WOW ! Bloggers with Substance

I was hanging out over at the Fabulous Bitch’s place and WOW .. it hit me right in the face ! I didn’t even know that this place existed.  Not the Fabulous Bitch’s place (I go over to see her almost every day !!) but WOW : Words of Wisdom.

Considering that I pride myself on ensuring to check out as many blogs and links left by other bloggers – I was quite surprised that I’d never heard of this place.  So I did what any good blogger neighbour would do .. I dropped by and paid them a visit .. left a comment and a link and visited a few other new neighbours to check out what they had to say in the blogosphere world .. and I am happy to say that I’ve found some cool new neighbour friends :)

WOW is a cool neighbourhood – still very new so you may not see the exciting possibilities of being a part of this ‘hood but the bloggers there seem to be enjoying and just joining the conversation as each day passes.  I took Shelter from a Storm over at Kris’s place a few days ago and she was nice enough to drop me back a line telling me thanks for visiting which was really sweet of her.  This morning I dropped by Mama K’s and came out with a good recipe :) She’s been nominated as this weeks’ BON (Blogger of Note).  I also came across Danielle who has Meandering Thoughts and enjoys dancing randomly at any point during the day :)  Not a bad start to my morning !

If you are looking for new reading material or just a change – why don’t you drop by and see if you find a blogger or two that you might just WOW you :)  If you’ve got a few BON’s that you want to share with my neighbours and moi – just leave a comment and include their link so we can all check them out.

Reflections – It’s All About Time

I read a really great post the other day by Joanna Penn over at The Creative Penn titled What Do You Want To Write In Your Lifetime ? Reflections on Morality. .. and it got my mind into a hasty overdrive mode !

It’s taken me a few days to figure out how to actually put my thoughts down and every action and incident that has taken place prior to reading her post has just somehow cleared my perspective.

We only live once.  Life is short.  Time seems to be going faster and faster.  Before you know it, it’ll be June and that’s 6 months into 2010.  Maybe the next time you look at the calendar it’s going to be December and we’re planning our entry into 2011.

Yesterday, my younger brother left home to start a new journey.  He’s in the process of setting up a business in California.  He mentioned it about 3 weeks ago .. and BOOM … this morning .. he’s gone.

The day before yesterday we spent a few hours talking about what we want to achieve in this lifetime and what is the best way forward for each of us in our respective career paths.  We also discussed the differences in the ways men and women look out to their future; the role of each gender when it comes down to relationships.  It was interesting.

It boiled down to 3 things :

1. Time is of the essence.  For every minute that we waste, it is an opportunity gone by.
2. If you really want to do something – and I mean – really want to achieve something .. then you have to FIND the time to do that. 
3. Focus on the positive; on the NOW and put your energies into the goal you want to achieve and it shall fall into place. 

Between reading Joanna’s post, the conversation with my brother, and a rather random chat with Jack from Brooklyn (which I’m posting in pink below) … I have been reflecting on the things I want to achieve in my lifetime (well at least within the next 5 years)  … not in any particular order …

Financial security.  That’s a huge subject on its own.  I’m not talking about making  millions on millions (although it would be nice).  I just mean being able to have a few things in place for myself which I’ve managed to do i.e Life Insurance and Mutual Fund investments.  I’d like to own a property somewhere – but at this point in time I can’t really afford it.  But maybe by the end of the year.  

Being an Indian female .. typically by my age - which is 28 - I should be married .. or at least engaged to get married .. and trust me I'm late in getting married ... however due to my upbringing .. I have these goals that I want to achieve .. including financial ones of some sort .. and I'm a workaholic ... so my brothers point (and he's 23) was that I don't 'have to' be doing all of this .. because at the end of the day whoever I am going to marry should be capable to taking care of both of us .. and yet liberal enough to let me do my own thing so that I can continue to have my own financial freedom and yet not be dependant on it

Career progression and growth.  I am an entrepreneur at heart.  I don’t like working for other people – particularly companies where there is no freedom to conduct business in a way that is suited to ones’ personality.  I recently resigned from an events management consultancy with one of the largest media companies – Times of India so that I could set up on my own again.  After working for myself for 6 years; I moved to India and ‘got a job’ … and now I’m back on my own feet again.  It’s slow at times, but it pushes me to get more and drive more opportunities my way.

I could continue working independently over here in Bombay which is proving to be a good market; but then there are opportunities over seas that I should and could cash in on.  So many options .. which one to choose !

So I ratted of the goals I want to achieve .. which is career, financial security, and settling down ... however due to the fact that I'm in India - I haven't found anyone in the last 2.5 years that I want to be in a relationship with .. which in essence means that I feels that I have wasted 2 years of what could have been a relationship that would have gotten me closer to settling down .. so my career and financials work but the relationship i.e personal life has suffered ...

