Category: Random/Personal

  • My 5 Month Beard Growth Journey

    Beard is a symbol of strength. But in India, beards are associated with dullness and sickness, at least in the region where I live.

    I’ve always wanted to grow a beard since my childhood. I neither had the patience nor the resources to grow a healthy beard.

    Ever since I watched Eric Bandholz talk about the power beard I wanted to grow my beard. So I decided to give it a try. On April 21, 2024 I trimmed my beard to 0.5mm and began from there.

    Five months have passed and I’m happy with my commitment. Over time, I learnt to avoid harmful chemicals and included only organic coconut oil in my beard care routine.

    With essentials oils, I make my own beard scent that not only smells great but also helps beard nourished. My wife loves the scent of my beard.

    If you’re looking to grow out a beard I suggest you give it a try.

    Live bearded!

    Beard growth stages
  • Bearded Vs. Clean Shaved: What’s The Right Choice For You?

    Some people look great with beard. Some look handsome when clean shaved. How do you know which one will make your more attractive?

    One way to figure out is to click pictures and compare your looks side-by-side. But what if there’s a guideline that you can simply lean to.

    Well, a study by Dixson outlines that when you’ve a well defined jawline, you can pull off with a clean shaven look. On the contrary, if a strong jawline isn’t your strength, you can look great with a full beard.

  • The 16/8 Eating Method: Why You Should Give it a Try

    What is 16/8 Eating Method?

    The 16/8 method, also known as intermittent fasting or Time Restricted Feeding (TRF), is a popular eating pattern that involves fasting for 16 hours each day and restricting eating to an 8-hour window. An ideal eating window shall be 11 AM to 7 PM. During the fasting window, you can consume water or black coffee (ideally, without sugar). However, you can get away with sugar as well.

    I’ve been following the 16/8 eating method since a few days. Sugar cravings have gone down. My energy levels stopped crashing too often unlike before.

    Benefits Of 16/8 Eating Method

    Weight loss: Thinking of reducing your body weight? Before you think of hitting the gym, consider the 16/8 eating method because you can significantly reduce your body weight just by restricting your feeding time.

    Cardiovascular health: TRF can effectively improve your cardiovascular healthy by reducing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. (Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting and Time-Restricted Feeding Compared to Continuous Energy Restriction for Weight Loss)

    Blood Sugar Regulation: TRF improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Thereby, reducing type 2 diabetes. (Time-restricted feeding is a preventative and therapeutic intervention against diverse nutritional challenges)

    Cancer Therapy: When you increase the fasting window, your body attains Autophagy. Autophagy is a natural cellular process that occurs in the body, involving the degradation and recycling of unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components. (The Roles of Autophagy in Cancer)

    If you are new to the 16/8 eating method, you should definitely give it a try. Your will love your body once you being to see you body transform into a new “you”.

    Today, I’m thankful to the Internet for allowing me to learn so much for FREE right from the comfort of my home.

  • Thirty Five

    No, today is not my birthday. But I will be celebrating it on September 2nd this year.

    Every time I play with my three-year-old son, I realize that I cannot keep up with his energy. For one, kids are obviously energetic. The other reason is that I’m not taking care of my body and health to keep up with the energy my kid demands.

    For almost three decades, I took little to no care of my body. I realized that the next three decades of my life will be much harder if I don’t take care of my health. I don’t know when I will take my last breath. No one does. But I like to be in my best health as long as I live. I assume you’d like to be too.

    Two weeks ago, the above realization struck my mind. Since then, I’ve made a few lifestyle changes that make me feel anew. And hence this post.

    Lifestyle Changes

    Glucose Goddess (Jessie) 10 core glucose hacks are what I’ve been following for the past couple of days. I can already see the benefits of keeping my glucose spikes to a minimum.

    I strongly recommend you listen to what Jessie has to say and implement what you see fit into your life. And you will thank me later.

