tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40666630370807031162024-01-07T12:25:39.397+05:30Vector GamingA place I hope to put down all the thoughts that cross my mind, and to share things which interest me.Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.comBlogger506125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-1868314316370138652020-05-19T13:10:00.001+05:302020-05-19T16:26:32.290+05:30Book Review: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI8wymnu45Vs-n8PEQtETVTprJQQhdSU1KVnVPJ-9ukpgEhxJfZ7ktMUKmKy-ZSvQD9H_akqRSfjy4RradlC0E7guDdSVIH46WDpz8w9jlA4MiT77DYSQwkawS62OB5ece2trPBVWbPw/s320/9780099558781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI8wymnu45Vs-n8PEQtETVTprJQQhdSU1KVnVPJ-9ukpgEhxJfZ7ktMUKmKy-ZSvQD9H_akqRSfjy4RradlC0E7guDdSVIH46WDpz8w9jlA4MiT77DYSQwkawS62OB5ece2trPBVWbPw/s320/9780099558781.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This book review is going to be slightly different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are some books which can be explained, and some which needs to be felt. This one falls into the latter for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, if I try to explain this book in words, that will not work. But, if I do try to show you what this book entails, that just might work. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">’Tis a funny thing, reflected the Count as he stood ready to abandon his suite. From the earliest age, we must learn to say good-bye to friends and family.</span></span></blockquote>
<i>Sometimes you just do not know when you are going to be thrust into a situation which you have no idea how to handle! </i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"But the Communist Party was not a “State of Nature.” Quite to the contrary, it was one of the most intricate and purposeful constructions ever manufactured by man. In essence: the hierarchy of all hierarchies."</span></span></blockquote>
<i>This book offers a whole lot of perspective into the Russian communist times, though answers very few questions you might have around it.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"Yes, he continued in his thoughts, how fine almost any human endeavor can be made to sound when expressed in the proper French."</span> </span></blockquote>
<i>Some of the references in French are beautiful. So, if you understand French, it will bring a smile on your face.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">“Manners are not like bonbons, Nina. You may not choose the ones that suit you best; and you certainly cannot put the half-bitten ones back in the box. . . .”</span> </span></blockquote>
<i>I am a stickler for manners and especially table manners, which brings me to love the etiquette which is spoken of here. </i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Nina coming back and with a small girl to be entrusted into his hands... Not something I saw coming. Makes it all the more interesting!"</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"As a parent who has been thrown into being one, the Count has picked up so many innate things which parents naturally do. Many things which come as a part of being protective and an inherent love that you see for them."</span> </span></blockquote>
<i>The relationship between the count and the girl is one which is filled with beauty. The parent role he has played to this small girl will make you believe that learning and parenting are mutually dependent once you become a parent.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"Surely, the span of time between the placing of an order and the arrival of appetizers is one of the most perilous in all human interaction."</span></span></blockquote>
<i>Some wonderful anecdotes which will leave you in peals of laughter! </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Now if, as a rule, the Count generally avoided drinking after eleven, he absolutely never drank after midnight. In fact, he had even found himself quoting his father to Sofia on the subject, asserting that the only things that came from the practice were foolhardy acts, ill-advised liaisons, and gambling debts.</span> </span></blockquote>
<i>A peek into the fascinating world of aristocracy, Russian aristocracy.</i><br />
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This is a book I enjoyed and would gladly give this one a 5/5.<br />
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-58429226605733122212019-10-01T13:21:00.001+05:302019-10-01T13:22:00.254+05:30You cannot always get what you want.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
3 months back, there were <a href="https://vectorgaming.blogspot.com/2019/06/a-murky-path.html" target="">many thoughts running in my head</a> regarding relationships and how it seems to be getting the better of me. It seems to render me neither happy nor content, but tensed and resulting in a dull aching pain at my temples.<br />
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<i>As Rolling Stones said - You cannot always get what you want.</i><br />
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Then, what do you do?<br />
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If you are faced with a situation which gives you immense pain, but you are choosing to accept this situation then how do you ensure that you are happy irrespective of the situation?<br />
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You choose to look at the pain as transient and decide that instead of assuming the many facts, just try to find the happy areas for you. And that is what I have tried to do also. Look into myself and find those pockets which truly make me happy. And keep the rest as requirements to be met. It seems like a project to me, much less a life. Having said that, if it does help in bringing in my peace and tranquility, why not?<br />
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I am a person who tries to avoid confrontation, and that is not a good trait, I already know it. And many times, the letting it go, ends up at immense frustration or an eruption of sorts which might run back to the original problem which I was anyhow trying to avoid.<br />
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Talking of not good traits, one of the other wrongs that I see within myself is the blaming myself attitude. I think if someone complaints of a problem, I seem to take it personally. This is not going to get me to solve the problem, nor is it going to help me have a neutral/ good relationship with the person involved. This again goes back to building unhappiness within me.<br />
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How do I solve these issues?<br />
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It is a very complex issue in my head, and I wonder whether I can solve them without changing a host of things within me. I keep thinking of these things, and when nothing comes out of all the thinking I am at a loss to how to change myself to suit the needs of my daily life.<br />
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Truly a loss of time and thought.</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-49553081440556812462019-07-25T11:33:00.000+05:302019-07-25T11:33:49.990+05:30AWS Cloud Practitoner Study Guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently I completed the <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-cloud-practitioner/" target="_blank">AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification</a>, and I am mighty proud of picking this up and seeing it to completion. More so, as I have always been the one to be far away from the technical bits of technology and keep in line with only the business highlights. And somewhere down the line, I realized that there needs to be a more deeper understanding of what I am moving into. With the everlasting buzz of work, I needed an approach which would give me a clear path and an understanding of how technology is moving ahead and the why behind it all. <div>
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Here I shall detail how you can go about pursuing this certification in a thought-out, logical approach.</div>
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Step 1: Read the <a href="https://d1.awsstatic.com/training-and-certification/Docs%20-%20Cloud%20Practitioner/AWS_Certified_Cloud_Practitioner-Exam_Guide_EN_v1.6.pdf" target="_blank">exam guide</a>. It is very short, and frankly you should start off by understanding where you are headed. This is your goal. One of the key things to remember is that there are 2 kinds of questions in this exam, multiple choice and multiple answer.The multiple answer questions will have only 2 valid answers though.</div>
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Step 2: If you have no background in AWS, or very limited knowledge about regular AWS terms, then start off with the <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/partners/training/path-bus-pro/" target="_blank">Business Professional</a> course. This gives you a birds eye view of the entire world of AWS, starting off from regions and AZs to VPC and subnets. You are required to create a certification account in AWS and then register for this course. Once you complete this course, this also gives you a digital certificate confirming you as a AWS Business Professional.</div>
