Into the New Year...and here I'm

More than a fortnight into the New Year and am still settling down into my old routine. I wanted to take a break from the blog after the marathon blogging session but had no idea that the break would stretch endlessly so. So, has the New Year really brought in so many things for me to juggle that I had no time to mark my presence at my favourite hangout: the blog? Not really. It was just a combination of some factors coupled with inertia that just had to be shrugged off. 

Returning home after a vacation entails a not-a-very-happy session of unpacking, washing, drying, arranging and re-arranging things, stocking up groceries, gearing up for the familiar yet forgotten routine and eventually settling down to the pace and flow of things.  Just a week after going through the unpacking routine, I had to pack my bags off again for a short stay at the in-laws place for Pongal. We took our first solo road trip and I must say it was a great experience. Although I was a little jittery in the beginning, the husband's excitement levels rubbed on to me and I began to relax and enjoy as we progressed on our journey. It was a long weekend and not surprisingly we had plenty of company on the road. It really didn't seem like driving on a NH. It could have been any road within the city limits! The drive on our way back was far more peaceful and faster. Most importantly, there was a feeling of triumph, to have made our debut in style. So, here's to more road trips in future! 

The New Year saw me complete a book in the first week itself. I read P.S. I love you by Cecelia Ahern gifted to me by my lovely Santa. Thank you, Simran! It was good to start the New Year with a book. I hope this sets the ball rolling and I'm able to read much more by the end of the year. As for the book, umm..lets say, it was nice. The plot was good but some of the parts seemed a little unrealistic and difficult to imagine in a real-life scenario. Though the end was what I hoped for, the twist seemed like an after thought and hurriedly patched. But, for the overall emotions that were portrayed, I'd give it a thumbs up. There were parts that really tugged at your heart. It wasn't all tear-jerky and had some good humour too packed in. So, overall, a nice read.

Yet to catch up with all the reading and commenting on the blogosphere. See you at your space, soon!

Some pics from our road trip:





29 comments:

  1. Happy new year! Chennai road trip? How long does it take?

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    1. Happy new year to you too!
      It takes roughly 6-6.5 hrs but you could reach earlier if the roads are empty and you are an experienced driver. It's about 300 odd kms away.

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    2. I did not care for the movie or for the book...thought it was quite overrated . There was so much hype about it. having said that, also know lot of people who loved it.

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  2. So reassuring to read that Chennai is close by even though I know the fact :)
    So did you drive some distance during the road trip?

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    1. haha..I understand :-)
      Nope, not yet that experienced! ;-)

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  3. happy new year, happy pongal - and yes, happy photographs!

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  4. Happy New Year Uma!!! Nice to know that you enjoyed road trip :)

    PS.I Love You is a very touching book. All of Cecelia Ahern's books have an element of magic/unreality. But, they are all good reads.

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    1. wish you the same, Tan! This is my first book by her..will try to get hold of some more..

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  5. Oh nice, first road trip :). The Chennai route is definitely one of the good ones, and I'm sure you'll be doing it more often from now on!
    Nice to see you back on the blog, here's to many many more entries in 2013!

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  6. Oh! wow! Congrats on the successful road trip! :)

    I liked the book P.S... too. It was a nice read... something that I'd call a marshmallow read. you know, sweet, chewy, gooey at times?

    and you are back pretty soon. :) Hats off to you on that... Look at me... I am still not recovered from my blogathoon which was in August! hehe... Welcome!

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  7. Welcome Back! and lovely pics!
    P.S I love you depresses me and also brings strength .. wonderful book.. even the movie is good.. you should see

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    1. haven't seen the movie..will try to catch it sometime.

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  8. Hey, that's nice to know! So hopefully lots of travelling in store for you this year, fingers crossed. Tell me about it - hate packing and unpacking, both!!

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    1. Oh.even I'm hoping for more travel this year..I promise I won't crib about the unpacking!

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  9. happy new year..the pics look gr8, maybe I should take one soon too :)

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    1. hey, thanks, Pushpa!..wish you too a happy new year..yes, you must go on a road trip too :-)

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  10. Happy New Year:)

    Lovely start to a new year it seems like!

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    1. Wish you too a happy new year, Me! :-)
      sorry for not visiting your space lately..will correct that soon!

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  11. Nice pics Uma! Even I have read P.S. I love you and liked it too..

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    1. thanks, Radhika! yeah, seems like the book found a common chord with many readers..

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  12. I resisted reading P.S. I love you, due to its plot (i don't like to read and then feel depressed), but after reading your thoughts about the book, i think i may give it a try...
    Glad to know you had a great road trip....

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    1. well, it's not depressing, ZM despite the plot..give it a try and let me know :-)

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  13. Road trip sounds like fun....and lovely pics.

    Happy New Year Uma!!!

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    1. thanks a lot, Nancy and really sorry for such a late reply. :-(

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