Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man to climb Mount Everest. On May 29, 1953 he scaled the highest mountain then known to man-29,000 feet straight up. He was knighted for his efforts.
He even made American Express card commercials because of it! However, until we read his book, High Adventure, we don't understand that Hillary had to grow into this success.
You see, in 1952 he attempted to climb Mount Everest, but failed. A few weeks later a group in England asked him to address its members.
Hillary walked on stage to a thunderous applause. The audience was recognizing an attempt at greatness, but Edmund Hillary saw himself as a failure. He moved away from the microphone and walked to the edge of the platform.
He made a fist and pointed at a picture of the mountain. He said in a loud voice, Mount Everest, you beat me the first time, but I'll beat you the next time because you've grown all you are going to grow... but I'm still growing!
-Sir Edmund Hillary
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Waiting...
Its 7:15am and I stand here in the bus stop waiting for the office bus to arrive. I stand here in the same spot as I did a few years back waiting for my college bus. Little did I know then that things would change so much in 2 years; the tree under which I was standing seemed to be looking at me and smiling, perhaps the only living thing that stands as a testimony there, watching the transformation of a loud and bubbly person into a quiet professional. I wouldn't blame the professionalism for the change though. It is destiny, or may be you could call it life. Yes Life, esoteric in the true sense, for one does not understand why you meet hundreds of people everyday, work with so many, and still remain lonely.
I am now in one of the corner seats in the bus, looking out of the window watching people trying to catch up with "life"! It's an hour's journey and the only company that I generally have is the chatter of the RJ. I seldom notice the person sitting next to me, for its going to be yet another stranger or may be you could say another acquaintance. It is annoying at times when the radio is switched off, not because I am cut off from the melody (?) but because I would now be thrust with the thought of the solitary travel ahead. I can't help thinking about the short bus journeys to college, well it's a paradox to call a distance of 40 kms "short", but that is how it always seemed. A typical college day always begins in the bus with all the familiar faces; you look forward for all your friends to get in from the various stops, the reasonless giggles, the loud laughter that were stifled to avert the eyes of the lecturers and professors who would watch on us as if we were their prospective prey for the day, well as I said it was a different life then.
The pleasant memories of college are in itself good enough to save me from the misery of the bus journey. I notice that it is time for me to get down and flash my smile of acknowledgement to all the known strangers that I see as I walk towards my cubicle. A few of my project mates greet me with their morning wishes and as always, we exchange our pleasantries. Discussions
jump to the weekend plans and I wonder what I'd do over the weekend. It would be just another day staring at the mobile, wishing it would ring and bring back some wonderful moments that are now missing in life or maybe the safer option would be to come to office, for it's my new founded asylum these days. A few years back, weekends or weekdays didn't matter to me, I was always busy. I always stood doubting the authenticity of the wall clock that seemed to be in running too fast to perceive its movement. Alas, now it seems as though my clock is suffering from some kind of paralytic attack.
There is a time in life, where one needs to go ahead, leave behind all your friends and carry along only memories. You do make friends, but then you never get back the same old close ones, you do meet people who'd be so good to you that you could tell them anything and everything, but you'd not find a person, to whom you needn't say things, friends who just know you.
Occasional calls from such friends, has been the only thing that I seem to look forward to, but I cant help but notice the uneasy pause that lingers around the conversation, pause not because of the relationship, but because it is too short a duration to say everything, and of course you cannot completely rule out the paucity of words!
As I sip coffee from the ubiquitous coffee mugs, watching the drops of rain, trickling down the tinted glass panes, veiling the scenic beauty outside, I tell myself, may be there'd be a day when things change, when life offers a rewind, a recap of all the events, and I'd just have to wait.
Capricious are the ways of life, for I know there would be many who'd be able to empathize with me, ironically, even the dear ones that I miss this moment, are waiting perhaps.
I am now in one of the corner seats in the bus, looking out of the window watching people trying to catch up with "life"! It's an hour's journey and the only company that I generally have is the chatter of the RJ. I seldom notice the person sitting next to me, for its going to be yet another stranger or may be you could say another acquaintance. It is annoying at times when the radio is switched off, not because I am cut off from the melody (?) but because I would now be thrust with the thought of the solitary travel ahead. I can't help thinking about the short bus journeys to college, well it's a paradox to call a distance of 40 kms "short", but that is how it always seemed. A typical college day always begins in the bus with all the familiar faces; you look forward for all your friends to get in from the various stops, the reasonless giggles, the loud laughter that were stifled to avert the eyes of the lecturers and professors who would watch on us as if we were their prospective prey for the day, well as I said it was a different life then.
