Why should someone lie for no reason? I wonder why this trend takes place. I have come across a number of folks (family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances) who gets into it. The silliest class is of ones who just merely put a lie even if you don’t ask them for that, and I feel just so annoyed about it. And that just develops into a habit for some of them and they just simply make a clown of themselves. Those lies get easily caught on the spot or a little later; and sometimes just a one off occurrence of lie becomes a lifetime question mark on ones credibility. At least I wouldn’t trust them any longer.
There is a slight difference here where you don’t present an angry face to people you don’t like. In my opinion that cannot be classified as a lie; simply because you just can’t show a fuming face or in fact an uninterested face most of the times to people you dislike or don’t want to be with. You are part of a society and there are many settings which you would not want to break. For example, you can’t do that with your colleagues. Just because you don’t like them you can’t stop talking to them and show an angry face. It upsets the professional settings at work. Likewise everywhere there is a setting to be kept. But it is a different case if you always tag along someone and say ‘I love you/ you are my best friend/ love being with you etc’ when you hate that person. I am sure the concept of inner and outer relationships are maintained by a good majority and so do I. I have been accused earlier during my college days that I maintained too much of outer relationships where I smiled and talked to people I was not very happy with. But then that was simply because I didn’t want to upset the settings and be anti-social ‘I will not talk to you/I hate you/ enemy looks’ state and that is childish. May be at that point I was too scared to do that thinking about the consequences; and I am sure at least a good part of the smiles received and/or returned where of the same type.
Well, life has progressed much further than college days and my personality and people handling skills has progressed too. Guess there is still a degree of inner outer thingy that hangs around, but the outer types has lessened to a great extent predominantly because you tend to see and be with people who love and want to be with and there will be no more room for outer shows. But lies for no reason is different from this context
You ask somebody “where have you been last night?” It is ok if they tell you ‘I was out’, but if they tell you ‘I was at home cooking’ and you had seen this person pub crawling
You ask somebody “are you coming home with me?” It is ok if they tell you ‘sorry I have other plans’, but if they tell you ‘ I am going for house chores’ and you know that this person has already made plans to hang out with X
You ask someone “when are you off on holidays?” it is ok if they tell you ‘may be later this year’, but if they tell you ‘not decided I may not go at all’ when you clearly know that they have booked their tickets
You ask someone “where are you?” it is ok if they tell you ‘I am out going somewhere’, but if they tell you ‘I am going home, I am not going to X’s home’ when you can see them saying this to you from X’s home
You ask someone “which is the best school for kids here?” it is ok if they tell you ‘I don’t know, or search this place etc’, but if they tell you ‘ this place’ and you find out this is an awful school and this person is not sending his/her child there because of the very same reason
You ask someone “what are you going to do after your course?” it is ok if they tell you ‘ I will think of jobs’ but if they tell you ‘ I don’t know I may take a break or study further’ when you clearly know that this person has accepted a job offer
You ask Mr.X “did you do 123?” it is ok if Mr and Mrs puts it ‘not so great, slightly, tried etc’, but what if Mr X says ‘we have been trying 123 for many times, failed, now prepraring for next trial, doing lots for that’ and Mrs X says ‘oh no don’t prefer 123 so never bothered trying, and wouldn’t want 123’
These are some of the very basic day to day examples. But then WHY? Why do you do that? Is it going to make any difference if you let reality flow from you to the world? The only difference that I could think of is the credibility of the person where others would see him/her only from a swindler pedestal. This in turn would be a suspicious feel on the individual and lessens the chances of one being a taker of their true stories.
The next category of behaviour is where one doesn’t hand out any clear message which is not as appalling as deceiving. Someone who is always ‘I am thinking’, ‘I am not decided yet’, ‘I don’t know’, ‘when time comes’ and the likes. But here there may be some genuine cases where the person himself/herself would be a thinker – always! But the other lot will easily be picked up from doing (purposeful) deceiving thinking for example when you pass out different information to different folks, or you become so habitual in this sort of thinking thoughts. What I have experienced is most of the people who lie for no reason get caught one way or the other. And I have seen the embarrassment they collect in their pot if the catch is in public and the difficulty for them to pursue further; and the smarter here hunts for more lies. Some of them are lucky that they will not be skinned in public, but they wouldn’t make out the real picture where others consider and act when it comes to them. Their reputation just goes way down their thoughts and their true versions tend to be perceived as frauds.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Home sweet Home - RETURN
Six years anon leaving homeland I still believe home is where your pedigree is. Being a home owner in a foreign country still doesn’t lend a hand to think that’s your ‘home’. Speak about home and there is this all genus of stuff about where you have come from begins pouring down. I had many foreign colleagues and friends visiting my home land having taken the inspiration from me; may be it is the passion that you have which could impress folks. The home emotions bind in closely with dad and mum which is all the same package for me. In fact some of my colleagues who did a jaunt to Trivandrum met up with my parents and brought me back all those good stories about the place, how much they enjoyed the sandy beaches and greens, how excited they were on the cheap shopping options, those precious antique material and of course the dosas and currys. I also loved to hear about my sweet and caring parents, giggly mom and beautiful home. And then I start terribly missing home and my loved ones there.
The first home you make is obviously something special for you, particularly since you have taken a big step in investment and you have splurged a lot of time, money and effort to customise it to your flavours. In fact here I have the Jills signs for life ‘Home sweet home; where your journey begins’ hanged in front of my entering corridor. Well, the trail in this piece started five years ago and we switched eight rental residences in five years time and lived in many different counties; and the alleyway extended from England to Scotland. And now we take a break near North Sea and bought our first home ‘Kilikoodu’ (yes, I do have the same board hanged in front of my house in Malayalam!). And we anticipate this is the big step and the best step we have taken before we return ‘home’. The decision to move to this top corner was taken after a lot of thinking, analysis and best practice examples.
But then ever since we moved in and in the due course of enjoying our own home we keep reaching the stage to start thinking of an exit plan in the next two to three year period. I am alleged for being so goal oriented that when one gets ticked off the list I robotically get moved on to the next challenge. It is the confidence of my other half in getting things done and the assurance in my potential (which I need to be reminded of occasionally) that helps me going.
