Monday, December 31, 2012

Diva’s Most Dazed Reflections of 2012

My brother just said to me ‘23 hours before we hit 2013’ ! The year has really flown by.  I think it may have felt a bit longer had I spent the whole year in India but in keeping with my 2010 resolutions, I spent exactly 143 days traveling out of India at one stretch ! 2012 has been an interesting year.  I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person, as an entrepreneur and as a blogger.

 

1.  Blogging Like a Diva.  I managed to hit the 500th and 600th blog post milestone in 2012.  I was hoping to cross 200 posts again this year, seeing that I wrote 205 posts in 2011, but alP6220030as I’ve fallen short.  I suppose that’s because I was micro-blogging throughout my extended working vacation.  Do you reckon those micro blogs count towards my actual blog posts ?  I managed to successfully complete not 1 but 3 different blogging challenges this year.  The Ultimate Blog Challenge in January; the A to Z Challenge in April and another Ultimate Blog Challenge in October.  That’s a lot of continuous writing on my part and I’m so glad that I took part in these.  I’m going to endeavour to write even more next year.  Not because I have to, but because I want to.  I’m an expressive person – although at times that may not appear to be the case; and blogging proves to be an ideal outlet for my very sporadic and sometimes dazed thoughts. 

 

2.  Just Because Someone Is In Your Life, Doesn’t Mean They Are A Part Of Your Life.   Some people like to call themselves our friends; but in reality they are not friends, they are just passing or casual acquaintances; almost like a character out of our storybook lives.  I realized that a few people I knew who always called upon me for guidance / assistance / general chit chat were not really my friends (despite claiming to be so).  I obviously never categorized them the same way I would my closest friends but I considered them important enough to give them my attention and time.  The expat / nomad life style will involve maintaining long distance friendships – but the true test of ones friendship lies when the two of you are in the same city together.  These LDF’s proved to be nothing more than an association of convenience.  It’s a mistake I won’t be repeating.  2012 taught me a valuable lesson.  If one can’t take the time for another; they have no right to be in that persons’ life. 

3.  People That Matter Will Always Make An Effort.  I’m grateful and blessed to have some amazing people in my life.  Friends who I have known for decades, and others who have recently entered my world and become an integral part of my being.  2012 will forever remain a memorable year for the simple reason that I got to meet up with my nearest and dearest after almost 5 and 10 years.  I got to  attend the wedding of ‘my beta’ – my high school tissue paper letter writing girlfriend who eventually became my flat mate in London.  I spent a month living with my university friend in Montreal and spending quality time with her (and her two cats and adorable boyfriend).  I managed to visit beautiful Bermuda and catch up with another girlfriend.  The late night shishas, desserts, never ending conversations and a long overdue girls weekend in Marbella with my bestie DA.  My darling Luci, who works so hard, found the time to always meet me during the month I was in Montreal – whether it was for breakfast, a coffee, dinner, late night drives, and even dropped me off to the airport.  The vicarious Vixen who met me for the longest Happy Hours and sifted through my PayPal issues.  My nutty Nomster who made me her make-up model just so that we could spend more time together. 

 

4.  One Must Chase Their Dreams To Achieve Them.  Simple, and so true.  Ask yourself ‘are you living your dream ?’ If the answer is No, then ask yourself if you aren’t going to build your dream who else will ? Anything is possible – it’s just a matter of perseverance.  I spent a months out of India – which is my company base and yet, over the course of a few months, I was able to generate new business leads, conduct meetings overseas with potential clients and even seal a few deals with them.  I’ve always wanted my business to have a significant international exposure – and that wish became a reality because I have done everything I can possibly do over the last few years to ensure that my business is where it is today.  And this, is just the beginning of bigger and better milestones for my company.

 

If it wasn’t for bloggers and readers like yourself, my blog wouldn’t exist, so I’d like to Thank You for taking the time to stop by here today (and every other day that you hop over).  I’d like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year and hope that 2013 brings you whatever your heart desires. 

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Diva’s Xmas Greetings !

diva xmas cardI hope you guys had an amazing day opening presents and enjoying the company of your loved ones…. maybe even gaining a few kilos due to the excessive food and alcohol consumption !  I’ve had an extremely festive 2 weeks and today my feet are paying the price of it all !

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 24, 2012

MM #93 Coldplay – Princess of China

Whilst I’m a fan of Coldplay, this track has been on my mind for the past few months.  I was actually meant to go and watch Coldplay perform live in Paris with my girlfriend AM – but unfortunately she couldn’t make it and so I didn’t end up going for the show.  Oh well, another time perhaps.

 

There’s something about the beats of this track that are almost haunting (or am I just imagining that ?) Since I’ve never been a fan of lyrics – it makes me wonder what is / was the point of the last line of lyrics on the track. Thoughts or insights anyone ?

Happy MM Folks !

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

The World Did Not End in 2012

World Didn't End-725268I guess the Mayans were wrong about the world coming to an end in 2012.   It’s 22nd December and so far nothing catastrophic has happened (except for me almost tripping on a broken bit of pavement).  No deadly Tsunamis or earth quakes or an alien take-over.   The dreaded doomsday, 21st December turned out to be a bit of a dull day; it came and went just like any other day of the year (I didn’t really feel it was any different; nor did the people around me).

I don’t know much about the Mayans or any of the history behind the theory they came up with – but a lot of newspapers and experts claim to know exactly ‘why’ the world did not end.  According to renowned Maya scholar David Stuart and University of Texas at Austin art history professor, despite the popular misconception, the date doesn't predict the end of times - rather, it was intended to promote continuity during a time of crisis.

