It was finally here. The group had waited for it for long. Through the innumerable days training. Overcoming injuries - some were still suffering from them; but they were here today. Intent on seeing it through the finish. A good day for it - clouded, not too cold but with a crispness in the air which would sure come in handy.
The street lights were still on when the day started. Shining through the haze somehow. They were redundant soon enough though; the sun was out early on this summer day - behind the laden clouds. It was hard to believe it is summer. Everyone was ready, as ready as they could be. Or determined. Nothing would hold them back today. I was just a spectator. At best a supporter.
The endurance and will power in this group of people is phenomenal. Be it in the girl who slowly chugged her way to the finish or the guy with the injury to his foot which did not hold him back from finishing the run in 2:07! As one T-shirt said - "Running is a mental sport - and we are all INSANE". That's what I felt - they had to be insane to take this up! Their undying enthusiasm at the 10mi marker (where I was camped out for a long time) even after the steep climb that they just had to get over was amazing. They were thanking us for cheering them on! Dancing a jig to the tunes playing from their ipods.
The memories of the day will stay with me for long. The smiles from the runners passing us by. The camaraderie among the participants; supporting fellow runners to the finish. The determination overcoming the pain as they ran on with old injuries acting up. The buddy runner who ended up running about 20mi in support; and to think he had dropped off from registering for the half marathon due to injuries! The ecstatic joy in their faces as they reached the finish line. The sad eyes of the elder lady who couldn't believe her hip injury had to happen on this day after all her incident free training (I'm sure she will back again next year). Their appetites after the race :) The funny T-shirts they had on. The bundled up people ringing their bells, striking their gongs, cheering on the crowds of runners. The mass of humanity.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Unexpected
I got my hair cut yesterday. An expensive one, the most I have doled out yet for a hair cut. I usually let the stylist decide what they want to do with my hair. This time my only wish was to keep it shorter. And that was the first thing the guy overrode. He decided longer hair would rather suit me!
Anyway since I'd asked him to do whatever, couldn't complain much at that point. And so the only thing left to do was talk. And it was an interesting conversation. Jared was a construction worker in another life! Imagine, I was doling out good money to get my hair cut by an ex-construction worker.
He did tug at my hair more briskly than any other stylist I've known. And poked me with a pin once in between. But then after looking at the final result, I had to agree, he had come a long way from his construction days. And his leap in career choice must only have been cos he had found his calling.
Anyway since I'd asked him to do whatever, couldn't complain much at that point. And so the only thing left to do was talk. And it was an interesting conversation. Jared was a construction worker in another life! Imagine, I was doling out good money to get my hair cut by an ex-construction worker.
He did tug at my hair more briskly than any other stylist I've known. And poked me with a pin once in between. But then after looking at the final result, I had to agree, he had come a long way from his construction days. And his leap in career choice must only have been cos he had found his calling.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Ads
Growing up, loved these ads from Dairy Milk - KuchKhaasHai1 & KKH3. And the Amul ads frequently updated on the billboard above Manikanda bakery - they had some of the best one liners I've seen so far.
There were one or two other ads I used to like watching - Humara Bajaj , Doodh Doodh. I'll bet you can't guess what this ad is for: Ad (unless you've already seen it :) ).
These days the ads I enjoy most are made by auto manufacturers. Like this one from Mercedes and this one from Audi. Love them. Have to record this one from Honda as one of the good ones. Some non auto mfg ads like this one on seat belts! And not to forget the Incredible India ads. This one that plays on psychology from Virgin Mobile reminds me of the stuff we used to try on our parents :P Love the punch line on this one :)
Creativity captured in short span of a commercial! Love it. Wish I could make stuff like this.
There were one or two other ads I used to like watching - Humara Bajaj , Doodh Doodh. I'll bet you can't guess what this ad is for: Ad (unless you've already seen it :) ).
These days the ads I enjoy most are made by auto manufacturers. Like this one from Mercedes and this one from Audi. Love them. Have to record this one from Honda as one of the good ones. Some non auto mfg ads like this one on seat belts! And not to forget the Incredible India ads. This one that plays on psychology from Virgin Mobile reminds me of the stuff we used to try on our parents :P Love the punch line on this one :)
Creativity captured in short span of a commercial! Love it. Wish I could make stuff like this.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Games and Volunteers
Did I already mention it - I love board games? I must have. But time for re-iteration - I love board games!! :)
Be it with house-mates over a game of Blokus or with strangers over friendly matches of Carroms or with friends over competitive Catan; inevitable to have fun. Spent last Saturday playing carroms. I never perceived myself as a good player. I still think I'm not; but I have my flashes of genius! Lets not get carried away - flashes of good playing :P Thanks in dollops to my doubles partner.