The last six years boulevard was eventful and exciting which transformed the way I have cultured to look at things and moulded me as a better person and professional. Places and people around had a significant influence and effect in this course of action. And yes, I am still changing, improving, learning and adapting. I had the opportunity to travel around some different countries, sense the differences, know the customs, stories and myths, various tastes and this has added on to even better comprehend how different and unique everyone is and you can be proud of what you are - “I am enough and more to look at me”
I switched jobs number of times due to various reasons; in fact I toggled my professions and industries from a programmer to organisational strategist to a project manger to an IT consultant; from private sector to public sector, from country to country, onshore to offshore, utilities to health to energy domains...and the expedition still continues. Met a lot of people from various backgrounds, made friends in different parts of the world, became a part of many traditions and festivals…and I absolutely loved and learned all the way through. This has helped me shape myself more malleable, flexible and blending. But then the best part of the learning exercise is how great your belongings are and there is no way you are inferior. There were days previously in my career when I used to be not so comfortable bringing Indian lunch to an open plan office environment on the view that it could be smelly and people would ‘look’ at you. But then I realised in a little while that it is not as bad the ‘tuna’ and ‘sardine’ salads or bakes of the place; and how much fellow colleagues fancy your madras, jalfrezis and the tikka masalas. Oh yes, that adds to you – 95% of foreigners whom I have met extremely adores Indian food; and a good take of them love my cooking. How could someone not like those dosas, bajis and currys. On the contrary, I have come across a lot of Indians who says I prefer something other than core Indian. May be it is the grass on the other side is greener. It is like those Keralites who cannot bear rice and goes for ‘North Indian’. It is the same sort of thing with Keralites who cannot understand or speak Malayalam just because they were born and brought up outside Kerala (wherever it is). To my personal belief, that is cleanly parenting problems where if a parent doesn’t bother to give all those goodies they have had to the next generation or due to ignorance on those goodies. Whereas there are many UK born and bred Asian second and third generation folks fine and well-versed at their native languages (well, languages in their ethnic origins). In fact there are GCSE’s in Punjabi which many of my friends here have picked up for during their edification. Somehow there is a cross section of Keralite community who assumes their native languages are mediocre. It is a shame on how ignorance plays its part there and how they fail to realise how beautiful our language is
These are just so wandering feelings and I need not bother as I don’t have many readers. It is the urge to write sometimes which you would want to re-visit at a later date which gets me to put this together. Blog is a better weapon than those scattered files in your laptop and scribbled pages in your notepad. Having been employed in UK by an Indian parent company is the best paradigm to prove the rate of growth in India. Soon after I accepted an offer for a Consultant position with an American company there was this amalgamation with Indian company (which bought it over!). Though I was suspicious in the beginning I was proud about the merger very soon (obviously terms and conditions and of course my package stays the same!). So, this may be the first stride before RETURN.
It is not that I have a repugnance or antipathy towards UK. No, UK is one of the worthy places I have been. I have built up my career here, met exemplary people, made many warm friends, numerous good stories and lovely moments to cherish through lifetime and many more. And yes, I started my life with my man here which makes this place so special for me. I have done many experiments during the passage; of course with pleasant and unpleasant outcomes – but have never given up. The most we enjoy around here is the work life balance and the time for family. But I think the best part of our UK dynamism would be more of people than places. May be I should start writing about those people – acquaintances, friends, best models, annoying types and the not to follow types.
And yes, it is all about RETURN now – where my home is, where my family is, where I want Tak to see and get all those goodies we had, and where I want to live and love the most, and maybe I want Tak to do the same as we do now. But that would be too much to ask for; I would not stop him flying around where he wants once he is up and ready for that. Some job calls SreeRaj gets for work says ‘Are you ready to relocate for this from your family?’ and the answer is always ‘Of course, my family is in India and I am not there now; and hence fully flexible’. I think myself and Tak are just himself for him and the rest is family! So, RETURN - When and How! I need to put my analysis and PM hat for that as I have got process engineering and risk management resource in-house.
The first home you make is obviously something special for you, particularly since you have taken a big step in investment and you have splurged a lot of time, money and effort to customise it to your flavours. In fact here I have the Jills signs for life ‘Home sweet home; where your journey begins’ hanged in front of my entering corridor. Well, the trail in this piece started five years ago and we switched eight rental residences in five years time and lived in many different counties; and the alleyway extended from England to Scotland. And now we take a break near North Sea and bought our first home ‘Kilikoodu’ (yes, I do have the same board hanged in front of my house in Malayalam!). And we anticipate this is the big step and the best step we have taken before we return ‘home’. The decision to move to this top corner was taken after a lot of thinking, analysis and best practice examples.
But then ever since we moved in and in the due course of enjoying our own home we keep reaching the stage to start thinking of an exit plan in the next two to three year period. I am alleged for being so goal oriented that when one gets ticked off the list I robotically get moved on to the next challenge. It is the confidence of my other half in getting things done and the assurance in my potential (which I need to be reminded of occasionally) that helps me going.
