The Last Day of Another Month - Bye Bye March 2019

March 31st - 2019, it's the last day of the month. At the end of every month, I will review how my month has gone by and here is the synopsis for this month,


1. Read 5 Books
2. Worked out 6 days a week, sometimes 7 days
3. Meditated 5 mins every single day
4. Have posted a blog every single day
5. Recited Hanuman Chalisa every single day


Yes, this month I did try a new thing on the religious front of trying to chant. There was a time I couldn't read Hanuman Chalisa. But this challenged me to start leaning and here I am today capable of reciting it fast and clear. It feels bliss. 

I hope to learn something new for April and continue doing what I have done. 

Tomorrow I am going to post a blog about all the books I have read for this month. Stay along!

Go Online

                Doing an online course stemmed of utmost boredom sitting at home. While I was browsing, I stumbled upon a website - Udemy and I got on this site to check courses. All courses are paid on this site and they have tonnes of them to choose from. I sat for a while and found a few courses of interest,


1. Fundamentals of BA
2. Introduction to PM
3. A course on Interior Designing


None of the courses are interconnected, but these were subjects I have interest to explore these new skills. So I paid up for these courses, got online and started one at a time. Trust me, I enjoyed doing online courses. I have finished the first one and have two more to finish, but I do it at my own pace. 

So for you folks who are skeptical to get online to explore new areas of learning, shed the skepticism and get online. It's fun!

This Thing Called LOVE

               Sometime back my mum shoved a supplementary paper of Deccan Herald - Living under my nose. She pointed to an article and asked me to read it. So last night, I finally pulled that paper and sat down to read it.

So here  is the summary of what the article said, 


1. Let harmony be a priority.
2. Learn to pause and listen to other person's POV.
3. When there is tension, think of what you can do to nurture the relationship.
4. Be kind to one another even when you have had a bad day.
5. Be humble and open - hearted.
6. Cultivate the way you speak so that your voice flows like nectar, in a soothing way without harshness or sharp rise and fall in your tone.
7. Be patient.
8. Let go of resentments.
9. At bedtime, take a min to close your eyes and feel sorry for anything you have done to hurt others. 
10. Accept the other person just as they are without trying to change them.
11. A sense of humor goes a long way.


There are a few points that I do not agree to, but overall the article did make sense. But I wonder how much does put into practice in real life. It sure won't be easy, but I am sure it won't be very hard either, if one actually decided to give it a shot at a relationship.

Keep the MOJO on

                 I think we all have a charm inside us and tat is often called - A MOJO. This mojo keeps us going through a lot that goes on in our lives. Sometimes, we do lose this mojo,

1. Personal life crisis
2. Professional life problems
3. Physical issues
4. Mental states
5. Mind games

But in life we should always have our mojo,

1. Keep us happy
2. Charming
3. Smiling
4. Soul satisfying
5. Mind enriching

Mojo helps us have that jump in our step at every stage in our lives. We are alive because we feel alive. 

Keep the MOJO on always!

Captain Marvel- Movie Review

               Who isn't a fan of Marvel Comics? Well, if there are some, then I have nothing to say to them. 
Yesterday I watched the movie - Captain Marvel and I must say what a fine movie it turned out to be. 

Captain Marvel - Kree Warrior, finds herself in between an intergalactic battle between her people and Skrulls. 

The cat - Goose is absolutely adorable. 

All Marvel fans, go watch this amazing movie.

Recommendation: High
Rating: 5/5

Mantralaya Visit

          Mantralya is the place where one visits Saint Raghavendraswamy's Brindavan. There are a lot of places to visit in and around. Next time one takes a trip, please visit the following places,

1. Manchalamma Temple
2. Venkateshwara Temple
3. Bicchali (Appanna Char's Brindavan & Raghavendraswamy's Residence)
4. 12 Lingas (Raichur)
5. Panchamukhi
6. Cave Temple - Lakshmi Temple 

Let his blessings be with all!