The pleasant memories of college are in itself good enough to save me from the misery of the bus journey. I notice that it is time for me to get down and flash my smile of acknowledgement to all the known strangers that I see as I walk towards my cubicle. A few of my project mates greet me with their morning wishes and as always, we exchange our pleasantries. Discussions
jump to the weekend plans and I wonder what I'd do over the weekend. It would be just another day staring at the mobile, wishing it would ring and bring back some wonderful moments that are now missing in life or maybe the safer option would be to come to office, for it's my new founded asylum these days. A few years back, weekends or weekdays didn't matter to me, I was always busy. I always stood doubting the authenticity of the wall clock that seemed to be in running too fast to perceive its movement. Alas, now it seems as though my clock is suffering from some kind of paralytic attack.
There is a time in life, where one needs to go ahead, leave behind all your friends and carry along only memories. You do make friends, but then you never get back the same old close ones, you do meet people who'd be so good to you that you could tell them anything and everything, but you'd not find a person, to whom you needn't say things, friends who just know you.
Occasional calls from such friends, has been the only thing that I seem to look forward to, but I cant help but notice the uneasy pause that lingers around the conversation, pause not because of the relationship, but because it is too short a duration to say everything, and of course you cannot completely rule out the paucity of words!
As I sip coffee from the ubiquitous coffee mugs, watching the drops of rain, trickling down the tinted glass panes, veiling the scenic beauty outside, I tell myself, may be there'd be a day when things change, when life offers a rewind, a recap of all the events, and I'd just have to wait.
Capricious are the ways of life, for I know there would be many who'd be able to empathize with me, ironically, even the dear ones that I miss this moment, are waiting perhaps.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Mungaru MaLe
My personal review
It had been a long time since I dared to watch a kannada movie in theatre. I used to prefer to stick to the local TV channels. A week or two back some of my friends mentioned about this movie "Mungaru MaLe", and they also said that its a decently shot movie with a good storyline and cinematography. When I got into more details I found that the male lead was a TV host for a comedy serial. I was quite sceptical about his acting abilities in a full fledged movie.
However after yesterdays show of Mungaaru MaLe, I feel so happy that I dint let go this movie thinking to be just one of those every-friday-releases.
The movie indeed has a very good star cast. Ganesh has belted an amazing performance. Especially the comedy+climax in the movie. Sanjana Gandhi's looks are so-so however the chemistry is very good.
Coming to the cinematography I am quite embarassed that being in Karnataka for almost 26 years now, I have never been to these places where the movie is shot. Simply amazing and breathtaking cinematography. Hats off.
Being a movie of the same concept of Boy-Meets-Girl-Falls-in-Love, this also captures the reality aspect not making it a happy-go-lucky ending. The best part of the movie is indeed the climax.
Not to give away much of the story, I would strongly recommend each and every kannadiga to go and watch this movie. Its a movie for all those loved-and-lost romeos.
Three cheers to Mano Murthy and Sonu Nigam. The 2 tracks "Anisutide.." and "Mungaaru..." are too good.
PLEASE GO AND WATCH THIS MOVIE...
It had been a long time since I dared to watch a kannada movie in theatre. I used to prefer to stick to the local TV channels. A week or two back some of my friends mentioned about this movie "Mungaru MaLe", and they also said that its a decently shot movie with a good storyline and cinematography. When I got into more details I found that the male lead was a TV host for a comedy serial. I was quite sceptical about his acting abilities in a full fledged movie.
However after yesterdays show of Mungaaru MaLe, I feel so happy that I dint let go this movie thinking to be just one of those every-friday-releases.
The movie indeed has a very good star cast. Ganesh has belted an amazing performance. Especially the comedy+climax in the movie. Sanjana Gandhi's looks are so-so however the chemistry is very good.
Coming to the cinematography I am quite embarassed that being in Karnataka for almost 26 years now, I have never been to these places where the movie is shot. Simply amazing and breathtaking cinematography. Hats off.
