A week full of celebrations

Did you realize that there were unbroken festival and celebrations happening starting from last week!!  Isn't that great!  OK...lemme give some work to my memory!!

20th Aug: Varalakshmi Nombu

21st Aug : My parents wedding day, which again, I missed being with them. 

22nd Aug: Madras Day, celebrating its 371st birthday! It’s definitely a proud moment for any chennaiite. Isn’t it? Cheers to Madrasapattinam. 

23rd Aug: Onam Festival.  I really missed being at Chennai. I remember the Pookalam and tug of war competitions that we used to conduct at the HCL offices. Such days are often unproductive for most of us, because we are very busy organising the functions.

24th Aug: Rakshabandhan and Avani Avattam

25th Aug: Gayathri Jabam.

Whoa!! These festivals stimulated my nostalgia to great heights that I was reminiscing about the past all this week, and damn, I miss Chennai so much!!

For those who are not able to understand these festival names, please Google it.  I'm tired of copying the link!

Frames of Freedom!!

"Freedom is the last, best hope of earth" - Abraham Lincoln.

"Pollution-free Green Earth"

 

Go Green!  Save Earth!

 

Did you know that NASA has estimated that approx 18,000 pieces of man-made debris is found at least 10cm wide hurtling around the Earth.  A figure that is rapidly escalating!!

So, on behalf of Earth, Environmentalists, and rest of the human beings, I plead for freedom from pollution, plastics, litters, hazardous gas, toxic waste and anything that could affect the mother EARTH!

This is my entry for Blogadda's "Frames of Freedom" contest. 

 

 

I am not a shopaholic!

Like any other person (read women) I love shopping - No matter it is scorching sun or lousy rain!  No matter I have some buying list or not! Regardless of how filthy or horde Ranganathan street gets! I simply love it! Strolling on the streets, watching the busy shopkeepers, window shopping, and walking with 1000 other lively shoppers!  It’s an immense feeling altogether! What say?

From a simple hair-clip,trinkets, sandals, handbags, clothes, to household items, I shop tirelessly for hours and hours!  I can stroll through the streets for hours, without uttering the words "oh-I am-so-tired-of-walking".  Anna Nagar, Spencer plaza, Pondy Bazaar and of course the Ranganathan street in Chennai + Jayanagar shopping complex, Brigade road and commercial street at Bangalore have been my best shopping destinations in India!  

Albeit being an impulsive shopper, I know what I wanted, with detailed description in my mind.  So, mostly, I don’t get what I wanted when I deliberately shop for it. I go for shopping spree with the objective of buying THIS, THIS, and THIS. I either don’t complete my purchase, or get exhausted searching for it, or purchase something for the heck of it, and get dissatisfied in the end. Most of times, I never get adequate fulfillment when I shop intentionally.  May be all women are like me, that’s why husbands do not like accompanying us for shopping! 

So, my policy is simple- to prepare and plan a lot before going for shopping!

* I don’t go for shopping alone. 

* I always accompany someone who is not impulsive like me

* I don’t keep any list of items to be purchased. 

* I don’t intend to purchase anything. 

* I roam around the shop for nothings, but if I found something I wanted, I will buy them right away, with no hesitation!  

* Or I will say the wish-list to my dear ones, and get them as present!

These are the only successful ways I’ve got what I wanted, happily and feel satisfied with the product! 

Accompanying a friend for her wedding purchase had led way for my purchase for what I’ve been searching for ages. I just go for it when I find. Otherwise, I would never get them!   Someone (proud me) who spends considerable time to buy a simple product has spent barely 30 minutes in deciding her D-Day’s costumes! Can you believe! Well, to be honest, everyone in my family were awe-struck at my buying attitude when I took only less than 30 minutes to choose 7 sarees minus reception saree!

From my perspective, 30 minutes was plenty.  I decided the colors, shop, had some raw designs in my mind even before I started shopping.  And I knew I wasn’t going to waste my time on buying sarees!  Nalli (T-Nagar Nalli 100 to be more specific) is my all-time-favorite shop for purchasing sarees!   Although they have branches in Anna nagar, I decided to go to T-Nagar, because I was so much attached to it for no reasons!   But I spent 3 hours in choosing a reception saree at Diva Anna Nagar, because I did not get the color and design I wanted. And finally with half mind, I made a decision.  

There are lots of changing factors that affects a person’s buying behavior depending on the product, country,income levels and many more.  Price could be a least factor compared to the freshness and taste when you buy a fruit or vegetable, whereas price,design/ brands are the vital factors when you buy clothes or jewellery.  Ok…am not getting more into the MRCB subject (Market Research and Consumer Behaviour).

For me, there were paradigm shift on my buying behavior over a period of time-after having a job for myself, after the change of my marital status,after changing the country.  While I was never worried about making an impulsive purchase on a cloth or a handbag in India before marriage, I think N no.of times (for the same such product) before making a decision now after marriage! Responsibility factors yeah...True to some extent!  But, I also know that the same piece of dress and handbag will be put on a summer sale for an eye-catching discount.  So I wait for the opportunity and grab it then! 

