Takeaway level: Singapore Short Stories.

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We are happy to announce top the 3 winners of  Takeaway level: Singapore Photo contest

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Second Prize 

Third Prize 

Top 3 winning stories of the Takeaway level: Singapore

Takeaway level: Singapore and the Pandavas

In Mahabharata, Kunti Devi instruct his five sons to share all the things among themselves. Pandas brings Draupadi to their home and without seeing the women Kunti says "share among yourself" and hence all the five end up marring same women Draupadi. All the people goes for honeymoon to Singapore. They heard a lot about Singapore cuisine they don’t want to order a single food and divide it among themselves. All wanted to try different flavours of the foods. At the same time, they don’t want to break their mother's order too. Hence they ordered the 5 interesting versions of Parta. Everybody relished and enjoyed the Roti Tissue, Roti Plaster , Chicken Floss Prata, Red Bean Prata, Prata Benedict. Their purpose was solved. They obeyed their mother order too and the same time, they fulfilled the wish of tasting different flavors.

Takeaway level: Singapore and Ghatotkacha hunger 

Ghatotkacha is a food lover and his taste buds was not satisfied with any of the foods. He is known for eating tons of laddu. This resulted in scarcity of food and hence the people went and complained to his dad Bhima. Bhima decides to sort of this issues. He suddenly thinks of an idea. He immediately applies Tourist VISA for his son Ghatotkacha and sends him to Singapore. Ghatotkacha visits Chomp Chomp Food Center and orders Grilled fish served with a tangy chilly sauce. The brilliant taste makes him fluffy and he gets lost in the taste. His taste buds gets satisfied for having mesmerizing food. Ghatotkacha hunger for taste rectifies and the people are happy.

Takeaway level: Singapore and Deepika's world. 

"Whale & Cloud" @Niven Road

Inside Whale and Cloud

Nothing could replace the taste of Tea offered in the glass at a road side tea stall. The only problem I face when I travel to Singapore which is the most innovative country in Asia and is famous for technology is the road side tea shops. To my surprise there is "Whale & Cloud" coffee shop at Niven Road (near to Rex cinema). This coffee shop is kept secretive and only few people knows about this shop. They don't have a website, Facebook page and they are open only on Saturdays. The ambiance gives us a homely atmosphere and you feel like you are in our mother India.

"Laurent Bernard Chocolate" is my favorite. The tempting aroma of chocolate dessert cafe filled with exquisite creamy chocolate with smorgasbord of cakes, pastries and ice cream is my all time Favorite.

The Power of Being #together

The Power of Being #together

Image Source - https://housing.com/

Img source - https://housing.com/

Do I need to mention that Steve Jobs is an inspiration and loved by everyone? It was in 2013, the movie Jobs (A movie about Steve Jobs)  was released. My friend Abitha and I decided to watch the movie on the first show of the first day. But unfortunately we did not get tickets on the first day. So, we decided to watch the movie on a weekend. In Bangalore, the movie was released only in few countable theatre. To my bad luck, it was not released in the theatre that was near to our home. I deadly wanted to watch that movie to get inspired and also I am a big fan of Steve jobs. After all, I get goose bumps when I read his quotes and read his life history. Watching his life in big screen would definitely make me crazy. Who knows in future I may start a Software and Hardware industry like Apple Inc and may become as famous as Steve. If Steve is for Apple, Deepika is for Strawberry. Okay, Jobs apart.

So for the above reasons, I cant miss the movie. Even though we need to travel 15 KMS from my home, I convinced my friend Abitha and booked a show at 6.00 PM. All went well. I still remember, to watch his movie I took 3 hours to get ready and wore a new dress. We zoomed our vehicle to the theatre and reached ahead i.e 5.15 P.M

Abitha suggested to have some food in KFC to kill the time, but I said I can watch “Jobs” poster for 45 minutes. She really got pissed off and took me to KFC. Sharp at 5.45 we went to the counter to collect the ticket. To our dismay, the movie show was cancelled and they are ready to refund the ticket. Abitha tried to check for the alternative. She suggested me to watch the other movie which was running in the theatre and we had one.  was Chennai Express. I was already upset for not watching my favorite Steve Jobs movie. But Abitha was upset as we travelled 15 KMS and don’t want to return back without watching any movie. Finally we decided to watch Chennai Express movie. When we went to the counter and checked about it, he said the movie has started at 5.30. Then we decided not to watch any movie and zoomed to our home. We both were upset to the core.

On the way to home, it started to rain heavily. We stopped our vehicle and we were wet already. There were few kids playing football in that rain. Without giving a second thought, we got into rain and started playing with the kids. The kids’ enthusiasm changed our mood. We played until the rain stopped. At that point of time, I realized that life may gift us with the things which we don’t love or not provide with the things we want. But, soon we need to come out of that sad state, look up the world with a positive spirit and keep us motivated. Of course, I missed watching my Steve's movie. But my day was filled with playing kids in rain which is still an unforgettable moment in my life.

The power of being #together with the kids gave me strength and motivation.

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Start A New Life

Start A New Life

When we are contented in a place, we never think of taking risk or try something new. Even when a good opportunity flows in, we tend to reject that offer thinking that the new opportunity may be risky. Everyone loves their first job. It's so true in my case. I was damn crazy about my company. My first company was a safe place for women. Work life balance could be easily managed. Whenever a person needs leave, she would be granted. If you want to take a break from work, yes can take minimum 6 months of break (without salary) and then join back. It had work from home option and more. Above all, it had that “brand name” that one person could feel proud about.

