Followed by the resume revamp there was an application which I had made on an open internal requirement within my present organisation. I was really interested in the role and this was exactly something to which I wanted to progress in my career. Well, I had invested quite a bit of my time and effort for the application and was very happy when I was successful at the application level. The internal application process is quite complex where you need to clearly describe your competence against the desirable and essential competencies with relevant evidence in the projects. This one had a list of 20+ on which I had spent considerable time on drafting my application. When I had passed the stage of application progress, I had a serious thought on this and did a quality preparation for the interview as I knew progressing from an analyst role to a manager role is not that easy within any organisation.
You expect certain type of ‘usual’ questions in any interviews. For example, ‘tell me about yourself; tell me about your present job’. But in this case the interview style was quite different on very high application level questions. The interview lasted for more than an hour and by the time I was out of the room, I realised I was sweating and drained out. Is that nerves??? May be…But then, I am sure I didn’t have a confidence problem. Also, I had done my home work for the preparation too. Each of the questions made me think and think, speak up and almost give alternate options for all answers. It was mentioned during the start that there are no right/wrong answers or tricky questions. It was just to know how you suit to the proper project management role. However, after the interview I was very happy that I got a chance to experience such a drilling down interview and expected a very good feedback even if I was rejected. But then, yesterday afternoon while I was on a middle of my ‘Presentation Skills’ training from Bray Leino I was offered this role…WOOHOO!!! Was excited …wanted to share the good news with SreeRaj; who was busy so left a voice mail. He was pleased and gave me a call back later. Then, spoke to Mums/Dads and was then settled for a bit. May be that I was so excited I couldn’t think straight during the training course. I had accepted the offer later on in the evening. Now, it’s left with my present and future line managers to negotiate start date, hand over contracts and the likes.
Talking about the course on Bray Leino Presentation Skills: There were times in my life when I used to run away from stages, presentations and talking in public. But then this has changed over the time. But then can’t really say that I have always delivered effective and impressive presentations. This may be due to a variety of reasons, say the strength of content, organisation and plan of presentation, style and of course knowledge of audience too. But then there were times when I was specifically recognised for my presentation skills during my previous jobs and MBA course.
The training with Bray Leino was more or less an eye opener. You have numerous things to improve on and it works on a CI theory – Continuous Improvement. It was more or less proved to you through your presentations. My presentation to the training group on the first day bagged me a good mix of positive and negative feedback. No, you should say ‘can improve on’ rather than negative. The feedback touched out on all aspects ranging from the theme of your presentation to the timbre of your voice. You analyse yourself after the presentation and you realise from the group feedback that you weren’t that awful as you thought. The basic principle is the horizontal plan and then PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. I think the same logic applies to report writing as well.
One of the interesting sessions was on the tapping therapy, emotional freedom techniques and much more. I am not entirely sure on the extent to which you can rely on them, but then may be it works as its all about nerves and your brain. The emphasis all the way was on confidence. I have realised how my confidence levels have gone high over the years. I can handle people and even crowds, talk talk and talk. But then there is always this element of confidence which I seem to be missing occasionally – especially when you think, ‘Oh, I am going to look stupid!, What would they think of me?’ ‘Am I saying the right thing?’…But then, no one expects you to be perfect. As long as I am not in a debate I have taught myself to handle these situations – whether it is work related or not. In a debate, I often feel it is always the ego in you make you work which is sometimes good.
I am vaulting from topics after topics for no reason. May be that’s the Friday effect. The weekend is not planned at all. Halloween night today, and this is not making a big difference with us. I completely forgot about Halloween and realised it when I got a free crème egg along with Yorkshire metro today morning. It is too cold to go out and do something actually; the weekend doesn’t seem to be any better too. But I am expecting some kids from the neighbourhood for chocolates. And the cooking bit tonight as SreeRaj is back home after 3 days in Birmingham and is complaining on the food he had to have for the past 2-3 days. So, that’s it for the week. Had an eventful week! - Interview, Good news on a friend who is blessed with a baby, a bit of sad news on a friend who is returning to India finishing contract in UK, Interview Results and so much more I am pleased that I found out the result of the interview otherwise I would have at least thought about it during the weekend. It’s start now- November, it is said that melancholy moods are associated with this month. Quite suits for this winter (supposedly autumn)!
Friday, 31 October 2008
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
The Driving Force
Existence of God is a widely discussed topic. I am not in an attempt to question it as I believe it does and personally speaking it is something beyond belief. The association with God and religion is something different; or rather the associates make it increasingly confusing.
