Gearing up for Cricket Season World Cup 2015 – For non fans of Cricket

The title could be misleading hence, here’s a disclaimer-

The blog post talks about ‘things to do’ when others in the house are watching cricket. It could be worth while for everybody to read it but the post is not for cricket fans. Yes, not for cricket fans. Although, you can suggest these things to your wife, girlfriend, sister, mother, brother or father who might be losing out on their TV air time. Even I am not a huge fan, I can watch a few matches if need be but that is all.

Tip 1:

Hog TV during non-match hours –

The most difficult thing to do is manage time. Since the matches are in Australia they will start early and end early. So manage your time well and watch TV when the matches are not on. If someone in the house is going to watch the highlights then may god save you.

Source:articles.mercola.com

Tip 2:

Collect sitcoms –

Every household now have a laptop or a computer. Invest is a good headphone and watch all those sitcoms that you did not have time for, earlier. Re-watch some seasons or watch some movies. It could be a blessing in disguise. I, for example, am going to watch FRIENDS, back to back. I never found time to do so earlier. Beat that! Get your friends to source your sitcoms and movies. Sit back and enjoy!

Source:www.pastemagazine.com

Tip 3:

Take up a hobby –

Not into sitcoms? Take up a hobby. My latest fetish is paper quilling. I have my projects lined up. If you think you never had the time to take up a hobby, now is the time. Do paper crafts, paint, origami, pot painting or even experimental cooking. I know cooking should be a special subject but you can do small experiments in the kitchen while people are busy staring at the computer screens.

Source:theberry.com

Tip 4:

Write by hand

Come Internet age we hardly write by hand. Research says that writing by hand can help keep your brain sharp as you grow old (1). Take up a book and copy on a notebook or write something on your own. You have a blog? For a change, write it down on a piece of paper before typing it. Dedicate half an hour for writing something. If you have anything important for which you need to take notes for sake of record keeping, now is a good time.

Source: www.explodedsoda.com

Tip 5:

Recipe book

Make your personalised recipe book. I am on a mission to cook good food and try new stuff. So I think after craft and stuff this is on priority for me. Buy a fancy notebook and doodle around a little to keep you motivated. Hunt for simple recipes and write them down. Call up your friends or relatives to get the recipe for the daal or a curry you had at their place the last time. You can actually merge this with ‘Tip 5’ as well.

Source:www.buyolympia.com

Tip 6:

Cook or Bake

If you are really interested in cooking not like a hobby as I mentioned in Tip 3 then try the new recipe you have been sitting on forever. With no one to disturb you and lot of time in hand just do it. Have you ever tried baking? Me neither. Time to do that! Try whatever you were skeptical about making. All the best!

Source: www.gettyimages.com

Tip 7:

Visit the parlour

Get that long pending body spa you have been wanting to go for. Get that hair colour done. Go get a hair cut! Do what the parlour has to offer to sooth your senses. It will actually take your mind off the fact you can’t watch TV and you will be in a better mood for the rest of the month.

Source: www.dealsandyou.com

Tip 8:

Read

I know, avid readers might be thinking why I didn’t mention this earlier. Not that this is in order of priority or importance here. Make an experience out of reading. Wear something you are comfortable in. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee. Shut that door. Put your leg up and read. Warning! You might be so relaxed that you might fall asleep. So sit somewhere from where you won’t fall off. Do you have a terrace or a garden or balcony? Go up, put a carpet and read to your heart’s content.

Source: www.allaboutyou.com

Tip 9:

Listen to Music

I, for example, have a huge collection of music. So huge that I have not even heard a lot of songs. Dig those up and listen. Make a perfect playlist. Sit back and enjoy.

Source: brady-advertising.com

Tip 10:

Nap

We are all deprived of sleep in one way or the other. Take a nap whenever you can. Complete the back log.

Source: theconcussionblog.com

Tip 11:

Do whatever you wanted to do forever

There are so many things we can’t do because we end up watching TV instead. Cycling, swimming, dancing, meeting up with friends, planting saplings etc. I am sure you can help me a make a huge list. Coming one and half month is a big opportunity for non-fans of cricket for doing something they wanted to do alone. Use this as ‘Me Time’. Line up things to do. You will enjoy it and you will make it easy for cricket fans to get rid of you 😛

So? All geared up for cricket season? Have more ideas? Do leave your comments. Enjoy!

