Jun 21, otherwise known as Summer Solstice is the longest day in the northern hemisphere. That is public knowledge. What is not public knowledge is that the day has turned out be true to its name for me. What began at 445 am est (after only a 4 hour sleep) has still not ended at 1145 pm cst as I have just boarded Continental flight 2450 from Houston to San Antonio and I will land there just as it strikes midnight in that zone. I have to say the long day has been a productive one and also one with some very pleasant experiences. And as always full of love from my family.
What is also public knowledge is that Jun 21 marks the official beginning of summer. And what is of consequence to my family and us alone is that it was officially the last day of school for my son. Which means that for the next 2 months and more, my wife has a full time job of minding him from dawn till dusk and it is of no consolation that the days will continue to run long. There will be Wii, TV, evenings of cricket at the park and trips to the beach if we are lucky. But more importantly, there will be the struggle of what we think he should be doing everyday and what he thinks!!!
The doors of my aircraft will shut here in a moment and I will have to turn my cell phone off, but even as I wind up on Jun 21 or Summer Solstice, I have this feeling that I too am about to embark on a significantly long journey in my life, in search of my destiny. And something tells me that while it may be a long wait, I am about to simply enjoy the ride...
Nine days to go in beautiful "June" and lots more to do...
Wishing everyone a wonderful summer ahead.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sh*t...
One of the least conspicuous (but most meaningful) items in my home is a green bamboo basket that is placed next to the pot in my bathroom. (If you're not into "gross" I suggest you leave this page right now because this is only going down the drain from here!)
The green basket holds a lot. A couple of newspapers, couple of Tinkle comics, sometimes a Reader's Digest and always the book that I am currently reading. Lest you get funny ideas about my reading habits, let me just spill the guts and say, every morning when it's pot time I catch up on my daily reading. It's usually short and occurs at a time when my family is still asleep so it really doesn't cause anyone any harm. Sometimes, especially on weekends, and if the book is in its nail-biting parts, that could be a much longer time and that's when the green basket becomes the object of my wife's ire.
Yesterday I finished reading my last one, a high school masala called "When it Happens". Coincidentally, yesterday was also Father's Day so my sweet son presented me with a book that I had recently read from our local library's "7 days only" section and simply loved that I wanted a copy for myself. It could not have been a better gift and I was so happy that my son was so thoughtful. Gotta love him.
So today, I replaced "When it Happens" with my new book in the green basket (no disrespect to my dear son here, I still love him and he's my favorite person in the whole world). But again, it made so much sense. That's the purpose of the green basket, I just finished reading my last book (perfect timing) and to top it all, the name of the book is "Sh*t My Dad Says". I mean, how much better can this get?
If you haven't read this book, I whole-heartedly suggest it. It's hilarious. Actually that's an understatement. Trust me, I wouldn't buy my own copy if I don't see myself reading a book over and over again. So you can imagine how many times this book will make it to the green basket and how perfect my home is going to look. Talk about homes that have a theme...
As far as my son goes, is he going to feel bad to see where his precious Father's Day gift went? Sure, he is. And he is going to be furious to see I even blogged about it. But hey! Look at the bright side. I just gave him his first chance at instant fame too. Now he has the opportnity to write his own book - "Sh*t My Dad Reads".
P.S. My son is all of 9 years and has no idea of the contents of Justin Halpern's classic. He's a good kid and will always be my favorite person in the whole world...
The green basket holds a lot. A couple of newspapers, couple of Tinkle comics, sometimes a Reader's Digest and always the book that I am currently reading. Lest you get funny ideas about my reading habits, let me just spill the guts and say, every morning when it's pot time I catch up on my daily reading. It's usually short and occurs at a time when my family is still asleep so it really doesn't cause anyone any harm. Sometimes, especially on weekends, and if the book is in its nail-biting parts, that could be a much longer time and that's when the green basket becomes the object of my wife's ire.
Yesterday I finished reading my last one, a high school masala called "When it Happens". Coincidentally, yesterday was also Father's Day so my sweet son presented me with a book that I had recently read from our local library's "7 days only" section and simply loved that I wanted a copy for myself. It could not have been a better gift and I was so happy that my son was so thoughtful. Gotta love him.
