Graflections- September 2016

Time has come to look back to the month of September and cherish the good times and revise the learning’s from the not-so-good-times.

September was a busy month altogether. With the increase in the number of classes and the blogging challenge round the corner, the month was full of reading, writing, learning and relishing the joy of this buzz around.

Teacher’s Day: How can I forget to mention about this day when we’re talking about September? Of course, it was an evening worth remembering. No classes, celebrations, cake, snacks and yes, games as well! It sure feels great to spend time with my students apart from the classes I take.

Celebrating Birthdays: No it wasn’t my birthday. My birthday is this month, more details on it later. My parents’ birthday fall in September and though I wasn’t there with them to celebrate, but a bit of surprise from us made everything perfect. We had ordered cupcakes for them, that depicted their characteristics and they loved it!

Also, one of my cutest and sweetest friend’s birthday too falls in September and not to mention how much fun we girls had with her. Though time was short, but it was special... and fun too :D

Blogging challenges: I was a part of #MyfriendAlexa campaign by Blogchatter and it was such a learning experience altogether. I feel happy to be a part of such communities that helps you grow as a blogger and an individual at the same time. The month was all about writing new posts, reading and sharing others post and in this procedure, I came across some terrific bloggers on the blogosphere. People do so much to improve their blog, the content, the networks, improving on the statistics and I felt ecstatic to have known them and learn from them.

There was a huge drop in my Alexa rank, currently, with a Global rank of 4, 89,514 and Indian rank as 26,002 and I couldn’t be more happy about it!

Sure it got hectic, but it was totally worth it!

Before this month I took part in Blog-a-thon by BAR in August and July was occupied with Half Marathon, by Blogchatter!

As much as I love participating in these challenges, I’ve not signed up for the one going on in October. I want to write to keep that will alive and not write just for the heck of it. I want to stick to the quality posts and that is not possible if I have to forcefully on some days! And so I’m giving myself a break from the writing challenges as of now. Also, there are other things that have been lying in the corner from so long that are crying for my attention and now can’t be ignored further.

Published: No matter if you’ve been published before or not, the thrill of being published remains the same each time. One of my poems got published in Women’s Web, and it felt bliss. If you have missed reading it, you can click here and share the love :)

Dinners & Drives: Good times with friends and drives with them are what weekends all about and I’m not complaining! Random dinner plans, and my all time cravings which are duly taken care of by husband is something I am always thankful/grateful for! God bless the man! :P

I watched the movie #Pink as well and do I need to mention how much I loved the movie? I’m sure you too did! It sure was the movie not to be missed kinds!
A few things creep here and there, but that happens with all of us, don’t you think? And all we need to do is ignore it and move ahead. That’s the best way to keep your sanity alive!

More than 2 months and I still stare at the pile of books that are lying in front of me to be read! I’m still figuring out I don’t even know what!!

Anyway, this will keep on going, you tell me how did September treat you? And what are the things you are looking forward to in October? I am looking forward to all the celebrations and festivities this month!

Linking with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle Blog hop for September 2016.

Cheers

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Gratitude list- August

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August was all about happiness, festivity, good times, family and friends! And that month too passed. And here we are in September! Can’t believe this year is going to be over soon! Anyway, that’s how August treated me:

- This month I travelled to my hometown and took the much-awaited solo trip. Actually, it wasn’t solo, it was dolo :P (coz it was my sister and me who took this trip together). Both of us wanted to do it and we finally did it this month. We went to Kasol and it was different. We met quite a variety of people in our journey and explored things that we hadn’t before. I am happy that we were back safely and the trip was filled with fun, laughter and adventures! I feel grateful for the wonderful family and even more understanding husband that I have! Not even once did he question or hitched about the idea of travelling solo. Touchwood!

- Then was the celebration time! Rakshabandhan! And the day was filled with meeting all the relatives and keep the joy of festivity alive. Isn’t it fun to meet all the family members after a long time? And the joy simply doubles when the gathering falls on festivals!

- I was home and happy to be back. No matter how much I wander here and there, but it always feels back to be home, in the same room, with the same man :P! It’s peaceful.

- My mother's recovery is on track and it was bliss to her doing her own chores, move out and do whatever she wanted to do.

- Two of my dear friends visited my city and it was... nostalgic to meet them! We've completed a decade together and we realised how kiddos we used to be and now we're all grown-ups! It's really a strange feeling!