Having been brought up in a traditional Hindu family in India, I worship Hindu Gods and came across more on Hinduism. In most cases you tend to follow what you are exposed to and inherit your family traits more. I am not for or against idol worship too, after all effigies are one of the best ways of representation. I personally feel religion, God and ways of worship are all means to engage you to some driving force. I am sure the ultimate aim of this was always to make good human beings; if not ideal (not anything less!). Civilised and Humane! However, the disputes on religion have been frolic always. I don’t see any religion inferior; my understanding is that all of them preach the same. I have done my 10 years of schooling with a Christian Missionary; this didn’t make me look upon my religion as inferior or superior. I believe in Lord Shiva, Krishna in the same way as Christ and Allah. But, the way you do things would be in the way you are used to. When I am in panic, I would obviously say, “ende Krishna”…However, when I was in school there was this influence from friends which made me use ‘karthave’ to a good extent; that’s influence. I believe there is a God, the driving force which is ascribed to ‘Energy’ by analysts in relation to this. Energy involved in the process of prayers has been proved in many places, not the magic of God or religion.
Having been interacting with a wide range of people, I have felt differences with the way people from different religions act and think. But, it is certainly not to do with their religion, it attributes to their environments. If you are taught to see a religion as a nemesis and if you have not got enough exposure to experience the world, you may do that. That is not anyone’s fault, it is just circumstances and the perseverance continues to a point where it is no longer appropriate.
Having said all this what I realise is there is not a single day in my life I have been disconnected from the driving force. I have my little Krishna locket in my chain which I am hesitant to remove no matter what like my thali (mangalsutra – tie of togetherness). The little Krishna is there with me in my chain for ages, I don’t remember when I started having it with me. It has seen all the places I have seen in my life. I am sure that it is a superstition, but it is for my comfort and confidence. Why do I still say ‘touchwood’ and do touch even now? And, on thali it is not a mandatory thing to wear these days, at least not many does. Same with the wedding ring too. And my husband is not emphatic on these; but then, I haven’t removed them since my marriage. Sometimes I can sense the odd look or out of place state of them with my dress and costumes. But then, I guess I got so used to them. However, on the sindoor (the red mark you hold on your forehead) I am not a prompt person as I forget it when I get dressed. And never got this ‘must-do’ feels for that.
You change according to the circumstances in life, may be not with your belief but with how you go by it. When, I was in India my day was not complete without a visit to the temple nearby my house. I managed to get it done at least in the morning or in the evening for the prayers. And, if I felt lazy for and didn’t do it for a day, I used to feel a sense of fear or rather lack of confidence. Even then I knew they were all superstitions. But somehow was so used to the system. On leaving the city to Bangalore initially, I missed my routine but had no option to do the same. There were temples around, but then hardly got chance to visit them expect on occasions like birthdays and the likes. On leaving the country, I have not had a chance to experience a temple I was used to (except the Balaji temple in Birmingham). Here, the concept of temple is different, it is rather a place to get together; more like cultural centres. But they maintain idols, do the prayers, celebrate festivals and much more. I do appreciate the attempt, but my concept is different. I know I should not complain much as you can’t expect your style everywhere.
But, at home I do have my little idols and a smaller version of Pooja room where I do the same which I am used to for ages. I try my best to light the viliakku (a traditional lamp, which signifies prosperity) and do my regular prayers if I am IN station. The time for regular prayers has decreased from 30 minutes (years back) to less than 5 minutes these days. And, I do push SreeRaj also if he is around (which works sometimes!). I haven’t been doing this for the past one week the reason being we were out of station on the weekend; and yesterday I realised there are no more matches in the matchbox. Being non-smokers should not be a reason for not having a cigarette lighter at home, but I realised we don’t have one. The same situation has happened in our previous homes; but I had the option to light a candle from my gas stove for a solution. The new home has this electric hob which doesn’t allow me to do that. Another wild solution is to light a paper from the electric hob which takes ages and then to transfer it to a candle. This is too much of a process and risk involved is on the high side, also for the fire alarm which is waiting for a loud outburst. In short, have to get the matches shortly!!!
Having been brought up in a traditional Hindu family in India, I worship Hindu Gods and came across more on Hinduism. In most cases you tend to follow what you are exposed to and inherit your family traits more. I am not for or against idol worship too, after all effigies are one of the best ways of representation. I personally feel religion, God and ways of worship are all means to engage you to some driving force. I am sure the ultimate aim of this was always to make good human beings; if not ideal (not anything less!). Civilised and Humane! However, the disputes on religion have been frolic always. I don’t see any religion inferior; my understanding is that all of them preach the same. I have done my 10 years of schooling with a Christian Missionary; this didn’t make me look upon my religion as inferior or superior. I believe in Lord Shiva, Krishna in the same way as Christ and Allah. But, the way you do things would be in the way you are used to. When I am in panic, I would obviously say, “ende Krishna”…However, when I was in school there was this influence from friends which made me use ‘karthave’ to a good extent; that’s influence. I believe there is a God, the driving force which is ascribed to ‘Energy’ by analysts in relation to this. Energy involved in the process of prayers has been proved in many places, not the magic of God or religion.