Anyone but Me

Could I have been a doctor,

Could I have been a multi-millionaire,

Could I have been an astronaut,

Could I have been an artist,

Could I have been anyone but me?

Would it matter if I was working in defence,

Would it matter if I was a great chef,

Would it matter if I were a social worker,

Would it make me a better person,

Could I be anyone but me?

Could I have rather danced all day,

Could I have rather given speeches,

Could I have rather done yoga for a living,

Could I be anyone but me?

The thought makes me crazy,

That sometimes I don’t want to be me.

Is there anyone who thinks the same,

Who want to change their being, change their name.

But every time I so fall in love with me,

I don’t want to be anyone but me.

Men will be Men

No matter how grown up they are,

They are boyish; they are childish,

They will throw tantrums, catch you by surprise,

They will do everything you despise,

Men will be men.

 
 

They will forget your birthdays and anniversaries,

But they will put you out of your misery,

They will melt your heart in seconds,

With their smiles, sweet and gingery.

Men will be men.

 
 

They will be all bossy at work,

But they will be your pet at home,

Your heart will bubble up with light sweet foam,

What more do you need then,

As men will be men.

 
 

They will insist on walking to side of the road,

Where cars speed, dashing with a roar,

They will stand in the sun to give you shade,

They will do it even if it is clichéd,

But men will be men.

 
 

They were told not to cry,

They were told to be brave,

They will shed a tear alone,

And not share their sorrows again,

But men will be men.

 
 

Our strength, our courage, our pet, our care taker,

Things will have to go through them before they harm us,

These mischief makers will never change,

Why should I not hold them close then?

Because men will be men.

 
 

 

–Vibha

Courtesy: www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk

Peace

Love never dies

We as humans, love. We have a capacity of loving anything and everything. It is very natural. We too have a capacity to fall out of love. And we do that more often than we think we do. It is scary but it is the reality. You find yourself not feeling anything for people you loved once so much. This applies to the things you love as well. I was so much in love with the toys on my work desk that I secretly used to talk to them when no one was looking. Now they are packed up in a box and I do not even remember the time they were on my desk. It is difficult to tell why parents submerge themselves in their interest for cigarettes, drugs and alcohol and neglect their kids altogether. Why do couples, once in love can’t stand each other after a few years? How do they forget what they once shared?

Falling in love is like a dream but our ability to fall out of it is like a nightmare.

Some people give into the hatred and dislike and, some initiate this act of creating the wall between the two. Spouse, siblings, friends, neighbours all of us are only a little away from changing our love into hatred. We think shutting off the person will end the problem, will help you get control of your feelings and surroundings. We just make it worse. We are creating a war within us. The revenge, the agony, it kills us. Why then we not give love a chance? Why do we act rude to something we couldn’t part with earlier? Why is there a competition amongst you on who did how much or what, for the other?

Give love a chance. Give each other a chance. Give this world a chance. Hatred doesn’t solve anything. You will agree that, two filthy hands can’t wash one another clean. It will only make your life mucky and unclear. When I see people fight, my imagination just goes wild. I imagine 2 dogs barking at each other. Aren’t we different then that?

Dear Santa, I wish we all learn to love each other. It is easy and natural. Let people’s heart grow closer to each other. Let everybody appreciate each other for what they are. Everyone in our lives are important. Mostly, give us strength to fight anything that grows inside us that leads to hatred.

Love will live forever. Love never fails us. Love never dies.

RIP Humanity- The darkest day in Peshawar

The children might have woken up to their mother’s voice. Eaten their favourite breakfast. She might have dressed her son, perfecting his tie. She might have tied a pigtail for her pretty daughter. She might have loved them more than ever. She might have wanted to hold them a little longer like she feels like every morning. Her little angels. Little did she know that her tiny angels will never come back. That they will be shot in their head by some merciless creatures; who did not hesitate for even a bit.