One more Web Series

                GIRL BOSS - I have been seeing a lot of YouTube videos talking about Girl Boss and it always irked my curiosity. While I was browsing, I found a series on Girl Boss - Netflix. Then I researched to realize this is based on a book titled Girl Boss by Sophia. 

How this girl starts her e-bay business Nasty Gal is the story to begin with. From e-bay business to starting her own website in the same name. Her grit in galore is to be appreciated. 
Overall a nice watch, but I am still going to read the book without a miss.

Recommendation: Medium - High
Rating: 3.9/5

Ditch the Live-In Denial

Some of us like to live-in Denial. Try to change that perception, it bounces right back like a boomerang with even more vigor. But, if we really should get over being in Denial, here are the 3A's rule to keep in mind,

1. Accept
2. Acknowledge
3. Act

First step is to Accept that we lice in Denial. Once the acceptance sets in, begin to acknowledge the same. Final step is to act on it. 

Live-in with Denial is no fun. So don't even try to get into that space. Ditch the Denial! 

How much love is enough to love?

               LOVE - The four letter word that creates swirls in lives. Love in any form, be it to your pets, family, friends or just about anything that one thinks they can love, is it enough or not?

But specifically, lets stick to love towards a spouse or a couple in a relationship. How do we ever know how much to love? Or how to love so that much is enough? Or is it ever enough to love? Or we shouldn't really quantify love. I am not sure. 

Love is a feeling that arises to that special person in life. I don't think we can pull the reins and decide that our love will remain in the middle of the spectrum or on either ends. It can neither be measured 
nor weighed. 

So how much love is enough to love - Is something that will always gallop in one's mind, but the heart will always know when to pull  or push the reins.

Supporting Spouse is the Greatest Armour

           Isn't it true that a supporting spouse is indeed a great armor. And, of course it works both ways - Husband or the Wife, when I say spouse. The amount of happiness, satisfaction, contentment and all the various other factors that we feel , is unexplainable. 

Various ways to be supportive,

1. Emotional
2. Mental
3. Physical
4. Financial
5. Spiritual
6. Ethical

Be it a career, home front, kids, nothing can work out to match the support extended by the spouse. So to all the spouses who are being nothing but supportive, a loud shout out to all of you. It's fabulous and the ride is going to be fantastic.

Third Web Series

                    I was unwell from the past few days. Stuck to my bed, I had nothing to do. To kill some time, numb some brain, I did a few series this time. 

This latest that I watched was titled - WORKING MOMS (Season 1) and I must say I was mighty impressed with its first Season. 
The story revolves around 4 working mothers who join a Mommy n Me group. Now these 4 moms have to go back to work after the ML Each working mother's story is so realistic. 
But in all of it, I realized two important things,

1. A supportive husband to keep your sanity intact.
2. A group of good friends to help you sail through life. 

I'm always in awe of couples who know the craft of balancing it out together. 

Recommendation: High
Rating: 4/5

A good season to watch. 

Can't wait for Season 2 to be on followed by Season 3, because this journey is indeed a very relatable one.

One Sweet Movie

               I watched Qarib Qarib Single today and something about the movie was so good that I decide to blog. 

Ms. Jaya is an independent working woman, who has lost her husband. After much persuasion she gets on a dating app, and meets Mr. Viyogi. Yogi, has had 3 girl friends in the past and tells Jaya that he is sure they are still weeping over. He decides to embark upon this journey to go visit all the three of them. 

How Jaya learns to say no to people, how she starts living her life, how she learns to think beyond her ex-husband,  it's a beautiful journey of two people on the road. 

It's a very well made movie and I must say a very sweet movie. To know the rest of the story, do go watch it. 

Becoming - Check

I finished reading Becoming by Michelle Obama. This is her memoir and I must say it's a fantabulous piece of work. The effort taken in writing this book, clearly reflects on every word meticulously chosen to string them into beautiful and meaningful sentences. Never have I been smitten by anyone to this extent as I am by Michelle Obama and this book all the more restores that faith in everyone who looks up to her. 