So today, I replaced "When it Happens" with my new book in the green basket (no disrespect to my dear son here, I still love him and he's my favorite person in the whole world). But again, it made so much sense. That's the purpose of the green basket, I just finished reading my last book (perfect timing) and to top it all, the name of the book is "Sh*t My Dad Says". I mean, how much better can this get?
If you haven't read this book, I whole-heartedly suggest it. It's hilarious. Actually that's an understatement. Trust me, I wouldn't buy my own copy if I don't see myself reading a book over and over again. So you can imagine how many times this book will make it to the green basket and how perfect my home is going to look. Talk about homes that have a theme...
As far as my son goes, is he going to feel bad to see where his precious Father's Day gift went? Sure, he is. And he is going to be furious to see I even blogged about it. But hey! Look at the bright side. I just gave him his first chance at instant fame too. Now he has the opportnity to write his own book - "Sh*t My Dad Reads".
P.S. My son is all of 9 years and has no idea of the contents of Justin Halpern's classic. He's a good kid and will always be my favorite person in the whole world...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Idea...
Nothing is as powerful as an Idea!
Nothing makes me feel better than one
It's when a good Idea comes by
I feel I'm having a lot of fun...
Whether it's work I'm planning
Or my child's next Birthday party
It's getting that one Idea
That makes me feel most happy...
When I'm down in the dumps
And sometimes feel depressed
Nothing can make me bounce back
Better than an Idea I created...
It comes sometimes in a flash
Sometimes I need to think a lot
But when I GET the right Idea
I always know it in my heart...
There's times I get an Idea
When I stay awake all night
And yet I'll go through the next day
Always feeling fresh and bright...
Lots of things make me feel good
Like food, friends and laughter
But none of other's life pleasures
Can truly send me into raptures...
Whenever I see a good Idea
It always makes me smile
But those I worship that make me wish
"Oh my God. Why were they not mine?"
Nothing makes me feel better than one
It's when a good Idea comes by
I feel I'm having a lot of fun...
Whether it's work I'm planning
Or my child's next Birthday party
It's getting that one Idea
That makes me feel most happy...
When I'm down in the dumps
And sometimes feel depressed
Nothing can make me bounce back
Better than an Idea I created...
It comes sometimes in a flash
Sometimes I need to think a lot
But when I GET the right Idea
I always know it in my heart...
There's times I get an Idea
When I stay awake all night
And yet I'll go through the next day
Always feeling fresh and bright...
Lots of things make me feel good
Like food, friends and laughter
But none of other's life pleasures
Can truly send me into raptures...
Whenever I see a good Idea
It always makes me smile
But those I worship that make me wish
"Oh my God. Why were they not mine?"
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday Evening Sitting on the Balcony...
The weekend is over. It was meant be a long one but I don't remember when it started or how it went by, but it's over.
The view from the balcony is nice. The parking lot is filling up. The dogs, their walks done are returning to their abodes. The chirruping of the birds is slowly being replaced by crickety noises. A kid watching TV is screaming, all excited about the NBA finals which is live at this moment. At least, it's a cool night compared to the heat wave that has consumed the east coast of the USA in the last week.
I can't complain about the weekend. There's been enough to celebrate and a variety of food to go with. Plenty of rest and pleasant memories. Loads of goodwill, tons of blessings and the opportunity to connect with hundreds of friends that I don't talk to everyday. Bright ideas, brilliant performances and lessons learnt. Enough to ride over the minor disappointments and the inertia that persists in some aspects.
I understand the inertia. I'm struggling to hold on to something I think I need to let go. I've made myself clear, I've done everything I should, now I've got to leave it to life. I need to plan for the week ahead that's filled with promise. I've got commitments to keep, new worlds to explore and much fun to be had. But not before I set everything aside, put everything behind and get some good rest.
Rest assured, I'll be waking up early, working really hard and waiting for the next weekend.
Have a great week everyone...
The view from the balcony is nice. The parking lot is filling up. The dogs, their walks done are returning to their abodes. The chirruping of the birds is slowly being replaced by crickety noises. A kid watching TV is screaming, all excited about the NBA finals which is live at this moment. At least, it's a cool night compared to the heat wave that has consumed the east coast of the USA in the last week.
