The 'Us' and the 'Me'

We found the 'Us'
while we searched for the 'me',

We love the 'Us',
and continue to empower the 'me',

We want the 'Us',
and know it is a package deal with the 'me'!

#Us #Love #Happiness #ValentinesDay2019 #MushAlert

Lists and me, 2019

                              "I love lists!"


I have always been a person who makes lists. Lists for everything. Where to eat, what to eat, what to buy, what to read, who to meet, what to cook, how much to spend, what work to do today, what to do next month, what I want in a few years, which schools for Ira.

Some of these lists become detailed excel sheets. This morning while conversing with two of my besties on whatsapp (one lives in Ooru and the other in a far away land), we began chatting about what we want to do in 2019. We listed one of the things and then I realised I had a list here too. A mental list that I put to words. I am not a resolution kinda person but I can be perseverent when I  want to.

So, here is that list, in no particular order.

1. Make memories that matter- experiential moments. Focus on love,laughter and happiness. Meet challenges with the strength they demand. Never regret a decision you took. Be hopeful of what the new day promises.
2. Read more books. Read a new author every month.
3. Meet friends more often.
4. As an L&D (Learning and Development) consultant,  learn to Say no to clients who don't value your work.
5. Learn a new skill- do a new course
6. Travel a little more to new places
7. Get fitter, get your lungs to work better
8. Love yourself more, do one solo trip
9. Learn to keep calm, the world is not going anywhere
10. Continue to be the mad self you are, life has worked out fine

This is what friends and fine mornings can do to you.

#Life #Happiness #Gratitude #ListFor2019 #LoveYourselfMore #BeKindToSelf

Papa's feet, Ira's canvas

Today was a Sunday evening typical of a quiet weekend. Some reading, some activities, lot of R&R.

And then something happened, that just added a hue of the rainbow to the day!

Ira asked me to draw tattoos for her using poster paints. Her current fave- love symbol and Maui's hook (from Moana). I did as was asked and she chose the colours ofcourse.

Then, she turned to P and said, "Papa, I want to do tattoo for you." Papa nodded his head and soon his feet were her canvas. She chose what she wanted to draw, what colours she wanted to use and on completion, with pride told him he has a tattoo. What he had was her version of a love symbol, Maui's hook, rings and much more!

Our little human being was thrilled and so was her Papa!

#Ira #Iraisms #Happiness #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #Tattoo

Books I read in 2018

After a crazy reading block of a few months that was both surprising and disheartening, I picked up a book in May 2018 to meet my resolution of getting back to some reading during me-time! 13 Books in 2018 (May to December). Would have liked the list to be longer. Looking forward to more books in 2019! #LoveReading



I began this book in 2017 and have read bits and snippets over time. It has given me perspectives on things and has helped me understand myself better. Have decided to complete it, making this my last book of the year! An amazing book, gifted by an amazing woman <3 span=""> #BooksIn2018 #LoveReading#CurrentRead #Assertiveness#AWomanInYourOwnRight

Not sure if I will manage to read another book before the year ends, but am happy to have gotten my hand on this. Again a new author! #HolidayRead#BooksIn2018 #CurrentRead #Happiness #TrainTravel #LoveBooks

The last few weeks of the year I decided to read genres I have never read or authors I have never read! The first book in that quest is this. A brilliant read. For every time you felt entitled, just know that life is a lot more than that single defining moment.#CurrentRead #BooksIn2018 #MarkManson#LoveReading

There are many books that I hope Ira will read, but this is a book I want her to read! #Ira #Iraisms #BooksIn2018 #CurrentRead #ChimamandaNgoziAdichie#DearIjeaweleAFeministManifestoInFifteenSuggestions

A sequel as funny as the first one! When books give solace and laughter. #BooksIn2018 #CurrentRead

Reading one of my favourite authors! The initial pages have a work of Tagore. #BooksIn2018 #CurrentRead #PauloCoelho #BirthdayMonth#RabindranathTagore

There is some beauty about pre-loved books! This also has someone's official email id written :)Bought this at Blossoms in 2017 and finally beginning to read it. #BooksIn2018 #CurrentRead#PrelovedBooks

When he was reading The Subtle art and I was reading Half of a Yellow Sun

Ira said, "Mamma, am going to miss you!" just as I was leaving home today. #Ira #Iraisms #WorkingParent #WorkTravel #TalesAtFour #HeartMelting#HeartBreaking (Aug 29th 2018)

The last two months have been good for my mind and my heart. These 'friends' have given me company at every moment. Introducing my newest friend here. #HappyFriendshipDay #BooksIn2018 #CurrentRead

A gloomy afternoon, craving for some dessert and some me-time! It doesn't get any better than this <3 span=""> #BooksIn2018 #CurrentRead #LoveYogurt #LoveBooks

Bracing myself for over 4 hours of travel today! Amidst traffic and chaos, this book gives me company. #CurrentRead #BooksIn2018 #BangaloreTraffic#ABookForCompany

Dealing with a nasty asthma bout! Last 36 hours was crazy. When it hurts to talk and even breathe, best to find solace in a book. #CurrentRead#BooksIn2018 #KeigoHigashino #AsthmaHurts

Ira at Karate class and I make the most of that time sitting below a 'street lamp' and reading! We both having our 'Me-time'. #CurrentRead #LovingMurakami#Ira #Iraism #TalesAtFour #MeTime

When it rains in Bangalore! #LoveRains #LoveBangalore #CurrentRead#BooksIn2018 #MyFirstMurakami #Happiness #PrelovedBooks

"You know they say the higher you throw them when they're young, the more likely they are to learn how to fly!" #MyCurrentRead #LovingItAlready