Review my H1 (Jan - June)

           First half of the year has gone by and I decided to review my H1. Here are a few things I have accomplished,

1. Number of Books Read: 22 (Not bad right?)
2. Started Yoga and have been very diligently doing it
3. Have written a blog every single day from Jan 1st
4. Have maintained a Planner and Daily Schedule everyday
5. Have started chanting Hanuman Chalisa everyday
6. Focus on Wellness
7. Started working on improving my Tech Skills
8. Added another degree to my cap


What more to accomplish in H2?

1. Increase number of books
2. Continue doing what I have been doing
3. Enroll for a new course
4. Pursue a new hobby

Fingers crossed , let H2 begin!

Last Day of the Month - Bye Bye H1

    

             June 30th - 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. Haven't read a single book (Terribly awful)
2. Finished my Course exam (Yes, I am going to get a new degree)
3. Chanted Hanuman Chalisa every single day
4. Posted a blog every single day
5. Worked out 4 days a week
6. Took 1 Trip
7. Visited Shankar Mutha Temple (For the first time)
8. Spent time with my friends

I am going to start a new skill for July month and it is going to be something related to General Knowledge.

Let's see how July month starts!

A Fine Evening

               I had just passed out of college. I had started my first job. Those days, BMTC had just introduced new Volvo AC buses. Since, I didn't know how to drive a car yet and auto was just too much to goto work. My home and office were pretty far, so I decided to travel in these Volvo buses. So I started traveling in these buses. Each morning I would leave home at 8:30 P.M and catch this bus at 8:45 A.M. I would see another girl who would come with me and travel in the same bus. 

A few days later, she came and sat next to me since there was no other seat in the bus. So we got talking. What started as a casual conversation in a bus blossomed into a beautiful friendship that we cherish till date.

So today, we caught up after two years and I must say nothing has changed. We spent a lovely evening in the park and chatted for 2.5 hours. Time flew and we had gone back in time. 

Somethings don't change and some friendships are meant to last life time! Cheers to this friendship of ours! 

A New Movie Review - Article 15

           It was movie time today. I was checking out movies to watch and of course Article 15 was the movie decided to watch. And, boy, I must say Ayushman Khurana's performance is simply amazing. 

He is an IPS Officer posted in UP. Two children are missing and a few days later they are found hung. The story revolves around unearthing what happened to the girls and where the third girl goes missing. It is an interesting movie to watch.


Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: High

For all you Ayushaman fans, this is an interesting movie to catch up with. Go watch it!

From a Book

            A friend refereed me to read this book titled - The Challenger Sale. Here are few snippets from that book,

1. There are 5 types of Sales Rep Profiles,
    a. The Hard Worker
    b. The Challenger
    c. The Relationship Builder
    d. The Lone Wolf
    e. The Reactive Problem Solver

2. The Path of Solution Selling
    a. Migration from a focus on Transnational Sales of Individual Products to Consultative Sales of              Bundles of products & services.
   
3. Definition of a Challenger Sales Rep,
      a. Offers the Cx unique perspectives.
      b. Has strong two way communication skills.
      c. Knows the individual cx's value drivers.
      d. Can identify economic drivers of the cx's business.
      e. Is comfortable discussing money.
      f. Can pressure the Cx.

4. Ability of a Challenger --- Teach, Tailor & Take Control (3A's)

Does Real Connect fade with Time?

               It's not always that one connects with people we meet. And, yes we do come across a lot of human beings everyday, every situation and everywhere. But, those connects only happen with few people and not all. Isn't it?

Now, does time really make the connections change? Well, I would say, it doesn't. Time shouldn't matter when the connection is established it and that is how it should be. Time shouldn't change it or can it?

We meet friends after so long, but the connection, if true, doesn't change. And sometimes, you can keep meeting people often, but there would be no actual connect. Once, that person is out of sight, it's clearly out of mind. 

But the true connections are those, that don't change with time. They are meant to stay. If it changes, then not really sure if there was any connect to begin with. Think about it!!

The Lacuna is the So

             Moving Forward and Moving On - It all starts to change with just one word - 'So'. 

Whether we want to move forward or move on, it always begins with a So. How difficult is it to make that choice between two? Various factors play a role and here are a few,

1. Love fades away

2. Lack of intimacy

3. Lack of communication

4. Just doesn't stay the same with time

5. Conditioning

Being in a relationship isn't easy and it most definitely needs work from both sides. Either of them need to put that effort in to make it going. But how many really think about it? That's when the thought of either Moving Forward or Moving On arises and that's when this conversation always starts with a So. 

Think about it!

A Change to Monday Morning

         Today morning was different from the usual Monday mornings and any other mornings. My neighbor had given for Pooja at the Temple and wanted me to accompany her. So, I agreed and off we went.