Three years went smooth. There was a challenging project which came to my team. My seniors had a fear to take up the project. I raised my interest to work individually on the project. Though my manager heisted to give that project, he had no other option left. I literally worked day and night for that project. I used to login at morning 10.AM and leave office the next day 7.00 A.M. My room was near to my office, so I used to go home just to take a nap, bath, get ready and reach office again at sharp 10.00 AM. There are no weekends for me. Every day was a week day. I forgot my home and dedicated my time for work for those 4 months. The project was developed by 9 people where as I was the only person who tested it single-handedly. The project went live into production. I got many appreciations from my onshore and higher officials. I felt happy. But during the June review, my managers said, blah blah reasons and did not offer me a good rating. In anger or frustration, I just told him that I will put my papers soon and came out of the meeting room. My manager felt that I will not leave the company at any case, for the love I had on that company.

The same weekend, I got placed with 180% of hike in another company. I felt happy but the happiness did not last for more than 4 hours. I was worried for leaving my adorable company. I got scared that I would be missing work from option and much more flexibility. But the rating which my manager gave was a slap on my face. So, I thought for some time and decided to resign from the company. It was tough decision to do so but I would say it was the bold step I took and it brought a big change in my life.

The new company was an excellent place to work for. No politics and employees were respected for what they are and for the work they do. Every day when I leave from office, I had a sense of satisfaction. I got an US opportunity within 1 year of joining the company. The company gave importance to work as well as extracurricular activities. They are a package of innovation. Since I was interested in sports, I participated in all the events and it kept me lively. Soon, I was nominated for a core committee member for the sports club. One decision at right time changed my life.

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How to keep a Baby Happy

In the journey of life, a couple's love initially binds them together, while the joy brought by their baby solidifies their bond and happiness. Witnessing a baby's innocent actions, such as crawling and babbling, has the power to alleviate stress and bring immense joy. The sheer cuteness of a child's laughter and their adorable drooling is unparalleled. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience in keeping my sister's son happy.

During the different phases of life, a couple's love evolves and takes on new dimensions. In the initial stages, it is their affection for one another that keeps them united. However, as life progresses, the love they have for their baby becomes the pillar of their happiness, fostering a strong and content family bond. Regardless of the level of stress one may be experiencing, the sight of a baby crawling and cooing in the most melodic voice has a remarkable ability to dissipate those worries. There is nothing quite as enchanting as a child's laughter and the endearing sound of their excited cheers. Even their drooling, which may seem ordinary to some, is an unequivocally heartwarming sight. In this blog post, I will share five tips that have personally helped me bring happiness to my sister's son.

Image source - Rewardme.in; wikihow; cliparts.co; dreamstime.com; pinkymckay.com;

Sing a song:
Sing a Rhyme for the baby. "Ding Dong Bell" was my baby's favorite rhyme and when I sing that song he gives back a belly laugh. Body language and modulation is equally important. The first two words "Ding and Dong" has to be sung very slowly and the last word "Bell" should come with a rapid force. While singing, bring the forehead close to his forehead and smile at the baby.

Play peekaboo:
They go crazy for this game. I play this game, when the baby is in my sister's arm. I will hide behind my sister and pop up every 5 seconds and will call out his name. Every time, I pop up he giggles loud and I go weird on seeing his giggle.

Give him Attention:
Whenever the baby feels hungry, it will cry loud to get attention. The time taken for the milk preparation might be four minutes but since the baby is not aware that milk is getting ready for him, it will keep crying aloud until he gets milk.
In order to stop his cry, I take him to the kitchen and show the farex bottle and the feeding bottle. He immediately stops crying and observe calmly, understanding that the milk is getting ready for him.

Image source - http://www.rewardme.in/tag/Pampers

Be Around and make the baby rest next to the mom.
Since the baby is just 3 Months old, it sleeps well for almost 16 hours a day. When it wakes up, we make sure we are around him and play or chitchat with him. The baby feels so excited when it sees all the family members around him. It loves to be with the mother. One could actually make out the difference in the baby’s face when it sleeps in the cradle and when the mom sleeps next to him on the bed.

Pampers Baby Dry Pants:

Image source - http://www.rewardme.in/tag/Pampers

Though everybody loves rain and welcome with warmth we feel uncomfortable when we get our clothes wet. We look forward to reach home, change the dress and get dry as soon. Imagine how the baby will feel when it feels wet. Dry diaper helps a lot in keeping the baby happy.

Family Mood:
A family’s mood plays a major role in keeping the child happy. It’s impossible to avoid arguments, fights at home. That’s the reason, we made a rule not to fight or shout in front of the baby. If any one of our family members feels the argument is getting heated up, they leave the place. But the baby is extra smart and giggles looking at them. Do I need to mention that the baby’s smile made that person’s temper evanescent?

This post is written as a part of "Dry baby, happy baby" Contest organized by "New Pampers Baby Dry Pants" in association with Indiblogger.

