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tipsFor all of you taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge– we’re almost half way there !! I can’t believe that I’ve actually managed a post a day for the past 12 days.

Here are a few tips & tricks to help you stay on track for the rest of the month with this challenge (or any other blog challenge as a matter of fact)

1/ Follow the rules.  The UBC has a rule of a minimum of 100 words a post for the post to count and I’ve noticed that I’ve actually tracked my word count.  Guess what just these few lines have already hit 100 words.  You’d be surprised how many random thoughts can trigger some fab blog posts and it barely takes a 100 words !

2/ Track the challenge hash (#) tag on Twitter  I’ve saved the hash tag #blogboost on my Twitter account to read up on other members of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Not only do I get to read some great posts, it also helps inspire post ideas of my own.  The lovely ladies of UBC have also created a daily paper you can follow and use to catch up with what other authors have to say.  Make a note of the posts that strike a chord within you – maybe you could add your thoughts and create a new post out of it.  You can also find more #blogboost related tweets here.

3/ Stop Lurking and Leave Comments on other Blogs.  You have to comment on other blogs – don’t be conscious about it – just say what’s on your mind.  The blog author will definitely appreciate it; and even if your comment disagrees with what the author has to share – it encourages interaction between you, the author and the other readers too. Come on – it’s time to de-lurk now ! By leaving relevant and engaging comments (don’t just say ‘great post’); other bloggers may wander over to your blog out of curiosity.

4/ Add Your Post to the Challenge Facebook Group.  The UBC Facebook group is pretty awesome.  I’ve been a member of it for a while but today was the first time I added my post to it – and guess what – within 15 minutes – someone had come to my blog and left a comment for me ! If that wasn’t enough, that person also left me a comment on the FB link that I posted.  Double the interaction; easiest form of traffic ever and a great way to discover new bloggers !

5/ Don’t Be Afraid to Pimp Your Blog Post on FaceBook & Twitter.  That’s right folks – one of the reasons you are taking part in the blog challengpimpmybloge (amongst other things) is so that your blog gets discovered (and there’s no point denying that).  Make sure you Tweet your blog and the posts created for the challenge with the #blogboost and include @UBCBlogBoost in your tweets.  The ladies over at UBC will be more than happy to re-tweet your tweets creating more exposure for your blog. 

Don’t feel shy about posting the the UBC FaceBook group and if your blog is a public blog – then why not share it with your Facebook friends ? You never know which of your friends will re-post and share your blog to their circle of friends.  I’m signed up with NetWorkedBlogs on FB which automatically publishes my new blog posts to my FB page without me having to think about it. 

6/ Schedule Your Posts If You Must (And It’s Not Considered Cheating). I’ve never been a daily blogger so I knew taking part in this challenge would be a bit difficult. Over the past year I’ve taken part in a few memes like #MusicMonday, #WordlessWednesday and I created my own #SexySaturday which means that if I stick to a plan I have 3 posts ready each week during the challenge and I just have to focus on creating 4 other posts. In the meantime, if another blog post, photograph or quote catches my attention – I’m jotting them down in Windows Live Writer drafts and just come back to them as and when I can to complete and create new posts.  You can also use the ideas & suggestions from the UBC daily inspiration emails to create a schedule of posts.  I know that between 24th-31st Jan I’m going to be traveling for an event (clients’ wedding) hence I’m writing up posts that I can auto-publish for those dates (in case I forget or don’t have time etc.)

So there you have it – here are 6 tips to help you stay on track whilst you are participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge.  It’s helped me get through till Day 12.  I hope you’ve found this useful and if you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share your thoughts (a link or two even so others can benefit from it)

Further Reading :

  1. How To Add Your Blog to NetworkedBlogs by Michelle Shaeffr
  2. 7 Things To Do After You’ve Written That Blog Post by Melissa Reyes

p.s if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge don’t forget to share your link below !

yummy keyboard

Now that’s one really yummy looking keyboard !!  I’m not sure how long such a keyboard would last around me – maybe 2 days at the most ?  I might end up having to enrol myself in boot camp if my laptop keys were made of chocolate (and make a trip to the dentist too) !!

