My 80th Post

I am back to counting posts, which can only mean one thing - I am getting bored!

I seem to be writing all the time, whether it is related to my work or otherwise, on a piece of paper or a word document, on the net or in emails...I am always writing. Hardly a day goes by without me writing in my diary. Sometimes about the most arbitrary things possible. Now when you are doing so much of the same thing, it becomes very boring and monotonous.

I think sometimes, I just check blogs more out of boredom than interest. (But comment I must. I just have to leave my footprints everywhere). I mean if I need information, then there are newspapers and news channels. If I really wanted to read, I would have picked up some good books. If I wanted opinions, then I'd go to professional websites. But, I am mostly found gallivanting around the blogosphere at late nights...in fact anytime of the day. It now gives me negative utility!

So I thought - Blogging...writing and reading blogs is an addiction which can only be overcome by another equally powerful addiction. Now what could possibly interest me??? Lets look at the options -

Painting is simply too much effort and requires a different state of mind, a peaceful state of mind with considerable time at hand. Moreover, I am good at oil and not water, which means a lot of investment. And then, I used to paint but I am not sure whether I would enjoy it as much now.

I sketch but that is hardly a hobby and frankly, I am not too good at that.

Photography? Well, I enjoy that but with a dysfunctional camera things don't look too great at that front either. I have been planning to buy a DSLR but am in no position to do so now! Plus, I am a bit tired of those "thousands" of snaps for which I had to buy an external hard drive (not so amusing actually). I thought I'd start a photo-blog with such a huge collection but that never happened. So, now putting it on back-burner.

Traveling? No, not a "hobby" for God's sake! There is a difference between love and infatuation...I love traveling but am not and can never be addicted to it.

Cooking is fun but not exactly a hobby, atleast not for me. Neither is baking.

I don't understand how people say "listening to music" is their hobby. I mean to think about it, music is everywhere, so it is an essential part of our day to day life, how can it possibly be a hobby.

I can't sing and don't know how to play any instrument. And frankly, don't have the enthusiasm to learn any.

Watching movies? Well, I find that fun but nothing constructive in it. The activity is a very attractive option but I'd consciously like to stay away from it. For me, a hobby should be something that is constructive, gives me positive energy and relaxes me.

Making You tube videos? Sorry, camera not working and have got bored already. Its not as much fun if it isn't in HD quality.

I used to dance  but don't do so anymore. Joining Yoga class sounds more fun than dance at this point of time.

Games? Can't think of any possible game that would keep me hooked!

Gym doesn't sound too much fun, there is no novelty in it. A walk in the park sounds more interesting.

Swimming is something I'd like to learn some day but not as a hobby. For those who know me, realise that such a thing means much more. It is ironic...there are people my age who are scared of drowning and they are told to give it a try and here I am, dying to get into the pool and am told to stay away.  If only people were to understand my enthusiasm...

So what else...I had exhausted all possible options when I suddenly remembered something and did a bit of research on it (yes well, Google helps...didn't deny that part) and lo behold!

I came across Sarah and her website! Bless her God! :-)

So what is so special about that? Well, for one it has the ability to make my life a bit more interesting for the next few months. And yes, it can be a lot of fun (for me ofcourse) :-)

So lets see how it goes. Guyz (well, S actually) if I am not blogging...I am having a lot of fun (no, I am not going to talk about what it is :-p...not yet...surprise surprise)  :-)

Some make it and some don't ...

Two lovely kittens ...

One died a premature death. Probably got eaten!!!

The other has a comfortable life and eats me!!!

Is life always about the survival of the fittest? Does luck not have a role to play? I suppose it does...otherwise, the first kitten would have been alive right now!

Habits!

Bad Habits die hard.

In my case, they don’t die at all.

Instead they keep diverging from the equilibrium.

Almost like a spider which decides to spin a bigger, more complex web.

People have all kinds of habits.

Some drink. Others smoke, none of which is easy to kick.

Some play. And some enjoy gambling.

Some just flirt. But some believe in Killing.

Some eat chocolates. Some exercise all day long.

Some never take a bath. Some are always worried about their appearance.

And what do I do?

I check the world on the web!!!

And read blogs.

And if it wasn’t enough, go and post comments on them.

Almost as if people were dying for my words of wisdom.

Sometimes though, I end up crossing the fine line of privacy.

For instance, 

Two days back, I was surfing the net again (as I usually do) and came across a certain post in a certain blog…the post was a one-liner :

“I love you and will always love you…. I am feeling you around me!!!

Only Urs

S”

I suppose he had written it for his wife or lover, depending on whether he was married or not. Sweet! As expected, I couldn’t stop myself from commenting. And this was my reply –

“We (“readers”) are totally not “gossipmongers” and would love to read about your lady love :-D ”

To which the blogger didn’t reply. He did reply to my other equally obnoxious comment though. 

