Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Dependent ...
Last weekend, in one of my weirdest frustrations ... I got irritated that I was very dependent on a software application. I decided to get rid of the dependency. I uninstalled the software from my office computers.
Now its existence from my office world is nullified. Surprisingly ... its just the second working day of the week and I am already pushing myself hard. I wonder how I ended up this way. I also wonder how many more softwares that I rely on. Can I live a week without internet? Impossible! The thought of it itself is scary!
I realize now ... Habits die really hard. But I am determined to keep this going and I will.
Now its existence from my office world is nullified. Surprisingly ... its just the second working day of the week and I am already pushing myself hard. I wonder how I ended up this way. I also wonder how many more softwares that I rely on. Can I live a week without internet? Impossible! The thought of it itself is scary!
I realize now ... Habits die really hard. But I am determined to keep this going and I will.
Monday, January 22, 2007
The magic of AR Rahman ...
As the music rings in my ears, every cell in my body jumps with joy. There is no limit to the amount of enthusiasm that this single musician's songs can bring in my life.
My frustrations take a back seat when his notes linger in the room. There is an aura of happiness that fills me up. His music is definitely the source of energy that awakens the dead soul in me. And like the phoenix, I rise again ... full of excitement and exuberance.
Rahman and his music ... an irreplaceable element of my life. Thanks to a friend who gave me reach to his songs again!!
My frustrations take a back seat when his notes linger in the room. There is an aura of happiness that fills me up. His music is definitely the source of energy that awakens the dead soul in me. And like the phoenix, I rise again ... full of excitement and exuberance.
Rahman and his music ... an irreplaceable element of my life. Thanks to a friend who gave me reach to his songs again!!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Trip to Sydney ...
I wrote this blog in May 2005, when I travelled to Sydney. It is funny how alien the blog sounds to me today. If I had written this journal today, it would have been very different. I am just uploading half of my experience as is, as I wrote it almost 2 years back. The rest ... nah! I dont think it deserves a place in my today's journal. Oh ya ... since this is a consolidation of 3 of my old blogs ... it is a reaallly long post. This is your chance ... quit now!
First day at Sydney,
It was around 8:00 pm when I reached in Sydney. I walked straight to the Taxi Stand and called the taxi to my hotel. The windows of the taxi were open. I could feel the cold breeze hitting my face and making it numb. Somehow, I liked it. The place was obviously so unlike Singapore. It was spacious and I could see normal housing instead of HDBs. The wide road had big banners covered on both sides with a lot of advertisements varying from movies to LG Digital Technology. These banners reminded me of the flyover in Coimbatore.
At the hotel, everything was ready for me. The rest of whatever was left of the day went by adjusting to the cold weather, experimenting my room heater and preparing for the next day’s event.
Second day at Sydney,
The day dawned early for me. Luckily my health was better and my voice was clear. The official event began at 8:00am and went non-stop until lunch. Despite the tension in the air, I seemed to have enjoyed everything around me. Whenever I was not with somebody, I stood by the window enjoying the view of Darling Harbour. After everything was done and goodbyes were bid, I started walking towards my hotel. The walk over the Pyrmont Bridge was fantastic. The view was lovely: glittering waters, vanishing cruises, busy flyovers …..The sun was shining, but it was cold. After living in Singapore, I really cherished the broad walking space and the unbounded swings of the wind.
After making a few calls, I walked through the brochures to find out what Sydney could offer. From the information I had gathered from the taxi drivers and hotel staff, I knew I had to fit in the aquarium and beach into my schedule. “Alright, downtown area tonight!” I decided.
Sydney Tower was my first destination. Luckily my hotel was situated right next to the Pyrmont Bridge at a very convenient location. The only thing worth mentioning about the tower was the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Fascinating it was. The structure was so huge. Everything next to it looked tiny. The telescope provided an absolutely close look at the bridge. Every bend and curve was visible and looked great. If I had an extra day, I would definitely climbed the bridge.
Aquarium … Another underwater world, I thought. It was better. It was big with a great variety of water-life. The best part was the Oceanarium, the place where the world’s largest collections of sharks could be found. In one word, “Great”. Sharks swam all around me. Their size and variety and the fact that “they were sharks” is sure something difficult to find in Singapore.
