Love is Blind, so is Mark and here are some GIFs

I’m not a big reality TV buff – my one guilty pleasure is ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’. I’ve watched it for more than a decade – and the first couple of seasons still crack me up. So when everyone got on the ‘Love is Blind’ train, I was just like oh this is another ‘Love Island’ record and didn’t really give in. Then my PT, Devinder Bains convinced me that I should just watch 1 episode – while cycling in the gym.

So, there I sat, with one episode downloaded. And as I started – I cycled the entire episode without a break. And straight away, I went home and watched the second episode and the third and the fourth. Then I had to wait for a whole 4 days for the next episode. And I was hooked.

Obviously, like most people, I was shipping Lauren and Cameron; – SPOILERS – and was shocked when Barnett said ‘I do’; and not at all shocked when Jesssica didn’t. Although my mouth fell to the ground when I saw Gianina just speed off. That was brilliant, I would do that.

I would like to say I inspired many. I convinced friends, colleagues, family – everyone on my Love is Blind train. I found “like-minded” people watching the show – it obviously is starting to sound like a cult – but here’s a show that you didn’t know you needed.

For those who don’t know – it’s people – in an arranged marriage setting. No, no – I’m being very serious. You know how like in olden Indian times where you don’t get to see your fiance till you are actually engaged – I’d like to think that’s where they found the inspiration. So, basically it starts with 15 men and 15 women – all kind of speed dating – without seeing each other. They are in these pods – so they are essentially sitting on a couch and talking to a wall – that talks back. Nope, nothing cuckoo here.

Then, based on who you like – you “meet” them more often until like the dude proposes – at which point the girl says yes, unless you are Gianina (Gigi) – where you tell him ‘no’ and then propose him anyway. He should have run then – oh well.

So this happens, once they say yes – they finally meet each other. And then whisked away to Mexico for a “pre-honeymoon”. And then they live together in an apartment – with the speedy wedding basically in 4 weeks of getting engaged. Crazy, right? BUT – IT’S SO ENTERTAINING!

So, “inspired” and excited, the gifs are everywhere. And I had to my favourites that I’m already making very good use of.

Gianina running away – and then falling.

JK, I’m not running away from men – I’m so single it hurt!

No, not all memes are Gigi.

Anytime some says something gossipy!

Talking about that girl hitting on my friend’s boy – “bitch you shiesty”!

Yeah, okay – so they are all Gigi.

Me – when I saw Jessica (in the gif) give her dog a sip of wine and then continue drinking from the same glass…

Simpson’s version of hiding in the leaves…

After an evening out…

Realizing that maybe this didn’t need to be an article, but its too late for that…

OKAY – WATCH IF YOU HAVEN’T!

9 Signs She Works in PR

Know how to spot a lunatic PR person when you see one.

1. She has a gift of the gab
   
   One of the reasons several people take up PR is because they can talk continuously, for hours. Most of these were labelled “chatterboxes” and given regular time-outs in school for talking too much.
2. She has a knack for creating stories out of thin air
   
   On more than one occasion, you know she has created extremely convincing stories from nowhere, whether it’s to get away from detention or attending a boring invitation.
3. Socialising is actually a hobby for her
   
   There are people who stay away from meeting other people, and then there is her. Socialising ranks pretty high up on her favourite hobbies. She makes an actual effort and enjoys meeting people, and visiting new places, and meeting more people. What a total weirdo.
4. Moderator by cause, on more than one occasion
   
   Crisis communication, in other words, is one of her excelling points. She is almost always the one relied upon to solve any squabbles between family, friends and total strangers.
5. She also moonlights as an Agony Aunt
   
   It’s true that she never shuts up- except when you need her to listen. With a warm heart and ear, she is often entertained with stories of emotional turmoil from those seeking advice on life and image management.
6. She is well-read and up-to-date with all the goss and news.
   
