would go downtown or visit family and friends. My sister and I would shop in the malls while playing hide and seek with my nephew who was on BIL's watch. We visited a German settlement and it brought back wonderful memories of the time we spent together in Germany. On weekdays, when the weather was kind, we would visit the lake just behind their house.
It had already stopped snowing during my visit and I was kind of disappointed. To my surprise, on the last week of my stay there, it started snowing! The whole place was covered by a thick blanket of snow. I was finally able to tick off my bucket list item by playing to my heart's content in the snow. Dare I say that it may have snowed just for me because by evening, the snow had started melting and the next day there was no trace of it! And you think am joking when I say am God's favourite child :D
The days passed quickly playing with my cutie pie, annoying him, pampering him, and giving all my love to him. It was time to fly back. My return was booked via New York. And out of nowhere, Akka and I got a day to ourselves thanks to this wonderful uncle of ours who planned a city tour of NYC just for us. She flew with me to NY where we watched a Broadway Musical called 'The Music Man' featuring Hugh Jackman!! We then took a rickshaw ride to Times Square which is always buzzing with energy. We had dinner at Priyanka Chopra's famous restaurant 'Sona'. Finally, we rode the limo to the airport!! I have to go crazy with the exclamation marks because that's a lot of name-dropping. This has been the most extravagant day of my life I guess!
And that's how I was able to visit the US once more before my visa expires. I will always cherish this trip because I was seeing my sister and BIL after a tumultuous two years. I met my darling nephew for the first time and spent quality time with him. And I had one of the most exciting days of my life in NYC.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Bake the world a better place
The love for cooking runs in our family, especially on my dad's side. But when a dish turns out pleasing to the tongue and to the eye, it's a whole new level of joy. That's why I love making desserts. Desserts have a lot more scope for beautification. I still remember me and my sister trying to bake brownies in our microwave. We were in school then and we had managed to melt the brownie dish. Lol! Nevertheless, I did not lose hope. I moved on to baking cakes in the microwave and successfully managed to send it to the repair shop twice!!
After a lot of trial and error, I realised that I was following the recipe to the T but I wasn't using the right tools. When I completed ten years of service in my company, I was given a cash voucher. I decided to gift myself a proper oven. It has been a game-changer. I have been baking cakes, muffins, brownies and savoury dishes too. And they turn out so good every time. Over time, I invested in cake pans, spatulas, silicone moulds. I even bought flavouring agents and colours. It makes baking super fun.
But my dream of making aesthetic looking dishes is far from reality. It takes a lot of practice and I am not able to devote that kind of time to it. I hate wastage. Putting the frosting in a bag and not being able to use it to the last bit is sure to keep me up at night. However, I am not hanging up my apron so soon. I will continue practising and am certain that I will bake that elusive, pretty looking cake one day.
Friday, December 31, 2021
The farewell month
End of another year.. So many unexpected things happened this year. And am glad to say that I feel liberated and stronger than ever.
At the beginning of the year, I watched a show called 'Emily in Paris'. It inspired me to pick up learning French again. Now, am ending the year watching season 2 of the same show :) One of the most enjoyable shows I have seen. The lead Emily is a treat to watch.
The biggest news of this year and probably my entire life will be the birth of my nephew - Aarav. Our family was going through a rough patch and this little guy appeared like a ray of sunshine. I could be addicted to watching his videos randomly. His antics keep us laughing all the time. It's unfortunate that I haven't met him yet. But I know I will be the best maasi ever!
Every year, I reflect on the months gone by and plan my bucket list for the next year. However, I love the list I compiled in January, 2021. There's still so much more left to accomplish. So, I will be continuing the same list and fingers crossed, I may have checked off all of them by the end of 2022.
At the beginning of the year, I watched a show called 'Emily in Paris'. It inspired me to pick up learning French again. Now, am ending the year watching season 2 of the same show :) One of the most enjoyable shows I have seen. The lead Emily is a treat to watch.
The biggest news of this year and probably my entire life will be the birth of my nephew - Aarav. Our family was going through a rough patch and this little guy appeared like a ray of sunshine. I could be addicted to watching his videos randomly. His antics keep us laughing all the time. It's unfortunate that I haven't met him yet. But I know I will be the best maasi ever!