I can already imagine the Galaxy chocolate and milk chocolate Lindt or Tobelerone on my laptop !! Chocolate for me is such a mood enhancer and also one of my guilty pleasures.  This is torture ! I want some chocolate and I want it NOW !

Photo originally found here

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

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge don’t forget to share your link below !

 

2012 has barely begun and the first few days couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start ! My bank and credit card company (both HDFC Bank) have messed up with my bank account and ended up debiting me for a hefty chunk of cash and now my finances are in a total mess.

The credit card team refuse to actually acknowledge there was a communication lapse within their own internal team and to make things worse – they refuse to provide me with evidence of a voice recording to prove their case.

Long story short.  I noticed a random amount being debited out of my account; questioned the credit card company; no response from them for 2.5 months; speak to an officer after sending a complaint; next thing I know my personal bank account has been frozen ! Then after numerous phone calls and emails – the personal account is debited for a huge sum of cash.  The credit card team claims I called them up in 2010 and asked for a ‘DAE – Dial An EMI’ facility to convert my outstanding account into a loan of sorts ! (seriously who the hell would do that and how the hell do you approve a loan on the phone without any sort of paperwork ?) .  Now the credit card team refuse to provide evidence of this so-called phone call and are just copy pasting emails to me !

How inconvenient is that ? And annoying as well ! I now have to file a legal notice to sort this issue out because it’s all a bit too suspicious and a bit up in the air from the credit card team and banks’ side.  I’ve already told them I suspect it to be fraudulent. 

Right now, I wish one of my boys were here to give me a big tight hug !! I miss them tons and hoping to see at least one of them over my birthday (which is coming up).  I get that everything happens for a reason … but for the life of me I can’t figure out what that reason could be for this particular situation ! (although it’s definitely put me off credit cards for this lifetime!)

everything happens for a reasson

Sorry about the rant folks – but HDFC bank and their credit card team have really pissed me off !! Hope that doesn’t stop you from sharing your link if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge
I couldn’t quite decide what I should feature today but this guy I recently met suggested this track and it actually couldn’t be moreMusic-Monday perfect for todays’ #MM and Day 9 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge !
 
Sometimes you just need to let go
Don’t keep it all inside
Sometimes you just have to let the whole world know
That you are going to be alright 
 
I've had an absolute shitty start to the year, which is killing my birthday plans and surprisingly enough I've been pretty calm about it all. Anyone who knows me will tell you just how much of a big deal my birthday is for me. Maybe it’s because I got all my frustration out at the incompetent team at my bank or just the fact that I was able to just say it out loud to them (think phone, email, tweets) – I’m a bit less annoyed about the situation.
 
I get that everything happens for a reason so in lieu of my new year resolutions – I’m just gonna let this sh*t pass me by, take a deep breath and live my life the way I want to ‘cos its too short otherwise. 






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!



p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below : 












 

Seriously – what the hell is wrong with us these days ? Has technology taken over our lives to such an extent that we can’t make a simple phone call ? It’s not like cell or mobile phones are

I have a simple rule with my friends.  If you want to get in touch with me or make plans with me – CALL ME.  It’s much easier than trying to SMS / BBM / WhatsApp / Email me.

As far as I am concerned – emails are for work related purposes OR when communicating with a group about a certain subject when they are spread out in various parts of the country / world.  (or when my girls AM & NB are trying to call me but I’m on a never ending long distance phone call – then they email me).  My BBM/WhatsApp is primarily for friends & family who live in other parts of the world – we exchange a few messages and then fix a time to get on Skype for a face-to-face chat or set a phone call up.

I once had a client who would message (BBM/WhatsApp/SMS) me constantly – and it wasn’t a short message – they would be up to 6 messages. I had to tell them that I prefer to keep all communication that is work related over email so that at any point there are no discrepancies in what we are providing and being asked for as a business.

A BBM / SMS / WhatsApp is fine if it’s for very general communication i.e. hey how’s it going ? or even a ‘I’m running late – see you in 10’ type of message.  Or when you can’t answer the phone ‘cos you are driving.  It’s not meant to be used a form of freaking communication where you try to have a full blown conversation in short hand text !