   She knows how important it is to have some substance, than just style to back her chip. She reads often, well and a lot, and try to keep everything that is happening around the world- fictitious and otherwise. Whether it’s Ben and Jennifer’s heart-breaking divorce details or why Indians are currently boycotting Snapchat- she’ll know it all. And it’s very rare she’ll be modest about it. 
7. She can multi-task
   
   She has mastered the techniques of multi-tasking. PR experts encounter several tasks on a daily basis, most of which are solved at the same time. She is somewhat in a  capacity to handle 5 things at once- in what she would call an “organised manner.”
8. She knows her Social Media words and hashtags
   
   It’s a new age, and the social media is here to stay. In a region like the Middle East, where social media is the norm, everyone has a firm handle on Social Media. But trust her to know who is who, and are “in” on the latest social media trends. She knows what works, and “who” is here to stay.
9. She actually enjoys writing too
   
   Well, if she can’t write, her affair with public relations won’t be a lengthy one. She probably got into PR because she likes to write and can crack a well-worded story, whatever platform it is for.

 

Pride and Prejudice (and why it’s still apt) Part 2- Mr Darcy

The last one was a very literary description of the importance of themes and their relatability to the current times, this one is more of the many reasons why I think Mr Darcy is literally a gift to humanity and how men should be more like him and women should want to be with men like him and in general how ardently he disliked you, but still fell in love with you. (Although, I really wouldn’t support men being as confused about their feelings as he was about Lizzy- unless they can carry the handsome ruggedness- NOT think they can carry, but actually carry!!!).

So, here goes some of the many reasons why I love Mr. Darcy. Warning: there might be a lot of Colin Firth gifs coming your way.  

THE WHOLE ARDENTLY LOVING THING

He is so brutally honest with his declaration of love and doesn’t apologize or play games when it comes to love. It’s so rare to see men who are still ardently in love with you these days.

ADMITS WHEN HE’S WRONG

First, he’s a silly enough to make mistakes (like judging Lizzy and her sisters and their mother and then convincing Mr Bingley to not marry Jane), but he’s man enough to admit that he was wrong in doing that and that his actions only made his dear friend completely miserable and sad. It’s really rare to find men who’d actually do that.

THE MAN CAN WRITE

I know Mrs Bennet says that “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” But, I’d like to point out that the real truth is it is a truth universally acknowledged, that nothing pulls the strings of the heart of a well-read girl better than a well-worded letter. With men asking women out like ‘wil u b ma gf”, the true artisanship of handwritten letter professing true love and feelings is lost.  (And I’m not joking, a not-so-gentleman actually asked me like that- I ardently refused).

HOW HE TREATED LIZZY

Even in today’s “modern” times, men lack a sense of general respect for women. Mr Darcy, the perfection that he is, really saw Elizabeth as an equal. He behaved like a real gentleman to win her trust and love- and all of it with such devotion.

HE BEWITCHES WITH WORDS

Not only did he write very well, and make amazing declarations of his love- but, he was witty and ‘bewitched me mind and soul’ with his words.

ACTUALLY GETTING SHIT DONE WITHOUT EXPECTING CREDIT

When Lydia ran away, Mr Darcy was actually the one to sit on his horse and ride off and actually find the couple and sort their situation out. He didn’t do it to look good in front of Lizzy, he only did it to help Lizzy and didn’t even want her to find out that he was her Knight in Shining Armour- because that’s how amazing our Mr. Darcy is!

FOR WHEN HE SAT THERE AWKWARDLY JUST TO BE IN ELIZABETH’S COMPANY

I dont know anything more awkward than just sitting on a couch- as uncomfortable as one can imagine- all because he wanted to sit in Elizabeth’s company- even if they didn’t speak a word.

Pride and Prejudice (And why it’s still apt) Part 1

I was 11 years old when I first got my hands on the ‘Pride and Prejudice’. While it wasn’t the first novel I read (that one’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ by Roald Dahl), it was certainly my first love story. Fast-forwarding to today, some 13 years later, I still treasure the book.