I have a running list of things I want to do in my life. I don't plan for it but somehow it gets checked off. Ever since I saw the blue Tiffany box, my heart has been set on owning a piece of their jewellery. To my surprise, my sister gifted me Tiffany's bracelet!! I am yet to wear it but I keep looking at it because it feels really special. The next event triggered a lot of bucket list checks. Remember, how in June I whined about travel being out of the question? Never did I expect to travel abroad and that too to South Africa! That means I completed four of my bucket list items - Visit a new country, Visit a new continent, Ride first-class and Visit a UNESCO world heritage site. Who would have thought 2021 would be the year which will check off the max bucket list items!
2021 has also been a year of learning for me. Sometimes, I feel like I create a box around me and restrict my own abilities. Now, I strive to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Be it in my cooking or wardrobe, my social circle or my thinking. This has helped me get in touch with myself. I am also trying to adopt a Minimalist lifestyle. I see it as a natural progression.
Every year, I reflect on the months gone by and plan my bucket list for the next year. However, I love the list I compiled in January, 2021. There's still so much more left to accomplish. So, I will be continuing the same list and fingers crossed, I may have checked off all of them by the end of 2022.
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Gangavathi
Looks like every post now will have a mention of the pandemic. Me and cousins were sick and tired of staying indoors, waiting for things to get better. Hence, we did not think twice when we were invited to the quaint town of Gangavathi, close to Hampi. We drove to the place and as were entering it, we could see people roaming without masks. Small groups of people were chatting in abandon with no concern for social distancing. My cousin looked around to see if there was at least one person wearing a mask. Upon spotting such an individual, he remarks "Look, that guy is wearing a mask. Marle (crazy guy)!" The joke was so on point that we couldn't stop laughing!!
That's the reality now. Anybody abiding the law or following rules and regulations are frowned upon for not being smart enough to outwit the authorities. Anyway, we moved on as per the location pin sent to us and landed in the middle of nowhere. No sign of the resort. After asking around we observed, true to its name, "The Hidden Place" was hidden amidst thick shrubbery. We went into a large expanse of land with a natural stream from the Tungabhadra river flowing by.
What followed is a refreshing experience amidst nature. Gangavathi is a mix of the old and the new. It has a fusion culture. Thanks to Hampi, it has a constant influx of foreigners. You can find several cafes dotted along the path that cater to continental food. However, the decor of these cafes is rustic, lending an old-world charm to the whole setup. I learnt to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee in the chill weather of Gangavathi.
The cousin who hosted us is extremely nice! He wants people to have fun. There would be a large spread of food for every meal. The day's activities would be planned in advance. Our every need was taken care of. And even after coming home, the party wouldn't stop. There was an impromptu karaoke session and someone sang "Ae zindagi gale lagale..". At the point where the lyrics goes "Humne bhi tere har ek gham ko, gale se lagaya hai, hai na?" my cousin would go "Ha ha ha..". It was hilarious. The host's wife is named Vaidehi and for the most part of the night, we kept chanting "Vaidehi Vaidehi..". These memories are going to live with me forever.
We had planned our trip only for the weekend. Soon, it was time to leave. Before heading to Bangalore, we made one last stop. It was a huge estate with the Tungabhadra river flowing just beside it. The view there is beautiful. We were amazed to hear from the owner that the place transforms during different seasons. During summer, the land turns dry and one can ride vehicles on it. With the advent of spring, sunflowers blossom in the same fields. One can also see flamingos flying in. As the rains start pouring, the plants get washed away and the river marks its path. And the river brings along the seals with it. Imagine seals climbing up to the shore. What a magical place!
The estate also had a dragon fruit plantation. Farmers are getting many exotic fruits to India and cultivating them here. This just shows that nature and science go hand in hand. The trip served as a good break for me. We don't have to travel far to experience different cultures. There is so much to explore around us.