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The moment that filled me with hope for the future

The moment that filled me with hope for the future

Life is an unpredictable journey; sometimes it’s showers with memorable incidents which we desire to treasure and sometimes it wraps us with painful incidents which we don't like to re-collect.
Few years before, there was one incident that palpitated my life. I was not ready for the worst. Like every other person, I stepped up only with positive hopes and not even in dream I thought it may go wrong.
Have you ever imagined the irreparable damage that occurs to a sprinter who runs at a fast pace collide down. Similarly, I was running towards my aspirations and goals with wild speed and since I was not ready for the worst it broke me down. When I turn back now and look at those days, it’s surprising how I got up and survived.
Life is always good when we run in a same pace and reach the finish line. Life is even tastier, when you fall down, rise back and still manage to reach the finish line. Just like the famous athlete Christian, who proved the real winning is when you rise up during the fall and win the game.
When a person is undergoing a tough times, it’s always a moment or small incident will bring back the ray of optimistic hope and change. Same way, it was “that” incident which brought my confidence back.

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Even though, I tried to take help from friends and tried to engross completely in some activities I was not able to come out of the incident. I nurtured aquarium at my home when I read it would reduce trauma. But, it did not help me. I involved in gardening thinking it’s a good relief for stress. But those seemed to be just a temporary relief.
Aug 2012, I wished to celebrate my birthday in a different way and decided to celebrate with kids. I opted to spend my day with a home or trust that was for mentally challenged kids. That day, that incident and those kids changed my life. I went to Arima Society Trust Rehabilitation Center for mentally challenge and there were among 76 Children in the home, whose parents could not afford for their treatments. It was a Rehabilitation Center for the mentally challenged kids. There were kids with different stages. Few of them were completely ill and few of them were recovering and few countable kids already recovered but were kept under their home guidance for few more months.
The kids were so innocent and their positive vibes were so strong. They undergo intensive motivational and recreational classes and their attitudes towards life are awesome. There were few kids who were in recovering stage and one among them asked me, "What do you do?"
When I replied I work in a Software firm the small kid replied, "One day, I will be like you sister."
There was another kid who came with his dad (who recovered completely, but was advised to stay for few more months) was crying and pleading his dad not to leave him at this home. His dad almost cried and convinced him. I am short of words to explain the pain I saw in his dad’s eyes. It was a slap on my face. The kids taught me how lucky I am. They taught me to live for the moment. They made me to realize, my pain is nothing when compared to others. Their will power taught me to fight back during our tough times. 
This post is written as a part of Look Up Stories organized by Housing.com in association with Indiblogger

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Take A Peek Behind The Silver Screen - A Guest post by Nancy White

Take A Peek Behind The Silver Screen - A Guest post by Nancy White

Movie buffs are a genre unto themselves. For them, movie is a religion. Movie buffs are self-taught experts on the movie industry and can spout movie facts and figures at the drop of a hat. They can tell you which was the highest grossing movie five years ago and who won the Academy award for best actor in 1990. Want to know when the next installment of the popular series “Pirates of the Caribbean” will be released? Ask them; they already know. How many of the facts mentioned in the info graphic below did you know already?

With the awards season well and truly underway we thought it would be a great time to to put together a graphic taking you through all the facts and stats we could find on the movie industry.

Everything from top grossing films, best paying job and even some info on those people whose name we see during the end credits that seem meaningless but must do something.

There are a ton of other facts and stats covering some of your favorite  films, directors and actors so let us know what you think and please feel free to share.

Infographic created by Meadows Farm Studios

Ramayana: The Game of Life - Shattered Dreams by Subha Vilas Book review

Ramayana: The Game of Life - Shattered Dreams by Subha Vilas Book review

OMG!! It has been years I read a good novel like “Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 2 (Shattered Dreams)”. That was the first thought flashed in my mind after completing the novel.

Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two words that would make me to dodge. Though it’s a great epic of Indian history and people say a person’s education is incomplete without reading these two epics, I was always hesitant to read them. Neither had patience to watch movies or listen it from my grandparents. I had an aversion because I felt it’s a maze of stories, traits and character.  Remebering those manifold personalities names like Shatrughna, Sugriva, Surpanakha,Vibhishana and tenaciously following throughout the circuitous story was a tiring one. But Hats off to Subha Vilas for penning a wonderful novel with easy narration. It is definitely a must read novel of all age group. I loved the way the author has written. Simple language with so many positive and valuable lessons for life.

When I glanced the Author Subha Vilas profile and understood that he is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker, I was not impressed much. With blank mind, I started reading the novel and was so impressed by the teachings he mentioned in the book. I always carried a pen and kept underlying the sentence that are very useful and up-lifting. I suggest all the modern youth should read this novel. It was such a valuable lessons for our life. If one follows the lines mentioned in the novel, I am sure, the journey of life will be crystal clear with peace and joy. It’s an excellent novel for these modern times.

PROS:

1. Language style - Simple and keeps you glued the story. Even a 6-year-old kid can read and grasp the story.
2. Motivational words and teachings that was used through the book.
3. Even if you don’t know anything about Ramanaya you will easily grasp the story.
4. Tempts and Plants a seed to read the Ramayana: The Game of Life Part One - Rise of the Sun Prince

CONS:

1. Felt capitalization issues at many places. Not sure, whether it was intentional. But it was annoying at places.

One liner about the book - Thank you Subha Vilas for such a useful novel.

About the Book:
Shattered Dreams is the sequel to the national bestseller, Rise of the Sun Prince, in the new spiritual and motivational series Ramayana - The Game of Life. Twelve joyful years have passed in Ayodhya since the wedding of Rama and Sita at the end of Book 1.