[Written today ... ]
I was so impressed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge, that I had to check it out. I cannot recollect the place I went to ... it was some kind of a Fisherman's Wharf area. The highlights of that place as I remember today, was the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge of course and one of the biggest fish markets in Sydney.
My third day in Sydney ...
Sydney provides two city-tours for tourists. The first one covered most of the commercial areas, shopping and man made attractions. The second covered the naturally scenic locations along the coast. No prizes for guessing what I picked. Beaches, waters, oceans, sand-dunes, cliffs, trails along the beach ... I saw and did it all. I returned back to downtown only after seeing the sun-set on the beach and walking in a park in downtown. Even though I was freezing in the cold in the Australian winters, I enjoyed the walks thoroughly.
In Australia, business ends very early. After 8/9 in the evening, you wont find any shops open ... not even restaurants. This was causing a big problem for me. I had to retire early to my hotel. In fact, I had to come in earlier to finish the shopping and cover the business districts before the close.
I spent the last moments of the day, sitting in my hotel's lounge and watching the busy harbor of Australia. Ships coming in, loading/unloading ... I can still remember those moments. I sat there reflecting on my trip. It had been a good trip for me. I was confident of the outcome. I knew I had some changes to deal with when I went back to Singapore. And yet ... at that moment, nothing mattered. I had seen Sydney. I had been to Australia ... and I could tick off another country from the world map.
First day at Sydney,
It was around 8:00 pm when I reached in Sydney. I walked straight to the Taxi Stand and called the taxi to my hotel. The windows of the taxi were open. I could feel the cold breeze hitting my face and making it numb. Somehow, I liked it. The place was obviously so unlike Singapore. It was spacious and I could see normal housing instead of HDBs. The wide road had big banners covered on both sides with a lot of advertisements varying from movies to LG Digital Technology. These banners reminded me of the flyover in Coimbatore.
At the hotel, everything was ready for me. The rest of whatever was left of the day went by adjusting to the cold weather, experimenting my room heater and preparing for the next day’s event.
Second day at Sydney,
The day dawned early for me. Luckily my health was better and my voice was clear. The official event began at 8:00am and went non-stop until lunch. Despite the tension in the air, I seemed to have enjoyed everything around me. Whenever I was not with somebody, I stood by the window enjoying the view of Darling Harbour. After everything was done and goodbyes were bid, I started walking towards my hotel. The walk over the Pyrmont Bridge was fantastic. The view was lovely: glittering waters, vanishing cruises, busy flyovers …..The sun was shining, but it was cold. After living in Singapore, I really cherished the broad walking space and the unbounded swings of the wind.
After making a few calls, I walked through the brochures to find out what Sydney could offer. From the information I had gathered from the taxi drivers and hotel staff, I knew I had to fit in the aquarium and beach into my schedule. “Alright, downtown area tonight!” I decided.
Sydney Tower was my first destination. Luckily my hotel was situated right next to the Pyrmont Bridge at a very convenient location. The only thing worth mentioning about the tower was the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Fascinating it was. The structure was so huge. Everything next to it looked tiny. The telescope provided an absolutely close look at the bridge. Every bend and curve was visible and looked great. If I had an extra day, I would definitely climbed the bridge.
Aquarium … Another underwater world, I thought. It was better. It was big with a great variety of water-life. The best part was the Oceanarium, the place where the world’s largest collections of sharks could be found. In one word, “Great”. Sharks swam all around me. Their size and variety and the fact that “they were sharks” is sure something difficult to find in Singapore.
[Written today ... ]
I was so impressed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge, that I had to check it out. I cannot recollect the place I went to ... it was some kind of a Fisherman's Wharf area. The highlights of that place as I remember today, was the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge of course and one of the biggest fish markets in Sydney.
My third day in Sydney ...
Sydney provides two city-tours for tourists. The first one covered most of the commercial areas, shopping and man made attractions. The second covered the naturally scenic locations along the coast. No prizes for guessing what I picked. Beaches, waters, oceans, sand-dunes, cliffs, trails along the beach ... I saw and did it all. I returned back to downtown only after seeing the sun-set on the beach and walking in a park in downtown. Even though I was freezing in the cold in the Australian winters, I enjoyed the walks thoroughly.