Settling down in a relationship that will eventually result in marriage.  In the 2.5 years that I’ve been in India – I’ve not had a relationship.  I’m not dating - and the few so-called dates that I’ve been on have been enough to make me wonder WTF happened!  It’s not that I’m not dateable – I’m a brilliant catch according to my mates – I just haven’t found the right fisherman to catch me.  (Considering I am scared of fish – I don’t know why I used that metaphor!)

I’ve spent the last 6-8 months taking part in a documentary film that looks into the life of an expat Indian and their views & perspectives on dating, relationships,  love & arranged marriage.  One of the incidents resulted in an explosive reaction on my part which I titled Some Documented Truths.  I realize I have set myself up for this crazy rollercoaster ride … lately all I keep hearing is ‘when are you planning on getting married’ and the more I hear it – the more I keep thinking .. ‘why why why’ !   How am I supposed to meet someone in a city full of people who can barely understand me or my back ground ?

I’ve gone down the traditional Indian match maker route (yeah that exists peeps and trust me its no fun!); I am on a matrimonial site (yup got conned into that too – I had to make the profile or else let my mom & my aunt come up with their own thing) AND gone out with a few of the men from there (disaster stories honest); I am listening to my mother list out details of eligible bachelors.  Any joy so far ? Nope.  Anyone interesting ? Yes – he’s in NYC.  We’ve been talking for 9 months now and I feel that we’ve connected .. however we’ve never met (other than Skype chats).  The fact that we’re still in touch is a good sign.  But for anything to materialize means that we both need to meet and figure it out – whatever the end result is.  For that I need to get out of this city.

Leave this country for the sake of my sanity ASAP.  I’ve known this for a while now.  It hit me harder after my trip to Dubai.  Living here is a different life.  It’s not one that I’m used to.  I have adapted just fine into the day-to-day grind however if I look deep into myself, I know I’m not happy being where I am.  The thing is .. since I’ve just left my consultancy and I’m starting on my own again .. where do I want to be ?  Do I move to Dubai or do I go back to London ? Either way – I’m comfortable in both places – I have friends in both cities and I know the life that I will have.  Its more ME than the life I’m living in Bombay (and its not a bad life – its just stressful due to external factors)

So yeah .. my dilemma in life now is .. do I move somewhere with career focus and let the relationship just happen .. or do I go somewhere putting the relationship first and then work on the career ... and throw in the fact that I want to be back with my friends who are split between London & Dubai .. and a potential relationship that's in New York !  its like damn WTF do I do !

That’s all from me folks.  I think it’s been a slightly heavy post.  As you can tell, my mind has been in a bit of an over drive mode.  What about you ? What do you hope to achieve over the next few years ? Or in your lifetime ? And if you were to answer Joanna’s question – what do you want to write in your lifetime ?

Restless Thoughts

I’ve been quite restless the past week or two.  I’m drowning myself in a sea of knowledge in an attempt to ‘learn more’ .. and every day the learning curve goes up a notch.  Being a perfectionist is proving to be my downfall right now.  I can’t keep up with all the learning !

I’ve been wanting to go out .. party – dance – socialize .. but at the same time I don’t want to do that.  I reckon its because I’m missing being in Dubai … or maybe it’s the empty vacuum of not being around my boys *sigh*

I didn’t go out the entire weekend.  I’ve been reading, researching, learning, creating … I’m trying to let it all sink in.  Went out on Sunday to a boat party – which was fun.  But it was so hot.  Its about 34 degrees out here.  And trust me – you don’t want to be outdoors in this heat.

I’m working on a series of posts on Social Media Marketing that I’d like to put up .. but I’m not sure whether they would be better in the form of a SlideShare presentation or just as text ? I’m quite comfortable with my Blogger Voice – I suppose I just want to let more be heard now.  I’m still figuring it all out – but at least I’ve got my thoughts out in the open now .. right ?

There’s so much going on in my life .. more than I even realized .. and to try to find the time to do it all is proving almost impossible.  For every hour that I spend on one project – it’s an hour less that I’m able to give to something else .. and that’s eating at me.

I read a really great post the other day by Joanna Penn over at The Creative Penn titled What Do You Want To Write In Your Lifetime ? Reflections on Morality. .. and it got my mind into a hasty overdrive mode ! I’m working on that right now.

Until then …. thanks for swinging by =)

Wordless Wednesday #2 The Call of The Ganges

This picture was taken on Day 2 of my rafting and camping trip to Rishishek last year in October.  There’s something about this image that causes me to take a deep breath and just slowly exhale. 