The last six years boulevard was eventful and exciting which transformed the way I have cultured to look at things and moulded me as a better person and professional. Places and people around had a significant influence and effect in this course of action. And yes, I am still changing, improving, learning and adapting. I had the opportunity to travel around some different countries, sense the differences, know the customs, stories and myths, various tastes and this has added on to even better comprehend how different and unique everyone is and you can be proud of what you are - “I am enough and more to look at me”
I switched jobs number of times due to various reasons; in fact I toggled my professions and industries from a programmer to organisational strategist to a project manger to an IT consultant; from private sector to public sector, from country to country, onshore to offshore, utilities to health to energy domains...and the expedition still continues. Met a lot of people from various backgrounds, made friends in different parts of the world, became a part of many traditions and festivals…and I absolutely loved and learned all the way through. This has helped me shape myself more malleable, flexible and blending. But then the best part of the learning exercise is how great your belongings are and there is no way you are inferior. There were days previously in my career when I used to be not so comfortable bringing Indian lunch to an open plan office environment on the view that it could be smelly and people would ‘look’ at you. But then I realised in a little while that it is not as bad the ‘tuna’ and ‘sardine’ salads or bakes of the place; and how much fellow colleagues fancy your madras, jalfrezis and the tikka masalas. Oh yes, that adds to you – 95% of foreigners whom I have met extremely adores Indian food; and a good take of them love my cooking. How could someone not like those dosas, bajis and currys. On the contrary, I have come across a lot of Indians who says I prefer something other than core Indian. May be it is the grass on the other side is greener. It is like those Keralites who cannot bear rice and goes for ‘North Indian’. It is the same sort of thing with Keralites who cannot understand or speak Malayalam just because they were born and brought up outside Kerala (wherever it is). To my personal belief, that is cleanly parenting problems where if a parent doesn’t bother to give all those goodies they have had to the next generation or due to ignorance on those goodies. Whereas there are many UK born and bred Asian second and third generation folks fine and well-versed at their native languages (well, languages in their ethnic origins). In fact there are GCSE’s in Punjabi which many of my friends here have picked up for during their edification. Somehow there is a cross section of Keralite community who assumes their native languages are mediocre. It is a shame on how ignorance plays its part there and how they fail to realise how beautiful our language is
These are just so wandering feelings and I need not bother as I don’t have many readers. It is the urge to write sometimes which you would want to re-visit at a later date which gets me to put this together. Blog is a better weapon than those scattered files in your laptop and scribbled pages in your notepad. Having been employed in UK by an Indian parent company is the best paradigm to prove the rate of growth in India. Soon after I accepted an offer for a Consultant position with an American company there was this amalgamation with Indian company (which bought it over!). Though I was suspicious in the beginning I was proud about the merger very soon (obviously terms and conditions and of course my package stays the same!). So, this may be the first stride before RETURN.
It is not that I have a repugnance or antipathy towards UK. No, UK is one of the worthy places I have been. I have built up my career here, met exemplary people, made many warm friends, numerous good stories and lovely moments to cherish through lifetime and many more. And yes, I started my life with my man here which makes this place so special for me. I have done many experiments during the passage; of course with pleasant and unpleasant outcomes – but have never given up. The most we enjoy around here is the work life balance and the time for family. But I think the best part of our UK dynamism would be more of people than places. May be I should start writing about those people – acquaintances, friends, best models, annoying types and the not to follow types.
And yes, it is all about RETURN now – where my home is, where my family is, where I want Tak to see and get all those goodies we had, and where I want to live and love the most, and maybe I want Tak to do the same as we do now. But that would be too much to ask for; I would not stop him flying around where he wants once he is up and ready for that. Some job calls SreeRaj gets for work says ‘Are you ready to relocate for this from your family?’ and the answer is always ‘Of course, my family is in India and I am not there now; and hence fully flexible’. I think myself and Tak are just himself for him and the rest is family! So, RETURN - When and How! I need to put my analysis and PM hat for that as I have got process engineering and risk management resource in-house.
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Leeds to Dundee RTN - TERRIBLE times!
There is no wonder why the natives say, “You can never rely on British trains!”
And I had been the victim of rail issues several times, especially those services between Scotland and England. So, this is not a one off occurrence. I had an appointment to be made at Dundee at 2pm. As I don’t rely on rail services’ timekeeping and couldn’t afford to take a chance to miss the appointment I made myself set off (!) at the 7:10 train from Leeds to Aberdeen. And this service operated at fair levels and I reached Dundee by 11:50 am and my mind spoke ‘Not Bad!’...But then I was disturbed at the 2 hour wait prior to the meeting, and as the place did offer some food for shopping skills, I ended up spending money on some of the not so wanted junky bits and pieces there on the local stores. However, the meeting was good enough and went on schedule. So I could catch the 15:17 service from Dundee to Edinburgh which toiled on time. And here begins the story –
The train reached Edinburgh Waverly platform 1 at 16:24; a quick sight at the train updates got me to run for the next connection which I thought was the 16:27 Kings Cross - which could get me down at Leeds. So, here is the survival of the ‘fittest’ (by all means!) brain and body running at God knows what speed rate to catch the train in platform 9 saying Kings Cross. I believe God exists – if not I wouldn’t have asked the train crew ‘Does this go to Leeds?’. Eventhough the answer was weird the point was very much valid – ‘Yes, it does – it is coming from Leeds’. And now the tired brain and body said, ‘Oh nooo, where does it go to then?’ The charming crew – ‘Inverness, Can I be of any help?’
Right, so the run was of no gain, but of pain from high heels. Just then I realised someone did the same run along with me as I had told my fellow passenger (with whom I had already made a train travellers relationship with - talking about network coverage, and what do you do kinda stuff) who is a lecturer at St. Andrews and had the same destination to get to – Leeds (Oh yes, I can influence people! – I remember this guy telling me the connection is after 5pm, why did he join me for the run then?). Now, we both found out that the next train to Leeds is at 17:08 from a different platform. So, we said, ‘Seeya later!’ I went to check out the selection of shops I have got for a coffee. But then got a call from SRN asking about my travel update and got on to the chatty mood; gradually forgot about coffee. SRN did talk about usual stuff and reassured my pick up from Leeds station and agreed to bring Tak along. Did get to talk to Tak who said ‘Ammaa...Umma’ which was very cute; makes my day bright and bring smiles at whatever unpleasant state of affairs. Tak was asking if I have my ‘Compukaka’ – the reference is for the laptop! he manages to exercise his influencing skills on meand get a bit of his YouTube drills – the Macdonald Farm, Makka Pakka, Teletubbies and the likes.
I walked to the right platform and to my surprise the Bristol train was waiting there to be boarded which could get me to Leeds. Again ‘Not Bad’. I got in, rang SRN and confirmed – ‘pick me at 20:10’. Now next steps - taking a nap? Came the shocker then - announcement – the voice and accent was bleak, maybe it was the message that got me to say this. “There is a damage with the rail network. Currently no trains are running in the North or South. Sorry for the inconvenience. The latest update is that this train will remain in this platform at least for the next 1 hour” with a big stress on that ‘ATLEAST’. I felt drained – This is definitely terrible!