We went to witness the Abhisheka for Lord Shiva at the temple. I sat there in a trance. It was done so methodically that I couldn't take my eyes away. The priest did such a splendid job that the final outcome was majestic and royal. 

The Linga looked great in all his glory. Decked in Silk - Blue, Red, Green and White colors, the idol was adorned with flowers and Rudraksh. It was an enchanting sight. I have usually seen the final outcome when I goto the temple, but today I got to see it from the scratch and I must see I was mighty impressed. 

Monday morning done so right!

A Fun Food Day

            Today we went to a fun place for lunch. It's very close to my place. The ambiance of the place is amazing, good music and good food. 

Now, coming to food, the best item that I had was - MUSELI CHAAT.  It was awesome. I loved the food. Obviously, I had to accompany it with her Lime Soda. 

It's fun to try new food and apart from this Chaat, I had an Idly Chaat (Yes, the South Indian in me stems out). 

Try some good food and get your food mood!

A Lovely Kannada Movie

            Yesterday one of my good friend suggested me to watch two Kannada movies - Operation Alamelamma and Gultoo.

I decided to watch Operation Alamelamma. The movie is very interesting and it is a thriller. The story revolves around a guy who gets caught in a kidnapping case. 

The twists and turns are very interesting and overall it is an interesting movie. 


Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: High

Yes, I know, I am late to watch this movie, but better late than never!

My Few Favs

           As you all know, I have begun to LOVE YOGA. Yes, you all read it right. From not knowing Yoga, I have raised the bar to Loving Yoga. 

Here are a few of my fav Asanas, 

1. Ardha Pawanmuktasana - Half Wind Relieving Pose
2. Bhadrasana - Gracious Pose
3. Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose
4. Chakrasana - Side Bending Pose
5. Dhanurasana - Bow Pose
6. Ek Pada Ugrasana - One Foot Fierce Pose
7. Garudasana - Eagle Pose
8. Setubandhasana - Closing Bridge Pose
9. Trikonasana - Triangle Pose
10. Utkatasana - Chair Pose
11. Virbhadrasana - Warrior Pose
12. Vrikshasana - Tree Pose
13. Shavasana - Corpse Pose

Let Yoga be a part of your life!

Some Cool Combinations

       Here are a few cool combinations that I love to wear - the trends of fashion,

1. A long/ short dress + A neat fitted Jacket + Sneakers
2. Plain tops + Ankle Length Jeans + Choker Jewelry
3. Ankle Length Palazzo + Long Kurtas + Jhumkas
4. Long Skirts + Long Kurtas + Neck Pieces + Jhumkas + Bangles
5. Short plain tops + Jeans + Long Waist Coast + Jewelry
6. Long Kurtas + Ankle length Jeans + Jewelry

Here are a few that I enjoy!

To-Do's - Help

             Off late, I have diligently started keeping a to-do's book. Each day, I note down the pending tasks in the morning. End of the day, I tick off the finished tasks. Now here is why it helps,

1. Better Organization of tasks
2. Better Remembrance
3. The tasks get done 
4. Follow-up everyday
5. Self - check

so, I urge all of you who aren't into this habit, to start today - One needs 21 days to make it a habit. So keep it going. It will become a Habit, like how it is my Habit now.

A Few Movie Recommendations

           Here are a few movie recommendations,

1. Searching
2. Luka Chuppi
3. The Notebook
4. Water Boy
5. Murder Mystery

I liked these movies and hence recommended the same!

A Warm Welcome

          

              After my exams today, my aunt and me visited one of her friend's home. So we both had our lunch and went over. Firstly, the home was so pretty that words fall short to describe. So much greenery in her home and so much peace, that it was a delight to step into.

As we sat there chatting away, the serenity surrounding the home was a welcome calmness. The best part of the home was her shady patio right in the middle of her beautiful and well kept garden. There were some really nice paintings and aunty told me that her sister had painted them. The home was so well decorated, that there wasn't a single furniture out of place. 

The best part of the home was the sweetest dog that greeted us - Tripod. That poor little dog had only three legs, but the amount of love he showered was unconditional.

Overall, we had a lovely time spent at her place! 

                                                                                     

Loved this Mystery Movie

        Today I happened to watch a very, very interesting movie on Netflix - The Murder Mystery. It stars Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston. 

The couple gets accidentally involved in Murders and how they solve it. It is a very lovely Mystery movie. I don't want to tell more, it will spoil the fun.

Recommendation: High
Rating: 5/5

All you Mystery lovers, please watch this movie on Netflix!

This happened at the Temple

                     Ever since I was a kid, I have accompanied my mother to goto the Raghavendraswamy Temple. I always like to go there and my mom and me try catching up with the Guru as frequently as we can.