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Movie Marathon - The Disney edit
I love taking up challenges because it exposes us to different genres and activities. Doing even half the challenge, will make us a better person. Not to mention, completing it is extremely satisfying. Reading challenges are my favorites. Though I love movies, I don't like to watch them alone. This means I have missed out on quite a lot of the classics. The time has come to set it right. So, here I am taking up a movie marathon! I know, I know, a challenge is not a marathon. But watching so many movies is a huge challenge for me and I am sure I will drag it out like a marathon :P Now, let's dim the lights and get that popcorn poppin' baby!
| ✔ | Classics (28/34) | ✔ | Others (2/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✓ | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) | Saludos Amigos (1943) | |
| ✓ | Pinocchio (1940) | The Three Caballeros (1945) | |
| Fantasia (1940) | Make Mine Music (1946) | ||
| ✓ | Dumbo (1941) | Fun and Fancy Free (1947) | |
| ✓ | Bambi (1942) | Melody Time (1948) | |
| ✓ | Cinderella (1950) | The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) | |
| ✓ | Alice in Wonderland (1951) | The Sword in the Stone (1963) | |
| ✓ | Peter Pan (1953) | The Aristocats (1970) | |
| ✓ | Lady and the Tramp (1955) | The Rescuers (1977) | |
| ✓ | Sleeping Beauty (1959) | The Fox and the Hound (1981) | |
| One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) | The Black Cauldron (1985) | ||
| The Jungle Book (1967) | The Great Mouse Detective (1986) | ||
| ✓ | Robin Hood (1973) | Oliver and Company (1988) | |
| The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) | The Rescuers Down Under (1990) | ||
| ✓ | The Little Mermaid (1989) | Fantasia 2000 (1999) | |
| Beauty and the Beast (1991) | Dinosaur (2000) | ||
| ✓ | Aladdin (1992) | ✓ | The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) |
| ✓ | The Lion King (1994) | Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) | |
| ✓ | Pocahontas (1995) | Treasure Planet (2002) | |
| ✓ | The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) | Brother Bear (2003) | |
| ✓ | Hercules (1997) | Home on the Range (2004) | |
| ✓ | Mulan (1998) | Chicken Little (2005) | |
| ✓ | Tarzan (1999) | Meet the Robinsons (2007) | |
| ✓ | Lilo and Stitch (2002) | Bolt (2008) | |
| ✓ | The Princess and the Frog (2009) | Big Hero 6 (2014) | |
| ✓ | Tangled (2010) | ✓ | Encanto (2021) |
| Winnie the Pooh (2011) | |||
| ✓ | Wreck-It Ralph (2012) | ||
| ✓ | Frozen (2013) | ||
| ✓ | Zootopia (2016) | ||
| ✓ | Moana (2016) | ||
| ✓ | Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) | ||
| ✓ | Frozen II (2019) | ||
| ✓ | Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) | ||
Sunday, July 25, 2021
Ju-lyke it?
Hello July!
Can't believe the year is moving so fast. With all the misery spread around by the pandemic, I had forgotten that it's hike time in our company. So the unexpected salary increase took me by surprise and made me feel happy. I am grateful that I am at a point in life where I don't have to fret too much about money. God has been very kind to me.
Talking about small mercies, my cousin's wife is due in December. They lost their first baby and have been hoping to have one more ever since. I am so soo happy for them! We girls hosted a small baby shower for the soon-to-be mommy. We had fun games and yummy food. Everybody had a ball.
When we bought our house, we did not have much time to work on the interiors. Now that we have settled down, I am trying to make small home improvements. Going by my idea of a home for all, I got a mop stand installed which cleared the clutter in our utility. I had shelves installed in the kitchen cabinets into which went things that were on the kitchen counter, more space yayyy! My cousin helped me in getting a foldable work table. I also bought a monitor and keyboard to have a dedicated work space. No more bad posture.
I also like my home to smell fresh and clean. So, I may have splurged a bit when I got diffusers from Bath and Body Works. Oops! But you have to agree that they look oh so pretty! I also got reed diffusers for the washrooms and don't regret it at all. Not to be left behind, my father had the hall and puja room upgraded with a false ceiling. Although, I was skeptical initially, the final result blew me away. Now, when we switch on the warm lights everywhere, the house transforms into somewhere ethereal.
I have also been cooking and baking. And I am enjoying it so much. However, after being bitten by the most deadly bug of the century, I started experiencing severe hair fall. It was so bad that wherever I went, I would leave a trail of hair behind. Finally, my dad took me to a doctor and he prescribed some zinc tablets and hair tonic. And just like that, the hair fall stopped. I couldn't believe it. Note to self, get medical advice whenever necessary.
Can't believe the year is moving so fast. With all the misery spread around by the pandemic, I had forgotten that it's hike time in our company. So the unexpected salary increase took me by surprise and made me feel happy. I am grateful that I am at a point in life where I don't have to fret too much about money. God has been very kind to me.
