Living for the love of it!!

The Pink Ribbon

2007-03-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Do you know what it feels like, to get up one morning and stare at your all-too-perfect life, beaming at the safety and security it represents, drinking in the glee of your anticipated victories… and then, to discover that a loved one has been living with a dreaded disease? Something that slowly gnaws at one’s being itself, until it has eaten up every fiber of it, leaving it’s victim listless and shaken

What bothers more? The fact that someone you love so much is suffering and the road is a one way with no return path… Or that you, for all the closeness you shared, somehow did not inspire in them, the confidence to open up and let you in?

To me, it was neither. (Well, actually both. But they struck with the force of a tornado only when the emergency had dulled a little).The reality of the moment was too grave to digest without philosophizing it (my favorite occupation!) but the timing was too incorrect for philosophy. So I plunged into action. But like all urgent actions that have been ignored long since, this too didn’t give me an actual solution, only temporary relief.

Okay, now… what are we talking about? The title “The Pink Ribbon” doesn’t seem to make much sense? It does. Ribbons are internationally used for causes. Red ones, say, are for AIDS awareness. Pink is the hue doused on women. Do you recall something?

The Pink Ribbon. Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer… The beast I could cheerfully kill for invading a lovely home, shocking people into mute submission, not giving a chance to think, plan, talk, and just DO something! Except for suffer both actively and passively while the will to fight it out still envelops even though the strength fails, sometimes.

If it has taken my usual loquacious self an unbelievable one year to get to the point where I can talk about it, imagine how badly it could shake someone. From being someone who always gave hugs and sent smilie-infected personal messages (SMS), I turned into someone who wouldn’t hug as she feared that her pain would somehow carve itself into another’s heart when the chests came into contact while hugging. I gave up smilies hoping my abstinence towards smiling would be the much needed sacrifice that would somehow make her alright.

I would lie awake in bed through the dead of the night, praying hard. I re-established my relationship with God by talking to him everyday. My life and that of my whole family came to revolve around a single point: Watch over, pray, stay connected, love deeply and show it out more often. Though I am not a shy person, I had never indulged in public display of affection with so much intensity before. And I didn’t feel even a tinge of awkwardness while I did so. Despite all this, the doctor’s tone of inevitability would ring loud in my ears while I tried to shut it out with the power of prayers.

He had said, “If only you had brought her in a little earlier… In such cases, even a month makes a surprising amount of difference”

A month. One irrefutable, precious month. If only we could go back… If only mom had told me or anyone about it when she first suspected something (And she did suspect something!)

What happened after that was a complete blur in terms of the absolute. The doctor’s reluctance to try mastectomy given the condition of cancer, painful chemotherapy sessions, the nausea, loss of appetite, you name it. From being such a cheerful, witty, talkative person, my mother turned into a weak puddle of mouth ulcers that prevented her from not only talking but also basics like eating; tired and dazed but still, wanting and fighting to live…

To live with the realization that you are too late for something is the worst kind of regret. Anything else, you might affix a sense of not being in your destiny to it. But this, to know that everything would have been ok if only you had acted upon it earlier; if you had known about this earlier! Awareness is the word

Today, while I see that healthcare is growing into a major industry, my thought goes out for women like my mother, who, for some obscure reason, don’t go out to address or even acknowledge a problem. Is it the fear of emotional abandonment? Pa is the most loving, devoted husband I’ve ever seen; always extending his touching care and unstinted support to her. I’m a fairly ok daughter (Modesty prevents me from saying much over here!)

And even if a certain unfortunate woman has a callous husband, that’s still no reason for not addressing the needs and cries of her body. It’s about HER

Is it the lack of finances? That can be arranged. Trust me.

Really, how far can we plan issues like women’s health, which is even more an issue in developing countries than their developed counterparts? Unless these “Veiled Rebeccas” of the world come together to make a commitment for personal health and hygiene, not much can be achieved by medical advancement alone.

Doctors say that most cancers can be completely cured if detected early. And breast cancer has some “obvious” symptoms. So the issue is just with the awareness! As I said, awareness is the word.

I cannot even try to explain the trauma cancer causes. When the seconds counted, I was clueless about what was happening in my own home. Now, I live in the daily horror of, “Is it too late, as they say?”. In a matter of days, our lives turned completely topsy-turvy.

I share this very personal experience with the sole need to reach out to those women who have ignored personal health, with a message,

“If you see anything wrong or out of order with your system, however obscure that may be, please do attend to it. First acknowledge it. It is NOT shameful or derogatory to you or your loved ones. It is a privilege to attend to you. Lets kill the monster: Breast Cancer.

Health is the most important aspect of living; A woman, the most beautiful aspect of homes and lives”

And if this message touches even one single life, I am thankful for my literacy and ability to articulate :-)

PS: The image attached to this post has been taken from www.pinkribbonshop.com

To hug this feel...

2006-10-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

To you: If you ever read this, I want to see your expression:)

There are those moments… when you feel like pinching yourself to know if you really are caught in a time like this, with a certain bent of thought, with that untold expression on your face… Times, when a moment feels like an eternity in the amount of joy it radiates; and the preceding moment you feel confused and cranky for no particular reason. People come and go, and then a person comes. You just realize, that to have and to hold is such a pristine pleasure and you need not escape from the inevitable, for once. What do I do when I’m left with 2 choices – I let go and risk regretting for as long as life stretches, that I’m certainly going to regret, of which I’m sure OR I own it up.

I think it was the timing… maybe the night was too enchanting, the breeze too caressing, the words so warm, that it cracked my stiff self… just a little. As we know with all cracks, what started as a little crack, it widened and widened; and now, I’m left staring into the horizon, unaware of what the next moment would bring, bearing the tormenting gush of this wonderful emotion I had never known before. Strange. The Gods must be crazy. Maybe, that is the way the Gods are

The mornings are another story altogether. I don’t want to share it with anyone. That’s my private feeling:-)

Why am I writing this down? Is it my attempt to freeze this moment, this feel and keep it warm with my earnestness? Is this a way of actually owning it up, and not treat it casually, because I know how special it is? It is both, and more…

I’m lost; my colleagues can tell you better. I suspect I even look preoccupied. Me? Of course, a part of reality which I might as well accept; Yes, me!
If all of it were a little more definite (there comes the word again, as someone would humorously chide me ;-) I would have been a tad more relieved. At least, I would know that I’m not treading the dangerous waters by ‘guessing and assuming’. But I’m still smiling. For once, I want to feel the flow. I want to relinquish control. I want to live this moment, without worrying too much about the next. For once, I don’t want mornings to ever end; but also, cannot wait for the evenings to begin, as I anticipate the next morn’

Do you know how I feel? I suspect you have guessed it. This is my private thought. The cocoon I live in. And you are welcome..

