Dec 31, 2010

The Year End post..

Another year has come to a close and as we move to a new year.. thoughts galore are running in my mind. The year 2010 has been a roller coaster ride of emotions and events.
I hope the new year brings joy and happiness to everyone.

Dec 30, 2010

Bouncing Back

I haven't been blogging regularly. But why? The reasons range from time constraint to writers block. Not to mention me turning into a workaholic! I've been busy lately as a lot of stuff's going on in my life. What with the fact that the year end is approaching and also that I haven't got a minute to spare for myself! The concept of  'me' time has temporarily been ousted from my dictionary. So naturally my blogging has been affected too.

But I have decided that enough is enough! I'm going to bounce back into blogging. Guess its time for me to continue this enjoyable journey, come what may.

Wish me luck! :)

Dec 29, 2010

How It All Started...

About two years ago, I knew nothing about blogging. Soon, I heard about it in bits and pieces, but the concept didn't garner my interest.

Then MBA happened. While pursuing the course, I met a few people who had blogs of their own. I interacted with them and learned more about 'The Blog'. They were regular bloggers and I learnt the lingo of blogging from them. Initially I read their blogs casually. But as time passed, I began to wait for their posts. I was soon hooked to their blogs and started to expand my blog list. I discovered different blogs according to my interests.

Being a voracious reader, that came easily to me. But soon a tiny thought came to my head. It said " Why don't you start a blog?" I wondered whether it was possible- writing was something that always interested me.

Dec 12, 2010

Life's Little Pleasures

Experiencing the little pleasures is merely about being attuned to life.
Take the time to enjoy the little pleasures of  life. Here are a few of many:
(in a random order)
  • eating roadside pani puri!
  • getting completely drenched in the rain and enjoying it
  • both the above at the same time :)
  • having a big cup of calorific ice - cream and making no bones about it
  • drinking/eating any cold stuff when you already have a bad cold or after you get drenched in the rain
  • giving your seat to an old lady in a crowded bus
  • watching kids playing in the beach
  • looking at old photographs
  • catching up with an old friend after a long time
  • finishing any work that was tedious and time- consuming
  • being pampered 
  • knowing that if something goes wrong, your loved ones are there for you
  • being in love

Nov 30, 2010

Take a Chill Pill!

" When life gives you lemons...... make lemonade "

This simple, age old saying indicates that you can make the best of what you're given.
It is entirely in your hands.
(You can even sell the lemons on e-bay or squirt the lemon juice in life's eye!)
You are the deciding authority on your life. You can chose to be happy or sad, but only YOU can control it.
Never allow any external circumstance to control you. The power to self control lies within you!

Don't let worries or problems overwhelm you. You have one life after all and you might as well live it to the fullest. (unless you believe in life after death!)




The Joy of Reading


" Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." 
                                                                                                 -Charles W. Eliot



There are some things in life that I enjoy doing and one of them is 'reading'. 

Reading is an activity that can offer both information and pleasure. But it depends entirely on what you read.
If you read useless and trashy stuff, then you wouldn't benefit from reading.
However, if you read books of value, it is an entirely different story altogether.

If you have been reading for a long time now, you would know that benefits would always come to those who read, as long as they read the right stuff. In some cases the person may not be consciously aware of the advantages, but he/she will definitely realize them in the long run.


"The art of reading is in great part that of acquiring a better understanding of life from one's encounter with it in a book."  
                                                                       -AndrĂ© Maurois

For those of you who are averse to reading, I'm now going to list a few (out of many) benefits of reading. This is a small attempt on my part to get you folks to join the reading bandwagon.
Here goes:

Nov 26, 2010

Potter Mania Strikes Again! (Movie Review)



Movie : Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows  (Part 1)
Starring : Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint , Ralph Fiennes
Direction : David Yates
Soundtrack : Alexandre Desplat

