Day - 9. Post 5 Pictures of Famous People I Find Attractive

Since I'm accused of having more of 'serious' posts most of the time, hence the choice of this post. :P

The five people I find attractive. Just looks don't make a person attractive. There're other things that define attractive. Mentioned are the people I would count as my five. It actually was a task to think beyond 3!!

• Salman Khan - The person, more than the persona...especially since the time I had a lucky chance to meet him in person and see a tiny glimpse of him in real!

• Ratan Tata - I adore him for his character, persona, his being! If I had to add more words, I like the Business acumen, the grace of his silence, the walk his talk attitude. Very Attractive!

• Narendra Modi - The confidence and the 'I Dare' attitude. Quite appealing!

• Preity Zinta - Fiery, beautiful, unafraid of making mistakes. That's how I'd like to see a real female.

•  Princess Diana: Though no more, I had to mention her in this list. Though she was famous more for her title and her looks, I felt her humanitarian attitude and later, the courage to come out of the closet to live her life as very attractive.

That was the list of my five. They're many other people I admire and respect. But it's that. Admiration and Respect. Attractive is the list above! ;) :)

Day - -8. If I Had 1,000,000 To Spend, How Would I Spend It?

Interesting Question actually. The one I've never given a thought to.
The Taurean in me is too realistic to dream fantasies in the real sense... so guess I'm going to enjoy about thinking and jotting down how I'd spend this kind of money.

Well, first things first - honestly, I'd quit my job/take a break and sit down to plan a budget of how this money should be handled. Either going to a financial planner or me deciding on my own, this Will be the first thing I'll do. I'd set up investments for the future and securing a certain amount from this money.

Then come the more interesting things! Without a doubt, I'd plan for a full calender year of international travel. The places I've always wanted to visit as a true tourist!

Thirdly, I'd do some research and venture into some kind of fulfilling business for the long run.

Also, I'd definitely make an agricultural/farmhouse type of investment, because I know, given a chance, I'd like to eventually settle at some such place.

I do not want to add that I'll spend so n so on family..some for charity etc.. as those are very personal matters and they don't have to be mentioned...except if in charity, I'm giving away all of it or even half of it away.

Guess, at the moment, I can think of all these things. Have any better ideas, feel free to share them! :D ..I know I'm going to have a dreamy day today!

Day - 7. How important I think Education Is.

I don't think in today's world anyone would say education isn't important.

I personally have always been mindful of it on all counts. But for me, education not only as in a college degree, it definitely comprises of that, but then its also more, much more than it.

"Ed-u-ca-tion: The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgement, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for a mature life"

Along with the education which helps in acquiring a good job and a name/standing for oneself, which is ofcourse very important and people by default strive for it; the education that is also important is which is to be applied in our day to day life. The education which we should instill our children with. The education of knowing and applying right and wrongs in life. The education that we need to follow to bring about the best in everything; be it in any sphere of life.

Few most basic examples of applying this education would be:

• Good Morals. Being Kind, compassionate, not only when you are being watched or to show
• Patriotism. There should be no bigger religion than the Maatrubhoomi, the country
• Giving respect to everybody, irrespective of whatever strata they belong to
• Opportunities to all - Everyone deserves a chance to excel, not just a certain priveleged percentage
• Teaching Children the right values and most importantly, walking that talk with them
• Exercising the duties of a true citizen of the country, for the country. Following rules of the land and not only when you are being watched

These are things that no-one teaches us but we've always known these and applied it at the places where it seemed appropriate. There would be so many other things which matter, but for which we don't give a thought. Above stated are just smallest examples which were at the top of my mind. 

When people start applying this knowledge in these small but significant day to day activities, that's when we'll see the effects of overall education. Economic freedom with personal/social consciousness. 

That's when we'll reap the benefits and understand the importance of evolved Education, in the true sense.

Day - 6. Putting my IPod on Shuffle and Noting the first 10 songs.

