Nirupama P.R.V.'s Blog: Catty Opinions of a Book Loving Couch Potato, page 31
October 23, 2017
October 20, 2017
Night time at Chicago
We recently went to Downtown Chicago and here are the photos from our delightful night of gazing at the lights and the sights.
Brilliant buildings and Resplendent River: 
Gorgeous Views: 
Walking along :
Lights and Sights:
I loved the glimmering lights and so did T. In fact, she named all the buildings as Princess Castles based on the colors. In the above picture, she called the buildings from Left to Right as Rapunzel’s tower, Aurora’s castle and Belle’s mansion.
Utterly fun and mesmerizing, our outing was amazing. Have you just stopped and stared and taken in the sights of your city? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Filed under: Photos Tagged: Chicago, Sightseeing, Travel
October 16, 2017
October 12, 2017
10 Reasons to Take Kids to Museums
Today’s blog post is inspired by my answer on Quora about why people take young kids to Museums. This post is about why we should take kids to all kinds of museums: science, arts, natural history, industry and so on. The benefits for kids and grown ups are many, and not just limited to the actual topic the institution might be about.
1. Discovery
Kids are like sponges, absorbing copious amounts of information. What better than a museum to give them knowledge about varying topics in a fun and engaging way? Plus, children learn to associate and relate information to the world around us.
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History is Fun and Relatable- Springfield Museum, Illinois
2. Experience
Museums visits are a must for kids and adults simply for the experience. We learn that there is a world far bigger, richer and varied than what we experience in our day to day lives. Whether looking at foreign cultures or gazing at different expressions of art, or admiring the many types of automobiles, we learn that ‘there is still so much to learn’! Humbling and educational.
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Blast from Past: Appreciating modern comforts like electricity and plumbing!
3. Learning
No matter what the geography or nature of a museum or the quality of your encounter, one thing is guaranteed: you will learn something or the other. Whether a tidbit [octopuses have three hearts] or a rule [“See with your eyes”] or revelation [Can’t understand/ stand modern art], be assured, learning is guaranteed.
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Big Shoes to Fill! [Chicago Sports Museum]
4. Fun
Definitely the most important but often overlooked part of museum visits. By adults! This is one error whose fault lies entirely with grown ups. We bring our stuffy selves to museums and make the experience unpleasant for kids. I am not saying we have to be silly around antiques or be goofy around ancient relics. But, a bit more curiosity and increased enthusiasm never hurt anyone. Adopt the ‘what are we going to learn today?’ mindset and enter the premises into a realm of fun. For the skeptics who still need convincing that fun and education are possible, just visit any kindergarten class to view a fun yet scholastic environment!
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Lucky wild hog- rub his nose and your wish is fulfilled. [Delaware Natural History Museum] Ever wondered how kids manage to find all these quaint items at museums? It’s called Curiosity!
5. Tolerance
Seriously, one of the best lessons to be learn at museums. It’s a fact that we all like different things. Music, books, clothes, cuisines, celebrities, seasons, colors, TV programs, character traits. One of the best mindsets we can teach children is to accept others as they are even as we embrace our own unique selves. And what better place than a vast space full of myriad curios and objects. No one likes everything at a museum, but we all like something. Maybe a sculpture, a quote, a mascot, a show, a trifle, the kid’s discovery room or even the cafeteria.
To cite my family’s example in Chicago’s Art Institute. I loved the landscapes, Hubs liked the digital Black and White Photographs while our then three month infant was happy to be in Grandma’s arms and listen to her delight over the Impressionist paintings and Asian sculptures. We all had to wait for our favorite sections and even the smallest of children can imbibe these skills. That patience, acceptance and tolerance being instilled bit by bit in our future citizens (and present too) are well worth a trip to museums.
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Co-exist and Adapt! Don’t go the Dinosaur Way!