Having been interacting with a wide range of people, I have felt differences with the way people from different religions act and think. But, it is certainly not to do with their religion, it attributes to their environments. If you are taught to see a religion as a nemesis and if you have not got enough exposure to experience the world, you may do that. That is not anyone’s fault, it is just circumstances and the perseverance continues to a point where it is no longer appropriate.
Having said all this what I realise is there is not a single day in my life I have been disconnected from the driving force. I have my little Krishna locket in my chain which I am hesitant to remove no matter what like my thali (mangalsutra – tie of togetherness). The little Krishna is there with me in my chain for ages, I don’t remember when I started having it with me. It has seen all the places I have seen in my life. I am sure that it is a superstition, but it is for my comfort and confidence. Why do I still say ‘touchwood’ and do touch even now? And, on thali it is not a mandatory thing to wear these days, at least not many does. Same with the wedding ring too. And my husband is not emphatic on these; but then, I haven’t removed them since my marriage. Sometimes I can sense the odd look or out of place state of them with my dress and costumes. But then, I guess I got so used to them. However, on the sindoor (the red mark you hold on your forehead) I am not a prompt person as I forget it when I get dressed. And never got this ‘must-do’ feels for that.
You change according to the circumstances in life, may be not with your belief but with how you go by it. When, I was in India my day was not complete without a visit to the temple nearby my house. I managed to get it done at least in the morning or in the evening for the prayers. And, if I felt lazy for and didn’t do it for a day, I used to feel a sense of fear or rather lack of confidence. Even then I knew they were all superstitions. But somehow was so used to the system. On leaving the city to Bangalore initially, I missed my routine but had no option to do the same. There were temples around, but then hardly got chance to visit them expect on occasions like birthdays and the likes. On leaving the country, I have not had a chance to experience a temple I was used to (except the Balaji temple in Birmingham). Here, the concept of temple is different, it is rather a place to get together; more like cultural centres. But they maintain idols, do the prayers, celebrate festivals and much more. I do appreciate the attempt, but my concept is different. I know I should not complain much as you can’t expect your style everywhere.
But, at home I do have my little idols and a smaller version of Pooja room where I do the same which I am used to for ages. I try my best to light the viliakku (a traditional lamp, which signifies prosperity) and do my regular prayers if I am IN station. The time for regular prayers has decreased from 30 minutes (years back) to less than 5 minutes these days. And, I do push SreeRaj also if he is around (which works sometimes!). I haven’t been doing this for the past one week the reason being we were out of station on the weekend; and yesterday I realised there are no more matches in the matchbox. Being non-smokers should not be a reason for not having a cigarette lighter at home, but I realised we don’t have one. The same situation has happened in our previous homes; but I had the option to light a candle from my gas stove for a solution. The new home has this electric hob which doesn’t allow me to do that. Another wild solution is to light a paper from the electric hob which takes ages and then to transfer it to a candle. This is too much of a process and risk involved is on the high side, also for the fire alarm which is waiting for a loud outburst. In short, have to get the matches shortly!!!
Friday, 17 October 2008
A positive note on the weekend
More than a half of October is gone by this weekend. This week was well occupied in office as well as at home, not very much snowed under though. I prefer it to be busy at office. Sometimes I feel I work better under pressure. Anyhow, it is not the same at home. The to-do list for both of us is getting bigger and bigger which ranges from the weekly grocery shopping to some major paper works we need to get moving. I can’t figure out if this is because we are busy or lazy. May be just not both. Last night I switched my laptop on to get some ‘urgent’ work done when SreeRaj wanted me to get the ball rolling on the to-do list. But, later half an hour he found me discussing on a lasagne recipe with a friend online. So, I think I am not busy…lazy neither!!! But I saw some tick marks in the list today morning which means we managed to set the ball in motion yesterday night. Or may be I dreamt…or just my positive semi-conscious mind visualised some tick marks when I switched on the kettle for morning tea. Kettle did the job well, but the milk was OFF...what a Friday!