Unable to manage a nap now, lost the mood. No network coverage, no books to read, and didn’t want to work! If I had access to Internet may be the complaint levels would have been lighter. And I start writing this! The next announcement followed ‘This train wouldn’t leave this platform until 18:08, so the passengers are free to get out for food or drinks’. Man, this is terrible. I rang SRN and expressed my concerns and also warned we wouldn’t be talking much over the phone now as I didn’t want to run out of memory and be lost in the rail ‘way’ somewhere at night. The fellow passenger who sits opposite me who looks like a banking professional has absolutely no expressiveness towards the matter, only thing I could see was a nod which seemed to convey ‘whatever’ for all those announcements. The group of guys sitting beside are busy sending messages – oh yeah that’s the age! And now one of them got out saying, ‘I can’t take this anymore. I am going to stay up somewhere here tonight. Will see ya at office tomorrow morn. If anybody decides to do the same, let me know we shall meet up for a drink’. I thought, ‘SMART’ – and that is management.
Well, I wouldn’t do that even if Tak was not there – that is me who wouldn’t change too much from the ‘border line’ which SRN always points out. However, train is now swarming with all those passengers who hunted to get trains to the South since 16:00 and everyone I am certain is hoping that this train would fire up at 18:08 and keeping fingers crossed for the next broadcast.
Oh yeah, now the status update message reads – ‘Due to a failed train and lineside equipment damage, all trains are blocked’. I notice it is 18:11 now. Ohmmy God, this is AWFUL. How can you find positive material out of those times when you are thrown off like this? I know things could be worse, but then now I just want this damn train to move!
Now, at 18:17, the next declaration – “Have some good news, Train will be departing shortly and the first stop will be Dunbar’. I am sure fellow passengers could observe an instinctive smile in my face. However the guy with banking professional looks still has no reaction apart from a very silent ‘whatever’. Man, how can you be so inexpressive! But the elderly lady opposite was contented. I can see the rail lines going further away from me now as I write this. The east coast is beautiful, which takes its own pride to show you what it has got in its arms – cattle in lush green – Tak loves the sight. But now, it is all dark dark and dark – thats’ what winter bestow! Could be shoddier, at least it is not snowing.
Well, somehow most of the passengers managed to get food. Guys sitting opposite are munching away sandwiches and crisps, 6 to 7 pieces of crisps in a single go! There was announcement from catering crew on food and drink options they have. Nothing to my interest, the ‘veggie’ options provided are – Egg Mayo/Cheese and Tomato sandwiches...and non alcoholic drinks – Orange juice/Coke. I am not hungry enough to give in for these options yet.
And I had been the victim of rail issues several times, especially those services between Scotland and England. So, this is not a one off occurrence. I had an appointment to be made at Dundee at 2pm. As I don’t rely on rail services’ timekeeping and couldn’t afford to take a chance to miss the appointment I made myself set off (!) at the 7:10 train from Leeds to Aberdeen. And this service operated at fair levels and I reached Dundee by 11:50 am and my mind spoke ‘Not Bad!’...But then I was disturbed at the 2 hour wait prior to the meeting, and as the place did offer some food for shopping skills, I ended up spending money on some of the not so wanted junky bits and pieces there on the local stores. However, the meeting was good enough and went on schedule. So I could catch the 15:17 service from Dundee to Edinburgh which toiled on time. And here begins the story –
The train reached Edinburgh Waverly platform 1 at 16:24; a quick sight at the train updates got me to run for the next connection which I thought was the 16:27 Kings Cross - which could get me down at Leeds. So, here is the survival of the ‘fittest’ (by all means!) brain and body running at God knows what speed rate to catch the train in platform 9 saying Kings Cross. I believe God exists – if not I wouldn’t have asked the train crew ‘Does this go to Leeds?’. Eventhough the answer was weird the point was very much valid – ‘Yes, it does – it is coming from Leeds’. And now the tired brain and body said, ‘Oh nooo, where does it go to then?’ The charming crew – ‘Inverness, Can I be of any help?’
Right, so the run was of no gain, but of pain from high heels. Just then I realised someone did the same run along with me as I had told my fellow passenger (with whom I had already made a train travellers relationship with - talking about network coverage, and what do you do kinda stuff) who is a lecturer at St. Andrews and had the same destination to get to – Leeds (Oh yes, I can influence people! – I remember this guy telling me the connection is after 5pm, why did he join me for the run then?). Now, we both found out that the next train to Leeds is at 17:08 from a different platform. So, we said, ‘Seeya later!’ I went to check out the selection of shops I have got for a coffee. But then got a call from SRN asking about my travel update and got on to the chatty mood; gradually forgot about coffee. SRN did talk about usual stuff and reassured my pick up from Leeds station and agreed to bring Tak along. Did get to talk to Tak who said ‘Ammaa...Umma’ which was very cute; makes my day bright and bring smiles at whatever unpleasant state of affairs. Tak was asking if I have my ‘Compukaka’ – the reference is for the laptop! he manages to exercise his influencing skills on meand get a bit of his YouTube drills – the Macdonald Farm, Makka Pakka, Teletubbies and the likes.
I walked to the right platform and to my surprise the Bristol train was waiting there to be boarded which could get me to Leeds. Again ‘Not Bad’. I got in, rang SRN and confirmed – ‘pick me at 20:10’. Now next steps - taking a nap? Came the shocker then - announcement – the voice and accent was bleak, maybe it was the message that got me to say this. “There is a damage with the rail network. Currently no trains are running in the North or South. Sorry for the inconvenience. The latest update is that this train will remain in this platform at least for the next 1 hour” with a big stress on that ‘ATLEAST’. I felt drained – This is definitely terrible!
