Finally Birdbox

I finished watching this movie titled - Bird Box yesterday. 

If you see - you die. In order to survive, one must blindfold themselves. Starring Sandra Bullock in lead, this movie was a good watch. 

A group of people come into a house to survive this force. But one couple decide to flee by taking the car. A man sacrifices himself to save others. One day, someone lets a man inside the house, and he kills  the rest, except Sandra - Malorie and Tom. In the meanwhile, Malorie gives birth to a baby boy and Olympia gives birth to a baby girl. 

Tom dies as well. In the end, Malorie, the boy and the girl survive. This movie is about how they survive. 


Recommendation: Medium
Rating: 3.5/5

How to we make something a Habit?

     Habit - Is not something we can imbibe in us with ease. Isn't it? Well, a habit is to be formed and practiced relentlessly. How does one do it?

Here are a few ways of forming a habit,

1. Start with small steps.
2. Do your bit everyday.
3. Don't skip a day.
4. Keep the grit on.
5. If you want to read a book, carry a book everyday with you.
6. Treat everyday as a new day

They day if you want to form a habit, you have to do it for 21 days. From the 22nd day, you will get into the habit with ease. Try it!

Worry Less Worrywarts

              Some of us are constantly worrying and hence are bestowed with the title of Worrywarts. Worry about everything around, every little thing. Sometimes, we just can't stop it. But, the mantra is to worry a little less always. Constant worrying hasn't helped anyone greatly as it increases stress. 

Here are a few breathers when we feel we are worrying,

1. Slow Down and breathe
2. Relax your mind
3. Work Out
4. Meditate
5. Drink a cup of tea/coffee/milk
6. Maintain a to-do list
7. Learn to be organized
8. Read a book/listen to music
9. Think 

So next time you are worrying, take a step back and relax!  

Late to this Series, but caught up!

             QUANTICO - I have been meaning to watch this series from a while, but for some reason I had not managed till recently. But now I can say I am done watching it. 

It has 3 seasons. First two seasons have 22 episodes while the last season has only 13 episodes. 

The best was Season 1. I was so hooked to watching it that I didn't realize when I finished those long episodes. Life at Quantico, training to be FBI and a whole lot of suspense, made it worthwhile. Alex Parrish has done a great job. 

Season 2 was not as gripping as Season 1, but I wasn't disappointed. Clayton Hass's character was my fav here (not to miss the good looking part). It was different from Season 1, as the recruits had graduated from Quantico and were on the job. 

Season 3 was alright. In comparison to two seasons, this fell short. It looked like it was wrapped up without an end. My fav character here was Agent Mike. Loved his voice. Not to miss Jocelyn Tuner. 

Overall, I really enjoyed all the 3 seasons and wished that there was more to watch.

Rant a Little Less - Chant a Little More

               Ranting has become very common off late. But why not rant less and chant more. Sometime back I decided I will learn to chant a few slokas as well because I barely knew any. So with lot of  effort I made progress.  Here are few slokas that I have learnt to chant,

1. Hanuman Chalisa
2. Govinda Manavalli
3. Vishnu Sahasranama 
4. Aigiri Nandini
5. Shiva Mantra
6. Krishna Prema Mayi Radha
7. Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma

That is all for now. Hope to do more progress with time. Rant Less and Chant More!

Jewelry - Never Enough

         I was out today for lunch with my family. As I stepped out of the restaurant, I saw this lady selling jewelry on the street side. As a rule, I always check out for jewelry on the streets. Today was no exception. 

I walked to her and saw the pieces. I saw this beautiful choker she had. I picked it up and paid her. The smile she gave me was priceless.

I prefer buying jewelry from the street side because it helps these people to earn some money and make a living for themselves. 

Now, I am excited to wear this new piece of jewelry. This ins't my first piece, but the excitement is still like it's my first piece that I own. 

I have enough jewelry - Said no one ever indeed including me!!

A Lovely Booksale

        Kitab Lovers - Has anyone heard of this before? Well, I hadn't till a few days ago. My aunt told me about this book sale and we decided to check it out. 

The concept of Kitab Lovers is interesting. They have 3 different types of boxes that you need to fill to the brim. We first got a box for 999/- and then of course, we had to upgrade it to 1499/-. We filled the box to the brim with a variety of authors to read. Ranging from Mystery to chick lit, we had piled a lot of books.I must say I loved this concept. 