An odd thought occurred… that I hope no one reads this. Isn’t it too intimate…? But I’m nothing, if not definite. I want to put my stamp on everything I think, do and feel.

Thanks, for being who you are:)

I'm sure the Gods are crazy.. me too!

One mighty break!

2006-07-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

May 18th to 29th June is quite some time for a conformed write-o-holic like me, to take a break from blogging. Rather long. But things landed up in such ways that forget writing, I could barely catch an extra whiff of breath!

No exaggerations. I moved from the project I was working on, to another one, and hence reporting to ITPL. (Anybody living in Bangalore would know ITPL-International Technology Park, and the long distance that separates the rest of the civilization, meaning "city", from this IT hub). The Marathhalli traffic jams that first left me agape with its rooted-to-the-spot automobiles, the bare minimum traffic/road sense that people don't really have but could’ve had, the nonchalance with which bus drivers nearly ram into one another.... to name a few, Phew!!

But working in ITPL, in this new project is fun, to say the least! For one, this is in the banking domain and anyone who has worked in the finance/banking domain would know what I am talking about. That, and the people. Man! Things are so much faster around here, so for me, having worked in the Indiranagar office that’s located within the cozy womb of the city, this is a lovely exposure. More so, since I function better in an ambience where people are on their toes and there is a lot of work to do. That pumps in so much energy that makes me feel completely alive! To not have important work to do and not many responsibilities is probably the worst kind of punishment I could ever be meted out with.

There are multiple buildings over here and are named, Discoverer, Innovator, Explorer, Inventor, Creator.. I might have missed a couple of names. This place is exuberant with a throbbing energy that emanates through every pore. It’s very obvious in the buildings. For instance, the building I work in, “Discoverer” is the only building out here that is elliptic in shape. (The rest of them are square or rectangular). The good thing about elliptic buildings is that you can just turn around once on your heels and drink in a glimpse of what every one is upto. That also makes it easier to spot people within. Also, the separators between cubicles are comparatively lower, creating an “open” ambience, mercifully banishing the possibility of feeling clobbered within your own sweet cubicle.

For an onlooker this might sound like “over-the-top-declarations of an excited 22yr. old”, but frankly, I think its more about my being in a role, that I instinctively know I would enjoy and succeed better in, than ITPL itself. By the way, I am in the role of a BSA (Business Systems Analyst) in this project, not that of a developer. Either ways, I hardly advocate complacency for myself. I think, no matter however ardently we want something, once we get it, it becomes a thing of the past. One must always plunge into action, so it’s all about, “What next?”

So what next? Hmmm… I hope to learn a foreign language, write a lot more (to blog, do more assignments for IE – Indian Express, resume horse-riding etc..), perform better as a professional, daughter and hopefully, as a person, to learn about the business in depth, read up a lot more on banking and generally do everything I want to – no holds barred..

Let me live it out and watch, though, as to how much of it I can actually get done!
Joie-de-vevre!!

PS: Anyone reading this, with useful info about banking, finance please do mail it to me at vineetha.athrey@gmail.com

The morning train...

2006-05-18T03:27:00.000-07:00

It could have been just any other day when the whistle of the train cut through the silent contours of the mind, the 5 am light breeze steady n comforting, on a rather soaring summer morning. The slightly fishy smell of the railway station tickled the nose, mind still elsewhere, unable to register the horror of the moment, the crushing weight of reality, heart-beat rising and falling, like an oscillatory motion, which never quite makes its mind up, but just sways...... a little disturbed, a little alarmed, a little presumptous, a little hopeful. To have the slick end of a cutting knife slice up your heart, ever so gently, and yet so sternly, while it clamps your mouth shut with one swife movement of the other free end, and you are left there, wanting to scream, to turn away, to disown the truth, waiting to be comforted that it's just a dream, a bad one at that, but you realise that the ability to speak is somewhere lost. Probably lying there, hurt, on a hospital bed, like a malignant tumor, cutting through the body while one is still oblivious to it's presence, and you want to reach out, drag it out and make it all very right, all very happy...

And then.. at a distance, an insistent whiff of shy mist is seen. Dawn. 6 o'clock. You look at the tickets in hand and board the train. It was, afterall, a day that could've been like every other one... just that it wasn't!

Zodiac Personality Test

2006-05-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

Now don't ask me why I did this on a
'supposed-to-be-busy' Monday morning!
It was just so infuriatingly tempting!!;-)
Awwww... come on! Who on the face of the Earth wouldn't be.. when they are presented with a "Zodiac Personality Test" that promises to discover their true nature! So here I went, took this test, let someone brand me a "Taurean" while in reality I'm a Cappy ( Capricorn )!!
But that's excusable, given that Taureans n Capris are oh-so-alike!

So all you interested ones.. dive right ahead, take the test and do tell me as to what you were made out to be..... http://www.quizmeme.com/zodiacpersonality/takequiz.php

Friday Morning News!

2006-04-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm extremely happy and proud to announce that my write-up on Hyderabad has been chosen to appear on this website called 'banjarahills.com'.
Here is the link.. do read it n leave your valuable comments!

http://banjarahills.com/Leisure/Article.asp?aid=77

:))) Friday morning news has certainly added to my weekend mood, some jolly bright hues!

The GodDappers

2006-03-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

Last night I was talking to Swaroop regarding a suitable name for the "DP rule" we have come up with, owing to an hour-long conversation we had had the previous night. Something about "Determined about being determined, passionate about being passionate". And to punch the next 6 months with the very best focus we can ever conjure up, and to hit upon exactly the kind of work we would want to do for the rest of our lives...
We wanted to come up with a good name for this concept of "Determined about being determined, passionate about being passionate".

Swaroop suggested "Dad-Pap" and asked me if I had a better one...And lo! I decided to vouch for the very first word that came up on my mind: Dappers!!

First of all: DAP would stand for Determination and Passion.
Secondly, I love the meaning that "Dapper" stands for; which is, being elegantly stylish without being overtly flashy or ostentatious about it. It spells sophistication, and a sleek appearence.
Thirdly, ( well I admit, this point struck me off-the-cuff): If a person who blogs is a blogger, a person who DAPs ( Follows the DP Rule for success: Patented by Swaroop and Vineetha) is "Dapper"!!! :)
Howzzat!

