Reading through my blog today

I went through my blog today - read it for the first time, literally. I realized the transformation in writing, and that how many times I actually gave in to procrastination, laziness, and just not wanting to write. And how many times i had my sarcastic sense of humor on.

I also realized the barrage of emotions/ emotional state that I was in while writing some of it - being happy, frustrated, pensive, cynic, or just looking for humane side.

All in all - it felt nice. And the reason i went through it - well, someone sent me a video that reminded me of my Dubai trip. I just decided to share my blog link with him - and then - there in a minute- for no reason, i started reading; and before i realized, i had spent the hour reading the whole blog.

Time well spent - don't know - because i am really strapped for it.

Time spent - oh well!! Hours!!

Time spent wide awake and thinking through last five years - more than 5 hours!!

38 Day Break - For First Time - in 20 Years!!

And I came across this. I, on the insistence of friends and colleagues at work, decided to take 4+ week break - to get my health issues sorted; and primarily do nothing!! Nothing at all... take each day as it comes, and be in the slow mode/pace of life!! Vegetate!! and Rejuvenate to get back to work!!

Will try and share the account of what happened!!

Fast Forward Indian Hospitality Industry

My second media mention; and first article in national daily - elated :)

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/ad-dendum-how-digital-can-transform-hospitality/232588/

Thanks!!

Context Switching and Stack Overflow

I switch context at work on a 30 minute basis, day-on-day. And Multitask. And today was no exception. I have had 17 meetings, each on different subject in the last 12 hours. It was meetings, and calls, on intensive, stressful topics, including over lunch and while driving. And each call was on a different topic. And, over a good 12 of them, I was multitasking.

I have had a stack overflow. And, I feel totally drained. I could do it before with ease, but I am finding it increasingly draining these days – ageing I guess.

I can feel that this all is resulting in :

• Memory drain/loss. At times, I cannot remember what was talked because the context changed too soon.
• Writing something different in an email, while I am on a call. Insanity!
• Increased stress level
• Over simulation of brain
• Lack of focus
• Dampened productivity

Meetings or no meetings - we all do multitasking: Texting while walking, sending emails during meetings, chatting on the phone while cooking dinner, emailing while driving and what not. In today's society, doing just one thing at a time seems downright luxurious, even wasteful – But I do hope that I can start indulging in this luxury – even if only for a few hours in a day.

Zen | Bliss

Slept late last night or early morning @ 2:00 AM.

Work up @ 4:00 to go the airport.

22 hours straight that I have not slept.

State of mind - Zen

Reason - Talking to three awesome, old friends - on the way to airport, in cab, and waiting at airport.

Feeling - Sharing crazy current times, laughing at silly jokes, and remembering old, crazy fun times - and the thoughts that everything will be good! And that hope matters!!

Some things money really cannot buy :-). For everything else, there is either a debit or a credit!!

Ha! This is what I needed after almost 2 years of breakup with reading predictions!

This is what Cainer had to say on 6th April, 2014

The more you reflect, the more you can learn about what has been happening in your world lately. You may not be keen to do that, for you fear you have made some errors of judgment it may be wiser to ignore. You would rather move on from that than sit around feeling bad. Actually, you have much to be proud of. You have handled a difficult situation with grace and ought to award yourself praise, not blame, for how things have turned out. And, as the full moon begins to wane this week, they are about to get even better.

Yes, I need positive energy, motivation and reflections. There you go!!

Heaven they call Kashmir

May 2014 - One of the blessings - a family trip to Kashmir - Pahalgam. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg. Heavenly place and beautiful people. Sharing some captures - Will be there again - soon!!

 

Procrastination or Sheer Laziness

That's my treatment for the blog - a year and a month later - still need to revive!! Very soon!! Someday!!

Boston... And when the sun shines....it brings all smiles!!

I simply love spring and summer in Boston. It is such a contrast after harsh winters... and you get to see/experience the change in all aspects...

1. Colors and Flowers. It is just so beautiful when you smell ( sans pollen) fresh flowers, and see all color blooms.

2. Tourists Inflow - Suddenly, too many people come to Boston. Tourists, families of students who are about to graduate, conferences, games... and a numerous list of reasons ....

3. Leisure Walks - as opposed to brisk walks when there are harsh winds and bone-chilling cold. And of course, runners too. 

4. Kids Playing Out and Adults Soaking in the Sun

And just too much of chatter, happiness, and cheer around!! 

Are we safe anywhere....

