Last Day of the Month - Bye Bye August

      

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


1. I did 5 books this month (Yayyyyy!!)
2. Chanted Hanuman Chalisa
3. Did 10K steps thrice a week4. Posted a blog every single day
5. Took 1 trip
6. Read comics after years
7. Picked up a few new books
8. Enrolled for a new degree


Let's see how the next month unveils!

Friends for Life & Those Walks to Remember

                          There is something that hasn't changed since 2004. Even though it has been 15 years. Feels like such a long time, but walk down memory lane, the walks still feel with the same. 

It's one of my closest friends to whom I have always opened up so easily, even though I am someone who rarely opens up to people. Even today when I take a walk, it always feels the same - Very Comfortable and So Peaceful. It actually brings more clarity to my thoughts and the clutter fades away. 

There should always be people like in this one's life to open whom you can open up effortlessly. No one to judge, just an ear to hear. Makes a world of a difference. In my case, those walks, though they are far and few, I enjoy them thoroughly. Sometimes, I wish I could go back in time, just to get these little walks, a lot more. But, I am still very happy that friends still make time for each other even now and that's a truly cherished friendship for life.

So, if any of you have such friends, pat your back, because great friendships are really precious and rare, and if you have found it, it's for Life!

Our Circles

          We have all our circles of friendship. Don't we? Well, I most definitely have my circles. I have a core, that one friend with whom I share everything. Then I have my first circle of friends who are my closest. These are my go-to friends always. After that is my second circle who are close, but not my closest. Then the final circle of acquaintances. People I know and I am cordial with. 

So,

1. A Core
2. My First Circle
3. My Second Circle
4. An Acquaintance Circle

Do any of you have circles like this?

A Lovely Series - So far

           I was scrolling through Facebook posts and I saw an ad for a series. Out of curiosity, I checked that and found it interesting. 

It is titled - Jane the virgin and it is on Netflix. Majority in Spanish and a wee bit in English, this is an absolute delight to watch. It has aired for 4 seasons and the final season is awaited. But I am far from it since I have just started. I have started season 1 and I am half way through and it is thoroughly entertaining. The characters are delightful and each one's acting is amazing. 

So, please do watch this series!

I will give a complete review once I am done watching all the seasons. Stay tuned till then!

Think it Through

                    Problems - It arises in everyone's life. And, what fun if life doesn't have problems, right? Well, the problem is that no one likes problems and more over it needs to be solving too. But, each one of us have different problems and each one of us have different ways to tackle it. But what we think is the root cause may not be the actual area where the problem stems from. In our minds, we think that is where it has risen from. In this case, at times we are right, at times we may not be. But how do we know that? Of course, we won't, but it's a gut that guides us. And, we can only silently pray that this gut kicks in at the right time, not too early, not too late, but just right. 

I happen to read something today and that point stuck home. It said - Problem isn't always where you think it is; it's always further back!

Just read the above statement carefully and then you will realize that this statement makes perfect sense. If we dwell a little further back, we will actually know it. Think about it!

U Turn - Possible or Not?

                  How many of us have said this - I do not have a U turn in my life? Raise your hands in guilt or without an ounce of guilt. At some point in time in our lives, a lot of us have made this statement, but the question is how many of us live by it?

Well, we can say that is is situational based and when that situation has passed, then we go back to saying it again. But for a few, it is etched so strong in their minds, that they always struggle with an internal conflict. A fight with yourself and with your thought process. I agree, it is never easy to make a very strong decision and come what may, stick by it. We are humans after all and we tend to forgive and forget. But how do we decide on these decisions? How do we know which ones are the ones that can be reversed? Which ones cannot be reversed and indeed isn't worth a chance. Well, that is a tough one. But, one that needs to be addressed. 

Here is what I feel,

1. Work on your instincts
2. Analyse the gravity of the situation
3. See the impact
4. Weigh the pros and cons always
5. Go with an open mind
6. Devoid yourself with pre-biased mindset
7. If the past has been really bumpy, see if it can be left behind
8. Don't address with negativity
9. Talk it out with near and dear ones
10. Make progress always
11. In the end, don't regret the decision that you have taken, because at some point in time, one would have thought it to be the best decision.