This book is divided into 4 parts,

1. Becoming Me

2. Becoming Us

3. Becoming More

4. Epilogue

So aptly she writes, Becoming is a process, steps along a path. Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor. Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there's more growing to be done. 

Recommendation: Very High

Rating: 5/5

All you fellow book lovers, who still haven't laid their hands on this book, please go grab it right away. It's an absolute page turner!

Jyothirlingas of Our Country

I was on a trip a few days back. There is this new temple opened in Raichur which has replicas of all the Jyotirlingas in India. 

There are 12 of them and the list is as follows,

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga - Gujarat (West
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga - A.P (South)
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - M.P (Central)
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga - M.P (Central)
5. Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga - Jharkhand (East)
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga - Maharashtra (West)
7. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga - Tamil Nadu (South)
8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga - Gujarat (West)
9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga - U.P (North)
10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga - Maharashtra (West)
11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga - Uttarakhand (North)
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga - Maharashtra (West)

South: 2 Lingas
West: 5 Lingas
Central: 2 Lingas
North: 2 Lingas
East: 1

I haven't yet had to chance to see even a single Jyotirlinga till date. But this temple had all the 12 of them. I have now decided that I am going to start with South first and then move my way upwards. One at a time - Har Har Mahadev!

My Second Web Series for Feb

           This month, I did the second web series titles - Mirzapur. I don't know if I enjoyed this one as much as enjoyed Made in Heaven for 2 reasons,

1. Vulgarity
2. Violence

I know, its the age of Digital Era and everything is accessible to everyone, but I personally feel, this kind of violence shown is disturbing. It's brutal in a very modern barbaric kind. I am not someone who enjoys such series, but since I started I wanted to finish it. And not to miss the language, the abuses are hurled so freely that I would miss the actual dialogues in between. This web series isn't the type I usually enjoy, but still watched it out of curiosity. 

Recommendation - Low
Rating: 3/5

Maybe it shows what happens around, but it is not an easy, lazy watch. 

I have my next web series for April month ready to watch!

Atlast

              Every time I noticed these two acronyms, I would wonder what it meant. But for some reason, I didn't put enough effort to knowing what it means. But today, as I was finishing Becoming by Michelle Obama, I finally learnt what they stand for.
FLOTUS & POTUS - I would often see on Twitter and would be curious. Today, I got the better out of my curiosity and know what it is.

FLOTUS stands for - First Lady Of The United States
POTUS stands for - President Of The United States.

Imagine, I had to read Becoming by ex-flotus Ms. Michelle Obama to know Flotus and Potus stood for. I must say, I am unable to put this book down. Last few pages before this mesmerizing memoir comes to an end.

Swalpa Adjust Maadi

          If you are a local, you would have heard the term - Swalpa Adjust Maadi, which translates to - Could you please adjust a little.
In life, do we walk around with this attitude or do we not? That is a question that I debate internally. If we adjust, how do we know the situations? how do we know the circumstances? Each one needs a different approach and each time is the thought about how much one needs to adjust, or not. This Swalpa Adjust Maadi terms, plays around in all aspects of our life. Sometimes, we readily and more than willingly want to adjust but in some case, reluctance and denial takes the fore front.
To each to it's own, I guess!!

Don't Saunter away from being Fit

              Exercise is an integral part of life. But most times, we manage to stay away from it. The best we can think of in the form of excuse is - Days are so swamped that we just don't manage time. Really? We make time through the day checking all the things in to-do list, but for some reason we all get lazy when it comes to Fitness and working out. 
Being fit is a must. A fit mind and a fit body is the key to a very productive day. If we decide to dedicate an hour each day without squabbling with our own self, we will get through each day with some work out done. 
Let'e make fitness our new mantra and take each day as a new day to work our way to a new fitness level. 
Stay Fit, Stay Healthy!

