This weekend i had enough chores to do to keep me occupied, but not too much to prevent a little fun-and-frolic time. A colleague of mine broached the idea of having coffee together. I agreed,as i had nothing better to do at home.
He picked me up, we went out for coffee at a nearby coffee shop,had a good conversation about food,places,friends,work,family and other random things. He paid for the latte, got me a chocolate and politely dropped me at the door, even opened the doors for me. Although, it is a date by the look of it. But i refuse to call it a date.
It made me go back down memory lane. My first date in college, almost did an act which could easily compare to sir walter raleigh laying his plush and expensive cloak over a mud puddle so that the queens's feet would not be dirtied.
Still smiling, writing this post, but not sure why - maybe its the nostalgia of first date in 10 years back or the fact i was back from a meeting(close to a date, which i would not like to call one for political reasons) or the re-affirmed faith in men knowing how to treat the woman well and making her smile without being romantically involved with her.
But, who cares about the reason! :)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Cogito, ergo sum
There are somethings that each of us does best. And one of the few things that i do best is thinking. I think a lot, analyze, rationalize almost everything and end up doing a worst case analysis of any situation by bombarding myself with hypothetical 'What-If' questions. Some people may call it unnecessary thinking.
Thinking pessimistically has its own pluses. I guess, being a defensive pessimist makes much more sense than being an optimistic. Using the power of pessimistic approach, i feel i will be closer to personal goals and not be caught unaware when a difficulty comes my way. I would have already thought about it and would be prepared better. So, my kind of negative thinking only prepares me for the worst. Im not overconfident, well aware of my weaknesses and strenths and only drives me towards success.
Its like playing driving simulator within the playground of the head. I know how better i will negotiate the speedbreakers, sharp turns, dead ends as compared to the driver who is an optimist and only sees a clear smooth road ahead. An optimist will only land flat on his face when faced with adversity cause he never thought bad could come his way.
Friends have often told me to look at the brighter side of things and not to think too much and think negatively. But im happy to take my time do my thinking and check the ground im walking on for mines rather than being optimistic and not think about the ground having mines and ending up blowing myself.
Doesnt make sense to a lot of people. But Pessimistic approach is my survival strategy!! And my blood type is 'Very Negative'.
Cogito, ergo sum!! I think, therefore I am.
Thinking pessimistically has its own pluses. I guess, being a defensive pessimist makes much more sense than being an optimistic. Using the power of pessimistic approach, i feel i will be closer to personal goals and not be caught unaware when a difficulty comes my way. I would have already thought about it and would be prepared better. So, my kind of negative thinking only prepares me for the worst. Im not overconfident, well aware of my weaknesses and strenths and only drives me towards success.
Its like playing driving simulator within the playground of the head. I know how better i will negotiate the speedbreakers, sharp turns, dead ends as compared to the driver who is an optimist and only sees a clear smooth road ahead. An optimist will only land flat on his face when faced with adversity cause he never thought bad could come his way.
Friends have often told me to look at the brighter side of things and not to think too much and think negatively. But im happy to take my time do my thinking and check the ground im walking on for mines rather than being optimistic and not think about the ground having mines and ending up blowing myself.
Doesnt make sense to a lot of people. But Pessimistic approach is my survival strategy!! And my blood type is 'Very Negative'.
Cogito, ergo sum!! I think, therefore I am.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Money Matters
Gist of an article by Warren Buffet to maintain financial health. Awesome money management nuggets!
Hardwork: All hardwork brings profit, mere talks lead to poverty.
Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the current.
Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. Investments should be an alternate source.
Spendings: If you buy things that you do not need, you'll soon sell things you need.
Savings: Dont save what is left after spending, Spend what is left after saving.
Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.
Accounting: Its no use of carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are are leaking.
Auditing: Beware of little expenses. A small leak can sink a big ship.
Risk Taking: Never test the depth of the river with both your feet.
Investment: Dont put all your eggs in one basket.
Hardwork: All hardwork brings profit, mere talks lead to poverty.
Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the current.
Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. Investments should be an alternate source.
Spendings: If you buy things that you do not need, you'll soon sell things you need.
Savings: Dont save what is left after spending, Spend what is left after saving.
Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.
Accounting: Its no use of carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are are leaking.
Auditing: Beware of little expenses. A small leak can sink a big ship.
Risk Taking: Never test the depth of the river with both your feet.
Investment: Dont put all your eggs in one basket.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Its official...
that i am an MBA. I had waited quite long to don the black gown and the weird topi and recieve my post graduate degree. More because, i never had a convocation for my bachelor's degree, although my bachelors degree states that the degree was awarded at a convocation :P
I feel proud to have my MBA degree in hand, wearing the black robe, and passing out with a distinction. The minute i wore the robe, a sense of victory prevailed. A cherished moment for everyone. This wasnt easy - entailed a lot, sacrificed a lot, endured a lot to achieve it. At the same time, enjoyed and learnt a lot.
At the convo, a lot of flashes, photoclicks, jokes, snacks later, it was finally time to get back home. Celebrated with family, had nice dinner outside - a perfect ending to a memorable day.