What a horrifying day in the history of humanity! What were they thinking? Were a even thinking? Couldn’t they have changed their minds when they looked in the kids’ eyes. Innocent little children. What was their fault? Why has revenge become bigger than people and mercy?
It is a shame that innocent people are still paying price of somebody’s wrong doings. But children? How could they possibly even point the gun at those kids? They were not even worth threatening with a lethal weapon like that. Head shots?
I froze the moment I heard the news. I was terrified when I read the details. Minutes after the incident the pictures showed a very nightmare-ish situation. I wished it was just a nightmare. We are so used to despise Pakistan that I thought, whatever wrong may happen to them; it will never affect me. I just wanted to run and hold on to a kid and cry.
No human deserves to be killed like this. It is no different for any child, anyone. These representatives of devils! Die in hell. Burn in hell you monsters!

 

Life Lessons from Mowgli

My parents used to be always irritated by the fact that I used to watch cartoons all day long. They believed that watching news channels or Discovery channel or Nat Geo would have contributed to my personality. It would have built my character. But I always watched cartoons. Given a chance I will still watch. Little did my parents know that some cartoons have taught me some great life lessons that non-fiction channel could never have.

Do you guys remember Mowgli? It used to be my favourite. In early 90s there weren’t too many cartoon merchandises. The most you could get was Micky Mouse and Donald Duck cartoons. I never was a stubborn kid but I had almost cried my eyes out to get Mowgli notebook stickers. Yes, I saw them in a shop and I wanted it. I remember that I made my father stick those over the stickers that were already on the notebooks, since it was middle of the year. I used the same book cover for three years straight for different books by over-writing the standard and division on it.

I didn’t realise it then but my attachment to Mowgli was because of much deeper reasons that entertainment. The cartoon series taught me crucial lessons which I still remember and rather relate to, now better than earlier.

Life Lesson 1: Be careful who you trust.

Remember that snake who used to hypnotise Mowgli? That means we should be careful around people like that before trusting them.

Life Lesson 2: Laughing is blessing

I remember how Mowgli used to laugh. Loudly! He used to shake completely. It changes your mood. Makes you believe that tomorrow will better than today. So just laugh it out loud.

Life Lesson  3: What is right is not always easy

It is hard to face the truth and do what is right. You will always find yourself in a situation where you know what is right but it would come with a set of obstacles to test you. Remember, it may not be easy but do what is right always. Papa Bear had set a good example then

Life Lesson 4: Be fearless if you know you are right

Bageera was never afraid of anyone. He had taken an oath to protect the little human baby and he did what it took to do so.

Life Lesson 5: Dance like crazy

Really. That is one lesson I followed even when I was a kid. Papa Bear or Balloo and the Monkey used to be so happy dancing care freely. Put on some costume also if you want. Nothing like a crazy dance to cheer you up

Life Lesson 6: Always keep your chin up

Mowgli has had more disappointing days that anybody in the jungle. The very fact that he didn’t actually belong there was a reason why he was on constant conquest. But he always had his friends around. Hence, he used to never be sad for  too long. He always started afresh.

Life Lesson 7: Count on your friends

Friends play a very important part in our lives. What we do not share with our parents, children and spouse we share with them. And they only come to our rescue and never judge us. We can be rest assured that no matter what happens our friends will always be there.

Life Lesson 8: Never break a coconut with your head

It taught us that we can’t break or fight a hard thing with something softer. You need to be rought sometimes to solve hard situations. If not you will only end up getting hurt.

 

And of course, cartoons can help build our personality as well. Which is your favourite cartoon?

Interesting stories behind Ganpati’s figure

Ganpati or Ganapati is also called as Gajanana which means the one with an elephant head. Out of all the Hindu gods we commonly know, I find his head very peculiar. Since he is what we call ‘our family god’ I have been very curious about his appearance since a kid. How did he end up with an elephant head? This is my most favourite part amongst all interesting Ganesha stories.

Goddess Parvati, Shiva’s wife and Ganapati’s mother wanted someone to keep guard as she went for a bath. She used turmeric paste that she has applied to her body and a moulded a son for herself. Some versions of this story say that she used her body dirt to make the body of her son.

She asked him to guard the doorway and not let anyone in until she asks him. As she goes for the bath Shiva appears at the doorway. In order to obey his mother Ganesh does not allow him to enter. Shiva becomes furious and beheads Ganesh.