Being a movie of the same concept of Boy-Meets-Girl-Falls-in-Love, this also captures the reality aspect not making it a happy-go-lucky ending. The best part of the movie is indeed the climax.
Not to give away much of the story, I would strongly recommend each and every kannadiga to go and watch this movie. Its a movie for all those loved-and-lost romeos.
Three cheers to Mano Murthy and Sonu Nigam. The 2 tracks "Anisutide.." and "Mungaaru..." are too good.
PLEASE GO AND WATCH THIS MOVIE...
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Grasshopper Story
OLD VERSION...
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.
MODERN VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.
NDTV, BBC, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?
Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house. Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other grasshoppers demanding that grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter. Amnesty International and Koffi Annan criticize the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the grasshopper. The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance). Opposition MP's stage a walkout.Left parties call for "Bharat Bandh" in West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry. CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among ants and grasshoppers. Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'. Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the Prevention of Terrorism Against Grasshoppers Act [POTAGA]", with effect from the beginning of the winter. Arjun Singh makes Special Reservation for Grass Hopper in educational Insititutions & in Govt Services.
The ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV. Arundhati Roy calls it "a triumph of justice". Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'. CPM calls it the 'revolutionary resurgence of the downtrodden'. Koffi Annan invites the grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly.
Many years later...The ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi billion dollar company in silicon valley.100s of grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere in India ...As a result loosing lot of hard working ants and feeding the grasshoppers, India is still a developing country..... .
Can any one dare to bring India out of this clutches...
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.
MODERN VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.
NDTV, BBC, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?
Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house. Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other grasshoppers demanding that grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter. Amnesty International and Koffi Annan criticize the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the grasshopper. The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance). Opposition MP's stage a walkout.Left parties call for "Bharat Bandh" in West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry. CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among ants and grasshoppers. Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'. Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the Prevention of Terrorism Against Grasshoppers Act [POTAGA]", with effect from the beginning of the winter. Arjun Singh makes Special Reservation for Grass Hopper in educational Insititutions & in Govt Services.
The ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV. Arundhati Roy calls it "a triumph of justice". Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'. CPM calls it the 'revolutionary resurgence of the downtrodden'. Koffi Annan invites the grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly.
Many years later...The ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi billion dollar company in silicon valley.100s of grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere in India ...As a result loosing lot of hard working ants and feeding the grasshoppers, India is still a developing country..... .
Can any one dare to bring India out of this clutches...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A Hilarious Video!!!
This was a video shot probably unknowingly to everyone by the geek Srini. Gives a hilarious 2 min break. All the leg pulling of our dear Benne is just for fun!
Great job guys keep up the spirits and more parties to come like these.
Enjoy Maadi
Great job guys keep up the spirits and more parties to come like these.
Enjoy Maadi
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Appraisal Time!!!
Here its again, that time of the year when every small thing you did over the last 12 months makes you feel that you achieved a lot, however on the contrary the same stuff is upheld as a mistake or rather an **inefficient way** of doing the same thing, or even worse, a Mr X would have done it better. Thats the irony of life, the irony of achievements. Anyways thats how life is. No regrets, I was the one who chose to live this way.
This year is quite different. Different in many ways cos it'll be the first timeI will be appraised for something that was not set as a goal in the first place. Yes, you read that right. There was no Goals this year. So I will need to be appraised w/o goals. Whatever I tell i did will be a goal. Maybe this what we call reverse-engineering :) However had this weird thought too that the other side of the argument may be that I dint do anything at all. I guess thats why someone said documenting something as a proof is very important. Anyways God Bless Me. Hope I get some good amount of cash to take home from this year. Not that I earn peanuts now, its human nature u see :)
Thats it for now. Oh by the way if you are still wondering, I have achieved a lot this year, no way that the other person can deny it. 397 tickets in an year is not a joke u see...
But still some corner of mind I feel Business was a better option for me. I am my own appraiser there!!!
Good Bye, Chow
This year is quite different. Different in many ways cos it'll be the first timeI will be appraised for something that was not set as a goal in the first place. Yes, you read that right. There was no Goals this year. So I will need to be appraised w/o goals. Whatever I tell i did will be a goal. Maybe this what we call reverse-engineering :) However had this weird thought too that the other side of the argument may be that I dint do anything at all. I guess thats why someone said documenting something as a proof is very important. Anyways God Bless Me. Hope I get some good amount of cash to take home from this year. Not that I earn peanuts now, its human nature u see :)
Thats it for now. Oh by the way if you are still wondering, I have achieved a lot this year, no way that the other person can deny it. 397 tickets in an year is not a joke u see...