We even thought, that 7 months down the line when we succeed in achieving our targets, we could even go out and market this 'DP Rule for Success' and start an "Art of Dapping' cult and that will be a religion in itself. And you never know, we might even be the Larry Page and Sergei Brin( Google) of the success-mantra genre! ;)
And the members of this 'Dappers' Corner' would be known as 'Dappers' . So that makes the two of us, 'The GodDappers' ;)

And it looks like Dapping is gonna work.... I have been able to consistently achieve all the small-term targets I've been setting for myself. Mom commented this morn' saying, "Vini, you are acting like your life depends on this. Chill!"

But I realised that if I chill now, the rest of my life will be frozen!!

PS: What exactly is my plan for the next 7 months will be discussed, after 7 months. In the meanwhile, keep watching this space. Sometime later you all will be able to say, "We got to watch the growth of Dappers from scratch!" ;)

The Perfect Fit ;)

2006-03-28T03:11:00.000-08:00

The name maybe MiSF!T, but the quality of their plays is, by any sensible means, anything but that!
Scripted proved to be a thoroughly riveting play. Seamlessly lucid narration, a mood that all of us could feel a part of, unbridled intensity, a clear and intelligible storyline and characters that seemed so real that the emotional flow seemed to start from the bottom of my belly and not from the stage!
For me, watching the dress-rehersal was one thing, but watching the play on stage was quite another experience altogether. And boy! Am I glad I did the feature and also watched the play...you bet. I truly feel for those of you who missed out. Next time, perhaps!

All in all, when you want a play, you simply can't make it happen; You will have to go to the master : Rathan Thakore Grant!

PS: For all those who wanted to see my feature on this for Indian Express, " Dial M for theater" is available on http://www.highlightevents.com/misfit/home.html under Dial 'M' for theatre

Marriages are made on Earth!

2006-03-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

I came across this wonderful little story....Just read on...

My husband is an Engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature, and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders. Three years of courtship and now, two years into marriage, I would have to admit, that I am getting tired of it. The reasons of me loving him before has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness. I am a sentimental woman
and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings, I yearn for the romantic moments, like a little girl yearning for candy. My husband is my complete opposite, his lack of sensitivity, and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage has disheartened me about love.

One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.
'Why?' he asked, shocked.
'I am tired, there are no reasons for everything in the world!' I answered.

He kept silent the whole night, seems to be in deep thought with a lighted cigarette at all times. My feeling of disappointment only increased, here was a man who can't even express his predicament, what else can I hope from him?

And finally he asked me:' What can I do to change your mind?'

Somebody said it right, it's hard to change a person's personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him.

Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered : 'Here is the question, if you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind, Let's say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death, will you do it for me?'

He said:' I will give you your answer tomorrow....'
My hopes just sank by listening to his response.

I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy
handwriting, underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes....

My dear, 'I would not pick that flower for you, but please allow me to explain the reasons further..' This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading..... 'When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen, I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs. You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you. You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city, I have to save my eyes to show you the way. You always have the cramps whenever your 'good friend' approaches every month, I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your Tummy. You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom. You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes, I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails, and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand... and tell you the color of flowers, just like the color of the glow on your young face... Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do... I could not pick that flower yet, and die..'

My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting... and as I continue on reading..
'Now, that you have finished reading my answer, if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk...

I rush to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread.... Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the flower alone...

Hmm, That's life, and love. When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness. Love shows up in all forms, even very small and cheeky forms, it has never been a model, it could be the dullest and boring form... Flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship. Under all this, the pillar of true love stands... and that's our life... Love, not words win arguments...

So, 'A soul mate is the one with whom you could sit with without saying a word and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you have ever had'.

Thus the story ends..

I must say that with me into a good job now, my parents keep suggesting that I should get married. And me being me, had innumerable doubts about the same....as to how is it that two people who could be right or wrong for each other get together in a bond that spans a lifetime? What if you realise that you are two right people but wrong for each other, after you are well into the commitment of marriage...what will happen then, when you are stuck with someone whether or not you like......etc...
But this story came as a real eye-opener about various things and quietened most of my turbulent doubts...
Any man/woman who respects the solid value of things will not be able to overlook this aspect of love that the story highlights!! Its so true that just bcoz the ostentatious part of love has ceased to exist, the deeper emotions can't be deemed as dead.....Rather, we don't need to flash it around with neon light since the true-love underneath has grown solid, steady and strong!!:))

Happy living, better understanding!;))

MiSF!T ;)

2006-03-21T21:12:00.000-08:00

Last week ended on such a fun note!:)
I went to meet Rathan, Anitha and the rest of the MISFIT gang on Saturday. MISFIT, which stands for My Interest Stays Firmly In Theatre, is coming out with a play on 24th and 25th of this month, called 'Scripted: Tiraa and Pinjra'. When I got to know about that, I asked the Indian Express people if I could do a story on that. They were happy to let me do it, and so here I was, meeting old friends, yapping, taking in the cool evening air, meeting the crew and ofcourse, Rathan's interview...Once that was done, Rathan asked me to stay back and watch the premiere, and I felt special being the first, exclusive one to watch the premiere of 'Scripted: Tiraa and Pinjra'.

If I could explain the way I felt about the creative and technical 'Scripted', I would say, SPELL-BINDING!!I am one person who always wondered as to what a director's actual role was, be it in a movie or drama, since there are people to manage everything- music director, actors for acting, screenplay writers to take care of the narration...I guess I more than got my answer!

Seriously, theatre is one experience we have to go through ourselves. Every nerve-ending in my body wanted to join them, act, to find that release...It must be a marvelous experience to act. Rathan even suggested that I should try my hand at it! He has this belief ( I dunno what led to the belief, though!) that I would make a good actor!!! He seems pretty confident about it, and I can't help feel exhilarated at the thought!! :))

Now wait...I can write- journals, articles, poems..., I can sing 'n dance, I can talk BIG time...but act? That's something I have never tried so far! But I guess that is going to be a beautiful experience...primarily because, I am kinda dramatic by nature, and secondly, I love the unbridled intensity you get to splurge before the camera or spotlight. And Rathan, my God! has a way of bringing the emotions out of even the 'Rock of Gibralter!'
So I have made up my mind to give it a shot. Though I don't know how am I going to squeeze in the time for all this, my mind is set on that and I'm sure I will be able to make time also.