6. Social Etiquette
Queue etiquette, waiting for turns, speaking softly, and more are lessons in civility even the littlest of people abide by [or at least try to!]. What is amazing is how quickly children in galleries and museums grasp the concept of ‘Look with your eyes’, ‘No touching’! Sure, little darlings do need reminders or reprimands when deliberately flouting basic niceties in a fit of temper, but they do get it. These are the same rules we urge on at libraries, during work From Home days, in upscale boutiques, in Electronics Stores/Sections. As parents/ supervising adults, we do not skip taking kids to such places because of the “rules”, then why make Museums an exception?
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Looking with our admiring eyes only!
7. Discernment
Similar to the above point, discernment and discipline are other valuable lessons learnt in museums, historical sites and galleries. Or more accurately, demonstrated in such places. Walking feet : say in a tour versus running in the garden/ lawns of the same place, restraint while viewing the valuable items as opposed to touching and exploring in the discovery sections, learning to exercise judgement depending on the place and value is a vital concept for kids. These almost contrarian rules at these institutions are not very different from most public spaces or even our homes.
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Collection of Dinnerware: at Museum or home- handle with care! Rules are rules!
8. Memories
One of my favorite reasons to visit Museums: to make memories. Whether it is your first trip to an art gallery or last family outing before school or a trip away from home, museums make for wonderful, out-of-the-ordinary memories. No matter what the age or stage or budget, we can always gift kids our time, love, and attention and make memories. And out of the ordinary places like museums and similar institutions definitely offer plenty of opportunities to spend awed and happy moments and make priceless memories. [Even hilarious ones like our whole family being equally clueless over Picasso’s famed creation!]
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Pretty sure Lincoln’s hat and this water is all T remembers from our Springfield trip, but hey, we made memories!
9. Observations
This is one trick I adopted from a children’s magazine. Ask each family member to recall their favorite/ memorable part from a visit or vacation. Start from the youngest to avoid influencing. It will really open your eyes to all the points you missed. Different things appeal to different people, so, you’ll gain an interesting perspective of the place you visited, especially with regards to the kids. Besides, the novel viewpoints will keep your eyes and mind open on your next visit. Plus, everyone can benefit from being sharpening their observation skills.
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An old grandfather clock that caught ToddlerT’s attention- a fine piece of Delaware craftsmanship
10. Conversations
Museums are excellent topic starters. They can take conversations to all sorts of angles: likes, dislikes, experiences, specific items, countries, cultures, ticket prices, exorbitant but not very palatable food, those tidbits you learnt! What about chatting with kids? Well, ask them what they liked or remembered? How their experience was? A simple: ‘what was your favorite part of the outing’ can get you started? Or ‘were you allowed to touch anything?’ and ‘Do they allow snacks while you view?’ can work great too! It works great for gauging their preferences and working on the vocabulary skills too!
Hopefully, this post illustrated the importance of museums and galleries; how they serve not only as record keepers of human race and accomplishments but also as fabulous places to learn and grow. What are your views on museums? What are your favorite parts and places? Have you had any Eureka moments about the benefits of visiting museums? Share with me in the comments below.
Filed under: Adventures Tagged: culture, Fun, Kids, Kids Activities, learning, memories, Museums
October 9, 2017
October 4, 2017
The Confidence Effect : Book Review
Today’s post is a Book review of The Confidence Effect: Every Woman’s Guide to the Attitude That Attracts Success by author Grace Killelea.
This book was recommended to me as an excellent guide for women to gain and maintain confidence. This book for most parts is personal development guide for career women, especially those working their way up the corporate ladder. But, it does carry quite a few tips to bolster confidence and techniques to tackle issues that are relevant for women regardless of work status or age.
This book is another item on my list of Books by Women Authors on Leadership and Management that I have shelved on Goodreads. So, I am happy to have checked one more great read.
Now, let’s move on to the Review:
A quick look at the book’s summary will summarize the direction of the narrative. “… Men are prone to overestimate their abilities, while women too often sell themselves short. The Confidence Effect helps women speak out, take risks, and assume leadership positions with assurance. …” So true and the single reason why women should be picking up this book. Imposter syndrome, insecurities, conditioning to be nice and hard working and fair, disparities in paychecks, status and how the world perceives us; women battle so many handicaps at the same time. This book will not present ways to end it all, but it will equip readers to offset these disadvantages and be able to focus on hurdles we wish to exert our efforts on: like that promotion or elevated social status.