Thought I’d try something different since I’m still new to this .. I’d love to know your answers to the questions below :)

1. How do you feel when you see this picture ?
   • Calm. And surreal.  Its so different to the concrete jungle I live in.
2. What 3 words come to mind when you see this image ?
   • power of nature !
3. If you could be at this location right now – who would you be there with and what would you be doing ?
• I’d go with a handful of friends (including the group I went with last year); and it would make for a great picnic spot :)

So those are my answers .. what are yours ?

p.s. I reckon with my photography obsession - I’ll use a few of the images that I have taken over the next few Wordless Wednesday posts.

Schiller – I Feel You

I’m all for good music. There was a time when I couldn’t go to sleep if I didn’t have music playing. All of that changed when I started paying my own bills LOL and realized that I can work up quite an electricity bill !

Schiller is one of my favourite artistes .. I only discovered him perhaps just over a year ago and I’m practically addicted to his style of music. To really get a feel and deeper understanding of his music – do check out the following two tracks – Dream of You and You – both of which are on my playlists.

I can’t get over the goose bumps that this track has caused me (seems like all of Schillers’ music does this to me) … It’s as if the song has consumed every cell in my being. I feel you … I really do .. More than you can even imagine … I’ve connected with you .. somewhere mentally and emotionally … I feel you.

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The vocals are haunting. Can you feel the sound vibrate against your skin ? Close your eyes and just LISTEN to the music. Do you hear the beats ? do you feel the shivers going down your spine ? Can you feel the goose bumps rise on your arms ?

Look deep into your minds eye .. who is it that you see when you hear this song ? Can you see him or her ? Who are they to you ? Are you surprised that this is the one person that you can relate to this track ?

I think my heart skipped a beat .. knowing that I can feel you through every beat of my heart … Do you even realize the extent of my feelings ? Would you ever be able to understand ?

With my eyes closed, and a rush of memories racing through my mind .. I can see you .. you’ve always been there .. I don’t even know you but I feel you .. I can smell your musky scent; the freshness of your after shave … Why is it that I feel you ? Why haven’t I ever said what it was that I wanted to say ? Or maybe I just never said it the right way.

There’s so much I want to say – but I can’t … Not because I don’t know how – but it might take me a lifetime to convey my thoughts to you …I don’t know if you are ready for that sort of commitment.

If I could come up with all of that … how must you be reacting to this song ? Would love for you to share a few lines with me in the form of comments. Enjoy the lyrics – have included them below for you to have a read as well :)

I feel You...
In every stone
In every leaf of every tree
you´re ever grown
(That you ever might have grown)

I feel you...
In every thing
In every river that might flow
In every seed you might have sown

I feel you...
In every rain
In every beating of my heart
Each breath I take
(In every breath i´ll ever take)

I feel you...
Anyway...
In every tear that I might shed
In every word I´ve never said
I feel you...

Wordless Wednesday : Sunset from Dome

It’s my first Wordless Wednesday … decided to try it out whenever I can since I’m such an obsessive camera-holic !   This was the sunset view yesterday 16.3.10 from Dome at the Intercontinental Hotel on Marine Drive in Bombay.

 

Branding : From Carpet to Canopy

I’ve spent the last few weeks reading, researching, and referencing various branding techniques.  As some of you already know, I’m an events & wedding planner by profession; and also providing branding and marketing consultancy services.

A friend of mine has his own flooring and tiling company and we were discussing how a large chunk of clients don’t see the importance of increasing the spends for events so that it can include all-round branding i.e. from carpet to canopy.  I use this term (and it’s quite catchy too) because whilst browsing a few sites today, I came across some great reference material and pictures that I could point out to future clients.

When a company or brand is looking at general corporate branding, creating and increasing team spirit, increasing customer awareness – then custom logo mats are the perfect solution.  Whether its a sports team, a food chain, an art gallery, a nursery or university, or a multinational company – they are all using customized logo mats to enhance their brand presence across their respective outlets / offices.

There are a variety of mats that can be used from indoor mats, outdoor mats, and industrial mats.   The mats are light weight; can be moved around; protects the floors AND creates a great first impression to new and potential clients; not to mention that the use of floor mats decreases the wear & tear on existing flooring and decreases the cleaning bill !  There are also anti-fatigue mats which provides for ergonomic comfort for employees especially if they have to stand for long periods of time.  Its been proven that using this style of mats increases productivity and employee satisfaction.