Based on the novel by J.K Rowling, the 'Harry Potter' series of movies has received universal acclaim. These movies are enjoyed by both fans and the rest alike! But for a person to fully understand the movies, it is crucial that he/she reads the books beforehand. Also, the previous  movies haven't done complete justice to the books.
Personally, as a Harry Potter fan I recommend that you read atleast one book to experience the magic ( if you haven't read any of the books)

The main characters

Harry Potter - Daniel Radcliffe
Ron Weasley - Rupert Grint
Hermione Granger - Emma Watson
Voldemort- Ralph Fiennes

The plot 

The trio (Harry Ron and Hermione) have to find and destroy Horcruxes, which are the source of Voldemort's  immortality. But there are a lot of obstacles that they have to overcome while doing so. 
First of all they do not have any idea how to do so except a few clues and their own instincts to guide them.

Nov 15, 2010

A Typical Week

Ask any random employed person on this earth and this is the reply you will get about his/her typical week



Monday :  It begins on a dull note. The weekend has just gone by and I've got to drag myself to work. Monday morning blues are sky high. I go through my daily work tasks like a zombie. I'm sleepy and tired

Tuesday : Anger slowly begins to rear its ugly head. I'm irritated as I accomplish my daily quota of work. I haven't entirely recovered from the weekend mode but I try hard to come back to work mode .


Wednesday : My anger touches the roof. I am in a VERY BAD mood and I feel need to have a "Danger" sign on my forehead to prevent people from being the target of my explodable emotions.

Oct 31, 2010

The Music Lover

This post is about my love for MUSIC. ....



 Being a hard core music lover,'listening to music'  forms an integral part of my daily schedule. Music is not just a hobby for me, it is something much more than that. Music is my BEST buddy. It has the power to solve my problems;it can cheer me up when I'm sad and it can soothe my frayed nerves after a hard day at office.  It can calm me and help me cool down when my anger touches the roof.
Music provides a big boost to my energy...In short, music makes my day!

Oct 25, 2010

A Bevy of Thoughts

The human mind is a complex machine. Its intricacies haven't been understood completely by man. It is difficult to comprehend how it functions. Yet it remains the most powerful in the human body. It can fill your head with millions of random thoughts a day.  At the same time, it can also help classify the thoughts in a systematic manner. In addition, it can help you retain the necessary thoughts while the rest are discarded or stored somewhere deep down (so that they can be accessed in future-if and when the need arises).

Oct 24, 2010

The Robot- Magnum Opus (Movie Review)


Here's another movie review. But this movie is like no other! It was one of the most awaited movies of the year.

Movie : Enthiran (Tamil)
Cast: Rajnikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Director: Shankar
Music: A.R Rahman

Not only is this the costliest (150 crore budget) Indian film ever made so far, it is also an attempt to produce world class movies in India. The best in the business have been roped in to ensure that the film is exceptional -Academy Award winner  AR Rahman(music), Oscar Winner Resul Pookutty (sound mixing), Sabu Cyril(Art direction),Peter Hein (Action direction) and they definitely do not disappoint!

The film stars Super Star  Rajnikanth in a double role as the scientist Vaseegaran and also his creation Chitti the robot. Aishwarya Rai plays  Sana, the love interest of Vaseegaran.

Oct 19, 2010

The Boss of Comedy (Movie review)

This post is a movie review of a Tamil movie that I watched many days ago.

Movie Title: Boss (A) Bhaskaran                          
Cast: Arya, Nayanthara, Santhanam
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Director: Rajesh


This movie is the second venture of director Rajesh who previously gave us the entertainer "Siva Manasula Sakthi" (SMS). Boss is an all and out comedy flick. The comic duo Arya and Santhanam have ensured that the audience has a gala time throughout the movie. Almost 97% of the movie comprises comic situations which keep you laughing throughout.

Sep 30, 2010

The Reunion

After a gap of nearly twelve years, I met my childhood friend. This incident occurred a few days ago. But the emotions and memories it stirred up will last for a lifetime....