Devastation... that is the only thing that I can think of...i was in my Boston office... a couple of blocks away from the heinous incident site... it is terrible to see what the world has come to... a site of celebration, and ever buzzing heart of Boston is at a stand still...

Thoughts go out to the beautiful city and its even beautiful people... and prayers to victims and their families.

Hopefully, we will live to see a world of peace and harmony!!

Decaying Morals in Indian Society…Or Outdated Me!!

Today, I learned some shocking facts about one of my friends. And off-late, I have been having one too many conversations that lead to same thread -- 

• Is this the same society that we grow up in? 
• Do people have no values anymore? 
• Is this happening in real? 

I would not judge any of these people, because I don’t know what their situation is – but far too many instances make me perceive that values and morals are actually decaying.

I was told that Marriages are made in heaven – Really? – Is it still a sacred institution?

• It is surprising how many conversations happen around extra marital affairs. What is more shocking – the number of people I know who are having a little something outside of their marriage.
• This man – I happen to know… he lies about his marital status, has himself up on the dating site – have multiple relationships. Lies. Cheats. Has sex with his partners in his house, on the same bed that he shares with his wife. Lies that his dad is dead to gain some sympathies. Lies about life and death in general to forge relationships. And then, if he doesn’t get what he wants, he calls the other person as outdated and maniac.
• This women – apparently a philosopher keeps on writing about standards/ morals/ philosophical quotes. Always having issues with people. She is married with a cute daughter and an apparently loving husband. Guess What – she is having extra marital relations with two dudes. Really? How does she manage time? And how does this she deal with her hypocritical self? And how does her conscience allows her to sex-text her multiple boyfriends when she is sleeping with her husband?
• This dude cheats on her wife with her best friend. Gets super mad when finds out that wife is flirting with his friend. Divorces and marries another person. Still trying to maintain relationship with Ex’s friend. God… I went crazy listening to his story.
• This dude is having a relationship with his sister-in-law.. It runs in the family – literally!!
• And on and on and on….. gawd!!!
• A classic -- if you tell a person your observation, then you are sticky. Wonder what prompted a person to lie about a death in the family to get some extra marital sex? And the fact that he is sleeping with more than one person outside of wedlock - i am wondering what he told the other person. Who did he kill?

If a person develops something with one person outside his/her marriage – I can still not understand. With one to many – well, I must be a maniac. Extra marital relationships with multiple people – even my friends across the world will disdain … is this what has happened to India? Or did I have a very different, clean view of the world. What happened to fidelity? Sanctity of relationships? What is happening to emotion called Love? Or, are we so devoid of love that we go to any extent to satiate our primal needs?

There is nothing better than the truth… OK, what if you catch people compulsively lying all the time – and you don’t see a perceived benefit?

• She and I went to same college. We are old college friends. Really, you were in DU and she was in Agra. None of you pursued further education. You must be kidding me! Or, probably they have a college that runs across the two locations. Silly me!
• There was a death in the family – then how come you are on the Mobile store, buying your Note 2.
• I need money, because my husband has a slip disk, and is on bed rest. OK – I see your photographs next week when he is running on the beach. You forgot about the excuse you had to borrow money. Seriously!! Are you even aware how much can online presence reveal about you?

Treat all as equal… well… the society is thriving by suppressing the weaker

• Screaming/shouting at people who are below you – or working for you
• Charge more if there is an urgency – even in a matter of life and death
• If someone overtakes you on the road… oh well – the person must have committed a crime
• Ok.. will not even start talking about the women angle

Why do we always need to take an advantage of the situation? Why does it always have to be one up the other? Why, why and why so much of aggression?

Be a doctors because that is a noble profession –no. not happening.. not anymore!!

• Apathetic attitude
• Invent diseases to extract maximum out of patients – because they are at your mercy – literally
• Money, money, money – and misdiagnosis… and god save you if you have the insurance

And I better end my list here….

OK.. I think I should stop writing, or I will be a maniac. It could be also that I am being a cynic – but what I learned today has left me a little unsettled. I really pray that I don’t lose my humane side. I know if I confront anyone of the people, I would be called a looser. Seriously – I would rather be a looser than lose my humane self, or the values that I grew up with. 

And though I am tracing Dennis Brown, I do have to thank him/her for sending some shocking facts my way. 

Fake IDs and Account Hacking

It is funny how creative stalkers are. First Sarah White, then Dennis Brown, then the person who used my card for Matrix connection ... and now some person in London who likes my friends enough to log in as me --- wow... I must be popular/ infamous :-).

And seriously - you did have enough time to track what I was doing -- and telling me that you are watching out for me!!