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Step 3: <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/partners/training/path-bus-pro/" target="_blank">TCO and Cloud Economics</a>. One of the key aspects of the cloud is the Total Cost of Ownership and how you can trade your capital expenses for variable. How can you perform a detailed TCO analysis, and how do Cloud Economics work. This course can be found at the second position under recommended progression within the Business Professional path. </div>
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Step 4: Once you have an overview of the AWS world, now move on to the <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-cloud-practitioner/" target="_blank">Cloud Practitioner Digital course</a>. This is a free course, which you can register for, in the same way as you did for the Business Professional course, using your certification account. </div>
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Step 5: Now, take a look at the <a href="https://d1.awsstatic.com/training-and-certification/Docs%20-%20Cloud%20Practitioner/AWS%20Certified%20Cloud%20Practioner_Sample%20Questions_v1.1_FINAL.PDF" target="_blank">sample questions</a> which are provided by AWS in relation to this exam. This will detail out the level of questions which can be expected for the exam.</div>
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Step 6: As a final step for preparation, there are <a href="https://d1.awsstatic.com/training-and-certification/Docs%20-%20Cloud%20Practitioner/AWS_Certified_Cloud_Practitioner-Exam_Guide_EN_v1.6.pdf" target="_blank">5 whitepapers</a> which AWS suggests in the exam guide, and these whitepapers cover specific areas of the course content. These might take a while, as they are detailed, so in case you want to start reading these during your digital course, that could save some time. Or you can do this parallel to the sample exams so that they work as revision and re-affirmation of concepts.</div>
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Step 7: Sample Exams - I used a set of 6 sample exams from Udemy by Neal Davis, which worked for me to revise and check on my weak areas. There might be various sources which can be used in this step, so any inputs here can be added on as comments to this post.</div>
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Hope this helps, and if you need any specific information, drop a comment..</div>
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-85431534733305616342019-06-17T15:36:00.001+05:302019-06-17T15:36:29.873+05:30A Murky Path<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In any relationship, there is a period of adjustment, how much ever you wish for two people to accept each other, or for two people to be perfectly sculpted for each other.<br />
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The question is how long does this period of adjustment last? When do you realize that some things will never change, and might just always be the same? There are some facets which are so ingrained that they are difficult to change. They might over a long period, and in some, they might never change. Would it be wise to just wait for that change or accept that this is the way it is.<br />
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And if you decide to accept the inevitable, as it might seem to you... are you completely accepting the inevitable? Or you are just choosing to ignore till you find an alternative? And would it be one of those things which you will keep repeating every chance you get.. ' I have accepted, then why can't you?'<br />
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<i><b>This brings us to the question, "Can you really accept? "</b></i><br />
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There are many thoughts which have been tormenting me, and to know what is the true solution, and not to just deflect the situation.<br />
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Is it right to either of the two involved to be in such a relationship?<br />
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One who is never happy and one who is told innumerable times about how things are not right.<br />
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-45364227575206225752019-04-09T07:50:00.000+05:302019-04-09T07:50:32.250+05:30Book Review - Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As always, I was wary of an autobiography, and moreover of a writer, who is known for her comedy. She had also done stand up comedy... now I was so unsure whether this is my kind of book! This was the book club pick, and I always try to read all the picks just so that I am exposed to different genres and I am not stuck in my own rut of Literary fiction, historic fiction etc.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/56fd9f1a01dbaeebf2763eaa/t/571eb3fd746fb91437154b93/1461629953992/Lindy-Megaphone.jpg?format=1500w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/56fd9f1a01dbaeebf2763eaa/t/571eb3fd746fb91437154b93/1461629953992/Lindy-Megaphone.jpg?format=1500w" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Lindywest.net</td></tr>
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Shrill by Lindy West. I had never heard of the author, or read any of her columns, but I googled and read up about her and what she writes about. Her writing style was very direct, conversational and moreover like how you would hold a dialogue with a friend. I decided to pick the Audible version as I was still not convinced that I will get myself to read the complete book if it was on Kindle. Looking back, it was a good decision; I was listening very intently to Lindy speaking to me and somehow the reading was so much better than how I would have read to myself. Her speaking style and personality reflected in the reading which added great depth to the words.</div>
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Women, fat, rape, abortion, marriage, love - So many topics and I am sure every woman would have gone through some of these comments and unnecessary interference in their life. Hell, men even have an opinion on whether you should wear a bra or not! Whether you should cover up your arms or not! They seem to have an opinion on all things women, and take it upon them to comment, suggest, solve our problems and show us the path which is the best! The best path which suits them.<br />
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As I listened to the book, I was nodding along on many instances when I recalled how life always hands out those typical misogynist views to everyone and it doesn't really matter whether you are petite or fat, rich or poor, educated or not, in fact nothing really matters. And when it came to the numerous rape jokes and how Lindy tried explaining to the men around, from the producers to viewers why it was important to not trivialize serious issues such as rape... I was still nodding alone, as this is what you see everyday across media, news sites or Twitter/Facebook. The world keeps saying that these things are just being made a big deal about. The world says that this has always been the case, always been what has been happening, just that social media has made a platform to bring all this to the forefront. But, does that make it right or fine or not to be bothered with? The question about intrinsic right or wring was not the question here, it was more of why bother about it, since everyone is aware.<br />
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This was a book which I was not sure whether I would like, but it proved me completely wrong. It has all the right elements to make us sit up and see what is happening around, and to think that this woman has been fighting it for so long. She says there have been small changes, but when is a true big change coming?<br />
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When will that happen? Or will it take a lifetime to see that change?<br />
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<b>Rating: 5/5</b></div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-3580927171755628542019-02-18T17:12:00.000+05:302019-02-18T17:12:55.683+05:30Book Review: Less by Andrew Sean Greer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmqOqym_vhCUUIWsW5f8UI9gPGiLtao0Em9zafihlvropZKI58Jsaj4YgiW0oSKGRL3mSTzxlwCcZNWucLfXdngApwjp3CKJzl_-ZNlYvIRfOgN_NomKa-occKdgLuZyVzn4vxpLLC2Fv/s1600/less.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmqOqym_vhCUUIWsW5f8UI9gPGiLtao0Em9zafihlvropZKI58Jsaj4YgiW0oSKGRL3mSTzxlwCcZNWucLfXdngApwjp3CKJzl_-ZNlYvIRfOgN_NomKa-occKdgLuZyVzn4vxpLLC2Fv/s1600/less.jpg" /></a></div>