Volunteering is fun. Be it at the Carroms tournament or the early morning runs on Saturday where I'm the water carrier :) Free rides to beautiful locations and the chance to bike in said locations. Rubbing shoulders with people resolute enough to run marathons or half marathons. Conversing with die hards who believe in the cause. These are the fun parts of volunteering; the stuff I participate in. But then there is a whole different level to it. There is something to be said about people who diligently attend meetings and coordinate projects long distance; who spend hours and days in advancing their cause and organize rallies to increase awareness, in researching for their fights; who stake out dharanas; who leave behind personal aims and ambitions to work for others less fortunate.
So here's to all the real volunteers out there, doing an awesome job at it, not craving recognition or accolades but just the greater good of people - you are amazing!
Be it with house-mates over a game of Blokus or with strangers over friendly matches of Carroms or with friends over competitive Catan; inevitable to have fun. Spent last Saturday playing carroms. I never perceived myself as a good player. I still think I'm not; but I have my flashes of genius! Lets not get carried away - flashes of good playing :P Thanks in dollops to my doubles partner.
Volunteering is fun. Be it at the Carroms tournament or the early morning runs on Saturday where I'm the water carrier :) Free rides to beautiful locations and the chance to bike in said locations. Rubbing shoulders with people resolute enough to run marathons or half marathons. Conversing with die hards who believe in the cause. These are the fun parts of volunteering; the stuff I participate in. But then there is a whole different level to it. There is something to be said about people who diligently attend meetings and coordinate projects long distance; who spend hours and days in advancing their cause and organize rallies to increase awareness, in researching for their fights; who stake out dharanas; who leave behind personal aims and ambitions to work for others less fortunate.
So here's to all the real volunteers out there, doing an awesome job at it, not craving recognition or accolades but just the greater good of people - you are amazing!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Elelments
Breathing in and out through the mouth, her whole mind concentrating on getting it right. The air going out not making bubbles. The afternoon sun beating down on her back. Floating, floating on the lapping waves; gently swaying to their tempo. Lulled by the calm her mind moved on to the surroundings. The clear blue waters. The green sea weed she could make out growing in clumps at the bottom of the ocean. She felt she could do this forever.
Emboldened by the time that had passed, she struck out more into the ocean. Not quite too far though, she was a cautious being these days. Even in her favorite element. Roaming eyes looking out for any kind of moving life that might be around. This was bliss!
And then her fears kicked in and with a big wheeze for air, her head poked out and her hands beat around to find a hold; a hold on her balance till her feet hit rough sands and she was walking back to the shore. Snorkelling. Worth exploring more.
Emboldened by the time that had passed, she struck out more into the ocean. Not quite too far though, she was a cautious being these days. Even in her favorite element. Roaming eyes looking out for any kind of moving life that might be around. This was bliss!
And then her fears kicked in and with a big wheeze for air, her head poked out and her hands beat around to find a hold; a hold on her balance till her feet hit rough sands and she was walking back to the shore. Snorkelling. Worth exploring more.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Big "O"
Days have been exciting recently. Lots of good stuff happening. Latest of which was a week long trip to Puerto Rico. Loved the place. And the bunch of friends I went with. Memories for keeps :)
I hardly remember what I was doing this time ten years back. Must have been at college, finishing my last year of undergrad. Fretting when the academic year would end. Before I move on. Hoping for a glimpse into the future. Excited about what was to come next. Definitely. Don't think I was giving the year much significance though. This year, a decade later, there's more caution in the outlook. Thought to things to be done yet. With age comes wisdom? Recently I've started perceiving past as a buzz killer - experiences tend to shadow whats to come.. not in a bad way.. just that they take the edge off the excitement - maybe with anticipation. And it bothers me that I'm probably looking more to the past than I did a decade ago. Granted there is more to look at now than back then :P, but surely its as futile now as it was ten years ago?
Just considering the present, I love the place I am at right now. With a good mixture of excitement and comfort. Not much to complain about. But there are things to do. Not sure why that was said with a but. If there were no things to do, no point to life huh? More than things to do, I think this time I looking forward to more meaning. Not sure what to expect exactly.. :) but hey that adds to the excitement! So definitely looking forward to whats to come in the next ten years.