In Australia, business ends very early. After 8/9 in the evening, you wont find any shops open ... not even restaurants. This was causing a big problem for me. I had to retire early to my hotel. In fact, I had to come in earlier to finish the shopping and cover the business districts before the close.
I spent the last moments of the day, sitting in my hotel's lounge and watching the busy harbor of Australia. Ships coming in, loading/unloading ... I can still remember those moments. I sat there reflecting on my trip. It had been a good trip for me. I was confident of the outcome. I knew I had some changes to deal with when I went back to Singapore. And yet ... at that moment, nothing mattered. I had seen Sydney. I had been to Australia ... and I could tick off another country from the world map.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Skiing ...
Skiing ... is it a guy's sport? I am inclining to thinking so. The amount of stamina that this sport requires is tremendous. Stamina, that is very difficult to find in an everyday Indian woman.
I am just a beginner in skiing. I have attempted this sport three times so far. I started a beginner and I still am. I simply cannot proceed. And still without even doing any 'real' skiing ... each time I go, I experience a terrible loss of energy. It takes me at least 2 days to recover. 2 days where my work and personal life is affected. My enthusiasm is low. My sleeping time increases. My appetite is lost. My visits to pro-club are solely for the jacuzzi and never for exercise. And all this time, ALL this time ... just to recover from a day of useless skiing. Makes me wonder if it is really worth it.
No I dont feel like giving up on skiing. Just that ... I am not quite fit for it right now. But I have the hope of being fit some day ...
Maybe some day ... I would have gained the stamina to 'cut through the snow' ...
Maybe some day ... I would have learnt the tricks to stay upright and not fall ...
Maybe some day ... I will ski the entire beginner's slope ...
Some day ... Some day!
The hope never dies!
I am just a beginner in skiing. I have attempted this sport three times so far. I started a beginner and I still am. I simply cannot proceed. And still without even doing any 'real' skiing ... each time I go, I experience a terrible loss of energy. It takes me at least 2 days to recover. 2 days where my work and personal life is affected. My enthusiasm is low. My sleeping time increases. My appetite is lost. My visits to pro-club are solely for the jacuzzi and never for exercise. And all this time, ALL this time ... just to recover from a day of useless skiing. Makes me wonder if it is really worth it.
No I dont feel like giving up on skiing. Just that ... I am not quite fit for it right now. But I have the hope of being fit some day ...
Maybe some day ... I would have gained the stamina to 'cut through the snow' ...
Maybe some day ... I would have learnt the tricks to stay upright and not fall ...
Maybe some day ... I will ski the entire beginner's slope ...
Some day ... Some day!
The hope never dies!
Friday, January 12, 2007
A Rollercoaster ride ...
My day today was one of the best roller coaster rides I have ever been on in my life. Highs and lows ... they came in plenty.
One word that can capture the morning is 'Ecstacy'. My senses were in for a feast this morning. Astonishing views, splendid music and delicious food. I couldnt ask for more. Slow and steady, the ride had begun. I was rising high and higher until ... it was time to fall.
Oh the fall ... Like they say, the higher you go, the mightier the fall is. It sure was. I felt the pain. The reason behind the fall ... 'Perceptions'. There it was. Something I needed to pay more attention to. What my actions meant and how they were comprehended by others. There was a gap to fill.
The Turnaround ... What better way can there be other than sports. A game. Followed by a chit-chat with a friend. Personally I take pride in the fact that it doesnt take me long to bury my thoughts behind and move on. Today I realized I am not alone. There is at least one other person who can do so. Glad.
The day ends with a long telephonic talk with mom. Oh what a ride! I am too tired to sleep. And here I am ... blogging.
One word that can capture the morning is 'Ecstacy'. My senses were in for a feast this morning. Astonishing views, splendid music and delicious food. I couldnt ask for more. Slow and steady, the ride had begun. I was rising high and higher until ... it was time to fall.
Oh the fall ... Like they say, the higher you go, the mightier the fall is. It sure was. I felt the pain. The reason behind the fall ... 'Perceptions'. There it was. Something I needed to pay more attention to. What my actions meant and how they were comprehended by others. There was a gap to fill.
The Turnaround ... What better way can there be other than sports. A game. Followed by a chit-chat with a friend. Personally I take pride in the fact that it doesnt take me long to bury my thoughts behind and move on. Today I realized I am not alone. There is at least one other person who can do so. Glad.