We met when we were little kids and grew up together. Our parents were really good friends and that served as a stimulant for our friendship. We didn't study in the same school and we weren't neighbours either. But we met very often and spent many happy hours together. She was one of the few persons whom I really felt comfortable with and we enjoyed each other's company immensely. Her little sister always used to tag along with us and we included her in all our activities.My best years of childhood were spent in her company. Each and every moment was truly wonderful. The incidence of a fight was zilch. We never had any problems in our friendship and we were always in tune with one another's feelings.

All good things must come to an end. In a similar fashion, our friendship was also put to a test. Her father was transferred to a different city and so they had to leave soon.
We promised to stay in touch but it wasn't the same as living in the same city. Soon the phone calls reduced and so did the letters. But nevertheless we never failed to stay in touch. We wished each other on special occasions like birthdays or festivals. We had a general overview of what was happening in each others lives, but it couldn't equal a face to face meeting.

Recently her family shifted to the same city where I am staying now. The moment we knew we were in the same city, we instantly made a plan to meet. And what a meeting it was!

Sep 26, 2010

World Heart Day SPECIAL

Today is "World Heart Day". World Heart Day has been celebrated on the last Sunday in September every year since 1999.
The theme Workplace Wellness is the overarching topic of World Heart Day 2010, with the aim to promote the workplace as the ideal setting to adopt healthy behaviours in order to prevent heart disease and stroke.


About World Heart Day

World Heart Day was created to inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the world's leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives every year.

Organized by the World Heart Federation and its members, World Heart Day is co-sponsored by the World heath Organization (WHO), UNESCO and United Nations Sport for Development and Peace initiative.

Together with its members, the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors are controlled.

Sep 23, 2010

Fashion Talk (Part 2)

This is the second post in the series "Fashion Talk". This post is about accessories for women.

The clothes you wear denote who you are and are very important in determining your identity. Every individual has his or her own style of dressing. But no matter what your style is, it is important that you dress according to the occasion or situation.
As Mark Twain said "Clothes maketh the man" (or woman in this case).But only wearing the right clothes will not suffice- they should be combined with the right accessories.
For example: Wearing mismatched or shoddy looking shoes with a traditional clothes is an absolute no no.

That brings us back to the main topic of this post- Accessories.
Accessories can make or break your look, so it becomes essential that you use them with care. Never overdo the accessory part. If used wisely they can definitely enhance your appearance.

List of accessories
  • Stoles: These are stylish substitutes for a traditional dupatta. They can be teamed  with  kurtis and pant or with a skirt and top too. They are available in various designs and materials.


  • Shrugs/Jackets: These can be worn with a simple tee and jeans or with a full length dress to accentuate the look. 
  +  

(Shrug)                                                         (Dress)

Sep 9, 2010

Health Mania

This post was conceived as an aftermath of  National Nutrition Week in India.

Before proceeding with this post, here is an overview, courtesy Google:
 National nutrition week is celebrated from September 1st to 7th every year. Nutrition is the focal point of health and well being. In other words, it allows you to be strong,provides you with energy to do the things you want and makes you look and feel your best.
Today there is a wealth of nutrition information at your fingertips-from diet books to newspaper articles, everyone seems to have an opinion on what you should be eating.

Now, lets move to the actual post.

Aug 31, 2010

Can't We Just Be Friends?

Note: This story is about love between two college goers. This is a work of fiction and characters portrayed are also fictitious, any resemblance to a real person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

A boy is in love with a girl, who is also his close friend. He is hesitant to express his feelings.The two are classmates and have hung out frequently with their gang. The girl has no idea about the boy's feelings for her. She considers him a good friend, a support system, but does not have feelings for him.



One fine day, the boy finally tells the girl of his love. This is a total shock for the girl. She finds it hard to believe that such an incident has happened. She wonders where she had gone wrong. Had she acted in a manner that made her friend thing she was in love with him? This serves as a turning point for the friendship in question.
She tells the boy: "I never expected this from you! You are a very good friend, but I don't love you."
The boy, madly in love, tells her to think and reply. He asks her to consider him.
The girl says: "Please understand. I have never thought of you that way. You are a very good friend. I like you as a friend, but I'm sorry to say I do not love you. Moreover, I don't want to get into any relationship right now." And she walks away.