Less by Andrew Sean Greer, as everyone would have heard of it by now, a satirical comedy which has won the Pulitzer prize. Coincidentally, it was picked by the book club I am a member of, as the first book for 2019. I am not the usual Pulitzer reader, and in fact i stay away from them from fear of not understanding the essence of a story without repeated back and forth! And, in this regard, I must add, this was a pleasant surprise. I could pick it up, read and get back to it on the go making it a perfect weekday read.<br />
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A not so great author, being pushed to take up many engagements, all against his will. But, a path he must walk down because his love is walking down another path with another man. It seems that there is so much going on in his head, so much to complain about and look back upon. As I look back it is one my first books where the protagonist is a homosexual, but that is not one of the highlights of the book. There is very little which is specifically around his orientation, it is more of his mind and the thoughts that run through. His continuous urge to get away from and keep no contact with anyone who can possibly give him information of the fated marriage of his love is the primary focus.<br />
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As I read the book, there were many instances when I related strongly with the protagonist. He questions the very essence of relationships, much like how I wonder how marriage functions as a practice. How is it feasible that two every evolving pieces stick around together for years. 10 years seem to a good enough time, but beyond that seems very questionable. This has been my vice with marriages also, but sadly this isn't something I thought through before. This 10 year ideology made perfect sense for me and helped me see how human beings change through time. And changing people mean they need not change in an ever aligned manner, but as different beings, completely moving away from each other. Very pertinent questions!<br />
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The writing style was one which I did find difficult to follow, not very frequently though. At times with the quick period jumps, it left the reader scrambling to get the pieces connected. One minute you are in a house party somewhere in Paris, and the next minute you are far back in your house trying to figure out why your current marriage is not going to work. We move through a marriage, cheating, spending time by oneself, not speaking of feelings and then regretting all that not expressing.<br />
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But at the end of the book, a happy ending was not what I was looking for. It felt too perfect and one which I was not too happy about. And that alone would be the reason why I would not rate it a perfect five!<br />
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Rating: 4 /5</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-55042808367528500132018-08-26T13:11:00.000+05:302018-08-26T13:11:01.929+05:30Book Review: Liberation of Sita by Volga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Liberation of Sita was a title which I had never heard of. It came to me via the Bangalore Book Club, which I am a member of. It is a translated work from Telugu, written originally by C. Vijayasree, who goes by the pen name Volga.<br />
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This book picks on the smaller unknown women in Ramayana and highlight their interaction with Sita, and each of these interactions changes her perspective about the meaning of her life, and what society has made her believe, and all that she has to unlearn. The story starts off when Sita has been abandoned by Rama and she lives in Valmiki's ashram with her two sons. She meets Surpanakha, Ahalya, Renuka and Urmila through her years on being married to Rama and each of them impart their learnings to her, helping her shape herself and be ready for the time when her sons will leave the forest to head back to their kingdom.<br />
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Surpanakha helps her see how beauty and the importance given to women's beauty by the society need not be a shackle on the woman itself. She explains to Sita how she found peace and solace in growing beauty in her garden and growing beyond physical beauty.<br />
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Ahalya questions the importance attributed to chastity when it comes to women only. She tells Sita much ahead in time they she should never prove her chastity, and at Lanka, that is exactly what she is compelled to do. Sita assuages her broken heart by trying to explain Rama's plight, but fails to look at the alternative, how Rama could have stood by her, being the king of the land they were headed to, Ayodhya.<br />
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Renuka and Urmila similarly opens Sita's eyes to the injustsice to women and how society has set rules which are unfair. They show Sita how breaking out of these bonds is essential to find your true self, and how each one of them has achieved peace and happiness on their own, with no husband, no societal rules and no bonds.<br />
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The interweaving of mythology and fiction is beautiful. and it did leave me in a state where I was believing each of the stories to be true. A very short read, and being a translated work, I am unsure how the language would have flowed originally in Telegu, but this book felt a little too simplistic, for a writer who is so acclaimed in Telegu. I believe, there is always some bits which are lost in translation.<br />
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<b>Rating: 4/5</b></div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-78752554019612515602018-08-16T00:24:00.000+05:302018-08-16T00:24:55.834+05:30Book Review: Mandodari, the Queen of Lanka by Manini J Anandani<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A book which will give every reader a completely different perspective on Ravana and it might even help in appreciating his decisions. The view on Lanka, the ruling of Lanka and how the kingdom came to stand at its zenith before its downfall at the hands of Rama.<br />
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We see a woman, thrown into the hands of fate, married to a powerful man, a determined and shrewd man, who she can only follow. She tries many times to advice, but Lanka seems to be ruled by a man who believes strongly in his beliefs alone. A man set to prove the world wrong in their expectations from him, and in the process, lose sense of how and where life is taking him.<br />
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Although the book is named, Mandodari, Queen of Lanka, I felt at the end of the book, that I knew so much about Ravana, his life, his achievements and his deeds. I can not say I know the same about the Queen though. The life at Lanka through the eyes of the Queen is what the book portrays, but if you are looking to understand the Queen more, that is something you would be left craving for, as I was. The only bit where I saw Mandodari, and her views and thoughts clearly, was when she decides to go away and deliver her baby, who she wants to bring into the world without anyone's knowledge. Her conviction, her belief and decisions are seen only here.<br />
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But, I have to add I enjoyed the story, the narrative was simple and engaging, at times a little too detailed though. I can very confidently say I learnt so much about Ravana and Lanka. This seems to fit the missing link, more like the alter story when we think of the Ramayana. </div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-39085478343623777542018-06-12T17:04:00.002+05:302018-06-12T17:04:47.898+05:30Bali with kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><b>A beach is always a favorite when it comes to kids, and Bali is no different.</b></i></div>
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It has some beautiful beaches, and with great waves which attracts many people for surfing. There are even surfing classes which will work great for older kids.<br />
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And, as you sit there watching then run in and out of the water, you would have innumerable ladies who would approach you, offering a massage, manicure or a pedicure. And to add to that, we have shacks which would serve you some drinks and eats on the side, as you lounge under that beach umbrella.</div>
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From the moment you step into Bali, you see the the many references to Hindu mythology, from scenes from the Ramayana and various temple sculptures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozVeFevrHSzSIZlk1P9yozrE4cfEcsNLcIbGcf2h9-XwiOVs4Q6L6ZYqSqoTABI8qg2Gq64g6m2EeqPOOM12CQMsSrNPSXRwru0s_Cz7ZgPPY0tsBJVi-ry0lLhzEz3pEZEgyURK0RULZ/s1600/IMG_4353.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozVeFevrHSzSIZlk1P9yozrE4cfEcsNLcIbGcf2h9-XwiOVs4Q6L6ZYqSqoTABI8qg2Gq64g6m2EeqPOOM12CQMsSrNPSXRwru0s_Cz7ZgPPY0tsBJVi-ry0lLhzEz3pEZEgyURK0RULZ/s320/IMG_4353.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside the Bali airport</td></tr>