This weekend is something we were looking forward to since a friend of us organised a get together at their place in York. There would hardly be anyone who would not enjoy this friend’s culinary skills. York is one of the top tourist attractions in the country, but if you get to know this friend of ours you would have no doubt in ranking them and their culinary skills as the top attraction of the place. Get togethers are always fun with loads of food, board games, outdoor games (!!!), gossips, sleepless nights and much more. But this time the gang (not all) have decided to pick up funny snapshots of the gang and do a collective fun with that. Well, they cannot be referred to as funny; embarrassing would be a better term of use. I was supposed to be doing that but have not yet started. Tonight!!! The interesting part of this is I bag the highest number of embarrassing pictures and I realise that if I do a quality work on this, it is going to bite me back. But never mind this time! And, there are some pretty ‘decent’ ones in the gang who doesn’t have funny pictures at all…How boring people!!! And this week the girls in the gang did make an effort to dig out some and came up with acceptable ones. There are these girls who have supplied funny pictures of their guys which will be a shock to them. Hope not to see many attractions of domestic fights tomorrow!
This weekend is something we were looking forward to since a friend of us organised a get together at their place in York. There would hardly be anyone who would not enjoy this friend’s culinary skills. York is one of the top tourist attractions in the country, but if you get to know this friend of ours you would have no doubt in ranking them and their culinary skills as the top attraction of the place. Get togethers are always fun with loads of food, board games, outdoor games (!!!), gossips, sleepless nights and much more. But this time the gang (not all) have decided to pick up funny snapshots of the gang and do a collective fun with that. Well, they cannot be referred to as funny; embarrassing would be a better term of use. I was supposed to be doing that but have not yet started. Tonight!!! The interesting part of this is I bag the highest number of embarrassing pictures and I realise that if I do a quality work on this, it is going to bite me back. But never mind this time! And, there are some pretty ‘decent’ ones in the gang who doesn’t have funny pictures at all…How boring people!!! And this week the girls in the gang did make an effort to dig out some and came up with acceptable ones. There are these girls who have supplied funny pictures of their guys which will be a shock to them. Hope not to see many attractions of domestic fights tomorrow!
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Resume Revamp!
I am on a resume revamp this week.
The first time I put down something together for a resume was during the final year of my Engineering while registering for Shreds! The concept of CV was sort of new then; to confess the one made was more or less similar to a senior student’s CV I referred to. That time CV focused on semester marks, mini projects and major projects, learnt (!) programming languages and so on.
However, this was more than enough for campus recruitments for IT companies then since they look at your academics percentage scores, technical interview, language test, group discussions etc. Happily contented after the first job CV was never touched until I started making applications to Universities in UK for my MBA. It was not just a CV act, instead statement of purpose, applications, interviews and so on which made sense on what is getting done. But here things are different; you have a clear idea on what you want to pursue, which aspect of management you would want to take further and see what the University offers. And clearly indicate how well you are suited on taking such a course. If everything ties in together only you need to invest your time on an application. Personally I don’t feel one does need to make millions of applications for a foreign MBA and wait for something to click. By the time you are into the MBA hunt, you would have an idea on what is where and if that’s for you. Having the limitation of location to North East England I didn’t have to worry much on my ‘choice’ problem here. However, I was put down by one of the Universities indicating my lack of full-time experience required for the MBA they offered. But, never mind I was offered a more ‘convenient’ one and I realised that was exactly what I wanted.
Then started the days of job hunt and working on resume. Resume is something which you can keep on working with. There are some areas of resume which you don’t change much like your education, personal details, membership of professional bodies etc. But if you are applying for a specific job you need to put in quite a considerable amount of work on the supporting information sometimes referred to as additional information. How you are suited for the job, what are the skills you can demonstrate for the role, how much experience you have in that, what are your areas of expertise and how well that fits in for the job role; even though they don’t align directly with the essential and desirable competencies of the role. Explain how you can make a difference or add value to the employer. Then if the competencies are well stated and if you know you don’t meet more than a third of them then effective utilisation of time, resources and reputation will be not to make an application for that. Though you are sure that you meet all the essential and desirable competencies for a role most of the cases you would not get an interview call unless you make a strong application, a strong kick off.
It has been a long since I revamped my resume. It is not very old though as it has been only 7 months I am in my new role. But there are provocations to revamp my resume now, overhaul time… on the lighter side!!! Three years of full-time employment experience; I consider the year of MBA education as experience and I can very well demonstrate that. And how can you be expected to retreat your three years in no more than three pages???
The first time I put down something together for a resume was during the final year of my Engineering while registering for Shreds! The concept of CV was sort of new then; to confess the one made was more or less similar to a senior student’s CV I referred to. That time CV focused on semester marks, mini projects and major projects, learnt (!) programming languages and so on.