But still some corner of mind I feel Business was a better option for me. I am my own appraiser there!!!
Good Bye, Chow
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Commercialization at its heights
Had been to the Tirupathi over the weekend. All my life I have been taught that offering prayers are free. If one gets to see the politics there, its a pity. A simple example is if a person buys the normal 50/- ticket he has to wait for 24 hrs to get the Lords darshan (very much acceptable given the number of devotees pouring in). However another guy comes there with a letter from some MLA and dashes into the temple and finishes his darshan within minutes. I do not understand this discrimination. Do we need to be influential with mortals to get a chance to see GOD?
High time to ponder over this...
High time to ponder over this...
Friday, January 05, 2007
A New Begining
Off to a new start from today. Trying my hands on learning XI. Hope to be a Dev Consultant some day in the near future.
Also off tonight to have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Edukundalawada Govinda Govinda!!!
Also off tonight to have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Edukundalawada Govinda Govinda!!!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
2006 - A Recall
Just thought of going down the memory lane for 2006 and penning the same.
Had a great Year. What more can anyone ask when I had 6 trips this year. First to Kodai then Cochin, Bandipur, AaneGudda, North and Kemmanagundi. However there were a lot of upsets too on the professional side, however part of the game!!!! Hope they materialize in 2007.
Then had a surgery too in august. Again all in the game. Now all set and back to sports.
2006 also was a year when I learnt a whole lotta lessons. Made a huge number of friends. Met quite a lot of people who have made a difference in my life.
Just want to thank all those people who have stood by me and tolerated all my crap and helped me through all my tough times.
Starting the year on a fresh note and hope it brings lots of exiting events.
A Happy New Year to all the Readers.
Let the beer flow!!!!
Had a great Year. What more can anyone ask when I had 6 trips this year. First to Kodai then Cochin, Bandipur, AaneGudda, North and Kemmanagundi. However there were a lot of upsets too on the professional side, however part of the game!!!! Hope they materialize in 2007.
Then had a surgery too in august. Again all in the game. Now all set and back to sports.
2006 also was a year when I learnt a whole lotta lessons. Made a huge number of friends. Met quite a lot of people who have made a difference in my life.
Just want to thank all those people who have stood by me and tolerated all my crap and helped me through all my tough times.
Starting the year on a fresh note and hope it brings lots of exiting events.
A Happy New Year to all the Readers.
Let the beer flow!!!!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Bandeh & Badshah in Jail
Some amazing lyrics....
Bandeh
are ruk ja are thum ja
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 3
are neendein hai jakhmi
are sapne hai bhooke
ki karvat phat padegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
are mandir ye chup hai are masjid ye gumsum
ibadat thak padegi ho
samay ki lal aandhi kabristan ke raaste
are latpath chalegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
kise kafir kahega kise kayar kahega
teri kab tak chalegi ho
kise kafir kahega kise kayar kahega
teri kab tak chalegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
are mandir ye chup hai are masjid hai gumsum
ibadat thak padegi ho
samay ki lal aandhi kabristan ye raste
are latpath chalegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
are neendein hai jakhmi are sapne hai bhooke
ki karvat phat padegi ho
yeh andhi chot teri Kabhi ki sukh jaati
magar ab pak chalegi
Badshah in Jail.
Raat ki dole pe baita ek...
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Padli aaj Quran magar main....
Padli aaj Quran magar main, aayaton ko bhool gaya
Haye re maula ko dhoonde hain..hooooo
Is makdi ke jaale main
woh hi baat madeena main, jo hain baat shivale main...
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Padli aaj Quran magar main....
