Life as a bathroom singer among other things

Are women born this way?

2009-09-15T02:48:00.000-07:00

My Gift!

2009-09-15T01:53:00.001-07:00

Your Gift Is Energy

You are easily excitable, and you love to be on the go. You crave intensity.

You need to live a dynamic, interesting, and challenging life. Otherwise, you get bored.

It's hard for you to relax. You're constantly being inspired to do something.

You're the type of person who finds success, innovation, and creativity easy.

What's Your Gift?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

Things I've learned from my marriage

2009-09-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Top 10 things I've learned from my marriage, not about relationships per say, but doing these things makes me a calmer person which automatically translates into better relationships.

Sometimes, during the initial years of marriage, we find it hard to set boundaries and often change our habits and activities to suit the other person, visiting relatives (esp if it's either set of parents) and what not. But very often I've found that doing so and in turn somehow unsettling myself, be it for anyone, really doesn't help me or anyone else in the long run.

So here goes-

1. Join classes- it can be anything- learning french language, bollywood dancing, yoga. Keep your independent identity intact. Do things you enjoy even if others in your new family don't like the same things or don't understand how taking belly dancing classes makes you a better wife/ daughter-in-law! :)

2. Volunteer work- helps keep things in perspective and it's pretty hard to stay down when you're bringing joy to someone else esp if they really need it.

3. Join a women's group/ kitty or even a book club- some place where you get to meet other women and see things from a different perspective. Even if you don't, the laughter and gossip make it worth the effort!

4. Keep a TV and DVD player in your bedroom- for those days when you're just don't feel up to talking to anyone and want some me-time or if other family members hog TV time too much then this becomes an essential.

5. Learn to drive- seriously, this is a must or else you'll always be dependent on someone to ferry you to and from wherever it is that you want to go.

6. Meet friends, sister or anyone you really like for lunch at least once in two weeks.

7. Make Saturday night 'date night' with your husband. Friday is usually work and then you might need to run some errands but on Saturday, dress up nicely and make sure you go out and do something nice- a nice dinner and a movie, shopping (NOT grocery!) or anything else you like. But don't stay home atleast on this day. You can always have a date night at home during the week. But dressing up and going out will up your confidence and will add a spark of fun.

8. Retire to your bedroom at 10:30 pm no matter what- even if you have your in-laws, parents or any other people staying with you- leave to go to your bedroom at 10:30 pm even if it means breaking up a chatter session- don't set trends of staying up late and giving up on your quiet time- you will not be able to keep this up and will wake up a calmer and more together person if you stick to the routines you're used to.

9. Do not wake up before 7:30 am or the time that you usually used to wake up at- do not set trends of waking up earlier than you're used to or doing some chores for anyone that you won't be able to do forever. It'll just set unrealistic expectations and it will be very hard for everyone to adjust whenever you decide to go back to your old ways. some things are just not worth the effort so while bending over backwards and changing everything might seem like the best thing to do to show your willing nature to adjust and care about your new family- resist the temptation- it won't make you appear evil!

10. Exercise! Do not compromise on this- your body will thank you for this years down the line. Stick to the time you're used to and don't change it unless something really very important comes up.

I do want to keep a rounded number of points (call me obsessive!) so I won't add another point but the one thing you need to ensure is that you and your DH keep the lines of communication open- be honest, open and clear while discussing things and don't attack/ insult in your conversations. Try and find activities to do that you both enjoy and make time to do one atleast once a week. Remember to have fun!

Pigeonholed in IT needs MBA liberation!

2009-09-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

http://marquisweblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/i-wanna-break-free-story-of-pigeonholed.html

I'll just let the post in the link above say it all. It is thanks to wonderful people like Marquis that the world is a better place and makes me believe that there is still some hope for us despite living in a world that's constantly getting more selfish. This super busy guy actually takes time out of his busy schedule to answer many many (many!!!) questions b-school hopefuls ask! That's reason enough for me to place his blog in my 'I like!' list! Thanks for doing this Marquis! God bless!

What do you need the most?

2009-09-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

You Need Acceptance

You aren't truly happy in life unless you are able to accept yourself, flaws and all.

You also need to be accepted by other people. You like feeling you belong and that you're not being judged.

You are a welcoming and open minded person. It's not hard for you to accept others for who they are.