However, this was more than enough for campus recruitments for IT companies then since they look at your academics percentage scores, technical interview, language test, group discussions etc. Happily contented after the first job CV was never touched until I started making applications to Universities in UK for my MBA. It was not just a CV act, instead statement of purpose, applications, interviews and so on which made sense on what is getting done. But here things are different; you have a clear idea on what you want to pursue, which aspect of management you would want to take further and see what the University offers. And clearly indicate how well you are suited on taking such a course. If everything ties in together only you need to invest your time on an application. Personally I don’t feel one does need to make millions of applications for a foreign MBA and wait for something to click. By the time you are into the MBA hunt, you would have an idea on what is where and if that’s for you. Having the limitation of location to North East England I didn’t have to worry much on my ‘choice’ problem here. However, I was put down by one of the Universities indicating my lack of full-time experience required for the MBA they offered. But, never mind I was offered a more ‘convenient’ one and I realised that was exactly what I wanted.
Then started the days of job hunt and working on resume. Resume is something which you can keep on working with. There are some areas of resume which you don’t change much like your education, personal details, membership of professional bodies etc. But if you are applying for a specific job you need to put in quite a considerable amount of work on the supporting information sometimes referred to as additional information. How you are suited for the job, what are the skills you can demonstrate for the role, how much experience you have in that, what are your areas of expertise and how well that fits in for the job role; even though they don’t align directly with the essential and desirable competencies of the role. Explain how you can make a difference or add value to the employer. Then if the competencies are well stated and if you know you don’t meet more than a third of them then effective utilisation of time, resources and reputation will be not to make an application for that. Though you are sure that you meet all the essential and desirable competencies for a role most of the cases you would not get an interview call unless you make a strong application, a strong kick off.
It has been a long since I revamped my resume. It is not very old though as it has been only 7 months I am in my new role. But there are provocations to revamp my resume now, overhaul time… on the lighter side!!! Three years of full-time employment experience; I consider the year of MBA education as experience and I can very well demonstrate that. And how can you be expected to retreat your three years in no more than three pages???
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Seasons..signs of winter!!!
It is just amazing how seasons change with little notice. From bright sun to foggy mornings and chilling days…
What do I like about winter???
Not a big fan of winter; but I can still figure out some things which I like about the season.
The ‘five more minutes’ in mornings when you tend to snuggle under your duvet without realising the clock hands
Designer scarves, Boots, Cardigans!!!!!!!!!!!!
Winter holidays (not winter sports!)
Christmas lights and Christmas shopping, especially the ‘SALE’ boards
And then you have the New Year!
Well, what do I hate most about winter???
Depressing darkness and dullness!!!
Having been not out of South India during my life in India, the concept of seasons was quite different to me. Snow was only in pictures and movies for me. I was excited on my first sight of snow here. But I guess you tend to lose that excitement when you get to see it a couple of times. But I am sure I was excited and enjoyed the snow during my first Christmas in Europe; Swiss Alps…wow, it was amazing!
We stayed in our first home for a year and got to experience the season creep from the same house. The shrub on our front green was all golden and red by the time we moved in slowly shedding off with just stems like a deteriorated skeleton in the lab. Then it came up like a baby with pleasant light green shades of beautiful leaves and slowly darkened and flowered on white and pink over the days. But then, it was time for us to move out!!! I found the changes quite interesting in the first year. But, now getting exposed to my third winter (supposed to be autumn now) here and I think you just get used to it.
What do I like about winter???
Not a big fan of winter; but I can still figure out some things which I like about the season.
The ‘five more minutes’ in mornings when you tend to snuggle under your duvet without realising the clock hands
Designer scarves, Boots, Cardigans!!!!!!!!!!!!
Winter holidays (not winter sports!)
Christmas lights and Christmas shopping, especially the ‘SALE’ boards
And then you have the New Year!
Well, what do I hate most about winter???
Depressing darkness and dullness!!!
Having been not out of South India during my life in India, the concept of seasons was quite different to me. Snow was only in pictures and movies for me. I was excited on my first sight of snow here. But I guess you tend to lose that excitement when you get to see it a couple of times. But I am sure I was excited and enjoyed the snow during my first Christmas in Europe; Swiss Alps…wow, it was amazing!
We stayed in our first home for a year and got to experience the season creep from the same house. The shrub on our front green was all golden and red by the time we moved in slowly shedding off with just stems like a deteriorated skeleton in the lab. Then it came up like a baby with pleasant light green shades of beautiful leaves and slowly darkened and flowered on white and pink over the days. But then, it was time for us to move out!!! I found the changes quite interesting in the first year. But, now getting exposed to my third winter (supposed to be autumn now) here and I think you just get used to it.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
How do you realise you have grown matured???
