Project 365 - Just a Few Weeks (February 21, 2012)

Passing through these flowers reminded me of how spring is only a few weeks away.  My favorite time of the year.  When all you see is different colored flowers, greenery, birds, and the amazing food markets.  Everyone is out, everything seems happy, and even the sun smiles everyday.

Project 365 - Crystals (February 20, 2012)

Sorting through my jewelry box, I came across a piece of beads' strand.  It's funny how everything you ever own, or anything you ever come across leaves this little memory and history on your mind.  Immediately, I could remember the moment I was so excited to buy it.

I remember those days I was going through a phase of redecorating my room and wanted a chandelier; instead of taking a normal person's route, I decided to make one on my own.  Yes, I get these random off tangent ideas pretty frequently.  Although I did purchase all the beads and the flowers to go with it; I ended up changing my mind with the theme and instead used crystal circles.

Hence, the beads sitting around; reminding me of how I need to put them to a good use (a crystal heart is definitely not a good use for them, but then again I was going for this whole symbolic theme - which is for me to know and you to find out).  

Project 365 - Do Something for yourself (February 19, 2012)

Sometimes we all need to learn to give ourselves a little time and a little dedication.  It doesn't hurt to treat yourself once in a while; even if it's as little as taking out 5 minutes from your busy schedule and taking a walk down the street.  Yes, I came to that conclusion myself.

I signed myself up for this monthly subscription of beauty products called MyGalm, they send you a bag each month filled with different products.  It is a fairly cheap deal, considering the fact that there is no shipment and you do not have to spend time sorting through the aisles of beauty products at shops.  Every month you receive a package right at your door steps.

It honestly feels good to do something nice, something that you know only you will do for yourself and something that you won't have to rely on someone else for.  So give it a try and you might just agree with me :)

Project 365 - Favorites! (February 18, 2012)

No food compares to the food that your mother prepares.  All of us have our favorites, but there are certain dishes that no one can make it better than your mom.  Those few signature dishes, that no matter where you go or who prepares them; they just cannot taste the same.  Since I am a huge sweets fan, most of it is because of my mom.  All the Meetha (sweet) dishes she makes, no one and I mean no one can make it better than her.

Be it zarda, kheer, halwa or my favorite Mutanjan; they just do not hold that same sweetness.  Even though I have to request it a few times, at which my mom suggests I learn to cook it myself;  but my answer remains the same "But mama no one makes it better than you! :)"

Project 365 - Let your Imagination Run (February 17, 2012)

I am sure all of us have this inner child that we come across every now and then.   Be it the childhood memories,  our stupid acts, or watching Disney movies.  I am not one of those people who are up to date with all the latest movies or even the old ones.  I like to watch movies if there is nothing better to do at the moment; but most of the times I forget the movie plots within a couple of days.

Call me a kid or even childish; but my all time favorite movies are Disney movies.  I can watch Disney movies everyday and still would not get tired of them.  I was very excited to watch the latest movie, The secret world of Arrietty.  The movie has a very cute plot and definitely brings out your inner child; puts a smile on your face and widens your imagination.

Project 365 - Pasta (February 16, 2012)

We all have different ways of dealing with the stress in our lives.  Whenever I feel stressed or frustrated about something, the first thing I think about is cooking a new dish.  I don't mean a huge meal, I just mean trying out something new.  That way I forget about the worries I have at the moment and focus my attention towards coming up with a new dish.

I would not call myself a good cook, but for an average person; my dishes do turn out reasonable or maybe my parents and siblings are good pretenders.

Project 365 - Brownie & Desserts (February 15, 2012)

I have the biggest sweet tooth ever; if I was given only sweet things to eat as meals, I doubt I would ever complain.  I came by University today and the first thing I saw was the Bake Sale sign; I smiled and then suddenly realized that I had no cash on me.  With a very heavy heart I walked pass it and told myself to forget about the dream of having brownies (Yes, I can get a bit dramatic when it comes to brownies).

About a few hours pass by and two girls pass by us (My brother and I).  Suddenly the girls stop and ask "would you like to purchase some desserts, it's from the bake sale we are having."  I with a sad face replied "I would love to, but I am really sorry I don't have any cash on me."  My brother sitting besides me says "oh I have some cash, what is it that you would like?"

Now you can imagine, I had the hugest smile on my face; apparently he only had a bill of $5 and they did not have any change.  So we ended up getting more than just the brownie I had hoped to get earlier.

Project 365 - Notes Writing (February 14, 2012)

Throughout University days, I have always dreaded assignments and homework.  I was the type of person who would wait till last minute to do everything and then stay awake all night to complete that one 15 page paper or even an assignment.  I always thought I was the type who works best under pressure, clearly there is no correlation between my procrastination and getting things done last minute; it's merely my laziness.

My brother, sitting besides me in school, looks up and says "can you do me a favor?"
I casually say "What is it?"
He mumbles "Umm can you copy down homework for my friend"
I look back with a confused face and say "huh? do homework? for your friend?"
He repeats " Yes, do homework for my friend"
I am like "but why? and you do know that I am not an engineering student"
He assures "No, he is out of the country and wants me to hand in homework for him.  Since our professor wants it hand written; can you please write it out since your hand writing is different than mine."