Seriously, I am a compulsive commenter!!!!

What made me write such a stupid comment is not exactly anybody’s guess. In hindsight, I think it might have had something to do with the fact that initially I thought I knew the blogger and then much later, realized that I didn’t know him at all and so…so, it was safe to write anything? Was I taking the advantage of anonymity? And what’s the deal with peeping into personal lives of people I do not know? People appreciate comments but not intrusion. To think about it now, it’s a bit embarrassing. But was I really intruding?

Has blogging and commenting become a habit with me? Not really, I don’t do it all the time.

Is my addiction "the web", "browsing" or "blogging"? Or is it all of them?

Survival...

As I was reading the paper and listening to news, I kept wondering about all the people I had come across in my journey to my favourite state- Sikkim. And now, I can only hope that all of them are fine.

I remember our driver was a fun-loving 21 year old boy who said that he wanted to make a bit of money and then would get married to his girlfriend in a year's time. Infact we even saw his girlfriend.  Actually she travelled with us from yumthang to lachung. Both of them kept chattering all the way, the driver paying little attention to the road and the background music so very apt..."jab koi baat bigar jayee, jab koi mushkil par jayee, tum dena saath mera, O hamnava...". On my part I was wondering, "jab koi road khisak jayee, jab koi blind turn mil jayee, tum dena saath hamara, O bhagwan". Obviously, the young chap was too young to understand.

Is he married now?

Our host in Lachen was extending his hotel. He had a four year old boy and hs wife was expecting. Does he have a beautiful daughter or a bouncy baby boy now? It was such a family place and we had dinner in his kitchen. A traditional one. I hope his hotel is built now.

I hope the earthquake didn't shatter too many dreams...

 Did this survive this earthquake?

This was taken on my journey towards lachen on a particularly rainy day. I couldn't help wondering how it did such a balancing act. I don't think this survived...

Which Breed? ... The Wild one

 Our (not really...no ownership here) kitten (no more, she's a seven month old cat now with very sharp teeth!).

This snap was taken a few days before she bit me. You know people wonder about how painful a cat bite  could possibly be...especially when compared with dog bites. Or Monkey bites (well yes, that hurts...I've been bitten by a monkey too). Or snake bites (which obviously cannot be compared, it isn't a mammal).

A bite could be fairly serious if the cat is infected, which mostly they are since they eat rats and rodents and frequent dirty places. But about pain...really how painful could it be? How much could a "kitten bite" hurt? 

Well guys, look at her teeth...still think the same?

BTW, doesn't she look like a tiger cub here? Or a leopard cub...well, one of those big cats...??? :-D

Foot in the mouth

Literally speaking...that is my foot in Dustu's mouth.

Dustu is the male kitten (Meow's litter) and he is a darling. The only problem is that he thinks "my feet" are his friends. So he insists on playing with them and according to him, play means using his sharp canines. Not to forget those sharp nails.

So what is the good thing...well, I have those tetanus and rabies shots already, so nothing can happen for another few months :-D (no, I am not exactly hoping for another cat bite or a dog bite...just an observation). Imagine getting a rabies vaccine for a kitten bite!!!! Seriously, that was embarrassing (if only my parents were a little less paranoid but then you can't blame them).

Not so frivolous!

I am sorry about writing such a frivolous post on earthquakes. In my defense I had begun with bomb blasts. Yes, that also happened today.

I am not sure how the topic changed. I suppose it did so because I felt the ground shake. I didn't see the blood or hear the cries. Didn't see people panic and definately didn't come close to death.

A bomb blast outside the Delhi High Court killed 11 and injured a few dozen. Didn't I hear something of this sort a few months back...now, lets see...where was it...Bombay? What about the small incident in Delhi High court in May...wasn't that a minor bomb blast? How many were killed then...two...is that a low figure? If not, why were no CCTV cameras put? Why was no one caught or sentenced? Why is our intelligentsia so unmotivated? Don't they realise that we are surrounded by well-wishers who love us to death (literally)? Why are terrorists kept alive in jails? Haven't we learnt from the Kandahar incident? Why are our boundaries still unmanned? So many whys...

Frankly, none of this is new. You hear the PM speak and wonder...is he really bothered? An act of cowardice, we condemn it, we have to be united...such cliches. Heard the Home minister speak, "The IB had given a hint to Delhi Police about it", as if his job and responsibility ends with that. I wonder why Delhi Police bears the brunt everytime...Anna Hazare is arrested...blame the police. Terrorist attacks...blame the police (not that DP should not be blamed, afterall they are a useless bunch).