India is known for its multitude of exhibitions and trade shows – every week there’s something or the other going on.  And yet, every time I visit any of the shows and exhibitions, I come out feeling slightly disappointed.  I spend the majority of my time ‘hunting’ for a brand that might stand out to me .. instead of the brand catching my attention. 

As an event manager, setting up a booth at a trade show or exhibition to me is the equivalent of having a store or office by which potential customers will judge the business and based on that judgment they will determine whether or not they want to enter your store / booth etc.  

Brands have yet to catch on to using customized/branded trade show flooring or trade show carpeting at these exhibitions and shows as it increases the visual impact of the display area; and creates a more professional environment.   All trade shows have the same flooring – why not make yours stand out ! Besides its always better to for a brand to own their own flooring especially if participating in multiple exhibitions and shows in a year.

I’ve always found that using a logo canopy creates a high impact (more so in outdoor events); particular if one wants to keep budgets low.  For the longest time, clients have just used canopies to put their brand name on the structures – however nowadays they even want to put out full colour pictures of the product(s) to print onto the tents.

Brands are opting for more graphic covered tents primarily for sporting events, fashion events, trade shows, and any road show campaigns inside and/or outside retail establishments.   These can range in size from 10 x 10 feet to as large as 100 x 100 feet if not larger depending on the scale of the event. 

These branded canopies provide venue owners, and corporate sponsors the dual benefits of outdoor protection AND high profile brand exposure.

So as you can see it’s not really that difficult for a brand to cater to complete carpet to canopy branding .. it can be done in a cost effective manner.  The brands just have to open their eyes, smell the coffee, and remember that it’s about customer perception at the end of the day.

Would love to hear any added thoughts to the above article.  Of course there are many more ways for a brand to marketing and brand themselves.  The above are just 3 of the simpler ways a brand can get their message across to mass audiences.

The Dazed Master of Divas

I’ve barely gotten over the fact that I’ve received the Beautiful Blogger award when the Fabulous Bitch has gone on and drop kicked the Master of Karate & Friendship Award on me ! 

Here’s what she had to say about me :

Dazediva - Sporadic Reflections
I cannot omit her from my award list. She is my girls crush, my BBBFF (Best Bloggy Bitch Fab Friend), the girl I want to have tequila parties with while we are appreciating male gorgeousness. She is bitch fab, the diva and always a fab read!

Now how did she know I’ve been the Karate Kid in my youth & prime ?? Beware – I got some high kicks left in me !  To find out about some more Karate Kids go and visit The Fab Bitch.

The award comes with rules (which one doesn’t these days huh ?) and I have to list 6 things that ‘I Master’.  Wow that’s a tough one - ‘cos I’m the Dazed Master of Divas !  So here goes …

1.  Master of Capturing Digital Moments.  My camera and I go hand in hand.  I take lots of pictures.  My friends and family reckon I’m obsessive.  And yes I’ve mastered the art of being able to take a photograph when one least expects it.  I love it ! Now I just need to buy a professional camera and the photos I take will be even more kick ass than they already are !

2.  Master of Conversation.  I can talk.  Honestly I can.  And I talk a lot of sense too.  NC wonders where I have the stamina to keep talking.    Regular every day chit chat bores me.  I like learn when I converse with people.  I tend to ask a lot of questions or go into detail about certain subjects.  I enjoy engaging in conversation outside of my realm of knowledge so that I get to hear another perspective.  Every now and then – in true Aquarian style, my mind will wander and my conversation waffles .. but the majority of the time, I make way too much sense.  And now with social networks changing conversation – I’m totally on top of my game ! A toast to the Art of Conversation

3.  Master of the Roads.  I’m sure many of the lads will disagree with this – but you know what – I don’t care.  Once you can drive on the roads of Mumbai – you  automatically qualify to become a Road Master; and if you SURVIVE (and I’ve managed 2.5 years now) then damn that sure hell gives me the right to call myself the Master of the Roads.   And I couldn’t do it without my trusty side-kick Storm :)  On a serious front; I qualified amongst my guy friends to ‘race’ with them on the roads of Dubai (aah memories) – and till date none of them have an issue with me getting behind the wheels of their cars.

4.  Master of My Kitchen.  That was when I had my own kitchen ! I’m living at home after about 8 years; and in the past 2 years I have not entered the family kitchen only ‘cos my mom is so paranoid that I’ll mess something up.  Besides – I don’t really ‘feel’ the kitchen so much.  When I lived in London and Montreal – I was the master of my kitchen.  My Sunday brunches in Montreal were famous on my floor and it was an open house.  The menu comprised of French Toast with cinnamon & maple syrup; fluffy mixed omelets; bacon strips / sausages; cereals; a variety of juices.  Considering I’m a vegetarian – I’ve made a fantastic Xmas Dinner for my flat mate and long time school friend EG when we were in London.  There’s the romantic side of me that will even go on to cook a divine meal for my partner.  Yup – done that too. 