Unable to manage a nap now, lost the mood. No network coverage, no books to read, and didn’t want to work! If I had access to Internet may be the complaint levels would have been lighter. And I start writing this! The next announcement followed ‘This train wouldn’t leave this platform until 18:08, so the passengers are free to get out for food or drinks’. Man, this is terrible. I rang SRN and expressed my concerns and also warned we wouldn’t be talking much over the phone now as I didn’t want to run out of memory and be lost in the rail ‘way’ somewhere at night. The fellow passenger who sits opposite me who looks like a banking professional has absolutely no expressiveness towards the matter, only thing I could see was a nod which seemed to convey ‘whatever’ for all those announcements. The group of guys sitting beside are busy sending messages – oh yeah that’s the age! And now one of them got out saying, ‘I can’t take this anymore. I am going to stay up somewhere here tonight. Will see ya at office tomorrow morn. If anybody decides to do the same, let me know we shall meet up for a drink’. I thought, ‘SMART’ – and that is management.
Well, I wouldn’t do that even if Tak was not there – that is me who wouldn’t change too much from the ‘border line’ which SRN always points out. However, train is now swarming with all those passengers who hunted to get trains to the South since 16:00 and everyone I am certain is hoping that this train would fire up at 18:08 and keeping fingers crossed for the next broadcast.
Oh yeah, now the status update message reads – ‘Due to a failed train and lineside equipment damage, all trains are blocked’. I notice it is 18:11 now. Ohmmy God, this is AWFUL. How can you find positive material out of those times when you are thrown off like this? I know things could be worse, but then now I just want this damn train to move!
Now, at 18:17, the next declaration – “Have some good news, Train will be departing shortly and the first stop will be Dunbar’. I am sure fellow passengers could observe an instinctive smile in my face. However the guy with banking professional looks still has no reaction apart from a very silent ‘whatever’. Man, how can you be so inexpressive! But the elderly lady opposite was contented. I can see the rail lines going further away from me now as I write this. The east coast is beautiful, which takes its own pride to show you what it has got in its arms – cattle in lush green – Tak loves the sight. But now, it is all dark dark and dark – thats’ what winter bestow! Could be shoddier, at least it is not snowing.
Well, somehow most of the passengers managed to get food. Guys sitting opposite are munching away sandwiches and crisps, 6 to 7 pieces of crisps in a single go! There was announcement from catering crew on food and drink options they have. Nothing to my interest, the ‘veggie’ options provided are – Egg Mayo/Cheese and Tomato sandwiches...and non alcoholic drinks – Orange juice/Coke. I am not hungry enough to give in for these options yet.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Is it Perfect?
Is life perfect for everything you want or you get?
You are looking for a house – do you get one with all your pre-requisites (may be your likes/needs)- in the locality u want- in your budget -at a specified timeframe!
You are looking for a job – do you get one with the industry you want to get associated with-within the close proximity of your home- in the pay grade and job profile you expect - with an acceptable work culture!
You are looking for a car – do you get one with all that you fancy in a car – brand, colour, performance, mileage -in your budget!
You are looking for a holiday – do you get a deal- in the place and resort you want- in the season you fancy- in your anticipated budget!
You are looking for a baby – do you get one at the time you want- in all full and great health you would want to- can be with you as much as you expect!
Well, this list is eternal...I have not met anyone who has everything given as they would want to for them. If you get at least a 50% of what you look for in your life, you are lucky. Once when I complained about some of the not so perfect material one of my friends did point this out to me - ‘Lekshmi, life is not perfect’. If it was so, then people would perhaps not have had any belief in God or the driving forces! At least most of the believers get to think of God if there is a snag, well reality of God and credence are a total different topic though.
And then have been getting associated with real life stories of folks for whom you think (or they think) life is perfect; and who as if get a blow from behind falls into unexpected catastrophe in life. Some things which you cannot have a control on or have say- for example loss of lives!
Well, you got to accept the situation I guess and take the best option feasible I guess when it comes to the context and degree of perfection!
You are looking for a house – do you get one with all your pre-requisites (may be your likes/needs)- in the locality u want- in your budget -at a specified timeframe!
You are looking for a job – do you get one with the industry you want to get associated with-within the close proximity of your home- in the pay grade and job profile you expect - with an acceptable work culture!
You are looking for a car – do you get one with all that you fancy in a car – brand, colour, performance, mileage -in your budget!
You are looking for a holiday – do you get a deal- in the place and resort you want- in the season you fancy- in your anticipated budget!
You are looking for a baby – do you get one at the time you want- in all full and great health you would want to- can be with you as much as you expect!
Well, this list is eternal...I have not met anyone who has everything given as they would want to for them. If you get at least a 50% of what you look for in your life, you are lucky. Once when I complained about some of the not so perfect material one of my friends did point this out to me - ‘Lekshmi, life is not perfect’. If it was so, then people would perhaps not have had any belief in God or the driving forces! At least most of the believers get to think of God if there is a snag, well reality of God and credence are a total different topic though.
And then have been getting associated with real life stories of folks for whom you think (or they think) life is perfect; and who as if get a blow from behind falls into unexpected catastrophe in life. Some things which you cannot have a control on or have say- for example loss of lives!
Well, you got to accept the situation I guess and take the best option feasible I guess when it comes to the context and degree of perfection!
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
2009-2010
After a break!
Year and more than a quarter have gone by and have not had a chance to take a pew and write anything! Life has taken its toll in terms of learning, responsibilities, love, care, emotions and what not!!!
An impeccable year 2009 has conceded presenting me wonderful things in life! Made my life change in one of the most loving and lovable ways. It took a bit of time to sink in and apprehend the truth – you are responsible for another life when you carry a baby in your womb; but then the story doesn’t change much when they are out at least for the initial period especially it was an unexplainable emotion to realise that your body is responsible for the food for your baby! Yup, breastfeeding was the most ever challenging things in my life and the hardest thing I have ever done. It took my body a bi-annual period to get used to the idea and start enjoying the course. If not for the love, support and confidence boosters I had from my better half I would have not been able to pass the testing times. But then you have no idea how easily you start falling in love and be ‘responsible’ for every single aspect of the new relation. People say that is the law of nature!