And don’t even get me started on people who send an SMS for a date ! What the hell is that all about ? I get it if you are following up once the date is confirmed. If a guy can’t call me to ask mpick up the phone and make something happen-resized-600e out – I’m not particularly keen to go out with him.  Grow a pair already and just say it ! If I can call you – so can you !

I genuinely lose interest in a person if their preferred method of communicating with me is ‘non-verbal’.  I prefer to ‘talk’ on the phone or have a face-to-face chat which involves actually meeting up.  I have had a few guys just constantly message me and when I do call them and express this – it’s as if they have gone back to kindergarten ! They don’t think of it as a big deal … My main problem is that the message or the intent behind the message tends to get lost.  How do you know if it’s really a date ? People can over read / under read into messages and that’s how life gets all complicated !

What about you – do you tend to use the phone for actual conversations ? Or do you prefer to just send SMS / BBM / WhatsApp messages – be it for work or for pleasure ? Or would you rather meet someone face to face if you had something to say ?

p.s that was my rant on Day 8 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge; if you are taking part don’t forget to share your link below :

Further Reading :

  1. Five Bullets That Will Make You Want to Call Instead of Sending an Email

Oooh it’s the first #SexySaturday of 2012 and Patrick Dempsey has made my list of drool worthy eye candy ! (and what a way to start of Day7 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge)

He’s best known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr Derek Shepherd aka McDreamy in Greys Anatomy (and if I ever had to watch this show it would be only for him).

patrick dempsey  patrick dempsey 2

I first noticed him in the TV show ‘Will & Grace’ – he was Wills’ boyfriend and then again in the movie ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ alongside Reese Witherspoon.  Most recently he was in Transformers 3 (I’d love to own a car collection like that!)

Dempsey isn’t just another pretty face (how I’d love to run my fingers through hair like that) – he’s also a semi pro auto car racer ! Talk about being a hot bad boy !

patrick_dempsey_wbxho2dt7m  pdempsey_400x400

But what really appeals to me is the fact that he set up a centre for cancer as his mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  He then went on to set up a 50 mile annual challenge for bikers, walkers, & cyclists to raise money for the  cancer centre.

Now that’s smart & sexy ! He gets my #SexySaturday vote – what about yours ?

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge don’t forget to share your link below !

anatomy of a hug

I love this cartoon ! It describes the ultimate hug ! One of those hugs that just makes you melt and leaves your legs all shaky … It’s been a while since I’ve had one of those and I reaaaaaaaaaaaaallly want one of those hugs right now !

Since my dating diary is kinda drab – the best hugs I’ve gotten lately are from my boys (and alas these are the best friend kind).  There are some days (especially with the week I’ve just had) I reckon a a hug that makes you want to just let yourself go into another is just what I need for the ultimate pick-me up. 

You know the kind of hugs I’m talking about.  Alright folks – raise your hands if you like hugs ? Gimme a loud ‘hell ya’ if you fancy a good hug right now ?

p.s. I think I deserve a hug right now for completing Day 6 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge !

p.p.s if you are taking part in the challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

Saw this on FB a few days ago and thought it was quite apt and went in line with my New Year Resolutions and #MM post ‘Just Say It’ 

complicate life

I’m the kind of person that will call / email / SMS just because I thought of someone or if something reminded me of someone.  I’ve been known to ask a lot of questions; and been told off for speaking my mind a bit too much (but hey that’s just me).

I don’t see the point in mind games (which too many people seem to enjoy playing) and if I’ve got something on my mind – I spill it out whether it be for my personal life or in business.  What’s the worst thing that could happen ? Someone might not agree with what I have to say ? Or they would be a bit taken aback by whatever it was that I said ? Or maybe they get slightly offended ?

When it comes to relationships of any sorts – friends, potential boy friend / girl friend, family – I just find that people beat around the bush too much.  I can barely tolerate it and I definitely won’t be doing that in 2012.  I call the people I want to talk to; I invite those I want to meet (in fact I just ‘tell’ them – don’t leave them a choice lol); I explain as best as I can when I need someone to understand where I’m coming from; I’m pretty damn clear about my likes and dislikes ..

Every action has a reaction – and there are always repercussions to do the things we do and say … life would be boring if there weren’t right ? 