But think about it. Every time there is a bomb blast we sit up, take notice and then in a week's time everything subsides. The news channels talk about the cricket matches, scams and invariably find something new, something sensational which would capture viewer's attention. Bomb blast is soon forgotten and remains as an entry on a paper somewhere. Surely there must be something that we as citizens can do other than demand a Jan Lokpal Bill.

BTW, on a different note...where is the Congress queen...she's been missing in action for quite a few days? Health problem...what kind? Oh did you know that our 77 year old PM had a heart surgery and still works for more than 12 hours a day.

One moment guyz, the right wing has been accusing Congress of putting funds in Swiss accounts. No, no ...I am not taking any names here. Bofors? Whatz that, never heard of it! Amar Singh...now, he is a perfectly nice gentleman with good credentials. And I didn't even mention a "bank"...just account. BTW, I should ask a banker...how much time do you need to wrap up unaccounted assets.

Anyways, I do wish madam (as she is fondly called) a speedy recovery especially since the government seems like a ship without a captain right now. But much as I wish and hope, I am not so sure about a quick recovery of the country. The country might resemble "The Black Pearl" but unfortunately we don't have a "Jack Sparrow" with us.

A Conversation of sorts

What happens in a forum, does not remain in the forum ...

(Adapted from a real conversation of computer geeks, with minor changes ;-) )

Little John: People are tweeting everywhere..

Either this was the BIGGEST earthquake to strike Delhi Or another Bomb exploded near my house

Earthquake in Delhi.. People say it was a big earthquake.

Big Buddy: Could anybody confirm that people are safe & no major casualties are found?

Little John: People are saying it's of 6.6 Richter scale!! :-O
Delhi among 30 cities at high risk seismic zone!

Holocaust Holly: Last year there was a similar news on CE in september: Earthquake Rocks Delhi - NCR @ 18 Sept, 12:54 AM

Signs that we are approaching 2012 doom? :-/

Little John (clearly disappointed at the lower magnitude...how dare anyone degrade the earthquake!): The earthquake lasted for 30 seconds it is of 4.7 magnitude only  :-(

Summon Sandy: Tremors were felt across Delhi,NCR and chandigarh too. I felt my table shake violently in Chandigarh.

Swearing Sid : I swear, if I wasn't sitting...I would have fallen. I hope everybody is safe.

I (as in me, blogger) stay in East Delhi (which is right on the fault line) and definately didn't feel like my world was rocking. Though, I admit...if it had lasted for a minute, I wouldn't be sitting and blogging for sure!

Reminiscent Riley: Imagine what happened in Japan! Offices were actually shaking. Thank God, we are safe.

Little John: It could have happened here too. Infact we lie on a major fault zone. With environmental damage, it is only a matter of time.

Geeky Goans: CEans from Delhi/NCR Region, Please confirm that situation is safe now

Holocaust Holly: The situation is safe. Just spoke with my friend who is in Delhi.

Little John : :-(

Why...?

Slippers...Worn out, yet worn !!!

Today...

Price of gold rises to Rs 28,000 per 10 gm.

Prices of silver rises to Rs 65,000 per 1000 gm.

House rent becomes more expensive

Primary commodities more costly.

A holiday more expensive.

Everything seems more expensive.

In this era where everything is becoming costlier than ever before, why doesn’t man’s life become costlier? 

The creator of all these materialistic things…why is his worth so little? 

Infact, why has his net worth fallen, whilst the price of things he buys with his sweat and blood increased?

Why with everybody investing in gold, the people with “heart of gold” are increasingly rare to find?

Why…?

Ungrateful Sorrow

At dawn she took her farewell
The mind tried to console me saying,
"Everything is an illusion".
I was resentful and I replied:
"Here is the table with her sewing box on it,
those flower-pots on the balcony,
the fan on the bed bearing her name---
surely they are real."

The mind explained: "Yes, and yet try and think."
I answered back, "there is nothing to think-just see,
there is the novel that is lying with her hairpin struck in the middle of the pages,

still waiting to be finished.
If these are only illusions,

is she then to be even a greater illusion that all this?

The mind kept silent.
A friend came over and consoled me,
"What is good, is true, it never fades.

The living world preserves

it like the rare gem of a necklace on its breast."

I got furious and replied, "How do you know?
Do you mean to say that the body is no good? Why then the body must perish?"

Like a child in rage who keeps hitting his mother,
I tried to hurt every little refuge that I had in the whole world in the same manner.

And I complained," The world is treacherous."

Suddenly, I was startled.
I seemed to hear someone say," You- ungrateful ! "

Looking out through the window, 

just behind the tamarisk tree, 

I saw the moon just three days old, 

it were, as if, 

the laughter of the one who had departed, 

playing hide and seek!