Now, in Shattered Dreams, Shubha Vilas narrates the riveting drama of Rama’s exile. Through tales of Rama’s unwavering and enigmatic persona, the book teaches us how to handle reversals positively; through Bharata’s actions, it teaches us to handle temptation; and through Sita’s courage, to explore beyond our comfort zone. This complicated family drama provides deep insights on how human relationships work and how they fail.

With Valmiki’s Ramayana as its guiding light, Shattered Dreams deftly entwines poetic beauty from the Kamba Ramayana and Ramacharitramanas, as well as folk philosophy from the Loka Pramana tales, to demonstrate how the ancient epic holds immediate relevance to modern life. Experience the ancient saga of the Ramayana like never before.

Title:  Shattered Dreams, Book 2
Series: Ramayana: The Game of Life
Author: Shubha Vilas
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Publication Year: 2014
ISBN 13: 9788184955316
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 387
Price: Rs 350

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35 Ways to Respect your Parents

"35 Ways to Respect your Parents"

. Parents are the first person whom we should treasure and care with ardor. Parents are the only soul who wish to see their children happy and long for the welfare and happiness of their child. Whatever role we are in "an-obedient-parent" or "a-sincere-employee" or "studious-student" or "a-dependent-child" or "an-aging-person" its our responsibility to keep our parents happy.

I got the below "35 Ways to Respect your Parents" message from my friend and could not control myself from posting in my blog. Below 35 points are simple yet powerful tips to keep our parents happy.

35 Ways to Respect your Parents
1. Put away your phone in their presence
2. Pay attention to what they are saying
3. Accept their opinions
4. Engage in their conversations
5. Look at them with respect
6. Always praise them
7. Share good new with them
8. Avoid sharing bad news with them
9. Speak well of their friends and loved ones to them.
10. Keep in remembrance the good things they did.
11. If they repeat a story, listen like it's the first time they tell it.
12. Don't bring up painful memories from the past
13. Avoid side conversations in their presence.
14. Sit respectfully around them
15. Don't belittle/criticize their opinions and thoughts
16. Avoid cutting them off when they speak
17. Respect their age
18. Avoid hitting/disciplining their grandchildren around them
19. Accept their advice and direction
20. Give them the power of leadership when they are present
21. Avoid raising your voice at them
22. Avoid walking in front or ahead of them
23. Avoid eating before them
24. Avoid glaring at them
25. Fill them with pride even when they don't think they deserve it.
26. Avoid putting your feet up in front of them or sitting with your back to them
27. Don't speak ill of them to the point where others speak ill of them too
28. Keep them in your prayers whenever possible
29. Avoid seeming bored or tired of them in their presence
30. Avoid laughing at their faults/mistakes
31. Do a task before they ask you to
32. Continuously visit them
33. Choose your words carefully when speaking with them
34. Call them by names they like
35. Make them your priority above anything

My Family role for my better and self-reliant person

My dad always believed that a person has to be equally good in academics as well as extracurricular activities. That’s why when I was a kid, he used to take me to a stadium which was 5 KMS from my home. Those days my dad had only Bi-cycle. In Bi-cycle, he used to pedal to and fro and make me to run 3 rounds in the stadium. He used to run along with me and always encouraged me to take part in all the Athletic competition that was held in my School and in my local village functions. He felt proud when I bagged victory in running competition. He made sure, I take part in Zonal level, District level events and all inter school competitions. Though schools give training and encourage students, parents approval to take the kids outside the School was very important. I know my friends who are talented, but never take part in Districts matches since their parents never gave permission.

In that way, I am very lucky. My dad always took leave to his duty and used to visit the place where the match was taking place. Even though parents was not allowed inside the school, he used to peep from the school compound wall. He used to discuss later with my friends and family on my participation and my performance. His proud for my victory boosted my confidence and increased my enthusiasm for sports. If today, I am a avid marathon runner, its only because of my dad.

At a Marathon with my dad

On the other hand, my mom wanted me to excel in academics. She was a working women, still she used to teach me with stories however dog-dead tired she was. She always encouraged me to read the newspaper and discuss about the positive sections of the newspaper. My parents equally encouraged me to send articles to newspaper.

No wonder, their motivation should have craved deep in my heart. Because of that, I never miss any Marathon that happens in Chennai and Bangalore. Because of the reading habit, I am blogger now and have also written a Novel – Touch of Mist.

After the completion of my School, my dad made sure that I take decision on my own and stand on my own. That’s the reason, he joined me in hostel for higher studies so that I could live on my own and learn things. Because of those 3 years hostel life, I learned to wash my clothes, wash my plates and managed my issues individually.

Even now, when my dad goes to bank, he takes me with him and ask me to fill the DD forms for him. In that way, In future I will do it without anyone’s help. He makes sure I attend all my relatives functions and marriage so that I will know about my relatives.

He always discuss the financial issues and family issues with me and look for my opinion and suggestions. If I give some wrong suggestion, my dad explains why it was not a good idea. I really feel confident because of my family members guidance.

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This post is written as a part of Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao contest organized by Indiblogger in association with HDFC Life

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Bedtime Rituals with Pampers

During the first week of my sister’s son birth, the baby was sleeping peacefully for 18 to 20 hours a day. It was an awesome moment to watch a new born sleeping. I eagerly wait for the baby to wake up, so that I can play and enjoy with his cute moments. But it hurts when the baby wakes up at odd time and cry for milk.