For the next few weeks, she tries her best to avoid the boy. It is a difficult task for her, since he is a very close friend of hers and she likes being with him. But nonetheless she decides that she has to do it. She can no longer be friends with a person who is in love with her. It wouldn't be the right thing to do.

Aug 26, 2010

Fashion Talk (Part 1)

Disclaimer: This series of posts is about my views on fashion( for women). It stems from my observation of  what people around me (in my city and my country India) have been and are wearing.

The world of fashion is an ever changing one.Every season there are new trends mushrooming at such a rapid pace that it becomes an impossible task for people to keep up. Only the elite class can afford to update themselves as frequently as there are changes in fashion trends. Among the others,some people try their best to have something that is 'in vogue' while some others are least bothered.
No matter what your take on fashion is, I have some simple tips for you.

Some simple fashion ideas:

Clothes
  • Leggings: This trend is hugely overrated.Every other person seems to be wearing them in different combinations-with T Shirts, Kurtis,Tunics etc While mix and match is always good, it is essential to remember 'Only some body types are flattered by leggings, while the rest need to keep away from them, or wear long/loose fitting tops with them!'(depending on body type) 
  • Skirts : These are the girly options of dressing. They come in all shapes and lengths and can be worn with t shirts or tops. They may be swirly/stiff, made of denim/cotton, etc. My personal favourite is  'a long swirly skirt ' in a light colour.
  • The Chudidhar: This is the most common outfit I have ever seen. It is a simple, hassle free way to dress. It is preferred by all and sundry probably due to the fact that it is comfortable and can be altered or customised very easily.This is a multi purpose option and can be used for different occasions.Its sisters are 'The Salwar kameez' and 'The Patiala'
                                                          
  • The Dress: In my opinion, this is a stylish option. It comes in many types, the most fashionable being 'the little black dress' suitable for parties.
                                         

Aug 22, 2010

A Bookworm Speaks..

I was introduced to the habit of reading during my primary school days.

I began by reading those small books full of colours and large letters. By the time I was 11, I had become a voracious reader with a huge appetite for books.(non academic only!) I had finished reading most of the books by Enid Blyton. ‘Famous Five’, ‘Secret Seven’ ‘Mallory Towers’ were my favourites.I loved ‘Nancy Drew’, ‘Hardy Boys’ and adored Agatha Christie’s books.

During the next few years, I entered the magical world created by J.K Rowling. Harry Potter and his adventures were a major source of my entertainment and I became a die hard fan. I was totally addicted to the ‘Harry Potter’ series for several years. Due to this I missed out on many other good books.

Next came the Chicken Soup books. This phase was followed by a sudden interest in books by Indian authors. I read books by R.K Narayan and R.K Laxman. Then came Chetan Bhagat. ‘Five Point Someone’ was a really fun read.

Later I moved to Robin Cook and his medical thrillers. I alternated them with Sidney Sheldon’s masterpieces. Dan Brown captured my interest with ‘Angels and Demons’ and ‘Digital Fortress’.

Aug 8, 2010

Vacation Diary

Hi!
There's no better time of the year than the summer holidays.Who doesn't want to take a little (or big)vacation and chill out for a while?


That's exactly what I did. after completing my MBA course in Chennai,the next step was a JOB. But I decided that before taking up a job,I needed a break!After 18years of education,I wanted to relax before moving to the next phase of life.So, i came straight home to Visakhapatnam.I've been home for two and a half months now and I've had loads of fun.
I incorporated some ideas to help me spend my leisure time.Some were girly, some practical and some downright silly, but nevertheless, they were enjoyable.
The things I did:

Got a license: I applied for a car driving learners license which seemed a practical option. I practiced driving daily and will take the test soon.

Had a haircut: Summer season made my hair unmanageable.So I opted for a new haircut. 

Cleaned my room:  My room was quite messy and boring, so i thoroughly cleaned it up and decorated it a bit. 