Lots of things have been happening around and this month is going to bring in even more. I am happy that with every passing day, I trying to learn new things and understand a lot of stuff that works around me!

How did August treat you? And what are your plans for September? Anything special coming up? Share with me in the comments below.

Linking this post with Vidya's Gratitude Circle Blog hop for August 2016

Cheers

Geets

This month I will be taking part in #MyFriendAlexa campaign to take my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter . My current Global rank is- 12,78,569 (the less the better) and Rank in India is 71,752. My unique hashtag name is going to be #boisterouslyread. I hope to see a significant change by the end of the month :)

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Reflections~ July

It’s almost end of July. Yah, yah... None of us know where the month and the year have gone by and pondering about it every month has become a new cliché. But what do we do? Time slips away without even letting us know?

July was a month full of work, events, health and family.

The month started with the birthday celebrations of a dear friend followed by the Felicitation Party that is hosted for the students congratulating them and refreshing them for the upcoming course. This little world that I share with my students is truly a gift in every sense. I cherish it, I feel happy about it and I am thankful for it. Every student of mine holds a special place in my heart. No matter if I teach them now or not, but they’re the ones who have shaped me as a teacher and made me who I am.

After a really long time, R (a dear friend of mine) and I shopped! Though I didn’t shop much but it was fun after a long time. Given our schedules and its timings, it becomes quite handy to meet that often. We shopped, we ate, and we chatted and poured our hearts! Doesn’t it sound enticing? I’m looking forward to doing it again next month :P

I’m grateful to have friends in the city whom I can meet share my woes and add happiness to our lives!

This month also invited non-stop eating. Yes, keeping an eye on diet was put aside and all I did was nurture my all-time-junk-cravings! Of course, at odd hours. I knew somewhere in my heart that I was crossing the line, but then who cares came into the picture! What am I suppose to do?

I saw Kabali and Madaari. Kabali, I didn’t like. At all. Madaari, I loved! Brilliant acting, brilliant plot and outstanding performance! The hard-hitting reality is pointed in the movie and if you have not watched it yet, please go and watch it! And thank me later ;)

Husband was out of town for a day and it was nice and I wrote a post in his absence: P :D

The party with the students was fun... actually more than fun! All of them were dressed up as hell and saying gorgeous would be an understatement! All my students looked stunning! And we danced... and danced non-stop! For full 3 hours and we didn’t stop... at all! As the DJ was changing the numbers, we were changing our steps and positions!

Lots of chatting with the students revealed lots of stories and it was fun learning them. Doesn’t it feel amazing when you come to know so many new things about yourself, something that had been there for a while but only you were oblivious to it?

It was a day well spent, bringing in lots of headaches for me along with high fever! I guess I danced way too much! And since then, I’m trying to come out of viral but just couldn’t!

Today is still better, but past two days, I was a mess! I don’t like falling sick! But then, who does?

I’m glad I could take the class today and didn’t miss it, like the other day!

I am grateful for taking up the #HalfMarathon Blogging challenge. It sure has made me do some writing and I’m glad for not leaving it in between. Two days back when I wasn’t feeling well, I simply didn’t want to write. All I could think of was how to give up, but then the word ‘challenge’ kind of motivated me to stick to it!

I know it my heart if it wouldn’t be for the challenge I would never have written a word! I’m happy that I took it up!

What are things you’re happy about this July?

Join me and others at Vidya Sury’s Gratitude Circle Blogshop.

I’m participating in Half Marathon Blogging Challenge with Blogchatter. Today is Day 12 of the challenge.

Cheers 

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A-to-Z of Me

Hola everyone! How is Half Marathon coming along? I’m just trying to cope up with it every day. I came across a wonderful post at Shalini’s blog and that inspired me to do it on my blog as well. As the topic says, it sure is A to Z of me!

A- Age: 27

B- Biggest fear: Death, losing people I love. Forever. Abandonment. Rejection.

C- Current time: 6.51. pm

D- Drink you last had: A glass of milk

 E- Every day starts with: Three straight glasses of lukewarm water, followed by a nice rejuvenating shower and then savouring my breakfast. (I know I should exercise. But I don’t. I will. Someday)

F- Favourite Song: Listing a favourite song is quite a task but these days I’m loving, ‘Love me like you do’

G- Ghosts, are they real?: Nope! Though horror movies do excite me though :P

H- Hometown: Agra

I- In love with: My work, travelling, shopping

J- Jealous of:  People who travel all the bloody time!

