JOY IS THIS!

Adapted from Joy - RD version


COMMITMENT
'People who commit to relationships are much happier than those who don't. That's why married people are happier than those who just live together. When people commit to something that's expensive or difficult to get out of, they report feeling happier. My girlfriend and I had been living together for a dozen years, and those findings seemed so clear to me that I went home and proposed. Now we're married, and I do love my wife more than I loved my girlfriend, even though she's the same person. Commitment isn't just a sign of love; it's a cause of love.'

LITTLE THINGS
'To increase happiness, worry less about big, big sources of joy and find a steady stream of small sources. When I came to Harvard, if you'd said, ‘Name the three greatest sources of your happiness,' I might have said, ‘The students, the resources, and the faculty.' Now I would put walking to and from work very high on the list. Do I get ecstasy from walking to work? No, but it's a pleasure that happens reliably twice a day, every day. When good things happen a lot, over time it changes your life.'

HANG IN THERE
'Psychologists would have you believe that people are a field of fragile flowers who need to visit a therapist when their shoelaces break. The reality is, people are quite strong, much stronger than they themselves realize. One piece of advice I give people who have just experienced hardship is to just hang on. Let time do what time does well. You'll be surprised in a year and see how much better you are.'

GO TO CHURCH (OR SOMEWHERE)
'Churchgoers are happier than non-churchgoers, but not for the reasons people expect. Our best indication is that it's not the religion part that makes people happy. It's the going-to-church part. It's the community part. It's the holding hands and singing. It's the knowing-folks-who-would-bring-you-soup-if-you-got-sick part. Odds seem to me pretty good that you could also get all the benefits out of a really tight stamp-collecting club.'

GIVING
'(A recent study) showed that when people were given money to spend, those who spent it on others were happiest. Giving is literally a joy. If you want to feel better about your day, buy the guy in back of you at Starbucks a cup of coffee. Watch the look on his face. That's a long-lasting hit of happiness for you. You'll get your $1.85 back, I guarantee it.'

INVEST IN EXPERIENCES
'Experience is almost always a greater determinant of happiness than things are. We want the new car and believe it will bring us happiness. Meanwhile, the vacation seems like a splurge. But if you're going on vacation, odds are somebody's going with you. And when we are connected well to others, we feel most happy. A vacation also creates lasting memories. A car? It sits in the driveway, gets old and rusts, looks worse than the neighbor's, and starts causing you dissatisfaction rather than satisfaction.'

10 Characteristics of Debt-Free People

By Len Penzo, MoneyTalksNews.com /Credits to RD

In today’s economy, avoiding debt can be particularly tricky. Here are 10 characteristics of people living with no debt.

1. They’re detail-oriented
People who are in a good financial position always pay close attention to their personal finances. They know how much they earn, and they keep track of how much they spend, and where every penny goes. Because they’ve got a good handle on the state of their personal finances, they are less likely to buy something they can’t afford.
2. They realize debt is a mortgage on their future
Some people say debt is a form of indentured servitude, where we end up sacrificing our future earnings in exchange for instant gratification. Financially savvy people understand that, in most cases, such a trade will end up being trouble later.
3. They’re pragmatic
More often than not, people who are debt-free are also practical. Because they are practical, they understand the meaning of value. For example, a car is often looked at merely as a means to get from point A to point B, so why buy a Lexus when a Corolla will do? In the same vein, why pay double for designer jeans that will last just as long as the no-name alternatives? Such a philosophy even stretches to the grocery store, where name-brand items often give way to their store-brand counterparts.
4. They’re self-reliant
Most people who work hard to maintain a life of financial freedom take pride in being self-reliant. To that aim, they make sure they always live within their means, and save as much money as they can for a rainy day or when times get lean.
5. They aren’t addicted to shopping
We all know there are people out there who get a high on spending money, whether they have it or not. While not physically destructive like a drug or alcohol addiction, an uncontrolled shopping habit will make it virtually impossible to remain debt-free.
6. They’re patient
People who are debt-free didn’t get there because they were impulsive shoppers, or always looking for instant gratification. If the money for something wasn’t in the budget, then they saved their money and waited.
7. They’re self-confident
Because they refuse to let their self-worth be defined by their possessions, the financially free never feel any pressure to spend money in order to try and keep up with the Joneses. Those who are debt-free understand that their status in life is more accurately conveyed by self-confidence, rather than dubiously deceptive displays of wealth.
8. They realize credit cards are a double-edged sword
People who are in control of their personal finances aren’t afraid of credit cards. In fact, they embrace them. And while the financially savvy understand the incredible benefits that credit cards provide their owners, they also know that if they fail to pay them off in full at the end of each month, they will pay a heavy price. This knowledge fosters a healthy respect that keeps their credit cards from being abused.