By the way, my article on this, 'Dial M for theatre' ( Okie..I admit! I got inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's 'Dial M for Murder!!;)) came out in Indian Express ( magazine section, City Express, page 6) on Monday, 20th March.

And for the benefit of anyone who wants to watch the play, it is scheduled on 24th and 25th March ( Friday and Saturday), at Alliance Francaise. The Friday show is organized at 7:30 pm and Saturday holds 2 shows in it's kitty, one at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at Alliance Francaise and TurnBridge School, opp. Safina Plaza, Bangalore. And are priced at Rs.99/-
For furthur info, you can visit: www.highlightevents.com/misfit

Congrats Rathan, on making MiSF!T fit so perfectly into your as well as our lives! Keep going!! :)

A special 'Thank u!'

2006-02-27T03:20:00.002-08:00

It is incredible how much people support you when you are on your way to make things happen and to launch your dreams. This morning, when my article came out in Indian Express, I excitedly announced it to all my friends and their response was thrilling. I thought I could probably expect a few words of encouragement but nothing more, since everyone is busy in their own little day-to-day world, with work, home and meeting several pressing needs. But never expected the flow of messages to my inbox, that too on a lazy Friday!

I remember a famous actress stating a few years back, that
Adulation and admiration does not affect an artist or a creative person much because they generally work towards satisfying their own creative needs.

Agreed. On one note, you simply cannot get carried away by all that. The need to satisfy one's own creative thirst will be far higher. But in the hindsight, if we were working for plain soul-satisfaction alone, we wouldn't be showcasing our work for all the world to see. We would probably indulge in it and then keep the resulting piece, (masterpiece or otherwise!;)) locked up inside our house! And this is even more true in case of artists and creative people than others.

But, in truth, we need, if not actively seek, encouragement and appreciation. History has stood witness to the fact that even small encouragement has brought about big difference in an individual or a team's performance in critical conditions! There are moments when we get it from an external source like a friend, colleague, neighbour, parents, a kid or a total stranger. At others, we have to find it from the depths of our own self. But the right word, at the right time when spoken in the right way makes the real difference, irrespective of who utters it.

So, this is for all those people who have been the encouraging force behind every single accomplishment of mine. And also for my readers.Thanks for those words. Even when we are supremely confident, there will be times when things don't go as we plan and doubts start creeping in...more than now, at those times, such words mean a lot!

They keep the spirit going! :)

Fun while you earn!

2006-02-27T03:20:00.000-08:00

Life is so rosy and promising when one gets a plum job in a leading software firm with the promise of a steady pay-packet every month. But often, it is when the reality and stern demands of a 9 to 5 job strikes us hard in the face do we stagger. Not anymore with most of the IT companies wanting to bring in a breeze of fresh attitude by organizing picnics and outings for their employees along with their respective families. One such retreat was organized by TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) a couple of weeks back at Manipal County, a resort off Hosur Road.

Set in the lovely backdrop of soothing green trees, the place has an earthy feel about it. The clear blue sky on a warm, sunny day thankfully didn't give in to the temptations to rain and was bright throughout. Standard facilities like horse riding, table tennis, pool and small hut-like establishments lined throughout the vast area. As soon as we reached there, we were greeted with a welcome drink and escorted to a mini village-like setting, organized at the TCS' behest and aptly named 'Village Carnival'. An event management company was entrusted with the responsibility of carrying off the various events on its shoulders.

The carnival had numerous stalls that offered hair-beading, mehendi, face and body painting, khadi wear and a belt of central area set aside exclusively for pottery. I tried my hand at all of these and was particularly happy with my performance in pottery. The best part is, these stalls were not put up to make one proficient in any activity, but the mood was well communicated and they were designed for amateurs. It was meant to be a retreat with both family and friends from work, and it felt like one! Children had an array of merry games to choose from, ranging from the famous jumping Mickey to magic shows and treetop houses.

Lunchtime saw a delicious display of eatables that were feasted upon by a hungry and ever-ready crowd. This was followed by a line-up of games and fun hosted by an emcee who aptly chose those games that called for people in large numbers, ensuring that nobody was left-out. The evening saw a DJ and an active dance floor with men and women boogying away to the rocking tunes and surprise gifts given away to the excited crowd.

The retreat ended around 8 PM but the spirit showed great promise to continue. In the company of not just work-mates but also their family, this outing succeeded in highlighting a significant aspect of the other-wise strict professionals: the human side!

Is this a puzzle or an answer to one?

2006-02-10T03:15:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine casually mentioned the confusions we face regarding our career, its course and what one should really do in life and in career to keep him/herself :
1. Happy
2. Successful
Or are they mutually exclusive? One absenting itself in the other's presence? Do people turn into programmable robos once they start working? And finally, how does one decide what they should be doing in life..? Who wil give that expert advice that is so important with the mental chaos bundling up?

While I personally thought that if you think too hard or ask too many ppl, your decisions will falter. So, to just do watevr you want to and see for yourslf! Coz if we don't experiment with our own lives then who else' will we experiment with?
But nevertheless, it got me thinking. And here's what I thought:

The question that life ( or the much-sought-after 'education' ) has posed before me or my friend is the same one that bothers an obscene number of people. At workplace, neighbourhood, casual hangouts and almost everywhere its the same scenario. But people still hang on...the ones with a few years of experience say, that it is always so during the initial years. But as you climb up the ladder in your professional life, you'll move out of this mid-numbing phase & get to supervise ( as TL/ML/PM..), n do other interesting stuff. But I can't help spotting a trade-mark bored countenance amonng some of them too! ( No wonder the avg life span for humans has come down! When life isn't interesting enough, living beyond a few customary decades makes very little sense).

So that forces me to face the most tricky question that has been haunting us for a long time now, 'Who is happy? Why does one work? Shouldn't one's job be a source of one's happiness? "

Unfortunately, the answer is just as elusive!;(
I have discovered that a vast majority of ppl continue cribbing and yet keep at the same wrk pattern because,

1. They love the safety net a job in a s/w firm comes with. Security is the key word and it has caught them at its fancy-best! Maybe they think, " I have a solid, respectable job, a steady source of income, a well-fed family, good money and the promise of climbing up the professional ladder; So what if I have to endure repetition and monotony... It's probably not too big a price anyways!"