Since I'm not in the much writing mood today, I picked this topic.

So here goes the easiest post.

1. Sada Haq - Rockstar. Loved this movie for Ranbir Kapoor's acting and the songs.
2. Lat lag gayi - Race 2. One of the most peppy songs of last year. Listening to this is more fun than watching it!
3. Aahun Aahun - Love Aajkal. One of the very well made movies in the last few years and I first time liked Saif Ali Khan in this.
4. Mehbooba - Pardes. Since the songs in my Ipod haven't been changed altogether for years, I have some songs which have been there since the time I bought it. This song is not a favorite.. but I used to like this song a lot once. 
5. The winner takes it all - Mama Mia. I love the words of this song!
6. Pal pal dil ke paas. Blackmail. This song will always be on my Ipod, coz it was my Pa's favorite song. It Is a beautiful song.. but it has more meaning for me.
7. Save the best for last - Vanessa Williams. I first heard this song in the movie Definitely Maybe' and fell for it. When I heard it full, it became one of my much liked songs.
8. Mukhda piya ka - Rajeshwari Sachdev. Not many songs to her credit, among the few, this one has always stayed with me.
9. Mujhse naraaz - Papa Kehte hai. Amazingly inspiring song.
10. Stay here tonight - Enrique Iglesias. His voice and the music/lyrics in his earlier albums; was something else! One could fall in love just listening to his songs!! Sadly, the quality of his songs is not upto my taste now.

Done! Sadly, none of my super favorites came up in the shuffle list. Anyways, All the above mentioned ones are also which I enjoy listening to most. 

It was fun doing this post!

Day 5 - My Zodiac Sign and If I Think It Suits My Personality

Haha! This should be an easy one.
My Zodiac sign is Taurus and I think I do think  I'm one to the Tee! (Except that I'm not as stubborn! Honest! :D ) Not only is my Sun sign Taurus, but my Moon sign too; so I've acquired the sign qualities pretty strongly!

If you know what Taurus is all about you'd probably immediately agree.. but ofcourse there are going to be few exceptions here or there. ;)

To define my personality vis-a-vis Taurean personality in few examples would be:
My home IS the Most important place for me. There are where all my favorite people and possessions are. That is such a Taurean trait I think.
I am very affectionate; and true to my sign, believe in showing the affection to the people dearest to me. Either verbally, demonstratively or materialistically by gifting and such.
Guess I do have the patience for many things.. except for patience with self. That would be a slight deviation with the Taurus typicality. My sign is known for its patience.

...and because I don't want this to be a vain exercises, I'll add a negative trait as well.

That would have to be the temper quality. I'd partly agree to that in me. But personally, because I'd read so much about the Taurean temper, I've on purpose tried to keep a check on it. But when it goes off.. it GOES OFF!
I also have walls around me. It takes time to get over the other side. A constant feedback from the family is to lower them a bit......

Lastly and quite empathetically,
Taureans are very independent and so am I. That is one trait which defines me and matches to the T and this is something I'd totally own up.
Have put up an image I personally like and identify with! ;)

.

If you're still interested, google the stuff about my sign and match them upto me! .. & If you do so, do comment and let me know your views! :D

Day - 4. Your views on Religion

Till a few years back, I was a typically and highly religious, blind-faithed person.

Now, I can't call myself typically religious. I am religious to the extent that I believe and follow the Hindu scriptures and the teachings in it. But I also learnt that in the name of religion, be it any, we follow/made to follow many ridiculous customs that you start questioning the authenticity of, if you are a thinking person. And hence, I mentioned not typically religious.  

For me religion is all about doing no harm to anybody, live as honestly as you can and definitely not curb someone's thoughts and views and freedom on the name of it and most importantly not have gender based discrimination.

I believe in live and let live. And hence, when I see something being followed without head or tail of a logic, I now opt out from following it in the 'traditional garb' of what it is defined in. Religions also are the biggest culprits for violence since times immemorial. If we go thro' the statistics of the happenings of unrest throughout the world, we can relate most of it to religion.