Pampers Baby Dry Pants

Making a baby sleep is like an art. My sister was very scared of diapers thinking that it would cause rashes to the baby. Hence during the initial days, she avoided diapers for the baby. But it was affecting the other way. Since it was December month and the climate was chill, the baby used to urinate frequently. Every one hour it will urinate and wet the cradle. The baby will awake immediately as it feels uncomfortable, soggy and start to cry. It used to wake up minimum 4 times at night and spoils his sleep.
Next day the baby will not be active since it did not sleep properly. That’s when my sister decided to go for diaper. With the help of diaper the baby sleeps so well and wakes only once during the night time that too for milk. It is very important for the baby to have a sound sleep at night so that it wakes up fresh - the next day. It also helps the baby to stay active the next day.

Source -  Pampers Baby Dry Pants

    In order to make the baby sleep peacefully below are the things I do.
Offer the baby a hot bath in the afternoon, so that the baby sleeps well in the afternoon.It will wake up by 6.00 P.M. and I play with him till 9.00 P.M. Then I nestle the baby in my arms and start narrating stories. I am very bad at remembering my nursery stories and hence I need to Google to get the one-line story. After reading from Google, I narrate the story in a sing-song way by roaring if the story involves lion, chirrup and chirp if a bird is involved in the story. One could easily hear different sounds like roaring, barking, whooping, and whistling when they cross my home during night.
I make sure all the mobile phones, electronics items like laptop are outside the room, so that radiation does not affect the baby.

Image Source - fisher-price.com 

I have brought the above picture recently and have attached it to the baby cradle. The Fishers price Precious Planet’s 2-in-1 Projection Mobile comes with a projector, Sweet soothing music and tiny toys like bear, whale, crocodile, lion, rabbit attached towards it. When it is on, the animals reflects on the ceiling and moves in a circular way. The baby lying on the cradle enjoys the animal moving around and talks with his own language. It tries to catch the animals that was on the ceiling and sleeps playing with those animals.

Click here to watch the Embedded video

This post is written as a part of Bedtime Rituals contest organized by Pampers Baby Dry Pants in association with Indiblogger. 

Professional Courier Review - Worst courier service

Professional Courier Review - Worst courier service

Professional service is the worst courier service. If a parcel is sent to a person, the professional service doesn't offer home delivery. They say a stupid reason that it’s out of city. If that was the case, they should have informed the customer while placing the courier request. They keep mum, collect the amount from them and send it back to the same person who initiated the parcel request after 10 days. Though mobile number is written on bold letters on the parcel, they don’t even call and inform us. If they do so,  we can collect if from the headquarter. But the Professional service guys sends the parcel back without even calling the customer’s once. This has happened to me fourth time.

Some Idoits working in professional courier, eat the chocolates that comes with the courier. They unpack the parcel to see what’s inside. If there is something good, they steal it. Read more here. Professional Couriers are highly unreliable and please beware of this courier pathetic service

Top 5 things on my Bucket List

Below are the top 5 things on my Bucket List that I would do if I were #BefikarUmarBhar

Participate in Chennai Triathlon
Last year, I have participated in Vodafone Cycling Marathon and never miss any cycling event that happens at Bangalore. I am a big fan of running and never miss marathons that happen in Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore and Salem. Pretty much, I explored cycling marathon, running and Swimming separately. But all the three flavors in a single day, I never tired. Hence, I would like to take part in Chennai Triathlon. But it really needs lots of will power, determination and constant practice. Because one has to swim 5 lapses of 300 meters each i.e 1.5 KMS and immediately get out of the swimming track and jump to cycle and then 40 kms of cycling followed by 10 km of trail running.
Educate a girl child
Whenever I see a child working in cement factory, crackers industry, house constructions and in hotels for taking away the plates and for cleaning the utensils at home, I get pissed off. I wanted to punish the owner for employing the children below 18. But I am not a strong person to fight against them and leave the place with heavy heart.
Few months before when I visited my aunt house, I saw a 12-year-old girl employed for house cleaning. I scolded my aunt for appointing her and requested her to send her back to her parents. On hearing our conversations, the girl began to cry and started pleading my aunt not to send her back. She told that her salary of Rs.600 would serve food for her family of 4. Just for present, she is spoiling her future without studying. That day I decided, I should offer an education for a girl child. Right from her schooling to her higher educations. Let her wish to study Engineering or Doctor, I wanted to sponsor her studies.
To do organic Framing
Last year, I started Organic terrace garden at my home and was successful in growing the easy survival plants like Green chilies, Bitter gourd and Tomatoes. The taste of the tomatoes when cooked directly by plugging the vegetable from the plant without any pesticide and synthetic fertilizer is lip smacking. Who doesn't love to eat the fruits and cook the vegetable, herb that is fresh from farm? I want to cultivate vegetable and crops and grow them in a natural way, preserve the seeds and circulate them without genetic change. Finally, I will sit inside the green crops and will write more.
To make a Short Film
To make one sensible, heart teaching video about human relationship and emotions. The video should at least change few people's mindset about the way they look at humans and take people's feelings for granted.
Also, I wish to take many one minute videos to create awareness about organ donation, eye donation, blood donation and about the trending social issue like preserving trees, avoiding plastics and much more.
Fifth One - Its a Secret wish list
I should go on a journey all alone. A journey that I decide based on my intuitions. No destination and no targets. I should forget my responsibility, my family, and all gadgets. I should go miles away and stay in that place for a month exploring the new people and new place.