Oh and this post marks Day 5 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge ! If you are taking part, don’t forget to share your link below:

village ambulanace

Today is Day 4 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge and it also happens to be a Wednesday which means its times for a #WordlessWednesday post (not that any of them are ever really wordless and the challenge states that one must have a minimum of 100 words in a post for it to count as part of the UBC).

One of my gym trainers had put this picture up on FB so I don’t really know where this was taken … but daaaaaaamnnn !  Now that makes for an interesting ambulance !! Definitely fuel saving but what happens in a real emergency ?

As a side note, it struck me whilst looking at this pic – the way the traffic is in Bombay – I’m surprised that an ambulance can actually get anywhere (no joke here) But I’ve seen bumper to bumper traffic – with no signs of an ambulance even moving a few feet at a time (the roads in Bombay are in a state of chaos all through the year)

Happy #WW folks – don’t forget to share your link below !

 

p.s if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge then don’t forget to share your link too !

Diva Hits The 500th Blog Post Milestone

500 blog postsWould you believe me if I told you that for the last few days I’ve quite literally sat at my laptop just ‘waiting’ to write this very post ?  I can barely keep up with the excitement ! This lil’ post marks the Diva’s 500th Blog Post !! That’s right – 500 ! and all of this amidst the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in (today is Day 3)

Honestly, when I first started this blog, I never thought I’d reach a stage where I’d still be ‘blogging’ 3 years later.  But I am, which is cool and its become a part of me.  I look back at some of the things I have written and I think ‘wow did I actually come up with that’. 

My blog (and me) have grown.  I’ve come to realize that there are some subjects I’m very passionate about and that I have something that could be useful to others.  I feel like I’ve come a long way since my first 100 posts back in July 2009; 200 posts in May 2010; 300 posts in March 2011 (and the biggest surprise); 400 posts in Aug 2011 !

Despite a really hectic schedule with my business, I try to blog whenever I can – and am happy to say that over the past year – I’ve actually averaged about 17 posts per month ! That’s a lot ! The #MM & #WW memes that I’ve been participating in have definitely helped inspire some really deep insights.  Sometimes I also feel like I don’t have enough time to blog about all the things I want to blog about but that doesn’t quite stop my blogger voice !

I’ve gotten to know so many new bloggers, built a rapport with them online & offline and it feels great being able to connect with so many like-minded individuals.  I just want to say a big Thank You to all of you out there in Blogosphere for taking the time to read my very dazed and sporadic reflections; and for sharing a piece of you with me by way of your comments and tweets.  It means so much to me. 

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

Music-MondayIt’s the 1st #MM of 2012 and also Day 2 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in.

This track got my attention a few months ago and it’s sort of just stuck around.  It’s also one of the few tracks that I actually ‘listen’ to the lyrics of.  The simplicity behind them – when you take a minute to absorb it – makes you wonder how is it that more people haven’t already adopted that attitude when it comes to dating & relationships.

Over the past few years I’ve realized that when it comes to dating – or even just getting to know someone; people tend to be:

  1. overly cautious & overthink a situation / scenario. 
  2. overly eager to a point of nauseousness

just say itAnd frankly – it just makes me wonder how difficult could it possibly be to let someone know you randomly thought about them in the day or that you were crushing on them ? What’s the absolute worst thing that they could respond with ? That they don’t feel the same way or remind you that you are in the friend zone.  Maybe they have a laugh or a giggle; maybe they are a bit embarrassed or they pull a fade.  That’s about it right ?

I’ve always believed if you have something on your mind – you should just say it out loud and get it out of your system.  Otherwise one day, you might just regret it. 

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! =

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

Happy New Year Everyone ! I can’t believe we’ve already hit 2012 ! I’m still recovering from an extremely insane night out with my mates at the Royal Terrace and my feet are in pain !!

I don’t tend to make New Year Resolutions (not because I can’t keep them but because resolutions change depending on circumstances).  However I did come across this image with lots of key phrases and I thought – yeah that makes sense and pretty easy to manage. (oh and today also happens to be Day 1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in)

resolutions

Sometimes we need to take in the simple things that life has to offer us and step back to see just how much of a smile it leaves on our face.  I tend to be a very hyper (and aggressive) individual so I keep hearing my mates tell me that I should be more positive or smile more etc.  It’s not like I don’t – I do – but at times I feel like Bombay just tests every ounce of energy & patience that I have.