Then when we were heading out, they told us that if we posted on Social Media, we could pick two more books. Undoubtedly, I grabbed this as well. 

I have finished two out of the many books we bought and I have my stock of reading stacked well!

 Kitab Lovers - Way to go!

Books need to Hook the Readers

           Sometimes, we come across books that we just can't put down till we are done. And some, we struggle to get to the end. Ever thought why?

I always feel it's how the writers are able to hook the readers. Some are so exceptionally good that the books will hook the readers. The plot, the writing, the characters and not to forget the emotions are the pillars to writing. It's pivotal to get the readers hooked to turn pages of the books seamlessly. 

One such book that I came across in the recent times is Michelle Obama's - Becoming. This book was an absolute page turner. 

That's the absolute power of a gritty witty writer to make the book a beautiful page turner. 

Next time you come across one, try thinking what is it that makes it a lovely read? Is it,

1. The Plot
2. The engaging style
3. Writing Style
4. Humor
5. Dots connected
6. Or the Author


Until next read!

WPM - What's Yours?

              Sometime back we were having a discussion on how much we all read. So each of us were telling the number of books we read per week. It was my turn to tell how many books and I mentioned that I read about 4 to 5 books per week. This got us thinking on how many Words Per Min (WPM) do we read. So what did we do?

We all sat timing each other to read for a minute. Some read about 100 words, some read about 200 words. Well, my turn came, I read about 350 to 400 words WPM. 

I am going to time myself again sometime soon and see how many WPM so I read now. Stay tuned for that post. 

Till then enjoy reading and don't forget to count!

Book Review

           I had pre-ordered a book and was waiting to read it for sometime. This book finally got delivered three days back. 

Wake Up, Life is Calling - By Preeti Shenoy.

This is the sequel to Life is What you Make it.I had read this book and was curious to read the sequel. 
So when my book arrived, I got a printed signed copy by the author. I already a signed copy when I bought an earlier book of hers, which was pre-ordered too on Amazon. It took me about 4 hours with intervals to finish this book. 
Ankita joins a Creative Writing Course and how her life takes place from there. Her ups and downs is the story. Vaibhav is back in this sequel.

Recommendation: Medium
Rating: 3.5/5

I have read all Preeti Shenoy's books and this one was a good read.

A Kannada Movie Review

             My aunt suggested a Kannada movie to watch. So all of us agreed to go watch it yesterday. The movie is titled - KAVALUDAARI. Kavaludaari means Crossroads. The title was pretty intriguing to go watch and not to forget this is a thriller movie. So we all went to watch this movie. 

Kavaludaari stars Anant Nag, Rishi in the lead. Followed by Kumar & Roshni. I am a big fan of Anant Nag movies and I absolutely love watching them. This movie is from the makers of Godhi Banna. So for all you people who have missed Godhi Banna, please watch that as well. 

Rishi plays a traffic cop and Anant Nag, an ex cop. The movie revolves around a murder case that happened about 40 years ago and the case closed. Rishi is interested in crime and decides to solve this case. It is his attempt with Anant Nag and Kumar to get to the bottom of this mystery. It was like watching a Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie book in motion. I must add, it is a very thrilling movie to watch. 

Recommendation: High
Rating: 4.5/5

The only demerit that I can think of is a slight drag in the second half of the movie, else it is a wonderful watch. Please do watch this movie. You will not be disappointed at all!

Sender to Receiver

                   How does a communication work? Sender sends a message to a receiver via medium and the receiver has to decode the encoded message and perceive the same.

So the components involved in communication are,

1. Sender
2. Receiver
3. Medium/Channel
4. Message

Sender encodes - Receiver Decodes - Clear intent 

Now, in real life what happens when this communication is a real deal breaker. They are few of us blessed with good communication techniques and know what to talk very clearly. But a few not so blessed ones have the biggest problem is try to convey across the message. The intent is never clear the receiver never perceives the message clearly. If the message isn't getting through well, there is a clear cut problem of distorted communication. 

Next time one decides to communicate, please ensure it is 3C's - Crisp, Clear and Concise!