A voice of censure came through the star-sprinkled dark night,

"I gave myself to you, was that treachery?

And now when I am shadowed, is it there that you place your tremendous faith?"

Found in Short story masterpieces, "5 Indian Masters - Raja Rao, Tagore, Premchand, Mulk Raj Anand, Khuswant Singh". Published by Jaico Publishing House, 2003

~~~

The last para has been translated and worded differently by Snehendu Bikash Kar - though the meaning has been the same.

I looked at the crescent moon
hidden behind the tamarisk tree outside my window.
As if the dear departed one is smiling
and playing hide-and-seek with me.

From the depth of darkness punctuated by scattered stars
came a rebuke: "when I let you grasp me you call it an deception,
and yet when I remain concealed,
why do you hold on to your faith in me with such conviction?"

~~~

Such a beautiful poem. It has been taken from Lipika,  By Rabindranath Tagore.  

Sometimes people leave to never come back. They cross the river of life to go to another world, from which there is no coming back. What refuge should the dear ones take in then? If everything around us is  an illusion, then was their presence an illusion too? Was the warmth you felt and the tears you shed, the times you bled and the moments you enjoyed an illusion too? What was illusion...what was a figment of your imagination?

And if it was all real, then is your absence real too? Do you not exist anywhere anymore? If I call out your name, would I ever get an answer?  Would you not exist even in the windmills of my mind? If you would, what would one call that then, real or illusion?

Big Sad Face :-(

I had no idea about Siberian huskies till I saw a video of a dog called Kaiser, some three years back. Since then, Siberian husky has been one of my favourite dogs. Infact if I was staying uphill, in a cold place and had the time and space to keep a dog, it would definately have been a Husky.

Huskies aren't exactly the obedient kinds and it takes a lot to train them. Even if you have trained them, it is highly unlikely that they would like to please people. Unlike  Labradors, they are very independent but just like them, they are very affectionate too. They are highly intelligent and stubborn dogs. Plus they shed enormous amount of hair. So, if one wants to keep a husky then all this should be kept in mind.

But they are lovable.I know every dog is but Kaiser was a class apart...

Kaiser was just 6 years old and had cancer. 

If I miss Kaiser's video's and am sad at the thought of never seeing any more of them, imagine what the owner would be going through. To have a dog and lose him is terrible and if its someone like Kaiser...

May Kaiser's soul R.I.P.

Missing Missy !!!

I got this forward from somewhere some time back and found it quite humorous. This is exactly what happens with some of the ad guys!! :)

~~~

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster
Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news. Luckily I was sitting down when I read your email and not half way up a ladder or tree. How are you holding up? I am surprised you managed to attend work at all what with thinking about Missy out there cold, frightened and alone... possibly lying on the side of the road, her back legs squashed by a vehicle, calling out "Shannon, where are you?"
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Once, having been invited to a party, I went clothes shopping beforehand and bought a pair of expensive G-Star boots. They were two sizes too small but I wanted them so badly I figured I could just wear them without socks and cut my toenails very short. As the party was only a few blocks from my place, I decided to walk. After the first block, I lost all feeling in my feet. Arriving at the party, I stumbled into a guy named Steven, spilling Malibu & coke onto his white Wham 'Choose Life' t-shirt, and he punched me. An hour or so after the incident, Steven sat down in a chair already occupied by a cat. The surprised cat clawed and snarled causing Steven to leap out of the chair, slip on a rug and strike his forehead onto the corner of a speaker; resulting in a two inch open gash. In its shock, the cat also defecated, leaving Steven with a foul stain down the back of his beige cargo pants. I liked that cat.
Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.
 

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.
 

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I am willing to overlook this faux pas due to you no doubt being preoccupied with thoughts of Missy attempting to make her way home across busy intersections or being trapped in a drain as it slowly fills with water. I spent three days down a well once but that was just for fun.
I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.
 

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

 

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.
 

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter, I kept the cat in a closed cardboard box in the shed and forgot about it. If I wanted to feed something and clean faeces, I wouldn't have put my mother in that home after her stroke. A week later, when my friend came to collect his cat, I pretended that I was not home and mailed the box to him. Apparently I failed to put enough stamps on the package and he had to collect it from the post office and pay eighteen dollars. He still goes on about that sometimes, people need to learn to let go.
I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.
 

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
I knew someone who had a basset hound that had its hind legs removed after an accident and it had to walk around with one of those little buggies with wheels. If it had been my dog I would have asked for all its legs to be removed and replaced with wheels and had a remote control installed. I could charge neighbourhood kids for rides and enter it in races. If I did the same with a horse I could drive it to work. I would call it Steven.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Please just use the photo I gave you.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

 

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.
 

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

 

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.
 

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

  ……..! Fine!