And in the hindsight, maybe they really had some latent talent hidden behind those layers of worldliness that kept popping its head out at various instances. But years of solid conditioning put the lid firmly back. Maybe, just maybe, had they mustered up the courage to go beyond the accepted routine and find their place in a world of their choice, they would have found a bright place under the sun! But is it mankind's tragedy or their personal one that they didn't venture out and the dream and skill was crumpled before it could even blossom...a genius was left undiscovered, not, as the cliche goes, by the world, but by his own self? So which of these is sadder?A struggling genius whose work is not recognised by the people around?Or, a could've-been genius who never gave himself a chance? Maybe if HE had, the rest of the world would've given him one too.....

But, a BIG 'BUT' that is, we've so often heard of a pathetic doom about a certain undiscovered genius that its almost a cliche in itself! So, the first kind of people end up being the over-cautious lot. These people have a dream, that could be the MISSION and VISION of a billion-dollar company, but are simply not convinced that they could go out and DO IT! Not because they are chicken-hearts, but because they have seen too many people risk the security they had for pursuing the elusive mega-success that seems so very probable when you are young and things look rosy, and got lost out there.

Its not a silly stand-point, for all we say, either! Because, its a big mad world out there and if you are not careful you could get easily lost and never found!

Then we have a second group.
2. They are capable, vivacious and hard-working but are not sure what life calls them for! In the wake of that confusion they start off with a tried and tested pattern and harbour hopes to find out the purpose of their being. Often, they end up discovering nothing for a long time, so for the lack of epiphany, they end up doing the same thing for ever. The tragedy is, even if the 'IT' moment comes in, perhaps a tad too late, but when it comes, they are so caught up in the web of their routine and so adept to their new-found plans that they either fail to recognise it or let it slip past as a distraction.

And lastly there is the third kind thats a delirious mixture of both the first and the second kind! They know what they want but think its not practical enough! So they discover an alternative dream thats probably convenient for them and acceptable to the rest and prod on..

But the bottom line is, LIFE itself is a very big gamble. We do stuff, and we don't do stuff. But we can never predict how a thing will turn out to be. And there are absolutely no free meals for us unless we are born into those economically elite families where there is so much money that the descendants can do the stuff that pleases their whims and fancies. As for the rest of us, we have to do things that fetch us a decent pay-packet and also gives wings to that 'personal vision'.

So with that being the case, we know that set-backs, struggle for survival and some amount of discouragement is a part and parcel of the contract we signed with God when He gave us the opportunity to take form on earth. And that encourages the option that we might as well delve deep within, find the cause that ticks every fibre of our being and keep at it. Because, when success comes, it does not happen so by chance. It demands a lot of hardwork, grit and gumption. And its much easier to work hard and get stressed when the prize is materialization of our innate dream than any other thing ;).

Afterall, when we know that we have to prod on before we reach the pedestal of success, we might as well prod on to meet our own innate needs as we furthur our career. Because its always better to say, "I'm doing what I WANT to do and what I FEEL is best for me!" than to do something to just 'fit-in'!

Carpe Diem! Sieze the day:)

Vijaya High School Calling!!

2006-01-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday marked a rare, one-of-its-kind sort of occasion...We, the ex-students of Vijaya High School, Class of '99, got together and celebrated a much-awaited reunion. The idea was spear-headed by Pradeep BR, implemented by a gang of enthused boys and appreciated by a whole lot of us who marked our attendence with an unconcealed, bubbling pleasure! Aside meeting long-lost buddies and chatting away to the oblivion, it also brought with itself a sense of acute nostalgia...And even before I realised, I had put on memory's precious hat that eclipsed active thought-process....

This school happens to be not just my alma-mater, but also the place where I came into contact with the big, bad world, as they say it. Not that my classmates were vile, wicked types ( Infact our most heinous crimes were limited to bunking classes while still in school, designing pranks that couldn't possibly originate from a sane mind and the like....;-))
But for the kind of person I had grown up to be, after a sheltered and protected childhood where I used to be the queen of all that matters, an apple of ma 'n pa's eye, my teachers' pet, after winning scores of competitions, unbeatable, energetic to the point of being restless and adored, I suddenly felt like I was in this maze where I HAD to find my way. That was the absolute first time I got a taste of people, in true variety.

There were people from various social, religious, economic backgrounds. Which in it's collective unison contributed to chalk-and-cheese difference in the outlooks of people out there. For me, who had grown up in the cocoon of like-minded people, it turned out to be an indispensible learning-process.. There were times when I just couldn't understand why people behave the way they do, or why do they talk about certain important things in such a careless manner..... when I look back, I only see how much THAT experience has helped in shaping me up. Because, beyond the initial moments of blunt shock, once I learnt to adapt myself and not take anything personally, I realised that this is precisely the way people are..that no one is better or worse, everybody out there is present to have the best time of their lives and it is purely a matter of acceptance that people ARE different from one-another, that this difference spurs off a different code of personal ethics, that even the most unethical person is living by the law HE has defined for HIMSELF. And most importantly, cliche as it may sound, it reminded me of Mother Teresa's words that said,
" If you go on judging people you will have no time left to love them"

Well, I understand that loving the entire humanity is a steep Teresa-like quality that atleast I am not capable of, but for the good of my own soul and to maintain my saneness of purpose and comprehension of mind, it is indeed much better to not analyse, but appreciate people and enjoy them!

Vive la difference!!

PS: I will put up some of the pics of the event in my next post where I shall write more about the event itself

Stirring a reading consciousness in children

2006-01-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Very often we hear about children who refuse to read books and involve merrily in creative activities that give wings to their imagination. Harry Potter has certainly re-introduced reading especially among children, in startlingly significant ways. Still, reading is a habit that needs to be inculcated in children as early as possible. From what we see around, the average age to start reading books like Harry Potter, Eregon etc.. seems to be 7 or 8 yrs. Till then, reading mostly revolves around the ubiquitous 'fairy tales'.

A mother of two kids, Mrs.Shailaja Dixit opines, "Wrapped up in the form of imaginative stories, they have some important values also". Strange as it may sound, it is but true. Because not only do they emanate sheer magic and a pleasant feeling while one reads them, they also have worthy messages for young, impressionable children. Since children are very pliant at that age, to have an essential message passed on to them in the name of a story is certainly not a benign task. For one, there is this inimitable heroine in Cinderella who has so much self-belief that despite having been ill-treated and made fun of by her step-sisters, she still gears herself up to be the enchanting girl who wins the hand of the charming prince! Many more stories of this nature are driven to inculcate self-confidence, truth, justice, honor and valor in children, provided they are guided firmly and intelligently, backed by sensibly chosen stories.