I hardly remember what I was doing this time ten years back. Must have been at college, finishing my last year of undergrad. Fretting when the academic year would end. Before I move on. Hoping for a glimpse into the future. Excited about what was to come next. Definitely. Don't think I was giving the year much significance though. This year, a decade later, there's more caution in the outlook. Thought to things to be done yet. With age comes wisdom? Recently I've started perceiving past as a buzz killer - experiences tend to shadow whats to come.. not in a bad way.. just that they take the edge off the excitement - maybe with anticipation. And it bothers me that I'm probably looking more to the past than I did a decade ago. Granted there is more to look at now than back then :P, but surely its as futile now as it was ten years ago?
Just considering the present, I love the place I am at right now. With a good mixture of excitement and comfort. Not much to complain about. But there are things to do. Not sure why that was said with a but. If there were no things to do, no point to life huh? More than things to do, I think this time I looking forward to more meaning. Not sure what to expect exactly.. :) but hey that adds to the excitement! So definitely looking forward to whats to come in the next ten years.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Know My English
I don't think I do. Over years, it has become a mode of communication and I omit paying attention to detail as long as I can communicate what I want to. And now that I'm reading material from early 20th century, from Indian authors who were educated in the proper usage of the language, I perceive the limitations in my understanding of it. Knowing the complete meaning of a word holds more importance now than it has ever before.
Like how analysis means - 'the separating of any material or abstract entity into its constituent elements'. I missed the part about the breaking down into elements... I took it to mean something like 'studying the nature of something' which is not the whole meaning. And so you can understand why I was surprised when I realized synthesis was its opposite.
No wonder I'm finding it hard to understand what I'm currently reading. Need to brush up on my English.
Like how analysis means - 'the separating of any material or abstract entity into its constituent elements'. I missed the part about the breaking down into elements... I took it to mean something like 'studying the nature of something' which is not the whole meaning. And so you can understand why I was surprised when I realized synthesis was its opposite.
No wonder I'm finding it hard to understand what I'm currently reading. Need to brush up on my English.
Monday, May 10, 2010
"Man is Always a Slave to the Past"
Read this today. It was like a revelation. I knew it to be true. But actually reading it in as many words felt like an enlightenment of sorts. Not sure why that should be.
To be rid of influences from the past - is that even remotely achievable? A daunting thought. But only then can one react freely to any situation. Only then can there be novelty to life.
Stumbled upon words of JK and have been reading some of his works since. Come upon conflicting ideas - "through the understanding of the contents of his own mind, through observation and not through intellectual analysis or introspective dissection". Don't you need to do introspective dissection to understand the contents of ones mind? What am I missing?
Had a similar conversation with a friend recently where I insisted what he was putting forth was just a play on words. But is the truth really that I am missing some essential difference my head is too thick to perceive yet?
"Insight without any shadow of the past" - JK.
To be rid of influences from the past - is that even remotely achievable? A daunting thought. But only then can one react freely to any situation. Only then can there be novelty to life.
Stumbled upon words of JK and have been reading some of his works since. Come upon conflicting ideas - "through the understanding of the contents of his own mind, through observation and not through intellectual analysis or introspective dissection". Don't you need to do introspective dissection to understand the contents of ones mind? What am I missing?
Had a similar conversation with a friend recently where I insisted what he was putting forth was just a play on words. But is the truth really that I am missing some essential difference my head is too thick to perceive yet?
"Insight without any shadow of the past" - JK.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Serenity
Lids lowered over translucent reflective eyes. Soft lashes skimming tender cheeks. Tiny lips pursed into a yawn. Fingers clutched into a harmless fist. Body wiggling like a hapless fish caught in a net. Mewling sounds from an exploring throat. The surrounding hush soothing. A babies sleep is potent enough to knock-out anyone watching over it.. a more relaxing sight have I yet to encounter.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Babies Weddings Parties Drinks & Plans for Trips
That pretty much sums up things I have to report about. The fun times are rolling and though I wish I could be in India & Florida to enjoy some parts of it, I'm happy to be where I am at. Some things nagging the brain once in a while... not sure how to work those out yet. But otherwise the days are getting more gloriously sunnier and the nights more intoxicating. All in all a great start to Summer. Oh and loved the long conversation with old friends today morning. Now off to keep the head lighter. Happy Summer everyone!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Fighting Gravity
Was at a meeting earlier today. A bunch of people ranging from the engrossed to the disinterested. But all of them had one thing in common - drooping edges to their lips. Did you know age makes it harder for a smile to come by? Something to do with your zygomaticus muscle.
-Just something I noticed today.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Carpe Diem!