Though they ideally show us the path to live, they have been misinterpreted to a power game for the fanatics.

Having said all that and stated the cons; I feel religion in the True sense was created so that there are generic guidelines for people to understand about life and different aspects of it, so that the human race can go about it in a structured way. There were different sources thro' which they got created and thro' different mediums. Whom we call Bhagwaan, or Almighty, in factuality preached the Same things - albeit in different ways. So how and when did the human race digress and end up fighting for superiority that their belief of religion is higher than the other, is something which has been unclear to me since like always!

Anyways, I digress too. Before I wind this post I'd like to add that follow the heart and whichever faith that resides there, but make sure you respect the sentiments and feelings of others with hearts and their faiths too. Basically meaning All. I truly believe that is what is at the core truth of all religions.

Day -3. Top 5 Pet Peeves

When I think of what my pet peeves are, I seem to be flooded with a list of them!

It's difficult to pick just 5 from those. I'm going with the ones that currently top my list.

1. People littering: I''ve always Hated it when people litter the roads, surroundings..basically anything which they don't have to clean..or which does not come in their orbit. Why such mentality? I've never been able to decipher. That stands on number one.
2. I know men have this in-designed flaw of staring at women. Dislike it how much ever I may, that does not change anything. Peeve is when men evidently let their gaze loose. How much ever polished or good looking a guy is, if I catch him doing this, I generally stare right back to let him know I know what he's doing!
3. Most of us are all educated and working at nice jobs, taking care of ourselves, etc. But it beats me when maximum of the 'educated lot' does not don't believe in voting (an example).... nor standing up for what's right or wrong in the society, inspite of knowing it eventually affects/going to affect us. Yes, there are better candle-light marches than before. But how long? Does that Our (paid) work becomes so important over this (non-paid) work that we very conveniently opt to ignore our social duties?
4. People who don't give space. Yes, I'm from the people who need their space. I majorly get annoyed when people try to get too close too soon, ask umpteen questions and want to know everything about your life or every random stuff AND also want to give their opinions about the same! They don't even sound any bit conscious or mannerly about it too. Even if its an excited outburst from someone while initially knowing me, it kind of puts me off them for the longer run, even if they seem sobered down later. 
5. This one should have actually topped the list. Offlate, noticed a "God Bless" trend going around! I totally get pissed off when I see "God Bless" after every status update.. comment..talk! & I don't mean the elderly who do this. My Facebook has a couple of people, who follow this ritual & it's a fresh peeve for me I realised! It doesn't take much to find out if its become a ritual or a genuine wishing good. And I don't need to say which is the more common one. Quite a few may not agree with me on this, as wishing well for anyone, even if ritualistic or making self sound 'oh so good'; is no harm, but it IS a peeve for me. 

So that makes the list of the 5 pet peeves. Can you think of your 5?

Day - 2. Where would you like to be in 10 years

Where would I like to be in 10 years. Tough question actually.

There was a time I actually had answers to questions like the one I have to blog on for the Day-2 Blog challenge.

This was probably a decade back. The learning's I've had over the past few years has taught me, life changes and HOW!

So, my honest answer to this one would be, I'd like to be at peace and be happy with whatever I am doing. I'm not sure where I'll be or what I may be doing, but one thing I want to be is 'Content.

If I can really think of any other thing I can try and acheive, that would be to wish to have covered atleast 10% of the World. [I stand at 4% covered today, thanks to TripAdvisor's calculation! :D] See places, learn and Live. That is one goal I need to be dependent on myself, so it's easier to aim that.

For the rest, even I'll wait to see where the years take me.

Day 1 - My current relationship. If Single discuss being Single

So my relationship status is single...and am [still!] unsure whether to mingle or not.

How is it being single?

Being single feels like an abstract painting... which is beautiful and represents completeness in its own right- IF you understand it; but can also be given definite understandable form by adding a few strokes where required. But this can either enhance the painting...or maybe ruin it.