Children have much more to remember than just the story from tales like 'The brave tailor' that heralds the importance of wit and decisiveness, 'Elves and the shoemaker' that entails the story of an honest and duty-bound shoe-maker who eventually gets blessed with colossal fortunes, all because he had the empathy and compassion to help some elves who were in dire need. These stories sizzle with their emphasis on goodness, fine behavior and deportment, sense of justice, character and last but not the least, presence of mind, wit, gallantry, braveness and courage.

However, the challenge is to evoke the submerged interest in stories among children and to captivate them with a delightful narration, which is precisely what the best-selling children's books do! It is no mean feat to reinstate the love for books among children. But once achieved, it only grows. They should be made to understand at an early age itself that reading is a religion in itself and a well-read person definitely comes across as more refined than the rest and is never really alone wherever he is. Books are the primary source of information. Reading is the kind of devotion that, if once evoked, never goes astray. So, children ought to give reading the distinction it rightfully commands.And this is where the responsibility of parents comes into fore by nurturing appreciation and inclination towards reading in their offspring.

To start with, a child would want to read the kind of books that are sprinkled with imagination, beauty and a taste of humor. The obvious choice would be a well-chosen fairy tale that brightens their moods and colours their spirit with a lot of spunk. This will undoubtedly lay a firm foundation in turning them into vigorous and interested readers who believe that reading is not an activity or worse, a chore, but it is a pleasure and a fun filled experience they would want to indulge in, more and more often.

Further more, when we look at fairy tales from this angle, one can safely conclude that along with a regular diet of generic fairy tales, our very own mythological epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata should also be imparted to children in the form of short, understandable stories. Along side being entertaining, thanks to the rich drama that they unfold, they are also informative regarding our ancient history. Most of us have had nostalgic experiences with our grandparents telling us these stories when we were kids. But now-a-days, due to the shift in family structures from joint to nuclear, not all homes are replete with people who are free enough to pass on these stories.

So fairy tales (or any short story) for children should be written carefully with a well-placed view of awakening the dedicated reader in them and also live up to what could be achieved through word-of-mouth story telling. When this is accomplished, we can happily sit back and watch a new generation of voracious book-lovers who can devour this knowledge source, and a consistent breeze of coming-of-age creative playwrights, not to forget hordes of other people who will be better equipped with abundant knowledge and timely information, not because they have access to all the world's resources but because, they have the drive and capacity to read and are using it to their advantage in any field that they embark on!

Photo Courtesy:www.google.com

The 'Seducing art' in 'Shopping Mart'

2006-01-01T20:52:00.001-08:00

My usual over-worked, over-booked self had yet another engagement yesterday. Fighting to keep my eyes wide-open thanks to the previous night's insomnia, I accompanied my friends to a happening mall for a shopping expedition. The 6 pm chilly breeze did nothing to drive away the icy shivers the evening had fondly granted, so I decided to don my Monte-Carlo sweater and jeans in opposition to my buddies' low-necked tops with ultra-feminine hoop earrings.
Frankly, for me, comfort scores over the need to look like a bomb.

But life tosses out funny experiences in the name of well-intended friends, who advice you endlessly on how to look desirable and hot, especially for the benefit of men. It's even more crazy when girls express mock-shock over a fellow-buddy's single-status.
"The shock IS justified..", I was corrected the other day, "Having a boyfriend is certainly THE status symbol, that you are the prima donna of some young dude's life!" was the point made.
"But how can you just tag yourself onto some guy whose good looks apart, but conversational skills you are clueless about..?" said I.
Coz speaking skills are as important and vital for me in a person as yeast is for bread!
" Chuck it Vini, you are asking for too much! Is a hot appearence insufficient? What kind of ego-trip are you on..you are a trifle too fastidious!" was the reaction.

Ego-trip!! Now after having spent 21 yrs on this dear planet I guess I don't have the right to express shock over such statements, even if they are directed towards me. But to think of something so obviously cardinal and in every way indispensable as a useless thing in the maze of good looks, a hot body and a fat bank-balance is certainly inexcusable, to say the least. While I don't expect everyone to regard a man's or a woman's personality, integrity, character and personal value as the relationship's meat-and-potatoes, I don't agree with the cold rebuff they are meted out with either! It's about time people start regarding their relationships seriously with an eye for future companionship, and look beyond the fine cars, family name and the company tag and recognise and respect the other person for what he or she is. What we represent is not about where we come from, but more about where we are headed.

From yesterday's experience it became more than apparent that people stay on a look-out for prospective love-interests even in places like shopping malls and book-stores. While I can't understand how one can keep their seduction-antennae up and running 24-7-365 till they get hooked onto some prosperous partner, the fact that they even manage to identify the right one in the 'labyrinth-like' shopping-jungles calls for superior identifying and strategizing skills, I must say!

However, what took the cake at the end of the day was an eclectic piece of wisdom I garnered from a self-confessed 'good friend'. The girl had the nerve to let her gaze wander over my jeans-cardigan look and utter, " Girl! You need to learn the fine art of 'seducing through attire'. Else how will you attract men, at all??"

Hmmm...while I'm toying with the idea, HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all...

Photo courtesy: www.google.com

The ' write ' thing

2005-11-23T21:29:00.000-08:00

The last week went by in a winsome, alluring fashion.Mostly because I was occupied for most part of the week.The kind of blazing passion writing ( or anything got to do with communication) evokes in me, is completely unmatched by any other task that I embark on....So, thanks to the lonesome inactivity of the past month, I decided to give writing a shot that it is well worthy of!! That sparked off the inspiration to send a few sample write-ups to a leading news paper. Ecstacy is a the closest term I could coin when they told me that they liked my writing style etc..and asked if I would like to work with them as a features writer. They needn't have asked! They could have ordered and I would have jumped at the proposition!!!
(Now I am working there on a part-time basis since I have a full-time job of a software engg. that keeps me busy throughout the week)

So now I have started a brand new avtaar of mine as a professional writer. That I am thrilled to bits is an obvious thing but the next thing that struck me was..."what do I write about for the upcoming week? "(I am required to write 2 articles per week). Last Friday, following an overpowering urge to brush up my knowledge on a famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, I did an extensive search on this petite woman of the early nineties who spent most of her 47 yr. old existence etching out self-portraits. A year back, I had watched this awesome movie called 'FRIDA' that entails the life and career of this woman, wherein my favourite Salma Hayek has rendered full justice to this cult figure.