Another small milestone of my life that i will brag about to my kids, like my dad always tells his. Now i know, why he likes telling it again and again :)
Pankaj and Sushil Sir, thanks a lot. It couldnt have been possible without you guys helping me out with Financial Accounting and VB exams and practicals. Couldnt have got all the credits for the degree without you guys.
Current Status(March 14, 2009) - Im officially an MBA. Yay!! Il get good sleep with this sense of achievement today.
I feel proud to have my MBA degree in hand, wearing the black robe, and passing out with a distinction. The minute i wore the robe, a sense of victory prevailed. A cherished moment for everyone. This wasnt easy - entailed a lot, sacrificed a lot, endured a lot to achieve it. At the same time, enjoyed and learnt a lot.
At the convo, a lot of flashes, photoclicks, jokes, snacks later, it was finally time to get back home. Celebrated with family, had nice dinner outside - a perfect ending to a memorable day.
Another small milestone of my life that i will brag about to my kids, like my dad always tells his. Now i know, why he likes telling it again and again :)
Pankaj and Sushil Sir, thanks a lot. It couldnt have been possible without you guys helping me out with Financial Accounting and VB exams and practicals. Couldnt have got all the credits for the degree without you guys.
Current Status(March 14, 2009) - Im officially an MBA. Yay!! Il get good sleep with this sense of achievement today.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Hard-a-starboard!
As i turned the page of the calender on the wall of my room, the image on the page for March 09 caught my eye. It had a large beautiful ship sailing on the placid blue waters of the ocean and a nice quote printed below it.
A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.
John A. Shedd, Salt from My Attic, 1928.
Probably thats why my mom had sometimes wanted me to go out of Delhi for education or a job, to explore, dream, live and experience life beyond the safe and secure walls of my home. Its a different story that she now wants me to be out of the house permanently :P. I have never stayed out of home ever in my life for more than a few days. Im not scared of going into the big bad world out there, but i always had an option to study and work closer to home. Living outside home, staying away from family is an experience that is still unfamiliar.
Ten years from now i guess i will be more disappointed by the things that i didn’t do than by the ones i did do. And a life lived with regrets, is hardly a life lived. So, i guess to truly find oneself, one should venture out, walk into unfamiliar territory, challenge the unknown or else we just rust and die in one place living a ordinary life like a ship that would rust standing on the dockyard.
So i guess its time to throw off the bowlines, time to sail away from the safe harbor, time to catch the trade winds in the sails and get caught in the tides.
Action Words: Explore, Wander, Discover!!
A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.
John A. Shedd, Salt from My Attic, 1928.
Probably thats why my mom had sometimes wanted me to go out of Delhi for education or a job, to explore, dream, live and experience life beyond the safe and secure walls of my home. Its a different story that she now wants me to be out of the house permanently :P. I have never stayed out of home ever in my life for more than a few days. Im not scared of going into the big bad world out there, but i always had an option to study and work closer to home. Living outside home, staying away from family is an experience that is still unfamiliar.
Ten years from now i guess i will be more disappointed by the things that i didn’t do than by the ones i did do. And a life lived with regrets, is hardly a life lived. So, i guess to truly find oneself, one should venture out, walk into unfamiliar territory, challenge the unknown or else we just rust and die in one place living a ordinary life like a ship that would rust standing on the dockyard.
So i guess its time to throw off the bowlines, time to sail away from the safe harbor, time to catch the trade winds in the sails and get caught in the tides.
Action Words: Explore, Wander, Discover!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Of Arranged Marriages
Wanted , Fair(Read White), Slim, Beautiful, Homely, Convent Educated girl for Tall, Handsome, Educated, High Salary, High Status Family Boy.
Those are the keywords in any matrimonial advertisement. No matter how the guy looks, what he does, or how much he earns, the girl should have the above traits. Actually according to most indian sentimentalities, there are no ugly ducklings, fat, spoilt males. Irrespective of everything, they always are eligible bachelors.
I thought, probably times have changed and things are not the same. Until i came accross a WTF piece of news. Read for yourself - Want a celebrity lookalike as a partner. Seriously, WTF!!!
I was in for a shock, this is what matrimonial portals promote - Obsession with looks. But, then thats just what some men and the mothers of the men want.
I thought internet matrimonial portals are used mostly by the tech savvy,educated, liberated youth of India who think beyond the looks. One may wear Gucci boots, drive snazzy cars, listen to Bryan Adams and Mettalica, but on the inside not much of an evolution is there. But then what else can one expect, when even our Indian Gods are so obsessed with complexion. If not, Why else would Lord Krishna sing, 'Radha kyun gori mein kyun kaala??'. And, probably India is the only country with a market for creams like Fair and Lovely and the likes.
Here's a funny converation between a friend at work and a prospective groom.
***Some conversation before this***
Boy: Im 5 ft 6 inches tall and you are 5ft 5 1/2 inches tall. Is that okay with you?
Girl: No, actually i would prefer a slightly taller guy, so i guess we cant proceed. Sorry!
