Tag: SYW

Sharing my scary world!

Melanie asks 4-5 questions every week. This week it’s Halloween special!

QUESTIONS;

Name something you wouldn’t want to run into in a dark forest or in an abandoned building (yeah it’s a retread. But there are new participants to SYW too who probably never answered it)

I wouldn’t want to run into that friend whom I just unfriended on face book. Why? You may wonder; it’s because she talks too much and most of it, or maybe all of it, is about her!

Do you believe in multiple dimensions or worlds?

What do we really know? Maybe there are multiple dimensions or worlds. I know that this idea makes stories and movies much more interesting. Also it gives the writers and directors of the said movies to bring people back from the dead!

Would you ever go to a graveyard at night?

Not if I can help it. There is lot of superstition attached to going to a graveyard after dark in our culture as well. My reason for going in broad daylight is that I’m less likely to trip and fall if I can see where I am going!

What is the most frightening book you’ve ever read?

I don’t read frightening books anymore. I think any book which has the main protagonists in danger or in cliffhanger suspense is not a comfortable read.

BONUS QUESTION (just for silliness’ sake!)

If you could have a spooky Halloween pet (black cat, owl, bat, rat, wolf), which would you pick out of the five choices?

I’d love a jet black cat with bright green eyes. They are so cute. In fact there is a stray tiny kitten like that where we are living right now. It’s very shy of humans.

GRATITUDE SECTION (As always, optional)
What are you grateful for?

I am glad the the weather cooled down considerably after the rain on the weekend. It means that Dengue mosquito will die because the temperature has dipped below 28*C, which is the optimal temperature for these mosquitoes to survive and multiply. We are having a resurgence of Dengue fever since the Covid cases are going down.

Thanks Melanie for these fun questions.

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Sharing my world- October 18, 2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS

Are you easily frightened or startled?

Sometimes I can be startled enough to shriek in response. Once my daughter and grandson were standing outside the bathroom and when I came out they both said “Boo” I wasn’t expecting anything like that and I uttered a loud shriek! They both had a good laugh, and so did I later. But now I’m careful not to fall for that trick again.

(Purely whimsical supposition. Suspend disbelief for a bit)
If you were a ghost, what location do you think you would haunt? Is it the same or different from the location you’d want to haunt?

Hmm….. Interesting question! There are lots of options. Perhaps the living people who have made life hell for others, like corrupt politicians and other scum of the society. I would scare the daylights out of them.

What do you see in your mind’s eye when you close your eyes? (I know somebody will answer ‘the inside of my eyelids”, so I took the temptation away by answering that first! 😜 Feel free to use that answer if you like though, or pass. It’s ALL good!)

If I am meditating, I picture a calm serene place where I can relax and shed the stress of my life. A place of happiness and quietness.

If a Semi (Big Rig in Americanese) (lorry or trolley over the pond) were about to smash into a crowd, and you could divert the vehicle’s course to hit only one person, would you? How would you decide who would become the victim?

If God forbid, I am the one driving that vehicle, I would try to divert it to someplace where it would cause minimal damage. I would rather risk my life than that of any innocent bystander.

GRATITUDE SECTION

Please feel free to share what makes you feel warm and cozy when the wind blows cold? Alternatively (for those on the other side of the world), what makes you feel relaxed and comfortable when the thermometer starts rising?

I don’t feel very cold most of the time. But when it really gets cold, I like to snuggle in my fuzzy blanket and read, blog or watch something on the tv. But my feet are usually out of the blanket as they start to feel extra hot in mere minutes.

Many thanks to Melanie for thinking up such interesting questions every week.

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World – October 11, 2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS

(Two ‘seasonal’ and two plain today)

What is the scariest game (board or on-line) you ever may have played?

I have played many board games, only scrabble and chess. The only fear I’ve experienced while playing these games was the fear of losing. The same goes for online games. I guess I’m not adventurous enough to play “scary”!

What’s just ‘over the rainbow” for you?

A peaceful life. If over the rainbow means the eventuality that we look for. If it means death, I still hope and pray for a peaceful afterlife.

Do you have to watch something upbeat after watching a suspense or horror movie so you can go to sleep?