Written over 200 years ago, which is a really long time, there are several reasons to believe that the novel is still very relevant to today’s time. We could talk about the society, the way women view the world, the way men view the world, the misogynists, the prejudices – all of which could easily account for today’s time. The only changing factor would be- the necklines would be a little lower, and the hemlines a little higher.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” is one of Literature’s most popular and perhaps the most pertinent statements.

While some could argue the plot is about finding a partner based on mutual affection and love, and not on class and wealth, the book actually paints a distinct picture of the middle-class and upper-class society of the Victorian England, while still remaining absolutely resonating.

There are different themes with ‘Pride and Prejudice’ that support the fascinating relevancy to today’s time, and while I’d love to write an at least 5000-word long essay on it, I’ll keep it short and in parts.

Themes ‘Pride’ and ‘Prejudice’

It only takes 5 seconds to create a first impression on somebody, that first impression creates our judgement about that person. On her first encounter with Mr Darcy, Elizabeth assumed a feeling of prejudice about him and concluded that he was rude, arrogant and full of pride. And while that isn’t completely untrue, Elizabeth had a high sense of pride herself. ‘Pride’ pretty much got in the way and really complicated things for both of them- till the end of the story, and don’t even let me get started on their prejudices.

Why I pinpoint on these two themes, and not just because that is the name of the book, it’s while the plot drivers and topics may no longer be seen as contemporary by many, the depiction of Austen’s understanding of human nature is spot on. 200 years on, and people still quickly create passive judgements, project their insecurities onto others, and often let pride and prejudice design their character.

What do you think?

7 Reasons why I binged watched Netflix’s ‘The Crown’

After hearing people rave about Netflix’s The Crown, and watching all the trailers on YouTube, I decided- let’s watch this show. I do enjoy period dramas, after all.

I had little knowledge of what it was going to be about- mostly how Queen Elizabeth the second was crowned. Think the title and the picture gave it away.

Anywhoo, last weekend, I binge-watched the show. From the very first episode, I was gripped. I didn’t want to pause and take a break. That’s always a good thing when a show can do that to you- also not really because then that’s all you are going to do for the next 10 hours. (It’s 10 episodes, and each is about an hour long).

If you ask me, I can argue for the many reasons you have to watch the show- especially, if you are a history enthusiast. But, in 7 quick reasons (complete with gifs), here’s why I binge watched it.

1. Matt Smith
   
   If you’ve seen Doctor Who, you’ll know him. And while many argue that David Tennant was the best Doctor- I strongly disagree. It was Matt Smith for me. His eccentric expressions and being was the perfect doctor. But, in The Crown he plays Prince Phillip. His expressions (and bum) are worth the 10 hours.
2. The entire cast
   
   Netflix chose Britain’s best when they decided to cast for The Crown. Whether it’s Claire Foy as the Queen, Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret and John Lithgow as Winston Churchill- it is a stellar selection.
   And the real fact is, Claire Foy could have done the show by herself, and I would have still watched it.
3. The grandeur
   
   It isn’t just the Buckingham Palace I’m talking about, but the general scale of the show was magnificent. While it is also Netflix’s most expensive show (and I’m talking 130 million pounds), the costumes, the interiors, the coronation crown were delicately selected- down to the smallest detail of the flowers in her wedding bouquet.
4. How Elizabeth handled patriarchy
   

   

   

   

   

   Patriarchy is something that has been long prevailing in our world. Even the Queen of England was subject to it. She torn between her family, her husband and the State.My favourite part has to be when she called in the Prime Minister and the Lord to give them a hearing of their lives.

5. The Romance
   
   
   While there’s a lot to learn about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip’s 69 year old romance, the show gives a lovely insight on the ups and downs of their relationship. While their romance forms the backdrop to the show’s story line, it’s Princess Margaret and Captain Townsend’s romance you need to watch out for.
6. Obsessions with the Royals
   
   Okay, I won’t call it obsession, but if you are intrigued by the Royal family-  I mean I have always been. I watched Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding religiously while it aired live- and I read every article leading up to the wedding and after. SO, if you are anything like me, you will enjoy watching the show and how real their lives can be.
7. The Drama
   
   One always wonders and paints it like a fairytale that being a Royal would be fantastic and rosy. The Crown puts into light the best and the worst of Britain’s Royal family. Like the wedding of Queen Elizabeth to Prince Phillip- that no one actually approved of, Princess Margaret’s affair with Captain Townsend and how it played out, the arguments between the Queen and Prince Phillip, and such.