Talking about small mercies, my cousin's wife is due in December. They lost their first baby and have been hoping to have one more ever since. I am so soo happy for them! We girls hosted a small baby shower for the soon-to-be mommy. We had fun games and yummy food. Everybody had a ball.
When we bought our house, we did not have much time to work on the interiors. Now that we have settled down, I am trying to make small home improvements. Going by my idea of a home for all, I got a mop stand installed which cleared the clutter in our utility. I had shelves installed in the kitchen cabinets into which went things that were on the kitchen counter, more space yayyy! My cousin helped me in getting a foldable work table. I also bought a monitor and keyboard to have a dedicated work space. No more bad posture.
I also like my home to smell fresh and clean. So, I may have splurged a bit when I got diffusers from Bath and Body Works. Oops! But you have to agree that they look oh so pretty! I also got reed diffusers for the washrooms and don't regret it at all. Not to be left behind, my father had the hall and puja room upgraded with a false ceiling. Although, I was skeptical initially, the final result blew me away. Now, when we switch on the warm lights everywhere, the house transforms into somewhere ethereal.
I have also been cooking and baking. And I am enjoying it so much. However, after being bitten by the most deadly bug of the century, I started experiencing severe hair fall. It was so bad that wherever I went, I would leave a trail of hair behind. Finally, my dad took me to a doctor and he prescribed some zinc tablets and hair tonic. And just like that, the hair fall stopped. I couldn't believe it. Note to self, get medical advice whenever necessary.
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Halfway through
I can't believe how quickly June has flown by. I can't even remember what I did the whole month!
Quick update on this year's bucket list. The creative list looks a bit lonely with just a single tick. But I have actually worked on most of them, just not to the level I want to. On the learning front, I am quite happy with my French course and culinary skills. Time to focus on other things during the second half of the year. Oooh yes! I have been having a lot of fun. My most ticked list haha.. Good to see that!
Personal growth is not quite there yet. I haven't had much time to myself in the past few months. Will be trying to get on to more of it now. Travel is out of the question due to the pandemic. I will have to make do with online shows and virtual tours I guess :( I am dreading the next section. I have done absolutely nothing for my health. In fact, I have gone backwards with poor sleep and acute hair loss. Getting into a routine will hopefully help.
Organizing is a continuous process. One cannot organize everything and stop there. I have been cleaning out the closets and decluttering. I think twice before purchasing anything. This has taught me to respect my needs and curb my wants. Needless to say, it is saving me a bit of money as well :) I have been trying to do my bit for the community as much as possible. Staying at home is, in fact, a service in itself :P Jokes apart, I donated some more money to people in need. I hope it is of some comfort to them.
Another noteworthy task that I did is get my broadband connection changed to ACT. I have been struggling with the poor BBNL service for quite some time now. But my even worse 'standing up for myself' skills held me back. Finally, I mustered the courage to get the service changed and I was amazed at how easy the whole process was. Hello, superfast net speeds :D
That's it for June. But, wow! Are we at mid term already!
Quick update on this year's bucket list. The creative list looks a bit lonely with just a single tick. But I have actually worked on most of them, just not to the level I want to. On the learning front, I am quite happy with my French course and culinary skills. Time to focus on other things during the second half of the year. Oooh yes! I have been having a lot of fun. My most ticked list haha.. Good to see that!
Personal growth is not quite there yet. I haven't had much time to myself in the past few months. Will be trying to get on to more of it now. Travel is out of the question due to the pandemic. I will have to make do with online shows and virtual tours I guess :( I am dreading the next section. I have done absolutely nothing for my health. In fact, I have gone backwards with poor sleep and acute hair loss. Getting into a routine will hopefully help.
Organizing is a continuous process. One cannot organize everything and stop there. I have been cleaning out the closets and decluttering. I think twice before purchasing anything. This has taught me to respect my needs and curb my wants. Needless to say, it is saving me a bit of money as well :) I have been trying to do my bit for the community as much as possible. Staying at home is, in fact, a service in itself :P Jokes apart, I donated some more money to people in need. I hope it is of some comfort to them.
Another noteworthy task that I did is get my broadband connection changed to ACT. I have been struggling with the poor BBNL service for quite some time now. But my even worse 'standing up for myself' skills held me back. Finally, I mustered the courage to get the service changed and I was amazed at how easy the whole process was. Hello, superfast net speeds :D
That's it for June. But, wow! Are we at mid term already!