So, see if U-turn is possible or not and act wise!

Time to Attach

Does it feel the more time we spend, the more we are attached to people? I don't agree to this because I feel time isn't directly proportional to being attached to someone. We do come across people in our lives that we haven't spent much time with, but are so attached too. 

Just imagine if something goes awry with them, life just doesn't seem the same. You start missing the messages, calls and all the little things that you have with that person. And trust me, can't wait for the person to feel normal again.

That's when we realize that more time is never the factor for more attachment. Once you meet that special person, you will know that you wouldn't have spent a lot of time but you are way more attached than you realize. 

If you have one such person in your life, please value them and love them!

My Routine

            I have tried to maintain a daily routine this year. I try to get most things done on a daily basis. So, here is the list of my routine,

1. A glass of Water when I wake up
2. My Vitamins
3. Write a Blog
4. Chant
5. Meditate
6. Yoga
7. Walk
8. Write my diary
9. Read
10. Record my water and food consumption

This is my must - do everyday. And I feel it is very productive to maintain a routine. Makes your life more organized and it helps in easy tracking on a day-to-day basis.

I loved this Series

               It's very rare that I watch Web Series. In my head, it is too time consuming and it takes away my reading time. But a lot of people, especially my brother wanted me to watch this one Web Series that they were keen on. So, I paid heed to the recommendation and decided to invest my time watching - STRANGER THINGS.

Stranger Things has three seasons so far and I had to catch up with all of them. And true to every recommendation, this was absolutely mind blowing. The kids that have played their roles have done such a great job. My most favorite out of all kids - Mike, El/Eleven, Dustin, Will, Lucas and Mike is undoubtedly - Dustin. this kid is my fav. 
There are other characters including, Nancy, Jonathan, Chief Hopper, Steve, Max, Joyce, Billy etc. Steve is another of my favorite characters. 

Each season is so brilliant that I just couldn't wait to finish all the three. Of course, I am waiting for the next season very eagerly. This is in the Sci-fi genre and for all those who have missed this series, please, please go and watch it. U will not be disappointed!

Can't wait for Season 4!!

TinTin - In Love all over again!

            The Adventures of TinTin - This Series has got me hooked to all over again. And in a long long time I haven't read comics. It's a great change from my usual books that I always read. Now here is a list of all of them,

1. TinTin in the land of Soviets
2. TinTin in the Congo
3. TinTin in America
4. Cigars of the Pharaoh
5. The Blue Lotus
6. The Broken Ear
7. The Black Island
8. King Ottokar's Scepter
9. The Crab with the Golden Palms
10. The Shooting Star
11. The Secret of the Unicorn
12. Red Rackham's Treasure
13. The Seven Crystal Balls
14. Prisoners of the sun
15. Land of Black Gold
16. Destination Moon
17. Explorers of the Moon
18. The Calculus Affair
19. The Red Sea Sharks
20. TinTin in Tibet
21. The Castofiore Emerald
22. TinTin and the Picaros
23. Flight 714 to Kidney
24. TinTin and the Alph-Art

I have done 5 for now. I still have 19 more to go!

One Author - Many Books

Devdutt Pattnaik is my current fav author. He has written a list of books and here is list of his books that I want to read. 

My List,

1. The Pregnant King
2. The 7 Secrets of Goddess
3. Jaya
4. Gita
5. Sita
6. Shyam
7. Yoga Mythology
8. Faith


The first two books are my priority to-read list to begin with. Will definitely post my Book Review once done. Stay Tuned!!

Book & Rain - Bliss

        For the last three days, it's pouring cats and dogs in my city. Every evening, it's been raining crazily. The skies have opened up and the rain gods have decided to be super kind. As I sat at my window and watched, huge the droplets hit the ground. And I must say a strange sense of calmness takes over my mind and envelops with a tinge of serenity. 