K- Killed someone: I so wish I did. And in my dreams, I did :P

L- Last time you cried: Long back. Don’t remember when. Touchwood!

M- Middle name: None

N- Number of siblings: 2 and I’m lucky to have them.

O- One wish: To travel the world with my husband and my friends.

P- Person you last called: Husband: P (yes we stay in the same town and yet I called him...: D)

Q- Question you’re always asked: Are you married? Tell us the truth!

R- Reason to smile: Lots of reasons. I can’t be done with one! Writing a post that your readers admire, being the reason behind your students’ smile, having a wonderful family, having the freedom to be just me at times and more and more and more...

S- Sounds that annoy you: cacophonic sounds, the sound of TV when I’m reading, dogs howling, traffic noise... all of them annoy me!

T- Time you woke up: 8.45 am

U- Underwear colour: Purple

V- Vacation destination: Favourite so far- a. Phuket   b. Dubai  Wish list- a. London   b. New York   c. Melbourne    d. New Zealand.    e. Amsterdam

W- Worst habit: In spite of knowing that I shouldn’t do things for the person who wouldn’t acknowledge, I still do it for them and then get hurt L and of course, over-thinking.

X- X-Rays you’ve had: My knees. They’re fine now!

Y- Your favourite food: I like Italian and Chinese. I love Indian Chaat as well.

Z- Zodiac sign: Libra and I'm a true Libra woman. Balanced. Compassionate. Sensitive. Romantic. Understanding. Emphatic. Yes, I’m all of them.

Wasn't it fun? Would you like to take this on?

If you do, please share with me and leave in the comments box below.

Linking with Half Marathon Blogging Challenge with Blogchatter. Today is Day 5 of the challenge.

Cheers

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Reflections... Hello July

It’s been a couple of months I haven’t penned anything specific on my blog. A post a month here and there and I was done. Right after the giant A to Z, something got into me! I don’t know what? But I just couldn’t write... At all! Period.

Though I did write a few notes on my phone but they weren’t worth sharing with you guys. In the beginning, I felt guilty. For not writing. 

Every time I saw my laptop, guilt crept in. It felt as if it was calling my name and begging me to use it for writing! But I didn’t listen to it, obviously!

Few of my work got published, and I was happy to know and yet it didn’t do anything to my writing mojo! Strange, right?

And somewhere in between, me blaming the burning heat and the arrival of frugal monsoons, time passed, and so did my guilt.

Off late, I felt I had a lot of free time on my hands, only to realize that I wasn’t reading and writing. Then what was I doing exactly?

O yes, I travelled a bit, shopped a lot, had relatives over, so you see, I wasn’t that free as well!

Two months back, my mother had undergone a surgery. Knee replacement. So I stayed with her for a couple of weeks. She is doing fine but the initial few days when she was home, were difficult.  The amount of pain that she had to bear used to kill me. She truly is a fighter. And I am so lucky to be her daughter. I just wanted to make her happy, pamper her, do everything for her and give her utmost comfort. I did try my best, but obviously, the pain couldn’t be lessened.

After coming back, I was travelling again. This time to Kolkata. Mind you, it was the first trip I took with my MIL and SIL without my husband. And for my MIL, it was a huge step, travelling without her husband... but she did. And it was fun. Full of shopping, hogging street food, chit-chatting, rushing here and there, late night sleep and so on and like that the trip was over... only to make plans for another place, somewhere more touristy: P

Classes are back on track and it barely rains here. And I hate it. Results were out and my students performed well. I couldn’t be any happier.

And it’s July already! 6 months gone!!! I wonder where?

How did June treat you? And the remaining months?

P.S: I wondered if someone misses me from the blogging world when I don’t write. Has my writing made an impact on anyone? Who cares, if no post was shared in these two months? And in these moments of self-doubt, came a wonderful blogger and an incredible human being, rescuing me and telling me that she missed me! At least someone did!

Thank you, Parul. This post is dedicated to you. I hope not to go back in hibernation mode :P

Linking with Vidya Sury's Gratitude Blogshop

Cheers

Geets 

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Reflections February 2016

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Isn’t it such a wonderful thing to do at the end of each month? Look back and reflect. Be thankful for the good things and be happy that bad times have passed. It also helps you to count your blessings at the same time. Doesn’t it?

Let’s go back and see how February treated me.