RAW Movie

              RAW - Romeo, Akbar & Walter - John Abraham's movie was a good watch. He is a RAW agent who plays 3 different characters - Romeo, Akbar & Walter. 
He disguises himself as Akbar and changes his identity to goto Pak. The story shows how he still works as a RAW agent and continues helping his country. His acting is good in the movie. Mouni Roy has a small part to play as well. 

Recommendation: Medium
Rating: 3.5/5

How to stay with the Big M?

          What does Big M mean? Big M is the Big Motivation. Now the biggest question is how to stay motivated?

I used to ponder always as to how people stay motivated to achieve their goals. There is a goal and an end result to achieve, the point that bothered me always how to stay motivated till the end. I was having this discussion with a friend and he said a very profound this. 

The trick to staying motivated till the end is simple. REWARD YOURSELF. Tell yourself that if you achieve your goal, you will reward yourself in the end. This thought of a reward in your mind, will most definitely keep you motivated till you achieve it.

Trick = Goal - Reward (Motivation) - Achievement 

So next time one wants to achieve a goal and stay motivated, trick your mind with a reward, it will work!

First Web Series of the Month

               I just finished my first web series for this month titled - The Widow - Season 1. I follow a you Tuber and this was her recommendation. So I decided to watch it and I must say it was absolutely enthralling. 


The Widow - Is about a woman's hunt for her husband, who died in a plane crash. She sees a picture of him and recognizes him through the orange cap he always wears. And, then her hunt begins after 3 years of the plane crash to look for her husband. Her search leads to Congo, Rwanda where the whole story takes place. 


Recommendation: High
Rating: 4.5/5

Please do watch this series, there is only one season of it on Amazon Prime. It is really gripping and leaves the viewers without a single dull moment.

Final Take 10 - # 10

                Here is today's funny final list,


1. Life is short, smile while you still have teeth left.
2. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
3. I'm just a girl standing in front of the salad, asking it to be a donut.
4. I'm not lazy; I'm on energy saving mode.
5. Be careful when you follow the masses, sometimes the M is silent.
6. You need an attitude adjustment, let me get my tool.
7. I used to think I'm indecisive, but now I am not so sure.
8. I'm not insulting you, I'm describing you.
9. Life status: Currently holding it all together with a bobby pin.
10. You couldn't handle me even if I came with instructions.


That's it. Concludes my Take Ten for today!

Take Ten - # 9

           Here is today's list,


1. The Past cannot be changed. The Future is yet in your Power.
2. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
3. Don't wait for an opportunity, create it.
4. Dream big and dare to fail.
5. Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
6. 1 year = 365 possibilities; sometimes 366 too.
7. Everyday is a fresh start.
8 Your only limit is you.
9. Nothing will work, unless you do.
10. Nothing great was every achieved without enthusiasm.


Stay tuned for the last one tomorrow!

Take Ten - # 8

            Here is today's list,

1. Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
2. Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.
3. Better to wear out than rust out.
4. Thinking is difficult, that's why most people judge.
5. Pearls don't lie on the seashore. If you want one, you must dive for it.
6. This is not just another day. This is yet another chance to make your dreams come true.
7. Simplicity is nature's first step and the last of art.
8. Beyond words, beyond actions, beyond feelings - Know in your core that you are loved.
9. Never let go of that fiery sadness called desire.
10. You're never too old to reinvent yourself.


Stay tuned for tomorrow!

Take Ten - # 7

     

               Here is today's list,

1. Failure is not opposite of success, it is part of success.
2. Accept both Compliments & Criticism. It takes both sun and rain for the flower to grow.
3. Choose your habits carefully, they decide your future.
4. The life we lead is the lesson we teach.
5. Sparkle where ever you go.
6. Patience is also a form of action.
7. Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.
8. We suffer more in Imagination than in Reality.
9. Fear is a thought and thoughts can be easily changed.
10. Writing is the only intoxication that keeps the writer sober.

Stay tuned for tomorrow!

Take Ten - # 6

              Here is today's list,

1. Nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities.
2. We try to hide our feelings, but we forget our eyes speak.
3. If you want to be powerful, educate yourself.
4. Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try.
5. Don't be busy, be productive.
6. Persistence guarantees that results are inevitable.
7. Spend more time with yourself you will like who you are.
8. Always remember that someone else is happy with much less than what you have.
9. Be bold or italic, never regular.
10. You can't reach anything new is your hands are still full of yesterday's junk.


