Life Unpacked

I have already raved about what 2015 showered upon me, but, I've heard it is never wise to keep dwelling upon past glories and memories; rather, using them as a base for future steps is the way to go, right? And given the fact that 'resolutions' have never been my thing, for 2016 I have zeroed upon setting 'intentions'. Google up the two words and you shall see how much negativity the word 'resolution' reeks; so thank you, I'd rather set aims than impose stuffs. #1. Up My Reading Game I swear if I could, I would be nose-deep in books all day; I simply find them quite fascinating. To read is to live over a thousand lives in one lifetime (I did I quick search to figure out whether this line is original, turns out it is already said by George R.R. Martin!). This year, I want to read a lot more on diverse themes than I previously have; yes, I reluctantly admit that I am a bit stuck up in my comfort-zone when it comes to books. I am shooting for 36 books ...

As I sit here, languidly running through the pictures contained in my digital album, I am gawking in disbelieve. The year has passed by in a blur. Witnessed Megadeth live from the front row! I cannot comprehend the magnitude of this year; yes, I did face Chronic Fatigue, but, at the same time, had wonderful surprises knocking at my door all the time, be it in the form of a sudden call for Camp , or the screen of my new Lumia showing that I cleared IPCC exams, or even managing to see Megadeth live from the first row! Undoubtedly, 2015 has been something. View from the windmill farm at Nashik After all, I turned 19 years old; I put myself out there and socialized, despite my brain wanting to go home and doze off; I pushed myself to take a leap of faith, and got going on a two day excursion to Nashik, with two folks I barely knew at that time; and how can I forget, I met Bruce Dickinson, the front-man of Iron Maiden! Quite a year, eh? Well, that's not all...

I am going to read you; carefully flipping over the pages of your thoughts, ruminating over each little lore your eyes reflect. I am going to read you; warmly stepping into the depths of your loneliness, grazing the tales of remorse your lips tremble with. I am going to read you; gently knocking down the walls you have put up, till the dreams you whisper every night echoes within me.

There are certain points in life where whatever you do seems grossly inadequate. That sense of inadequacy soon metamorphosizes into a cocoon of self-doubt, and before you know, you begin asking yourself the old-age question concerning the direction in which your life is headed. I had been completely sure, since, the time I stepped into my teenage, that I would not face the need to ask myself any question pertaining to life's direction; I thought I knew what I wanted from life and how. Now, reflecting back, I cannot stop myself from wondering how naive I was. I never took into cognizance of the presence of 'growth' factor. "Uh, what growth factor?", you'd ask. Well, people are like cheese (or wine, if you prefer that analogy); they mature as they age. The way cheese (or wine) develops a complex flavour as it ages, people are exposed to new horizons and their ideals evolve. The ways of the world do not stay black or white any more. Also, the "I wa...

Lately, I haven't been myself; Neither have I been dreaming enough nor have I been indulging in the usual process of over-thinking, but merely existing by breathing in and out, going about the day's business with absolute mindlessness. This existential monotony seems shallow. I crave to rebound, I crave to create, I crave to live. Understand the progressing intensity each consecutive word in the previous sentence exudes. Rebounding is my chance to be able to commence creating again, and this process of creation is the essence of my life. After all, what will a rose be reduced to without its essence of being beautiful? Art is created, yet creating is an art; an art through which one communicates their perception, of the things worldly and beyond, to others, resulting in a deeper human connection between the artist and the appreciators. I churn out stories, employing words, of simple beings and their maladies, metamorphosing into an experience. Do you see that process of c...

In Mumbai, when zeroing on a place with good food and music, the first name that comes to mind is Hard Rock Cafe. With their legendary burgers, choicest selection of drinks and live music, it  never fails to give one the good time. So when I got the opportunity to try the menu specials as a part of their ongoing Latin Fiesta, I seized the opportunity. My Latin sojourn took a jump start with a virgin Cranberry & Lychee Margarita, a lovely concoction of  freshly squeezed lime juice, lychee and cranberries, originally also incorporating Jose Cuerveo Especial Silver Tequila. It was just the way I prefer my drinks; tangy with a bit of sweetness. Next arrived the Brazilian BBQ Veg Grill Skewers, a sizzling skillet of BBQ glazed and spice rubbed cottage cheese skewers, served over a bed of Chimi Churi spiced fajita onions and bell peppers, and topped with crispy nachos. Honestly, the marinade did not pack the Latin punch that I expected it to and the portion size is a bit odd ...

California Pizza Kitchen, famous for their delectable California-style pizzas, is a brand in itself. My encounters with their Pizzas and innovatively themed limited time menus have left me gushing like a fan-girl for them time and time again. So, when this Summer and my craving for Mexican cuisine hit an all time high, coming across the ongoing "Mexifornia" Festival at California Pizza Kitchen certainly fired up my appetite and imagination. Thus, the last week saw me heading to California Pizza Kitchen's Lower Parel outlet located in the Phoenix Mills Compound, Mumbai, to seize the opportunity and relish the Mexifornian delights before the time could snatch the chance away from me (Yes, Mexifornia Festival is on only till 21st June, so hurry and grab your bite!). To sum up my experience precisely; it is definitely something worth braving the sun for, in my book. My 'Mexifornian' adventure kicked off with Mango Tango, an irresistible mocktail of Mango jui...