Parvati finds out about it and becomes angry at Shiva. She demands Shiva to bring Ganesh to life. Shiva gives into Parvati’s demands and asks his Ganas – the soldier to get the head of the first animal they find. There was one condition though. It had to be facing north. (Love the kind of detailing our mythological stories have)

Parvati’s son was thus brought to life. He was now the one with elephant head.

Image Source: www.revjeff.com

What’s with Ganpati’s big belly?

After the face, the next thing a person might observe is the big protruding belly. In different versions people say it means prosperity (that is what we plump people use as an excuse for being fat) and some say it represents the universe. 

There is another longish story around Kubera, who is supposedly Ravana and Kumbakaran’s half brother. He was very pompous and arrogant because of the wealth he had accumulated. In order to exhibit his wealth he called Shiva and Parvati for a dinner treat. Since Mahadev or Shiva knew of his intentions he sent Ganesha instead. 

Kubera, out of his arrogance declared that Ganesha can eat how much ever he wants. There won’t be any shortage. But Ganapati’s hunger at dinner was insatiable. He kept eating from the big platters that were served to him. Kubera was soon out of food. So Ganesha started eating his furniture and other things in Kubera’s house. 

Kubera ran to Shiva for help. Shiva said, the only way to stop Ganesha was to feed him with a handful of rice with humility. Kubera did as he was suggested and succeeded in stopping him from eating up the house. He also learnt an important lesson. But because of eating so much in small span of time, Ganesha got a protruding belly.

Image Source: m.inmagine.com

Why does Ganpati have one broken tusk?

 Ganesha is also called Ekdanta – the one-toothed, because he has one broken tusk.

The story related to this has a reference to Mahabharata. Ved Vyas, was to write Mahabharata. He asked Ganesha is he would help him write it down as he narrates the epic story. Ganapati agreed instantly.

There was a condition though. Ved Vyas would continuously narrate the story. Ganesha has to first understand and only then write it and not take down mere dictations. Ganpati realised that this is no ordinary story and thought that no pen could be apt enough to write it down. He broke one of his tusks and started writing. 

There are a lot of versions for this though. Some said he lost the tooth in a fight with Pashuram. Ganpati did not fight it out of respect for the weapon Parush (axe) bestowed to Parshuram by his father Shiva. Instead he took it on the tusk when Parshuram threw it on him while he was guarding the door. 

Some say he broke the tooth because actual pen broke while writing Mahabharata and he was not supposed to stop while Ved Vyas narrated.

Image Source: wonderfulmumbai.com

There are so many stories about Ganapati that are very interesting but I cannot put them in one article. Do share your favourite ones. Happy Ganesh Festival everyone!

 

 

Beautiful Quotes by Robin Williams

Robin Williams has been making all of us laugh since god knows when. I am very sad for our loss. I will remember him for his wittiness and his full of life attitude. He has not only made us happy but has taught so many things about life, in general. Here are a some of my favorite quotes by him.

“There is still a lot to learn, and there is always great stuff out there. Even mistakes can be wonderful.”

“Poetry, beauty, romance, love… these are what we stay alive for.”

“What’s right is what’s left if you do everything else wrong.”

“Reality… what a concept!”

“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

Will Work For Food (Diet Food)

It has been long since I last posted and I was wondering what am I doing to be so busy. Well, I certainly am trying to lose weight. Not successfully maybe, but I am trying. Exercise was never my thing, so I have resorted to diet. I followed it religiously for a week and then came my birthday. All hell broke lose. And I have not been able to get back to it completely.

Just wanted to share this experience with you guys. Diet helps. Not too many people have noticed that I have lost a little weight but I have. Since, I am not here to prove anything to anybody I do not bother if people are really noticing. If you think diet is not your thing you should see a dietitian. I too believed I can’t do it but it is easier than you think it is. Of course, you have to give up a lot of carbs and fried foods and sugars but the results are rewarding.

I can slip into an older top which was slightly tight 3 months back. It is not much, right? But at least I can get into it perfectly now. The effect would be gradual but I ll get there. 

Another benefit, skin has improved because of healthy eating. Have not eating processed food for weeks and that feels amazing.

Have been working towards this. Wish I can do it more sincerely. Well, at least I have started of.