The only thing I avoid in my kitchen is desserts – because I love them too much and I would be totally heart broken if a dessert I made didn’t come out correctly.  So I rather savour the yummy tastes of professional desserts =) And also because I’ve realised that I lose my appetite once I cook – and who the hell wants to miss out on dessert.

5.  Master of Getting Things Done.  I still prefer the way the Fabulous Bitch has expressed herself on this .. some people may call it manipulation; I reckon its just the way one is able to delegate and get things done the right way at the right time.  In my line of work – its a necessity ! And trust me – Bombay is not an easy place to try and get work sorted ! Every body is so laid back and blasé about schedules – deadlines don’t exactly exist for the majority of people; and it’s frustrating as hell to have to constantly go back and forth.  At this stage in my life – I know who to call and when to call – and how to get my work done.  

6.  Master of (almost all) Trades.  Ok so this one is a bit cocky and slightly up myself .. but … given the chance, I could master anything and everything I actually wanted to.  I know my strengths and my weaknesses; I play up my strengths and work on bettering my weaknesses.  I’ve put my hands in many a pie – and its resulted in me doing a bit of this and a bit of that .. after all variety is the spice of life :)

And now it’s time for the awards to be handed out … I’m including Twitter Id’s and Blogs in that order so that you have absolutely no excuse not to follow these awesome Karate Champs !

Drum Roll Please ….

1. The Fabulous Bitch absolutely deserves this one right back at her.  After all she’s my BBBFF !  Her Story for Every Picture series just bowl me over and leave me wondering where she finds the words to so aptly describe something most of can’t even begin to form into a sentence.
2. Jollof who is The Crazy Nigerian …. He’s been a regular over at Sporadic Reflections from the time I first entered the neighbourhood.  He’s funny; smart; a banker; and his blog always cracks me up.  It’s a mesh of thoughts that captivate you and leave you wanting more.
3. Fishy who believes there is Plenty More Fish Out of Water … if you don’t piss yourself laughing at his various escapades then you don’t have a sense of humour (at least not an English one).  Yup he’s a fellow Englishman and I raise the flag in your honour !
4. Bombchell better known as Atlanta’s Sexiest Geek has got the boom-boom-pow ! once you check out her swagger there’s no copying that now ! I guess all the Karate moves reminded of me of this sexy lady. 
5. Moxie who dishes out some fab relationship advice; tells you that’s why you’re single;  throws dirt at ya and knows how to handle her business ! She’s articulate, and her words have the power of those karate brick chops ! Have you got Moxie baby ?
6. And lastly I have to hand over the power punches to One Sassy Girl who is a Hot Piece of Sass !!! Need I say more ??

If you fancy checking out some more uber funky bloggers – do check out the Swank Bloggers who Give Good Blog; The Awesome Girl Bloggers, The Bitch Fab Bloggers, and The Beautiful Bloggers

I hope you enjoy these Karate Experts as much as I do – and once you get to know them – you’ll understand why they are the best kinda friends to have around.  They’re gonna save your ass one of these days ! hahaha

So WTF Just Happened ?

To bring you up to date with this post – I must give you some background first for you to understand where I’m coming from on this.

Rewind to 12th – 15th Feb

Went over to a mates place for his birthday; the party was in full swing – everyone was having a great laugh and I was the only one not drinking as I was on antibiotics. During the course of the evening; I got chatting with this guy – who my cousin has labeled as ‘Smiley’ and we got along but weren’t getting along. Why ? Every time he spoke to me, our conversation would get cut short by someone else coming over to talk to me. It was only after the host actually told me what this man does (owns a leisure club) that I told the guy (yes yes I know – I actually said this to him) that now I can give him my full attention since we could both be useful to each other when it comes to work.

Moving along in the evening; the two of us stepped out in to the stairwell for a drink and to get away from the blaring Indian music. He’s having a smoke (the other kind) and the following conversation takes place at some point ....

Smiley - So what would you do if I leaned over and kissed you right now ?

Dazediva – Erm I’d slap you. I don’t know you. And besides, if you were going to do that – don’t you think you should just do that instead of telling me you’re going to kiss me. Either way – I’d have slapped you. We don’t even know each other.

Smiley – But you’re still sitting here and talking to me instead of walking away.

Dazediva – yeah I’m chilling; enjoying my drink and getting away from the music for a bit. If you like – I can go inside or go to my car for English music that they won’t let me put on inside.