    Starting this year, my wife and I emphasize and offer experiences to our kid rather than acquiring toys and other material possessions. We choose swimming sessions, dining out, and hiking over the next big car toy.

    It Is About Being And Not Having

    Until the last couple of weeks, I used to worry a lot about saving for retirement. But the summary of the book “Die With Zero” shifted my perspective. While it is still important to accumulate wealth for retirement, we must not forget to live life.

    You can be bedridden and wealthy. You can be healthy, on the pursuit of money, while living your life gathering memories. Choose what you want to be.

    Having the above understanding is quite important to steer the next three decades (God willing) of my life. I hope there was something as a takeaway for you from this blog post.

    Today, I express my gratitude to my parents and teachers whose inspiration has guided me to delve deeper into the philosophy of life. It is through their teachings that I’ve come to understand the importance of embracing knowledge and wisdom as I navigate the journey ahead.

  • 7 Minute High Intensity Workout: A Game Changer For Fathers Like Me

    Health Journey Begins

    This year, I made a pledge to prioritize my health. It all began with a small change – swapping out sugary drinks like Coke and Pepsi for soda. Gradually, I began to feel a surge in energy.

    Trying To Be More Energetic

    I experimented with calisthenics, creating workout routines with the help of ChatGPT. I was happy for a while but didn’t make much progress. The time commitment proved challenging because my dogs needed their daily walks.

    Letting Your Body Thrive

    Then, I stumbled upon an online challenge at https://heal.satvicmovement.org/. Intrigued by the challenge, my wife and I decided to give it a shot. We made adjustments to our eating habits, including embracing herbal tea. However, I soon found myself missing my regular cup of tea, which I realized was due to sugar cravings.

    Glucose Goddess

    I stumbled upon the Glucose Goddess (https://www.glucosegoddess.com/) and her insights on sugar cravings and sugar spikes. Learning to manage these spikes proved to be a game-changer, reducing cravings and amplifying my energy levels.

    Getting into Shape

    While feeling more energized was fantastic, I realized my physique wasn’t keeping pace. Time constraints ruled out hitting the gym. Then, I stumbled upon a YouTube video: 1 minute of high-intensity exercise supposedly equates to 45 minutes of jogging. Skeptical yet intrigued, I decided to delve deeper.

    Finding the High-Intensity Exercise Plan

    Researchers at McMaster University have found that a single minute of very intense exercise produces health benefits similar to longer, traditional endurance training. My quest for the perfect high intensity regimen led me to a concise warm-up routine, followed by a brief yet intense 7-minute workout tailored for men and finally, a cool down session. With this high-intensity exercise plan, I intend to shed 5 Kgs in the next 12 weeks.

    Why 12 Weeks?

    I’m currently reading the book 12 Week Year co-authored by Brian Moran. The 12 week year methodology helps you to achieve more in 12 weeks that others do in 12 months. I highly recommend reading this book.

  • In Pursuit Of Farm Labour

    On our 2.5 acre farm, we’ve been looking for farm labour since a few months now. We want not just any worker, but a whole family who wants to join us.

    The Search is On

    For several months, we’ve been on the lookout. We need a family to work and live with us on the farm.

    What We Require

    We seek a dedicated family ready to commit to farm work and life with us. The ideal candidates are eager to learn and thrive in a farming environment. It is essential that the members of the family do not indulge in smoking or drinking and are prepared to inform us when they need to leave the premises for any reason.

    We anticipate a commitment to working hours of 7 hours a day, 6 days a week, allowing for rest and family time. Adjustments to this schedule may be necessary depending on seasonal farm activities and requirements.

    Amenities

    We offer more than just a job. We provide a house with a kitchen and bathroom. The family can use the vegetables grown in the farm for cooking. Basic groceries are conveniently available right at the farm doorstep, brought in by auto-rickshaws twice a week. There’s always water and electricity. And there are good schools nearby for kids.