Padli aaj Quran magar main, aayaton ko bhool gaya
Bandeh
are ruk ja are thum ja
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 3
are neendein hai jakhmi
are sapne hai bhooke
ki karvat phat padegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
are mandir ye chup hai are masjid ye gumsum
ibadat thak padegi ho
samay ki lal aandhi kabristan ke raaste
are latpath chalegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
kise kafir kahega kise kayar kahega
teri kab tak chalegi ho
kise kafir kahega kise kayar kahega
teri kab tak chalegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
are mandir ye chup hai are masjid hai gumsum
ibadat thak padegi ho
samay ki lal aandhi kabristan ye raste
are latpath chalegi ho
are ruk ja re bandhe
are thum ja re bandhe ki kudrat has padegi ho - 2
are neendein hai jakhmi are sapne hai bhooke
ki karvat phat padegi ho
yeh andhi chot teri Kabhi ki sukh jaati
magar ab pak chalegi
Badshah in Jail.
Raat ki dole pe baita ek...
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Padli aaj Quran magar main....
Padli aaj Quran magar main, aayaton ko bhool gaya
Haye re maula ko dhoonde hain..hooooo
Is makdi ke jaale main
woh hi baat madeena main, jo hain baat shivale main...
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Raat ki dole pe baita ek bandha rota jhool gaya
Padli aaj Quran magar main....
Padli aaj Quran magar main, aayaton ko bhool gaya
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
My First Love
Moving on in Life!!
Cherie
I dont believe in Love at First Sight. Valmiki might insist that it happened, but i have a sneaking suspicion that both Rama and Seetha did have some previous run-ins before they eventually did the "He looks, She looks, Love happens" thing. Maybe that is why when we met for the very first time in college, i dont think i even noticed her again.
There are others who look better, no questions asked. But isnt beauty something that has to do with the beholder's eyes ?? Does she probably stand out of the rest in other areas ?? Definitely not on first look. One had to be with her to know that what she looks like is not necessarily how she is. After the usual initial hiccups, we suprisingly got along just fine and the times we have had, they were just about brilliant. Long trips with the chill air right on the face, no one else around, just the two of us. Boy, I reckon those were the times when i wanted to shout "I am The King of The World", but silently let it go coz it was too cliched.
There was this one time when someone said maybe i should start looking for a change. What shook me was when even my best friends said i need to move on. How would they not know about us ?? We had been together all along in time. When the roads were dark, she gave me light, when the path to my home was bumpy, she carried me through. When there were ups and downs all along, she stayed with me, never complaining even a bit. They have a point, they think am making life uncomfortable for me and for people around me. I am sure my mom and dad are probably feeling that way because am not moving on. But after all the times we had, i cannot just ditch her, can i ??
I defied all that was thrown at me then, its been a long time since and I have no regrets. There have been hitches allright, There were times when i hadnt taken care of her the way i should have. There were times when she let me stranded right in the middle of the road. Heck, we have even been pulled up by the police coz we were staying out late in the night. But has it changed anything ?? Has it changed the way we see each other ?? No, absolutely not. Even now, i have my folks telling me that i cannot be doing this forever and i am still telling them that this is the way things are going to be and am happy with what am doing.
All said and done, both of us understand, there is going to come a time when one of us has to let go. It is going to be a stampede of emotions for me, 9 years is not a short time on any scale and on that day, when one of us has to leave, when i look really distraught, am sure she wont cry. She never does. My Bike - My Unflinching Love.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Trip to the North!
Dec 07:
This was my first trip to the North, thanks to Zombie's wedding plans in punjab. Decided just 2 days back and there I am ready with the air tickets to Delhi. Booked a ticket on Air Deccan flight, thanks again to the deal. All set and ready bought a new Wildcraft backpack and completely packed it to the limit. Started off on Thursday 4PM. Safe flight and landed and in Delhi and took a bus to the Bus stand. Got down at Laal Kila. Headed to Chandni Chowk to taste some Aloo Paratha at the famous paratha street. From there, planned to take a Volvo to Jalandhar. This was a one-time experience I had, given that I am allergic to bus rides, believe me I dont use the office shuttle. I just cant tolerate the bus journey. Anyways, i was encountered with a pleasant surprise. The road to jalandhar was just too good. The whole journey of 380 KM was just for a little more than 5 hrs. Had to get down at Haveli as per zombies instruction. Believe me, this was a great journey given the weather conditions. The road ahead was just simply not visible due to the thickest fog I have ever got to see all my life. The driver missed hitting the divider many a times. Finally landed on punjab soil around 5AM. Zombie arrived there in 15 minutes by which I was already frozen cos of temp arnd 5 degrees.