But seriously, who so ever you, you all are, I do have to thank you for showing me some light or colors :-). Cheers!! 

2013...

2013...

Fresh start .... fresh 365 days... and I am hoping they will be far better ... far better than 2012 :-).

Loved this message from one of my best friends..."wishing you a very happy, prosperous, fun-filled, less travel intensive, shopping-full, peaceful,and safe 2013 - with loads of love".

Thank you my dearest -- and I hope the same for you. I also hope that i am able to forgive more - and let go more often :-).

Cheers to fresh start and to new beginnings!!

And There Goes My One Inhibition for a Toss

14^th December’2012 – Gurgaon Annual Bash

Never ever – and I repeat – never, ever I thought I will dance in front of my 2500 colleagues. Yes, and that too on Gangnam Style. Yes, it still takes me a while to believe that it was real, and that I did it.

It was time for the annual, year-end company bash. And as always, the creative heads were planning a gala event. 

As a part of tradition, the company leadership does a small performance. This time, I got pulled into the event. There was a funny script, where we had to walk the ramp – like a fashion show ramp. When I signed up for the same, I was told I will just have to be present – and to save my international roaming, I said yes, OK – I will be present on the Stage. How bad can that be – one would ask ;).

And then – when I walked into the practice session, I realized what had I really signed up for. I will have to do a cat walk; and then dance on Gangnam. OMG – that feeling in my stomach. But what the heck – I did decide to go for it. We practiced for a week – and then there was D-day. I was told by my best friends at work to “chill out”, have fun, and let it loose.

D-Day – started with fun, girly talks on make-ups and dresses. And then, the time came when we had to drive to the venue. And there – our group was called, and the moment I stepped on the stage, I felt fine and confident. I walked, and danced like no one is watching. And, I enjoyed fully. We were called for an encore, and we did it again. 

The program was so appreciated, and so many people complimented me – whether they knew me or not. I felt like a Rock Star.

To wrap up the evening, I connected with my best friends, danced to the tune of DJs, and had a total evening of fun!! A great time and enjoying while letting go of an inhibition – thank you my friends for making me do this :-)

Cheers!!!

P.S – no photo for this write up to protect privacy of all!!

I Believe in Kindness of Strangers

2^nd December 2012 –  UAE National Day

Three of us friends were in Dubai, and it was buzz and alive with activities because of 41^st UAE National Day. The whole city was lit up – tri color. The streets were super busy, and so were cabbies. The traffic was packed. It was so much that any driver would think twice about entering back into a lane after getting out of it. 

We wanted to go to Jumeirah Beah Walk (JBR Walk) to be a part of festivities – which was doubly packed than the rest of Dubai. So, three tourists took a cab from Atlantis to the famous JBR walk.

While getting out of the cab, one of my friends left her swanky, expensive mobile in the car. Losing a phone is more than just a loss of money these days – with this – you practically lose your privacy – and all your contact details. So, you lose your social network as well. We figured the loss within 5 minutes, any by that time, we had lost the cab. We panicked. I tried calling her phone – thinking probably it is still somewhere with us – in one of our bags. We didn’t hear the phone – and no one answered. It was a moment of … OMG.

But guess what - we got a call back from that phone. It was the driver. He told us to be right where he dropped us, and told us that he would try to reach there as soon as possible – as soon as the crazy traffic allowed him to come. And he came –braving all the chaos, to give us back the phone. Truly god sent.

Some people can arguably associate this with the fear of law – but I was humbled by the kindness of him. He could have totally deposited it in lost and found – but he was far too kind for that.

So, THANK YOU Stranger. People like you instill the belief in kindness and in humanity!! 

Salute to you!!

Indian Soaps - Society Standards

Off-late, i figured that if I need to spend anytime with my mom, it means that I sit through some soaps with her - with endless patience, where she will only talk about the characters in the soap. My thoughts on what prime time soaps are using to run for the high TRPs:

• Extramarital affairs
• Pre-wedding pregnancy
• Martyr women
• Eloping
• Lies
• Dirty Politics
• Murdering people and then framing others
• Playing games
• Scheming, planning and plotting against the “good” people
• Crimes, crimes, crimes

Is this a true reflection of our society? And is this what we are teaching our kids who grow up watching these soaps?

Writer's Block!!

It has been a long time since I blogged... I have loads of excuses, but writer’s block seems to be the coolest of all. 

A lot has happened in the last 30-45 days – and I read today that penning down your lows and highs can be very therapeutic. So, i attempt!!

