Unplugged.
Grateful.
Happy.
Sounds blissful, right?
It did, to me…but only after I accepted the unplugged part.
And only after I was convinced that all almost devices and the Internet are conspiring against me.
The past month, I made most of my phone calls on my landline. While I usually prefer that, this time, I had no choice.
Let me start with the comedy in my life.
After all, laughter is the best medicine, right?
♥
I am now the proud owner of two internet connections but that does not mean I am better off than before.
We have been battling it out with our ISP for a long time now. So last week, while laughing over it, friend of ours bragged about his “superb” internet connection. We decided to try it out. Well, turns out that only the system that’s plugged into the router works fine and WiFi is iffy. Of course the sales guy assured us everything would be fine, naturally. But it wasn’t. So now, two connections, two parallel battles going on. Hopefully I will win the wars.
In the meantime, I am simply pretending it is the 90s.
And when I changed the way I looked at things, things changed.
Because…
Life is what happens between WiFi signals
Go on, pin it! ♥
Life lesson
There used to be a time, long ago when I would get a little annoyed about my folks not figuring things out…and acting as though I was the techie in the house. Truth is, I do like to fiddle around but objected when they interrupted stuff I was doing and wanted to figure something out. I confess I may have said “how about asking Google” a few times, but our bond is so strong they ignore such suggestions.
So anyway, I realized while sorting something out recently that I cant remember the last time I got annoyed about this–I am simply grateful I am learning so much. Matter of perspective you know. And of course it tickles me to think my folks assume I know everything. I wish! But hey, I like the tolerant-and-ever-ready-to-help me.
♥
Books
Ah, call me lazy-but thanks to no internet, so I settled down to simply bingeing on Lisa Gardner’s DD Warren series. Love a strong feisty female lead! While each one is a standalone in the series, it is definitely wonderful to catch it in the right sequence. And I, of course, started with the latest two. Only later did I come to know that there’s a whole list–ten to be exact. So happy when I think of the hours and hours of reading ahead. Of course, there are hazards–because I have this habit of not putting a book down until I finish it. Grateful for a family that fully understands this madness.
♥
Books also refers to two books I wrapped up this month–my editing work, I mean. The one I finished last month–the author kindly couriered me a copy. It is a great book! The two I finished this month will be out in print soon. I am grateful for work I love and it fills my heart with joy when each author I work with mentions me in a wonderful way in the “Acknowledgments”. And yeah, thanks to no internet, I finished work much faster. Go figure! But my publisher is happy. And so are the authors!
♥
One step further–books ALSO means bookshops. Happy places. What’s not to love?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkVgEmKjpyw/
Oh, in the midst of all this, my MS Office crashed last week. Sure I lost some work, but I didn’t think much of it and simply used the repair tool. I got a popup asking if I’d like a full repair and I said yes. What happened next terrified me, because the program was reinstalled and I was expected to enter the product key again. And guess what? Didn’t work. I panicked. MS Office is not cheap. Finally found a workaround–Google Docs offline! I should use Google Docs more.
♥
Lest you think I forgot my computer–yeah well, this month didn’t go by without the BSODs. But I’ve been managing to resolve those, with a little help from Microsoft. Sigh. I am grateful that the system is up for now.
♥
Not wanting to feel left out, my phone has been hanging. I’ve stripped it of most apps and I am doing just fine! Ha ha. Grateful for that.
♥
And thanks to being forced offline, I had a good time hanging out with friends. Best thing to do. Who am I to object when happiness is forced on me?
♥
I’ve been enjoying time in the kitchen trying new recipes. As I’ve said before, always a pleasure to experiment especially when my son’s around. Holding on to these precious moments with gratitude.
♥
Also—bingeing on comedy shows. Laughter…best medicine!
♥
Oh, by the way, I have found a new welfare home to support. Looking forward to volunteering there, in addition to financially supporting them. The children are in the age group of 2 – 12 years. More about this in my next Gratitude post!