There is something about the rains. I have always enjoyed watching it and I still continue to do so. And a book with some Tea is ultimate bliss. Turn the pages while the drops make a pitter - patter. 
Everything around comes to a stand still and only the words are racing in my mind. 

I happened to start with a new book titled - The Wives by Lauren Weisberger. The rains and a new book,is just perfect!

Some Surprise

              Like I had mentioned earlier, I just finished a new course on IPR. My results are due, but last week my assignment results were announced. A friend of mine messaged saying the assignment results are out. I tried but mine didn't show up. So after a day, my friend sent me my result and I was surprised to see it. It was pretty decent. I had it all in 80's which I thought is pretty cool. 

Now, I'm waiting for my exam results to be out and let's see what's in store!

Aradhane 2019

          My mother is an ardent devotee of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and I have been one for a very long time too. She and I goto the Matha whenever we can and we make it a point to go see Rayaru on a regular basis. Every year I wait for Aradhane time which happens in the month of August. This year it is from August 16th to 18th and it always a three day affair. 

It is on the second day - Madhya Aradhane that Raghavendra Swamy entered Brindavan about three centuries ago. 

This year, I went on the last day of Aradhane and I absolutely feel grateful that I got a chance to visit the temple during this time. The decorations, the chanting, the whole atmosphere is so vibrant and positive that it makes one forget all their worries in life. The vibe is so good that it definitely gets rubbed off. Those few minutes one spends in front of him is beautiful. The positivity and festivity is always a delight. 

Today concludes the three day program and in case anyone has missed it, please do make it today. Until next year for Rayara Aradhane 2020!!

Eat That Frog - Synopsis

                 A few days back I read a book titled - EAT THAT FROG by Brian Tracy. In this book, the author lays out 21 ways to stop Procrastination. Here is a summary of the book which will help all procrastinators to change themselves and imbibe whichever point/points are suitable, 

1. Set the table
2. Plan everyday in advance
3. Apply the 80/20  rule to everything
4. Consider the consequences
5. Practice creative procrastination
6. Use the ABCDE method continually
7. Focus on key result areas
8. Apply the Law of Three
9. Prepare thoroughly before you begin
10. Take it one oil barrel at a time
11. Upgrade your key skills
12. Identify your key constraints
13. Put the pressure on yourself
14. Motivate yourself into action
15. Technology is a terrible master
16. Technology is a wonderful servant
17. Focus your attention
18. Slice and dice the task
19. Create large chunks of time
20. Develop a sense of urgency
21. Single handle every task

The above points are the key take away in this book. To know in detail, do read the book, if interested!

In the Serenity

              There is something about mother nature. It seeps a calmness into you and automatically relaxes your body. I am always fascinated to write in serenity and if I'm among nature, my creative juices flow better. 

Sit among nature, put pen to paper and see how the words begin to flow. Each writer likes it different and I love serenity. That's where I write my best. 

I look forward to one such trip where I write and get lost in the world of words! 

Love Yourself Always

             How many of us Love yourself? Well, there are a few who do and a few who just don't. But to all those who don't, please do start. 

It is paramount to love yourself always for the fact that it fuels your love towards others. If you don't love yourself, how will you be able to love others? It is essential to love yourself, make yourself a priority and cater to your needs too. 

Love is a feeling that is the most beautiful. When you love yourself, that feeling is brilliant. How pepped up does one feel, how confident does and empowering it feels to love yourself first that it opens up new avenues in life.

Always, always make it a point to motivate yourself and love yourself. It always is the most genuine feeling that never lets you down! If your struggling, just begin to love yourself atleast!!

Sometimes - Pause

             Most times in life, we fail to Pause. We fail to understand that a pause is what accelerates life in the right path and direction. We are so busy chasing that we don't realize that a pause is essential. It is important to step back to gauge where life is headed and are we heading in the desired direction.

In that pause, we get to see where we have come and where we choose to go. Don't rush in a mad hurry always. Just step back and bask in the moment. Sometimes it opens up great avenues. The cloud get cleared away and things will always seem brighter than before, but we only need to Pause. 

