Free-lancing!

Free-lancing!

 

Hello readers,

Since last five months or so, I am facing a crisis situation ever since my long-term house helper left the job suddenly as her children were going to Dubai. Since then, no helper is staying for longer than 1 week period. I have given chance to so many of them, that I have lost count. The shortest time period is one day.

These days, house help are in demand. There is always shortage. To combat this, each helper has taken many houses to improve their financial status. Recently, I learnt about few maids in a prime location with catchment houses exceeding their physical limitations. The way out is to skip houses in rotation (day offs), do other houses and so on. The salary of extra 2-3 houses is like a bonus. As on a single day they work in designated number of houses, and keep this cycle of rotation and day off.

Yesterday, incident was out of league. As usual a Nepali lady came enquiring about work. I told her about cleaning the houses and utensils. To which she replied, “Madamji! I am a cook. I was told you need a cook. But if you will insist, I will do the cleaning part.”

I replied, “I have a cook, I need help for the said work.”

Immediately. Her eyes lit up and she said, “I will ask my sister-in-law. She is into free-lancing.”

I was surprisingly shocked, “Free - lancing?”

She said, “Yes, free-lancing. It means you fix up working hours and salary and the work you want her to do. She is multi-talented. She has "khula khaata for work". Means you need to decide the work areas prior to hiring her. Unlike me, I can only cook food.”

A smile came up and I said, “Please send your free -lancer tomorrow.”

That’s another story that this lady went back to Nepal without informing. My search is still on. But I loved the use of this word in a maid's vocabulary. Seems like corporate culture is seeping in Maids community too. 

Love,

Juju.

Doctor! What should I do?

Doctor Diary Entries

Doctor! What should I do?

Disclaimer: Non -fiction anecdotes. Names have not been used to maintain privacy.

There is one NRI patient who comes every year for her ultrasound – mainly mammography, abdominal and pelvis studies. It’s been more than two years now that she has visited my centre. I pray to almighty for her well-being.

She works as a registered nurse in some foreign country (can’t recollect the name). She used to come to meet her daughter who was five years and living with her parents.

During initial check-ups, it used to be a very professional conversation. Gradually, she became more than just a patient. She had come to India for silicone breast implants and a follow up mammogram. During her next visit she told me her implant had leaked and she had to get it done again. During that particular visit, I noticed change in her appearance too. She confided, “Doctor, I come to India for cosmetic surgeries. Last year I had come for silicon breast implants. Now I have come for lip fillers, cheek contouring, tummy tuck and enhanced back.”

My jaw literally dropped and I couldn’t help but ask, “Why so many surgeries? What do you do? Are you into films?” She said, “No, doctor! I am a registered nurse.” I did not utter a word and gave her the reports. While collecting her reports, she politely asked, “Doctor, can I see you when you are free! I want to share my story “I replied, “Sure, we can sit once I am through with my patients.” She went to do her chores and returned.

Suddenly she started sobbing softly and said, “Doctor, I am tired of these plastic surgeries. I want to be a mother to my daughter. I want to take my daughter with me,” I just listened silently. She continued, “My husband is very particular about my physical appearance. Every year he suggests a plastic surgery and forces me to get it done from India. Chance of seeing my daughter always motivates me. I spend all my savings on these surgeries. He wants to change my look.” She pulled out a photo from her purse and said, “See, this picture. This is how I used to look, now I feel like a mannequin. I don’t recognize the person I see in the mirror every day.”

She started crying inconsolably. " Ours was a love marriage. I went against my parents to marry him. I have changed everything to make him happy. Still, he finds a fault in something or other, Plus, he doesn’t want to keep our daughter with us. He feels the baby will intrude into our privacy.”, she concluded. We sat in silence. We had another round of tea. Finally, she spoke, “Thank you mam! for your patient listening. Please guide me.”

I took a deep breath trying to assimilate what I had just heard in the last one hour.It definitely didn't sound real. I silently prayed to God for the right words. Words blurted out from my mouth. 

"Please show me your husband’s pic, what does he do by profession?"I enquired. She pulled out a photograph from her purse and said, “He is a Hair stylist and works in a Unisex Salon.” I couldn’t believe, what I saw!  In the picture, I saw a middle-aged man with receding hairline, unkempt beard, stained yellow teeth and a protruding belly. “You are doing to please this man?”, I pointed at his picture. She said, “He is my husband. He has this fancy of a perfect wife and forces me to undergo these life-threatening procedures. Doctor! what should I do ? What should I change?”