    Farm Responsibilities

    The joining family must align with our work calendar, dedicating themselves to the various tasks that keep our farm thriving. The work is diverse and includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

    • Natural Care: Spraying natural growth promoters and pest repellents to ensure our crops grow healthy and strong.
    • Tree Maintenance: Pruning trees to maintain their health and productivity.
    • Weed Management: Regularly de-weeding to prevent unwanted plants from taking vital nutrients.
    • Water Management: Irrigating the trees at timely intervals, ensuring they receive the right amount of water.
    • Cultural Touch: Drawing decorative art, known as Kolam, to enhance the beauty of our farm surroundings.
    • Animal Management: Shoo-ing away monkeys and peacocks. Our dogs are a great help in this task, and taking care of them, including feeding, will be an important responsibility.
    • Safety Patrol: Walking the fence entirely once a day to check for any signs of intrusion or other threats, ensuring the safety and integrity of our farm.

    We believe in working with nature and animals harmoniously, and the family that joins us will play a crucial role in this balance. Our dogs are not just pets; they are part of our farm’s ecosystem, helping to maintain order and protect the crops. A love for animals and nature is essential for this role, as is the willingness to embrace the full spectrum of farm life.

    Farm Location

    The farm is located in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.

    Salary

    While we adhere to the labour laws and minimum wage regulations outlined in the Minimum Wages Act of 1948, we believe in offering a package that goes beyond. For a single member of the family working with us, we provide a competitive salary ranging from INR 10,500/- to INR 13,500/- per month. If both partners contribute their labour, the combined monthly income increases to a range of INR 18,000/- to INR 22,500/-

    Contact

    If you know a family who might be interested, please call us at +91 63857 38399. Help us find a family ready to grow with us.


    பண்ணை வேலைக்கான தேடல்

    எங்கள் 2.5 acre பண்ணையில் தங்கி பணியாற்ற விரும்பும் பணியாட்களை குறிப்பாக குடும்பமாக தங்கி பணியாற்ற விரும்பும் வேலை ஆட்களை நாங்கள் தேடி வருகிறோம்.

    எங்களின் எதிர்பார்ப்பு

    பண்ணை வேலையில் ஆர்வம் கொண்டிருக்க வேண்டும். மது மற்றும் புகை பழக்கம் இருத்தல் கூடாது. ஏதேனும் காரணத்திற்காக பண்ணையை விட்டு செல்ல நேர்ந்தால் அலைபேசி மூலமாகவோ அல்லது முன்கூட்டியே அறிவிக்க வேண்டும்.

    நாங்கள் ஒரு வாரத்திற்கு 6 நாட்கள், ஒரு நாளைக்கு 7 மணி நேர வேலை செய்ய உறுதியளிப்பை எதிர்பார்க்கிறோம். இது ஓய்வு மற்றும் குடும்ப நேரத்திற்கான வாய்ப்பை வழங்கும். பருவகால வேளாண்மை நடவடிக்கைகள் மற்றும் தேவைகளைப் பொறுத்து இந்த அட்டவணை சில சமயங்களில் மாற்றியமைக்கப்பட வேண்டியிருக்கும்

    வசதிகள்

    சமையல் திட்டுடன் கூடிய வீடு வசதி உண்டு. தண்ணீர் மற்றும் மின்சார வசதி உண்டு. மேலும் பண்ணையில் உற்பத்தி செய்யும் காய்கறிகளை சமையலுக்கு பயன்படுத்திக் கொள்ளலாம். வாரம் இரு முறை, மளிகை பொருட்கள் விற்பனை செய்யும் ஆட்டோக்கள் பண்ணை வாசலிலே  நிற்கும். குழந்தைகள் படிக்க அரசு பள்ளிகளும் அருகில் உண்டு.

    வேலை பொறுப்புகள்

    உற்பத்தி மற்றும் பணம் ஈட்டும் வேலைகளில் ஈடுபட வேண்டும்.