Every few steps we take, learn to take a step back. Just a small pause and that is all is needed. Try it, you may like a pause after all!

Expectation - Keep it Reasonable

        Expectations - The word that can get a relationship either uphill or downhill. But does that mean one needs to stop having expectations or keep the expectations - now that's a million dollar question.

Every relationship, every person in the relationship has expectations. I do not know anyone who has no expectations. But sometimes it so happens that we over shoot what we need to expect. And with that we have unnecessary expectations from our partner. That poor partner at times very willingly bears the brunt and sometimes gives it a slight push. Can you blame them? Clearly not.

But this thing of expecting is something that cannot be changed. When that person is yours, you are bound to expect. Who else will you expect from other than this one person in your life that you love. Ensure that expectation is reasonable. Else, it is not a fair strike at all. 

Relationship Spoilers

                   Relationship needs to be nurtured. If it is not, it dies and it is never a natural death. Here are a few reasons why it dies,

1. Ego
2. Arrogance
3. Attitude
4. Lack of communication
5. Love ceases to exist
6. No effort from either
7. Uncomfortable silence
8. No compassion
9. Temper
10. Unnecessary arguments
11. Dishonesty
12. Lack of fun and laughter

Always ensure there is love and communication. Never let it die. It is always work in progress and a relationship is never an end product.

A Lovely Episode

               I was eagerly waiting to watch today's Man Vs. Wild episode. It featured our PM with Bear Grylls and I must say it was splendid to watch. 

This hour long episode featuring Jim Corbett National Park with our PM and Bear was such a treat. No words to describe Modi's spirit and positive attitude. And Bear is always a delight. 
There wasn't an iota of fear in Modi's eyes. He was so brave and such a sport that one hour made me become an even bigger admirer of our PM. 

The walk in the national park and the cross across the water body was done with the biggest smile. Bear had so many questions to ask and he answered them all with utmost earnest and honesty. 

Some key take away's from what he spoke,

1. Always stay positive from within
2. Always try to see the good things in everything.
3. Focus on the good things in life.
4. God is omnipresent. Always trust in him. 
5. Nature and humans should never have a conflict. 

So for any of you who missed this episode, please catch up on it and watch the repeat telecast. It is absolutely worth it! 

A Lovely Evening

               Sankey Tank - A place that I don't get to go too often for that fact that I don't live in North Bangalore. But over this weekend, I decided that I want to take a walk there. 
It's a beautiful walk by the water. The path is made so well that it is delightful to walk there. Fresh and clean air, greenery around, water to please the sight and all you need is company that can make it even better to spend a few serene hours. 

We went around the path once and it was a pretty long circle to cover which took a few hours. Birds building nests, geese wading water, humans clicking pictures and what not. But all in all, if I was given a chance, I would walk there every single day. But for now, I am happy and content to have taken a walk at the weekend. 

So for all people in Bangalore, if you have not visited this place, please do. It feels great to be lost in nature for a few hours, even though the serenity quotient can be a notch less. 

A New Pick Up

          Sometime back I was in Chennai and happened to pick up a Ghagra for myself. But for some reason only the bottom was sold and there was no top. But the skirt was so good that I didn't want to leave it. It was pink and golden and it was so gorgeous. 

I wanted to pick up a top to wear it, but all these days I had not found one. Today, happened to be a lucky day when I got a top to match it. Of course, it had to be contrast. I picked up a dark green top, with pink and golden embroidery. The combination looked really good. 

Now, I need to pick up a Pink and Green dupatta. Then this is going to be best outfit to wear to a nice occasion. 

Personal Analysis - Complete the Circle

The circle of life consists of various cardinals,

1. Health
2. Family
3. Work
4. Friends
5. Extended Family
6. Activities

Health:
A key parameter that is extremely important. Exercise is essential and it needs to be done on a regular basis. 

Family:
Very important and needs to be a key focus. Spouse, kids, parents/in-laws, siblings need to be given time and attention.

Work:
Money is important. One cannot live on air, water and love. There are no free lunches in this world. Work plays an important role and it needs great attention as long as we are at work. Try not to bring work home, because that should ideally be the family time.

