The Shark and the Goldfish

The shark and the goldfish: Positive ways to thrive during waves of change by Jon Gordon is a good read. This interesting fable about a goldfish who has always been fed and the shark who looks for his food teaches an invaluable lesson that in the face of adversity, the difference between a full belly and an empty stomach depends solely on your faith, beliefs and action. A recipe to attain the life you dream of consists of taking the following actions:

• Embrace and ride the waves of change.
  
• Have positive thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
  
• To thrive, work hard.
  
• Focus ---> tune out distractions. Ask "What do I want in life?" and maintain focus.
• Always improve yourself ----> don't settle for being average.

A delightfully simple and easy read with powerful lessons in life.

So, it's important to pause and ask: "Are you a shark or a goldfish?" and assess the quality of our life.

Sherlock Holmes

I thought the movie was a little bit draggy - filled with the gloomy aura captured by the cinematography - it wasn't the type of aura I wanted to be in.  That said, I must say Robert Downey Jr. carried his role very well - with the air of arrogance around him. I loved his wits, humor and his sharpness at solving crimes. His remarks, eccentricity and experimental nature was comical. His observation of all the little details and his ability to connect the details to the bigger picture was awesome. The mystery kept me watching the movie till the end.

Farewell to cousin Kumar and family

My cousin, Kumar and his wife, Padma akka, children, Anirudh and Adhithi left to India today at 2 p.m. My father-in-law and I sent them off at the airport with a heavy heart. We had great time with them and we are going to miss them dearly. I especially grew very close to Padma akka as we had similar stories to share. She and her husband are very caring people and I adore them very much. We are definitely looking forward to visiting them in India soon.

After the airport, as soon as I came back home, I saw a lady standing at the guard house holding a bouquet of roses. And the moment she saw me, she asked "Are you Geeta? This is for you". I was surprised and knew instantly it was from my dear husband. What a pleasant surprise - the roses brought a smile on my face and made my day :) Thank you, love!

 

Family Trip to Port Dickson ~2nd - 3rd January 2010~

Devan and Tasha organized a family trip to Port Dickson on 2nd January and all our family members gathered under one roof and spent some quality time together. All my siblings, Usha aunty (my mom's sister) and family, Ravi uncle (mom's brother) and family, and cousin Kumar and family from India came for the gathering. We stayed one night at one of the bungalows which Devan and Tasha booked earlier last year.

We played football, cards, games and had a ball of a time at the beach. We had barbecue that night accompanied by lots of chattering, teasing and giggling. That's the first time I've seen my uncle (Ravi mamma) so jovial and sporting - he was so fun to be with! And of course the main entertainer of the lot was Uncle John with all his antics.

We had some desserts later - I baked chocolate cake with frosting and blueberry cheesecake the night before to bring for the gathering and all of them enjoyed it. After dinner, we played football at the field and then proceeded to play some cards and board games. Some of them didn't sleep until about 5.30 a.m. but still managed to get up the next morning to go to the beach for a second round of dip and fun.

 

 

A game of football - shirtless team against the team with shirts on

At the barbecue corner

 

The gambling corner

 

Vasco

 

 The next morning during breakfast

 

 

 

The gang walking towards the beach

 

 

 

 

 

  

 The antics at the beach

The family gathering was a splendid idea and we should have it more often. Everyone had a blast - and we are looking forward for more reunions! Thank you Devan and Tasha for organizing this outing and for bringing us closer.