Though you tend to talk about your sleepless nights and smelly nappies, I don’t think most mothers genuinely grumble about the phase. Some say no time to complain, guess I was overwhelmed with joys of having M and didn’t feel like complaining. As most people put it, ‘it is all worth it’. And slowly your little one starts responding to you – oh man, I tell you that’s your world of joy! I never knew I would enjoy parenthood like the way I do now. That is the same case with better half – Brilliant DAD. Though your toddler consumes whole lot of your available time and your couple life changes a bit, you wouldn’t complain much. I think the couple bond changes to a stronger emotional double bond with a jumping monkey in the middle! Having been referred to as an over anxious parent when it comes to the baby stuff, I think first baby, you are new to it...and that is the way it should be. You have time (well and chance!) to improve. And there is no right or wrong that others can advocate in raising your baby – I strongly believe it is the way to do what you feel is the right thing to do, after all that is your baby!
Took a year off from work which was fantastic! Planned the delivery in India and had all the pampering from family! Oh yeah that is the place where you can catch support (or hire support) for anything related to your baby – you can sit and enjoy your after-delivery period. But then I think I was too sucked in to the world of my boy and didn’t want anybody to do my part of the pack. Back to UK – fun filled 6 months enjoying maternity leave as a full-time mum and home maker! Overall I rate 2009 as FANTASTIC – things can’t get any better than this (in fact don’t know to ask for anything healthier than this!).
The subsequent year – 2010 before I get a grip on things, it is coming to an end in a weeks’ time and I thought I should take a crumb of time to reflect how it was. The year passed by at the speed of light – didn’t even comprehend. Loads of happenings – all for good! M has been referred to as Thakkudu (cute? - don’t know!) even before birth which got shortened to Thak by his Dad when he gets too cheeky - which in turn got chucked down to ‘Tak’ by the gorgeous himself. Cheeky monkey says ‘Tak’ after getting into some naughty stuff and ensures that everybody is bursting out with laughter and he wins the game!
The best part of the year is Tak itself – the growing up stage! Both of us were fortunate to enjoy every speck of it; and that is the prevalent pleasure we have ever had. Term it - responsible, over-anxious, obsessed, addicted, drugged or whatever! Tak calls aMMaaa with a huge stress on that M in the typical Mal accent!
Touchwood we were showered upon with returns for good work, opportunities, family support, long lasting memories and so much. SRN’s new job is treating him well; my return to work was easy and smooth; could settle down fast and Tak settled well in nursery. Had the harmony and peace at home, excellent work life balance, good holidays, enough partying (oh yeah Tak has more social commitments than us now!), met new and good friends, family and friends’ support and so much!
Sample shots of great feelings this year:
• To see your boy running to you shouting out ‘AMMMAA’ at nursery in the evening when you go to pick up!
• To hug your other half tight when he is back after a couple of days (or more) from business trips and when you are stressed and of course waiting after a single parent job during the time!
• To see your little one kissing his grandparents over the phone!
• To get that appreciation at work when someone let you know when you have done a wonderful job!
• To get those things you have wanted for so long and when your other half surprises you with that for no reason!
• To hear that your boy has done well at nursery from a twilighter – he has done some colors, eaten well, played well, slept well and so on!
• The first of types with your baby – first walk, first word, first paint, first tooth, first hair cut and anything of the first of types!
• To get that entry to the metro when it is overcrowded and the driver says no more entry; but still someone shows that kindness to squeeze a little bit and get you in; so that you get to see your baby 15 minutes before!
• To catch up with old and long lost friends!
Well, life is not complete without challenges too. 2010 had been challenging at times as well.
• When my parents left and we couldn’t get support from other side as planned due to family weddings – all of sudden I was blank – what to do with Tak! But then to my surprise Tak has settled well at Kids Academy much quicker and easier than I had ever expected.
• SRNs job move to Scotland and the single parent job for me at times is demanding or exhausting especially when Tak gets a bug or flu. But then, we have survived the tides until now. The job move has put my job at risk (at the moment) as I will have to find a suitable position in Scotland which has not been very great this year.
• The snow, the bugs, flu and all sorts has been exigent from a parent perspective, but then that is all part of the package.
• Oh yeah! The dark circles around eyes – is not getting any better!!! I think I can smartly and carefully mask it with some estee lauder eye colours; but truth never dies!
Too much of bullet points – recently into too much of reports I guess! Well altogether 2010 had been great as well. I am actually looking forward to 2011 – to see what is in store for us! Sure to have more of Tak as he is growing fast; much more intelligent than we think! Apart from this the big tasks for 2010 in my hit list are move to Scotland, sorting out jobs, entering the property ladder!
Year and more than a quarter have gone by and have not had a chance to take a pew and write anything! Life has taken its toll in terms of learning, responsibilities, love, care, emotions and what not!!!
An impeccable year 2009 has conceded presenting me wonderful things in life! Made my life change in one of the most loving and lovable ways. It took a bit of time to sink in and apprehend the truth – you are responsible for another life when you carry a baby in your womb; but then the story doesn’t change much when they are out at least for the initial period especially it was an unexplainable emotion to realise that your body is responsible for the food for your baby! Yup, breastfeeding was the most ever challenging things in my life and the hardest thing I have ever done. It took my body a bi-annual period to get used to the idea and start enjoying the course. If not for the love, support and confidence boosters I had from my better half I would have not been able to pass the testing times. But then you have no idea how easily you start falling in love and be ‘responsible’ for every single aspect of the new relation. People say that is the law of nature!
Though you tend to talk about your sleepless nights and smelly nappies, I don’t think most mothers genuinely grumble about the phase. Some say no time to complain, guess I was overwhelmed with joys of having M and didn’t feel like complaining. As most people put it, ‘it is all worth it’. And slowly your little one starts responding to you – oh man, I tell you that’s your world of joy! I never knew I would enjoy parenthood like the way I do now. That is the same case with better half – Brilliant DAD. Though your toddler consumes whole lot of your available time and your couple life changes a bit, you wouldn’t complain much. I think the couple bond changes to a stronger emotional double bond with a jumping monkey in the middle! Having been referred to as an over anxious parent when it comes to the baby stuff, I think first baby, you are new to it...and that is the way it should be. You have time (well and chance!) to improve. And there is no right or wrong that others can advocate in raising your baby – I strongly believe it is the way to do what you feel is the right thing to do, after all that is your baby!