Looks like I’m just gonna have to turn that around for 2012 ! Do you have any New Year resolutions ? Any tips on how to stick to the ones you do make ?

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

Some of you might recall that a few months ago I participated in the 10 Day YOU Blog Challenge which was quite a bit of fun and it really got me focused on ensuring I churned out one post a day (every day) for 10 days.

Then in October / November I came across something called the Ultimate Blog Challenge (and being the rock star that I am) I decided to sign up for the January 2012 session.  Little did I know that I would actually get an email informing me that the challenge was about to start and whether I was ready to get my blog on ! 

There are few simple rules to follow :

  1. Post every day for 31 days (duh !).  Doesn’t matter if you post twice a day and then skip a day – but you have to hit 31 posts over the entire month of January.
  2. Each post must have a minimum of 100 words to count – so you can’t just put up a picture or a video and leave it there
  3. Once you’ve posted, then tweet your post with the tag #blogboost so other participants can find you, and come comment on your blog
  4. Go to the #blogboost page and take the time to read other participants blogs (and don’t forget to comment!)
  5. No adult blogs – so keep it PG
  6. Have fun whilst you blog !

Now I just have to figure out how on earth I’m going to manage 31 posts in 31 days given my extremely hectic schedule for the coming few weeks … Wish me luck folks !

WW #51 : Don’t Just Leave Me Hanging

save energy

I’m pretty sure no guy (or girl) would appreciate that!! And funnily enough I’ve actually noticed that a lot out here in Bombay.  People make moves on another, and then blow between hot and cold .. to a point it makes you wonder exert so much energy if you aren’t going to follow through on your original plan !

Happy #WW folks ! Don’t forget to share your linky !

Wow ! I can’t believe 2011 is about to come to an end.  The year has flown by (and yet gone a bit slow as well) and in a matter of a few days we will bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms.

2011 has been quite a journey for me as a blogger.  I lost my guest post cherry; and things have been popping every since ! This Diva’s Guests have also made an appearance and I’m hoping to show case a few more guest bloggers in 2012.

I’ve also crossed 200 posts in 2011 ! Last year I only managed 134 posts in 2010; and 130 in 2009.  What’s even more exciting is that this year alone – I’ve hit my 3rd and 4th century ! Yeah that’s right – 300th and 400th post milestone in the same year !! And I’m almost squealing with delight because I need only 5 more posts before I hit 500 posts in total over my 2.5 years of blogging !).

I’m pretty chuffed about how regular I’ve been with blogging – about anything and everything that catches my attention.  I felt that posts like ‘Let The Sluts Walk’; ‘Suicide & Death’ & Forgive, Forget or F*ck It brought about interesting reactions and perceptions from those who take the time to

I even managed to successfully complete a 10 Day Blog Challenge !  Oh and it’s just struck me that I’ve built up a few hours of tunes by participating in the #MusicMonday meme.  Hmmm maybe I should make a playlist ;) 

I’ve also been pegged as a dating / relationship blogger; which is pretty cool but I don’t think I’m on par with some of the other bloggers I know who cover this subject on a deeper more insightful level.  What the hell is dating anyway ?  When is a date – considered da date ?

And if that’s not hard enough – then we’ve got to think about things like being exclusive or not !  Don’t even get me started on the friend zone or the Indian stereotype that  says that fair = perfect partner ! I say – yeah right !

I haven’t shared enough of the Diva’s Dating Diary but I really shot myself in the foot by following the ‘it’s just one date – go for it’ policy … I can assure you that I had to pull the fade on the Doctor ! (who by the way – has still not gotten the hint !) P4300552

There have been some “OMG I can’t believe this happened” moments which still make me smile … the Roadside Romeo and my topless treat !  And how can I forget the whole connecting with a stranger on flight that lead to a hit or miss situation !

Do these posts give you a reflection of Who Am I ? Did you particularly enjoy any of my posts of 2011 ? If you did – I’d love to know which one :) Come on – it’ll make me smile if you share it with me (unless you are still a lurker)