• Thankful for the Book: Finally seeing my work in print, is something that I can't express. I know, it's not that big a deal for many, but for me it is. I haven't been reading since my childhood. I developed the reading habit quite late (in my grads), because I realized it's a good thing to inculcate. And one should read, in order to write good. That's the reason why I suck at reading books. I really have to make an effort to pick up a book and read it to the full. I know it sounds weird, but that is just how it is. If the books turns out to be nice, it makes things easier for me. And writing! It was never on my mind.. Ever! I never thought I'd write and blog and get published and stuff. There are so many well established authors and writers who have published their work so many times, but when it's the first, it always has its magic. And now, it's something I love to discover every single day and want to do more of it. Exactly 2 years before, I was at my lowest. I lost my confidence, there was no zeal to do anything, the negativity topped everything, but I refused to give up. I think it sums up everything.

• For Good days- Staying together with each other makes a lot of things comfortable. Days like Valentines don't really matter. It's the togetherness that counts. And this time, it was all about a road trip, best friends's company, a few pictures, a lavish dinner, what else can one call for? There was a time when I literally cursed everything, and there came a night when I wanted to end my life, but the bright side was it opened my eyes for a lot of things. After that night, everything literally changed! Me, my perspective, my attitude, and that is the best gift I gave to myself. As they say, one has to go through the worst in order to bring out the best. Well, I guess, the best is yet to happen, but it still was the best till date.

• Meeting a Friend- O yes! That was the best part. My school friend, my best friend, had come here. In my city. Only for me! And it was wonderful. We had a great time together and we chatted non stop all day. It was bliss.

• Ignoring Books but finally watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S- Okay, stop judging me! I hadn't watched Friends until now. I don't know how it got missed. But as its said, better late than never. And that is what kills my time mostly, but I thoroughly enjoy watching it. Reading has totally taken a back seat, but I'll resume to it as early as possible.

• For the love of students and taking classes- One day I really had to scold a student, and my student also realized the mistake, but I was the one who felt more bad. I don't like to scold, but things were getting out of hands, and I had to speak up, for them and for the class. And after that day, it kind of built the bond even more strong. Going to teach them everyday is therapeutic.

• Attending a Golden Jubilee- One of my relatives completed their 50 years of togetherness! Can you believe that? I mean these days it's a rare thing to see. And the couple, they are very close to my heart. Their family had come together to celebrate their love with close people. And it was such a beautiful event. There were pictures of them 50 years back and they looked unbelievable. What a wonderful feeling it must be, to grow old together? To be with each other through thick and thin, to see other other every single day, without realizing how things change. I so dream of celebrating our 50 years together, A and I, what an incredible feeling it would be!

• Much desired photo shoot- I've always had a desire to get a photo shoot done. And it finally happened this month. No, it wasn't the professional kinds, but a decent one for sure. My cousin is really fond of photography, and was participating in a contest for the same and was looking for a model. Now how could I say No to her? Of course, I said yes.. Happily! 

O there's More..

My Munchkin

I watched Neerja, and you should too if you haven't. It is a brilliant movie that has come this February. 

March will be full of colors, happiness, food and family. And I am so looking forward to it.

How was your February? Care to share?

Cheers

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Linking with Vidya's Gratitude Circle blogshop

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Gratitude Post January

Finally, making time for this wonderful activity I have been longing to write. Thank you Vidya, for coming with such a marvelous initiative. This post is dedicated to you.

January was a month full of crazy work hours. Writing took a backseat. But there were quite a few things that caught my attention, things I am grateful for and writing a post like this is always a gratifying experience. Reflecting on things that help you keep grounded, is something I look forward to.

The month went by in haste and now it has come to an end. Saying time flies is merely a cliché that we hear, read, and talk with every single person. But the good part is, time has been good to all of us, that’s the reason why don’t realize when it flew away. Isn’t it?

I wanted to have my own custom domain name and I wanted this to happen in December itself. But as they say, everything happens for a reason. And this new year, in this first month, I now have my own custom domain name. The feeling is bliss. I cannot thank Sid enough for helping me out at every step.

Having a wonderful family and a husband that lets you be is a rare thing to see. I am so grateful to have A in my life. With him, even the biggest of worries seem so little, because he is the one who keeps his cool intact and that helps me maintain my cool.