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Outside many temples, you would see statues which are very intricate and worked on stone or wood.<br />
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One of the great places we visited, was the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g3137978-d2691152-Reviews-Turtle_Conservation_and_Education_Centre-Serangan_Denpasar_Bali.html" target="_blank">Turtle Conservation and Education Centre</a>. This was something which I had read about, and we were looking forward to seeing the kind of work they do there. They had a huge space where the housed and took care of the turtle eggs which were laid on the Bali beaches. And, these beaches being now touristic attractions, makes it difficult for these eggs to survive and the baby sea turtles to reach the sea. The folks at the centre worked to personally collect these eggs, house them in the correct conditions and ensure that they babies are send back to the sea to lead a life in the wild.<br />
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They also housed many injured or terminally ill sea turtles, who would find it difficult to lead a regular life out at sea. They took care of the animals, continuous care and monitoring to ensure that these animals, who can not be cured are also given the care which is possible. This centre ran on donations, and there was not even a ticket for entry. It was a great experience for kids to see, learn and touch these tiny and big creatures.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
One of the things I learnt was the difference between sea turtles and land turtles. </h4>
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Sea turtles can not contract their body within the shell to save themselves, making them more vulnerable to predators. But, land turtles, can save themselves by using their shell to pry away from unnecessary interactions and predators</div>
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-50951518989377296612018-05-04T00:00:00.002+05:302018-05-04T00:00:58.185+05:30Book Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/macmillan_us_frontbookcovers_1000H/9780312367558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/macmillan_us_frontbookcovers_1000H/9780312367558.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
A science fiction for children, which my book club threw up and I wanted something light after some recent heavy reading.When I started reading the book, I was not even aware that the movie is coming out in 2018, or that this is a very wonderful read as per many.<br />
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When I started this book, it send me back to Famous Five and Enchanted Tree days, as those were the last few books I read about school, holidays and adventure. And this one here is also about that exactly. A family, siblings, and an adventure, it has it all.<br />
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And physics is the core of the book, and imagine a 12ish or 9ish kid knowing university level physics to get them through to space, so that was an odd factor as I read on. But, keeping that aside, the bond between siblings are nicely captured across various instances and family bonds played well in bringing the story together.<br />
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Being a children's publication, there was not much more that I could gather, though I did think that maybe I would have enjoyed the book more if I read it when I was 10!<br />
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Rating: 3/5<br />
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-55924315280493901022018-04-10T15:33:00.003+05:302018-04-10T15:33:58.461+05:30Book Review: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am not much of a self-help book person. In fact, I am not a non-fiction person. I can frankly count off on the fingers on one hand, the number of non fiction I would have read in my entire years of reading.<br />
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Then why did I pick up this book? The title intrigued and the premise - how to get your mind around the way the world is moving nowadays. Well, who isn't affected by people and how the world is super connected that we seem to see all happy faces always!<br />
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Starting off, this was a very difficult one to get around to... I did not connect with the author's writing style, maybe by virtue of being a predominant fiction reader, I was not accustomed to the style which threw many questions at the reader. And being a self- help book, I think that would be a natural style, now that I look back at it.<br />
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Once I got around that, the author talks of how we all seem to be drawn into unnecessary thoughts and instances and we care about those things which we ideally shouldn't. Everyone has problems, they might vary and the importance of these problems will be dependent on who faces it. The book suggests that in life, we need to derive happiness in solving problems, and accepting that every solution to one problem, will sow the seed for the next also. Once we accept this, and focus on solving our problems, we create a path to improvement and eventually happiness. He says finding the meaning to your life is the first step to happiness and to achieve what you yearn for, you should focus on the problems that matter and leave those which do not, essentially, not care a F*ck about them.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
If you were to ask me how I felt about the book...</h4>
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I would say many a times, you know all this, but having it written makes you re-think and hope that this time it does stick around to make a difference. It is a breezy read, short and easy, making it great for weekends and travel.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Is this a book which I would suggest to someone...</h4>
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I would say, if you are in a juncture in our life where you need to bring back your energies into things which matter, and start focussing on your happiness, you should definitely pick this up!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Rating: 3.5/5</h3>
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-78016763491580073912017-12-11T16:11:00.002+05:302017-12-11T16:11:25.156+05:30Buda and Pest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I think it has been positively so long since I have come here. Reasons might be many, but the essence is neglect and not adhering to a routine. I guess I have been pulled in so many directions that my core has been lying neglected, just like this space which I had created. And I had created this place with a lot of love and focus on many things. Some of those things changed over time, and many new ones in fact came and wandered off too. But, the space has been me, and it has seen my transformation through all these years. And, I think that is the singular reason for me to stand by and move ahead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think this year I will remember by the one trip which I took which has been different on numerous grounds. But, more than the trip, I think I came back a different person.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I was recharged</b>, and somehow the will to work towards what I want was all the more clear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I was more accepting</b> and I think the change in scenario took a good turn for me overall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I had the much needed time to think</b>, unwind and bring my life into focus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realized that,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life rolls on and you need to grab those things which you want and they might just really come from anywhere.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Truly, anywhere!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I leave you with some of what I saw... and what awed me! </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khazakhistan Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcadoLdFqWG5sWmktl8V1JM-UU3rjC0hTGo1rv9sc_pYgcb7KEpobyhaNvlWpE9Kiu5oQH66VaGD_5wRk7MtPHYB0MIeOSzJRoCDDAWPt9MI2W_q2PTly3on6g0JPr7f883o2RXdV8B3j/s1600/IMG_2923.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcadoLdFqWG5sWmktl8V1JM-UU3rjC0hTGo1rv9sc_pYgcb7KEpobyhaNvlWpE9Kiu5oQH66VaGD_5wRk7MtPHYB0MIeOSzJRoCDDAWPt9MI2W_q2PTly3on6g0JPr7f883o2RXdV8B3j/s320/IMG_2923.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtyard views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9tGRjwJgJ9SbYGeZcI7E4gYtWKIDXhgalewesLjp7Q0jSiO0BhQAH8FNkA6qcPcWrT65TyJBjflWivroK8ZcjGa5-KmF6DIRtWPcafxfT0Zmp_i0hsoPvLmND0gXm5lMHfcRT6cv3qYB/s1600/IMG_2928.