That's a risk only to be discovered after taking it. 

And I haven't found anyone whom I'm comfortable to hand over the brush of my life's canvas.

Being single is fine most of the times as I have learnt to depend on myself for most things. But ofcourse, who does not like to feel special? There are times you do miss a partner. 

And that is somethng I know for a fact, that happens in every situation when the grass definitely looks greener on the other side. 

If I find someone whom I can trust enough, I'd be more than happy to change status - Trust being the catch word. Else I don't see the need of a forced compromise. 

At the end of the day, single or mingled, one has to be at peace with the self. Isin't it?

Prelude to the 15 day Blog Challenge

So my currently dull mind wants to get back to blogging. While I was thinking on what to start off with, I seemed to remember quite a few bloggers whom I used to follow, doing month long Blog marathons. [Yea.. quite a jump from One topic to Thirty topics!] While the idea seemed dismissive the moment it came.. the self-challenger that I am, I got pulled to it and the dare to take up the challenge seemed more tempting.

After all, I am sure going to benefit from it!

So here I am, taking the first step in the 15 day long endeavor. Lets see how it goes. Me also thinks, this will help me discipline self.. as my discipline with self has also been in the decline lately.. and I'm pretty certain to prod this path to win!

Found on the web an interesting image with Blog topics for 30 days, which is attached; from which I'm going to attempt any 15. Will not skip the first one.. :P  .. but choose from the rest to what gets my mind ticking immediately.

I shall update daily blogs here, so that they're easier to reach.

For now, wishing self luck and itching to kick off!

Day 1: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.in/2014/01/day-1-my-current-relationship-if-single.html'
Day 2: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-2-where-would-you-like-to-be-in-10.html'
Day 3: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-3-top-5-pet-peeves_17.html'
Day 4: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-4-your-views-on-religion.html
Day 5: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-5-my-zodiac-sign-and-if-i-think-it.html
Day 6: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/putting-my-ipod-on-shuffle-and-noting.html
Day 7: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-7-how-important-i-think-education-is_23.html
Day 8: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-8-if-i-had-1000000-to-spend-how.html
Day 9: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-9-post-5-pictures-of-famous-people.html'

Best 9 Travel Imprints of 2013

Last year I really travelled. I can say it was my best travel year till date. And I collected a whole lot of experiences along the way. There were many moments.. but there were few very impressionable moments, I wanted to jot down. Here's the top 9 Travel moments of last years travels:

• Leaving Visa documents in the luggage on entering Srilanka. As we got off the flight, I realised I had left the Visa documents in the luggage and we could not collect luggage without clearing immigration. At 2:30 AM, you really are not in the most aware senses. Thankfully, I don't let panic take control of me and I found a way out to deal with this situation. The lesson is going to stay with me.
• SriLanka again. For some reason I thought our departure was at 11:00 AM and had set my alarm to wake up in accordance. Again for some reason after I woke up, I checked the tickets and to my horrerest horror, my flight was at 9:00 AM! I almost lost balance...not only because it was already 6:30 and I was in the danger zone of missing my flight.. but because I was travelling with Mom and this was our first holiday together. I Definitely did'nt want any these kind of adventures with her. Only I know how we made it to the airport!!
• When I started for my Himachal tour, I decided I would catch the airport shuttle. I left for the shuttle point only to find out the shuttle stop has been moved from there! There on, the auto I took to the airport and literally making a run for checking in before I was late, was just a preview to what was coming ahead!
• MF Hussain day. Reached Chandigarh only to realise I forgot my lens. Went shopping for the same and tore my footwear in the way. I had to spend most of the day without footwear...till I could locate a place to buy new ones. I learnt I was pretty Ok after the initial 10-15 minutes. One thing I sure  learnt from it was the more you give importance to something, the more it bothers you. Not once did I get any kind of weird looks for being barefoot. Guess hardly anyone noticed too!
• The Ambala-Kalka confusion! I was to catch the Shimla train from Kalka and I ended up at Ambala at 5:40 in the morning due to some horrible confusion. How I made it to Kalka is an adventure memory! :D The driver to my cab was heaven-sent! 
• The walk that I took from Naddi to Mcloedganj on a mistaken bus route from Dharamsala. A 2 kms walk, it was a very quiet one. I was a lone walker for quite a few patches. Time was still and so was my heart. I felt one with nature...one with that fleeting elusive inner calm that dawns on us very rarely... and also felt very minuscule when I realised how tiny we really are in this Huge world.
• Dalhousie - I was strolling away at my pace enjoying the quite evening Sun again and taking pics of the beautiful sceneries a little outside the main town. [I was walking back to my hotel from the adventure sports place] .. till I was scared by a cab driver to rush to my hotel as there was a chance of meeting a Bear. I literally Ran for my life..almost for 1.5 kms on that Ghat road. My mind has 'Beared' this up forever! 
• The first time I paid extra luggage for a flight. :( I didn't want to carry any luggage in the cabin.. so packed everything and went for clearing. At Chandigarh airport strangely, they asked me to pay for the extra 5 kgs.. even though I wasn't carrying any in the cabin. And I could'nt carry that particular bag in the cabin as it had stuff like pocket scissors etc..which obviously isin't allowed in the cabin. Paid quite a bit of extra luggage...
• The last to note memorable memory would be from the weekend trip to Jog falls. The Jeep ride from Kodachadri to Base. The trek itself was very memorable.. but the Jeep ride down was something else. The Jeep driver, how he drove on those (non) roads.. in the rain soaked wet paths in the jungle was a heart in the mouth yet -thrill-to-bits experience!

These were the best imprints of 2013.
2014, I await your travel imprints on me! :)

Resolutions 2014!

Its that time of the year I make resolutions. And I've been religiously making them from a while now. Yes, I'm from those few people who believe in making them AND following up with them.
Hence, there would be visible changes every year in them.

This year when I re-evaluated Resolutions 2013 at the end of the year, I learnt I had come a long way this year emotionally and physically too. I never thought I could pull off a solo 14 day trip. And That was something! I pulled myself up on that one a Lot. Definitely a task for me as I don't really move much when I'm back at base. It was carking at times if in case I fell sick anywhere.. Thankfully I passed my own quest.
Emotionally, I finally have started to learn to come to terms with my loss. Still a long way to go....but I started.
After the evaluating and thinking how I want my 2014 to shape, here's the list of the year.

1. Continuing with the topmost resolution of last year, will continue to strive to let go of pain of loss. 
2. Something that I implemented consciously last year - start following up on dreams. I did a few small/big things which I was reluctant about earlier but started just going for them and ticking them off my wish list. Feels Good! 
3. Will start cooking atleast one proper meal a month and gradually in a couple of months, progress to cooking four proper meals a month. :P
4. Reading. Somehow this was not on as much par as much I had wished for last year. Sure, I read. Lots. But the quality reading that has gone down, has to come up this year.
5. Start accepting a few things of myself which I had complaints about. I have learnt these traits make me the person I am. So, if I'm known as a no-nonsense person, try as I might I cannot become a sugar coated person. And everytime I try, a LOT of effort goes into it.. and yet I'm unsure if I was good. Not worth it. 
6. Not be 'perfect weight' obsessed but will concentrate on being fit. My extra-self & me aren't friends... nor do I want to actively befriend her.. but I don't hate her either, like I earlier did.
7. Spend less. I definitely followed up on last year's resolve not to get addicted to online shopping and its on a leash now. But savings help. :)
8. Follow my heart - Follow my heart! [Oh Mind, I SO know you don't agree! ]
9. Start something meaningful which adds value to me as a person.. and finally,
10. Travel!! Travel and travel! See places, experience life - LIVE!

Wishing everybody has a Blessed year!