I guess half of me was driven by the inspiration that Frida aroused and the other half was compelled by boredom, but whatever the reasons be, I was on Google at full throttle. As I read on and on about her, I was fuelled by a burgeoning need to write about her inspiring, though short, life.Once my heart is set on something, I am driven by an animal-like passion to see an end to it. The same emotion drove me to finish the article by evening. So article number 1 was up and ready!!

Something beheld me from launching article number 2.Probably an intuition that something worthy is going to materialize!!!....Well, I waited. After biding my time over the weekend, doing 'this-n-that', Monday started as a bright, warm day extending it's big arms around me as though it was welcoming me back into an energetic week! I spent half the day writing the second article, which turned out to be my review on 'CAT-2005'. So this was the event I was waiting for, over the past week! It landed cleaner and better structured than I had expected while starting it. I had spruced it up with my analysis and how one could have sailed successfully through the other-wise shocking ( that was the majority's reaction to this year's CAT) CAT. Priti read the article and said it was smart. So enamoured by praise (one thing that always gets me going!!----my biggest SIN in life!)
I sent it across to the chief-sub-editor and sat back in reverie.

I was indeed tantalized by how wonderful I felt. Maybe victory gives a brilliant glow to it's recipient & that outshines every other thing!! And the fact that I had finally set sails on a career that I had forever secretly longed for! This is on a very small-scale in comparision to what I want to do ( since I am doing it part-time) but every giant achievement starts as a small step in the right direction! And some time in the near future, I plan to take on a full-fledged career in writing and be a successful one at that too!! ...I pray my God is listening. Well he must be coz it is my ardent belief that my posthumous granny is seated right next to him, on a regal chair and plotting a dazzling life for me!! Being her eldest grand-daughter, I was her favourite, you see..

And I spent the rest of the day giving well-thought after (and I insist, well-sought after!) advice to a buddy in the office...

The joy of that day continues, rocks and rules..........

Aadaab Hyderabad!

2005-11-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

During the month of August we planned a 2 day holiday as a way to combat mid- year boredom.Since travelling always leaves one knowledgeable and people-wise, I was more than geared up for it when we decided the destination as Hyderabad, also known as "The Pearl City" and "Cybercity", thanks to the city's foray into the IT domain.Little did I know then, that the pearl city would open up pearls of information in terms of it's culture, people, places, food and hospitality.

After getting off at the travel agency's office in Hyderabad, a friendly looking man, around 40 yrs of age helped us into his auto and off we went to the lodge we had booked. Enroute, laid on one side is the vast strech of water bearing the name Hussain Sagar, a lake constructed in 1562 AD.It has bejeweled the heart of twin cities, Hyderabad and Secunderabad with the Necklace Road.Boating and water sports are a regular feature here.Emerging right in the middle of the lake is the magnificent 18 metre tall, 350 tonne monolithic statue of Buddha on the rock of Gibraltar.The other side of the road is equally eye-catchy with about 33 statues of Andhra Pradesh's famous personalities.

Once at the 3 star lodge, we unloaded our luggage and were on our heels to go city-trotting.The Qualis we had hired for a day was spacious enough for us to strech our limbs and I struck a conversation with the driver.He enlightened me with tips on the best places to visit and take-home gifts from this culturally strong city."Khana bole to aap zaroor biriyani khayiye madam.Aur yaha ki nahari( a special Hyderabadi soup made of paws of lamb) saare tourist logon ko acchi lagti hai.Yaha hum sab naan aur nahari se kaam chalalete hain" was his advice on food.

Our first stop was at Salarjung Museum, a unique art collection of a single connoisseur of art, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, better known as Salarjung III.The artefacts that adorn the eyes in this fantabulous, visually appeasing 5km wide museum are, Persian carpets,a beautiful collection of jade, daggers belonging to Nur Jahan,the veiled Rebecca,Aurangzeb's sword,amazing silver,bidri and brocade work and many more.It is a real museum in every sense of the word,the collection adorned with both beauty and historic appeal.

Understandably,the local taxi-wallahs have an updated knowledge of the tourist spots and ours took us to Char Minar next.This edifice was built by Quli Qutub Shah and marks the city's 400 yr old history.It stands a proud 180 ft in height and is supported by four minarets. Inside this are around 45 prayerspaces and a mosque.A popular place for visitors, it also provides a wonderful back-drop for photographs.Here we shopped for the elegant and famous Hyderabadi bangles and dupattas which,when bargained are available at a reasonable price.By now, hunger had raised it's torturing head and we headed to a local restaurant.One piece of advice about the cuisine:If you are not used to hot and spicy food,play safe and opt for the less-hot dishes.For Hyderabad rules the roost for spicy food.And for unsuspecting victims like me,who ordered for meals,everything from sambhar to rasam with the exclusion of curds made my eyes water and I had to gulp down large quantities of water!

Post lunch we headed towards the Golconda Fort.It spreads 3 km wide and now stands deserted as the reminder of a bygone era.This fort is the proud producer of the world-famous and much sought after Kohinoor diamond,which now decorates the Queen of England's crown.It is protected all around by eight gates.Originally belonging to Kakatiyas,it's legendary reign includes the likes of the Bahamanis and the Qutb Shahis.The most fascinating aspect of this edifice is it's acoustic effects, whereby clapping of hands at the entry gate can be heard on top of the fort, roughly around 61mts high.
That was the end of Day 1.

A trip to this city is never complete without visiting the IT boosting section of Hyderabad! A well planned city in itself,with intelligent infrastructure and such wide roads that aid good transportation, no wonder the city has earned the distinction of being one of the IT giants.
Madhapur opened up yet another facet of Hyderabad in the form of HITEX (Hyderabad International Trade Expositions Limited). It spreads over a sprawling 100-acre land and houses 3 indoor exhibition halls,a trade fair office building and an exclusive building for conferences, among other facilities.

The remaining part of the day was invested in shopping,which is a wise investment considering the fact that it is the 'Pearl City'.Pearls are to be purchased only at authorised shops that ensure it's authenticity.We shopped at Abids,Patthergatti,Koti and other adjoining places for pearls,jade,hyderabadi chappals,bags and other accessories that adds a dash of the Nizam style elegance to the regular metro-look!

The evening was meant for relaxing in the lodge and enjoying conversations with the family, sipping the famous Hyderabadi chai (the Irani chai), relishing pastries and packing up.That was the end of the 2 day trip to Hyderabad.Though there were many other places we could not visit, as they say, 'There is always a next time'.