This post is written as a part of Befikar Umar Bhar Live The Life You Have Always Dreamed Of! Contest organized by IDBI Federal Life Insurance Company in association with Indiblogger.

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Social media on mobile vs web how it has impacted my life

Social media on mobile vs web how it has impacted my life

I am participating in the #SMWBangalore activity at BlogAdda in association with Social Media Week Bangalore.

Facebook:
1. Birthday Reminders:
I get wrapped up in hectic schedules and hence my friend’s birthday date slips off from my mind. Forgetting a friend’s Birthday would result in conflicts, misunderstandings and hurts. Once, I called my friend at sharp 12 and sang "Happy Birthday" for 5 Minutes. She politely listened and as soon as I paused, she started throwing all bad (censored) words. I thought may be my voice was horrible and that’s the reason she was scolding. But later, I understood that I wished her a month before. I.e. Instead of June 10th, I wished her on May 10th. She cursed me for spoiling her sleep.

• With the help of Social media on mobile, all the problems of forgetting birthday and wishing a month advance got resolved. 
• With the help of Facebook Birthday Reminders, I am able to order gifts for my friends well in advance and plan their special events properly. I can easily post a cute personalized message on their wall paper and Share their memorable photos from last year. 

2. Promoting my book:
My book sales have been pretty decent, only with the help of social media. The below picture would say the rest.

3. Knowledge about the events:
I owe a trekking club and Facebook helps a lot in promoting an event. It also, helps me to track all the possible events that are in and around Bangalore. I am a big fan of Preethi Shenoy and I longed to meet her once in my lifetime. I was following her FB page regularly and one fine day, I received a notification about her book launch event. I send her an email about my interest and received an
invite from her for the event. So, social media has helped me in meeting Preethi Shenoy, Chetan Bhagat at Half girlfriend book launch event.

• Social media help me to connect with like minded peoples like blogger, fictional Reader, Short story writers, film makers. 
• Every day, I am getting more new visitors to my blog and it’s because of networking. 
• I found my old school friends too. 

4. Helps me stay motivated:
There is nothing inspiring than starting a day with a positive quote. I follow the Positive & Inspirational Quotes, Positive Attitude Quotes pages in FB and the quotes which they share is a drive to keep me motivated throughout the day.

5. Stay in touch:
It helps me to stay connected with my friends and relatives who are in Singapore and United States. When my sister was out of country for 3 years, I never missed her since we were in constant touch through social media sites.

LinkedIn - 

• LinkedIn has helped me in finding a job. It also, helped to connect with people of my technology. 

Youtube: 
The embedded videos in Blog does not work in Web. It needs additional plugin to be installed. So, Youtube apps helps a lot.

• It again helped me to promote my book Trailer
• It has also made me a great chef. I always love watching Vah re vah cooking programs and try on it my own.  
• Technically, the TED talk videos have helped a lot in budding professionally 

     Though many people crib about social media as its kills our time, its spoils relationship, it shrinks our thinking. I would say, it all depends on how you invest your valuable time and be cautious.

Social media on mobile vs web. Here is a funny conversation between them.

Mobile APPS - I am the best and smart. People can take selfies and instantly share it on FB, twitter, Whereas you are an Idoit. People need to open a browser, enter the url and wait for it to load, then enter the user name and password, navigate to upload screen and then share it in Facebook. By the time they complete the task with your help, I must have got 1000 likes and 10 shares.
It’s even worse if they are using you in system. People need to Search for Data cable or switch on Bluetooth, transfer it from me and then share on social media sites.

Web -People love me for multi-tasking. People can open Facebook, Pinterest,Reddit, StumbleUpon, MySpace, Scoop it, Youtube,  Flickr, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Plus+, Instagram, Tumblr in a single browser. But people need to launch separate APP's for each. Moreover, You occupy more device space. 50 MB for Google+, 24 MB for Gmail, 20 MB for YouTube. where as I (Internet Web browser) take only 2 MB of mobile space.

Mobile APPS - What is the use boss? I eliminate the need to type the url. Just by pointing the camera at the QR code, URL is launched.  I am more user-friendly, attractive and give the user a pleasant experience.

Web - But people need to download and install in order to use you. They need to download QR Code Reader, to use QR code scanner. It’s an additional task. Moreover, I can be used in Mobiles, as well as in laptops and desktops.  

Mobile APPS - I do come with offers. In order to promote their app, they offer free talk time and other offers when they install few apps.

Web -Yes, they give you free virus too. They can easily hack your accounts, with any app. When a mobile is lost, they can easily access all your data. Whereas, I don't reveal anything, other than your browse history. Because of you, people are always online. You spoiled relationship.

Mobile APPS - I did not spoil relationship. Indeed, made relationship smooth. With the help of what’s app, I made love proposal so easy and have coupled many people. Moreover, I always give them notifications about new post, status, comments. People never miss any news because of me. I have also been a good companion for introvert people.

Web -But I am professional. I tend to give them a decent image. In office, when people are playing FarmVille or Fishville or PetVille game, others think that they are working sincerely. Whereas, when
they are even reading news on mobile, people tag, "You are always busy with mobile"

Mobile - I am cute pies for students. They can hide me inside their text book and play candy crush and share the score in FB. Parents think that, their children is always studying and appreciate them with the neighborhood. Students on the other hand, share this existing moments in FB and get likes too.

Web - Hey you Tiny object...  you spoiled the vision of many people. But my screen is bigger and never strained their eyes.