The day ends with a long telephonic talk with mom. Oh what a ride! I am too tired to sleep. And here I am ... blogging.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Powerless ...
I had information to share.
I had opinions to reveal.
I had facts to quote.
And all I did was listen ...
Answer when questioned ...
And crush my voice.
No ... I wasnt scared.
No ... I was confident.
And yet ... I felt powerless
I listened to mighty ...
Silently wondering ...
If I had the power ... would I say the same thing too?
I had opinions to reveal.
I had facts to quote.
And all I did was listen ...
Answer when questioned ...
And crush my voice.
No ... I wasnt scared.
No ... I was confident.
And yet ... I felt powerless
I listened to mighty ...
Silently wondering ...
If I had the power ... would I say the same thing too?
Friday, January 05, 2007
Temptations ...
I had put an end to this.
It was jeopardizing my work life.
A little bit of room and
I am tempted ... really tempted ...
Should I restart blogging?
(.... looks like I just did)
It was jeopardizing my work life.
A little bit of room and
I am tempted ... really tempted ...
Should I restart blogging?
(.... looks like I just did)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Los Angeles ...
Los Angeles & San Diego
Spring 2006
Los Angeles was the first domestic flight I took in US. Even before we got off the flight, LA amused me. For the simple reason, our flight had to queue up behind a series of flights all wanting to land at the LA Airport. Air Traffic ... for the first time I experienced it.
Our very first day of the trip was Universal Studios. The whole day was spent in this one single place. Rides and rides and more rides. All inspired by movies ... Back to the Future, Shrek, Jurassic Park ... My favorite ride was the Mummy. The whole ride was in darkness with mummies and scary things popping out of everywhere. It is so easy to just 'boo' me and I ll get scared. This ride had made my heart beat real fast. Although nobody was keen in the beginning. In my pretext, everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day.
The second day we drove from LA to San Diego. On the way, stopping at 2 or 3 beaches. Strolled on the sands, played volleyball at the beach, witnessed dancers dancing around the fire for some African music and finally at the end of the day, we hit the dance floor at some random club in San Diego. The beaches unlike near Seattle's pebble beaches had long sand shores. The waters were not very cold too. The day ended with a friend of mine from Seattle driving the rest of us back to LA. He was the only one who was awake.
The third day, we drove around in the car all day long. Again, one guy drove ... the rest were just sitting inside and doing nothing. Drove through the Mulholland drive. It was supposed to be a really scenic drive. Ah well! did we care? That day I had received a call from a good friend of mine from Singapore. She had come to San Diego for 3 days and was returning to Singapore the very day I spoke to her. I cursed her for not calling me earlier. I was in San Diego and didnt meet her. What a disappointment!!
Spring 2006
Los Angeles was the first domestic flight I took in US. Even before we got off the flight, LA amused me. For the simple reason, our flight had to queue up behind a series of flights all wanting to land at the LA Airport. Air Traffic ... for the first time I experienced it.
Our very first day of the trip was Universal Studios. The whole day was spent in this one single place. Rides and rides and more rides. All inspired by movies ... Back to the Future, Shrek, Jurassic Park ... My favorite ride was the Mummy. The whole ride was in darkness with mummies and scary things popping out of everywhere. It is so easy to just 'boo' me and I ll get scared. This ride had made my heart beat real fast. Although nobody was keen in the beginning. In my pretext, everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day.
The second day we drove from LA to San Diego. On the way, stopping at 2 or 3 beaches. Strolled on the sands, played volleyball at the beach, witnessed dancers dancing around the fire for some African music and finally at the end of the day, we hit the dance floor at some random club in San Diego. The beaches unlike near Seattle's pebble beaches had long sand shores. The waters were not very cold too. The day ended with a friend of mine from Seattle driving the rest of us back to LA. He was the only one who was awake.
The third day, we drove around in the car all day long. Again, one guy drove ... the rest were just sitting inside and doing nothing. Drove through the Mulholland drive. It was supposed to be a really scenic drive. Ah well! did we care? That day I had received a call from a good friend of mine from Singapore. She had come to San Diego for 3 days and was returning to Singapore the very day I spoke to her. I cursed her for not calling me earlier. I was in San Diego and didnt meet her. What a disappointment!!