I can't complain about the weekend. There's been enough to celebrate and a variety of food to go with. Plenty of rest and pleasant memories. Loads of goodwill, tons of blessings and the opportunity to connect with hundreds of friends that I don't talk to everyday. Bright ideas, brilliant performances and lessons learnt. Enough to ride over the minor disappointments and the inertia that persists in some aspects.
I understand the inertia. I'm struggling to hold on to something I think I need to let go. I've made myself clear, I've done everything I should, now I've got to leave it to life. I need to plan for the week ahead that's filled with promise. I've got commitments to keep, new worlds to explore and much fun to be had. But not before I set everything aside, put everything behind and get some good rest.
Rest assured, I'll be waking up early, working really hard and waiting for the next weekend.
Have a great week everyone...
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Men in Honda Accords should not look at Women in Mercedes...
How often has this happened? You're on your way back from work on a nice day. You pull up at a red light. The next thing you know, a silver Mercedes pulls up right next to you. In the shortest instance of time that is ever known to mankind, you turn to see who's in that car. It's a man's instinct...
And you're right! It's a woman. She's fair, perhaps even good looking or in a high probability of cases, totally hot! You're desperately hoping that she'll look back at you, but she won't. Face it. She's in a gleaming beauty and you're probably in a 60,000 mile old work horse purely meant for economy.
Let's assume for a moment that she does turn your way. Its most likely because she is so impatient and can't bear to stare at the unchanging red light, so she needs to look the other way. And she had to choose your direction because the 'other' other way is either the median or the shoulder!
That's it! All you needed was that fleeting glance. Your left hand flips up your shirt collar, caresses the hair at the back of your head and lands on top of the steering wheel (where it's prominently visible), all in one motion. Your right hand adjusts your sun glasses in place and slowly turns the volume dial on the radio.
You start to whistle the song that is currently playing. You are not even sure of the tune, but you are whistling. You don't want to look back at her because you think she is turning to look at you every now and then and you don't want to be caught staring. It's a man's instinct...
Just then, the light turns green! The man in you takes over. The left hand still in the exact same position on top of the steering wheel, your right hand pushes the stick shift to 1st gear and you push the pedal to the floor. Your economy vehicle surges ahead. In your mind, that minute, you have no respect for speed limits...
Alas, your economy vehicle has its own limits. The pole position that you managed to gain for the same fleeting moment is soon destroyed. The silver Mercedes appears in the corner of your eye and even as you make your most well-timed head-turn in her direction, she is whizzing past you at 5-over the speed limit.
The man in you wants to throw caution to the winds, tear open your Accord's engine and race forward so you can catch up with her, carefully match her speed, stay in a parallel lock and make that famous head turn from time to time. I feel the same way too you vain man, but here are some of the reasons, you absolutely should not...
First, gleaming beauty vs work horse meant only for economy. Enough said. (b) I repeat. She did not look at you because you are hot but because she was bored of staring at that red light. Tres! She's going fast. She'll probably be seeing more than one man at the same time. Four, full and final: You'll crash. It's basic instinct...
Heed my advice. Go as far as being the first off the blocks at the light. Savor that look you get of her as she passes you. Then use your life-gifted imagination. Let your mind take you places you have never been. That way you'll go really far before you safely get home. And when you arrive, you'll still be smiling...
I took my own advice. I came home, played with my son, had a great evening and I just wrote this sitting comfortably in my own bed, next to my beautiful wife. Good night and have a great rest of the week...
And you're right! It's a woman. She's fair, perhaps even good looking or in a high probability of cases, totally hot! You're desperately hoping that she'll look back at you, but she won't. Face it. She's in a gleaming beauty and you're probably in a 60,000 mile old work horse purely meant for economy.
Let's assume for a moment that she does turn your way. Its most likely because she is so impatient and can't bear to stare at the unchanging red light, so she needs to look the other way. And she had to choose your direction because the 'other' other way is either the median or the shoulder!
That's it! All you needed was that fleeting glance. Your left hand flips up your shirt collar, caresses the hair at the back of your head and lands on top of the steering wheel (where it's prominently visible), all in one motion. Your right hand adjusts your sun glasses in place and slowly turns the volume dial on the radio.
You start to whistle the song that is currently playing. You are not even sure of the tune, but you are whistling. You don't want to look back at her because you think she is turning to look at you every now and then and you don't want to be caught staring. It's a man's instinct...