I don’t do scary, horror movies at all. Suspense or thriller I like and they don’t give me nightmares or disturbed sleep.

There are times when I cannot go to sleep when there’s something on my mind. At such times I distracted myself with blogging or playing games on my phone. Both activities soothe my thoughts and I can go to sleep afterward.

Is there intent behind every action?

Except for involuntary actions like breathing, and heart beating, everything else we do needs our brain to order our body parts to act. This needs conscious thoughts and intent. Even the “thoughtless” remarks need thoughts.

GRATITUDE SECTION  (as always, optional)

Feel free to share some gratitude with folks today!   Thanks!  🎃 🍁🍂

We had rain last couple of days and that has finally cooled down the temperatures. Now it feels like fall season at last. My grandson is settling down in school and has even joined the football ( soccer) team.

A dove which was perched on the terrace fence. It flew and sat on the wire when I tried to take a picture.

➰➰➰

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World – October 4, 2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS;

How do you feel about sharing your computer or phone password with your partner?

I would be too happy to share my passwords with my husband, or my kids if they show any inclination or desire to know them. Only my grandson knows the password to my laptop because we share that device. Others have their own passwords to remember and don’t want to add mine to it. I was thinking of leaving a document behind with all my passwords in it so that when I die, people can disable my accounts.

What is the greatest struggle you’ve overcome? (This isn’t meant to be invasive, just use general terms if you’d like. Or if not, feel free to pass on the question. That’s allowed too).

There have been many struggles that I’ve faced in life. Some I’ve conquered, so to say. One was my overly sensitive nature. With constant deliberate effort, I have learned to not react to things that used to hurt me. Remarks made intentionally or unintentionally to hurt me now have little power to do so. Same with thoughtless actions of others, which at one time would hurt me, now they don’t have that effect on me.

If heaven is real and you died tomorrow, do you think you would get in? Why or why not? (this is purely speculation, no bias if you don’t believe)

Heaven is very real and I would consider myself very very lucky indeed if I get a place in there. All through my life I have made conscious effort to be good but there are times when our baser instincts take over. So I am hopeful but not sure. May Allah have mercy on me.

What makes you feel like you really need to be alone?

I like being alone. Not all the time but most of the time. I like my own company. And in my alone time, I play games, blog, and read books. It’s also the best time to chat with friends or listen to music.

GRATITUDE SECTION  (as always, optional)

Do you have any traditions around this time of year?

Nopes we don’t have any traditions for this time of the year. I’m just happy that summer is over and now we have some pleasant weather now. I do miss the pumpkin spice everything we used to enjoy in Seattle, specially the coffee.

Many thanks Melanie for thinking up interesting questions for us all every week.

➰➰➰

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World September 27, 2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS;

1. What’s your favorite way to exercise? (if you do or don’t. Exercising one’s mind is a valid answer IMHO, because that’s my favorite).

To exercise my body, I walk daily. Recently the duration has decreased a bit as we were busy shifting from one city to another and there was a lot of work to do. And working, unfortunately, doesn’t give you steps.

For my mind, I do puzzles, play card games and do a ton of reading and writing when I blog. I think this should keep my brain active and healthy.

2. What’s more important to you – family or friends?

Both are equally important. Family, especially your intrinsic family is obviously very important. We would do anything for them. But we need friends too as they are the family we choose for ourselves.

3. (a segue of sorts from last week’s SYW)..Have you ever voted for someone (in whatever venue – politics, contests, school elections) based solely on how they looked?

Looks aren’t important if you’re electing someone for a public office. It’s the character and the ability that counts. So the answer to this question is no!

4.  (silly one)  How could carousels be spiced up so they are more exciting?

Carousel

Carousels are already very exciting so in my opinion, there is no need to add anything extra there.

GRATITUDE SECTION  (as always optional)

Please feel free to share something you’ve enjoyed about this September.

September saw us relocating to another city. Thankfully the move went smoothly and we are now settled well in our new home. The only thing that went wrong was that our Kitty couldn’t come with us and during our absence, he has decided to opt for a life as a free cat. We are still hoping that he decides to come home but there’s no sign yet. Perhaps with us, especially my grandson gone from his life, he was too lonely. 😿

Missing you Dinky!