    • பராமரிப்பு: பயிர்களுக்கு மற்றும் மரங்களுக்கு வளர்ச்சி ஊக்கி மற்றும் பூச்சி விரட்டிகள் தெளித்தல் வேண்டும்.
    • மர பயிர்கள் பராமரிப்பு: உரிய நேரத்தில் கவாத்து செய்தல் வேண்டும்.
    • கலை மேலாண்மை: சீரான இடைவெளியில் களை எடுத்தல் வேண்டும்.
    • நீர் மேலாண்மை: சீரான இடைவெளியில் பயிர்களுக்கு நீர் பாய்ச்சுதல் வேண்டும்.
    • கலாச்சாரம்: இருக்கும் இடத்தை சுத்தமாக வைத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்.  கோலமிடுதல் வேண்டும்.
    • கால்நடைகள் மேலாண்மை: மயில் மற்றும் குரங்குகள் இடையூறு செய்ய இருப்பின் அவற்றை துரத்தல் வேண்டும். பண்ணையில் வளரும் நாய்களுக்கு உணவளித்தல் வேண்டும்.
    • பாதுகாப்பு சுற்றுக்காவல்(ரோந்து): வேலியை சுற்றி ஒரு நாளில் ஒரு முறையாவது கவனித்தல் வேண்டும். ஊடுருவல் இல்லாத வகையில் பாதுகாப்பை மேம்படுத்த வேண்டும்.

    பண்ணை இருக்கும் இடம்

    சேலம் மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள அயோத்தியாபட்டினம் வட்டத்துக்கு  உட்பட்ட பகுதியில் உள்ளது.

    ஊதியம் (சம்பளம்)

    குடும்பத்தில் ஒருவர் மட்டும் வேலை பார்த்தால் ரூ. 10,500/- முதல் – ரூ. 13,500/- வரை வழங்கப்படும். குடும்பத்தில் இருவரும் வேலை பார்க்கும் பட்சத்தில் ரூ. 18,000/- முதல் – ரூ. 22,500/- வரை வழங்கப்படும்.

    தொடர்புக்கு

    தங்களுக்கோ அல்லது தெரிந்த குடும்பங்களுக்கு ஆர்வம் இருப்பின் +91 63857 38399 என்ற என்னை தொடர்பு கொள்ளவும்.

  • Why I Won’t Buy Narasu’s Products Anymore?

    Today, I want to share an incident that completely changed my perspective on Narasu’s, a brand I had once admired. It all started when the daughter of the person claiming to be the owner of Narasu’s had a collision with my SUV.

    Naturally, I expected a sense of responsibility from the person involved. So, I politely approached them and asked if they could repair the damages caused to my vehicle. To my surprise, they outright refused, showing no concern for the inconvenience caused.

    What shocked me even more was the person’s inappropriate behavior and haughty attitude. They boasted about their status as the owner of Narasu’s, as if that entitled them to evade any accountability. I couldn’t help but question their moral character.

    In my opinion, a mistake is a mistake, regardless of a person’s social status or reputation. It was disheartening to witness their complete disregard for taking responsibility for their actions. This incident revealed their true colors and left me with a bitter taste.

    As a result, I have made the decision to distance myself from Narasu’s products altogether. It’s not just about the incident itself, but rather the lack of integrity demonstrated by the person who claims to be the owner. I believe that supporting a brand goes beyond its products; it also involves aligning with its values and principles.

    While it’s unfortunate that one person’s actions can tarnish the reputation of a brand, it’s crucial to stand up for what we believe in. In this case, I choose to prioritize character and accountability over any product association.

    So, goodbye Narasu’s. I’m moving on, seeking alternatives that align better with my values. It’s a reminder that a single incident can have a lasting impact on consumer trust. Let’s remember to hold companies accountable for the character they represent, both in their products and in their actions.

  • Celebrating 5 Years with My Toyota Etios Liva

    It’s been five whole years since I bought my beloved Toyota Etios Liva back in 2018. I thought it was the perfect time to reflect on my journey with this car and share my thoughts with you.