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9tGRjwJgJ9SbYGeZcI7E4gYtWKIDXhgalewesLjp7Q0jSiO0BhQAH8FNkA6qcPcWrT65TyJBjflWivroK8ZcjGa5-KmF6DIRtWPcafxfT0Zmp_i0hsoPvLmND0gXm5lMHfcRT6cv3qYB/s320/IMG_2928.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very Europe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnEGP3mBb6DVb09e-JAjdP6lz-yL3GBzy3GtnorA5JIfDcMc8HcH9o3yhPq_jhH1-wrYrIuIOTLABrioKm1TGl7GKmcjFSVLJ0MFapL4tOUi4FO34G2CxLMDuIYZDAioIJ88Uljj-FGlH/s1600/IMG_2931.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnEGP3mBb6DVb09e-JAjdP6lz-yL3GBzy3GtnorA5JIfDcMc8HcH9o3yhPq_jhH1-wrYrIuIOTLABrioKm1TGl7GKmcjFSVLJ0MFapL4tOUi4FO34G2CxLMDuIYZDAioIJ88Uljj-FGlH/s320/IMG_2931.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaint entrances</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squares</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-40222041332450605652017-07-26T14:29:00.001+05:302017-07-26T14:29:43.837+05:30Off to study<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwBGxTGfg81n8cip_tczCwUPZX_a6RIELkF4DVecrS6UZeDyFtawQyf-2TjGPTnlBTGjdc2iOoEnRJ1fL96NVjvpKpmumHl4EPo5FiFvmfHHvLSRhyphenhyphenc_uct5u-9V61LEKN818DDq8lUGm/s1600/Book-study.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwBGxTGfg81n8cip_tczCwUPZX_a6RIELkF4DVecrS6UZeDyFtawQyf-2TjGPTnlBTGjdc2iOoEnRJ1fL96NVjvpKpmumHl4EPo5FiFvmfHHvLSRhyphenhyphenc_uct5u-9V61LEKN818DDq8lUGm/s320/Book-study.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Studies have a wonderful feel.</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Doing a course has its charm. </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
I never thought I would want to go back to college, but this time I hope to do this 'studying' bit on my terms. And then I came to this, where online was the way to go with continuing education. <br />
<br />
When you have to do them through an online medium, I believe some of the charm has just vanished. There are so many options to study and work towards getting yourself more aware but the prospect of learning these things through the new age means somehow seems to put me on the fence.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
And why am I here? </h4>
I am trying to reinvent myself and in the process of figuring out what is it that drives me. I believe in the power of getting a message across to people, but when it comes to delivering that effectively, is where I tend to falter. We can infer many things, but the one thing that consistently has been coming back to me is the need to learn in a sit down manner, than in the usual on the go manner which I am used to. And a classroom has a sense of seriousness which I need to focus, getting my mind away from the usual havoc of house and kids.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
How?</h4>
When I think of the big question, I am always a at a loss.<br />
B has been ever supportive of getting things done and moving one... so here too he has been pushing me to get out and achieve. And I think that is one thing I am so happy with the freedom to do what I want. I do not appreciate him for it, but I feel it every night when I fall asleep.<br />
<br />
These questions and answers will take a while, but the focus should be on growing. And in that spirit, to work towards getting over my qualms of online education, I am taking up a course on Growth Marketing!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-84006051035021972982017-05-19T16:43:00.000+05:302017-05-19T16:43:29.097+05:30A Speed Post story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today, I witnessed something which made me realize how important a good public education system is and how much that very system is lacking in India.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://telecomtalk.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Indiapost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://telecomtalk.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Indiapost.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I had gone to the Post Office to send out a Speed Post package, and I was in queue waiting for my turn. Ahead of me, was a office errand boy holding two envelopes and some cash. He also had an office ID card with a company monogrammed neck strap; it said Social Alpha. Just before his turn, he checked with the counter whether he needs to write 'Speed Post' on the envelope and he was informed 'Yes'.<br />
<br />
Now, he was visibly uncomfortable and slowly took out a pen from his pocket and proceeded to write on the envelope. He slowly put down SEE<strike>B</strike>D. And then he looked at it again and put the pen back. In a second, he again took out his pen and wrote a P.<br />
<br />
So, now it was PSEED. <br />
<br />All this while I was standing right behind him and watching, waiting for my turn. When I saw PSEED, it just triggered a thought in my mind. This is what T would do when she misses a letter in her word. But, she usually puts the letter above or below the word at the right position. And here was a man of 25-26, who was doing pretty much the same thing. She was just going to start Class 1, and she has been trying to get words together, and read stuff and write them too, at times.<br />
<br />
This incident just made me realize, the problem is pretty much at the start of the education system, for all those who are with the public system in this country. This person has not been given the right guidance from such a young age, and how can we expect them to work towards any professional degree where language is treated as a given. But, I was happy to note that he could get himself to spell, and correct his mistake too.<br />
<br />
Yet, I don't know what hope lies for the people of India if a basic education is not even a given.</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-67388753283683616712017-03-12T17:04:00.001+05:302017-03-12T17:04:29.481+05:30Changing or maybe not.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I guess I come here only when I need to speak out without thinking. Maybe that is the very reason I created this blog. A space for me to speak, exactly the way my mind speaks. I do not need to filter it as per social norms or any approved word lists. There are so many instances I speak to myself just looking at the mirror. This again gives me that freedom to speak my mind and not worry about repercussions. Maybe you would be doing so too, at least I wish to believe so, in my last attempt to appear sane.<br />
<br />
I even have a label here on the blog for all these ramblings which my mind throws out... it is quite a few. Better here than bottled up.<br />
<br />
How different people become over the years, and when those people are close then it affects the equations which you once shared with them. Its sad that human beings keep changing and what your feelings and emotions are today, won't be the same after a few hours even if the surrounding picture is unchanged.<br />
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Then it makes one wonder whether if it is just you changing that you seem to perceive the changes in others, changes which might actually never be there.<br />
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I am unsure which is the truth, maybe it is a bit of both. I strongly do believe that its difficult to not change through time. What say?</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-75334688045509788112016-11-18T14:36:00.000+05:302016-11-18T14:36:01.235+05:30When you just do not have answers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I remember when I started to read blogs, and gingerly stepped into the world of blogging when I was still in college, I used to read a blog called Just a mother of two... many would know she is an acclaimed writer now, and her blog, page and social media have changed a billion times in these 7 odd years!<br />
<br />
And from there to now... to think of it, now I am a mother of 2. I certainly don't think that I am anywhere close to what I remember her days to be. My days are purely a scramble, and full of squabbles, where mostly I do not even know why I am fuming. I just have no energy at the end of the day, but I still do not feel I have done one thing which I will look back at through the day which just passed. And I feel sad about it.<br />
<br />
Shouldn't you be thrilled and happy about each day which has passed? Or is that meant for just books and narrations from unknown folks?<br />
<br />
Some days I feel I should be working towards some goal, but I do not see the time or motivation to take out time from the crazy day to work towards these goals.<br />
<br />
Then who am I blaming?<br />
<br />