Mobile - Lol. What is the use. I have given lot of jobs for many people. I have played a critical role their creative factor. Every day people are developing new apps and improving their existing social
media apps. I am integrated with many good apps like weight loss, Budget management and they can share their achievements in FB or tweet it or share with social media sites instantly.

Web -But, I am needed to develop you. Without me, you are nothing.

Mobile APPS - Just give some days. My fans would sort out that issue too.

“I am participating in the #SMWBangalore activity at BlogAdda in association with Social Media Week Bangalore“.

Little things to do to our parents

Little things to do to our parents.

Below are the little things to do to our parents who are around 60 to 70 years old. Due to circumstance, we are away from them and it’s tough to provide our 100% support.

• Reduce their burden: Pay their home electricity bill, Telephone bills online. Recharge their mobile, DTH’s online. Decrease their pain of standing in queue for a long time. For us, it’s just a one click payment.
• Whenever you go home, buy the things they want, and stock it up.
• Educate them: Teach them the usage of mobile and what' app. Share the kids' photos and videos often via what’s up. They feel so happy to watch their grandchildren.
• Though we have many advantages over mobile invention, it spoiled our memory. We hardly dial our beloved numbers and we never remember the number in mind. What if mobile gets lost, or someone stolen it or if they forget it. So, frequently check whether they could remember 5 important person number (life partner, office number, daughter, son number)
• Call them and talk often:When they say they are not feeling well, it may be not possible for us to take them to the Hospital. But at least call them morning and evening call to inquire about their health. Though you may not be able to provide physical support, offer them emotional support.
• Accept their emotions change:I know this is the most challenging part. Always keep in mind that they are getting older physically, whereas turning kids at heart. Their memory power is weakening and even our little different behavior would hurt them a lot.

They repeat the same sentence often. Learn to be patience.

They tend to forget thing and keep asking the same question 5th time. Learn to reply them politely.

They ask you how to use gadgets, DVD's infinite times. Smile and teach them as if you are teaching for the first time.

• Shower with the things they love Show them their old photos often. Gift them the movies they love.
• Surprise them on their special days:Never forget their birthday, anniversary, and mother’s day father’s day. Order something online and make them happy
• Make them feel important: Before taking any decision, even if you are not ready to take advice from them, at least in form them. . Promotions, rewards, call them the same day and inform them/ don't wait to tell in person
• Book a taxi for them:If your parents are able to drive a car and can go buy their own, ignore this point.Else book them a cab or get a driver’s numbers along with you. Whenever they are going for a hospital or for any long/remote marriages book them a cab and pay the money by yourself. Parents will not  accept as it costlier, but fight with them to accept it. 

And Friends, its your turn now. Please do post in comments section about your views 

Sound of Love

Sound of Love

This post has won the BlueStone #SoundOfLove contest.

I took a deep relaxing breath, after putting my sign in the candidate’s Signature field of the Medical application form. But my heart skipped a beat when my dad requested hostel application form and filled it. My house is just a 10 minute drive from the college, then why he insist to put me in college hostel?  With thoughts in my mind, I signed the form and submitted.
While driving back to home my dad said, “For quite some years, things are not working in between me and your mom. We decided to go on our ways finally.”

I could not believe what my dad said. So as soon as I reached home, I rushed to check with my mom. I could see my mom’s sarees packed in a suitcase. She said, “Your education was important to us and we felt our decision of separation would disturb your education. That’s why, we decided to separate once you complete your Schooling. I got my job transferred to Bangalore and you dad will still continue to work in Apollo Hospital, Chennai”
Tears rolled down to my cheek. I am the only daughter and hence could not discuss this issues with my siblings too. Every first Sunday, my dad would visit my hostel and my mom on second Sunday.
5 years passed. 
Final day of my college...
My parents came to take me to their home, but mom expected me to leave my dad and come with her and dad wanted the same. They started having arguments and finally without even knowing what’s running on my mind, they decided to share me(!?). First 15 days I would be staying in my mother’s house and next 15 days in my father house.
Months passed. 
One day, while I was driving my 2-wheeler a black car lost its control and rammed my Scooty. When I opened my eyes, I found my mom and dad standing together. I realized that I was in ICU for almost 2 days in unconscious state. I was advised by the doctors to stay in the hospital for another 15 days. My parents started having conversation about my health and medicines. But nothing more than that. They stayed together in the hospital. I also understood that those 2 days, when I was unconscious, they both were emotionally supportive to each other. The final day came. It was time for me to get discharged.
My dad helped in placing the luggage in my mom’s car and voluntarily replied, “Nothing can replace mothers love and you are the best in taking care of my…my daughter. So take her, to your home.” He said and headed towards his Elantra without waiting for my mother’s reply.
My mother shouted at him, “What? What you said? Your daughter.. Huh!? How could you say that? Wasn’t she our daughter?”
My dad did not turn back. He opened the car door and was about to get in. My mom rushed towards him, stopped and pleaded, “Tell the truth. Didn't you miss me for these 5 years? These 15 days, I felt your intense love for me. Didn't you feel my love? Didn’t you observe my pain of missing you? Didn't my heart beats tell you, how much I need you?." She knelt and started crying.
“Go and check your car dashboard” He replied firmly.
My mom rushed to her car, to check the surprise lying in the dashboard. There was a beautiful rose and a greeting card. “I can’t live without you anymore. I need you. Can we start a new life again!?”

