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...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
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...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I want to be there...
I want to be there where the days run long
I want to be there where I was first born
I want to be there where happy summer springs
I want to be there when June begins...
I want to be there where I grow happy feet
I want to be there where everything is sweet
I want to be there where I enjoy little things
I want to be there when June begins...
I want to be there where nothing ever fails
I want to be there where life never wails
I want to be there where joy is in giving
I want to be there when June begins...
I want to be there where the spirit never dies
I want to be there where the norm is being nice
I want to be there where it's a special feeling
I want to be there when June begins...
I don't know why I feel this way
But I know for sure it's here to stay
Of all my life's favorite things
I want to be there when June begins...
I want to be there where I was first born
I want to be there where happy summer springs
I want to be there when June begins...
I want to be there where I grow happy feet
I want to be there where everything is sweet
I want to be there where I enjoy little things
I want to be there when June begins...
I want to be there where nothing ever fails
I want to be there where life never wails
I want to be there where joy is in giving
I want to be there when June begins...
I want to be there where the spirit never dies
I want to be there where the norm is being nice
I want to be there where it's a special feeling
I want to be there when June begins...
I don't know why I feel this way
But I know for sure it's here to stay
Of all my life's favorite things
I want to be there when June begins...
Monday, May 30, 2011
No more reason not to blog...
It's 745 pm on Monday 30 May 11. It's the memorial day holiday in the US and just at the end of what has been a pretty good holiday weekend, I have just discovered my next new reason to keep blogging. I recently upgraded from a Blackberry curve to the BB Bold and just a couple of hours ago I figured out how to get past the http 400 error that I was getting on several favorite websites, sometimes as simple as gmail. Ever since I have jsust checked the latest cricket scores on cricinfo, watched a couple of favorite videos on youtube and then I had an Aha! moment. "Why don't I try blogger.com", I thought and it worked. Having been a while since I posted something here and given that I did not have much else to do, I threw myself on my black couch, stretched out my legs on to the center table and decided to do this right away (even as I move my eyes away every now and then from this screen to a larger one where my son is witnessing a replay of the baseball game today between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals).
Honestly, I've been thinking about returning to my blog page for quite a while. The list of excuses for why I didn't can be a post in itself so I'll save it for another day. However, with everything that's been going on in my life, coming back any sooner may have resulted in me only venting and nothing productive. Also I firmly believe that there is a right time for everything in life and now is the right time for this. A good weekend that has livened up my spirit, a BB Bold that let's me go beyond phone and email and all this right on the eve of June.
June is my favorite month. It's a no brainer, I was born in June, but June is also special to me in many more ways. So every year in June I try to do something new, to re-invent myself, include a pep in every step and work really hard. So this year, on top of everything I have decided to do to become a better professional, I have decided to go out and run at least 3 times a week and blog every single day. I did this in the last ten days of 2010 and it wasn't bad at all. Now I'm going to take it up a notch. And what a better time than June to try this. Especially given that I can blog from pretty much anywhere with my BB Bold.
No reason not to blog at all.
Honestly, I've been thinking about returning to my blog page for quite a while. The list of excuses for why I didn't can be a post in itself so I'll save it for another day. However, with everything that's been going on in my life, coming back any sooner may have resulted in me only venting and nothing productive. Also I firmly believe that there is a right time for everything in life and now is the right time for this. A good weekend that has livened up my spirit, a BB Bold that let's me go beyond phone and email and all this right on the eve of June.
June is my favorite month. It's a no brainer, I was born in June, but June is also special to me in many more ways. So every year in June I try to do something new, to re-invent myself, include a pep in every step and work really hard. So this year, on top of everything I have decided to do to become a better professional, I have decided to go out and run at least 3 times a week and blog every single day. I did this in the last ten days of 2010 and it wasn't bad at all. Now I'm going to take it up a notch. And what a better time than June to try this. Especially given that I can blog from pretty much anywhere with my BB Bold.
No reason not to blog at all.
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