We have sat there for a bit longer and the topic of exchanging numbers comes about. His phone is in the apartment – and he is under the impression I won’t give him my number. I tell him I will do. We do end up exchanging numbers. I save him as Smiley (as I honestly couldn’t remember his name at the time)

That same night he’s sent me a few messages which included ‘Good Night – we’ll meet again again – do you want to talk’. I must have said it was too late or was crashing. The next day I asked for his email address so I could send him the pics from the party or add him on FB so he can see the pics – to which he did reply and sent me his details.

About 2 days later he sends me a message telling me that he’s seen the pics and invites me to his club for dinner whenever I am free. I’ve replied along the lines that I’m traveling and if it works for him – then after a week once I’m back. It works for him – he asks where I’m going and says to let him know when I’m back so we can catch up then; even tells me that I sound excited about my holiday and to call when I get back.

Fast Forward to A Few Days Ago

Mind you – this boy and me have not been in touch the entire time I was out of town. I kept my word. I sent him a message to let him know that I was back. He replies telling me that it sounds like I had a blast and ‘so whenever you are free – lets catch up ..’

I asked him how he was placed for the weekend / or coming week as I was still figuring out my schedule after my break. A few hours later he’s replied saying he’s only just read my message and how does Saturday sound. I told him that it works (unless a disaster strikes lol) to which he reply came across as quite strong .. ‘Cool. Will call you. Keep yourself free’. This was all over text messages on 4th March.

On Saturday – he gives me a call to check if we’re still on for dinner. Asks me where I live. The common problem in Bombay is that everyone lives on opposite ends of the city. This instance is no different. On the phone he asks if its a problem for me to get to his side of the city for dinner; and then we’ll go hang out his friends place. I’ve already mentioned that I have to go to a party after dinner / drinks and he’s welcome to join if he wants and so can his friend.

So I trek over to the other side of the world – and it really feels like a different place with the roads getting narrower; and more and more trucks and rickshaws on the road ! His receptionist shows me the entire club (that I thought was a bit weird since he could have also done this); and leaves me at his office.

He’s gone on to show me the restaurant area which was gorgeous but since there were no free tables – he suggested we have drinks in his office. Not too much of an issue for me. However I did make fun of the fact that he sat behind this huge desk the entire time we were having drinks whilst I was sat on the couch bang opposite. Eventually I moved on to the bean bag next to the couch but still – it was kinda odd as I felt like I was ‘drinking at an interview’ hahah

The two of us kept up a great conversation – listening to him was like hearing a male version of me as he’s also grown up in a relatively international environment. Eventually – he calls to order dinner – make it a take away and then head to his friends’ place in my car (at least he wasn’t irresponsible about drinking & driving – and I had a driver for the night) to chill out and have a few drinks there.

Whilst in the elevator on the way up to her flat – this man has started saying something; stopped; and just moved towards me in what appears to be an attempt to kiss me. I’m already backed up against the damn elevator so can’t do much else but laugh, move my face and ask what he’s doing. He ended up kissing my chin. There’s no further mention of this – there is no awkwardness – it was taken and dealt with in stride if I say so myself.

The friend was a super chilled out girl with a gorgeous apartment and a lovely hostess. We sat around the three of us – had a few drinks and made plans to head over to this other party; which turned out to be just as much fun and we all had a good evening. I didn’t spend much time individually with either of them – but we all were chatting and getting to know the other people at the party as well.

End of the night – we all say good night – I drop them to a cab. I was pretty done for the night (the two weeks of daily partying caught up to me) and I leaned out of my window to hug the guy good night. Get home; he’s sent me a message checking if I had a good time and vice versa and then asks if he can call me. I was shattered and passing out – so I said no and that we’ll chat the following day.

Sunday was super hectic for me with family commitments - and it was on Monday that I realized just what a RANDOM night I’d had. And after reading about the Non-Date Date (which totally reminded me of banker boy haha) – I’m wondering WTF just happened over the weekend ??? Was it a date ? A date with a friend / potential business contact ? Or a date according to him which I put a stop to with my movements in the elevator ? Or did I imagine it to be a date and it turned out not to be one ? That just goes to show how long its been since I’ve been on a date !

SingleCiyGuy has written about the Beauty of Non-Date Dates; and Nando has dissected this theory with his post The Non-Date Date Illusion .. Lost Plum has a fab outlook to it and compares this to Kool Aid ! and I’m pretty sure Simone Grant has something to say on this too but I can’t find the post on her blog (she’s still moving her things over from Sugar.com)

Would love to hear your thoughts on this one ! Regardless of whether or not it was a date or non-date date – it turned out to be a lot of fun; just more random than what I would have expected but hell that’s what life is about right ? Besides what the hell is dating ?