Took a year off from work which was fantastic! Planned the delivery in India and had all the pampering from family! Oh yeah that is the place where you can catch support (or hire support) for anything related to your baby – you can sit and enjoy your after-delivery period. But then I think I was too sucked in to the world of my boy and didn’t want anybody to do my part of the pack. Back to UK – fun filled 6 months enjoying maternity leave as a full-time mum and home maker! Overall I rate 2009 as FANTASTIC – things can’t get any better than this (in fact don’t know to ask for anything healthier than this!).
The subsequent year – 2010 before I get a grip on things, it is coming to an end in a weeks’ time and I thought I should take a crumb of time to reflect how it was. The year passed by at the speed of light – didn’t even comprehend. Loads of happenings – all for good! M has been referred to as Thakkudu (cute? - don’t know!) even before birth which got shortened to Thak by his Dad when he gets too cheeky - which in turn got chucked down to ‘Tak’ by the gorgeous himself. Cheeky monkey says ‘Tak’ after getting into some naughty stuff and ensures that everybody is bursting out with laughter and he wins the game!
The best part of the year is Tak itself – the growing up stage! Both of us were fortunate to enjoy every speck of it; and that is the prevalent pleasure we have ever had. Term it - responsible, over-anxious, obsessed, addicted, drugged or whatever! Tak calls aMMaaa with a huge stress on that M in the typical Mal accent!
Touchwood we were showered upon with returns for good work, opportunities, family support, long lasting memories and so much. SRN’s new job is treating him well; my return to work was easy and smooth; could settle down fast and Tak settled well in nursery. Had the harmony and peace at home, excellent work life balance, good holidays, enough partying (oh yeah Tak has more social commitments than us now!), met new and good friends, family and friends’ support and so much!
Sample shots of great feelings this year:
• To see your boy running to you shouting out ‘AMMMAA’ at nursery in the evening when you go to pick up!
• To hug your other half tight when he is back after a couple of days (or more) from business trips and when you are stressed and of course waiting after a single parent job during the time!
• To see your little one kissing his grandparents over the phone!
• To get that appreciation at work when someone let you know when you have done a wonderful job!
• To get those things you have wanted for so long and when your other half surprises you with that for no reason!
• To hear that your boy has done well at nursery from a twilighter – he has done some colors, eaten well, played well, slept well and so on!
• The first of types with your baby – first walk, first word, first paint, first tooth, first hair cut and anything of the first of types!
• To get that entry to the metro when it is overcrowded and the driver says no more entry; but still someone shows that kindness to squeeze a little bit and get you in; so that you get to see your baby 15 minutes before!
• To catch up with old and long lost friends!
Well, life is not complete without challenges too. 2010 had been challenging at times as well.
• When my parents left and we couldn’t get support from other side as planned due to family weddings – all of sudden I was blank – what to do with Tak! But then to my surprise Tak has settled well at Kids Academy much quicker and easier than I had ever expected.
• SRNs job move to Scotland and the single parent job for me at times is demanding or exhausting especially when Tak gets a bug or flu. But then, we have survived the tides until now. The job move has put my job at risk (at the moment) as I will have to find a suitable position in Scotland which has not been very great this year.
• The snow, the bugs, flu and all sorts has been exigent from a parent perspective, but then that is all part of the package.
• Oh yeah! The dark circles around eyes – is not getting any better!!! I think I can smartly and carefully mask it with some estee lauder eye colours; but truth never dies!
Too much of bullet points – recently into too much of reports I guess! Well altogether 2010 had been great as well. I am actually looking forward to 2011 – to see what is in store for us! Sure to have more of Tak as he is growing fast; much more intelligent than we think! Apart from this the big tasks for 2010 in my hit list are move to Scotland, sorting out jobs, entering the property ladder!
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Fortune Cookies!!!
Chinese meal was something taste buds demanded to mark the end of this bank holiday weekend. So we decided to try out the ‘My Asia’ Chinese restaurant in Northallerton! Guess this was the only one restaurant left to try out in the high street as this one always gave the impression of a not so great place. When we decided to try our luck last night we were quite surprised and impressed by the standard of the place. The ambience was great inside and so was the quality of the products! Infact the service was great too unlike some of the Chinese places where we are expected to finish off in a hurry.
Yeah, you get for what you pay; the place is expensive! But didn’t complain much as we both enjoyed whatever we ordered. As always I had my doubts on quantity while ordering but struggled to finish off the mains after starters; so desert was sacrificed! Then comes the bumper, fortune cookies! I was seeing it for the first time and was not particularly interested, just wanted to pay and get off. SreeRaj opened his cookie and it said, "You will make many changes before settling down satisfactorily!”. And we we got interested; SreeRaj knew there was a story behind fortune cookies and asked the customer service girl about it. She said, “ No story!”. Guess she has a bit of language problem. We left the story thingy there and now I wanted to open mine though didn’t want to have it as I was so full. There comes mine ,” You will be graced by the presence of a loved one soon!”. I was like, “Woah! This is good”. Now I wanted to try it out and it tasted good too – fat free, vanilla flavour plain flour simple cookie!
We were both happy with our fortune cookies!!! And then I badly wanted to know what the story behind this is. Here it goes (from a piece of google search)
“For many centuries the Chinese have marked special occasions and festival times such as harvest and New Year with the giving and receiving of Moon Cakes these were made from Lotus Nut Paste.
During the 13th and 14th centuries China was occupied by the Mongols. When plans were made in Peking for a popular uprising to oust the invaders, much thought was given how news of the date of the uprising could be circulated without alerting the Mongols.
The story goes that the Mongols had no taste for Lotus Nut Paste and so the Chinese hid the message containing the date in the middle of their Moon Cakes replacing the yolk with secret messages. Patriotic revolutionary, Chu Yuan Chang took on the disguise of a Taoist priest and entered occupied walled cities handing out Moon Cakes. These were the instructions to co-ordinate the uprising which successfully formed the basis of the Ming Dynasty.
Thus the tradition of giving cakes with messages was born and became a popular way of expressing wishes of goodwill or good fortune on an important occasion.
The origins of the Fortune Cookie as we know it today were laid down by the Chinese 49'ers who worked on the building of the great American railways through the Sierra Nevada into California.