9. They believe in personal responsibility
Financially responsible people refuse to make excuses. If they lose their job, they know it’s their responsibility to have a rainy day fund in place – and if they don’t, they’ve got no one to blame but themselves. Short of an unforeseen catastrophic medical issue or natural disaster, they also understand that when it comes to living within one’s means, they are in complete control of their own destiny.
10. They’re not materialistic
The pursuit of expensive toys and other possessions can certainly make life more luxurious. But at what cost? It may sound cliché, but most people who are debt-free understand better than most that money cannot buy lasting happiness. As such, they often tend to live simpler lives that focus on the joys of family, rather than the accumulation of material possessions.

Top 19 Free Android Apps for your smartphone. Some are worth paying!

The Android Market is a nightmare to navigate compared with the iTunes App Store. Some of the Google Android Apps comes free and as standard installation, like the Google Search and Google Maps. For instance:

• Google Search (free) is a huge time saver, thanks to the voice-search function. Eg.Ask it for Wikipedia entries and it fetches. Speak the name of a retailer and it finds the nearest location. 
• Google Maps (also free) , provides good turn by turn guidance.

Here is a list of top Android Apps, including mostly free ones. Hope you will find this definitely worthwhile to use. 

1. GOOGLE SHOPPER (FREE) As mentioned in last week’s column, this app can save you hundreds of dollars by helping you find better prices nearby or online. Scan a bar code and the app takes it from there. If the scan doesn’t work, you can speak the product’s name and the app finds the product.
2. GOOGLE SKY MAP (FREE) Some serious eye candy that you’ll want to activate on the next cloudless night. Point your device toward the heavens and Sky Map puts a label on every celestial body you see — and some you can’t.
3. REMOTEDROID (FREE) Turns your phone into a wireless trackpad and mouse. You might not want to use the tiny keypad to input text, but if your computer lacks a trackpad — or if you’d like to liberate your trackpad from its spot — this will make your day.
4. CARDIOTRAINER (FREE) Arguably better than any fitness app on the iPhone, CardioTrainer is an Android-only program that tracks your fitness regimen and calorie consumption. It includes a music management feature to keep your workout tunes fresh.
5. SOUNDHOUND (FREE AND $5) It’s Android’s best showoff app after Sky Map. Open SoundHound and it identifies nearly any song — even some you hum. It also finds lyrics and YouTube videos of song performances. The $5 version lets you identify an unlimited number of tunes. Users of the free version get five songs a month.
6. EVERNOTE (FREE) Can’t afford a personal assistant? This will help. Evernote is a mobile notepad that synchronizes with desktop and browser software (also free). Use your smartphone to take a photo, record a voice memo or jot down a note, and the next time you open Evernote on your desktop computer, your mobile notes appear (and vice versa). The free version stores a fair amount of information, but $45 a year buys unlimited storage.
7. URBANSPOON (FREE) Great for those with empty stomachs, full wallets and no ideas. Spin Urbanspoon’s slot machine and it offers restaurant suggestions. You can also choose certain attributes — like moderate prices and bistro food — and selections appear. The app includes reviews, contact information, maps and directions.
8. QUICKOFFICE MOBILE SUITE ($10) You can read Word, Excel or Powerpoint documents on an Android phone, but you can’t edit them without dedicated apps. Quickoffice is, so far, the best of these apps. It lets you create documents in a pinch, but the app’s strength is letting you get bits of work done away from the office.
9. SLACKER (FREE) You’ve most likely heard of Pandora, the great personalized radio service. Slacker is better, with a deeper catalog of songs. And unlike the Web version, you can download hours of music to your phone and listen when you are offline. (That feature is free to try, but a $4 monthly fee applies thereafter.)
10. FXCAMERA (FREE) Android doesn’t have anything quite like Hipstamatic, the iPhone app that creates beautiful effects for your photos. FxCamera is close, with several cool filters to choose from, and quick sharing to Facebook.