I had to give in and write down the homework for his friend.  Not to mention, how my hands were hurting after copying down 6 pages of God knows what.

Project 365 - Swedish Fish (February 13, 2012)

One of my favorite hobbies is to study and snack, minus the studying of-course.  I am very particular about the things I like and the things I do not like.  Once I find that favorite thing, it is very hard to convince me otherwise; most of my friends, that sort of know me, will say that I am the most difficult person to convince when it comes to trying out something new.  My immediate answer is always no; if I say yes, consider yourself very very lucky.

One of my all time favorites has been Swedish Fish.  

Project 365 - Family Time (February 12, 2012)

Platters! when you can't go to them, have them come to you instead!

Although cooking and preparing everything can be a dread.  After all the time spent cutting vegetables, cooking and washing dishes.  A Sunday spent preparing platters and then my lovely family enjoying the lunch together is just priceless.

The time to make a few wonderful memories that will last forever; my favorite day of the week!

Project 365 - The Green Leaf (February 11, 2012)

I have always believed that there are two kinds of people: one that love Paan and the others that are just plain jealous of the ones that like Paan; Too bad if you don't get what I mean; I assume you are the type who don't like Paan.

What is Paan you may ask? It is the most amazing thing, especially after a desi meal.  I don't mean the hardcore tobacco sort of paan; I just mean the non-tobacco sweet paan.  Not everyone knows the art of eating it properly, I was lucky enough to get some advice from a "Paan waley Uncle" (Which, one of my friends thought was him being perverted - so for the sake of this blog, I will not write what he had said).

There are a very few things that make the list of being my favorites, including people (kidding!).  Paan is just one of those things!

Project 365 - Unexpected Happens (February 10, 2012)

Sometimes life gets so unexpected that when you learn to accept the way things are; what you had wanted to happen, happens all of a sudden (If it makes sense).  

After a whole day's worth of waiting and not being able to try Auntie Ann's Pretzel; the unexpected happens the next day.  Even though I had given up on my dream of finding the Pretzel around town; suddenly I find myself in front of the stand.  So I happily announce that I have finally Tried the Auntie Ann's pretzel and with more joy that I am in love with the Pretzels!

Project 365 - Everyday Lessons (February 9, 2012)

An absolutely crazy day, filled with lots of errands.  The satisfaction you get once you get something done is absolutely priceless, it's one less thing you have to worry about.

Whereas I got lots of work done, there was one thing that made my day kind of incomplete.  A friend of mine is absolutely crazy about Auntie Ann's pretzels and had been talking about it nonstop for weeks (Sorry, I called you crazy - If your read this :P).  He suggested I should give it a try; so all day long I waited for my trip to the Mall.  In all the anticipation, I skipped on lunch.

As soon as we reached the mall, I jumped in joy and said "Finally Pretzel, here I come."  Little did I know that my hopes were going to be crushed really soon.  The mall did not have an Auntie Ann's pretzels!

Which meant that my search to find the pretzel wasn't over yet; so I had to convince myself to be happy on having Pizza hut's pizza instead!

Lesson learned:  Don't be disappointed when you meet a dead end, be happy that now you are that much closer to finding the right path ~ Romaisa Choudhry

Project 365 - Waiting (February 8, 2012)

Waiting for a ride to come by, is the most anxious thing to do, or maybe it is to me.  It doesn't matter what the destination is, nor does it matters what the method of commute will be.  Waiting itself just holds all these jittery feelings within an individual.

All four years of University days, I had waited for the shuttles to come by and take me to the train station daily.  Standing there today reminded me of all the fun days of traveling with your friends.  Just to make the anticipation a bit lesser, the university has posted these "timing boards."

Project 365 - All about Pennies (February 7, 2012)

I am not the biggest fan when it comes to carrying cash, well ever since I have discovered the more amazing things in the world: Credit & Debit Cards.  Now do not wander off thinking, oh she is that sort of girl! (see I got cha!)  As much as I love shopping, I am not about huge credit card bills that daddy will pay off, a girl has got to know her limits!

Anywho, I realized I would have lots of change left over and I would hate carrying all that in my wallet.  To solve the problem, I went and bought this plastic cookie jar and punched a hole in it; for the change to live in.  I started putting the coins in every time I had some extra change and gradually built a decent amount of coins.

One day, out of boredom I decided to count the coins and I believed it came out to $15 altogether.  After a while, I noticed that my sister actually used the coins as conveniently needed.  Every time she was in need of her bus fair, she would just dig right in and take the coins as pleased.  I came to know about this, when one day I needed to dish for some quarters; and to my surprise, there were no quarters left in the coins.

Upon asking my sister, she casually mentioned "oh I thought you didn't need the coins anymore so I used them up for my bus fair everyday."  I was furious and asked her to stay away from my coin jar; but just like all of my other threats, this one went to a waste as well.  First the quarters disappeared, then the dimes, then nickles and now all that is left are Pennies!

I have stopped adding on to the coins, unless they are pennies.  I use the jar to leave my bedroom door a little open for the hallway light to enter in (Why? Because I am claustrophobic, but this topic is left to be discussed for another day).