Spouse Mirrors Spouse or Not

                  Often I have pondered seeing couples - Were they always like this or did it happen over an aeon of togetherness? I don't know what it is, but the couples begin to reflect each other's behaviors. It may not be planned, but the quantum of conduct is evident. 
Whether it is a good or a bad inculcation, the vibes will radiate. A soft spoken person with a harsh spouse can pick up the attributes of being rude and harsh, while a rude person can mellow down. I don't know how far it is true to all cases, but I have seen a few examples around me which triggered my today's blog post. 
Living together for a good number of years can knowingly or unknowingly make you blend with your spouse. Some for the betterment, while others can be difficult. Next time, a couple is together, sit back and observe in your circle and see if you see the same or not. 

Review # 2 - Badla

              I watched a very interesting movie today - BADLA. We contemplated between Luka Chuppi and Badla, of course we chose Badla. 

I must say I wasn't disappointed at all. Big B's acting is class apart, but I must Taapsee Pannu has done a fab job. It's a thriller, mystery and it is a very enthralling movie. 
In a nutshell, this movie includes, One affair - One Accident - One Murder - One Cover Up - One Mistaken Identity - One Big Badla (Revenge). I don't want to dwell more upon this movie, lest I give up the story. Shot in the U.K, its got some pretty scenic views. Lastly, one cannot miss the fantastic acting of Amrita Singh who plays the role of Rani in this movie. 

Recommendation: Very High
Rating: 4.5/5

For all the mystery seekers, watch this , you will not be disappointed!

Atlast - Becoming

Ever since I heard and read about Michelle Obama's book titled - Becoming, I have been waiting to get my hands on this book. After a long wait, I finally got the book yesterday. So what did I do, stopped reading the other 2 books and started this book. The journey so far has been enticing and enriching. 
I will post my review about this book shortly. So long!

March Month Web Series

            We are ten days into March, and I am done watching this month's web series. Indeed a no brainer to guess which one it is for the month. Is is - MADE IN HEAVEN. Since the trailers have been out, I have waited for it's release on Women's Day - March 8th. 
It is crafted to beautifully that I couldn't wait to finish the season. Made in Heaven is a Wedding Planning company run by Tara Khanna and Karan Mehra. Every episode shows a wedding and goes back and forth about the main characters lives, which include Tara, Karan, Faiza, Adil, Kabir and Jazz. 
It is so well woven that there isn't a dull moment in the whole season. Typical scenarios about Big Fat Indian Weddings and the vices and virtues that they all come with. 
I must add, Tara Khanna aka Sobhita's acting is what I liked the best. The rest of them have done a great job too. 
It deals with Weddings, Manipulations, Gay issues, Love, Betrayal, Loneliness, Grit and a wide array of such ingredients that go into making this web series. 
Lastly, I am in love with the song - Meant to Be by Ananya Birla which has been playing in loop from the last 2 days.

Recommendation: High
Rating: 4.5/5

Do watch Made in Heaven, you will really like it.

Of Vices & Virtues

Most of us have the habit of accepting our Virtues and ignoring the Vices. But in life, vices and virtues form the part of the circle. It is radically not possible to embrace either and leave the other. We are not flawless and I don't think anyone can either be.
The vices and the virtues are part of being you, and we must be able to hold them tight. No need to pretend that we are topped with only virtues and vices are a taboo. Let's not profess like we are the epitome of virtues. The day the pretense goes away, we will all have more peace within us. 
So, love your vices, love your virtues. It defines who you are!

Brain & Brakes

              Two days ago, my aunt and me were on her two - wheeler. We were going to book train tickets. It was a short ride, hence we had decided that we would take the bike. As we were riding along, I realized, most people have forgotten to use the brakes in their vehicles. Every one wants to rush along like they are on their last journey. No one wants to follow any rules of the road and everybody cruises along. 
To make matters worse, people honk like there is no tomorrow. constantly they are honking like people will magically start flying. Nobody has any patience and every driver or rider is an agitated one. 
As we reached out destination, it dawned on me that along with brakes, people have indeed stopped using their brain as well. 
No Brakes, No Brain - Seems like a new mantra on our roads.
 People should use their brain and brakes and then we will see the rules of the road being followed by every one of us.