The term ‘matured’ had been thrown at me a good couple of times last week in different contexts. Some of them were just trying to remind me I am growing older and others trying to point out that I have changed. And this made me think!!! This is what you do if you are left home alone for a week I guess.
Well, I can’t really figure out clear differences yet.
My mother never agrees to the relation between me and the term ‘matured’. She is the typical ‘Mother’ who still worries on everything. I am sure she doesn’t realise I have grown up.
My husband…actually it doesn’t make a big difference with him I guess. He is happy with the way things are. He does mention that I have become wiser in dealing with people.
My friends: well different perspectives. Those who know me well, who make genuine efforts to be in touch with me has not figured out any changes somehow. They still say I am monkeying around.
People who were out of touch for a while have figured out changes which are not very pleasing.
Well, on a bit of self-analysis:
Basics has not changed I believe.
Transition from a daughter to a wife was the biggest change I would say. Been always within the protective shield of a conservative family and an even more conservative Dad. But then, they did teach me to think…or I inherited it from that lovely couple. I had the freedom to think and express my views, but the decision was always by the High Command which need not be my view always (the reason he gives me now is that he didn’t want me to make mistakes). But then can’t really complain much on it now as nothing turned out bad to me.
The two gentlemen in my life are distinctly different. My better half is just on the opposite leaving the buffer space for me to learn from mistakes. But supporting on my side when I learn hard. He doesn’t decide things for me, on the contrary acts as the consultant giving me the pros and cons to decide. I think it used to be easy with Achan where you just need to go by things. But now, I am forced to think and decide. Certainly not a complaint as I prefer this any day. This way I have changed. But still, I am not sure if this can be related to being matured.
Yeah, there are things which have changed:
Just stopped going along with the flow I guess, I have thought on what I want to do and how to work towards that
Just don’t simply break into tears when someone shouts at me, though still slow to react
Just don’t act different when I want to show uneasiness which was referred to as ‘inwardly-outwardly’ once upon a time. Now, if I don’t want, I don’t want! If I don’t like, I don’t like
I can think of many more, but then too lazy to pen them down now.
But does this makes one matured???
I still remember my class tutor scribbling in my autograph book when I was leaving school, ‘Maturity doesn’t come with age, it comes with acceptance of responsibility’.
Well, I can’t really figure out clear differences yet.
My mother never agrees to the relation between me and the term ‘matured’. She is the typical ‘Mother’ who still worries on everything. I am sure she doesn’t realise I have grown up.
My husband…actually it doesn’t make a big difference with him I guess. He is happy with the way things are. He does mention that I have become wiser in dealing with people.
My friends: well different perspectives. Those who know me well, who make genuine efforts to be in touch with me has not figured out any changes somehow. They still say I am monkeying around.
People who were out of touch for a while have figured out changes which are not very pleasing.
Well, on a bit of self-analysis:
Basics has not changed I believe.
Transition from a daughter to a wife was the biggest change I would say. Been always within the protective shield of a conservative family and an even more conservative Dad. But then, they did teach me to think…or I inherited it from that lovely couple. I had the freedom to think and express my views, but the decision was always by the High Command which need not be my view always (the reason he gives me now is that he didn’t want me to make mistakes). But then can’t really complain much on it now as nothing turned out bad to me.
The two gentlemen in my life are distinctly different. My better half is just on the opposite leaving the buffer space for me to learn from mistakes. But supporting on my side when I learn hard. He doesn’t decide things for me, on the contrary acts as the consultant giving me the pros and cons to decide. I think it used to be easy with Achan where you just need to go by things. But now, I am forced to think and decide. Certainly not a complaint as I prefer this any day. This way I have changed. But still, I am not sure if this can be related to being matured.
Yeah, there are things which have changed:
Just stopped going along with the flow I guess, I have thought on what I want to do and how to work towards that
Just don’t simply break into tears when someone shouts at me, though still slow to react
Just don’t act different when I want to show uneasiness which was referred to as ‘inwardly-outwardly’ once upon a time. Now, if I don’t want, I don’t want! If I don’t like, I don’t like
I can think of many more, but then too lazy to pen them down now.
But does this makes one matured???
I still remember my class tutor scribbling in my autograph book when I was leaving school, ‘Maturity doesn’t come with age, it comes with acceptance of responsibility’.