Dec 08:
Took rest at the hotel and did a city sight seeing of Jalandhar model town, back at Lilly resorts and got ready for the bhangra dance at the baraat. God it was freezing cold. Had many rounds of "Blenders Pride" to keep myself warm. Marriage went on upto 4AM and dead tired by then.
Dec 09:
This was the day when I saw the most beautiful places of India. Got up late because of the over dose of whisky last night. Started to Amritsar at 2 and reached by 4. Headed straight to Wagah Border and reached just in time for the parade. It was just too good a sight to see the great Indian soldiers marching and the ceremony of the **gates of friendship** being opened. From here left to the most CLEAN and beautiful temple of India, the GOLDEN TEMPLE. I just loved this place. So well maintained. Finished the darshan and went to Langar for the food. So tasty it was!!!!
Also saw the Jalianwalabagh, and by now it was already 10 and I had to catch the train from Jalandhar to Delhi at 12. There was no way I could reach jalandhar before 12. Hence took a bus to Delhi. Unfortunately got the last seat of the bus and it was indeed a painful journey of 9 hours. Finally reached Delhi around 7 AM.
Dec 10:
Hired a cab and saw around a few places in delhi in the likes of Birla temple, Lotus, India Gate and the Parliament. Went to Delhi durbar for dinner. Crashed to bed at 11 as I had to catch a train at 4.45 AM to Jaipur.
Dec 11:
It was quite crazy and hectic today. Reached Jaipur around 11 and then hired a prepaid rick to see around Jaipur. Crazy because I was all alone seeing Jaipur. Hectic because I had to catch another train in the evening to Kota for another wedding. The auto driver was really helpful in showing me all the places around very patiently, listening to all the crap I was giving him. Some snaps below.
Dec 12, 13, 14 and 15:
Four days full of music, dance and fun marked Prashant's marriage partly in Rajastan and partly in MP. By now I was totally exhausted of all the journey and dancing. Took a train to Mumbai on 15 evening and paid 600 bucks extra to get a berth, however finally had to sleep in a box as there was no berth available.
Dec 16:
Reached Mumbai, the city of constant buzz. No wonder why people call it a fast city. Had my first experience when I took the local train. GOD its just unbelievable how it happens. You just stand on the platform and the next second you are inside the train and you stand on the door and withing seconds you are out of the train. I simply loved it. It was a Mumbai darshan for as less as 50 /-. Stayed for the night at VM's place. Believe me Mumbai is a place where you can party for as less as 100 Rs or as costly as one can afford. Went to a Bandra restaurant to find out that 1 Rumali roti costs a whopping 110 bucks!!!
Dec 17:
Finally the day came when I had to pack bags and return home. Just the thought about realizing tat the vacation was over made me feel sad, but thats how life goes. Took a flight from Mumbai to Blore again in the **Dhakkan**.
This was my first trip to the North, thanks to Zombie's wedding plans in punjab. Decided just 2 days back and there I am ready with the air tickets to Delhi. Booked a ticket on Air Deccan flight, thanks again to the deal. All set and ready bought a new Wildcraft backpack and completely packed it to the limit. Started off on Thursday 4PM. Safe flight and landed and in Delhi and took a bus to the Bus stand. Got down at Laal Kila. Headed to Chandni Chowk to taste some Aloo Paratha at the famous paratha street. From there, planned to take a Volvo to Jalandhar. This was a one-time experience I had, given that I am allergic to bus rides, believe me I dont use the office shuttle. I just cant tolerate the bus journey. Anyways, i was encountered with a pleasant surprise. The road to jalandhar was just too good. The whole journey of 380 KM was just for a little more than 5 hrs. Had to get down at Haveli as per zombies instruction. Believe me, this was a great journey given the weather conditions. The road ahead was just simply not visible due to the thickest fog I have ever got to see all my life. The driver missed hitting the divider many a times. Finally landed on punjab soil around 5AM. Zombie arrived there in 15 minutes by which I was already frozen cos of temp arnd 5 degrees.
Dec 08:
Took rest at the hotel and did a city sight seeing of Jalandhar model town, back at Lilly resorts and got ready for the bhangra dance at the baraat. God it was freezing cold. Had many rounds of "Blenders Pride" to keep myself warm. Marriage went on upto 4AM and dead tired by then.