Diva in Dubai

I’ve only just come back from a glorious two week vacation in Dubai … I was only meant to go for a a few days and just ended up extending my trip each time.  For those of you who’re new to my blog; I’m a potpourri of cultures – and spent my childhood growing up in Dubai.  It’s been about 1.5 year since I’ve been back and about 8 years since my family moved from there – but it’s still ‘home’ for me.

Words cannot describe just how I felt about my holiday – and hence I’m just going to share a few photographs with you to take you through my journey :)

The very modern hotel room for the first 4 nights of the holiday.  Freaked NC out when I told her there was no separate shower ! She’d already made plans of kicking me out of the room for privacy during bath hours haha

            

The Burj Khalifa is truely a stunning tower and sight to gawk at.

Some of the views from outside Dubai Mall in the evening.

 

We went out to the Nassimi Beach which is a part of the Atlantis hotel and watched Cafe Del Mar perform live ! Spent a few hours at this super chilled out party and honestly I didn’t want to leave ! 

Went to this lovely cafe restaurant which overlooked the fountains outside Dubai Mall called Zahr El-Laymoun .. the food was to die for !

The coffee was served in the traditional way – loved the pot ! The juices were served in mini pitchers (that’s carrot juice in the photo below. !  And the shisha pipes were quite pretty and matched the colour theme of the entire restaurant.

 

The above two pics are from the Madinat Jumeirah – super chilled out; where you can go and grab some coffee; shisha; and a few drinks.  There are various restaurants scattered across here overlooking the water front.

 

The last few days I crashed over at my aunts place in the Palms Jumeriah.  That’s the view from out of my room window.  On the left side is the pool and the beach ! It felt great to be able to open the lounge sliding doors and walk straight out to the pool and within 5 feet you can get to the beach.

And before I forget – you must see some of the new friends I made whilst out there … can’t wait to see them again !

 

I met all these cool creatures over at the Dubai Aquarium ! It’s a must visit if you ever make a trip out there.  You even get the option of going snorkeling with the sharks ! or if you prefer to be safe – then you can take a ride on a glass bottom boat.

There you have it … my holiday snaps.  I have LOTS more … but they just involve lots of alcohol ! hahah

7 Dazed Facts About The Diva

The Fabulous Bitch over at Splintered Life has bestowed upon me … hold your breath now …

Considering she’s never seen me (then again neither have you) – I am flattered that she thinks of my blog and me as beautiful =)  Actually here’s what she said ..

Sporadic Reflection
Love this girl. She is dazzling, gorgeous, fabulous and just one helluva of a hot bitch lovely blogger.

So I’d like to take a bow in one of my sexiest dresses and thank The Fabulous Bitch for honouring me with this award ! If you haven’t already rushed across to check her blog out – then you’re honestly missing out on some super sassy writing !

The rules of this award are:

• Thank the person who nominated you for this award
• Copy the award and place it in your blog
• Link the person who nominated you for this award
• Tell us 7 interesting things about you
• Nominate 7 bloggers and link to their blogs

7 Dazed Facts About The Diva ….

1.  I am a self-proclaimed chocoholic. Give me dessert over a meal any day and I’ll be happy.  It’s definitely one of my guilty pleasures. I love desserts so much so that my signature in one of my email accounts is …

All I really need is chocolate, but a little love now and then doesn't hurt! -- Me

2.  I am a diva on the dance floor.  Ironically – as a kid – I was super shy to get on the floor.  But as I grew older and discovered the joys of nightclubs; I have gone on to daze those who watch me on the dance floor ;) Whether it’s R&B, Hip Hop or House music – I love to dance.  Give me a good dance partner and damn I’ll show you some moves.  One of my very good friends HRH is a wicked dancer – and damn this man can salsa like no tomorrow.

3.  I have a super low boredom threshold .. hence like to learn about anything and everything.  I need constant change.  I don’t like routine.  Maybe for a few things (never mess around with gym / yoga timings)– but generally I don’t routine.  I love to learn – and took up languages (French, German, Arabic) as they came easily to me – next on the list is Spanish & Italian. When I entered the corporate world - I couldn’t handle a  typical 9-5 job.  I tried it and had to leave it.  That’s how I got into event management.  Every project is different.  Perhaps this is also why I could never get a tattoo or pierce random body parts.  It would be a fad for a bit and then I’d want to get rid of them.