Gully Boy - Finally

             After a long wait, I finally managed to watch Gully Boy. And Boy, I must admit, I loved the movie. Blown with Ranveer and Alia's performance. As I sat through the movie, I realized, every character Ranveer plays, he justifies them so well. He gets into the role with perfection. Alia, is another actor who essays every role so beautifully. 

The whole movie made me believe Ranveer to be the real Gully Boy. His rapping in the movie is foot tapping. The guy who has played MC Sher - Siddhant has acted so well in the movie too. 

Recommendation: Very High

Rating: 5/5

For anyone who has missed, please go watch it. 

Artists and their Creativity

           

              Every artist makes me wonder, where and how do their creative juices flow? If we have to talk about a Writer, who so creatively spins stories, it always leaves me gobsmacked.
I have been a lifelong reader and every book I read, leaves me so awestruck. The words that fall into place and weave such magical tales, is mind blowing. How do the writers come up with new stories each time that manages to grip the readers. Imagine those writers who have written multiple books. How do they manage doing it? How do they write up such brilliant stories? How do their creative juices flow? I always have multiple questions in my mind.

To write a story with a plot, multiple characters, emotions and a masterly story towards finish line. Gift of words is what these artists have in them that makes them weave magic. It is a lonely and relentless pursuit of a journey with every book. But every writer embarks upon this ride with ease and gusto. Kudos to all the writers!

Someday, I hope to be a writer and manage to tell the tales that spin in my head!! Till then, keep reading and keep writing. 

My March Reads - Lined Up

                 I have a few books that I have lined up for my March Reading. Here is my list,

1. Vivekananda Biography
2. Inner Engineering
3. The Secret of the Druids
4. The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred Year Old Man
5. Chanakya Chants

Now, I will see how many from this line up will I finish. Stay Tuned!

One At a Time

              All of us a lot going on. But the beauty is in unraveling it one at a time.We should try to sort it all at once, then we have no clarity about anything that is going on. So here are a few sorters,

1. Take it one at a time
2. Focus on the one that is taken up
3. Patience is virtue and don't lose it
4. Keep calm and carry on
5. If it helps, make a note of all the things that need attention in your life
6. Check as and when one is sorted
7. Talk to friends and family, it always helps
8. Remember, there is always a solution
9. Be persistent 
10. There is always someone up above to guide

Hope is waking dream. Don't lose hope ever!

To Read List

       I have a set of book that I want to read,

1. Accidental Further Adventures of the 100 year old man - Jonas Jonasson
2. The 3 Secret Cities - Matthew Reilly
3. The 5 A.M Club - Robin Sharma
4. Less - Andrew Sean
5. Becoming - Michelle Obama


This is the First set that I have in my To-Read List. Out of these five, I have the first book with me to start.

My Movie Wall - For Feb

                     I have decided that from this month on, I will post my movie wall as well. So here is the list of movies I watched for February,

1. Uri
2. Total Dhamaal
3. F2
4. The Game Night
5. Mardi Gras
6. Richie Rich
7. Monte Carlo

I watch movies in Five languages - Hindi, English, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. 

My Feb Reading Wall - 2nd Month Done

                I posted my January Month Reading Wall. Here is my February Reading Wall,


1. No More Dying Then - Ruth Rendell
2. Tattered - Devnoy Perry
3. Crazy Love - Emma Keene
4. Othello - Shakespeare
5. Chicago Address - Swami Vivekananda
6. Breaking Rules - Trace Puckett


This month all the books I have read are of authors I have not read before. Be it Ruth Rendell or Devnoy Perry to Trace Puckett, are all new to me. Of all the books I read, I enjoyed Ruth Rendell and Devnoy Perry. 

Second Month I have managed 6 books again. Let's see how March goes by!