Monday, 6 October 2008
Anne Frank's House
While choosing books I am not really particular on types of them, I try to get a taster session on most of the types. And there are many I have left at many stages of the book and never regretted much on that. I have tried reading Anne Frank’s diary years back and I left it somewhere in the middle as it didn’t keep me well engaged at that time. May be the reason is there were some clashing priorities or had to return the book to my friend whom I had borrowed it from. I clearly remember this one was on high demand and was on a circulation list. However, the bottom line is I didn’t get a chance to do it.
On our recent trip to Amsterdam, we visited Anne Frank’s House which is now one of the most popular and top tourist attractions in Europe. It is done quite well!!! It does evoke some feelings of depression to you. When you are on your city breaks especially with the complete mind set of a tourist, this is something highly unlikely to happen to you; at least to us. Usually on trips, especially on city breaks and the likes you would be quite enthusiastic and would be in a run to experience the most you can from the new place. Especially with a city like Amsterdam where you have the floating flower markets, lovely canals and amazing night life with the red light district and the likes very little do you expect to experience something of a sad bit. However, we had decided to visit Anne Frank’s Museum after the Van Gogh and Rijks Museum. SreeRaj bought entry tickets to Anne Frank’s Museum online and I was just oki about it. Give me the choice of a scenic country side, a new city centre shopping, nice garden and a museum, the last one would be of my least preference. Well, Anne Frank’s house is one of the unique experiences I would say; quite touching. And now I badly wanted to go back to the book and start all over again.
Anne Frank’s House is a well kept museum now. The same place where the group hid from the Germans has been preserved along with some of the original sheets from Anne’s diary. It is one of the typical Dutch styles of houses where you have steep stairs with relatively higher number of steps…oh, it is really unique and takes a bit of time to get used to it. However, we managed to visit all floors of the house. They have managed to take you through all stages of her diary through the different floors like someone is narrating the whole episode for you. They have done videos, pictures and in fact quoted some of the catching lines on the walls. You get to see the rooms, the amenities they had (though not great a thing to see) and in fact you can really put those words into pictures there as if things are happening right in front of you. No one needs to sit and rewind the mental time machines there; it is just like a live scenario put in front of you. It takes you through whole of their hiding time through to the betrayal and their arrest from the bottom to the top floor of the building. Finally, the building talks about the concentration camps and the death of the family including Anne due to typhus. The last part is about a video on Otto Frank, Anne’s father who survived the period.
We spent around two hours in the Museum and this was done on our last night in Amsterdam. It was a little depressing, but it was one of those unique Museums and I would surely recommend this as a place worth visiting. Well, it is commercialised too! You can buy Anne Frank’s diary in all the languages it has been translated to, souvenirs, post cards, video messages and so on. This one is on my next to-read list! Right now what keeps me awake in trains is the ‘Clear Light of day’ by Anita Desai taking you through the Old and New Delhi, Indian traditional families, its beauty and hardness. Will write more once it is over.
On our recent trip to Amsterdam, we visited Anne Frank’s House which is now one of the most popular and top tourist attractions in Europe. It is done quite well!!! It does evoke some feelings of depression to you. When you are on your city breaks especially with the complete mind set of a tourist, this is something highly unlikely to happen to you; at least to us. Usually on trips, especially on city breaks and the likes you would be quite enthusiastic and would be in a run to experience the most you can from the new place. Especially with a city like Amsterdam where you have the floating flower markets, lovely canals and amazing night life with the red light district and the likes very little do you expect to experience something of a sad bit. However, we had decided to visit Anne Frank’s Museum after the Van Gogh and Rijks Museum. SreeRaj bought entry tickets to Anne Frank’s Museum online and I was just oki about it. Give me the choice of a scenic country side, a new city centre shopping, nice garden and a museum, the last one would be of my least preference. Well, Anne Frank’s house is one of the unique experiences I would say; quite touching. And now I badly wanted to go back to the book and start all over again.
Anne Frank’s House is a well kept museum now. The same place where the group hid from the Germans has been preserved along with some of the original sheets from Anne’s diary. It is one of the typical Dutch styles of houses where you have steep stairs with relatively higher number of steps…oh, it is really unique and takes a bit of time to get used to it. However, we managed to visit all floors of the house. They have managed to take you through all stages of her diary through the different floors like someone is narrating the whole episode for you. They have done videos, pictures and in fact quoted some of the catching lines on the walls. You get to see the rooms, the amenities they had (though not great a thing to see) and in fact you can really put those words into pictures there as if things are happening right in front of you. No one needs to sit and rewind the mental time machines there; it is just like a live scenario put in front of you. It takes you through whole of their hiding time through to the betrayal and their arrest from the bottom to the top floor of the building. Finally, the building talks about the concentration camps and the death of the family including Anne due to typhus. The last part is about a video on Otto Frank, Anne’s father who survived the period.