The anthology that has my poems and story will be out next month. Pre-orders for the same have started on Amazon. You too can order a copy of yours and I’m sure, it will be an intriguing read for you. It’s available at 10% discount right now, with free COD. Once the book is out in the market, it will be chargeable. That’s a tremendous start to New Year, don’t you think?

Results were out this month of my students who gave the exams in December. 4 of them bagged AIR ranks (16, 20, 24, 25)! All of them my students. The feeling is simply inexplicable. It was a combined effort of all the teachers who worked equally hard and students of course, without whose dedication it would never have been possible. But hey, the bigger part is, maximum students got highest marks in my subjects! Yes! I know, that’s kind of big! When I learned this, I was dancing with joy. I now realize how exhilarating teachers and parents feel when they see their children do well. At the end of the day, all the efforts and pains seem worthy.

My dog. He seems to be more attached with me. He always wants to play. The moment he see me coming near him, he starts wagging his tail and brings his ball, asking me play with him. There is so much of innocence in those tiny eyes.

Due to crazy work hours, I could barely give time to my family. My niece and nephew didn’t like it, but understood my situation as well. Kids.. they teach you to find happiness in the smallest of things. They learned how to play Uno, and every single night before going to bed, they wanted me to accompany them. It was fun. And I too was glad, for spending time with them.

There are countless things that we overlook every day and that is where Vidya Sury comes in. She binds us together. Making an effort to initiate this activity is the best thing to do in the beginning of a New Year.

I am pleased to be a part of Gratitude Circle workshop and look forward for the coming ones.

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Linking this with Gratitude Circle Blogshop 2016

Happy Reading.

Cheers

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Graflections- Gratitude + Reflections

7 months completed already!  Hush..! This year is really up to something! I write the reflections every month and this time, there is this Gratitude month going on, making me think why not?! It's the best combo one can reflect upon. And I think everybody should do it once in a while. 

So here goes my list for the month of July:

1. My cook for being less absent this month. Yes on a very serious note, she's the one who's absent most of the times. Gladly, this month she was quite regular.
2. My MIL had to leave the town for some personal stuff (hell No, that's not what I am grateful for!), and thus comes the load all of the responsibilities on my tiny shoulders. Getting the work done, managing the staff and keeping a vigilant eye on everyone. Well, I know what you’re thinking.. it’s not that tough, right? The tough part is getting everything done, without being present! Having classes all day, makes it a bit handy, but I'm glad I learnt it a bit.
3. Rains this side is a sad state. The entire July had gone and I guess it only rained may be for a day or two. Yeah, it’s that bad! The weather is mostly sunny. But I am thankful for this little rain as well.
4. O and how can I forget, The felicitation program. It was one of the best days so far, this year. Getting inspired by others and being the reason behind someone's inspiration is like a dream. My students performed really well in the exams and I am so happy to have taught them.
5. The new batch.. it was a bit handy for the first few days, given the strength of the batch this time, but finally, things are falling in place. I guess hope students are starting to like me getting along with me.
6. I am so grateful to be a part of this Blog-A-Rhythm.. aka BAR group, which seems so enthusiastic and so much full of energy. One of the best groups I've been a part of! The people there and the discussions, the activities.. everything just lightens me up.. 
7. I took part in few of the writing challenges.. I did complete a few and left a few. Left, not because I couldn't, but because, writing everyday for one or two challenges compulsorily, was kind of bringing down the quality of my blogpost (that is what I felt). I mean, writing just for the heck of it, and submitting just because I have signed up for it.. I felt it was a bit of injustice to it. I write when I enjoy doing it and I try my best to make it readable for the readers and not just write anything and post it. I hope that clears it.
8. I've been eating like crazy these days. Odd cravings.. Happens with me most of the times (No.. no pregnancy :P). That was a spoiler for a few times and savior as well for the rest of the times! I am thankful, for getting to eat whatever I want. It makes me and people like us luckier than many.
9. A few dates with my girlfriends is always a delight. Also, I was able to give my say to the place where I work. It happens with me many times, where I feel very hesitant in saying something. Gladly, I was able to voice my opinion.
10. Getting to know a lot more bloggers. Plus knowing the fact, that they too visit my blog! I feel grateful. :)

What did you do all month? My list pretty much sums up everything! Drop in your links in comments and I’ll surely visit and read your list of gratitude.

Till then..

Happy Reading

Cheers

*Linking this post to Gratitude Circle and & Alphabet Salad’s bloghop*

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