“Live your life, your way, take your daughter with you. And this time, Change, your husband,” I replied softly and gave her a re-assuring glance. She smiled, thanked me and left. I could see a confidence in her stride.  

I have not seen her since last two years. Hope all is well at her end.  

This patient's story was an eye opener (Seems like a script of some movie.)

Keep reading, keep sharing. Keep loving, keep caring.

Love,

Juju

CAP person !

Hello readers,

I am sharing a very interesting concept which I recently learnt. Although, many of us must be already practicing this in our day to day lives, I was enchanted by the term “CAP person”.

Right from our developmental stage, each soul develops their own ways to live and devise coping mechanisms accordingly. When life hits a rough patch or we tend to find ourselves on cross roads, CAP person works like a BLS -Basic Life Support system.

Right CAP is of utmost importance to protect us from harsh weather and helps us in braving the chill/ adversities of life.

We have our inner circle as well as an outer circle. Blessed are those souls who have that one person in their life, who prevents their life from derailing from the main track or acts like an oxygen mask in times of suffocation.

This soul is a good listener, is non-judgemental, self-motivated with a positive attitude and always leaves you empowered.  The onus is on us to identify such souls and cherish the bonds.

CAP stands for Calling A Positive (person).

I know my CAPs.

Hope you know your CAPs too.

Keep reading, keep sharing

Keep loving, Keep caring.

Love,

Juju

Listing links MPD 2.0 #/Book 15

Hello readers, 

Sharing listing links of my Best seller book creating ripples and positive waves in Literary ocean. 🏆 Golden Book Awards, Suenos Book of the year, Young Adult Book of the year, 8th Indie Author championship.

Momsie Popsie Diary 2.0 Reimagining Life's Tapestry

Available as Paperback, Hardback, Kindle, Audiobook and language translation in Filipino, Japanese, French and Italian (in process) translations.  

https://amzn.eu/d/bOtp8Zv

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0D1Y5SV4P

https://notionpress.com/read/momsie-popsie-diary-2-0-reimagining-life-s-tapestry?utm_source=share_publish_email&utm_medium=whatsapp

https://notionpress.com/read/momsie-popsie-diary-2-0-reimagining-life-s-tapestry-hardcover

https://dl.flipkart.com/s/Wezb2tNNNN

https://a.co/d/9hA1O5n

https://amzn.eu/d/fVUGOio

https://www.kobo.com/in/en/search?query=Momsie+Popsie+Diary+2.0%3A+Reimagining+Life%E2%80%99s+Tapestry

https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ixTNEAAAQBAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=Momsie+Popsie+Diary+2.0:+Reimagining+Life%E2%80%99s+Tapestry&hl=en&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0D1Y5SV4P

Indian Links:

https://www.amazon.in/dp/1649516959

 https://notionpress.com/read/momsie-popsie-diary

 https://notionpress.com/read-instantly/1336965

 https://www.flipkart.com/momsie-popsie-diary-tea-time-chit-chat-living-life/p/itma70341551be39?pid=9781649516954&affid=editornoti

e-Book Links:

Amazon Kindle

https://www.amazon.in/MOMSIE-POPSIE-DIARY-TIME-LIVING-ebook/dp/B08M6FPDJV

 Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/JUJU_S_PEARLS_MOMSIE_POPSIE_DIARY?id=fkcFEAAAQBAJ

 iBook

https://books.apple.com/us/book/momsie-popsie-diary/id1538582528?ls=1

 Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/in/en/ebook/momsie-popsie-diary

Love, 

Juju 

Yudh Shastra #23rd book is live

Hello readers, 

Sharing the link of my latest book number 23 , Yudh Shastra Volume 1.

https://www.ukiyotoindia.com/product-page/yudh-shastra-volume-i

Happy reading

Love, 

Juju

Parent of an Average/ a Unique child !

Chapter 38 (edited), page 97 of my Debut Book - Momsie Popsie Diary Tea time chit chat on living life (Golden Book Awards 2023) Available as Paperback & e-book on Amazon and all e-commerce sites.

I often get asked, .... Your child must be good in maths, science, studies in general... 

I simply say no, he is not. My child is average.
Am I ashamed to say this?  Yes? No !

Should I be lying that he is the best in something which he is not, in front of others? Definitely No !

My child is that average child who people fail to notice either for not being at the top or being at the bottom. People fail to notice the sweet smile, funny talks, tight hugs, friendly personality, kind behavior, mild manners, helpful nature because he is JUST an average child. The school, society celebrates children who are top scorers or good in sports and extra-curricular, which rightfully they should. These celebrations have a short life span.