Jul 19, 2010

An Epic Retold (Movie Review)

This is my first attempt at a proper movie review. It was published in a local daily a few days after the movie's release.
-->

 RAAVANAN (Tamil)



Director: Mani Ratnam
Music: A.R Rahman
Cast: Vikram, Aishwariya Rai Bachchan, Prithvi Raj

This bilingual was one of the most awaited movies of the season. Unfortunately, it falls short of expectations.

The storyline is akin to that of Ramayana, but interspersed with a dash of reality. The hunt for the infamous sandalwood smuggler Veerappan has been replicated effortlessly onscreen.

Jul 17, 2010

A Trip Down Memory Lane


‘Hostel’.The word seemed synonymous with ‘hostile’ in my opinion. It conjured up images of small rooms with metal beds, tasteless food and a prison like atmosphere devoid of fun or peace. The impression in my mind was very strong, thanks to constant rantings that I had heard in my childhood. I had been threatened to ‘behave well’, failing which I would be abolished or sent to exile, in other words, HOSTEL! I used to shiver at the mere thought of the horror, so I toed the line, but in misery and helplessness..
That was several years ago, when I was a little kid.

Then came the golden years of my life-Teenage. Adolescent age brought with it a myriad of problems ranging from constant arguments  to coping with pimples, as hormones wreaked havoc on my mind and body.
It was during my teenage years that I really began to understand the meaning of hostel life. It meant freedom from parents’ advice, the ability to make my own choices and decisions and also a chance to be independent. And so I went for it!

During my final year of BBM , I was moving full steam ahead with plans of studying MBA in hostel. I had opted for studying in my dream city Chennai, but the college was yet to be chosen. But thanks to friends and family, HCL group’s SSN college chose me.
I got in through merit quota and celebrated my success.

                                                   Monsoon in the SSN campus

That was two years ago. It was then that my journey began…

The memories abound in my heart. The past two years have definitely been a life  changing experience for me. Right from day one to the last, I have lived every moment to the fullest. I have turned into an independent, confident person able to face challenges with ease.

Jul 14, 2010

Will You Cross The Skies for Me? (Movie Review)

This post is about one of my favourite Tamil movies.

Title:Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (Tamil)                
Director: Gautham Menon
Cast: Simbu, Trisha
Music: A.R Rahman

A masterpiece by director Gautham Menon- with great music by A.R Rahman; awesome performances by Simbu and Trisha, this film is a winner out and out. The cinematography is excellent-the camera has captured scenic locations with ease. The dialogues are catchy and in tune with the current era. Youngsters will enjoy this movie but it may not appeal to one and all. Anyone and everyone who understands the love and the pain of loss can relate to this movie. VTV is the kind of movie that tugs at your heartstrings.

The movie is a ‘classic’ and very different from the ‘run of the mill’ stuff that is churned out regularly in the film industry. It is neither the usual romance flick nor a mass/masala film. Its on an entirely different plane altogether. It appeals to the senses in a sort of intricate, delicate manner. Emotions buried deep in your heart are aroused and you are left with bitter sweet thoughts.[Atleast this is how I felt!]

Jul 11, 2010

Currents of Thought

Chennai
Bessi beach,
5:30 am
                      I’m standing at the sea shore- the location being the famous Besant Nagar beach in Chennai. It’s early in the morning, a bitterly cruel cold wind is blowing. It sends an icy chill down my spine, which has nothing to do with fear. There are people around me, but I feel a strange loneliness. There’s still some time left for sunrise. I stand still, hearing the sound of waves splashing – and I’m staring into the horizon. The sky slowly begins to brighten and there’s an orange glow cast everywhere. It’s a slightly cloudy day but still the view before me is amazing. As I stare at the waves, I feel different; my mind seems calm and my worldly worries seem to be evaporating rapidly. I don’t understand what’s happening at first, but then realization dawns, slowly.

                     
It feels like I have developed a strange bond with the waves. They seem to be communicating with me somehow...The message is clear- “Forget your worries, no tension, just relax.” I feel very peaceful, I have nothing to worry about.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...