 

First World Problems in Dubai

Living in Dubai has a founded sense of entitlement. Take anyone who has been living in Dubai for longer than a year, and watch them flitter and panic about the littlest things.

Dubai spoils you in ways no other place does, so I thought, let’s ask around the different ways that it does to everyone around me. When I was jotting down the points everyone excitedly yelled at me, I had about 31 points in 15 minutes of a quick brainstorm. Here’s my pick of a few:

1. Always having to queue at the petrol station
The petrol is cheap and the life is hard- really hard, especially when you are stuck waiting in the queue to get your car’s tank full. What are you going to do with the next 9 and a half minutes of your life? 

2. When the delivery guy takes longer than 11 minutes and 32 seconds to get the grocery you ordered
I don’t think anywhere else in the world would this problem be so relatable! Imagine sitting by the door, hungry and waiting for the milk and bread to come. HURRRRY UP!!! 

3. Queuing up for Valet Parking
I can’t believe this is an actual problem- but it is. The worst of this is faced at Jumeirah Beach Hotel when all you wanted to do was have a dinner while admiring the views of the Burj Al Arab but the valet line sucks up 17 minutes of your time. God, just take my car and park it. Jeeez.

4. Having to explain your address
This, is again, a problem exclusive to Dubai. With no street names and zip codes, it’s so hard to explain your address to the Fetchr guy. Yes, turn at the Carrefour market, then left by the Zoom supermarket and then another left from the baskin Robbins- no no, the second Baskin robbins. 

5. Starbucks runs out of low fat milk and lemons
No, I didn’t order my coffee with low-fat milk and lemons, but I did want some low-fat milk in my half shot, caramel latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon and no sugar; and some lemon flavouring in my green tea I wanted with it. Ugh, will have to settle for full-fat milk and just a regular green matcha tea.

6. Beeping at the shop and nobody comes for a whole 2 minutes and 49 seconds to take your order
Okay, I have never done this, I would just park and get it myself. BUT- there are people who actually complain about it. I was at this milkshakes place, and the guys were busy with the customers inside the shop and couldn’t immediately run out to take the car’s order. I am not sure where else this would be acceptable behaviour…

7. Forgetting where you parked in Mall of the Emirates and the machine can’t find your number plate
Not sure how many of you know, but the Mall of the Emirates has this really cool machine on most exits where you can type your car’s number plates and find your car. I spent some 7 hours in the mall the other day, and I forgot where I parked- obviously. And the machine didn’t pick my number plate. I still have nightmares about it sometimes…

8. The delivery guy forgot to bring the card machine
I mean it isn’t enough that he’s come to delivered an AED 2 bread, a whole 12 minutes after I called, he forgot to get the card machine. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I’m going to go rant on facebook and Instagram story about it. #SoUnprofessional

9. When your favourite brunch place is overbooked and you have to settle for another restaurant that doesn’t sell your favourite beer by tap.
We are very entitled, us- who live in Dubai. And this is the REALEST problem in Dubai. Fridays are meant for brunching at our favourite restaurant- HOW CAN YOU NOT HAVE KEPT MY TABLE- I AM A REGULAR!!!! 

10. When all you wanted was to go to Downtown for a quick bite on a Wednesday evening, but all this traffic headed back to Sharjah. UGH
Sheikh Zayed Road is packed in the mornings to the way to Abu Dhabi and in the evenings to Sharjah. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. I hate all this traffic- It will take an extra 5 and a half minutes to reach Downtown. 

 

Getting a Driving License in Dubai

Dubai is the city of dreams, lights, and really tall buildings. I’ve been here a while now, and I really wanted to get a car to make life a little easier. You’d think getting a license would be a fairly simple task, right?