Dec 09:
This was the day when I saw the most beautiful places of India. Got up late because of the over dose of whisky last night. Started to Amritsar at 2 and reached by 4. Headed straight to Wagah Border and reached just in time for the parade. It was just too good a sight to see the great Indian soldiers marching and the ceremony of the **gates of friendship** being opened. From here left to the most CLEAN and beautiful temple of India, the GOLDEN TEMPLE. I just loved this place. So well maintained. Finished the darshan and went to Langar for the food. So tasty it was!!!!
Also saw the Jalianwalabagh, and by now it was already 10 and I had to catch the train from Jalandhar to Delhi at 12. There was no way I could reach jalandhar before 12. Hence took a bus to Delhi. Unfortunately got the last seat of the bus and it was indeed a painful journey of 9 hours. Finally reached Delhi around 7 AM.
Dec 10:
Hired a cab and saw around a few places in delhi in the likes of Birla temple, Lotus, India Gate and the Parliament. Went to Delhi durbar for dinner. Crashed to bed at 11 as I had to catch a train at 4.45 AM to Jaipur.
Dec 11:
It was quite crazy and hectic today. Reached Jaipur around 11 and then hired a prepaid rick to see around Jaipur. Crazy because I was all alone seeing Jaipur. Hectic because I had to catch another train in the evening to Kota for another wedding. The auto driver was really helpful in showing me all the places around very patiently, listening to all the crap I was giving him. Some snaps below.
Dec 12, 13, 14 and 15:
Four days full of music, dance and fun marked Prashant's marriage partly in Rajastan and partly in MP. By now I was totally exhausted of all the journey and dancing. Took a train to Mumbai on 15 evening and paid 600 bucks extra to get a berth, however finally had to sleep in a box as there was no berth available.
Dec 16:
Reached Mumbai, the city of constant buzz. No wonder why people call it a fast city. Had my first experience when I took the local train. GOD its just unbelievable how it happens. You just stand on the platform and the next second you are inside the train and you stand on the door and withing seconds you are out of the train. I simply loved it. It was a Mumbai darshan for as less as 50 /-. Stayed for the night at VM's place. Believe me Mumbai is a place where you can party for as less as 100 Rs or as costly as one can afford. Went to a Bandra restaurant to find out that 1 Rumali roti costs a whopping 110 bucks!!!
Dec 17:
Finally the day came when I had to pack bags and return home. Just the thought about realizing tat the vacation was over made me feel sad, but thats how life goes. Took a flight from Mumbai to Blore again in the **Dhakkan**.
Friday, November 10, 2006
A tribute to the Best Formula 1 driver - Michael Schumacher
A career of 30 yrs of racing and 15 years in the F1 racing world (Jordan->Bennetton->Ferrari) and one which never seemed to end or rather no one wanted it to end. Michael Schumacher one of the greatest drivers that I consider (after Sir Ayrton Senna) had to finally call it a day in Monza after winning for the 90th time and 5th one in Monza. It indeed was the most depressing moment for me to watch him announce that. After watching each and every race so meticulously for the last 7 years and wanting more and more wins of Schumi, cheering everytime he was on track, my heart cries out to realize that he will no more be seen in action.
Announcing Retirement.
For people who did not know/follow the Sao Paulo it was the last race for the master and the last time he would ever drive the maronella. Due to unfortunate events we could not witness him starting from the pole and blazing away to victory. However personally I feel that this was the best race of his career. Starting from 10th on the grid and making a remarkable punch through the pack of cars, he was already in the 5th within 8 laps. Then fate had its turn and yet another incident awaited Schumi, puncturing his rear tyre after running over the debris which saw him put to the end of the grid almost to be lapped by his own teammate which is one of the rarest sight one could ever see in his whole career. However it was at this point that brought out the genius in him to show what Schumacher can do and his magic in overtaking, disproving his critics who once said he was an unethical driver. Being in 20th and charging straight down the order was something no formula 1 fan would ever want to miss and I am sure no other driver can do it in a style that Schumi showed. Somebody said it is practically not possible to charge down from 20th to 4th if it is not Schumacher and there is no other option than to agree to that.
Adios Schumi. Miss you and your magic.
Below are a few links of his last race.
Overtaking Kubica
Overtaking Heidfeld
Overtaking Fisichella
Overtaking Kimi
Saturday, November 04, 2006
A boring weekend
Stayed last night at Zombie;s place and got up at 10 today. Came home and listening to the radio. Feels really good nowadays that the local language is being given a good importance. So many kannada songs played on almost all stations. Sometimes its a pity that some of the RJs are pathetic in communication skills. Hope there comes a time when that too improves.