Photo courtesy: www.google.com

Some children's day

2005-11-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

"Akka,tomorrow is a holiday.We only have to go to school and eat chocolates!!!"...my 4 yr old nephew screamed into my ears on the lazy Sunday afternoon of November 13th."Really? do you know why you are given a holiday" was what I wanted to know. To which he gaily proclaimed "Yeah! tomorrow is some children's day"...If you have had a similar experience with a tiny tot, don't brush it aside as a less important statement. In a way the child had something very important to convey.

For most of us living in the plush apartments, caught up in the web of our own duties in personal and professional lives, days like 14th November would be 'some children's day'.But the sad part is, it is indeed 'some' children's day since just a privileged few like my nephew get to celebrate this day.For other less-fortunate children it's just any other day, with a monotonous routine that begins with supplying milk to houses or selling newspapers or cleaning cars, not being able to go to school, giving up on the pleasures of childhood because they also have to work to lend a helping hand in supporting the family.

My maid servant has an 8yr old girl Anjana* who went to school for a year or two after which she had to quit because of financial constraints thanks to my maid's single mother status.When one enquires about the plans she harbours for the kid she replies in her trademark flat tone, "Ayyo leave it kutti.People like me can't afford to have 'plans' for their children.Even she will have to take up a job like me and fend for herself". Whats more she has even started searching for a job for the girl and has begun fretting over the fact that her neighbour Kamalamma's* 7 yr old son has already begun to work.She also cribs over her shaky fate that gave her a daughter who can't work as efficiently as a son would.

There are a good number of such people for whom children's day has no such importance or relevance.To them, it marks another addition to their usual working day. Not that one can blame them...When the mother is fighting hard to make ends meet, she can't be expected to know the significance of such a day.When I visited my maid servant's locality last year on this very date to distribute chocolates, I met a bunch of kids who wanted to know how I used to celebrate this day as a kid.And I told them about the different cultural activities and competitions we used to have.A boy, around 13 yrs of age, looked at me with those faraway look in the eyes and said, "Even I see all that in the nearby school where my mom is an aaya( servant ).They won't let me in because I'm dirty and my dad does'nt have a car.But one day I'm going to have one and then I can go there....can't I akka?"

Well, I could only nod in approval. Irrespective of however harsh the reality is, I'm really counting on that boy to make it big and own a car.My eyes were moist that day.Maybe due to the cold breeze that kept stinging my face or maybe something else.....

The message we can derive out of this is bold and clear.We need not go totally out of our way to make life comfortable for these children.But a little bit of compassion and love we give them on this day and whenever we can, will put a smile on those love-lorn, pre-maturely aged lips. And that, to me, is a day well lived.

Photo courtesy: Google

"Hello...whoz there?...old friend.?!??..

2005-11-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was fun!While I felt good about the comments Deepi and Swaroop posted,I was also amused at the sms I got in the evening from an unidentified number...clearly an imposter, here it goes...An account of the cheap and undesirable entertainment these imposters provide...

PS: Number is one thing, but I have no idea how he got my name also!!

Me: Me man Me, of course ME!!
IP: Imposter

IP: Hey Vineetha, how are you...What are you doing now?
Me: I'm good..I could'nt identify this number. Could you please tell me who you are..?
IP: I'm an old friend of yours...What are you doing now?
Me: I expect an old friend to have a name..what's yours..?.......apart from being jobless enough to reply to such messages, I'm even helping people re-discover their names...Voila!
IP: Whatever..you won't remember..it's been a long time since we last met
Me: Identify yourself.......not that it matters considering the way he approached, even if he were an old friend..errr..You see, I don't have an automatic old friends detector in my cell....whoever said technology is advanced!
IP: I'm $^%&^ your classmate ......original crap!
Me: See, I've never had any old classmate by that name.Just stop messaging
(I really have'nt had any classmate by that name)
IP: You may have forgotten a friend but I don't forget mine.........Hah....Plz. accept my sincere apologies, Your Majesty, Mr.Old Friend!!! he he he...
Me: How did you get my number?
IP: A friend of ours gave me........man..did he say 'friend of ours!?!!!'...I wanna know the name!
Me: And who is that?
IP: Sneha...she somehow got your number............Eurekaaaa! Sneha is a nurse in the hospital where I was born. I have known her all my life!$$$.....geeeee....I have NO clue who she is!!
Me: I don't know anyone by name Sneha either ( I honestly don't). And I'm mot interested in you or your Sneha. And I DON'T want to see even a single message from you or your friends in my inbox.........old or new.....duh!
IP: Oh..I got scared...K bye...I miss you...

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The incident concluded with a male buddy stepping in and driving the devil out of my old friend's mind.
Thanks, Rajiv

Such experiences being a part of most of the mobile owning youngsters' kitty, I have no hopes that this is going to be the absolute last sms of this kind.But I do hope that people get creative and come up with innovative ways of trying to hook a girl/boy!!

Every end is a beginning in itself...

A finger in the blog pie!!

2005-11-10T02:33:00.000-08:00

I never really wanted to blog.Ever. Somehow the thought of putting my thoughts up on the net for just about anyone to read did'nt quite appeal to me.But hey, come to think of it.
Some @#%&&#$$$$ years down the line bamboo and subsequently paper might just become extinct (thanks to deforestation, human occupancy in forest areas etc..to name a few).
Then the one sure shot way of making my words live on and on and on...forever is either by carving a John F Kennedy out of myself, who would make statements like.."Ask not what your country did for you, but what you did for your country"...you know, the kind of words that would live forever by their sheer word-power OR more simply by blogging. Since the second option seemed more doable, I settled for the latter.

Now before I start off, I want to confess something. That I am a victim of an INCURABLE syndrome.It generally starts off within the 1st year of one's birth and stays on as long as the individual lives. While it is not really troublesome to the victim him/herself, it usually proves to be a pain in the whatever for the other nice people around. And from times immemorial there has never been a cure for this.The syndrome is 'NARCISSISM'. And it's victims are fondly referred to as 'NARCISSISTS'. So, do bear with me. Sometimes I tend to go overboard.And all my friends have unanimously voted me out of the humility scale.

However, I'm proud... of everything I stand for, like my being, my views, my values and principles,my dreams and my abode-Planet Earth, Galaxy Milkyway...absolutely everything around me that fascinates me and triggers off my interest.To the point that I've almost made it my business to talk.... about myself, about other people, about various things ( err..My hobbies include emceeing and writing poems)

So as though the microphone and poetry were'nt enough, I've ventured into blogging. Let's see how this one goes.....

ALL THE BEST TO VINI---ME!!!