Shame on me!

Sometimes I can be so stubborn, it makes me sick! If someone else were me, I'd slap her! I don't know why there are some things that I just don't do!!

I've been learning to drive since I was in class 12, that was like 6-7 years back. I've been to two driving schools, and I have a valid driver's license. But I just can't drive!!! Everytime I try, everytime I sit on the wheel, it feels as if the car is out to get me! My legs shake, my knuckles turn white and my heart beats faster than a subway train! And if someone tells me to reverse, I experience a nervous breakdown!

God knows when will I gain confidence on the wheel!! It's really a shame!!

Being the change

Disclaimer: This post just happens to coincide with the approaching Independance Day!

We are a great nation. We've got it all - the government, the democracy, the infrastructure, the public. The only thing is - they don't run. We don't make it run. But that's not the point. The point is, do we even want it to run?

We, as the general public are not happy. We crib about everything - no water, no electricity, our maids are charging more, the police department is corrupt, there's so much red-tapism in politics, petrol prices are going up, this isn't right, that's all wrong, yada yada yada. But we, ourselves make full use of these 'discrepencies' to our advantage. We bribe the cop when we're caught speeding, we keep 2 maids to run the house for us, almost every household can afford a driver, having contacts in government agencies helps us get our work done faster, we enjoy the holiday on voting day but don't vote... the list is endless. We talk about Westernizing the nation, but the point is you think we Indians can really shed our lazy, callous habits and live a life of discipline?

Before we start blaming the system for everything that goes wrong, we need to stop ourselves from choosing the easy way out everytime. In my opinion, it is a two-way road. We can't wait for them to change us. It's time we stopped being reactive, and be proactive. That's when we'll be able to call India a great nation in the true sense.

The next chapter

Like most of you predicted, I wasn't able to stay away too long! So here I am, beginning a new post, a new chapter of the second act of life. I hope I last this one out.

I celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary on July 18. Can you believe it has already been a whole year? I can't. It's as if it were only yesterday that I was getting jitters about marriage. Though time has zoomed by, it has left some very major impressions on my life. You see, married life is not the blissful journey I thought it to be, rather, wished it to be. It isn't bad, but it makes you grow up real fast, whether you like it or not.

Soon after the honeymoon, hubby and I were staying together, but not with my in-laws. Boy, what chaos! I didn't know the first thing about running a home! It was literally madness in the first couple of months - I couldn't cook so that added to the mess. Somehow, with help from my mum-in-law and mom, I got things going. But the loneliness killed me. I wasn't working at the time, so the empty walls of the house bored me to death.

During this time, my father-in-law's (Dad) health deteriorated. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer and his condition showed no sign of improvement. That is when we took a call to move back in with my in-laws. It turned out to be a life saver for me. Not only has it helped me learn the ropes, but has also given me a chance to get to know everyone better. There were times when I had to be at the hospital with Dad for hours. Cancer has a knack of taking a toll on everyone's lives. It sure did on me, because I felt connected to this new family, shared their sorrow as if it were my own.

Dad passed away in March this year. The house is suddenly quiet, devoid of any real joy. My happy-go-lucky mum-in-law puts up a brave face, but I know she misses him the most. I can't even imagine what hubby went through...he's without a father now. The thought itself makes me feel like something's died inside me. But the best thing about all this was that we were united in our grief.

Things have somewhat gone back to normal. I've quit my job and have started freelancing from home. This way I get to be with mum-in-law more often. When I look back at this one year, I realize it has changed me. I am no longer the dreamy-eyed girl I once was, but a more practical individual now. I'm still wishful at times, but try and remain grounded. I wonder what the years to come will bring in, but I know now, for cerain, that I won't be beaten.

Au Revoir

Hi folks! I'm back, and all married by now! Gosh that does feel strange! Had a blast on the wedding, and an even more amazing honeymoon! Oh btw, we decided to do Uttarakhand: Corbett, Ranikhet, Kausani, Binsar and Nainital. Mindblowing natural beauty. Binsar was my favorite, coz it wasn't like a typical honeymoon destination at all. It was in a resort right inside the forest, and we didnt have a 5 star luxury suite, but a treehouse cottage! The 13 km forest trek was the cherry on top! I never imagined i could find such serenity, so close to home. The other places were just as beautiful and romantic. And thank goodness, it wasn't raining. In fact, the weather was slightly chilly... just the way I like it! Had the best time ever, and I love my hubby for that! :)

Anyway, coming to point, I'm abandoning lifeheadon. After a month of being married, and living by yourself, I've realized it's not exactly cakewalk. There are suddenly less hours in a day and lots to be done. And trust me, it's an eye-opener for someone like me, who doesn't know the first thing about running a home! So my blog is one of the many things I will have to give up, also because I won't be able to do justice to it. Just wanna say it's been a wonderful experience being here, and whaddyuknow I might just decide to come back later, with more grown up posts maybe! :) Will miss you all, and of course my email ID is on my profile, so anyone of my blogger buddies can just drop in a mail, if you miss me too! ;) Take care you guys... love you all! Mwah!