Friends:
All of us need friends and they make our lives a happier place. Try to meet, have face to face conversations over a cup of coffee. Keep in touch regularly. 

Extended Family:
These include cousins, relatives, in laws side family who need some time to be spent with, though not on a periodic basis. Try to gather together for functions and make it a point to attend events that give an opportunity to meet them all.

Activities:
Very essential to retain hobbies and develop new interests. Pick a new hobby, enrich the existing hobbies, whatever it may be, it needs to be present in life. 

These form the circle of life and each of them need to present to make our journey a moderately grand one.

A Very Interesting Ride

                       I had to step out today in the afternoon. Just as I wanted to book the cab, it started drizzling. Just great - as it is I do not get cabs and today when the rain gods decided to show some mercy, the cab guy most definitely would show no mercy. As I silently sent a prayer up to the rain god and booked a cab, feverishly hoping someone picks the ride. Lo behold! Someone accepted the ride in flat 20 seconds. Yoo hoo! 

As I got into the cab, the driver seemed very pleasant. He had a smile on his face which is so rare actually non existent. Most cab drivers are grumpy and behave like they are favoring us by giving us those free rides. And the entire city traffic problem is caused by us. But today, it was a pleasant surprise. Thanked the rain god again!

The cab driver and me chatted away till I reached my destination on all the topics ranging from cars to number plate colors. The 40 min ride seemed to pass in a jiffy. At the end of it, we both were happy to have had a pleasant conversation. 

I wish there were more such cab drivers who made the rides pleasant. Rain god - thank you once again!

A Walk in the Park

        It's been a while since I walked in the park. It's a great way for me to block out noise, plug my ear phones and walk for miles. Today, I felt like taking a walk and it was amazing.

I went to the park, plugged my ear phones and went walking. I landed up walking 4 miles and it was the best feeling to walk for an hour and a half. As the music races so does my pace race up. It's tiring, but exhilarating. 

I used to do this sometime back, but haven't walked in the park in a while. Today, going back felt good for my soul. It absolutely clears my head, cleanses my soul and refreshes my body and rejuvenates my mind. 

Walk a little and walk a little more each day till it becomes a habit!

Result Awaited

           I am anxiously waiting for my result to be announced for the exam I took up recently. Yes, even though it isn't my first, I am still anxious.

Theory and Assignment will be clubbed and the total will be announced. I am curious to know how I have fared since I have put in effort to it.

Now, all I can do is wait and watch. I will post a blog and it when it is announced!

Fast & Furious - Hobbs & Shaw - Movie Review

                      I admit I am a huge of Fast & Furious. I have watched every single release. With much anticipation, I did watch the latest one - Hobbs & Shaw. I won't say I was disappointed. 

This movie was a good watch, but I definitely missed the entire crew of the previous F&F. But still Dwayne Johnson - Hobbs and Statham - Shaw have done a good job. 

A nice watch and I enjoyed this movie. So for all you F&F fans out there, go watch it!

Web Series - July Month

       Here is my Web Series list,


1. Fleabag - Season 1
2. Fleabag - Season 2
3. Working Moms - Season 2


I enjoyed Fleabag. I love Working Moms. Waiting for Season 3 of Working Moms!

My July Month - Movie Wall

Let's see how many movies for the month of July,

1. Super 30
2. The Lion King
3. Kalank
3. D/o Parvathamma
4. The Week Off
5. Venom
6. Hippi
7. The Rewrite


Not a very long movie wall for the month, but a good list!

My July Month - Reading Wall

            July Month Reading Wall was good. I read the following books,


1. Seven Secrets of Shiva - Devdutt Pattanaik
2. Seven Secrets of Vishnu - Devdutt Pattanaik
3. Herge - The Advantage of TinTin - The Calculus Affair


Devdutt Pattanaik - A first time for me and I must I really enjoyed reading his books and I absolutely look forward to reading his books.

Yes, I did read a comic and it was awesome! Let's see how august month fairs for me!