4.  I don’t believe in sleeping.  My cousin NC reckons I’m an insomniac – which I’m not.  I just think sleeping is a waste of time.  If I sleep more than 5 hours – I get cranky as hell.  I have never slept in the afternoon till date.   My mom told me that as a baby – I would prefer to play in my crib than go to sleep.  Having said that – I don’t like to sleep alone (who doesn’t) .. I find myself drifting off in to a deep slumber when there’s someone next to me who I can cuddle up to.  My German Shepherd always jumped onto the bed and would cozy up to me – got some of my best sleep then !  At the moment I have neither a dog nor a boyfriend …. hmmm maybe that’s why sleep doesn’t seem to come easily.

5.  My life is digitally captured.  In 2008 I had 19,500 photos; 2009 saw 15,307 photos only because I had broken my ankle and wasn’t allowed to go out for about 2 months.  We’re only 2 months into 2010 and I have 3534 photos already. Oh and did I mention that I have 288 albums up on FB ? Yeah my life is definitely digitally captured.  I’ve got my photos sorted chronologically by the year and by date .. and it feels amazing to know that all I have to do is flip through those pics to see what I was up to at a particular time in my life.  Sure I’ve pissed a few people off with my digital obsession – but it’s okay – at some point they’ve all come back to ask for certain photos; and have more often than not – used my photos for their profile pics on FB hehehe.  Just today my boy Rockstar was bitching me out for taking his photos (he hates my camera / hates his pic being taken) and went on to try to make feel guilty by suggesting that for every picture I click he’ll just spend less time with me :( 

6.  I have way too many diva style personalities.  I kid you not.  My boys treat me like one of the lads (albeit with boobs & a hot ass).  I am constantly partying like a rock star ! NC doesn’t know where I get the energy levels from.  I often come  across as a very cold hearted bitch; I’ve been known to cut people out of my life the minute they breach my trust – and it doesn’t matter if they’ve known me my whole life either.  I am fantastic with kids (ok only with my nieces & nephews) which is a side of me most don’t get.  I am a mush ball when it comes to animals (I even cried in Ice Age when Diego was getting clawed by the other sabers).  In short, I could be your best friend, your lover, your fantasy or if you’re unlucky enough to get the wrong side of me - your worst enemy.  Alanis Morissette said it much better though :

I’m a bitch I’m a lover
I’m a child I’m a mother
I’m a sinner I’m a saint
I do not feel ashamed
I’m your hell I’m your dream
I’m nothin’ in between
You know, you wouldn’t want it any other way

7.  I’m so simple … it’s complicated.  And that’s the truth.  I am who I am. I don’t try to hide it. I am about as honest and upfront as you can get.  If I combine my FB & Blogger profile descriptions – it would read … ‘what you see is what you get .. should you choose to see beyond the obvious then we'll definitely get along :)  Think you can handle that ?    My best mate Nat (aka @britgirlz) put this on her status a few minutes ago …. Be who You are, say what You feel. Those who matter, don't mind. Those who mind, don't matter.  See what I mean – I’m simple, and people complicate it ! Ironically I happened to write a post some time back with the same title.  Just read it and had a laugh to myself.

Enough about me … DRUM ROLL … and now it’s time for what you all have been waiting for … the Nominees …(catch them on Twitter & check their blogs) …

1. Nando from Nandoism … he’s just oh-so-fab and a damn good writer too ! his video blogs will make you squeal in delight !
2. Jack .. and he’s f*cking in Brooklyn ! .. Ladies rush over to his page right now and be prepared to let your jaws drop .. and once you read his writing; if you’re panties aren’t in a twist, I’ll change my name.
3. Cole over at Pre Middle Age … she’s outrageously funny; her life lessons are great; and she’s got sass ! and she’s an event planner like me :)
4. Cereal Daters over at I Hate The Way You Eat Cereal .. created by 3 very strong and expressive ladies – this is a fab blog if you haven’t read it as yet !
5. KCKool over at KCKools’ Blog … it’s quite a pretty blog; and beautifully maintained.  Lots of interesting subjects on there. Swing by and show some love.
6. Kimmy over at KimmyStyle .. now that’s where classics and style intersect .. she’s got a great blog collection and the pictures will take your breath away.
7. Carol over at Balsam Ponds … one of the first few bloggers I came across; she is extremely artistic and creative and makes some of the loveliest cards that I have seen.  I only know Carol through her writing and once you read her blog – you will understand why she is a Beautiful Blogger.

If you fancy checking out some more uber funky bloggers – do check out the Swank Bloggers who Give Good Blog; The Awesome Girl Bloggers, and The Bitch Fab Bloggers

Hope you enjoy these Beautiful Bloggers as much as I do =) Happy Reading and don’t forget to show some comment lurve whilst dropping by their blogs !