This book presents a novel approach to building, growing and maintaining confidence- by working on four vital areas : Relationships, Reputation, Results, Resilience. The whole premise is that we need to balance competence with confidence.
I really enjoyed the different chapters devoted to so many topics of relevance. The anecdotes make them easy to absorb. While I will admit that some of the advice seemed common sense (I had been warned), it felt justified for a coherent and complete narrative. Besides, every chapter had at least one nugget of information or point that really resonated with me or opened my eyes. Hence, I definitely recommend keeping an open mind while reading this book. You will find a lot of useful stuff.
The chapter on expanding our network begins of by explaining exactly why we need to do it. Women have different networks for work and leisure. Men do not. In conjunction with the fact that the boys club is alive and kicking and not particularly women-friendly, expanding our networks should definitely be uppermost on our minds. I am a SAHM but even my top three picks for leisure and professional conversations differs.
Appearance and grooming got a whole chapter too. I was riveted by noting that she terms it “dressing for growth” as opposed to simply dressing or grooming. I also was particularly moved by how the author shares her own stories about being in less than fit state . How she constantly has to tackle the sloppy perception that her body impressions sheds on her professional expertise. To quote an angry friend’s rant: “When a Paunch and Baldness start seeming Attractive – on a Woman- Feminism will be achieved. ” While I aim for a more mental equality, the context of that behavioral and physical discrimination is not lost on me.
Shifting focus back to this book, the writer does note that grooming as per the environment does impinge on our personal preferences. But she explains that it is necessary for staying focused on more important matters. The writer advises to experiment a bit and find attires that we feel comfortable but conform with our work atmosphere and enhances our image of ‘being competent’. Sensible yet practical.
I loved the chapter about resilience. The example given by writer Grace about the skydiving event on her birthday was really inspiring. Poignant, funny and encouraging it demonstrates how we need to infuse resilience, adaptability and good humor in all our life experiences. The story also emphasizes the need for women to understand the adage: ‘better is done than perfect‘. In the writer’s own words, we can achieve what we hope to, maybe not very gracefully, but we can get it done and learn a lot on the way
Managing reputations was quite helpful, given that we have to manage our personal brands both in real life and virtually. I would have loved to see more examples for the online side. Mentoring and mentor groups was another topic detailed out by the author. These were useful too.
This book was one of my first audio books. I was a bit skeptical about being able to stand the pace (as an Indian I frequently speed instructional videos to 1.25x while watching). I worried too if I would be able to follow along since I had planned to listen while multi-tasking [boring ironing- am looking at you!]. But the book narration was splendid and completely able to hold my attention. Clearly, the writer’s communication skills are excellent and inspiration for yours truly too, to up her game.
Overall, I enjoyed the book immensely and am happy to have checked off such an fabulous book on leadership for women, by a woman. *
As ever, leave me your thoughts if you’ve read the book and suggest other titles and great reads. Stay warm, stay blessed.
*Totally pondering on the terms ‘books for women’ and the non-existence of terms like ‘Working Father’ as I work on my Goodreads List.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Book Summary, Confidence, Grace Killelea, Leadership for Women, self help, Women
September 28, 2017
Apple Holler Farms Again
Last year, we had great fun doing Apple Picking over at Apple Holler Farms. This year, we decided to repeat the experience. Who knows, it could well become a Fall tradition for us!
Today’s post is hence a photo post about our wonderful time picking and eating apples and all the fun we had over the weekend.
Splendid weather bade loads of fun for us:
Apple lined rows were fun to trudge along:
Just looking at all those delicious apples made us hungry. Since tasting is free and unlimited, we let ourselves go!