Image courtesy: Taranfx.com. Also, giving due courtesy to NYtimes and my android friends and fans who reviewed the same, honorable Mention also to the following apps:

1. Glympse (free; open the app, hit a couple of buttons and Glympse lets a friend temporarily track your location); 
2. Angry Birds (free; not as slick as the iPhone version); 
3. Weather Channel (free; offers better forecasts than your phone’s standard weather app); 
4. Epicurious (free; find professionally tested recipes, with reviews and shopping lists — the free BigOven app is also very good); 
5. FlightTrack ($5; track any flight and get delay forecasts, seat suggestions and gate information); 
6. Yelp (free; find local services, restaurants and bars, including reviews); 
7. Layar (free; see customized information about your surroundings);
8. Qik (free; broadcast live video from your phone to a Web site) ; 
9. DroidLight (free; it’s a flashlight, a strobe light or a message board in a crowded club — indispensable).

Let me know by writing in your comments and user experience. Also give any new apps to try.

12 tips for your work life balance and quality family time with your spouse and children

People are successful, when they have the flexibility to meet the demands of their professional lives and accomplish personal goals outside their offices.True work-life balance is dynamic and needs conscious actions after identifying your priorities. There is no one formula that works for all people at all times.

If you are looking to achieve better work-life balance, one place you can start is by being clear about your first priorities in life and setting healthy and effective boundaries.

