No Internet. Just a Getaway.

“We refuse to turn off our computers, turn off our phone, log off Facebook, and just sit in silence, because in those moments we might actually have to face up to who we really are.” 

― Jefferson Bethke

What happens over the weekend stays with the weekend.

I've always wanted to say lines like these when I was a teenager, but even as a teenager, I was a pretty normal (Actually, boring) person who really chose books over anything.

This weekend, I've tried doing things a little differently. For starters, I traveled to a place I love a lot. And I've survived two whole days without my phone and laptop. 

I would not call the experience overwhelming. But it was a much coveted break from my otherwise monotonic weekend.

I read, ate, consumed copious amounts of coffee, watched TV (Actual TV. I do not know when was the last time I actually enjoyed watching TV), played Scrabble on board all by myself. I did all these things without taking pictures for Instagram, or tweeting lame stuff like, "Coffee time!"

Of course, things like eating ice-cream go unsaid. Because I just cannot do without it.

I watched the sunrise and the sunset without any filter. I scribbled a lot of things in my notebook, and read a magazine without any interruption from WhatsApp. 

I made real time conversations with people. I have decided, no more WhatsApp for me. If I want to make conversations with people, it has to be in person. If people want to make conversations with me, it has to be in person or over a call.

Perhaps a year ago, I met this man who suggested me to try not using WhatsApp, but I mocked him in his face, and I still remember he was a laughing stock for my group of friends and me for at least a week. He did not have a Facebook profile or WhatsApp account.

Looks like he wasn't entirely wrong!

Ever since its inception, Internet has been killing our imagination. All I do on the internet is read some good articles (which is a great thing), watch movies or sitcoms, but I waste most of my time on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

And I think, I will stick to enjoying the aroma of coffee rather than posting it on Instagram! (Not all the time, of course.)

I've made a resolution to keep the Internet (My phone and the laptop too) off every weekend; I do not care even if the world is falling apart, I will not waste my time on the Internet on Saturdays or Sundays.

I'd rather live them for the simplest pleasures of life!

P.S. It is Monday. I am on the Internet and I hate it.

It's your move, Wordfreak: Book Review

This review is a part of BlogAdda’s ‘Book Reviews by Bloggers’ program.

14-05-2012:

I woke up in the evening and saw a packet lying on my bed. “Yay! I got a book from BlogAdda”, was my first reaction. I asked my mom for a cup of coffee and started reading the book. It took me around four hours to complete the book and I completed it in one go. Alright, let us get to the details now.

The story-line:

Online chatting and dating might seem to be a clichéd concept to many but hey, the protagonists meet up online while playing scrabble. Now this is new, right? The story starts with a blind date between Alisha Menon (Worddiva) and Aryan Rajaram Chawla (Wordfreak). Whoever thought blind-dates do not exist anymore or aren’t fun will think twice after reading this book. Alisha is a successful lawyer and Aryan is an architect and a Page 3 boy. The best part is, he designs eco-friendly houses and is pretty much concerned with the carbon footprint. Savitri Menon, Alisha's mother has a major influence on her life; Aryan is mostly influenced by his Uncle Sam and grandmother. 

The story is all about how two different people enter into a relationship, how they work on their relationship and their differences, how Alisha gets over her fear for commitment, how Aryan sorts out issues with his father and step-mother, and blah blah! (I am not going to reveal the entire plot duh! You got to read the book for it)

The book is interesting and racy. And I am sure that majority of girls would love the book but hey, it is not a chick-lit. If you are that die-hard romantic, you will love this book totally. 

Writing Style:

Falguni Kothari is the author of the book and I must say that she has done a pretty good job for this is her first novel. Her writing style is simple and humourous at many joints. Honestly, one can relate with her joyous characters because you might find similar people in your own family. :-)

I Like:

     1)   Of course, the plot.

     2)  The protagonists and the way they stood up to their values and never compromised on   their principles. In fact, every character of the book has a story to tell and we can relate to them easily.

And oh, did I mention that I love the way Diya (Alisha’s best friend) calls her Lee-sha?

My Rating: 3.75/5

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!