So much fascination and desire I have for shopping, but this doesn’t exist if I were to purchase household groceries.  I don’t know why.  I just select them, run to the billing counter, and finish it at the earliest! 

S doesn’t like shopping, IF AND ONLY IF the purchase is made “for and by his wife".  If it is something for him, he happily spends the whole day at a shopping mall.  So we decided (read as S's strategy) not to make any purchase on weekends, which we have been following from the early days of our marriage.  We either shop on working days, or at the max 1 hour on weekends.  Because, it kills the quality personal time.

So, what is your shopping behavior??

Image courtesy: Google

Happy Blogiversary

I was too busy to remember/appreciate that August 15^th was my blogiversary day.   This being the 3^rd year, I just couldn’t believe!

Honestly speaking, I’ve been executing well in this journey – in terms of no. of posts, quality of the post, comments, and everything! But, I also know that there are 1001 ways I can improve in blogging, and 1000001 things that I still have to learn in this sphere!

Unquestionably, blogging is a good choice I’ve taken in my life, because I got a space to write and honestly express my thoughts.  It persuaded me to write and got me captivated from my fellow bloggers’ post.  And helped me get good friends here!

Cheers to my blogging, and happy blogiversary to my lovey-dovey blog!
 

Happy Independence Day

Photo Courtesy: This beautiful photo-work is done by my Filckr Friend Sundaram.   

Wishing Happy Independence Day to all my fellow bloggers. 

Paati’s Speech on Women and Independence!

Today while talking with my Paati (Grandma), she uttered these words to me in Tamil! 

“Tomorrow is Independence day for India! For women! Those times, we had Elizabeth queen as a role model for all women.  We are fighters, and queens like her, not ruling the country, but a home. Ruling doesn’t mean dominating; Ruling the family with our affection and love.  We fasten the family together, beautifully. We encounter a lot of problems, but react in the best way! Hear them, remain silent, and keep moving forward, for the welfare of all of us and for the family! That is why we are WOMEN”

She is a feminist-type brave woman who speaks-her-heart at any given point of time.  A member of local ladies club, a part-time insurance agent, participating in cultural and independence activities, she still lived a life of a dutiful wife and mother, adjusting amidst the huge joint family for 55 years!!!

In need for multi-tasking!

For sometime nowadays, I have obscure problems in managing a few tasks mutually. My leisure pursuit is getting pretty ample that it is creating a lot of conflicts – within self, within the interests and with life!

Lemme make it straightforward.

I wanted to spend my ideal free time as below

MFT = h(B+FR+FB),

where

MFT  ----->  My free time

B     ----->  Blogging

FR    ----->  Flickr

FB   ----->   Facebook

h     -----> of course ”hours”

But I end up spending the time as MFT = h(B+4FR+4FB)

This is a serious concern for my blogging life. Ain't that??

This apart, analyzing the reasons for this,it could be:-

1. Overwhelming response in one of the activity

2. Interest in FR supersede B

3. The peer pressure I face in FR, and in FB

4. Writer’s block

5. Lack of skills to multi-task

6. Or whatsoever

Wish I had 8 hands like Octopus, so that I can do multitude of things at one time! 

- I can talk on phone

- Access to laptop

- prepare food

- drink water

- wash vessels

- comb my hair
- read a book

- and what not!

OK! To the point! To solve this problem, I need to learn a lot more of multi-tasking, setting priorities, and to have strict time management. Although I am good at all these at a professional work environment, but struggling hard to make it at home!

To enforce that, I am planning to follow something like

MFT = h{[1(B+FB) + 1FR]}, or  MFT = h{[1(B+FR) + 1FV]} or 

MFT = h{[0.5(FR+FB)+1B]}. 

With all these options, I find multi-tasking being easier with FV & FB, because B needs a lot of time to think, to write, to read others‘ and to comment!

So, finally, I am choosing the 3rd option, and making my move towards this initiative!

Towards positivity - Day 7

The raison d'être for me getting uber excited is nothing complicated.  I’ve kept-up the experiment towards positivity without breaking it.  It’s an immense feeling, a sense of great accomplishment and a moment to wear pride on your sleeve! I am not trying to inflate my emotions here, but that is what I feel this moment!  Over to my last day's positivity!

1. The comfort you get when you cuddle the close ones and sleep tight amidst the air of coolness.  To me, that is bliss.  With that happy note, and a warm hug, I started my day.  Needless to say, I am glad for this day!

2. I am glad to this experiment, for making me login blogger, and write something meaningful on everyday basis.  

3. Today, after a long time, I spent significant time retrieving my knowledge in German.  I opened as my Wikipedia pages in Deutsch and started reading them. Now I realise that I haven’t forgotten it all!