The Greeting Card

My mom covered her face with the greeting card and began to cry. They looked at each other and exchanged a small hug.
“Mom, proposing with a Rose and a greeting card? A very outdated style of proposing ma. At-least for this reason, you should reject his proposal.” I teased them.
"How could you tease my hubby?" She hit me on my head with love, forgetting the injury on my head. Dad took me in his arms from wheelchair and carried to the car. When he slipped his leg, my mom said, "Careful sweet heart, we just got her back."
Their eyes met and it exchanged lot of emotions.

“I am participating in the #SoundOfLove activity atBlogAdda in association with Bluestone”.

Life Before Author Vs. Life After Author

Today I came across this interesting post by a Professional Blogger/author and I could easily relate to.

Here are my views:

BEFORE	AFTER
I am against social networking sites. It’s nothing but own publicity. I will never post anything over there.	Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Plus+, Tumblr, Instagram, Vine, Meetup, Flickr…is there any other networking sites through which I could promote my book?
Just 50,000 words. Give me a day. I can finish it.	Get writer's block and mind get struck at 10th word. (Your mind voice- "This scene seems to be similar to my earlier novel. This reflects my old post")
English - I am very good at.	Active Voice? Preposition? Homophones, weak words, pronouns, verbiage? Please give me a break. Did I really graduate from Convent school?
Writing a novel is tough, whereas publishing is easy	Writing a novel is easy, publishing is tough
Penguin India, Rupa & Co, HarperCollins India, Random House India. I am aware only about top 10 publishing house in India.	I knew a Publishing house and its guidelines that is even in Appuchi Kadai kuruku santhu (meaning: Small street too)
On looking at a book, the eyes roll over the title, author name, book blurb, book cover..etc.  Publisher? Why the hell I should care?	Turn the book ignoring all titles, authors and scan the Publisher first. Then google about the publisher, learn about their submission guidelines and in few days, the manuscript will be in that publishing house.
Debut author? So what, when it comes to market it’s a novel. The quality has to be impressive and creative.	Debut author know. Give her chance yaar. She will definitely improve in her upcoming. Go Read the first novels of William Shakespeare, Jackie Collins,  J. K. Rowling, Leo Tolstoy
Romance, love making scene. Oh no, I am against it. My novel is a family oriented script. 4 letter word? How could I use that?	Publisher must be right. Just one page in 263 page novel na, nothing will happen if I include romance scenes.

Overcoming the Challenges of Being an Author in the Digital Age

 Problem Being an Author

You can’t Share your pain/Ask a Question:

• If I share my disappointments, desires, hurts or pain, people conclude that I am just saying it to gather their reaction or taking some survey for a new post.
• Whenever I say “I am not feeling good" or "I am down", instead of asking the reasons or convincing, my friends always trigger a question, "Was it your next novel title?”
• Few of my friends will be always extra cautious in sharing their personal stuffs. They don’t speak, since they fear that I may pen down their incidents in my blog. 
• Below is the one of the screen shot of a chat, with my so-called-Idiotic-friend. 

Chat History with my Friend

I will be cornered with my writings:

Friends tend to give advice from my own writings, when I look out for their advice or support. You can’t ignore their advice since it was my own writings.
Let me share an incident. I was very confused in choosing a decision. When I was looking for my friend support, he said "Follow your heart" as you said in your video. This is what happens if you are writer :(

There were extreme ends too, People trust me blindly and turn towards me for advice. They share their problem and expect me to offer a solution as well.

Expect to be a literate in English

People expect me to be perfect in English. When I do a mistake, I could hear the below Statements,

How did you manage to write such a big novel without knowing this word? 

Don’t you know this basic sentence of grammar?

 Don’t you know the meaning of this small word?

Must be her Story:

Though it’s fictional, People will think it happened in my life. 75% of the people asked me, whether the love between the protagonist in Touch of Mist was my life incidents. It’s absolutely fine. You have the rights to ask any question. But they don't believe, when I say "No" and educate them it’s an imaginary story.

If I write about a kissing scene, "Oh yeah, she must have kissed a guy."

If I write about a dating scene, "oh she must have for gone for a date."
I have written about committing suicide, “So I must have committed suicide :P ”.

I re-iterate, A person who writes about terrorism need not be a terrorist. I don’t have to be in love to write a love story.
On a funny note, I don’t think Mr. Perfect like Gowtham exist in the world. Mr.Perfect or Mrs. Perfect exists only in dream world and in movies.

Approach you for editing their content:
She is a writer. She should be able to write/Edit an article for me. I always write only when it makes me happy and if any incident touches my soul. I enjoy taking part in contest and that’s the reason I participate in contest

Writing is not my passion, I enjoy writing and its one of the thing I love. When people approach me for editing their content or to help them in writing out something, I really can’t do that. I am being forced to write. In that case, definitely my quality won’t be good.

OMG!! You are an Author:

All my friends whom they knew me before publishing a book, say “My friend have published a book.” For them, I am still Deepika with the same old tag “my classmate”, "my room-mate", "my college mate", "my colleague". It feels good to be in that zone.

But the people whom I meet new, there came lots of embarrassing situation.

When they stumble across my post or book and when they understand that I have written a novel they say, “Deepika, I never knew you are an author. Was I talking to an author? “

People don’t stop there. They ask, why are you so simple, being an author?

But Yes, thanks to all my readers and Friends. This is my 234th post and it would have not been possible without you. I thank each and every person/incident who has been my inspiration in writing.