Thank you Melanie for these interesting questions.

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World – Squirrelly World

Melanie is the host of SYW

This week is Evil Squirrel’s critter cavalcade of questions.  And a blatant, non-solicited plug for Evil Squirrel and his nest, which marked ten years this year of Nest-y goodness.   You might wish to saunter over to his blog and congratulate him!  So without further ado:

Welcome to Share Your World! 

QUESTIONS

8-19-2021  “Chip the Dignified if Species Confused Squirrel/Chipmonk”  

If you were to be cast as part of a comedy double act, which part would you play…. the straight man or the funny one, and why?

I’ve very rarely seen these comedy acts. But if I have to be in, I would prefer to be the audience. I would get to enjoy the humor without the stress of trying to create it!

8-26-2021  “Buster “Auuughhh I’m HIT!” , the Indestructible Possum”

If you were to be reincarnated on Earth as any non-living/inanimate object of your choosing, what would you come back as and why?

I think nowadays, I’d like to be a smartphone. Anyone who has a smartphone values it more than any other possession they have. It’s looked after very well and is always kept close.

Fleabag, the Canine.

A SYW question themed around Fleabag…

We all know how dogs mark their territory. How do you mark your territory?

I read Lauren’s response to this one and mine is the same, a paper trail. Used napkins, post-it notes, shopping lists etc is a herald that it’s my territory.

A Share Your World question inspired by Shadow (The Supercilious Creature from the Pokemon ‘empire)

If you were on a trivia show and had to correctly answer ten questions in one subject to win a million dollars (or whatever currency is used in your locale), what would you hope the category would be?

Perhaps questions about the medical field. I know most of the answers!

Unca Sam asks (A rare serious and thought-provoking SYW question inspired by Uncle Sam…)

In democratic societies, do you believe that the right to vote is merely a privilege or a duty for all citizens? This should not be thought of as an “Americans only” question. ANY ONE is welcome to answer.

This is one tricky question. Ideally, everyone eligible to vote should use their right and privilege to elect their representatives. It should be our civic duty to do so. But unfortunately, often the choice of candidates is such that you don’t feel like voting for anyone. And the flaws in the system often make the process so defective that it doesn’t make much of a difference anyway.

🌀🌀🌀

Thanks Melanie for these fantastic questions.

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World- September 13,2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

I think it will be a 40-60 split. More talk and less work. That’s a problem with gabbers. We talk more and that takes up a lot of our time. I have done a lot, and am going to do more but yes, I will talk even more than that!

What does the world need less of?

Dishonesty, bigotry, racism, cruelty, injustice…….. It’s a very long list. The first step is always to start from yourself.

Do you feel older or younger than your age?

I feel younger. I think I look younger too as all the adipose tissue beneath the skin results in fewer wrinkles. But when I think I’ll be 60 in November, I feel that it’s not real.

What is a cause you’ll always passionately support?

Social justice. I really feel that we all need to speak up when there is injustice or inequality.

And right now, telling people to pull the mask to cover their nose. It’s a daily routine now that I’ll tell people wearing masks on their chins that they shouldn’t bother for it’s not serving any purpose.

GRATITUDE SECTION (as always, optional)

What is your personal affirmation if you have one? (for this instance “affirmation means emotional support or encouragement.” )

I tell myself when things aren’t that rosy (or peachy) that they could always be worse. We need to look at the positives first as they are way more than the negatives. By the time we are done counting the positive blessings, we won’t have time or inclination to count the negatives in our lives.

Many thanks dear Melanie for posing such interesting questions each week.

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World – September 6, 2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS;

Do you believe in soul-mates? (my definition of ‘soul mate’ is the IDEAL partner romantically).

Frankly, no! I believe there is more than one person that is suited for each of us. We make adjustments and compromises to be with whoever we choose to live with. In my view, there is very very seldom a perfect match. And even if there is, it may not last long as humans keep on changing with each passing year.

What are three scents you like?

Jasmine, rose and citrus.

What are some things that you might be considered too old to do, but that you enjoy?