The best part comes in when my sister bumps into the Jar every morning; call me evil or whatever, but it somehow gives me a little relief each time.

Project 365 - Gum Allergies (February 6, 2012)

Ever heard of anyone being allergic to gum?  (If you have, then you are an exception my friend)

Fate just has it that I only experience the weirdest of things in life, then again I am a little package of weirdness myself (you guys better not be laughing :p).  Anywho, I noticed I would get an itchy nose while chewing gum; in the beginning it only started as a little random itch, which later became pretty intense.  I was not sure if it is something I am eating or if it was just seasonal allergies.  After noticing it a few times, I realized it always happened when I would chew a piece of gum.  Just like anyone else would, I thought this is pretty ridiculous, it cannot be the gum.

There I was with my thinking cap on and my handy dandy laptop by my side, searching through the net.  After an intense session of research, along with the usual Facebook stalks, I was able to get my answer.  It is actually more common than one would consider it to be and the whole cause are the fumes produced while chewing the gum.  As we are chewing the gum, it forces the gum to release its flavors (which are artificially produced using different sorts of chemicals - not the toxic ones).

When we exhale, we send out the fumes through our nose; which causes an allergic reaction on the skin and makes it itch.

Long story short: I had to sacrifice being able to chew gum; but there are other alternatives, such as these mint strips.

Project 365 - SuperBowl (February 5, 2012)

Superbowl is all about food and having fun!  With friends and family everything becomes double the joy!

Since our home team was in the finals, it made it that more exciting.  While, my sister and I argued with our brothers on "our" team vs. theirs (Of-course their teams did not make the finals!); we were all anxious to see the game together.

Yes! Our team won; and yes! we heard the whole neighborhood scream out of joy!

-With some great food that is; hence, the home made pizza! :)

Project 365 - A Sad tale (February 4, 2012)

No matter how many times I try to become a friend with my contact lenses; they always deceive me towards the end.  

Every month I open up a new pack of contacts, in hopes that this one would be a better one; yet, I always end up getting an eye infection.  Why must the contacts treat me this way? :(

With utter sadness; I must say today, the monthly history repeated itself again.  

Project 365 - Life is Full of Coincidences (February 3, 2012)

You know the feeling of finding something you weren't expecting to find? [give it a thought] 

Yep! That one! :)

Let me give you the back story: Earlier in the day, I was getting pretty warmed up about not realizing that the Body Wash bottle was nearly empty; and was dreading it being on the list of "things to buy."  I remember just a month earlier, I had forgotten to make the purchase and I didn't want to repeat the same mistake again.  While going through the cabinet, there it was! I had the hugest smile on my face, you know the type kids have when they see candy.  But in my case, it was a bottle of Body Wash.  [Yes, My sister gave me the weirdest look upon my exclamation as well]

As silly as it might seem in my case, it truly made me appreciate the beauty of such a coincidence :)  

Project 365 - Anger Management (February 2, 2012)

Anger, frustration, depression - we all go through these at one point in life, might not be that serious at all; but all of us feel somewhat discomfort on situations around us.  There have been many tactics, studies and researches held; to help ease the brain when it comes to these compromising situations.

Well, I have a solution of my own; something I find very useful.  I just compile all of my junk mail on the side and then the days when I feel really frustrated, I sit down and rip the pages one by one.  Yes, sometimes it tires my hands out; but it certainly makes you relieve your frustration for the moment.

Don't believe me? well have a try for yourself! :)

Project 365 - Memories (February 1, 2012)

Memories, a word in which we compile all the past moments in.  One word, that holds so much within.

While cleaning up my drawers, I came across my notes from one of the Management Classes I had taken in University.  The notes also reminded me of the fun times I had in the class.

College/University Days are the most amazing days of your lives, and we only realize this once we graduate.  All that effort in completing the race, to become a graduate; only leads to wanting it all back, that much more afterwards!

Project 365 - Can Water Kill You? (January 31, 2012)

I remember I used to stress water a lot back in the day.  There were days when I would drink 12-14 glasses of water, just because I had heard that water is supposed to be really good for your body.  Rambling through random videos on YouTube, I came across this story where a girl had died because of drinking too much water.

I was shocked and scared at the same time.  Of-course, the girl probably drank it way more than my daily consumption; nonetheless, I was scared.  Later, upon researching the issue a bit more I learned that our bodies need electrolytes in an efficient manner to handle our water consumption.  Although I had discovered the reason of the poor girl's fatal death, I made sure every now and then I do intake electrolytes.

Hence, the Gatorade bottle - It also reminds me of the story every time I see these energy drinks in the market.

Project 365 - Just Smile (January 30, 2012)

Sometimes the simplest things in life make you Smile.  Actually, I personally believe that you can be in any situation and always smile.  Yes, call me crazy if you wish; but there is always a flip side of things - the side we tend to overlook.

The "no work" sign at the laundromat made me smile.  Why? There really isn't an accurate answer to that question.  It is all about finding a reason for yourself.  Just give it a thought and I promise you, you'll end up having a smile on your face! :)