I do not think this is a phase and it will pass, it is something which I need to change.</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-54570998277931341492016-07-22T11:00:00.000+05:302016-07-22T11:00:52.641+05:30Something always on the cards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I moved to Bangalore, and when I was staying on my own, one of the first things I did was to go to CUPA and adopt a cat. I have always been a dog person, and even today, I am one. I just didn't think I would have the time and dedication or discipline required to have a dog. And I did not want to put a dog through the troubles, because of my indiscipline.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9L84CD5gR8f2PojIMJQ1M9C8_4pKE3TyVkfTwa4qIP62C7Oqr_BDh2IIEi1G7aChzgIN4rKXAjKw_HORhRUfKTpSZHWAS1OYb_R462A3hvVA0ExRk1sagM3fNb_aCS6LslgSLa5dheEMb/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9L84CD5gR8f2PojIMJQ1M9C8_4pKE3TyVkfTwa4qIP62C7Oqr_BDh2IIEi1G7aChzgIN4rKXAjKw_HORhRUfKTpSZHWAS1OYb_R462A3hvVA0ExRk1sagM3fNb_aCS6LslgSLa5dheEMb/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Named her Whisky and she was with me for over 2 years. And then marriage happened, and then I knew that I would not be able to be for her as I wanted to be, and I thought about how I would be able to give her that place she was so used to in my life. And, somewhere deep inside, I knew I would not be able to do it. And it was a decision which I believe was one of the most difficult for me, to give her back to CUPA. I didn't know anyone who would be willing to take her in, and letting her be was not something I believed was an option.<br />
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Today, for some reason I felt like going back to CUPA just to see whether she is there, or has she been adopted. How is she doing? This is not the first time I have ever thought of it, but the guilt which was ridden me when I think of going back and seeing her, I just can't get myself to do it. I rather just live in the belief, a wishful one, that she is doing fine.<br />
<br />
There are many other days when I think I should now get a dog, but I doubt that will ever happen. I am not sure I will be that dedicated a person with T & V also in tow. Which makes me think maybe another 5 years down, I shall be able to manage. It would be like taking another baby on, but the love and affection a dog shows is just something which I have never seen any other animal shower a human with. Makes me crave for it. A little selfish maybe, but I can surely return a portion of that in some form, or so I believe.<br />
<br />
All said, I don't see it feasible before 5 years... so shall rethink and hope at that time.<br />
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<br /></div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-15126991409112512312016-05-29T20:16:00.000+05:302016-05-29T20:16:04.718+05:30Book Review: Sialkot Saga by Ashwin Sanghi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The title got me intrigued... it did make me look up some history too. Spanning across the life of 2 men, from childhood to adulthood. It is set in an India which I have become familiar with and one which I have seen change in front of my eyes. How crime and politics and money are all interwoven in a warp like state.<br />
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As I proceeded with the book, there was a fair bit which made me think this could be made into a movie for sure. And, with a great deal of the story based in Mumbai, the chances seem quite a bit. The story moves very fast and how the characters are built is very interesting, with a great deal of information being thrown at the reader but yet not seeming to be too much.<br />
<br />
This is a book about the different men of India and their roles in the society... and in the process the book has given very limited if not a passing character make up for all the female characters. I felt there were some roles which could have been emphasised upon, but the author chose to reveal the plots rather than build on the female roles.<br />
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Overall, I enjoyed the quick read, even though quite a few pages to cover here. And knowing the India of today, it creates a connect and brings about a sense of familiarity.<br />
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Rating: 3.5/5</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-6182545227749948582016-05-05T15:20:00.000+05:302016-05-05T15:20:15.267+05:30Two for Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now its always about the way we did things when T was small as compared to when V is small. I think our first trip with T was when she was over 6 months, and a short drive to Coorg had us all tired out.<br />
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But this time around, we started of with our travel when she was 4 months old. We went off to Delhi and then onto Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to bring in the new year. This was not her first flight experience though, as when I returned from Trivandrum, that flight was her first time on an aircraft. So, this time around we did a train journey to Jodhpur and then from there to Jaisalmer by bus too. I think we have covered pretty much all modes of transport now. One of the things we are looking to do is a cruise, maybe in another year when V will be a little bigger... that is on the cards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRDXDgGXWxV-d8rlLg5TnoeNopJkLcZ1D0JFCu0fjDSsUgOmJtUX27kmJYHfkYot0OJD_Phd-oAEt9PlxiDOvnMOS0pHBMAqyODW61mLnDY8gj4G43zEtqHmXyika8jdhv0vF5JZHbKYm/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRDXDgGXWxV-d8rlLg5TnoeNopJkLcZ1D0JFCu0fjDSsUgOmJtUX27kmJYHfkYot0OJD_Phd-oAEt9PlxiDOvnMOS0pHBMAqyODW61mLnDY8gj4G43zEtqHmXyika8jdhv0vF5JZHbKYm/s320/IMG_0229.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaisalmer, Rajasthan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Back from Delhi, we were next off to Goa with a group of friends, just to meet up and relax. And the sea and the waves did her good after the cold chill of Delhi and Rajasthan. But I think being about 5 months meant she was more mobile and wanted to be on the floor. That was not a possibility with the place we were staying at, and Goa being Goa, there was always sand everywhere!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLWrDSXLDEcoq3ZCBJMnKKrkupHCG7OCm6iNqg0wCyX8Qu8n_MjiRib7mTakD7fJuxlXPHb2Y7KXXWPGsuQMqgNIyjWh7-peQ94sUK_dsYW216fwb99G8nHscVwTQkC9QYHb6XXmcp-hx/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLWrDSXLDEcoq3ZCBJMnKKrkupHCG7OCm6iNqg0wCyX8Qu8n_MjiRib7mTakD7fJuxlXPHb2Y7KXXWPGsuQMqgNIyjWh7-peQ94sUK_dsYW216fwb99G8nHscVwTQkC9QYHb6XXmcp-hx/s320/IMG_0413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morjim Beach</td></tr>
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<br />
Next we were off to Singapore, visiting friends and family. Both the girls had so much fun and I think I relaxed so much that 1 week. Somewhere it was meant to be a detox trip, where rules don't matter and norms need not be adhered to. One of the things about Singapore is the ease of doing stuff, and even a plan to go across town works out without too many glitches. We had a super relaxed week with a movie, breakfast and lots of other stuff thrown in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqbsOBj6cyI4jsxs3w-usjw91yFJ9Q3GIa5xeJUfdOmakO9xM2pSepajwLG_E0MOPXdpXAdolS9KvBlcRAsMAlxDn7-Xgr-6YDXorlq8J0Ln8EFrT3t8ERkejnUAM1ZKQ8ys8xE5PpwyJ/s1600/IMG_20140523_182246971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqbsOBj6cyI4jsxs3w-usjw91yFJ9Q3GIa5xeJUfdOmakO9xM2pSepajwLG_E0MOPXdpXAdolS9KvBlcRAsMAlxDn7-Xgr-6YDXorlq8J0Ln8EFrT3t8ERkejnUAM1ZKQ8ys8xE5PpwyJ/s320/IMG_20140523_182246971.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark Quay</td></tr>
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<br />
I have never been to Chikmagalur in spite of being in Karnataka for over 9 years now. So, this Ugadi, had to drive across and see what this region was all about.<br />
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And what did I learn?<br />
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There is so much natural beauty here and so much to see, but with a small kid in tow, there is nothing much you can do other than drive about in a car.<br />
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So we did what was the next best thing possible. We decided to visit Belur and Halibedu. The temples were great, good to see and lots to read up before heading to the temple. I am not a big fan of guides.. I prefer either reading up stuff or else having a audio tour which will let me go at my pace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPZKkuwhJNljeX4wGvs3pYKmzMO_iT70P9KWKYK5Q7pNG7578oWJDDZ6qPbalpxYpZMAqg3NcXpspYy3MLBB-8cMKdVT4sOOUkXFlrdADg7fjULVFmFDCxGRqCXOb6ypcSmgjaelTAtWs/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPZKkuwhJNljeX4wGvs3pYKmzMO_iT70P9KWKYK5Q7pNG7578oWJDDZ6qPbalpxYpZMAqg3NcXpspYy3MLBB-8cMKdVT4sOOUkXFlrdADg7fjULVFmFDCxGRqCXOb6ypcSmgjaelTAtWs/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belur Chennakesava Temple</td></tr>
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</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-75601015055906376652016-05-02T13:28:00.001+05:302016-05-02T13:28:49.330+05:30Book Review: Hedon by Priyanka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuLNSAtychl4xzabsc_cHnsyvwKzcU1bS-7wDy1jNnhE-kCBHjGjsVD0QYuCmVvbDWJhakdDmYzqyq4npwCsM-yj1wC66W6BOdJy2j0ehD3pj0KQu283SnJ6BR6lhTZoU-gd3FbRoppBs/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuLNSAtychl4xzabsc_cHnsyvwKzcU1bS-7wDy1jNnhE-kCBHjGjsVD0QYuCmVvbDWJhakdDmYzqyq4npwCsM-yj1wC66W6BOdJy2j0ehD3pj0KQu283SnJ6BR6lhTZoU-gd3FbRoppBs/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" /></a></div>
