Happy New Year 2014 ~ My Happy Song !!

Happy New Year Everyone !!!!!

I just welcomed another batch of 365 days. So have you. My prayers that the new year will be happy, prosperous, blessed and far better ~ than the last ~ for all of us. Optimism is simply the best form of reassurance. 

I do not make resolutions. I prefer to go with the flow. I have hopes and aspirations, though. That's what I have been doing all these years. And, the same, this 2014.

I, continue, to be thankful to the Almighty for everything. Divine blessings. A great, supportive family. A cluster of caring and crazy friends. A life, that is on track, as wished.

I must say, the last few months have been moderately taxing. 

• Quote No. 1 -  Topic : Driving 
• "Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.." ~Author Unknown~

I have been driving on a daily basis. Exhausting, especially on days when the jam is just irrational.  I am glad those days are over. The public transportation is a boon. There are, of course, the stumbling blocks but I am thankful, anyhow.

• Quote No. 2 - Topic : Holiday
• "Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today's world it has become a necessity.."  ~Author Unknown~

I was and, am still, constantly researching. Due diligence, on a lighter note. Baffled ? Well, I am researching extensively for my vacation, which comes in the next 50 days or so. I have become an avid reader of National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, Lonely Planet  and travel blogs that give great tips and recommendations. The web is such a wonder. I cannot imagine not having access to it. Can you ?

• Quote No. 3 - Topic : A Semi Broken Heart
• "When love is lost, do not bow your head in sadness; instead keep your head up high and gaze into heaven for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal.."  ~Author Unknown~

I got my heart nominally broken during the last days of July 2013. Nothing massive - but many things changed after that. Thank God for the frantic work load, the drive-to-work frenzy and the unsettled weekends, I raced through it with good grace. I managed to seal the feelings during the last ten days of December. I am a breath of fresh air, right now. 

• Quote No. 4 - Topic : Relationships
• "People change and forget to tell each other.."  ~Lillian Hellman~

I learned that relationships are fragile and need our sincere effort to blossom. I have been an awful enthusiast. I received a mail from my best friend, a few weeks back. A long heart to heart one. She lamented how I rarely write, sms or return her calls - like old times. She wrote about the times we spent unwinding by the beach, the visits to our favourite hangout, The Tropical Spice Garden and our shopping and coffee times, during the weekends. It brought me to senses. Practically. How we neglect people, in the name of time. I miss those times, too. But, there is an issue.... She is in Australia. I am here. The only sensible thing we can do is chat online. And, that is, a little lame, to me. I have promised her though.....

• Quote No. 5 - Topic : Keeping in touch, Making it work !!
• "I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see.."~John Burroughs~

I promise that I will reply mails, soonest possible and return phone calls, if missed. Not just to her. To everyone. It will save a lot of flak. In fact, starting this New Year, my mobile and my iPad are two gadgets that I carry along, faithfully. So, yes. Leave me a mail, and I shall reply within a day or two. Call me, and I shall answer. In case, I do not - kindly leave me a voice mail or an sms, and I will get back to you the moment I can. Deal ?

• Quote No. 6 - Topic : Blogging
• "Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.." ~William Wordsworth~

I will TRY my level best, to blog, more often. I have wi-fi access throughout my home, and a handy iPad, to do assist. Last year's number of posts was a little humiliating, taking into account that it was such a great, lovable, memorable year.

• Quote No. 7 - Illayaraja, the Great
• "Music is an outburst of the soul.."~Frederick Delius~

I STILL love Illayaraja and his magical music despite him not being there for the concert. The King of Kings Concert was a collossal success. Every song sung during the near to 4 hour gig, was outstanding. I am glad I attended it with the rest of the near 17,000 crowd. 

• Quote No. 8 - Plans and Ideas
• "Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is just one more good idea.."  ~Jim Rohn~

I want to have more vacations and weekend getaways, this 2014. Great holidays ideas. Why not ? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and Shalu a daffy lady. Plans. I want to enjoy my weekends more. I want to have coffee on weekdays, after work. I want to watch more movies, at the theaters. Pre-plans. I have a girlfriends get together to Langkawi Island in April. A 5 day shopping spree to Chennai in July. And, a year end hangout in Singapore. Fingers are crossed. Positivism is shooting high.....

• Quote No. 9 - My Father, my everything :-)
• "Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.."  ~Author Unknown~

I continue to miss my father. His presence, in real. His presence, in spirit and soul, continues to grow with me - every day of my life. Yes, my bedside photo frame STILL has Appa and me. I love him beyond words. I am what I am today because of him. 

That's all folks. For now. 

Vaikunda Ekadasi comes this Saturday, the 11th of January 2014. Make your wish. Say your prayer. Light HIM a lamp. They will come true. Believe..... 

God Bless.....

p/s - The song I listen to with a silly smile..... My happy song..... :-)