Pleasant surprise in my inbox :) The Liebster Award post!

It is always nice when your friends share their happy moments with you. And so was I when Preethi Mam (I was one of her students as mentioned in the 8^th point in her “Eleven facts about myself” ;) ) shared her Liebster Award with me.

Thanks a lot Ma’m.

I was told that when this award is shared, I am expected to do the following things.

1. Post 11 facts about yourself

2. Answer the 11 questions the tagger has given you

3. Tag 11 more Bloggers (with no more than 200 followers; no tagging back) and make 11 questions for them

4. Tell the people you tagged that you did.

I would definitely do the first 2 things. Don’t think that I am being so mean. The problem of being obsessed with your work is you find less time to do things you love to do. L I know it is something I need to bring a balance. After all, I believe time management is in our hands. And we always find time to do things we like. Am new to blogging and am trying to be active in it. And I have to find that 11 more bloggers. But I promise I would read more blogs and comment and encourage new good writers J

Now over to eleven facts about myself

1. Chennai Vasi from the beginning. Love my country the Bharat Desh (India). I like reading its history and I cherish its rich heritage. Would love to visit all historical places and temples in India during my life. I would do my best to contribute to its development. I wish to be in India all through my life. J This does not mean I don’t want to visit other countries. Even if it is heaven out there nothing can beat my country. So my permanent address should always be India with God’s grace.

2. I am a Chartered Accountant who works in Industry. Love accounts and tax.

3. I am a straight forward, honest person. “Say the facts and truth on face” is my policy. And I love the ones who are honest with me. I have this bad habit of being too honest. ;) Now this doesn’t mean I hurt people in the name of honest opinions. I do moderate the way I say things. Be it my boss or my best friend or my junior at work, if I find something, which I need to say, I would not fear to say. Even if things back fire I would stick to truth and facts. Unless there are facts contrary to my belief I would not change my opinions at the whims and fancy of others J

4. I indulge in self analysis most of the times. I welcome healthy criticism. I might become bit emotional at first but after some moments of silence I would analyze and try to mould. I would accept it if I feel it is valid. If I find it unreasonable I would ignore it. J

5. I tend to become emotional. And I find it difficult to say no. I forgive people too easily. I don’t wait for apologies to forgive :)

6. Love reading books. If someone says I will lock you in a room and go, I would say please lock me inside a library so that I will have books to read ;)

7. My hobbies include walking listening to music, selective movies (am bit choosy can't watch many sad movies ;), recently blogging and books.

8. Love healthy arguments and interaction. (Yes I am talkative. But I can be silent as well)

9. Love teaching. Some time in future I would like to see myself as Tax faculty (at least guest faculty ;))

10.  I accept people for what they are. Friends are my extended family. And I love listening to them and share their sorrows and happiness.

11.  Love doing things for my family (which includes my friends) J

These are the 11 questions posted to me:-

1. Why blog?

            Writing is something personal. Each person has got a style and I basically started writing as a means of positive let out. And blog is a good way to store your write ups and you reach people. And some day you can look back at your old writings. It is good when you find people are reading your stuff and responding. I personally don’t write for the sake of appreciation. I write for personal peace. But I would not deny the fact that it does feel good when some one leaves a message seeing the post. J

2. How has blogging changed your life?

On personal front, I use writing as a mode to find peace in the midst of commotion and the fact that I can store it beautifully in a blog has brought an immense sense of joy. Blogging has become a good hobby. Am trying to be active in it and read more blogs and encourage good writers.

3. Name one person who has truly inspired you, and has hence led you to change something about yourself.

            The good things in each person I have met has inspired me. I always feel there is no one single role model. But if you ask me to name one I would say “Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmi Bai.” Her story inspired to be bold and stand up for my rights and do my duty.

4. If there is something you would like to change about yourself, what would that be?

            I allow people to take me for granted. And I find it very difficult to say no. Good close friends don’t take advantage of it but not all are same. Sometimes even when I know that they are taking advantages, I tend to ignore it giving them too long a rope. ;) . And sometimes I tend to become obsessed with my work. In the sense, I believe being sincere at work is good and to be serious at work is bad. So trying to change it J

5. What is your most priced possession in your room?

            Books are my most priced possession. If I have to be specific it is the Black Swan book based on which am currently writing a series in my blog. It was a timely gift from a very good and best friend of mine. The book helped me in writing something I have never ventured before. It is one topic I love writing and presenting.

6. Do you think blogging can help anything in any way?

According to me a writer is a person who writes irrespective of the fact whether his / her writing brings change or not. That is the power and beauty of writing. And eventually it creates a change. Blog is a powerful tool through which you can reach out to many people. And pen is mightier than sword and so is a blog J It can be used to bring about social changes.

7. What is the one festival in India you love to celebrate and do you think we still celebrate them in the same spirit as we used to decades back?

            India’s heritage is exhibited in its festivals. I can’t name one. First thing that comes to my mind is Diwali and the beautiful tradition of Raksha bandhan, which I celebrate wishing few of my best friends. Being a single child I wait for this day just to wish them and it brings me immense joy and happiness. Though there is a general feeling that there is a drop in the spirit of celebrations, I would not accept it. It has become more modern and there is a sense of fastness in everything. And even today, these many festivals are celebrated with josh. And I find that the spirit is always there. It is up to each individual to find it and tap it. J

8. If there is one thing you could do for your country (let's say there are no restraints and what you could do is magical), what would it be?

            Abolish corruption, which our country seems to be getting popular for and install a good government. Once there is good governance every single problem of our country would get solved. And there would be prosperity. India is a land of immense potential. And good governance is all that is required to make it shine.

9. 3 words that would describe you.

            So mean why giving me only 3 words ;) Anyway “Fun loving person.”  In three separate words – Happy, Honest, and Emotional.

10. Which is the best vacation you have had...and with whom?

            Never had a good long vacation! J  I love the trips I have made to temples like Kula deivam temple visit – Periyankuppam, Koothanoor, Kanchi, thennangur, thirupathi etc with my family. J

11. What do you think the future has in store for you?

            I never think much about future. J I believe in living in present and not in anxiety about future. That does not mean I don’t plan for things. I do. I believe that God knows to bring what is best for us. And he never gives things which we cannot handle. He knows our strengths which even we might not be aware of. And “present” is his biggest present. I see future as an adventure. I love expecting the unexpected. And facing it as and when it comes J

Have a lovely day J