Why do YOU think the world did not end ? Any theories ? Was it a regular day for you or do you fall under the category of people who considered it a possibility and stocked up on food ? I actually went out for a really nice family dinner followed by an ‘End of the World’ terrace party in the suburbs .  If the world was coming to an end, I’d like to go out of here having a good time (i.e. drinking & dancing) with my friends !

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

WW #70 Tweeting Santa

70 Tweeting Santa

 

The look on Santas’ face says it all !!

Happy WW Folks ! Don’t forget to share your linky below !

 

Monday, December 17, 2012

MM #92 Flo Rida – Whistle

Music-MondayWoohooo, a song that I can actually whistle along too !  Not a bad way to start your Monday right ? A peppy tune to keep the cheer flowing.

Loving the location of the shoot for the video.  I wouldn’t mind soaking in the sun at a cliff-side pool.

Now all I need is the turquoise bikini and I’m pretty set (and a few more hours at the gym !!)

 

 

Happy MM Folks !

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

WW #69 Do Not Kiss

A friend of mine managed to capture this one in the suburbs of Bombay.

Check out the front of the auto rickshaw – it says ‘Love is a sweet poison’ – which funnily enough goes quite well with the ‘do not kiss’ sign behind the driver.

 

do not kiss

Happy WW Folks and don’t forget to share your linky below !

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Things You Learn At Brunch

I’m a big fan of brunches; and especially more so of the boozy brunch … more restaurants should offer a liquid menu with a side of nibbles !

 

1.  Champagne & Cocktails all around !! PC080415

My favourite part of Bombay Brunches (and yes this tends to only really happen here) is the free flowing Alcohol which includes Bubbly (or sparkling white).  If it isn’t Vodka Redbull, then it’s gotta be Champagne (for me, and maybe for you too) !  We had the pleasure of having a liquid brunch – and it involved trying every cocktail on the menu; and then making up our own (as we all do at some point). Not only did we order a copious amount of cocktails, but we proceeded to call for pitchers of the all-time classics such as Long Island Ice Tea and Mojitos.  The liquid diet can be a lot of fun !  What’s your poison of choice ?

 

2.  Sharing is Caring

A typical brunch is a buffet.  A few select restaurants will serve the en-masse platters at the buffet and also have a special a-la-carte menu for their clientele.  That’s right, we were lucky enough to get to order a-la-carte and it was a foodies’ paradise !  Eggs Benedict, Waffles, Shrimp with Wasabi, Salmon, Ham & Sausages, and there was some pasta and risotto floating around – topped with a dash of champagne of course !! But oh! The variety! All you could hear over excessive martini orders were things like ‘How do you like your eggs?’ ‘Do you want a side of crispy bacon with that ?’ ‘Have you tried the lemon curd with strawberries ?’  It was the brekkie and dessert menu that had me salivating ! 

On a side note, I’m more than happy to recommend desserts but I sure as hell do not like sharing my dessert (or my men for that matter).

 

3.  Lock Jaw is a result of Enjoying what you Eat

And I’m not talking about just food here (nor am I referring to bacterial infections).  The brunch conversation included a fair amount of time discussing our individual preferences ; how lock jaw comes about and what sort of movements trigger such a reaction.  A few preventive measures that one can take include savouring the various textures and tastes; remembering to chew slowly to enhance the experience and to give your mouth and jaws a break every now and then so that you’re left wanting more ! But hell, if you’re loving what (and who) you eat – who cares about a lock jaw right ?

 

IMG-20121211-WA000

4.  Eating Ass is a Delicacy

I was told that perhaps I should be a bit more politically correct and use a title like ‘Tossing The Salad’ but then I didn’t really see the connection so went with my original thought.  After hours of knocking back cocktails, champers and lots of other mixed concoctions; the conversation moved on to the more important things in life.  “Eating Ass". 

If you didn’t already know this – make a note of it.  If you think I’m being crude – I suggest you get over it.  Whether you have eaten ass or had your ass eaten – this falls under the bedroom delicacy category and not for the narrow minded.  If you’re adventurous and willing to explore other avenues – then it’s something you’ve got to try.  Oh and if it happens naturally, you’re onto a winner here !!

 

There you have it .. Brunch is pretty straight forward AND you get to learn a lot from it too !! I’m sure you’ll agree we should do it more often.

How do you like your brunch ? When and where do you brunch ? Have you fallen victim to lock jaw or been the cause of lock jaw for someone else ?  And last but not least, are you open to trying different delicacies or do you prefer to stick what you have tried & tested ?

Monday, December 10, 2012

MM #91 Swedish House Mafia : Don’t You Worry Child

Music-MondaySHM are making waves on the charts these days.

I thought this made for an apt tune for a Monday.  You know how it is – the weekend is over, we’ve got the whole week ahead of us .. and this is quite an uplifting track .. so don’t you worry child (and no I’m not being condescending) the day is going to go by just fine and you’ll be able to make it through the week. 

How do I know this ? ‘cos Heaven has a plan for you !!

 

Crank the tune up and enjoy it!

Happy MM Folks !

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.   PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

WW #68 Taking A Back Seat

Saw this on a friends’ FB wall yesterday and had to share it.  This unusual scene was caught on camera by a friend in Dubai over the weekend.  It was UAE National Day and looks like our friend Mr Camel got to chill out in the back seat before heading back out to the desert.

68 taking a back seat

Reminds me of the ‘Camel Ride’ picture I managed to take in Jordan last year. 

Camels are cute. What do you think ?