You believe that everyone is happiest when we live without judgement or prejudice. And you're doing your part to make that happen.

What Do You Need Most?

The Daily Mind

2009-09-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

One of the sites about self-improvement and finding inner happiness and lasting peace. I've really liked some of the articles and the advice offered is simple. There are no hard do's and dont's which is probably why the articles are effective because you can use the tips the way you want to.

http://www.thedailymind.com/how-to/how-to-overcome-low-self-esteem-and-stand-tall-today/

The Tree Test

2009-09-01T06:53:00.001-07:00

You Fascinating and Truthful

You are a responsible person who enjoys taking care of others.

You believe in honest work and taking on commitments. You have a good character.

And while you are very trustworthy, you are by no means boring and dull.

You are bright, quick, and witty. You are a nonconformist who always has something interesting to say.

The Tree Test

I love bathtubs!

2009-09-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

And singing in bathrooms! Somehow my voice just sounds wayyy better :) Of course, it also helps that no one's around to throw things at me when I belt out flat tunes one after another. LOL!

But don't you just loooove soaking in a bathtub full of hot soapy water with lots of bubbles and a good book after a long hard day at work? Ahhh bliss!!! I'm just waiting for the day my husband and I finally manage to buy a house equipped with a bathtub for two! :D

Photo courtesy: http://girlslife9.blogspot.com/

100 things to do before you die!

2009-09-01T05:28:00.001-07:00

How many can you tick off your list?!

http://brass612.tripod.com/cgi-bin/things.html

Greener Cleaner!

2009-09-01T05:12:00.001-07:00

Came across these tips for cleaning in a greener and safer way. It's frugal, healthier and really easy. I tried a few recipes for making my own home made, non-toxic cleaners and they work like a charm!

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/frugal/recipeshomemadecleaners.htm

Oh and two more tips-

-To get rid of any awful odors in your fridge or dustbin, open a small sachet of baking soda and let it sit in a corner in the fridge or sprinkle a little bit in the dustbin and voila, the smell will be gone!

- To quickly and magically polish your tarnished silverware, rub with some tooth powder mixed with a little water using some cotton and presto- gleaming silver!

Dealing with workplace conflicts

2009-09-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

We often need to deal with difficult people at work- people who are either manipulative, undependable, lazy or just generally a pain to work with. This article explains different approaches people adopt when faced with a conflict either at work or in a personal relationship by comparing each approach to an animal- a turtle, a shark, a teddy bear, a fox and an owl. A quick and nice read.

http://www.fabjob.com/tips236.html

Heart of The Home

2009-09-01T01:36:00.000-07:00

Something about this website and this very creative and talented lady is so inspiring and comforting that I keep going back to her site (especially the shopping section!) every time I am looking for some TLC.

http://www.susanbranch.com

I first read one of her books when my sister gifted it to me as a cheer up gift. I had just moved into my first apartment all by myself in a new city and Susan's book was just what I needed. I spent hours curled up on my sofa with a big mug of hot chocolate and her book. Her art, font (that's actually her handwriting!) and the things she says in her books just bring this instant feeling of comfort and peace and to this day I love reading all her books over and over again- I think I have every single one of her books though it was really hard to get hold of them here in India!

Her calendars are awesome as well- every year I get one and the first thing I do is quickly flip to my birthday month- October and see what she's written and painted for that one!! Check out the other stuff the website has to offer esp. the 'What's Cooking' section if you like some hearty, homely food. And her website is aptly titled- Heart of the Home! Very cozy and charming! We love you, Susan! Thank you for reminding us that love, warmth and a little creativity goes a long way in making happy homes and a much happier world!

My first post!

2009-09-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

There's a wonderful blogging community out here on the www and I've been lucky enough to stumble upon some truly great blogs on all kinds of topics starting from home making, organizing, cooking and crafting to b-school applicants, current events and volunteering!

There's a great wealth of information out there and also a lot of friends to be made! Coz I'm such a organizing junkie and magpie-like by nature :), I'm going to compile some of the stuff I like best from all the blogs and websites I read and of course will blog about anything that interests me (that's the whole point of blogging, right?!).

I hope those who happen to read this blog find it resourceful and interesting! Wishing you all joy, luck, love and peace.