4. This song from the movie Agnisakshi(tamil) is a total mesmerising and soothing one. With Ilayaraja's music, SPB’s singing, Sivakumar/Sarita acting and KB’s direction, this could be nothing but the best among the best!  My dad, mom and I – all the three of us love everything about this song!  I’m glad I found it in youtube atlast.  All I did instantly was to download the video :)

5. I am delighted to share my Farmville update that I’ve moved to Level 63 today. 

That's not the end of "7 days of positivity".  I will definitely continue to write about this positivity experiment when I face problems, when I am confused, when I feel sad, when I feel demotivated, when I feel ....(whatsoever)!  I'm sure they'll give me a lot of confidence during those days. 

Towards positivity - Day 6

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened up for us” is what Helen Keller says.  How true is this maxim, particularly when we are facing difficult days.  Persistence, constant effort, and courage together are the undeniable factors that will help us face the cruel side of life in a lighter (read positive) way! 

Over to my penultimate post towards positivity! 

1. I am thankful to god for giving me such nice parents(& in-laws), understanding husband and supporting friends.  What else can I ask for!

2.  I am glad for my determination because of which I am able to accomplish certain tasks (of course of which I am proud!)


3.  Today is Kishore da's birthday, and I am happy I had enough time to listen to some of his golden collection of songs like Roop thera masthana, Neele neele ambar par, Gaatha rahe mera dil, Chingari koi....

4.  After making my purchase at Indian Supermarket, I realised that I was running short of money to make payment.  Although I was cursing myself for this absent-mindedness, the shopkeeper ( a nice person) smiled and told that he'll get the money later.  I am glad for the confidence and trust he had on me! I reached home, took money, and went back to the store to repay him.

5.  I am glad, joyful, full of energy, that the job market is getting better, and there are new opportunities coming up in my profession.  That gave me some time to read through the recent reviews, news and applying for the jobs.  

Towards positivity - Day 5

So, here I am, writing it continuously about my positivity for last 4 days.  Well, that's not bad good going !  But, the fact is, it's really getting difficult to write about positivity, and to find out 5 points everyday.  Over to today's!!

1. Made a purchase to stock up some of the food items.

2.I am glad I changed my blogger theme, and it looks good and welcoming than the older one.

3.Today is Aadi Perukku, and I am glad I remembered it!

4. For this festival, it is a tradition to prepare variety rice.  I prepared Coconut rice, Tomato rice, Curd rice and ofcourse Aviyal(thick mixture of vegetables soaked in curd, seasoned with coconut & curry leaves). I am glad S liked it!

5. I missed out 2 episodes of Airtel Super Singer (a reality show on singing based in Tamilnadu), which I saw today along with S. 

Towards positivity - Day 4

This is a day to wipe off the monday morning dullness.  To my surprise, this was no dull.  
Have a wonderful week ahead my friends.


1.  This is one of the photo that I took yesterday, after the rain.  Happy to share it with you all

2. Today, I got up early at 6.30AM (which is unusual) and prepared breakfast and lunch pack for S.


3. I spoke with one of my college friend after a real long time.  Though it was for a short time, it was nice, and made me nostalgic.


4. I am glad that S is having a dinner outside with his colleagues. That makes my dinner simple, giving me some extra time to work on internet, and call some of my US friends who will be available that time.


5. I played farm ville (after 3 days), and have got Red Wheat Mastery sign. 

Towards positivity - Day 3

 Today is yet another beautiful day (again!) cos it's Sunday and its Friendship day.  Happy F'ship day to all of you here.

1. The lazy bug in me got up only at 11.30 AM, which means I had about 12 hours of sleep. Feels like mission accomplished on Sunday!

2. I am glad that I helped out S in some of his long-time pending tasks!

3.Wished my friends on the Friendship day, and that brought out some of the good 'ol memories of my friends.

4. It was pleasant watching the rain in the evening and sipping the hot tea.

5. I went on a walk after the rain, and took some nice pictures of flowers with dewdrops.  That made my day!

Towards positivity - Day 2

After the successful inauguration of this positivity test,  I have to accept that fact, that I feel good, light, cool, happy, glad (add as many such adjectives), and most importantly feel positive - towards life, towards me, towards others, towards writing this blog!

If I see day-wise, I started writing day-1 on Saturday, so, I still have time to write. But to regret,I was not able to write for the last 24 hours, as somethings kept me really busy.  I missed one day! But, I don't want to miss out or break the chain.   Over to my day 2 towards positivity.

1. Saturday started very well (as any other cheerful saturday).

2. Spending sometime with my parents and in-laws online was refreshing and good.  I'm glad to the skype and video conferencing inventions.

3. I was really happy when I saw S vacuum cleaning the entire house(without me telling him to do that!)

4. Prepared capsicum pulav and was glad that S liked it, and that it was tasty too!

5.  Had a nice walk along with S on the sunny (read windy) evening!