    First and foremost, I can proudly say that my Toyota Etios Liva has aged like fine wine. Even after 5 years and clocking over 53,000 kilometers, this car still feels as good as new. It’s a testament to Toyota’s commitment to quality and durability. I am thoroughly impressed with how well it has held up over the years.

    Speaking of durability, let me share something truly remarkable. My Toyota Etios Liva has been a lifesaver for my family, not just once, but twice! The braking of this car truly shone during two separate incidents, protecting us from accidents. I can’t express enough gratitude for that.

    Another thing that continues to bring me joy is the sound of the engine. It’s like music to my ears, even after all these years. The engine purrs with such grace and power, making every drive a delightful experience. The D-4D engine from Toyota is truly unmatched, delivering both performance and efficiency.

    I must also mention the outstanding service I’ve received from Toyota. They have always been prompt, professional, and genuinely caring. From regular maintenance to addressing any concerns I had, their customer service has been exceptional.

    I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another Toyota in the future. The reliability and overall satisfaction I’ve experienced with my Etios Liva makes me a loyal customer.

    I’m looking forward to another five years with my Toyota Etios Liva. With Toyota’s commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, I know I can rely on them to continue providing exceptional vehicles.

    So here’s to my Toyota Etios Liva and all the wonderful memories it has given me. Cheers to Toyota and their remarkable craftsmanship!

  • A Joyous Celebration: Our Son’s Birthday

    Celebrating my son’s birthday is something that I look forward to every year. I want to cherish every minute that the Almighty grants me with him. I would like to make myself available for my son whenever he needs me. Because, parental presence is something that I missed in my childhood. I can’t complain my parents but their nature of work, because they did their best in raising me. Everything best in me is because of their efforts.

    Our day began with decorating the house. The decoration looks so inept. But what matters is that I’m learning to become a better decorator and a better dad 😉

    We play Tic Tac Toe, ride bicycle, watch birds from our balcony, enjoy watching animation movies and wash our cars together.

    We ordered a custom made cake from New Henry Wolsey.

    Later in the day, we took our families for lunch at The Cascade. The hotel has a play arena for children. The little rides in the arena was helpful to keep him accompanied while we enjoyed lunch. If you happen to visit The Cascade, do try their fried wantons chicken.

    I’m grateful to the Almighty for blessing us with such a warm and glorious day.

  • Breaking Ground: Our Family Farm To Be Featured in Tomorrow’s Newspaper!

    I’m are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Our family farm is going to be featured in tomorrow’s edition of the Dhinakaran newspaper. It is an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our passion for sustainable agriculture and the fruits of our labour.

    Situated on a picturesque plot of land spanning three acres, our farm is a thriving haven of organic goodness. We take immense pride in growing a diverse range of crops, including brinjals, okra, chillies, tomatoes, greens, and numerous local native varieties. Each plant is nurtured with care, devoid of harmful chemicals or artificial fertilizers. The result? Vibrant, flavorful produce that embodies the true essence of nature’s bounty.

    Our decision to embark on this agricultural adventure was fueled by a deep-rooted desire to provide our family with wholesome, nutritious vegetables. As our awareness grew regarding the importance of organic and sustainable practices, we realized that we could make a positive impact on our own well-being and that of our loved ones.

    It is a joy to see our efforts come to fruition not just in terms of a bountiful harvest, but also in the smiles on our family’s faces as they savor each homegrown meal. The flavors are richer, the colors more vibrant, and the satisfaction immeasurable.

    We are grateful for the support and encouragement we have received along the way. It is the love and backing of our friends and family that has fuelled our passion and kept us going, even during challenging times. And now, I’m delighted to share this milestone with all of you.

    Please keep an eye out for tomorrow’s edition of the Dhinakaran newspaper (Dhinakaran Vivasayi Malar). We are excited to see our family farm featured and hope that it will inspire others to consider sustainable living and the benefits of organic farming.

    Thank you for your unwavering support and love. We look forward to sharing this special moment with all of you.