31 October, 2013

Looking forward to the next milestone

Today was the day to celebrate. One step crossed. Looking forward to the next one.
Every day I am nearing my goal. I will stay focussed. Yes, the end result will be good. But the journey is even better. It is tough but it keeps me going.

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep, 
And miles to go before I sleep".
- By Robert Frost


"Focused, hard work is the real key to success. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it". 
John Carmack 



30 October, 2013

This is ME

“You can't stop the future
You can't rewind the past
The only way to learn the secret
...is to press play.”
― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why

Time never stops for anyone. Everyday we learn new things, discover more, start liking something new or get bored of something that we liked previously. We change and evolve constantly. And that is how we should be. Of late, I have changed a lot- like A LOT. If you have been following my blog regularly,  you might find things that I am going to write in this blog post, contradicting the ones that I have previously written or if you are really with me in my journey, you might see where I am coming from. Maybe I am simply getting old. But anyhoo...


So what are the things I like or not like? What kind of people impress me or do not impress me?

1. Something that has started bothering me is fake people, fake smiles, fake friendships, fake bags, etc etc. You get the gist? With advent of facebook also came advent of cameras, mobile cameras and photos. I have nothing against photos. In fact, I love them. But earlier pictures were clicked to save the beautiful memories. But of late, the agenda of clicking pictures has changed. It is to show to the world- How happy you are, how popular you are, how famous you are. You stand with 20 other people posing for a picture, but you stand all alone. You are not with those 20. You are posing for those other people, who you think, will be looking at that picture. Your hand is on the shoulder of that 1 person standing next to you but in real, you are just posing for the 10 others that might see you on facebook. Give comments and likes. I so wish, that like blog, facebook also gave an option of disabling comments and likes. I would be the first one to use that option. Are you listening facebook guys?

2. Another thing that bothers me is endless series of jokes on whatsapp groups. 1 person posts a joke. 10 others make  smiley face, or a clap or a thumbs up. Of course, I have switched off all the notifications. But still....The group chat starts with good morning from one and good night from the other. And I just keep wondering, don't they have anything constructive, to do in life? I mean, please do not get me wrong. I am not pointing at anyone in particular. But I am just thinking out aloud. Because for me, personally, a day of 24 hours is not enough. Then where and how do people have time for ideal chat and gossip? And if they do, good for them. I have nothing against anyone. It is just that I do not have that kind of time, energy or inclination.

3. I absolutely believe in the phrase, "A friend in need is a friend indeed". If you think and call someone a friend, you got to stand with and by that person through thick and thin, in spring and in rain. You cannot be a friend just in leisure time to party and to rejoice. When that friend needs you, you need to be there unconditionally. Then you are a true friend. Else you are an acquaintance, or a party buddy. An example- My dad is diabetic. My mom takes pretty good care of him and his diet. To make sure that he does not feel the urge to eat sweets, she has sacrificed her cravings for sweets. She will not eat those those things, even bring those things at home, seeing which, he craves or binges. That is real and true partnership. There is a famous Bollywood  movie, Border. There is a very nice scene in it. It is about the army officers, posted on a border, engaged in war between two countries. One of the army officer has some emergency at home and has applied for a leave. His leave gets sanctioned and he starts rejoicing. That is when, his senior shouts at him that if he has to go home, he can but he cannot make the other officers feel bad that he is rejoicing and they are stuck in a situation. Every now and then, one person may get stuck in some kind of a situation. While life does not stop for anyone, and everyone has the right to lead their life, a true friend/partner will not start rejoicing (in your face), while the other is stuck in a situation. That is being inconsiderate and unsympathetic. You get the quintessence where I am coming from? A true friend, partner, buddy, family, will be there for you in thick and thin. While others will be there for you only to party together. So demarcate and know your true friends. You are lucky if you have one. Cherish them. 

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

4. Something that I never learnt, or never will or do not want to, is to be fake. I am what I am. Take it or leave it. I do not know how to mince words, stab behind, take nonsense, not speak my mind, be unprofessional, not follow my heart and my passions. 
There are things and people in my life that keep me going. Those are my life and my breath. They give me reason to smile, to live, to be happy. The simplest things give me joy. The fake ones put me off. 

5. We Indians do not know how to take no for an answer or "just to be frank". We just "mind" because we have no mind. 
Example: Someone, I know, asked me for a ride (it was to be on everyday basis) to and fro from work. While I am very much in favor of car pools, and think about the environment etc, I have a genuine problem. All my business calls, personal calls, etc are made while I drive. I do not have any other time during the day. Yes, I know that It is not right to use mobile while driving but I talk through my bluetooth. Hence it is perfectly safe. But of course, the voice echos in the car and can be heard by the person sitting with me. So I politely explained this person, my genuine situation. Needless to say, this person did mind.