This truck might not look like much but it was fun to ride as were the wagons. Sorry about the picture, I did not want to include our fellow travelers. (Tip: watch out for rolling apples over the bumps)
Roosters and chickens, no idea which (spoken like a true city slicker): 
T and I love that we saw a goat atop the bridge this time too: 
We enjoyed the corn maze. It was a bit confusing but so fragrant:
This was a good place to burst into rhymes:
We tiptoed past the Giant to the beanstalk slide this year too. 
And met Jack and the Giant’s wife too:
I love that the staircase looks like a castle or fort: 
T enjoyed on bales of hay with their little tunnels and slides (other side): 
And of course this quaint little colorful train:
There are other fun spots for kids to get dirty (and tired!): go in here…
… come out here: 
Or try this one:
We really had an amazing time and judging by the eager faces around us, so did the other patrons.
About an hour’s drive from our Chicago suburb, this fun Farm in Wisconsin is also close (about 15minutes) to the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlet Mall in Kenosha, where we headed next for some shopping, browsing and a Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate. In all, we had a great day and we made lovely memories. Delightful Farm, delicious apples, splendid weather, being outdoor and some exercise thrown in- it was a blast!
Did anyone else pick apples this Fall? Let me know where you went and what was your favorite part. Now off to munch on an apple-dominated fruit salad! 
September 25, 2017
Monday Motivation
Parenthood: always On!
September 22, 2017
Brag! – Book Review
Today’s post is all about bragging. Or more accurately, the wonderful book by Peggy Klaus: ‘Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It!’
I love how the book explains the significance of bragging; the importance of speaking about ourselves favorably in moments when it matters the most. She also expounds that the instances when we must talk about ourselves and our achievements are often unexpected and short. Hence, it is vital that we practice for these sudden and tiny windows of opportunities by having a range of recent and relevant introductions and ‘brag bites‘.
The book begins with a chapter on ‘Bragging Myths‘. My favorites are ‘A Job well done speaks for Itself‘, ‘Good girls Don’t Brag‘ and ‘Brag is a Four Letter Word‘. The author debunks these and more and builds the case for self-promotion.
From elevator rides to networking events, casual rides to parties, school corridors (so what if you’re dropping off a kid or godchild or even your relative who works there- I’ve done all!) to shopping lines, who knows whom you might spot? A friend, a colleague, boss, customer, lead, influencer. And that is why you need a repertoire of ‘bragalogues’ and ‘brag bites’ as the writer calls it. I loved how she cites examples of snippets to use and keep handy for such impromptu moments in her chapter ‘The Business of Bragging In and Out of Office‘.
The author has an excellent tool to start filling our ‘Brag Bags‘. It can be downloaded from her site here. I personally found it extremely useful.
This book does not ask readers to simply tell tall tales about themselves. Instead it helps readers practice putting their best foot forward and simply craft their genuine accomplishments and expertise into a better, more effective and compelling story. Indeed, the chapter ‘Brag Nags‘ cautions against common pitfalls like going overboard, incorrectly gauging audience mood and sentiment and being outdated or boring while the chapter ‘Twelve Tooting Tips‘ contains useful advice such as staying authentic, being able to back our claims with results, conversing and not spouting a barrage of brags.
This book was published in 2004 but it is relevant and practical even today. Consider the chapter on ‘TechnoBrag: tooting in the 21st century‘. Author Peggy Klaus shares techniques for bragging while working remotely and how to build stronger relationships with virtual ties. Performance Reviews has a dedicated chapter with strategies to successfully navigate what is usually a painful chore for most of us. And what if you’re not employed or still a student or even a SAHM/D? The book has you covered with the chapter ‘When You Don’t Have a “Real” Job‘.
I really enjoyed this book for its relevance and practicality. The examples and conversational style of writing kept me engaged from start to finish. This was one of the books on my ‘Business and Leadership Books by Women‘ list and I am inspired by the content. Definitely five stars from me!
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Books, Business, Goodreads, Leadership, Networking, Peggy Klaus, self help, Technology, Women
