#and Jay shows up to satiate fans who miss him

[ladyelainehilfur]

How do you feel about Lookism? I have been currently reading it and it is good so far! It is ending soon though.

I used to be a huge Lookism fan a few years ago! My brothers had to convince me to read it because I couldn't get past the unpleasant early art style the first few times. But once I started, I couldn't stop. Daniel was such an interesting protagonist, the cast was funny, the plot was intriguing, and everything was so heartfelt. I even cried a few times.

However, I decided to quit reading after the Hostel arc. My favorite part of Lookism were the character centric stories, like Jay donating things because it'd make Daniel happy, Zack and Mirae taking care of the lost baby, and Zoey growing out of her materialism and getting to like Little Daniel for who he was. I even enjoyed Goo coming from the woodwork to fight for younger Vasco! I really liked Gun and Goo.

The Hostel arc with Eli, Oli, and the fam was emotional as well, but I had to bow out because Oli's death took a toll on the lightheartedness of the story and it became clear to me PTJ was taking the webtoon in a gang-oriented direction I simply wasn't interested in.

I just wanted to see Daniel overcome his bullies, make new friends, and figure out where the second body came from. I still occasionally check to see if any of my interests have been resolved, but I usually get upset seeing all the insane, and frankly, inhuman fights between the alleged teenagers in that series. Sometimes I don't mind genre swaps midseries, but yeah, someone hit me up when DG or the chairman finally tell us where the second body came from.

[rmtrailblazer2-blog]

Locked Down, But not Out :)

PM Modi addressed the entire Indian Nation to announce the 21 day Lock down on 24th March, 2020 to curb the spread of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the country. 

Praised as a proactive and courageous  move by the WHO, what caught my attention the most in PM Modi’s emphatic speech was him uttering the line, “Jaan Hai, Toh Jahan Hai” (If there’s Life, then there’s the World) , truly bringing out the Indian element in the address. I somehow fall for leaders/organizations who can not only connect with the World by having a global presence, but also retain their core  Indian values in the way they talk and carry themselves/execute their businesses. 

As a 31 yr old who leads a busy life with work occupying her completely during the weekdays, I do miss my weekends and the pleasure of going out to shop, watch a movie, meet people once in a while, simply to break the monotony of my everyday life. Modi’s mandate had to be abided by sincerely and we being educated Indians were simply not supposed to defy the rules. 

But I have to admit, ever since the Lock Down was announced, outdoors have been badly missed and I feel seeing through this time requires each one of us (all classes of society, the privileged, less privileged and under-privileged alike) to be at the peak of their positivity. Additionally, the privileged and the slightly less privileged mass who are not dealing with survival issues (i.e. the basic roti, kapda aur makaan), should see this time as an “opportunity” rather than a “crisis”. 

I have no qualms in admitting that during the initial days of the Lock Down, I were a mess...Seemed I had no purpose, was just seeing through the day, merely eating, sleeping, bloating and repeating, Sigh !  Going out to buy grocery to stay alive and  manage three proper meals a day was seemingly an ordeal. My sleep pattern went for a toss, there was a lot of anxiety and frustration building up within to binge eat and I must share that I did not disappoint myself :P New flavors of Baskin Robbins were tasted and relished by me for the first time (Cotton Candy, World Class Chocolate et al) . I was so disappointed personally that I needed to watch some light-hearted and re-assuring web series online....I resorted to “Life Sahi Hai 2″ ; good, light comedy series available on #Zee5. #SiddhantChaturvedi’s fans should seriously watch SEASON 1...That was one show which might have been his ticket to Bollywood. 

What was hurting me the maximum was some pain in my right ear (diagnosed as Acute Ottitis Media), my inability to meet and bond with people in person (I am not the phone/whatsapp kind), family members being at different locations and being in a new job and not being fully functional...I guess the last bit was hurting the most. 

5 days down, acceptance and optimism took over all of a sudden. My mood and feelings changed for the better when “ One Single Step” for Richa and “One Giant Leap” for Richa herself, happened. The moment I got some money credited into my account, I knew it was about time to register myself for something that I truly like and have been deferring since a long time. If not NOW, then WHEN. One attempt of up-skilling through a certification and the subsequent registration, followed by online education, filled me with a lot of enthusiasm and optimism. And thereafter, there was no looking back. I started collaborating with my flatmate to share the kitchen and the household load, firm in my resolve that I won’t give in to junk food during the remaining Lock Down phase and go abso-fucking-lutely “Binge Free”. 

Now when I look back at the last 9 days, I shall always remember this time of my life as a phase which taught me a lot and gave me an opportunity to sit back and introspect....Social Media and Technology, both being held notoriously responsible for blowing this Pandemic out of proportions and instilling too much fear in everyone’s minds, has been a “Boon” rather than a “Bane” during this time. Going through interesting blogs and inspirational messages on different social media platforms, not to forget watching so many workout videos (PS.....I agree with someone who mentioned that he has never seen these many workout videos in his lifetime as compared to the no. he viewed in the last 15 odd days), the “Bingo” Bandwagon doing the rounds (some of the most popular brands sticking to the trend and getting all creative), people not only playing Quarantine Games but even branding them to suit this time and age (#Quarantakshari...was one such game which was being played by Indian celebrities on Instagram), being able to connect with an old and dear friend who is located “Saat Samundar Paar” through WhatsApp. Mind you, an international call with a friend located overseas would not have been possible, ten years ago, had any such crisis hit the human race. So many reasons to be thankful and grateful, I thought out loud to myself. 

I am additionally trying to catch up on my reading, satiate my appetite for good visual content online by resorting to watch some yesteryear classics and also doing away with extras in my wardrobe. 

The PM, again in one of his addresses, mentioned that “Corona has to fought with Karuna (empathy)” .....Once again I was mesmerized to hear these words from the charismatic and eloquent orator that Modi is. Also, I am extremely glad to see celebrities and the privileged masses of the nation coming together to contribute to PM Cares Funds and other state level CM Funds. 

However, I shall contribute in my own capacity, with a realization that I have had personally while living through the last fortnight, Locked Down. One’s Smile which is a result of hope and optimism that shines through one’s being, is indeed one’s hope to stay alive and survive during these uncertain times. PM Modi, I would additionally go ahead on record and say, “Agar Jaan aur Muskaan dono Hai, Toh Jahan Hai”...Jai Hind !