Hedon by Priyanka... when I read the blurb I was expecting something of a metro read. But, I was in for a surprise. The language though much more easy an breezy, than what I usually like, I thought this was a good debut nevertheless. Falling into the category of a romance and fiction, bringing about new elements to the writing style and the usage of these elements to bring in a stronger influence of the story on the reader.<br />
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We look at Tara's life through school, college and once she enters back into society as a woman on the path to setting her own life and home soon. When the book starts off, there is a disconnect one feels with the flow of the story, but soon as the story picks up. The age difference between the two main charachters in a way pulls you to see how things will pan out for them over the years. It is heart warming to read about the small meetings, exchanges and talks between them which paves the path for love.<br />
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The prose has a poetic quality which makes the reader savour each word and I also believe it does bring more feelings into the story. Or maybe it brings a softness to the long love story starting at the tender age of 17, the child like love story which transforms itself some heart ache and finally a strong and forbearing love. At times I did feel that the indepth explanations very a tad bit unncessary and in a way took my mind away from the real story. I did not enjoy these bits, and did tend to skip some of these small bits which really contributed in no great way to the story as a whole.<br />
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Rating: 3.5/5</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-51029470620168317202016-01-20T16:34:00.000+05:302016-01-21T20:07:00.793+05:30T4Tales - A chat with the author, Pridhee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e14686cb-5ea6-4b68-fc0d-3d0b8ecd4d5d"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-e14686cb-5ea6-4b68-fc0d-3d0b8ecd4d5d"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bWx1vuRS3JKlKwaWFldYRoarrxbDDgia-hGG0eaz8b2K6_XWqGNas2Cg7-jJ3G0AJ0sUdZi4zh2-sJNoP54j6f0xD1NzBhyYvKrtnH0ihqucUZXzMMkbAtBhysXxNtxgJnEnMCsni1Nn/s1600/CoverBK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bWx1vuRS3JKlKwaWFldYRoarrxbDDgia-hGG0eaz8b2K6_XWqGNas2Cg7-jJ3G0AJ0sUdZi4zh2-sJNoP54j6f0xD1NzBhyYvKrtnH0ihqucUZXzMMkbAtBhysXxNtxgJnEnMCsni1Nn/s320/CoverBK.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-e14686cb-5ea6-4b68-fc0d-3d0b8ecd4d5d"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4066663037080703116" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been a reader since the age of 8, or so I believe. I do not have any recollection of books before that. But, I know for a fact that I have always seen my parents reading, and I did try to read words in the newspaper much before the age of 8. When T was born, I started reading to her when she was around 6 months. I did quite a bit of research about the various kinds of books available, and wh which were suitable at each age. These were mostly in English. The moment I sort a way to build a love for regional languages, I found books only in Hindi. These books in Hindi were paperbacks which are more suited for a 3 or 4 year olds.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where are all the board books, lift the flap ones, cloth books and the so many options which you find in English? There were none in any Indian languages, and the ones which were available ... not something I would pick up for toddlers and preschoolers for sure. So, I resorted to digital media to bring some bits of the fun element of Indian languages to my daughter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Almost a year later, Pridhee has brought to us, the very same thing which so many moms have looked for and now I hope that it will help the many new moms to bring Indian languages to their tiny people early on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking with Pridhee about the book, <a href="http://www.t4tales.com/" target="_blank">T4 Tales</a> and her journey so far as a publisher and author.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And while we are at it, you can pick your copy at <a href="http://www.shumee.in/" target="_blank">Shumee</a> (India) or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bolo-Kya-Hindi-Edition-Pridhee/dp/9810960913" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (US)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How did you turn from a biologist to an author?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I became a mom. The only way I could get my daughter to eat was if I told her stories or read books to her. I quickly realized that I was reading only English books. That was when I asked myself if this was the end of Hindi in our family? Will we have to rely on Bollywood movies for some exposure to Hindi? I thought maybe there are other parents who feel the same as me. I decided to give it a shot and that is how T4tales came alive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What prompted you to go the board book and lift the flap route?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids from the 0-4 age love to be independent and are by nature very curious. As the Reggio Emilia approach says children learn by self exploration and discovery. They should be allowed to learn through experiences of touching, listening and observing. Board books are sturdy and allow children to practice their motor skills of turning pages without tearing a page. Lift the flap books add interactivity that keeps children involved and curious about what will come next. It helps them feel independent to explore and discover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tell me a little about <a href="http://www.t4tales.com/" target="_blank">Bolo Kya</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Bolo kya started off as a riddle between my daughter and me. It was like a game of "I spy" but in Hindi. Kiki (our little T4tales bird) takes the children on a ride of exploration of animals, colors, parts of the body, opposites and of course a riddle with an answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are you trying to bring to your readers through Bolo Kya?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A fresh way for children to read and enjoy Hindi. A book that would compete with the high quality English books (in illustrations) and content that does not always focus on providing a moral lesson. You do not have to know the Hindi script because we provide the english transliteration. It is not your usual moral story or panchatantra tale. Most of all it is visually appealing to the children. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How has your journey been so far? And what do you see ahead for T4Tales?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Going from being a full time scientific officer to a full time mom and now author has been quite a roller coaster ride. But I have found something that brings a smile to my face and am passionate about providing to the coming generation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As for T4tales, we have a long way to go but I do hope we are able to bring back the interest in learning Hindi to our children and our coming generations.</span></div>
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-32044746208533414932016-01-11T11:00:00.000+05:302016-01-11T11:00:13.380+05:30Been there, done that and still going back ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When T was small, we rarely stepped out for a meal, and that was a conscious decision that B and I took as we didn't want that whole hassle associated with going out with a small person. But, this time around with V, we felt like trying what it would be like with 2 small persons tagging along for a meal :). We had a plan for lunch and then heading out to do some shopping for essentials, and we ended it with lunch and rushing back to the comfort of our home and breathing a sigh of relief.<br />
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Between T and V, both of us were either making a formula feed, feeding the formula feed, helping T with her food, walking V around to burp (and then followed by the spit up which never ever happens at home), ensuring T is not converting the place into a play area, rocking V to sleep as she is surely bringing the place down else ... I really wonder whether it mattered if they served us even the wrong order. And we had no time to wait around for the right now, so we just changed the order to suit what was served! Aaah... end result, we decided, or maybe it was just me who decided, to head straight back home.<br />