1. Family holidays in a relaxed environment for working parents is a must: People coming from traditional agricultural families or first white-collar generation woould not realise this easily. Given half a chance, they packup for their native place or to visit their relatives and families, especially for the working class in upcoming metropolitan cities in Asian countries like India, Japan and China.This is needed for your duties and obligations, however maynot work well as a quality time and justice for your spouse and children. Do plan kid friendly family holidays where you could unwind out of ALL responsibilities, play with children and rejuvenate your intimacy with the partner. Every quarter you could do this in a small way over weekends and mandatorily once in a year at a good place. Do allocate budget for this and this will go a long way in work life balance. Entire family will comeback relaxed, fresh with ideas and a supportive family bond, which will help you in your work :)
2. Daily evening family prayer time, irrespective of your religion and faith: It is a simple truth that the family who eats and pray together, will stay together.I had observed this strongly studying across different generation and type of family with varied religions. Ensure that this prayer time is short and meaningful,to keep interest and to have it regular.You could also utilise this time to hear the major activities, issues and achievements of family members as well as children's demonstration of talent and acquired skills like dance, recitation etc. 
3. All family members eat together, possibly every day or atleast in a week:Quality time,which is a must to be prioritised.Even small kids can help set the table, clear dishes, or take out the trash cans to the curb.A great time, to pass on the manners, values, healthy lifestyle, family recipes and traditions.
4. Involve in family games and play together: Children learn from you as well as from the games on how to take life head on in a sportive fashion. Heard of "all for one and one for all" as said for "we're family!"? Encourage your kids to support each other's activities and endeavors.
5. Cut the TV time and plan it for kids and adults alike: Many parents find TV as an easy option to get the troublesome kids away for a while. Long TV times will affect the child's concentration. You will be surprised to find the quality time available for family, once a clear schedule for TV time is agreed.
6. Cut the Games, Internet Browsing and Work at home time: Be it the addictive social networking sites or games for children as well as adults. It will make you healthy as well as have a suitable lifestyle.
7. Assign family responsibilities to all members: If everyone in the family is participating in some type of activity, then general household chores may be harder to get accomplished due to lack of time.Have a family meeting and explain that in order to do these enrichment activities/sports/music, everyone will have to pitch in to make sure the clothes still get washes, dishes done, and table cleared. If you set expectations up front, any grumbling will be minimized.
8. Plan and create a family time say family party or family night: You can create memories to last a lifetime. Whether it's eatout together movie night, take-out night , game night, or a family walk night, the key is that a night each week is designated for together time. Relax...and talk with each other! You might be surprised the things you learn from your kids on your special night. Apart from impromptu romps with your spouse, do agree on a mutually convenient time for intimacy. This will help especially the husbands, if not the wife to gratify their personal and sexual needs on a regular fashion.
9. Plan and invite your child's friends home for a party: Celebrate occassions like birthday, awards, school functions etc with your child's friends. You will have maximum memorable time as well getting to know your childrens friends and their attitude and behaviour.Letting kids "hang out" at your place gives you valuable insight into what interests and motivates your own child as well as understanding the "crowd" he or she is associating with. For younger kids, an hour or two with a friend can teach sharing, responsibility, taking turns, and other traits through actual learning and experiences.
10. Think your priorities before making commitments for extra activities: More and more activities are emphasizing additional practices and time requirements in today's competitive world. You as the parent have to decide if a particular activity is appropriate for your child. Options for time-pressed families is to sign kids up for a suitable clubs and academies.Do signup only for suitable time period to avoid stress. Go for demanding Jobs, but select an employer organisation which allows you flexibility in individual career and personal lives of employees. 
11. Watch for signs of being overextended and adjust schedules as needed: If your kid's grades starting plummeting or you get a note that your child is not able to concentrate in school, you may be asking too much of them. Keep in mind a child's age, personality, and true interest in making decisions.
12. Plan simply a free and relaxed time with family: This is simple and work wonders. Let it be a sunday or even an unplanned holiday. Just be at home or go to a nearby park. Don't forget that many child experts indicate that free time for play and social interaction can be better for a child's development than too many organized or structured activities.This will help you observe and find out what your children's interest and dreams are rather than what is yours for them!

In the fast moving life, there are many pressures that new-age couples have to deal with- running a home, doing daily chores like cooking/cleaning, raising children and handle the tight deadlines at work! Ever wondered how the 21st century couples can deal with all this? How can they divide their daily work, make sure their children get the right amount of attention and time and also be productive at work? As per a report from TOI, today, technology not just makes your life easy and simple, but also brings a work-life balance. There are many working couples, who constantly stay connected on mobile Internet- using email, social networking websites as well as use gadgets like network enabled Femto and spy camera devices at home. 

Image courtesy to: eHarmony,iabc,vorwerk

Majority of women prefer working part-time so that they can spend maximum time with their kids and build a strong foundation for them, according to a study by industry body Assocham.Nearly 56 percent women said working from home is an ideal situation for them, while 16 percent of them said they would prefer to work full-time. The chamber has surveyed over 4,500 working couples in Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Chennai.The survey reveals that out of ten, seven working women said that they would prefer part-time work and would not opt for a full-time job.

It is said that there are also differences in the way working moms and at home moms assess their role as parents. Mothers working full-time give themselves slightly lower ratings as parents, on an average, than mothers employed part-time.There are many working couples who leave their infants in the hands of a nanny. They constantly worry whether their children are safe at home. In this scenario, it becomes of prime importance to install spy cameras, which can keep an eye in their home.


Family first is the motto and to make it work have other priorities adjusted. Blood is thicker than water! Cherish and nurture it well! 


Best Wishes for a wonderful family life and quality family time! Do write in your comments and share your valuable experiences to fellow readers.

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Speeding ?!.See this and then do it!

About speeding. This informative video will change your attitude!

Remember reading that driving in 30km and hitting a stationary object is like falling from first floor, and every additional floor impact for a 10km ++ increase.

Speed Thrills But Kills! Be mindful!