Stay tuned for tomorrow!

Take Ten - # 5

            And here is today's list,

1. Never give up on something that you can't go a without thinking about.
2. Fall in love with the process of becoming the best version of yourself.
3. Fall in love when you're ready. Not when you're lonely.
4. Difficulties in life are intended to make us feel better, not bitter.
5. Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.
6. If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.
7. The best vision is insight.
8. Simplicity is the key to brilliance.
9. The more I practice, the luckier I get.
10. Sometimes you have to be your hero.


And, for more stay tuned till tomorrow!

Take Ten - # 4

Happy Ugadi!!

Here is today's list,

1. Go the extra mile, it's never crowded.

2. What doesn't challenge you, doesn't change you.

3. Better readers are better thinkers.

4. Don't label - I failed --- to----- I am a failure.

5. Sometimes our power lies deeper within than we know and think.

6. The comeback is always stronger than the setback.

7. Grateful for what you are and hopeful of what you will be.

8. Becoming is better than being.

9. In happiness don't make commitments, in unhappiness don't take decisions.

10. The expert in anything was once a beginner.

Until tomorrow!

Take Ten - #3

           Here is today's list,

1. A meaningful silence is always better than meaningless words.
2. Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough.
3. Don't judge my path, if you didn't walk my journey.
4. A working habit should impel one to get started.
5. Your strongest muscle and worst enemy is your mind. Train it well.
6. If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.
7. Feeling is healing.
8. Don't forget to fall in love with yourself first.
9. Starve your distractions, feed your focus.
10. The bad news is time flies, the good news is you're the pilot.

Stay tuned for tomorrow!

Take Ten - # 2

             
           In continuation, here is today's list,

1. Master your mind and anything is possible.
2. Either you run the day or the day runs yous.
3. There is no right time, there is only right now.
4. In life we have happy and unhappy memories. It depends on us which one we want to remember.
5. A working habit should impel one to get started.
6. To get the creative habit, you need a working environment that's habit forming. 
7. If art is the bridge between what you see in your mind and what the world sees, then skill is how you build the bridge.
8. Creativity should be a habit.
9. Discipline morphs into a habit.
10. Make excellence your daily habit.


Stay tuned for tomorrow!

Take Ten - #1

         Starting today, I am going to posting 10 musings for 10 days. 

Here's today's,

1. The most important relationship in life is the one you have with yourself.
2. When you are at the top, the only you can go is the bottom. When you are at the bottom, the only place you can go is at the top.
3. I wish someone had told me Graduation is the last day of Freedom.
4. Make us just another memory that keeps us up every night.
5. Choices that you make out of inability are not life solutions.
6. Gain your Self - respect, lose your Ego.
7. If someone does not value you, leave. Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.
8. Finish what you start, especially if it's hard.
9. Don't show more than you want to divulge.
10. I find my sin within her existence, I find my destruction within her persistence.

All these are not my lines. I have just collected them since I found them meaningful. Stay tuned for more!

My Movie Wall - And Oh I watched a lot

March's month's reading wall is over loaded. Here is the entire list of movies I watched,

1. The Match Breaker
2. Hyena Road
3. Collaterals
4. A Quiet Place
5. Ocean's 8
6. Zombie Strippers
7. Hotel Transylvania 3
8. 15:17 to Paris
9. Qarib Qarib Single
10. Welcome to Karachi 2
11. The Big Sick
12. Catch Me If You Can

Theater,

1. Gully Boy
2. Badla
3. Captain Marvel

My March Reading Wall - 3rd Month Done

  

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


1. The Secret Garden --> By Frances Hodgson Burnett
2. Those Were The Days --> By Jenny Bravo
3. Becoming --> By Michelle Obama
4. Sri Raghavendra Teertharu 
5. Option B --> Sheryl Sandberg


Undoubtedly, my most favorite book was Becoming. I absolutely loved the book beyond words. But my surprise book was the book on Sri Raghavendra Swamy that I picked up at the temple in Mantralaya. So much to know about this saint, that my Bhakti towards this saint has even further increased in leaps and bounds.