Sunday, May 30, 2021
May or may not
May has been a terrific month for me. The best month so far this year, I think! 😀 Despite the lockdown, I have accomplished a lot of things. First and foremost, I donated money to some organizations which are helping to fight the pandemic. I had been wanting to do this for a long time.
Nykaa had this huge summer sale. Bath & Body Works had Buy 2 Get 2 free on their entire range 😍 I love their products and this was a great offer. I have also been eyeing some products from Kay Beauty which is a cosmetic line by Katrina Kaif. I spent a whole day looking up offers, combining products and reading reviews. But, my conscience told me that I already own similar products and do not need any more cosmetics during the lockdown. I made a list of my stash and decided that I won't buy anything new until I finish at least half of them 😑 I went ahead and emptied my cart. I am so proud of myself for resisting the temptation.
I also did something very unlike myself. I had a political debate with my cousin 🙈 I am not politically inclined but his messages were ruffling some feathers. I saw the need for an open discussion. Most of the elders in the family are staunch supporters of Modi. The cousin thinks Modi should have taken stricter measures to curb the pandemic instead of focusing on elections and personal agenda. I do agree that Modi did not do a great job of handling the second wave, but it is not right to blame one person for the current situation. India does not have a good leader in its wings and Modi seems to be doing a good job, although he gets carried away at times. The citizens should provide constructive criticism in ways that can reach the right people instead of fighting over sensitive topics on WhatsApp.
I have been obsessed with Carrom and Duolingo this month. I don't know how I made time for these two amongst all the other things I have been doing this month. I justify them by saying am learning a new skill. The Carrom game has a special carrom pass which has higher rewards as we level up. I love arcade games, so it was right up my alley. Same with Duolingo. They have levels named after gemstones. The diamond league is the highest and if you end up on top of the leader board, you earn an achievement. Safe to say, I fought hard to stay at the top and bagged it! 🙌
It's more than a year and a half now since I saw Akka. We have never gone so long without seeing each other. So, we have been trying to do things together. We read a cool book about tidying up. It's called 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Marie Kondo. It's the KonMari method explained as a comic. Her methods make a lot of sense. But, I may have got a bit carried away when I cleaned up the shoe closet and trashed my cousin's expensive sneakers! Oops!! 🙆 So, I was saying that Akka and I have been trying to go minimal. Not only that, we did a happiness challenge and signed up for a masterclass too. Thank God for the internet!
I and cousin have been watching a lot of Masterchef - the 'Back to Win' S12 and the ongoing S13. No wonder then that we have been cooking a lot too. Sweets and savouries, veg and non-veg, healthy and junk - everything is in there. I am not only inspired by the food on the show but also by the judge Melissa Leong's wardrobe. Her outfits are amazing! Makes me want to revamp my wardrobe. We have also been catching up on movies and web series.
Last but not the least, I officially reached the 10th year milestone of my career. Wow! Has it been that long? 😀 I got monetary recognition from the company as well. I have so many gift cards that I need to use up! However, I am being conscious of the environment. Along with lifestyle changes, I am also working on decreasing my digital footprint. I cleaned up my inbox and unsubscribed from unwanted promotional emails.
Phew! That looks like an exhausting month and I want every month to be like that! 💃
Nykaa had this huge summer sale. Bath & Body Works had Buy 2 Get 2 free on their entire range 😍 I love their products and this was a great offer. I have also been eyeing some products from Kay Beauty which is a cosmetic line by Katrina Kaif. I spent a whole day looking up offers, combining products and reading reviews. But, my conscience told me that I already own similar products and do not need any more cosmetics during the lockdown. I made a list of my stash and decided that I won't buy anything new until I finish at least half of them 😑 I went ahead and emptied my cart. I am so proud of myself for resisting the temptation.
I also did something very unlike myself. I had a political debate with my cousin 🙈 I am not politically inclined but his messages were ruffling some feathers. I saw the need for an open discussion. Most of the elders in the family are staunch supporters of Modi. The cousin thinks Modi should have taken stricter measures to curb the pandemic instead of focusing on elections and personal agenda. I do agree that Modi did not do a great job of handling the second wave, but it is not right to blame one person for the current situation. India does not have a good leader in its wings and Modi seems to be doing a good job, although he gets carried away at times. The citizens should provide constructive criticism in ways that can reach the right people instead of fighting over sensitive topics on WhatsApp.