High points:

•     One of my very cool friends was visiting from US; and I got to spend time with her. We went visiting Delhi. She just cracks me up, and it is so pleasant to be around her.
•      I met with one of my really cool friends. We met after a year – almost, and catching up with her almost made me feel 5-7 years younger. Just sipping coffee and wine with her made me relax – after what seemed like a long time. I hope to connect with her more often.
•      I made a decision to travel to Dubai. A lot has happened this year, but I really feel that visiting Dubai will bring some positive air.
•      And I got a Schengen visa renewal for 2 years – yippee!!
•      I was told a few times that I should join back office soon, and I am being missed – that definitely made me special J.
•      Beating my own score in Brick Breaker; and catching up on chic-let type of books and movies and watching stupid soaps– yes, kind of a blessing when you are sick.
•      Calls and check-ins from a couple of old friends – makes you realize you are still popular ;)

And not so high ones: 

• Exhausting business trip to Switzerland… landed at a different hotel at 6:00 AM in the morning – and had to make a few calls, walk a lot and take a cab to reach to the right one. Then, meeting more than 18 hours a day, for four continuous days, and then and travel back – without a break. Voila… The two good things – OK 3 good things were meeting the team, a few productive meetings and sparkling wine with berry mix.
•  Another exhausting trip to Bangalore. And probably contracting sickness en route!
•   Working crazy hours to prepare for a BIG meeting, and falling sick a day before the meeting. I really missed not being a part of the meeting. For once, I felt really low about this. This also made me realize that I also have low points.
•  Being really sick, and missing work for almost 2 weeks. And then, getting into a flood of client, team, and people issues. Not happening.
•  Being appalled at the extent to which people lie to get what they want. It almost makes you question your intelligence. Worse is when you are being trapped with lies.
•  Getting into a murky situations – one after another -- knowing very well that I shouldn’t be a part of it. Realization – I am too emotional for my own good.
• Realizing that you start liking people – even when they are all that you should never want/ would never get and that you should stay away from.
• Feeling unsettled and old. I have never felt this unsettled and this has been driving me insane.
• Being too lethargic for my own good.
• Wasting another year of gym membership without even setting a foot in the gym – and realizing that you will be dead 10 years sooner if you don’t exercise anymore.
• Realizing i am still not so strong to share or pen down my real lows
• Feeling crazy for another good friend, but being too caught up to do anything for her -- makes you realize that there is just so much time or resources that you have to help people even if you really want to

Not sure if it was therapeutic, it definitely helped me blog today ;).

Cheers!!

Positive Outlook

This is what Jonathan Cainer wrote for Cancers for Sunday, September 16th, 2012

"Don't worry about what seems to be ending; consider what is beginning. You are moving away from an arrangement or an agreement that has been unsatisfactory for some while, even though it has provided a degree of superficial stability. Now there is uncertainty and a sense of tension. But this is helping you get closer to a much brighter and more helpful possibility; an understanding that goes very deep and proves most fulfilling. Forget how things were and don't be afraid of how things may soon change."

It is a pity that I am reading it today.. should have read it yesterday -- Last few days have been something that i wish i could format....I do need a change - for the positive!! Now!! 

Cheers!!

Email Management Tips - Less than 5 days OOO and Over 5000 Emails

I was out of office (OOO) for 5 days. And for some reason or the other, I could only access 10% of my emails. Yes, I do use a BlackBerry, but these days were full. And the extremely hot weather and power cuts did not leave me with enough energy to assimilate emails. So, the mails got accumulated, and I ended up with over 5000 emails in a span of less than 5 days. And this was when none of my team was working over the weekend. Phew!!

Now - I detest having stressful day on the first day back at work, and so, i work on clearing my mails as soon as I can. That ways, I can have intelligent conversation with the teams, and spend time with the teams when I am back. It also gives me a feeling that I am back in control, being a control freak that I am.

Sharing some tips -

• If possible, spend a couple of hours on the last day of vacation organizing the mailbox. Or, have an early start on the first day back.
• Sort by Subject. It is quite possible that the action is already taken, or someone has resolved the issue for you. Read the last mail first, and immediately file these bunch, or Flag the last mail for follow up, if needed. (20%)
• Sort by Important Email. Outlook has a Search Folder. Identify and act on these - address, delete, defer, delegate.
• Search for Non Biz - some senders are indeed helpful to call that out in the subject. Yes, they can be easily moved to the Later folder.( 2%) Else look for multiple Fw: Fw: Fw: -- you will know that they aren't the ones that will need an immediate attention ( 5%)
• Use Color Coding, and Rules Assistant. I find it extremely useful. Mails that I am in cc; or I received because I was a part of certain DLs can be deferred.(18%)
• Sort by Sender - Clients/Manager/Team/Support Functions/Others.
• If you can respond to an email in a minute or two, do that immediately.( 15%)
• If you need to delegate the task, or response to someone - immediate ( 15%)
• Follow Up Flag ( 15%)
• Need an action from you - Flag for Action ( 10%)

Finally, do not stress too much if you missed something. You will either get a reminder, or a call :-). 