Just then, the light turns green! The man in you takes over. The left hand still in the exact same position on top of the steering wheel, your right hand pushes the stick shift to 1st gear and you push the pedal to the floor. Your economy vehicle surges ahead. In your mind, that minute, you have no respect for speed limits...
Alas, your economy vehicle has its own limits. The pole position that you managed to gain for the same fleeting moment is soon destroyed. The silver Mercedes appears in the corner of your eye and even as you make your most well-timed head-turn in her direction, she is whizzing past you at 5-over the speed limit.
The man in you wants to throw caution to the winds, tear open your Accord's engine and race forward so you can catch up with her, carefully match her speed, stay in a parallel lock and make that famous head turn from time to time. I feel the same way too you vain man, but here are some of the reasons, you absolutely should not...
First, gleaming beauty vs work horse meant only for economy. Enough said. (b) I repeat. She did not look at you because you are hot but because she was bored of staring at that red light. Tres! She's going fast. She'll probably be seeing more than one man at the same time. Four, full and final: You'll crash. It's basic instinct...
Heed my advice. Go as far as being the first off the blocks at the light. Savor that look you get of her as she passes you. Then use your life-gifted imagination. Let your mind take you places you have never been. That way you'll go really far before you safely get home. And when you arrive, you'll still be smiling...
I took my own advice. I came home, played with my son, had a great evening and I just wrote this sitting comfortably in my own bed, next to my beautiful wife. Good night and have a great rest of the week...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
From the bed through the Blackberry...
Exhaustion finds expression! Even though I am beat I want to write. A good weekend just came to an end. And a productive week promises to begin.
Nothing much to write but still so much to say. My eyes are closing but Still I'm trying to stay awake. Biting my fingernails won't help because if I bite I can't type.
Why blog from the bed through my blackberry? In fact, why bring the blackberry to the bed at all? It has a function under the pillow, it keeps me honest when I need to rise.
Better than missing my wake up call or better still from not sleeping at all. So much to accomplish this wonderful week. Really miles to go before I sleep.
"June" has been great so far. Only 5 days done and I've done a lot already. More work than I would have done in a week and more fun than I would have had on a weekend.
My eyes closed for a moment so its time to hit the sack. Thank you Blackberry you disappear under the pillow. Thank you Life for this very moment and thank you God for everything.
Have a great week everyone...
Nothing much to write but still so much to say. My eyes are closing but Still I'm trying to stay awake. Biting my fingernails won't help because if I bite I can't type.
Why blog from the bed through my blackberry? In fact, why bring the blackberry to the bed at all? It has a function under the pillow, it keeps me honest when I need to rise.
Better than missing my wake up call or better still from not sleeping at all. So much to accomplish this wonderful week. Really miles to go before I sleep.
"June" has been great so far. Only 5 days done and I've done a lot already. More work than I would have done in a week and more fun than I would have had on a weekend.
My eyes closed for a moment so its time to hit the sack. Thank you Blackberry you disappear under the pillow. Thank you Life for this very moment and thank you God for everything.
Have a great week everyone...
FGH is the new ABC...
It's Sunday morning and the first 3 things I did are Facebook, Gmail and Hotmail!
Eureka! It's the same every morning. Thank God, at least, I brush my teeth before I pick up my computer, walk over to the kitchen, set it up on top of my water filter (out of harm's way) and even before I have made myself that first cup of coffee, I am done with my new ABC...
Reports from reliable sources tell me that some people don't even do that. They wake up, pull out their smart phones from under their pillow (because they used it as their alarm device), do the new ABC and only then get to their morning routine. And most of them have their phones on them all day, so it's ABC all the way...
I do this everyday, so why this sudden realization this morning and the need to blog about it? One of my dear cousins who lives in Miami delivered her first born late night on Friday and I knew about it on Saturday morning when I did my A: Facebook! What's more? My cousin was on Facebook all day because she was responding to all the best wishes she was getting.
I was totally impressed. I was happy that she was feeling good enough to be up and doing Facebook from her smart phone. I even joked with her if she had introduced Facebook to her little one? But seriously, that remains a distinct probability right? Think about it. This morning, my father, who is close to 70 and not Facebook savvy was asking me if my cousin had posted pictures of the baby on Facebook!!!
