10 Challenges : 1 Picture

P.S. The delay in this post was because I wanted this one to be with my lil one, Ryan. And he kept me waiting long enough. 

10 Challenges : 2 Songs

1. Please forgive me - Bryan Adams

2. O saathi re - Kishore Kumar 

P.S. I wish I could add all Kishore Da songs here and many more. This is so unfair to just pick 2 songs when music is your life. 

10 Challenges : 3 Movies

1. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

A story about unapproved friendship of two young boys set in the time of World War II, with an unexpected and heart wrenching ending. The movie would leave the strongest of hearts in tears. 

The boys who played the lead have done a tremendous job and at times you don't realize you are watching a movie. 

2. Life is Beautiful

Originally Italian, this movie set in the World War II, is a story of a father (and his son) who uses his imagination and humor to protect his son in Nazi death camp. Unlike the first movie I mentioned, the ending of this movie has a hint of happiness and hope amidst all the sadness. 

3. In Pursuit of Happyness

Based on the real life story of an American salesman turned stockbroker, Chris Gardner, the movie is about hope, happiness and the strong will. The movie depicts the struggle of a homeless salesman who works hard to provide for his son and himself and manages to achieve and feel "Happiness". Movie would touch your heart and make you appreciate what you have. And ever since I first saw the movie, I have an increased admiration for Will Smith as an actor. 

P.S. I so "not" like listing just 3 movies out of a huge lot. Also, I find it a bit disappointing that I don't have any Hindi movie in my top 5 list. If I have to chose one, it would be Taare Zameen Par. 

I feel all (Indian) parents must watch Taare Zameen Par and that they should stop considering their children as a medium to achieve their (parents') dreams and let the kids chose what they like and want to do. I feel the parents should express their ambitions for kids only in the form of guidance and not pressure. 

10 Challenges : 4 Books

1. It's not about the Bike by Lance Armstrong

Autobiography of cancer survivor and seven (consecutive) times Tour de France winner, American cyclist, Lance Armstrong. It's a book about his successful fight with cancer and him regaining his strength to win one of the most treacherous cycle races. It's a story about the victory of inner strength, about strong will and extraordinary hard work. 

This is most definitely my favorite book. In fact, it's more than just a book. It's a friend, a guide, a mentor. Every time I have a doubt, I feel low, or even when I am thankful, I pick it up, and start reading from whatever page opens. The book gives me a sense of gratefulness about who I am and what I have. It gives me courage mentally and physically. 

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it". Written around this motto, the book is a story of a boy who travels to find treasure, and along the way finds love, danger, tragedies. He meets people who guide him towards his destination only to find that the treasure is self-realization. 

This book is a fiction, which I refuse to agree with, as it brings you as close to reality as it could get. It's about chasing your dreams and doing everything possible to achieve them. It makes you realize what you really want from life. It helps you to find the purpose of you being here. It brings you closer to yourself and appreciate the reason of your existence. It is a must read for those who are seeking the spiritual path of their life. The book was my companion when I was in SHAR and helped me to cross the otherwise impossible bridges that came my way. 

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

The story set in 19th century revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, a girl from an English country town, her family and her complex love for Mr. Darcy, the main male character of the book. The book is one of the most popular novels of English Literature. 

I read the book when I was in 11th standard and since then, it is my favorite fiction. The character of Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most beautiful yet complex written characters. I have read my forms and versions of this book, including a picture book and have seen the movie made on the novel, all equally beautiful. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for light reading but is definitely for someone who has an interest in old style romance and artful writing. 

4. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
A mystery-thriller about the conflict between the catholic church and scientific society set in modern world, introduces the character of Robert Langdon, which is also the main character in Dan Brown's sequel to the book, the Da Vinci Code and later the Last Symbol. 
I love the style of writing almost as much as I like the plot. The minute details about Vatican history and the architecture is simply superb. The book has one of the most unpredictable endings I have read. With proper respect to religion and intriguing approach towards science and the mingle of both, the book is a must read for all thriller lovers.

10 Challenges : 5 Foods

1. Chocolates (it's food, ain't it?) - Chocolates, in almost all shapes and sizes (except white chocolate). In all forms - cakes, fudge, mousse, shakes, anything. I suffer from chocolate addiction. I wonder if I would ever be able to share my stock with my kids :D :P 

2. Parantha - Any kind of parantha, stuffed, plain, spicy - this is all I have been eating for the past 4 months. I remember when I used to take achar and parantha for breakfast in my school days, everyday, for 6 years. I still love it, anytime of the day. 

3. Dal-Bafle - Being half rajasthani and an Indorie, this is the food for every occasion. :) And I don't hold back on ghee either with dal-bafle. (For those who don't know, Bafle is a variation of baati. And for those who don't know either, you ought to try them.) Oo! I am already drooling ;) 

4. Methi-Aloo - Though I like all greenies but meethi is my favorite. I love it in all forms. And methi-aloo is something I can have for breakfast (yes!), lunch and dinner (and anytime in between). 

5. Choley-(Bhature) made by mum - I was never a fan of choley, am still not. But if cooked by mum with bhature, they are my absolute favorite. I think I am gonna have her cook 'em for tomorrow's lunch :D 

Happy Eating!! :)