I have been obsessed with Carrom and Duolingo this month. I don't know how I made time for these two amongst all the other things I have been doing this month. I justify them by saying am learning a new skill. The Carrom game has a special carrom pass which has higher rewards as we level up. I love arcade games, so it was right up my alley. Same with Duolingo. They have levels named after gemstones. The diamond league is the highest and if you end up on top of the leader board, you earn an achievement. Safe to say, I fought hard to stay at the top and bagged it! 🙌
It's more than a year and a half now since I saw Akka. We have never gone so long without seeing each other. So, we have been trying to do things together. We read a cool book about tidying up. It's called 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Marie Kondo. It's the KonMari method explained as a comic. Her methods make a lot of sense. But, I may have got a bit carried away when I cleaned up the shoe closet and trashed my cousin's expensive sneakers! Oops!! 🙆 So, I was saying that Akka and I have been trying to go minimal. Not only that, we did a happiness challenge and signed up for a masterclass too. Thank God for the internet!
I and cousin have been watching a lot of Masterchef - the 'Back to Win' S12 and the ongoing S13. No wonder then that we have been cooking a lot too. Sweets and savouries, veg and non-veg, healthy and junk - everything is in there. I am not only inspired by the food on the show but also by the judge Melissa Leong's wardrobe. Her outfits are amazing! Makes me want to revamp my wardrobe. We have also been catching up on movies and web series.
Last but not the least, I officially reached the 10th year milestone of my career. Wow! Has it been that long? 😀 I got monetary recognition from the company as well. I have so many gift cards that I need to use up! However, I am being conscious of the environment. Along with lifestyle changes, I am also working on decreasing my digital footprint. I cleaned up my inbox and unsubscribed from unwanted promotional emails.
Phew! That looks like an exhausting month and I want every month to be like that! 💃
Friday, May 7, 2021
Happiness challenge
It's said that happiness is found in little things. And, all of us are in need of some hope and joy now. The lockdown has made life boring. I have not stepped out of the house for three weeks now. To add to it, Akka and I are not able to talk as frequently as before. So we decided to do a challenge together which will help us feel connected. It's a happiness challenge wherein each day we perform a small activity that brings us joy. Here is the entire list!
Here's what I did on each day of the month.
May 01 - Donate (Hemkunt and Give India)
May 02 - Make your bed
May 03 - Eat a piece of chocolate (silk oreo red velvet)
May 08 - Read (Resumed my book. I was falling behind on my reading challenge)
Here's what I did on each day of the month.
May 01 - Donate (Hemkunt and Give India)
May 02 - Make your bed
May 03 - Eat a piece of chocolate (silk oreo red velvet)
May 04 - Write 3 things you are grateful for
May 05 - Cook a healthy meal (Stir fry chicken)
May 06 - Buy a meal for someone (Bite sized doughnuts)
May 07 - Exercise (I did warmups and stretching while watching TV)
May 07 - Exercise (I did warmups and stretching while watching TV)
May 08 - Read (Resumed my book. I was falling behind on my reading challenge)
May 09 - Clean out your closet (did other nooks and corners too).
May 10 - Go for a walk (after 4 long weeks of being cooped up at home)
May 11 - Enjoy a glass of wine ( had refreshing lime pudina juice instead)
May 12 - Sleep in or take a nap (been doing too much of that these days)
May 13 - Bake
May 14 - Write a poem or draw (doodled)
May 15 - Write in your journal
May 16 - Pay someone a compliment (all the time)
May 17 - Bake cupcakes (chose to do buns instead)
May 18 - Have a cup of herbal tea (chamomile tea)
May 19 - Meditate
May 20 - Watch a classic film (Winnie the pooh)
May 21 - Phone a friend (had to call for something but ended with a good chat)
May 22 - Take a masterclass (from MCA on TV)
May 23 - Dress-up
May 24 - Yoga (did the basics)
May 25 - Dance to your fav song (always up for it)
May 26 - Get a plant/flowers (just got one from the garden to complete the challenge :P)
May 27 - Go outside (couldn't go out due to lockdown, visited my cousin's house in the same apartment)
May 28 - Put on make-up
May 29 - Light your fav candle
May 30 - Listen to a podcast
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