Been a long long time since I've read a book this fast! Loved it. A completely new style of story telling - through letters. Love my friend for sending it to me - the best surprise gift I've received in ages. Thank you! Finally rediscovered my love of reading and stopped brooding over my laptop.
For those of you who haven't read it yet, I highly recommend - "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society".
For those of you who haven't read it yet, I highly recommend - "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society".
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Thought for the Day
"When we treat man as he is, we make him worse than he is; when we treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be, we make him what he should be." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Was thinking about how true this quote is. And then I thought how closely it matches my own thoughts on the matter... and wondered - do I like this quote as it resonates with my own thoughts? Or cos there is universal truth in what it says??
Truth. Universal Truth. Was a time when there could only be one Truth. Now I tend to accept that there are perspectives. But Truth? I guess its all in the experiences people have. Either ways I happen to agree with this quote and believe it to be the truth.
Was thinking about how true this quote is. And then I thought how closely it matches my own thoughts on the matter... and wondered - do I like this quote as it resonates with my own thoughts? Or cos there is universal truth in what it says??
Truth. Universal Truth. Was a time when there could only be one Truth. Now I tend to accept that there are perspectives. But Truth? I guess its all in the experiences people have. Either ways I happen to agree with this quote and believe it to be the truth.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
I Know
..subconsciously exactly where each alphabet is on the keyboard. If I stop using my brain and let my fingers type. But then if I start my brains on and try to "remember" where the alphabet is, I most likely will fail! I know its crazy but its true.
Maybe I should let my subconscious make all my decisions... it seems to be able to pull up things my conscious mind cannot uncover. Hmm... now there is food for thought. Does that mean I should let my first impressions rule?
Maybe I should let my subconscious make all my decisions... it seems to be able to pull up things my conscious mind cannot uncover. Hmm... now there is food for thought. Does that mean I should let my first impressions rule?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Weekend
I'm loving weekends these days. Some with lots of activities, some with lots of travel, some with nothing to do but scratching my head thinking about what to do next.
This one was different. Its that time of the year again when I move. I know! Yet again. I had been looking for a shared house sort of a situation. And somehow a lot of them seemed to come with pets of some sort. In some cases of all sorts! Like this person looking for a roommate who just couldn't turn down a stray and ended up with two dogs a cat and a parakeet. Not sure what else was hidden in her room. Almost ended up adopting her as my stray :)
Then this Saturday I went and visited this happy house. That's all I can think of calling it. The people were very nice and the cat and dog were simply adorable! Loved everyone and the house and signed the lease right away even though I'm sure its overpriced. But well I'm sure the experience will beat the loss. And so I'm the owner of a new lease! another six monther :)
After that the weekend was pretty routine... farmers market, hung out with friends over lunch, volleyball, tried to convince my sis to come up with a name all of us liked better, cursing myself all the while for having suggested the current choice... and some vegging. Oh and today I went and treated myself to a hair cut. Even though it was good, I wasn't so pleased with it and asked my friend to do what she could to alter it to how I wanted my hair.. and she very willingly obliged and chopped most of it away. Sort of reminded me of Edward Scissors Hand the speed and efficiency with which the whole job was done. Now for better or worse I'm back to sporting a bob! Oh and before that I had pani poori - two whole greedy plates and sugarcane juice! Yummy and only in the bay area. :)
In all of this I realized I almost forgot a birthday. This blog is going to turn one year old! and its still alive and kicking. Miracles do happen.
This one was different. Its that time of the year again when I move. I know! Yet again. I had been looking for a shared house sort of a situation. And somehow a lot of them seemed to come with pets of some sort. In some cases of all sorts! Like this person looking for a roommate who just couldn't turn down a stray and ended up with two dogs a cat and a parakeet. Not sure what else was hidden in her room. Almost ended up adopting her as my stray :)
Then this Saturday I went and visited this happy house. That's all I can think of calling it. The people were very nice and the cat and dog were simply adorable! Loved everyone and the house and signed the lease right away even though I'm sure its overpriced. But well I'm sure the experience will beat the loss. And so I'm the owner of a new lease! another six monther :)
After that the weekend was pretty routine... farmers market, hung out with friends over lunch, volleyball, tried to convince my sis to come up with a name all of us liked better, cursing myself all the while for having suggested the current choice... and some vegging. Oh and today I went and treated myself to a hair cut. Even though it was good, I wasn't so pleased with it and asked my friend to do what she could to alter it to how I wanted my hair.. and she very willingly obliged and chopped most of it away. Sort of reminded me of Edward Scissors Hand the speed and efficiency with which the whole job was done. Now for better or worse I'm back to sporting a bob! Oh and before that I had pani poori - two whole greedy plates and sugarcane juice! Yummy and only in the bay area. :)
In all of this I realized I almost forgot a birthday. This blog is going to turn one year old! and its still alive and kicking. Miracles do happen.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
These Days...