♥
To round up my gratitude list, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying walking every day. Grateful to have a lovely lake nearby with two open gyms. I workout with a view of the lake and ducks gliding, trees swaying and gorgeous sunsets! Exercise is a non-negotiable when you have diabetes–and I am really fortunate that my fitness regime is so much fun.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkiMBEADxG1/
♥
Well, that’s a wrap. I know nobody asked me why I haven’t been around much–but I’ve been having a great time offline and don’t mind that it was forced. Yep, I’ve got drafts waiting to be published and I guess they eventually will be. In the meantime, while I wait for things to get sorted in their own time, I will cherish every moment that’s gifted to me.
♥
How was June for you? I miss that back to school rush!
♥
Join me!
Join me for June’s Gratitude Circle blog hop.
Write your post, include the badge and link up with your post URL.
♥
Thank you for celebrating gratitude with me.
29 comments
That’s quite an interesting wrap I must say! You know how to make the best of everything, don’t you? I have learnt so much from you, you have no idea! You will always be an inspiration to me <3
2 internet connections, wow, you must be busy 😛
I need to catch up on the series you mentioned. Women protagonists always for the win 😀
Love you, Hottie! Wishing you another fabulous month in July.
Soumya recently posted…Action Replay + Gratitude List: June 2018
I love your gratitude posts, Vidya. I know you already know that. Despite the challenges you take everything in your stride. I wish I could do that. Good to hear about what a good time you had offline. I am sure you are having a whale of a time with Vidur. Lovely about the editing of books and your exercise regimen. Kudos! Wish you fewer internet troubles in July. Keep smiling. Keep inspiring.
PS Have to still write my post. Will link up soon. ❤️
OH yes. I agree…when the wifi goes on a strike, it’s peace time. Although, that’s not how I used to feel earlier. Over time I realised I could do so much more with my time when the internet was out of bounds. Reading, sleeping, living in peace with no pings disturbing you…Paradise!
Shilpa Gupte recently posted…5 posts I loved this month. June’18
You’ve certainly had a fair share of challenges in June, Vidya! One wonders how you manage to stay sane and calm.
That’s amazing about the editing work being done in spite of the net woes. Do you work offline/by hand?
So glad to hear about the regular walks and I love Sankey Tank, if that is what is in the picture above 🙂
Wishing you a wonderful July and thank you for the gratitude circle. Always. 🙂
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted…Gratitude for June: The Ups, Downs & the Steady
A quite amazing story, Vidya! Here I have one stable 4G internet connection. But I can say, that from time to time I get tired from it. It consumes my free time.
It is very useful to unplug from it and connect to the reality. Your kids. nature, your hobbies.
Oh the internet and computer challenges. Sorry to know about them but I love how optimistic you are. Wait. I have told you this before. I love how you look at that positive light and unplugging is good but it should not be forced like happened. You are such an inspiration and I am glad to know you. On the volunteering, looking forward to read more.
Wishing you a happy July. <3
Parul Thakur recently posted…Gratitude List – June 2018
Vidya I just love to visit this space once a month with gratitude:) your posts are full of positivity and I like the way you shift your perspectives and learn to deal with the worst situation. Loved the images you post, they speak loud and clear . glad to know that you are following the exercise to maintain good health, and reading so many books, editing,hats of to you dear and thanks for sharing what you do – you inspire and motivate me… I just completed my post and i am linking it now.
G Angela recently posted…Joyous Month -June 2018
Thank you so much Janet! It all works out in the end, doesn’t it? I appreciate your lovely comment and am so glad you are with me!
Well you sure showed them all – the apps, the wifi – everybody!!!! 😉
What a way to tackle things Vidya – more power to you. Love the way you positivise the negatives so easily – one reason why your gratitude posts reasonate so much with me.
Carry on the good work and I hope July brings in richer rewards as well 🙂
Solid ego boost there, Shalz. Thank you so much for your kind words!