We spent around two hours in the Museum and this was done on our last night in Amsterdam. It was a little depressing, but it was one of those unique Museums and I would surely recommend this as a place worth visiting. Well, it is commercialised too! You can buy Anne Frank’s diary in all the languages it has been translated to, souvenirs, post cards, video messages and so on. This one is on my next to-read list! Right now what keeps me awake in trains is the ‘Clear Light of day’ by Anita Desai taking you through the Old and New Delhi, Indian traditional families, its beauty and hardness. Will write more once it is over.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Boredom Blues!!!
• When you wanted to wear salwar kameez at the age 3-4 have you realised there would be a time in college when you get bored of wearing salwar kameezes!!!
• When you wanted to become a Doctor in your childhood just to give injections to people you hated, have you realised you would absolutely hate Biology and anything related to that
• When you were sick of home many times have you ever realised that you would have terrible home-sickness in your life which no one could help
• When you wanted to do some experimental cooking and your mother didn’t let you, have you ever thought there would be a day you would be sick of your own cooking and badly want your mother’s meals.
• When you badly wanted to get rid of some people from your life have your ever expected even in your dreams that they would become your best mates
• When you believed some people to be your good friends have you ever expected that they would cheat on you
• When you first spoke to someone and felt ‘oh…not my type’ have you realised that’s your man/woman and the most wonderful person in the world.
• When you blamed your father for being strictly conservative and boring, have you later felt he was right on ‘some’ of them
• When you longed to wear suits and formals while in Uni, have you ever thought you would be bored with those costumes in no time and want to get back to your funky casuals
• When you were forced to attend marriages/parties have you ever realised you would long for one of those kind sometime
• When you believed marriage take your freedom off, have you realised that you would ‘discover’ freedom and feel it after your marriage.
• When you were certain on being the bride maids for your siblings/mates, have you thought you could be stopped from attending those marriages
• When you hated your schools/colleges/Unis, were you ready even to think that you will miss it sometime
• When you hated your long and thick hair in school, have you thought that someday you will fancy it
• When you fancied aeroplanes in your early years, have you known flight journeys would be the most hated journeys when you grow up
• When you were busy working late nights and weekends, have you ever thought you will be bored and asking for assignments on a normal week day
• When you tried to be away from your better half to chill out with your family and friends, have you realised that you will miss him/her in no time
This will go on to a never ending list if I don’t stop now…This is the effect of ennui on me! Boredom Blues!!!….I am going to set my alarm at five past six and going to take a nap. My train reaches my home station at ten past 6 and I will be fresh by the time I get off. And I need to go to library and get some good books to engage me for the rest of the week
• When you wanted to become a Doctor in your childhood just to give injections to people you hated, have you realised you would absolutely hate Biology and anything related to that
• When you were sick of home many times have you ever realised that you would have terrible home-sickness in your life which no one could help
• When you wanted to do some experimental cooking and your mother didn’t let you, have you ever thought there would be a day you would be sick of your own cooking and badly want your mother’s meals.
• When you badly wanted to get rid of some people from your life have your ever expected even in your dreams that they would become your best mates
• When you believed some people to be your good friends have you ever expected that they would cheat on you
• When you first spoke to someone and felt ‘oh…not my type’ have you realised that’s your man/woman and the most wonderful person in the world.
• When you blamed your father for being strictly conservative and boring, have you later felt he was right on ‘some’ of them
• When you longed to wear suits and formals while in Uni, have you ever thought you would be bored with those costumes in no time and want to get back to your funky casuals
• When you were forced to attend marriages/parties have you ever realised you would long for one of those kind sometime
• When you believed marriage take your freedom off, have you realised that you would ‘discover’ freedom and feel it after your marriage.
• When you were certain on being the bride maids for your siblings/mates, have you thought you could be stopped from attending those marriages
• When you hated your schools/colleges/Unis, were you ready even to think that you will miss it sometime
• When you hated your long and thick hair in school, have you thought that someday you will fancy it
• When you fancied aeroplanes in your early years, have you known flight journeys would be the most hated journeys when you grow up
• When you were busy working late nights and weekends, have you ever thought you will be bored and asking for assignments on a normal week day
• When you tried to be away from your better half to chill out with your family and friends, have you realised that you will miss him/her in no time
This will go on to a never ending list if I don’t stop now…This is the effect of ennui on me! Boredom Blues!!!….I am going to set my alarm at five past six and going to take a nap. My train reaches my home station at ten past 6 and I will be fresh by the time I get off. And I need to go to library and get some good books to engage me for the rest of the week
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