Amidst all this, my average child who is a spectator and cheers his friends with full heart goes unnoticed. His love for sports (even when he knows he is not going to be selected for school team) his love for music (even though he knows he is not going to be selected for school choir) never diminishes. He participates in all and does all this to enjoy it rather to compete.

Am I a parent, who is not strict with him for not scoring at the top. Yes, I used to be strict to an extent and have lost my cool many times in the past. However, I transformed when his words pierced through my every heart muscle. My 11 year old child asked, "Mom, do you not respect me for who am I "?

How many of us thought we should respect children?  We adults demand our respect each and every moment of our life. Why not a child? Among children preparing for JEE-IIT, NEET UG-MBBS from a tender age of 9-10 years (I feel it's cruel, akin to killing childhood in pursuit of trophy child competition), my average child is talking about traveling the world, meeting new people, reading new books of different genre's, tasting different cuisines, enjoying each day to the fullest and so on. 

My average child might or might not become a doctor, astronaut, scientist But he is sure to grow up to be a good person, who will spread cheer, happiness and positivity. 

Last but not least: a message for ONE and ALL

*Notice the average child. All that child wants is a smile or a kind word from us adults for just being their true self, and to give assurance to trust the world. 

Personally,  I believe there is no term as average. Each child is unique 

Please refrain from making Xerox copies of our own selves.
They are children of future.
For generations to evolve : let us help in maintaining their originality.

Each child is different, so is each parenting style. Lets preserve this, cherish and celebrate our unique child.

Love,
Juju 

Analogy for Relations

(Simple, kind way to save relations and stay strong)

·    *Inspired write up. Dedicated to Twinkle - my dear friend

It’s of utmost important to have a positive, motivating inner circle. Conversation with  such souls usually leaves one motivated, brimming with new recipes for My Mind’s Café.

A routine conversation drifted to maintaining relations, it’s importance and the best ways to handle them amicably.

I casually remarked, “Some relations are like bedsheets with manufacturing defects (In Hindi language we refer to it as kapde ke kaan hain). No matter how carefully you try to fold them neatly, one corner will always jutt out in the most obnoxious way giving it a very untidy look.”

Hearing this my friend laughed and said, “I look it from a different perspective. Some relations are like that subject in your school life, no matter how hard you study, try to revise, you never cross beyond 80 marks,” she remarked.

“That’s such a beautiful and an interesting analogy. Comparing a relation to a subject which is difficult or one dislikes, as it brings down your total aggregate (means your wholesome life.) Wow! Its so profound,” I replied.   

I continued, “It sounds funny too, to say my XY relation is like a Punjabi language for me. No matter how hard I try to learn, I can never cross 85 and it brings down my % from 99 to 96 %. If we delve into deeply, there is a hidden deep meaning,” I paused and thanked her.

Just as I have to study Punjabi, to be able to pass my class in school, similarly I need to work on that relation too in order to pass the class of life. 

She remarked on a lighter note, “Many of your blog write ups have churned from our talks. You owe me a treat.”

" Off course!, anytime, as always, " I chuckled. 

Please write in comments section about your views about this analogy.

Which subject is your relation, mine is Punjabi. Yours?

Love,

Juju

3 in a relationship (marriage)!

Three in a relationship (marriage)!

Recently, there has been a rising trend in souring of relationships. The culprit is almost always the third entity in the relationship. It is very important to identify this.

I distinctly remember from an old interview of Late Princess Diana where she had said,” We were always three in a marriage. So, it was a bit crowded.” To my young mind as a student, these lines had a great impact. These two lines always come up whenever I hear about disturbed relationships.

The most common third entity nowadays is mobile phone. Let’s keep aside the new vocabulary terms-, ghosting, phubbing etc, associated with this. I feel this is the most powerful third entity.  Earlier, extra marital affairs were the leading cause of souring. Now a days, it's the affair with one’s own gadgets – mobile, television, laptops.

Gone are the days when couples/ families used to sit together, discuss about each other’s days. Now, everyone is engrossed in checking their mobiles. The neck is seldom raised even to look at the family person sitting right across. It’s always about utilizing every second, so much so that family/couple time is considered as mere wastage of time by majority. This has impacted in way beyond one can comprehend. 

Recently, one of my close associates, thought about kicking this third entity out of her relationship. So, they experimented on the morning tea by keeping their mobiles aside and not switching on the T.V. Initially, they found it very difficult to just sit together while having morning cup of tea. Internally, they felt it was a waste of time. They could have listened to news or checked their messages/emails to save time. They realized they had nothing to talk. Over next few days, they became impatient and tried to drink their tea in an ultra fast manner. By the end of first week, they decided to give up tea, as it was bad for health. The third entity had deep roots and poor tea was pronounced as the culprit and punished.