After being away the last two weekends, I have started to realize that I miss home.
Home is now the place where the bed is made the way I like. Where things are in their place and so I don't end up leaving my cell phone behind. Home is where I can lie back and wallow in being alone. Sleep in till ungodly hours and wake up when I please. Watch what I like on TV and not have to wait for my turn. Shower forever and not hold up others.
But then again I got reminded of what home was.
It was where Amma got my room dusted and ready for when me and my allergies would get back. Where no matter what I forget behind it wouldn't matter as someone would always travel with me or make sure I carried what I needed. Where I would lie back and wallow in a story book while Amma toiled away to make me my favourite food to eat. Home was where I would wake up to a tall glass of bathai juice squeezed fresh and waiting patiently for me to wake up. Where I snatch the remote from Amma's hands and browse through channels till I find something I like to watch. Where a bath is meticulously prepared - hot water in the buckets, kunkudkai with mandar akkullu mixed in as conditioner for my hair and sunnipindi for soap.
And then I realized why the place I'm typing this from can never really be home and wait for the arrival of the one person whose selfless love makes all the difference.
Home is now the place where the bed is made the way I like. Where things are in their place and so I don't end up leaving my cell phone behind. Home is where I can lie back and wallow in being alone. Sleep in till ungodly hours and wake up when I please. Watch what I like on TV and not have to wait for my turn. Shower forever and not hold up others.
But then again I got reminded of what home was.
It was where Amma got my room dusted and ready for when me and my allergies would get back. Where no matter what I forget behind it wouldn't matter as someone would always travel with me or make sure I carried what I needed. Where I would lie back and wallow in a story book while Amma toiled away to make me my favourite food to eat. Home was where I would wake up to a tall glass of bathai juice squeezed fresh and waiting patiently for me to wake up. Where I snatch the remote from Amma's hands and browse through channels till I find something I like to watch. Where a bath is meticulously prepared - hot water in the buckets, kunkudkai with mandar akkullu mixed in as conditioner for my hair and sunnipindi for soap.
And then I realized why the place I'm typing this from can never really be home and wait for the arrival of the one person whose selfless love makes all the difference.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Panic on the Highway
Was cruising up the highway as usual with the radio blasting and enjoying the unusually cushioned drive. The loaner did have one advantage on the bumpy road - better suspension. And a brighter colour - RED! It only seemed natural then that I should check how the cooper performed in comparison with the cooper S. I was going at a comfortable 55mph when I started revving. 60mph all is good, it was responding well to the gas rush. 65mph - going strong.... and thats when it started. The rmp shot from about 3500 to beyond 5000 all of a sudden and the engine started crying out for gas. The blood rushed to my head in alarm and I got busy checking the cars around me to ensure I could pull off to the curb... when it hit me - I was driving an automatic and the gears must have changed. They weren't in my control today!
- Experiences of a manual transmission driver.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Lighting a Cigarette
Swatting at his arms, swinging away, whenever he got too close to her face with his karate moves in his attempts to bug his sibling.
Giving way to the passerby walking on the pavement into the streets you just left behind.
Drawing brows just that little bit closer when a tailor is taking measurements.
Finding space on the dance floor, avoiding bumping into the other dancers.
Standing by the lamp, with a wave of her cigarette holding arm requesting, drawing close to allow the stranger to light up the cigarette now between her lips. A shared passion for cigarettes wiping away personal space edicts.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thoughts Floating Around
Thought 1. European/Eastern movies have so much more depth of story to them than American movies in general...
Thought 2. I'm fascinated by how people are capable of assigning labels of characteristics to others... It just beats me... my reactions are so cavemanish in comparison :P
Thought 3. I never did get what the whole rave about Pan's Labyrinth is... I mean its well made and I can appreciate the nuances in the movie.. but maybe not totally cos I still don't get why people love it... Somebody care to explain?
Thought 2. I'm fascinated by how people are capable of assigning labels of characteristics to others... It just beats me... my reactions are so cavemanish in comparison :P
Thought 3. I never did get what the whole rave about Pan's Labyrinth is... I mean its well made and I can appreciate the nuances in the movie.. but maybe not totally cos I still don't get why people love it... Somebody care to explain?
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