Will go and sleep again...
Friday, November 03, 2006
Tinku getting married
The first of the BC Boys gets engaged. This was something i missed out in the previous post. Naveen Goel finally takes the dip. Happily engaged to Ms. S and locked in the mutual contract for life will tie the knot on Feb 9th. Happy but Sad that I may not be here to witness that!!!
Latest Updates
Its been quite a lot of time since I updated my blogs, so here it is in the chronological order:
June:
My Birthday: A total mess, first time without friends giving bumps and having vodka. Had a concall at office till 7 and then left home. But had to go to ecity with a friend to collect his TC as he was travelling to US the next day. Got really late and missed dinner too. Horrible day. Anyways as the saying goes. "Every Birthday brings you closer to your death"
July:
Nothing much really happened. Just the frustration on the job increased every day. Some ray of hope about getting a new project but let down within a week. Nobody to replace me.
August:
The month of some action. My meniscal tear worsened and could not bear the pain. Went for a checkup and doc confirmed abt the surgery. D-Day fixed as 31st Aug.
30th: Admitted to hosptial.
31st: 3PM surgery started. Ended at 4.30. Everything went well luckily, Was on spinal anasthesia. Could see the whole darn thing. Docs drilling thru my knee and cutting out something or rather fixing something. Some nice junior docs in the OT too. Spoke to them abt coll and other stuff thru the process untill the surgeon got pissed off from my blabbering and asked me to sleep. Gave an extra dose of chloroform.
September:
1st: Back on foot. Used a walker. took steps at the rate of 2 per minute.
2nd: Discharged from hospital. Asked to wear casts for 3 more days.
4th: Physio Starts.
10th: Physio finishes. Almost back to normal. No sports for 2 more months.
Rest of the month was not quite peaceful. Back to office after the 15 day gap and loaded with hell lot of work, took ages to wind up everything.
October:
2 gr8 frnds leave to germany. Feeling lonely, however my enne (alchohol) partner sandy is always there. Diwali 5 days off for office and got really bugged. Just slept all the time.
Rest of the month was literally boring. No work and everyday just doing TP at office.
I just cant believe how ppl cannot realize that their subordinates are not happy with their work and do something to improve the motivation levels. JUST CANT BELIEVE.
Thats it for the month of October.
June:
My Birthday: A total mess, first time without friends giving bumps and having vodka. Had a concall at office till 7 and then left home. But had to go to ecity with a friend to collect his TC as he was travelling to US the next day. Got really late and missed dinner too. Horrible day. Anyways as the saying goes. "Every Birthday brings you closer to your death"
July:
Nothing much really happened. Just the frustration on the job increased every day. Some ray of hope about getting a new project but let down within a week. Nobody to replace me.
August:
The month of some action. My meniscal tear worsened and could not bear the pain. Went for a checkup and doc confirmed abt the surgery. D-Day fixed as 31st Aug.
30th: Admitted to hosptial.
31st: 3PM surgery started. Ended at 4.30. Everything went well luckily, Was on spinal anasthesia. Could see the whole darn thing. Docs drilling thru my knee and cutting out something or rather fixing something. Some nice junior docs in the OT too. Spoke to them abt coll and other stuff thru the process untill the surgeon got pissed off from my blabbering and asked me to sleep. Gave an extra dose of chloroform.
September:
1st: Back on foot. Used a walker. took steps at the rate of 2 per minute.
2nd: Discharged from hospital. Asked to wear casts for 3 more days.
4th: Physio Starts.
10th: Physio finishes. Almost back to normal. No sports for 2 more months.
Rest of the month was not quite peaceful. Back to office after the 15 day gap and loaded with hell lot of work, took ages to wind up everything.
October:
2 gr8 frnds leave to germany. Feeling lonely, however my enne (alchohol) partner sandy is always there. Diwali 5 days off for office and got really bugged. Just slept all the time.
Rest of the month was literally boring. No work and everyday just doing TP at office.
I just cant believe how ppl cannot realize that their subordinates are not happy with their work and do something to improve the motivation levels. JUST CANT BELIEVE.
Thats it for the month of October.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)