Work was very hard and pleasures were few in isolated camps, those hard workers had only biscuits with happy messages inside, to exchange at the Moon festival instead of traditional cakes with happy messages, thus the FORTUNE COOKIE was born. This became something of a cottage industry and as the Chinese settled in San Francisco after the railway and the Gold boom the custom continued. Today it is almost impossible to have a Chinese meal in America and Canada without finishing with a Fortune Cookie.
More and more businesses and even governments are having promotional messages printed on the opposite side to the fortune. The HONG KONG police used them in anti - drugs campaigns and the US followed.
The first automated production of Fortune Cookies took place in America in 1964 before that they were made by hand. In recent years fully automated facilities have been set up in the UK to produce Fortune Cookies that are now gaining increasing popularity in Chinese restaurants and Take-Aways across the U.K. and Europe”
Interesting!!! A good selling point too – fortune wrapped in a piece of paper! Who wouldn’t like to see pleasing things like this though you believe in it or not!
Yeah, you get for what you pay; the place is expensive! But didn’t complain much as we both enjoyed whatever we ordered. As always I had my doubts on quantity while ordering but struggled to finish off the mains after starters; so desert was sacrificed! Then comes the bumper, fortune cookies! I was seeing it for the first time and was not particularly interested, just wanted to pay and get off. SreeRaj opened his cookie and it said, "You will make many changes before settling down satisfactorily!”. And we we got interested; SreeRaj knew there was a story behind fortune cookies and asked the customer service girl about it. She said, “ No story!”. Guess she has a bit of language problem. We left the story thingy there and now I wanted to open mine though didn’t want to have it as I was so full. There comes mine ,” You will be graced by the presence of a loved one soon!”. I was like, “Woah! This is good”. Now I wanted to try it out and it tasted good too – fat free, vanilla flavour plain flour simple cookie!
We were both happy with our fortune cookies!!! And then I badly wanted to know what the story behind this is. Here it goes (from a piece of google search)
“For many centuries the Chinese have marked special occasions and festival times such as harvest and New Year with the giving and receiving of Moon Cakes these were made from Lotus Nut Paste.
During the 13th and 14th centuries China was occupied by the Mongols. When plans were made in Peking for a popular uprising to oust the invaders, much thought was given how news of the date of the uprising could be circulated without alerting the Mongols.
The story goes that the Mongols had no taste for Lotus Nut Paste and so the Chinese hid the message containing the date in the middle of their Moon Cakes replacing the yolk with secret messages. Patriotic revolutionary, Chu Yuan Chang took on the disguise of a Taoist priest and entered occupied walled cities handing out Moon Cakes. These were the instructions to co-ordinate the uprising which successfully formed the basis of the Ming Dynasty.
Thus the tradition of giving cakes with messages was born and became a popular way of expressing wishes of goodwill or good fortune on an important occasion.
The origins of the Fortune Cookie as we know it today were laid down by the Chinese 49'ers who worked on the building of the great American railways through the Sierra Nevada into California.
Work was very hard and pleasures were few in isolated camps, those hard workers had only biscuits with happy messages inside, to exchange at the Moon festival instead of traditional cakes with happy messages, thus the FORTUNE COOKIE was born. This became something of a cottage industry and as the Chinese settled in San Francisco after the railway and the Gold boom the custom continued. Today it is almost impossible to have a Chinese meal in America and Canada without finishing with a Fortune Cookie.
More and more businesses and even governments are having promotional messages printed on the opposite side to the fortune. The HONG KONG police used them in anti - drugs campaigns and the US followed.
The first automated production of Fortune Cookies took place in America in 1964 before that they were made by hand. In recent years fully automated facilities have been set up in the UK to produce Fortune Cookies that are now gaining increasing popularity in Chinese restaurants and Take-Aways across the U.K. and Europe”
Interesting!!! A good selling point too – fortune wrapped in a piece of paper! Who wouldn’t like to see pleasing things like this though you believe in it or not!
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Travelling alone :(
Travelling is fun for me if I have the right company. I have always enjoyed travelling with family and friends whether it is a fully planned trip or an instant idea. Both has its own charm. Start of a drive in the morning and randomly pick a place which you want to visit or see with your better half – its simply wonderful! If you get your friends joining in for this it is even better. With not much expectation but with great pleasure you set off for it. And then you have the full planned itinerary ones which you have dreamt, planned and the much awaited ones. With high expectations you set off for it and needless to say most of the times the outcome is pleasurable.
No matter how good the travel or destination is (even if it is going back home) I don’t enjoy travelling alone. And I am not good at travelling alone. Let it be airports, train stations, buses, even walking distances I hate travelling alone. Even for my up and down train journeys I long for company. It is relatively a better journey as I know clearly where I am supposed to reach as it is a routine and the route has a ‘feel at home’ feeling by now. Otherwise travelling alone gives me a lot of stress most of the times. Having real poor direction sense things get messed up a good amount of time. And again I hate to manage the sign posts, directions and anything of that sort on my own. I know I am pampered! Then again if the journey involves any waits where I have to kill time on my own, my frustration goes up and high and it is at its worst if I cannot get connected to the world! Less luggage more comfort logo adds onto it. Even if it’s a trolley bag I feel I am in pain. The bottom line is travelling alone is a pain!
No matter how good the travel or destination is (even if it is going back home) I don’t enjoy travelling alone. And I am not good at travelling alone. Let it be airports, train stations, buses, even walking distances I hate travelling alone. Even for my up and down train journeys I long for company. It is relatively a better journey as I know clearly where I am supposed to reach as it is a routine and the route has a ‘feel at home’ feeling by now. Otherwise travelling alone gives me a lot of stress most of the times. Having real poor direction sense things get messed up a good amount of time. And again I hate to manage the sign posts, directions and anything of that sort on my own. I know I am pampered! Then again if the journey involves any waits where I have to kill time on my own, my frustration goes up and high and it is at its worst if I cannot get connected to the world! Less luggage more comfort logo adds onto it. Even if it’s a trolley bag I feel I am in pain. The bottom line is travelling alone is a pain!
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