Boy: (With a heavy heart) Hmmm, but i guess it doesnt matter.
Girl: To me, it does. So, i guess. Thats about it. Good luck for your search.
(Background music - Dil ke armaan aansuoon mein beh gaye!! )
(The Boy still has something to say even after this)
Boy: Accha, I just wanted to tell you i have a jewellery shop in Karol Bagh, so when you shop for your wedding, you can walk into my shop. Will offer discounts.
Girl: (Speechlessly) Sure!! Bye
***End of Conversation***
I was in splits on hearing this!!! Classic Example of Product Bundling that i studied in marketing - Selling himself and the jewellery of his shop. Bussiness Promotion through a matrimonial portal. Cutting Edge! Indian minds arent that bad after all, we are an intelligent, innovative, jugaadoo lot.
We Indians are like that only - a little bit of this and that. Thats what makes us uniquely outrageous in a nice way. Incredible India!!
Those are the keywords in any matrimonial advertisement. No matter how the guy looks, what he does, or how much he earns, the girl should have the above traits. Actually according to most indian sentimentalities, there are no ugly ducklings, fat, spoilt males. Irrespective of everything, they always are eligible bachelors.
I thought, probably times have changed and things are not the same. Until i came accross a WTF piece of news. Read for yourself - Want a celebrity lookalike as a partner. Seriously, WTF!!!
I was in for a shock, this is what matrimonial portals promote - Obsession with looks. But, then thats just what some men and the mothers of the men want.
I thought internet matrimonial portals are used mostly by the tech savvy,educated, liberated youth of India who think beyond the looks. One may wear Gucci boots, drive snazzy cars, listen to Bryan Adams and Mettalica, but on the inside not much of an evolution is there. But then what else can one expect, when even our Indian Gods are so obsessed with complexion. If not, Why else would Lord Krishna sing, 'Radha kyun gori mein kyun kaala??'. And, probably India is the only country with a market for creams like Fair and Lovely and the likes.
Here's a funny converation between a friend at work and a prospective groom.
***Some conversation before this***
Boy: Im 5 ft 6 inches tall and you are 5ft 5 1/2 inches tall. Is that okay with you?
Girl: No, actually i would prefer a slightly taller guy, so i guess we cant proceed. Sorry!
Boy: (With a heavy heart) Hmmm, but i guess it doesnt matter.
Girl: To me, it does. So, i guess. Thats about it. Good luck for your search.
(Background music - Dil ke armaan aansuoon mein beh gaye!! )
(The Boy still has something to say even after this)
Boy: Accha, I just wanted to tell you i have a jewellery shop in Karol Bagh, so when you shop for your wedding, you can walk into my shop. Will offer discounts.
Girl: (Speechlessly) Sure!! Bye
***End of Conversation***
I was in splits on hearing this!!! Classic Example of Product Bundling that i studied in marketing - Selling himself and the jewellery of his shop. Bussiness Promotion through a matrimonial portal. Cutting Edge! Indian minds arent that bad after all, we are an intelligent, innovative, jugaadoo lot.
We Indians are like that only - a little bit of this and that. Thats what makes us uniquely outrageous in a nice way. Incredible India!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Shantaram
I finally managed to finish Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. The book is such a page turner, but still i took like a week to finish Shantaram, coz the philosphies and the great quotes take you by storm and put you in the pensive mode. This book is not for those book-a-day type of people. Neither for those who read while travelling back and forth to work. You ought to take breaks to digest the content.
Saddest Parts of the book:
When prabhakar dies and when he finds out the two people he respected and loved most were actually hand-in-glove and hid the truth from him.
Favourite Characters:
Prabhakar and Didier
Favorite Quotes from the book:
"Sometimes you love only with hope, sometimes, you cry without tears. Someetimes, thats all that is left, to cling together till the dawn".
"Nothing in any life, no matter how well or poorly lived, is wiser than failure or clearer than sorrow. And in the tiny precious wisdom they give to us, even those dreaded and hated enemies, suffering and failure, have their reason and their right to be."
"I dont know what i fear more, the power that crushes us, or our never ending capacity to endure it."
There are countless such lines in the book, that you read, re-read, think about, re-read them. Do not get scared by the size of the book, just start reading it and you will never put it down, and tell me how you liked it.
Happy Reading!
Saddest Parts of the book:
When prabhakar dies and when he finds out the two people he respected and loved most were actually hand-in-glove and hid the truth from him.
Favourite Characters:
Prabhakar and Didier
Favorite Quotes from the book:
"Sometimes you love only with hope, sometimes, you cry without tears. Someetimes, thats all that is left, to cling together till the dawn".
"Nothing in any life, no matter how well or poorly lived, is wiser than failure or clearer than sorrow. And in the tiny precious wisdom they give to us, even those dreaded and hated enemies, suffering and failure, have their reason and their right to be."
"I dont know what i fear more, the power that crushes us, or our never ending capacity to endure it."
There are countless such lines in the book, that you read, re-read, think about, re-read them. Do not get scared by the size of the book, just start reading it and you will never put it down, and tell me how you liked it.
Happy Reading!
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