You got to give it to Zuckerberg. Creating "The Next Thing" is one thing but changing life's fundamentals is quite another. Honestly, I don't think Zuckerberg really knew that this would happen. I don't think anyone knows what more can happen?
But as of 830 AM on Sunday 5 June 2011, I can sure say, move over ABC, it's generation FGH...
Have a great Sunday everyone...
Eureka! It's the same every morning. Thank God, at least, I brush my teeth before I pick up my computer, walk over to the kitchen, set it up on top of my water filter (out of harm's way) and even before I have made myself that first cup of coffee, I am done with my new ABC...
Reports from reliable sources tell me that some people don't even do that. They wake up, pull out their smart phones from under their pillow (because they used it as their alarm device), do the new ABC and only then get to their morning routine. And most of them have their phones on them all day, so it's ABC all the way...
I do this everyday, so why this sudden realization this morning and the need to blog about it? One of my dear cousins who lives in Miami delivered her first born late night on Friday and I knew about it on Saturday morning when I did my A: Facebook! What's more? My cousin was on Facebook all day because she was responding to all the best wishes she was getting.
I was totally impressed. I was happy that she was feeling good enough to be up and doing Facebook from her smart phone. I even joked with her if she had introduced Facebook to her little one? But seriously, that remains a distinct probability right? Think about it. This morning, my father, who is close to 70 and not Facebook savvy was asking me if my cousin had posted pictures of the baby on Facebook!!!
You got to give it to Zuckerberg. Creating "The Next Thing" is one thing but changing life's fundamentals is quite another. Honestly, I don't think Zuckerberg really knew that this would happen. I don't think anyone knows what more can happen?
But as of 830 AM on Sunday 5 June 2011, I can sure say, move over ABC, it's generation FGH...
Have a great Sunday everyone...
Friday, June 3, 2011
Cymotrichous...
If you don't know what Cymotrichous is, google it. Chances are you'll land on all the news items that showcase why this word is now world famous. 14 year old Sukanya Roy strode to fame yesterday in the USA by holding her nerves and spelling this word correctly in the nationwide 'Spelling Bee' contest.
And the world instantly goes "Cymotrichous". Every news channel and every portal worth its name is carrying this on the front page. Facebook is full of "Cymotrichous" statuses and comments ("Like" it or not!). And "Cymotrichous" suddenly enters the annals of world history.
Why are we always so "Cymotrichous"? It's just a word. Good thing Sukanya Roy knew the spelling and her closest opponent didn't otherwise the result could have been "Cymotrichous" for Roy. And the the Spelling Bee contest itself would not have probably had such a "Cymotrichous" finish.
Honestly, what is even more "Cymotrichous" is the fact that I am sitting up in my bed, a little past midnight on a Friday night and writing a "Cymotrichous" blog. What's worse. I will now post this on facebook and even as I am sipping my first cup of coffee in the morning I will be looking to see how many "Cymotrichous" comments people have posted to this...
Honestly, there is nothing remotely "Cymotrichous" about this word. That's the funny part of communication. If you have been carefully reading this "Cymotrichous" passage, you will notice how at each place I used this word, you could have assumed your own "Cymotrichous" meaning for it and it sounded so "Cymotrichous" each time.
So don't get so "Cymotrichous" about life. It just means "Having Wavy Hair".
It's supposed to be a beautiful sunny weekend, so go out to the beach dear friend and have a "Cymotrichous" one...
And the world instantly goes "Cymotrichous". Every news channel and every portal worth its name is carrying this on the front page. Facebook is full of "Cymotrichous" statuses and comments ("Like" it or not!). And "Cymotrichous" suddenly enters the annals of world history.
Why are we always so "Cymotrichous"? It's just a word. Good thing Sukanya Roy knew the spelling and her closest opponent didn't otherwise the result could have been "Cymotrichous" for Roy. And the the Spelling Bee contest itself would not have probably had such a "Cymotrichous" finish.
Honestly, what is even more "Cymotrichous" is the fact that I am sitting up in my bed, a little past midnight on a Friday night and writing a "Cymotrichous" blog. What's worse. I will now post this on facebook and even as I am sipping my first cup of coffee in the morning I will be looking to see how many "Cymotrichous" comments people have posted to this...