NOPE.

I applied for my driving license with EDI (Emirates Driving School) in the first week of April 2016. When did I FINALLY get my driving license? Last week of August 2016. That’s about 4 months.

Four long months of mental and emotional distress with a long shot of stress and did I mention that all of this is incredibly expensive?!

I failed at least once in every single exam- could be my fault- but I’m a first-time driver so I can blame my incredibly insane instructor right? The dude didn’t correct any of my mistakes- and how was I to know where I’m going wrong?

My theory exam I passed in the second go- which, okay, I take the blame for because I went in like a super confident sucker and failed by exactly 1 point. Yes, that can happen if you are me.

The Parking test- I failed twice. Bloody Parallel and Garage Parking. Although, every time I have to parallel park even now, I cry a lot on the inside. (It’s just not that easy, and it’s not like GTA where it’s okay to bump cars off, you know?)I spoke to a lot of people and pretty much everyone goes through the same torture.

The Internal test- passed in the third go! This is the part where I finally went and complained about my instructor. The new instructor was really good and did correct every single mistake I was making- which helped me.

The final test- passed in the second go!WHEW! This re-take was perhaps the most expensive one.

I spoke to a lot of people and pretty much everyone goes through the same torture. So I decided to do a little post about the emotional torture of getting a license in Dubai!

1. Starts with being hopeful and a little smug sitting in the theory classes.
   
   

   
2. Those 8 hour of theory classes that we all try to finish in one weekend.
   
   

   

   
3. Giving the theory exam, gets us like…
   
   

   
4. Before starting the actual driving classes, especially for a first time driver
   
5. After 4 classes
   
   

   
6. Before the parking test
   
7. While waiting in the back seat for your turn for the parking test
   
8. When you hit the pole in the back during your parking test
   
   

   
9. Trial Number 3: Parallel Parking
   
10. When you finally pass parking test
    
11. Before the internal test
    
12. And then you see the result of the internal test
    
13. When you go back to doing a few more classes
    
14.  And when you finally pass the internal test
    
15.  After failing the final test
    
    

    
16. After finally passing the final test
    

18 Life Lessons from Gilmore Girls

I just binge watched Gilmore Girls and in less than a month- and this is something I’m very proud of- finished the entire series. Yes, that’s right. I watched 7 seasons and the Year in Life Netflix special and I finished it all- in less than a month.

There were several things I enjoyed about the show- Kelly Bishop (Emily Gilmore) being my favorite. There were several moments when all I wanted was to stop watching it, I’m thinking Season 3 between Jess and Dean and Dean and Jess (if you are asking, I was Team Dean all the way- but that Logan fellow was pretty much meant to be). Although, in the revival, I was all about Team Jess. Never thought that would happen- but he’s turned out to be a pretty amazing dude, I would say. Anywhooo. 18 important life lessons I learned from Gilmore Girls:

1. Life is really short, so talk fast.

   As somebody who talks really fast- I really enjoyed watching Lorelei ramble on and on and on.

   

2. When in doubt, or when bored, or when uncertain- drink.

   

3. Dirty jokes are never not funny.

   

4. Sometimes you need to stop planning the future and just live in the moment.

   

5. Look out for silver linings

   

6. Be yourself.

   

7. Never be afraid to voice your feelings

   

8. Take time out for yourself- to discover yourself and to find contentment within you.

   

9. Just because you love him doesn’t mean he is good for you.(Read: Jess, then Dean and then Logan)

   

10. Coffee is everything.

    

    

11. It’s okay to hurt sometimes and cry into ice cream.

    

12. Do not steal a yacht.Repercussions are your mother bailing you out of jail.

    

13. Stop and smell the books!

    

14. And always bring a book – wherever you go!

    

15. Snow makes everything magical.

    

16. Pop-culture references are EVERYTHING!

    

17. You can’t control who you’re attracted to (Read- Jess, then a married Dean, then Logan, then an engaged Logan).

    

18. Make sure your best friend can bake.