So, today, we managed a quick trip to the temple. As we were doing our Pradakshanes, we see this little girl, not more than four years around, so diligently doing the Pradakshanes. We were so impressed just looking her Bhakti.   

After a few times, I came and sat down. There was a musical concert being held, where the songs were being sung in praise of the Guru. After a few mins, my mother came and sat too. But to our utter surprise and delight, we see this little girl, still doing the rounds. That was the cutest and most nicest thing seen in a long time.  

Om Shri Raghavendraya Namaha!

Does it Help to be a Part of a Book Club?

           I love reading books and have right from the beginning. But a few years back, I came across a book club and immediately decided to be a part of the club. Well, some say Yay to join a book club, while some say Nay. 

But, here my few YAY's to join a book club,

1. A single platform to bring together book lovers
2. Meet fellow book addicts
3. Discuss the books
4. Get to know about new Authors and Books

For me, the 4th point is the most important to be a part of a book club. I am always on a look out for new books and what better way than a book club to join. 

Oh, the joy of reading - Shared by fellow book lovers!

My Lip Shades - I Swear By!

            Honest to God, I love Lipsticks. Trust me, when I say this - I own a lot of them. But this blog is not about me getting into the details of how many I own and in which shades. I am just going to list a few of my favorites that I absolutely swear by and love them a lot. 

So, here we go with my favorites,

1. Victoria Secret's - Runway
2. Colorbar - Blush
3. Lakme Absolute - Firestarter Red
4. Wet n Wild - That's My Jam
5. Lakme Absolute - Le Fuschia
6. Lakme 9 to 6 - Plum Pick
7. Mac - Satin Red
8. Loreal - Blackberry Hue
9. Chirstian Dior - Diorific Khol 751

Until next post! 

Don't Lose Control

                            Control - Is a very important thing. If you have control, you have a lot of peace in life. Agree?
Be it the Control of Temper, Tongue or of Things, Control is a very powerful self discipline to inculcate. 

When we have to manage things around us, what is it that we do? We pick a few things and not all the things to handle. But the smart ones ensure they are in control of the entire circle and not part of it. This is one of the wiser life lessons that I happen to learn very recently. 

Now, when we think of tongue, it is a slippery place, but we need to control it, because hurtful words once spoken cannot be taken back. 

Temper is never a good thing to nurture. It ideally shouldn't be shown, but if it needs to be shown then it should be dealt in a mature way , else it is futile. One will be wasting their time and energy. 

So, remember the 3T's!!

Electronic Gadgets Clean Up - Periodically

          It has been a while I switched from Android to IOS phone. So, from that day, I had not transferred anything from my Phone to my Laptop. so last week, while on a Video Call with my cousin brother, I decided to clean while conversing. Yes, there is something about we women, who can multi task beautifully and I am most definitely one among them. 

So, we began our video call, and electronic gadgets clean up together. To my utter dismay, I realized I had about 2900 photos to be transferred from my laptop. Good Lord! I dont think I clearly think when I click away. I only realize later. Phew! 

As I took 40 mins to transfer, I check listed Task 1. My brother showed me his house, his gym set-up in the basement, his flora consisting of wide variety of beautiful plants. Then, we both decided to download a few software's. First was Team Viewer. Successfully Done. Then upgraded iTunes. After which I upgraded my AutoDesk and Java Software. Finally, I downloaded Anti - Virus and it was all done. After nearly 2.5 hours, I had cleaned up my phone and my laptop successfully, while connecting with my brother. 

I am sorted for a few more months, before I start this all over again with additions and deletions!

First Web Series of the Month

            Mind The Malhotras - My first Web series of the Month. I had been seeing the trailer for a few days and I was waiting to watch it when it aired on June 7th. There are 8 episodes and not too long, so I could watch it over a period of two days. It's about half an hour roughly. 

The story revolves around a Couple who goes into Therapy and every session the Counselor asks them questions and they go to show what happens in their lives. Father, Mother, Three Kids, Mother - In - Law and the House Help. 

Overall, it is a nice show and the biggest merit is it is devoid of Bad Language and Strong Content. So overall it is entertaining. 

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: Medium - High

Go watch it Folks - The Malhotras are Funny and Entertaining!!

Temples Tour - They are Fine!

               A few days back, we decided to goto Nanjundeshwara, to visit Lord Shiva. So yesterday, we all left to visit Nanjungud. Since, we left early morning, we reached by 10 A.M. To our greatest surprise, the temple wasn't crowded like always. so we went in without a line. So happy to have been able to see the lord peacefully without people pushing and pulling. We were allowed into the first sanctum and we got to see the lord in all his glory from a very close proximity. Those few seconds to see the Lord in peace, was indeed soul cleansing. Har Har Mahadev!