Honestly, there is nothing remotely "Cymotrichous" about this word. That's the funny part of communication. If you have been carefully reading this "Cymotrichous" passage, you will notice how at each place I used this word, you could have assumed your own "Cymotrichous" meaning for it and it sounded so "Cymotrichous" each time.
So don't get so "Cymotrichous" about life. It just means "Having Wavy Hair".
It's supposed to be a beautiful sunny weekend, so go out to the beach dear friend and have a "Cymotrichous" one...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Ace, King, Queen, Jack...
"June" 2 did seem like the starting line up in the card game Ace of Spades...
The Ace was My Son. It was a big day for him, it was the day of the Spring Concert at his school and he was slated to both sing in the choir and also play solo on the recorder. He started the day by dressing up for the occasion and looked like a million dollars. And the very first picture of him today, quickly clicked on the iPhone and uploaded to Facebook got some rave reviews...
I felt like King myself. One of my goals for June is not just to work hard but to ensure that the work I do impacts a positive outcome. In project management parlance, one may call it milestones. I decided that each day in "June" I will pick 1 milestone in each project I handle and work in a way that the milestone is accomplished. I picked 3 today and hit Gold all ways...
The Queen has risen. If you think "June" being special for me is all a matter of my mind, on June 1, my wife signed up her first student for the summer 2011 schedule for her new initiative (www.mindbytes.co). And June 2 continued to be a good day, for her phone started ringing and enquiries started flowing through her website. Miles to go for sure, but she is not sleeping either. Best of Luck, my Queen...
But "June" 2 goes to Jack. The Fleetwood Spring Concert had 2 sessions, afternoon for students and evening for parents. At 655 pm, we strode into a full auditorium. In exactly 5 minutes, the performers trooped in and took their places. In a matter of seconds they were all organized in a compact crew, boys and girls, in 4 rows set by height and mixed well for color.
All eyes were fixed on the grand stage, when this little boy in the front row stepped out of line. He was clad in black khakis, a slick white polo shirt and was wearing the most stylish black hat of the evening. For a moment I wondered what was wrong with the poor boy. He was clearly moving in the direction where his music teacher stood. Was he afraid? Or overwhlemed?
It turned out he was neither. In just a few quick steps, he moved to the left end of the stage, clasped the microphone with elan and said, "Hi everyone, my name is Jack and I am in Ms. Teacher's 4th grade class. The 4th graders are now going to present the opening piece of tonight's concert, the Sing, Sing, Sing, Song. We really enjoyed learning this special song and we hope you will enjoy it too". Applause...
The music began. The most delightful music wafted through the air for the next one hour, accompanied sometimes by dancing and enactment. A new announcer arose before each new performance, even the Ace appeared for his famed solo. But for the better part of the hour, my eyes were fixed in one place, on Jack!
I clicked pictures, I stopped to clap after every song and I went through the motions for the full hour. But every now and then my gaze would return to Jack. There was something about that one opening moment in which he had instantly captivated me. In all but a flash, Jack had made me his biggest fan of the night. Clearly, there was something about Jack...
That's the way I am. Meteoric moments of brilliance last forever in my mind. And the joy I feel from them is unexplainable. "June" 2 was a good day for Ace, King & Queen, but if at all I remember "June" 2, it will be for Jack. Way to go Jack...
The Ace was My Son. It was a big day for him, it was the day of the Spring Concert at his school and he was slated to both sing in the choir and also play solo on the recorder. He started the day by dressing up for the occasion and looked like a million dollars. And the very first picture of him today, quickly clicked on the iPhone and uploaded to Facebook got some rave reviews...
I felt like King myself. One of my goals for June is not just to work hard but to ensure that the work I do impacts a positive outcome. In project management parlance, one may call it milestones. I decided that each day in "June" I will pick 1 milestone in each project I handle and work in a way that the milestone is accomplished. I picked 3 today and hit Gold all ways...
The Queen has risen. If you think "June" being special for me is all a matter of my mind, on June 1, my wife signed up her first student for the summer 2011 schedule for her new initiative (www.mindbytes.co). And June 2 continued to be a good day, for her phone started ringing and enquiries started flowing through her website. Miles to go for sure, but she is not sleeping either. Best of Luck, my Queen...