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And, now sitting here, I wonder, why did I even venture out to attempt the impossible!<br />
Whoever said Nothing is Impossible!<br />
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In fact I question myself why I ever did think this time would be anything different. I remember once I did take T out when she was something months, and after that decided that a repeat of that meal out would be after she is at least 2 years. And since she has been 2, we have been regularly going out for weekend meals, and now I believe T misses that the most. I really need to figure out how to incorporate those outings for her.<br />
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But, all of us going out for a sit down meal, not in the next year at the least!<br />
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<a href="http://pearlsofpromiseministries.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/family-dinner-cartoon-2.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-266856065312575312016-01-07T16:59:00.001+05:302016-01-07T16:59:47.729+05:30T & V<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When T was born, I was overwhelmed for sure and completely dependent on so many people to settle me through that phase. But when V was born, I was more prepared, but the haze which sets in was just the same. And now added to it was the guilt that I was not giving any time to the tiny 4 year old who was hoovering about endlessly.<br />
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The way T took everything which was and is being thrown at her completely in her stride, really makes me appreciate her and wonder at how she agrees to my requests. I can completely imagine myself throwing a tantrum about why my things are not being attended to... but she rarely goes that route. So, now we have a routine that once a week, I drop and pick her up from school as a special something for her, in the midst of all this craziness.<br />
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And after two kids, I feel now what it really means like having no time for myself. At the end of the day, I am just exhausted to the extend that watching half a movie does not even appeal. So now, we have moved from movie marathons, to a movie night once in a while to nothing. And as I see it, its going to be this for the next 2 years. Frankly speaking, movies I am more than fine letting go, but I wouldn't want to lose on 2 years in terms of travel. Age just moved ahead, and I want to enjoy some things with Trisha before she grows up too. I hope I do not forget that T is also growing up in the midst of the V-time.<br />
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There was a lot which I fathomed prior to V's arrival, but there are many more instances which I still stare at blankly wondering how to tackle.<br />
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I believe it will be a long journey of discovery...</div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-6803951018383464322015-09-19T22:47:00.001+05:302015-09-19T22:47:27.028+05:30Book Review: The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I first came across this book, I was very unsure whether I would enjoy this book, in spite of adding it to my to - read list. And I must say, it has been on that list for a very long time, and each time i read the synopsis and put it off thinking its too romantic for me and Sufism is something I really have not much idea about. This time around, I had ample time on hand and my mind was free to concentrate and read a trying book ( as that was the impression I had gathered).<br />
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The Forty Rules of Love is a story of self discovery and freedom for a 40 year old housewife, from the shackles of daily mundane activities and a loveless marriage. And she discovers love and a deep understanding of self through the story of Rumi and Shams, via a work of fiction which she has to read, to write a literary review, in her capacity as an assistant to the editor of a publishing house.<br />
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Sufism, what does it mean? Where do these people dwell? There were so many questions when I think of Sufis and now its a world which I have been given a peek into, through the work of Elif Shafak.<br />
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This book speaks of the meaning of being a Sufi, and why they are many times misunderstood, but yet revered as they are considered very close to God and his teachings in Islam. Spiritual, psychic and drawing on the inner energy, Sufis are at times said to have special capabilities, but most often, they just have an aura about them. The author speaks of those who are born with a Sufi heart, and others who choose the path to become a Sufi, by following strict conducts and rules.<br />
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We are thrown into the path of Shams, from 13th century Persia, looking for the One, to share his knowledge with and someone who he will connect with at a spiritual level. The journey he makes looking for this person, and how he identifies Rumi when he meets him, as his true companion is a journey which when I read, brought me to think about many ideals that we follow in life, and how they can be changed, modified to bring peace and love around us.<br />
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One of the forty rules that Shams talks and which spoke to me, was submission. When I think of submission, I think of giving in, but why not look at it as trust. Its a difficult task, to believe and trust someone to know what is right for you. It speaks of love and oneness between two individuals, maybe something which we have not given to in today's world. This is demonstrated between Shams and Rumi, across many situations, and you are left wondering how can you manage that level of trust. <br />
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Is it that the world today does not allow for it? I am not sure whether thats the reason, the world depicted around Shams and Rumi is also dotted with people from varying backgrounds and hidden motives. I think its a matter of the mind, and as Shams trains Rumi to accept, love and forgive, it left a huge impact on me, and has led me to look for more works by Rumi.<br />
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This book speaks to you, the author does a fantastic job of bringing together so many different aspects, and very seamlessly at that. This will be one of those books which I will recommend to many when they ask me for a suggestion on what to read next!<br />
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Rating: 5/5<br />
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Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066663037080703116.post-20292039221326345922015-09-16T14:28:00.000+05:302015-09-16T14:52:27.068+05:30Book Review: Mrs Funnybones by Twinkle Khanna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Have I read her columns?<br />
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<i>Yes, a few.</i><br />
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Have I enjoyed her columns?<br />
<br />
<i>Yes, they are short and brings home a point which many women face everyday.</i><br />
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Now coming to the book. A work of fiction, more like a conversation with her mind, in topics ranging from parenting, marriage, fashion and work divided into various chapters. But, they are written in very much the same way as her columns, and some of them are just re-written versions of her weekly column itself.<br />
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Did I enjoy that?<br />
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<i>I think after her column, I expected a different approach for her first book, so I must say I was not too thrilled about the book. </i><br />
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It was very quick to read, in fact I finished it in one sitting, in about 2-3 hours. The language is very simple and she gets the humour across without much effort. But, once I was through half of the book, I felt there was a repetition in the prose. The peek into the Bollywood lifestyle which seems to be the core of the book became boring and extremely superficial by then.<br />
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Prodigal Son, Baby, the man ... it all seemed to lose its charm.<br />
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I believe its the short chapters and a column like approach which caused me to lose interest mid way. But, her language and style is fun to read, but maybe in a better setting.<br />
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Rating: 3/5<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credit: Image linked to source</span></div>
Aathira Nairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11255345206244009650noreply@blogger.com1