After that we went to Tripura Sundari Jwalamukhi Temple. Very beautiful Goddess. We were just in time before the temple was closing up for the afternoon. We then had lunch. Our next stop after lunch was to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy. The majestic sleeping Lord is an absolute delight to see. We then had out last stop at Nimishamba. We visited the Goddess and there concluded our trip back home. 

Whoever said temple tours are boring!

Exams - The Art of Cracking It

                     EXAM - For some it is a dreaded word, but for some it is a joy. And any guesses, I come under the later category. Yes, I absolutely love the feel of exams and enjoy writing them too. Sometimes, when I am taking an exam, I look around to see the different facial expressions of fellow exam takers. Some look extremely confident, some look ratty, some look happy, some look excited, some look weary, some look dreary. Each of them look ready to take the battle of the exams head on and the hope always is to clear the same and emerge victorious. 

Every person who takes an exam, head high, chin up. go for it. Take victory to your stride!

Some Priceless Possessions

             I loved my maternal grandparents very dearly. They were my most favorites in the whole wide world. I lost my grandpa (my Naana), just before I graduated from Engineering. But then the solace was that my Grandma is still going to be with us. But in 2016, I lost my grandma too. That was a big blow. 

A few days back, I wanted to keep a few sarees of my grandma. I took a few of her sarees to keep. Out of which, I happened to get one of my Grandma's wedding sarees. The other one went to my cousin. Just sitting there in front of her sarees, transports me into another world. They are my priceless possessions and forever treasured. 

Sometimes, we say materialistic things we shouldn't be attached too, but times like this, it is the materialistic possessions that bring back those beautiful memories! Cherish the Materials, Cherish the Memories!!

A Beautiful Piece of Advise

           A friend of mine was disturbed and the conversation didn't seem like usual. So I asked what happened and out came the story. After I heard the whole story, I asked why wasn't he angry and he told me such a beautiful thing - Why waste our energy being angry and screaming, all we have to do is submit proof to prove a point, and the matter gets resolved. Wow!!

When you sit and think, you feel this point is indeed so beautiful. Isn't it??

A Fine Rainy Evening - Coffee Bar & Conversations

              Today in the evening a friend and me decided to goto CTR for the popular Masala Dose. Of course, we had to do it, since we had been postponing for a while. So, today was the decided day. As we drove, there was a sudden downpour, mercilessly by the rain gods. And, we all know what happens in our city when it rains. The roads were clogged like crazy and traffic jam was insane. Yeah, more insane than usual. 

As we were half way, we decided it wasn't possible to drive in this rain and diverted. From CTR we drove to Brahmin's Coffee Bar, a place I hadn't visited in all my years in this city. How I have missed it, I have no clue. But today became the D day for this place.

As we got out of the car, it started to drizzle. We made it to the place quickly. By then, the rain had started even more crazily in that area. We had hot Upma and Idly with Tea over our random topic conversations. Such fun times to stand with your buddy whom you have practically grown up with, enjoying desi food and chai, watching the rain. Oh, the small joys of having such good friends is above it all. 

So for all those who have not been to the authentic Brahmin's Coffee Bar, please go today. Idly, Vada, Upma, Kesari bhaath, tea and coffee. Enjoy!

May Month - Movie Wall

              Well, this is a really long list and that's my reading wall is filled with one book for the whole month - I know, I know. But now it is done, so here is the list,


1. To all the boys I've loved before
2. Letters to Juliet
3. Catch and Release
4. The Perfect Date
5. Nappily ever after
6. Majili
7. Photograph
8. The spectacular now
9. Vinaya Vidhe Rama
10. Ghajinikanth
11. Anjali CBI
12. Life of the party
13. The note
14. Raja Rani
15. Definitely, Maybe
16. Malibu rescue
17. Kesari
18. The kissing booth
19. Simply Irresistible
20. Avengers End Game
21. Bell Bottom
22. SOTY 2
23. Maharishi
24. India's most wanted


This is indeed a long list!

May Month - Reading Wall

           Well, honestly May month reading wall hasn't met my target.

The only book I read was - Murders Most Matronly by Kamakshi P. Murti

I hope to make up for May month in the coming months. 

Last Day of May Month - Bye Bye (A day late)

              May 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 1 Book (Terrible, I know)
2. Worked out 3 days a week (Dipped this month)
3. Meditated 5 mins every single day
4. Have posted a blog every single day
5. Recited Hanuman Chalisa every single day
6. Have learnt my Kannada Alphabets and practiced it every single day of the month and Hindi Alphabets practiced it every single day
7. Took 2 Trips

This month I did learn the alphabets in Hindi as this was the new learning for May month. 

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

Tomorrow I am going to post a blog about all the only book I have read for this month. Stay along and I will bounce back with my books!!