January 31, 2014

Instagram - Jan 2014 Photo-A-Day Challenge (21-31)

And with this January Photo-A-Day Challenge is a wrap ! :)

Looking forward to February... enjoy !

21. Blue - baby girl's toy elephant


22. Nice - my new laptop mouse


23. Bedtime - my bedtime read these days ... spooky !

24. Your space - my comfy couch

25. A taste of winter - make that terrible snow in winter

26. Fun Stuff - catching up on blogs


27. Something I bought - my new iPhone case


28. Dinner - Peppermint rice
29. Window - large French windows


30. Best invention ever - has to be the iPad since it is easy for all age-groups to use


31. Polka Dot - on baby girl's onesie


Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 
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January 30, 2014

You and I

Source : Google Images

She came into my life and everything changed. A new chapter of life had begun.
When I first saw her, she seemed scared. When I first touched her, she looked back with squinty eyes. She looked most beautiful when she quivered in my arms but I pacified her.
She gazed around to absorb her new surroundings. After that, every time she came to me, she realized I didn’t mean any harm. She realized I couldn’t live without her. She realized this is her family now.
From today I will be her mother... And she will be my baby girl.
Write Tribe

Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

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January 29, 2014

Wordless Wednesdays - 1

Source : Google Images
Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

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January 28, 2014

My anti-bucket list

I am sure we all have a wish list. Goals, dreams, wishes, things to do before we die and what not.

But has anyone made an anti-bucket list ?

I did.

A couple of days back, I decided to write down 5 things that I never want to do in life. Here they are.
  1. No adventure sports - Well, not all of the adventure sports. There are a couple of them that I don't find a point in trying out ever in my life like bungee jumping and sky-diving. To all my friends who are keen to do this and all those who have dared themselves to take the plunge (literally!), I appreciate their efforts and kudos to their bravery, but I am happy sitting on my couch sipping some hot coffee gazing out of my window and reminiscing about the good moments of life.
  2. Never travel alone by flight - Yes, that's right. Given a choice, I never want to travel alone by myself on a flight. During my adolescent and initial working years, I have traveled alone, quite a lot. Until a bad experience happened in 2009. LP and I were on this flight to Delhi which happened to be a mini-aircraft. Thanks to the heavy rains and winds in Delhi as we were preparing for landing, the flight had a sort of a free-fall sending all the passengers into a death scare. That's when a phobia entered my mind and since then whenever I travel alone by flight, I get jittery.
  3. Never be a jerk while driving - I love driving. And till now, unlike few of my friends, I haven't had the need to be a jerk on the road. And I hope to maintain that. *Fingers crossed*
  4. Never be afraid of what people think - I have been judged before by people, some who have been close to me and others not-so-close. Worse still, I let the judgments of the not-so-close people affect me. Well, not anymore. My life is what I choose it to be so if you can't deal with it then I feel bad for you. :-p
  5. Never be strong at all times - There are times when the going gets tough and I can't take it anymore. During those times, I cry. It helps me to release my built-up anxiety and makes me much more stronger .
Go ahead and tell me what are the things you never want to do in life ? :)
Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

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January 27, 2014

The Perfect Teacher

Source : Google Images
Her warmth touched everyone,
Her presence felt delightful and snug.
After all the subject she taught was too complex,
To learn about plants, animals and ever other bug.
No one was like her,
All the others were just a bore.
Somehow her mirth always made us smile,
And sometimes even roar.
We lost touch with her,
Only to catch up years later.
Nothing had changed all this while,
The list of her pupils only grew greater.
Then one day, she passed away,
Just like that, shocking one and all.
But her infectious smile lingers on,
From inside her white pall. 
- Dedicated to my favorite Biology teacher who passed away in the recent past.
Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 
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January 26, 2014

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

Today, I want to share a favorite video of mine. This is about a famous entrepreneur who not only is a source of inspiration for billions across the world, but who also taught us "How to live before you die".


Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**
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January 25, 2014

A Night to Remember...

Source : Google Images
It’s just another night, or Rhea thought so.

“Don’t try anything smart or you will get it.” - The assailant said laughing at her with the knife held to her back.

“Leaving work late today was definitely a bad choice.” Rhea thought. “But then aren’t these maniacs always in hiding irrespective – of day or night. They don’t strike after warnings.”

The more she walked into the darkness, the more she feared the consequence.

With the open deodorant can in one hand and vengeance in her heart, Rhea turned swiftly and fogged the goon.

And then she had the last laugh.
- A piece of fiction written for Write Tribe's Saturday prompt 2014 - 4

Write Tribe
Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 
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January 24, 2014

It's National Compliment Day !

Source : Google Images
Never heard of such a day ever before; until I read it on Write Tribe.
Wouldn't it be an awesome day to commemorate by complimenting some one for all the good work they are doing ?
While it's not necessary to wait for such a day in order to compliment someone, I think it will definitely remind us to always appreciate the good and positive people around us each day.

Responding well to compliments is important too. Something that I learnt over the years. Earlier on if someone complimented me for the good marks in exams or for standing first in some competition, I would become too aware of my surroundings and just shy away. Let alone reply with a "thank you".

But now years after those embarrassing experiences, I graciously thank the person for the kind compliment with a smile on my face. :)

The best compliment I have received from family and friends is about my "multitasking" skills.

"How, in the world, do you juggle multiple things at the same time and do it well too?"

All through my academic years, I have had my hands full at all times with my studies, tuitions, my dance classes along side numerous literary competitions.

When I started working, I had a full time job, a hectic schedule of dance practice followed by stage performances, recitals whilst studying a post graduation course for 4 years.
Once I moved to the US, my passion for my art took a backseat (thanks to my endless relocations within the country) but given a chance I am willing to give it a shot here too.
Now, after turning a mommy last year, my "available" time has further slipped into a deeper trench, but it has never stopped me from continuing my interests - reading, painting, blogging, cooking, watching my favorite sitcoms amongst a million other things.
Sure, its stressful at times but I thank my stars and count my blessings that this wide array is my space. I really love the fact that I keep myself busy all throughout the day.
If they say - "An empty mind is a devil's workshop" then I would say - being occupied at all times definitely pushes you to newer boundaries and helps you tap some hidden talents. :)
If you had to choose one compliment that's close to your heart, what would it be ? 

Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**
 
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January 23, 2014

Who am I ? - Part 2

Ok, time to finish the questionnaire. Read on.

11. Favorite smells? 
Smell of lavender, smell of the earth after first rains, smell of fresh South-Indian filter coffee, smell of fresh baked garlic bread and most recently smell of my baby :)

12. Summer or winter? 
Can I say fall or autumn ? Although technically that comes in winter too. Yeah so winter.

13. Computer or television?
If you had asked me this question 5 years ago, my answer would have been television.

5 years later, my answer is computer/laptop. Can't imagine life without it.

14. What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?
I left home(my parents and baby bro) in 2000. That makes it 14 years.

15. Do you have any special talents?
People say I have a good memory. Other than that I can dance, write poems, paint and knit. :)

16. Where were you born?
In a nursing home in Mumbai (back then it was called Bombay).

17. What are your hobbies?
Reading books, clicking photos, watching movies/documentaries, listening to music, debates/discussions with friends on various topics, blogging.

18. Do you have any pets?
LP and I don't own any pets. But my parents own a Dalmatian.

19. Favorite movie?
This could take awhile since there are too many to pick from.

20. Do you have any siblings? 
Yes. My baby bro.

21. What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Enough growing up. I want to go back to my childhood. Then I can answer this question. :-p

There you go ! I had fun answering these questions, hope you had fun reading them.

Your turn now ! Go ahead and answer the same questions. Tell me more about you.

Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 
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January 22, 2014

Who am I ? - Part 1

Don't worry ! I haven't forgotten my identity nor is this a short story. Just thought of starting off with a suspense heading, that's all. :)

While catching up on all you wonderful people's blogs, I stumbled upon a post on Maya's blog answering questions so her readers can know her better. So I thought of giving it a shot too.

Now I written some random facts about myself twice before. The first time it was just 10 random facts and the next time I wrote a post in QA format.
 
So this time, I thought of doing this in a QA format again. :) There were a lot of questions in Maya's post hence decided to split it up into 2 posts.

1. Are you named after anyone?
I have 2 names - an official one and a nickname. So the official one is named after my paternal grandma. Family tradition. And my nickname - well that one was picked by my parents.

2. When was the last time you cried?
I can cry at the drop of a pin although to answer the question, I did cry today. Reason? Old memories, unfinished conversations of the past and some hard feelings. But writing this blog post definitely cheered me up :)

3. Do you have kids?
Yes, a baby girl.

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?
Sure. My friends tell me that I am nice to them so I think that is reason enough. :-p

5. Do you use sarcasm a lot?
Only when fighting with LP. Hee hee !
But seriously, no. I have observed that even when the person upfront says something sarcastic, I lack the knack to reply something similar spontaneously. Am I being too nice?

6. Will you ever bungee-jump?
No, thank you. I think it's best to leave the dare-devil adventurous acts to the action folks in movies. I love appreciating life the way it is.

7. What’s your favorite cereal?
One favorite is the basic one - corn flakes and the other favorite is - wheat flakes and honey.

8. What’s the first thing you notice about people?
Eyes and smile. I think they speak volumes about the person.

9. What is your eye color?
Black

10. Scary movie or happy endings?
Happy endings. Although I relish scary movies from time to time (obviously while hiding inside my blanket). :-D

This is the end of Part 1. You can jump to the next post for Part 2.

Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 
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January 21, 2014

Carrot and Coriander Soup

While surfing today, I came across this article which says that -
So I decided to share a soup which LP and I recently made at home. It is very simple and one of our favorites now.
I love soups. It's healthy, natural and super-delicious. One of my favorite eating joints here offers some amazing soups and it's so sumptuous and filling that you don't have to eat anything after that.
Carrot and Coriander Soup (by Sanjeev Kapoor)
Ingredients
Carrots - 4 medium
Coriander leaves - 1 small bunch
Onion - 1 medium
Butter - 1 tbsp.
Salt - to taste
Water - 3 cups
To temper :
Bay leaves - 1
Black peppercorns - 1 tsp
Garlic - 3-4 cloves
Method
  1. Chop the carrots and onion. Chop the stems of the coriander leaves and reserve the leaves aside.
  2. In a pan, heat butter. Add the ingredients under "To temper" along with the chopped onion and sauté for 2 mins.
  3. Add the carrots, coriander stems, water and bring it to a boil.
  4. When the carrots are cooked, strain the carrots from the stock.Blend the carrots to make a fine puree.
  5. In a pan, add some of the strained stock and the blended carrot puree to the desired consistency. Boil this mixture.
  6. Add salt.
  7. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
  8. You can eat this soup either with few slices of toasted bread or bread crumbs.
Try it out and let me know if you liked it. What are your favorite soups ? :)

Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

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January 20, 2014

Instagram - Jan 2014 Photo-A-Day Challenge (11-20)

Here's a roundup of the Instagram pictures taken from Day 11 to Day 20. Enjoy !

If you would like to see the pictures on Instagram, go ahead and follow me at @momentsilike.

Day 11 - Looking down - a chair in my lobby

Day 12 - Colorful - my cushion


Day 13 - Makes me smile - bright flowers


Day 14 - 3 things - spoon, beater and cake batter


Day 15 - Black and White


Day 16 - Sun


Day 17 - Tiny - fingers


Day 18 - Happy Place - my couch


Day 19 - Breakfast - Indian pancakes


Day 20 - To-Do List


Yours' truly,
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**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 
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