Watching animated movies, old Disney cartoons, and reading Harry Potter books. But I don’t care what others think. I do it regardless!

What is one food you absolutely refuse to share?

Ideally, my secret stash of dark chocolate. But others are too sneaky and they devour it without my knowledge. Especially my husband and my grandson!

GRATITUDE SECTION (as always, optional)

Please feel free to share something positive!

The very long summer is finally coming to an end and there are signs of autumn/fall around us. It’s a relief when the heat gives way to pleasant weather. Besides I love when the seasons change.

Sun setting behind Faysal Mosque in Islamabad

A photo from our recent trip to the capital city of Islamabad

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World 8-30-2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS;

Are human beings required to better themselves and will doing that make them happier?

It is a personal choice. No one is required to do so if they don’t want to. But if we live in a society, we have to abide by its laws. And society prospers if there are more good people than bad. Being good does brings its own reward of being satisfied with oneself.

Is it easier to love or to be loved?

Love comes in various forms. One is the instinctive love that parents feel for their children. This is the easiest form of love. Without thinking about it, you love your children more than you love anyone else in the world. Children however sometimes love you back and sometimes don’t. The other kind of love we experience in life depends upon who we are and how we think. For me loving is easier as it is in my control. I was a very much loved daughter of my father. And I am sure my family loves me too and for this I am grateful.

Outside traumatic brain injury, can memories be completely erased?

Some traumatic experiences are so upsetting that our brain makes us forget what happened. It is a defense mechanism of our mind to save us from painful memories. The memories however are buried deep in our subconscious and are never completely gone. They can surface at odd and inconvenient times.

Is there such a thing as a good death?

Yes, there is. When one dies without loss of dignity and prolonged illness, it’s a good death. I’d want that for myself and my loved ones. Death is as big a reality as life is, and will come to us all. If this phase is easy for us and our families, I would call it a good death.

and one ‘silly’ one because the former questions were fairly serious: What do you imagine is inside a baseball?

All the prayers of the team who wants to win!

GRATITUDE SECTION

Feel free to share something uplifting this week!  

Time is running away like a race horse. Today is the last day of August and we are 2/3 way into 2021! I am grateful that so far we all have been safe from covid. I hope that we all stay safe and that we deal intelligently with this pandemic instead of emotionally. Wishing you all the a happy September.

Great questions Melanie! Thanks

#Keepitalive

#SYW

Share Your World – August 23,2021

Melanie is the host of SYW

QUESTIONS

Can you parallel park (if you drive)? If you don’t drive, can you still skip?

I can park, provided that there is ample space on both sides. Since I drive very infrequently and the traffic here is chaotic anyway, it really doesn’t matter much how we park. As for skipping, I’m advised not to do so with my artificial joints and my weight. 😛

Do you prefer early morning or late evening? Or something in between?

I love to get up early in the morning, when everyone else is asleep. But my health app doesn’t like it if I have less than 7 hours of sleep. So after my morning prayers, I go back to sleep for a couple of hours. Late night doesn’t work for me at all because if I’m awake till midnight, the chances of me going to sleep naturally are very slim. I need to take a sleep aid if I’m up late.

Do you like avocados?

Love them. Specially with feta, and salsa on top of a toasted English muffin. I love it in salads too. Unfortunately, over here it’s way too expensive and not that good quality. 😔

Is mind or matter more real?

Mind is as real as any other part of the body. It is with our mind that we perceive the world around us and experience it’s different nuances. As for the matter, everything things is made up of matter. So both are real, to my way of thinking.

Are people in this current generation less or more sensitive than people from past generations?

People of the current generation are less sensitive to how others feel. They are more sensitive to how they feel. If anything irritates them, they will raise a storm but if their actions irritate others, they would hardly notice.

GRATITUDE SECTION (as always optional)Please feel free to share something inspiring that’s happened to you recently!

Schools have reopened. It’s only 2 days a week in person, but that is better than no school. Now my grandson has something else to do besides playing games or watching YouTube. And on those two days I can make plans to attend to my chores and shopping.

Thank you Melanie for always giving us interesting questions for Share Your World.

#Keepitalive

#SYW