I love your optimism and ability to look for silver linings Vidya. Especially with the WiFi issue. That would’ve driven me batty a long time ago. June seems like it was a lovely month {who can it not when filled with friends and books?!} Hope July is just as awesome!
Sanch @ Sanch Writes recently posted…June 2018 Reflections
Oh, when the wifi started misbehaving, I did freak out, Sanch. But once it was out of my control, I had no choice but to live with it. I just decided to do other things. And of course, I am grateful it all turned out wonderful for me. Thank you so much for linking up!
You take everything that life throws at you so well, Vidya! You are the “Queen of Serene”. This was an uplifting read. Here’s hoping your internet improves, soon. Or not. 😀 Happy Summer!
Debbie D. recently posted…EPHESUS AND PATMOS: GREEK ODYSSEY PART IX
Hahaha. Love how you say it, Debbie! I am going with “or not” because when we stop paying too much attention to something, it resets itself! Hugs!
Things seem to be going haywire, all round, and you manage sanity to even write about it.
Come what may, look on the brighter side and march on regardless seem to be your motto.
Kudos to you.
Chirag Mehta recently posted…Little Moments: Memories with our children – 2
Thanks for coming by, Chirag, and for your kind words! Sometimes it is best to simply let go and watch what happens. 🙂 Life is too short to worry too much.
It is always good to unplug for a while. Once my whatsapp crashed and it wouldn’t load back, I quite panicked in the beginning but after a while all was well. The others were complaining more than me because they couldn’t get across (despite the fact that my phone and message was working). We’re just too dependent on technology.
Obsessivemom recently posted…Gratitude this June
I agree–I enjoyed being forced offline. Not that I hang around online a lot or anything–but still. It freed up a decent amount of time I could spend on other stuff on my list. And when it comes to keeping in touch, I always reach for the phone and dial. Thank you Tulika!
🙂 NICE!! Though, I did wonder why there were so few posts from you. 🙂
Thank you! I was disconnected…and after stressing a little bit, decided not to worry!
Very nice to know that you unplugged yourself to connect with your self. I am badly in want of a chance like this. Interesting wrap-up, though. And your gratitude posts are more inspirational for me.
Vasantha Vivek recently posted…Choose Gratitude Every Day … #GratitudeCircleBlogHop
It’s so very blissful be able to unplug. I’ve been doing that off and on. Leaving home without my phone. Soaking in utter bliss. Unplugging=reading more books too, and I love that change in my life.
Have been so looking forward to linking up with your Gratitude Circle Vidya. Finally I’m writing my post today. Yayyyy!!! <3 <3
Natasha recently posted…Twenty-Four By Seven: #WriteBravely
Wow! So glad to hear that, Natasha! Looking forward to reading your post! Thank you!
unplug for some time and try again is great to make things work. I too linked up the Gratitude Circle. I love your quotes and photos that you create in your blog. Gives positive vibes to the readers.
Have I told you how awesome and inspiring you are? I would have been totally overwhelmed with all the tech issues, but you just always manage to take things in your stride, no matter what life or the tech gods throw your way.
I do hope these issues get resolved soon, but I’m glad you aren’t letting them keep you down and out. So you do girl, and rock on!
Shantala recently posted…Why Do You Blog? For Passion or For Profit? #ChattyBlogs
This is one happy place where issues and negativities have no business snooping around! Love your positive outlook, Vidya. So much you have accomplished last month. Simply loved your workout surroundings and the regimen! Keep up the good work, Vidya.
Vinitha recently posted…Chocolate Marble Pound Cake – My first recipe post #FlavoursomeTuesdays
Remember the chocolate marble pound cake picture I posted in Instagram a while ago, the recipe is finally up on my blog. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Vinitha recently posted…Chocolate Marble Pound Cake – My first recipe post #FlavoursomeTuesdays
I saw! I am going to follow your recipe and post it–thank you! <3
You’ve remained unplugged through the month for sure. I loved the book store and your idea of spending more time with books.
anupriya recently posted…How I Wrote My Comic Book by Priyanka Vermani – BookReview