Likewise, when I was genuinely super duper busy with something and needed all my focus and attention in a project, I told a friend that I will not be able to talk and would call later. What happened? This person did mind. 
In such situations, all I do, is stop using my mind and focus my left over mind and brain on the things that keep me going. If those were not there in my life, I would probably go mad. 

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
― Lao Tzu

6. I dislike (read: hate), when people try to dictate their terms on my blog. Imagine the audacity of people, who expect to be written on my blog. This blog is my personal space and I am super protective about it. I write about what I please. I follow my heart. Which is the reason, this blog flows freely. It writes about life, dance, fashion, everything that interests me and is me. But if someone demands, I become overly possessive. 

7. Till last year, I enjoyed all the frivolous Diwali parties, card parties, various events etc. This year I have steered clear of all. I have politely declined all those invites. Not for any other reason but because my work keeps me occupied and is so fulfilling.
Till last year, I was running a Marathon. This year onwards, I have taken a retirement from running. If I need to dance longer, I need to protect my knees and my spine.

Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”
― Eckhart Tolle

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym




29 October, 2013

Three musketeers

Never mentioned it earlier on my blog. Past so many months, three of us have spent more than couple of hours together every day. Doing what? Still not being revealed on the blog. But it is a fabulous company and a journey that I have thoroughly enjoyed. We have shared our meals and helped each other a lot. One day, maybe I will reveal, what has kept me busy all this while. As of now, the pictures depict the camaraderie. 







I am wearing a suit (Indian shirt and leggings), that I recently picked up. And I picked 2 identical ones. The other one is for my sister. Maybe, someday I post a picture of both of us wearing the identical suits. 





26 October, 2013

Going to Akshay Pratishthan

Today was Akshay Pratishthan fair. This fair is organized twice a year and is really good. The stalls are noteworthy. The things that are sold in each stall (mostly women's clothes, jewelry, etc) are extremely unique. People come from all over India to display their extraordinary products. There are serious buyers. The things are expensive and yet sold like hot cakes. The whole of Delhi, that I know of, goes here. And so did we. And we shopped too.


My friend is wearing her Tango T shirt.
I am wearing a dress that I had got as a Birthday present last year but somehow wore it for the first time today. It is a nice denim dress.
I am wearing it with Sketchers shoes, Etro bag and my new ballerina pendant.



Watching Russell Peters show

Yesterday I watched Russell Peters show. I was rolling down laughing. I have probably never laughed so much. He is really good and now I am his big fan. In fact, on my list he is presently number 1. Better than any Hollywood or Bollywood actor. He is so good looking and so full of wit and humor. OMG I can go on and on about him.Wow!! Wish I get to meet him personally once.

There was Sunanda Throor and some Sunil with her in sitting in the front row. Russell really took their case. He is so well read and aware. I am sure, he knew who they were. But the guy could not care two hoots. He mocked at her Hublot watch and her big rock on her fingers and how she had a priced catch in her second marriage. She was closed to tears. But he went on and on.



Seen, standing behind me is Sunanda Throor. Only her face is seen. And you can see the expression on her face. 



And after the show we went for dinner. And this is what I had worn.


Recently got this present from mom and dad. It is pendant- ballerina in platinum and diamonds and currently it is the best piece of jewelry that I have.


24 October, 2013

Vibrant orange full sleeve dress

There is a slight nip in the air. The season I detest (winters) is fast approaching. I have started taking out my full sleeve dresses. I got this one from US last year. But by the time, I came back from my trip, it was already summers in India. So I never got a chance to wear it till today.
I liked the color, the fit, the length, the material, everything. It is just perfect for me- simple, straight, vibrant understated yet makes a statement. The shoes are from Barcelona. I did not bother to accessorize much.






This is my second full sleeve dress, in the same orange color. The first one from FCUK has been featured on this blog post and this one.

When Tango met fun

Here you see pictures of everyone having a blast in the milonga. This goes out for everyone who thought Tango is serious.
















My moods and moments of Tango

Experiencing Tango bliss.











My co host for the milonga

Someone who has supported me to bring the milonga this far. Someone who silently kept supporting me in my endeavors through thick and thin.






23 October, 2013

Tango weaves magic

It Takes 2 to Tango and when you feel it to the core Magic is created.  This blog is an ode to all the couples who felt and created the Magical moments......The Magic of Tango.