All this helps me not get buried under an email hell; and a clean mailbox give me a zen feeling. 

Happy to help!!

15,000 + Calories Weekend

Prologue- Friday – In the last couple of months I have put on more than x pounds. Now, I cannot fit decently into my business shirts; and these shirts were perfect in December. OK – time to get serious now – time to start going to the gym. I am so regular at paying my annual fees at the gym – now, is the time to start some serious workout.

Chapter 1 – Friday Night

Friday night, after dinner, I decide to go for a quick walk. It was hot, and there was some shimmering bluish light. I walk in the direction and saw this ice cream vendor parked right around the corner. Right then and there, I finished a whole  choco bar – in less than a minute probably. If someone noticed me then, they would have thought I was starving. But remember, it was a post-dinner walk. Thank god for these ice cream vendors – 6 of them within 10 minutes of walking distance. They are parked perfectly to lure all these people who come for after dinner walks. I am so glad that I don’t go for these post dinners walks often. Not only I don’t have the time and energy, but probably my subconscious mind already knows that I will eat ice creams.

So – I come back after my ice cream trip, and sleep. And that was the start of binging weekend. I don’t know if it was something to do with the ice cream, or the guilt of adding those additional pounds that I just couldn’t stop eating the whole weekend.

Chapter 2 – Social Saturday

The morning started with a Grande Latte, served right in my bed.

Then, I went to Medicity for some checkups for my mom. While I was waiting for her at the lounge, I remembered airport lounges. Suddenly, I was missing my crazy travel days. Now, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of airport – outside of the planes of course – YES – Coffee, and the sexy aroma of freshly brewed coffee. So, I had to do what I do best – either compulsive eating, or compulsive shopping. Now, there isn’t much to shop in a hospital – so, I look for coffee. And yes, there it was -  a Costa Coffee outlet. Was I lucky or what. There, I go and order a Grand Cappuccino and an Almond Cherry Muffin. Yes – it was some healthy breakfast time. Now, around noon, I was still waiting for the final tests, and I walked into the Costa Coffee again and ordered a coffee and a Veg Focaccia Sandwich. Yeah – who cares that I had to start my day with workout. There’s always a tomorrow.

Then, I had a late lunch date with a very dear friend. I had been wanting to meet her for the longest time, and meeting over food is always good. After all, you need to replenish/refuel your energy for all the chatting. So, shortly, I was at the Asian Bistro ( don’t remember the real name) at The Palms; ordering a Mint Lemonade and a light lunch of FRIED babycorn and mushrooms.

Went to pick up my sister – and again – as if I was starving, there were cups of Chai, with cookies, multi grain sandwich, poha and chila. And Watermelon. And Butter Milk.

And before I knew, it was dinner time – out with family at The Coriander Leaf for some great Pakistani and North India Cuisine with Ginger Ales and Red Wines and delicious Paans and Litchi Ice cream.

Time for bed time guilt – when you have eaten food that a normal person would eat in four days. And that happens daily with me.

Chapter 3 – Sloppy Sunday

Sunday started with a Latte again. All the food on Saturday was making me too full to go for a workout. So, I decide to postpone the whole thing. What’s the hurry, and let’s get real – I can’t loose all the extra pounds in a day.

Because I was feeling full, I make a mental note of eating healthy. So, I start with a healthy breakfast of watermelon. Then, there is some pooja at home, and everyone had to eat Halwa. Now, being a bit traditional, I had to eat. Eat a lot f it. 

And then there is lunch – full Indian lunch. The midday was full of guests and chai and snacks from Haldirams – and all the fried and sweet ones.

And it was complete dinner again - with ice-cream and fruits.

 If I was maintaining a food diary I would have clocked 15,000 and counting.

Epilogue

As I am writing this, I am eating a huge slice of pound cake. I have to start my workout… Well, there’s always tomorrow!!


Confession– this is not a paid writing. And none of the food vendors, restaurants, ice cream parlors or food items have paid me for mentioning them – no credits at all.