The same experiment was tried for meals - dinner time. The family had got used to eating separately. When they sat together in person without their gadgets, there was uneasiness and each one started finding flaws in the taste of meals, even the shape and softness of chapattis, crockery, even the fine dust on dining table There was impatience and each one decided to eat in their rooms. They had nothing to talk. Even the lady of the house thought, when her family ate in a fully attentive state, they found faults in almost everything. With their mobiles, they relish whatever is cooked and don’t complain. This experiment failed too.

Another experiment is under run -of going for couple walks and family walks. Each one has ear pods in place and seems to be happily walking. The moment the ear pod is out, the person stops walking. This reminds me of the famous dialogue from the film Sholay where Gabbar tells Basanti, “Jab tak tere pair chaleinge, tab tak iski saanse challeingi.”

Awaiting an update on this experiment. Pray it is successful. And proves humans are not slaves to social gadgets. Till then, do introspect and identify your third!

Family time happens only when there is no Wi-Fi or hotspot. I bless the electricity board in my area.

Keep loving, keep caring.

Keep reading, keep sharing.

Please leave your comments 

Love,

Juju

Thank You Hong Kong!

Thank You Hong Kong!

Dear Readers,

From now, I have introduced a feature of gratitude write up to acknowledge and convey my heart felt thanks to my dear readers from the country which tops the list in a week.

Last two weeks have witnessed an exponential rise in my readers from a beautiful country Hong Kong. More than 90% of my readers are from Hong Kong. I have visited this country with my family and have fond memories. 

It would a great help, if my readers subscribe and can share their thoughts in the comments section- what did you like in my write ups or how it resonated with you.

Please feel free to mention your areas of interest, or topics you want to read either in comments section or via an email.

FYI (All my books are available in all formats (PB, HB, Audiobook) on all ecommerce sites as well as translation of Momsie Popsie Diary 2.0 Reimagining Life’s Tapestry in Filipino, French, Japanese and Italian in process.)

Let’s see which country tops the list next week.

Keep reading, Keep sharing.

Keep loving, Keep caring.

Love,

Juju.

 

 

Digital amnesia!

Hello beautiful souls, 

Whenever I face a writer's block, God shows his presence in various ways. My blog crosses 30500 views with a phenomenal reach of 1392 readers in March only. This week Hongkong tops with 87% readers followed by Singapore with 12%. 

Sharing a video on Digital amnesia as a stop gap in between before I bounce back.

https://youtu.be/k98nIgFzyM0?si=DuJbqxAEx6g8qQ7W 

Love 

Juju 

Spam the chat ! Is your message/chat taken as a spam ?

Hello beautiful souls,

From now on I am thinking of sharing my blogs and other activities on social media- WhatsApp status, Instagram and Facebook only. Please drop a "hello" if you want to receive as a personal message.

“Maa, are you spamming?” my little monk remarked when he saw me share my write up with my family, friends and colleagues.

“No, I am sharing the link for ease of the readers. In my circle, one finds it convenient to just click the link and read. It helps me in increasing my blog readership,” I calmly replied. 

“Maa, these days everyone’s phone gets loaded with so many greetings, shares and other messages every day. And it’s a humungous task to keep one's mobile memory space free. It takes time to transfer important images/ data into hard disk. It’s just like cleaning the house, cleaning one’s mind, thoughts etc. At times, important messages are missed. I fear your messages may be taken as spam,” he casually replied.

Now was the time to adorn my thinking cap yet again. I could clearly visualise as to what my little monk was trying to convey. In digital era, with fast paced lives, and limited time to self, I was contributing to the digital data load. Lot of time goes in archiving important messages, deleting others, clearing gallery, updating etc.

My intention has always been to create awareness about my mission and work. I believe my posts are positive and inspiring. Few souls may differ. In today’s world, everyone wants to have the sharing edge. Only your inner circle resonates with you. Suddenly, it was crystal clear. I believe in theory of Karma and try my best to keep my karmic account clear  

So, I decided to be more selective in sharing my activities and write ups.  Whenever I text message, I want to convey, that the concerned person is important and in my prayers.

From now on, I will share the link on social media and my selected group. If you are receiving my message, it means you have a special place in my life. 

I have done my part. Hope each one of us shares authentic messages, minimize data burden and keep karmic account clear.

Love,

Juju.