But "June" 2 goes to Jack. The Fleetwood Spring Concert had 2 sessions, afternoon for students and evening for parents. At 655 pm, we strode into a full auditorium. In exactly 5 minutes, the performers trooped in and took their places. In a matter of seconds they were all organized in a compact crew, boys and girls, in 4 rows set by height and mixed well for color.
All eyes were fixed on the grand stage, when this little boy in the front row stepped out of line. He was clad in black khakis, a slick white polo shirt and was wearing the most stylish black hat of the evening. For a moment I wondered what was wrong with the poor boy. He was clearly moving in the direction where his music teacher stood. Was he afraid? Or overwhlemed?
It turned out he was neither. In just a few quick steps, he moved to the left end of the stage, clasped the microphone with elan and said, "Hi everyone, my name is Jack and I am in Ms. Teacher's 4th grade class. The 4th graders are now going to present the opening piece of tonight's concert, the Sing, Sing, Sing, Song. We really enjoyed learning this special song and we hope you will enjoy it too". Applause...
The music began. The most delightful music wafted through the air for the next one hour, accompanied sometimes by dancing and enactment. A new announcer arose before each new performance, even the Ace appeared for his famed solo. But for the better part of the hour, my eyes were fixed in one place, on Jack!
I clicked pictures, I stopped to clap after every song and I went through the motions for the full hour. But every now and then my gaze would return to Jack. There was something about that one opening moment in which he had instantly captivated me. In all but a flash, Jack had made me his biggest fan of the night. Clearly, there was something about Jack...
That's the way I am. Meteoric moments of brilliance last forever in my mind. And the joy I feel from them is unexplainable. "June" 2 was a good day for Ace, King & Queen, but if at all I remember "June" 2, it will be for Jack. Way to go Jack...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Lessons Learnt from a Little Man
My favorite month has just begun and I have already grown as a person. Little did I know that the most significant lesson of the day would come from a "Little Man", (or so I thought he was)...
It was one of those Wednesdays. A calendar filled with calls from 730 AM to 5 PM and the phone plugged to my ear well after that even as I was out with my family. I stayed true to the 'June' spirit of working hard and got much accompished, and for that I was happy. And then, at about 430 PM, just before I officially stepped away from my desk, it happened.
A colleague at work, in a crucial conference call, stood tall in his conviction. Remember I said "Little Man" earlier? It's true, he was the lowest on the totem pole among those on that call. And for several reasons, he was up against the wall. Yet, when it was his turn to speak, he said it like it was, without the least fear of being politically incorrect. He was not abrasive or rude but just plain forthright.
For a moment, when he was done, there was a stunning silence (a rare moment in a typical Wednesday). That said it all. He had made his point and the others had listened. No comments were offered and no one needed to speak furhter. It was decisive.
I've struggled ever since. Like I have always struggled to do this. I don't blame myself because I grew up trying to BE NICE. And when you are trying to be nice, it is sometimes difficult to say it like it is. I've struggled ever since trying to understand how to strike that balance...
Even as I struggle and try to figure this out, I can't but remember the man who made the difference in my day today. Thank you "Little Man". June began, because of you, in a most special way...
It was one of those Wednesdays. A calendar filled with calls from 730 AM to 5 PM and the phone plugged to my ear well after that even as I was out with my family. I stayed true to the 'June' spirit of working hard and got much accompished, and for that I was happy. And then, at about 430 PM, just before I officially stepped away from my desk, it happened.
A colleague at work, in a crucial conference call, stood tall in his conviction. Remember I said "Little Man" earlier? It's true, he was the lowest on the totem pole among those on that call. And for several reasons, he was up against the wall. Yet, when it was his turn to speak, he said it like it was, without the least fear of being politically incorrect. He was not abrasive or rude but just plain forthright.
For a moment, when he was done, there was a stunning silence (a rare moment in a typical Wednesday). That said it all. He had made his point and the others had listened. No comments were offered and no one needed to speak furhter. It was decisive.
I've struggled ever since. Like I have always struggled to do this. I don't blame myself because I grew up trying to BE NICE. And when you are trying to be nice, it is sometimes difficult to say it like it is. I've struggled ever since trying to understand how to strike that balance...
Even as I struggle and try to figure this out, I can't but remember the man who made the difference in my day today. Thank you "Little Man". June began, because of you, in a most special way...
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