lack of time life random thoughts such is life time flies

I can’t believe we’re already in the first week of October !  In some ways I feel like the year has literally flown by .. and the past 2 weeks … I don’t know where they went !

In India there have have been 2 long weekends; 26th – 28th September and 1st-3rd October .. and I was working through BOTH of them …. Highly productive for me, but draining at the same time.

I also feel like I’ve been on a bit of a roller coaster the last few weeks … It’s been incident after incident that’s been hitting me in the face and on some level it has obviously  affected me.

My colleague AA – who I have mentioned a few times before -  left the company on 23rd September.  I knew for months that he was looking at a change in jobs and when he finally made the decision to move – as much as I was expecting it – it was a surprise and upsetting.  Not only would I lose a great colleague to work with – but also one of the first ‘friends’ I had made within my office.  I have worked with him for exactly 2 years and the office feels weird without him sitting behind me.  

24th September was the mark of 2 years of me having worked with my current employer … Normally such things are celebratory for me – but it actually slipped my mind … till the end of the day … I realised that over the years I have made an effort to remember any significant dates that hold meaning to those close to me … and funnily enough – other than my birthday – I can’t say that anyone has gone out of their way to remember something significant to me.

6th October was emotionally numbing ! My boss, mentor, and friend – HA – announced his departure from the company (ok he didn’t but our CEO said it on his behalf) ! I was in shock – so much so that I had to excuse myself, grab some tissue and dab away at my eyes … and then of course got on the phone with HA who was laughing at my reaction.

I spent a great deal of time with him in his cabin and we were just generally talking about what his plans were and how he is going to take things forward in his life.  It’s a new beginning for him and I’m very happy for him because I know that he has the Midas Touch :)

Taking these two departures into consideration, I am left wondering ‘so what now for me’ …

 

changing times communication theories conversation topics omg-wtf random thoughts stumbleupon such is life time management univers universal spectrum

We’ve all probably had a moment when we’ve thought OMG – WTF !

Well someone  has finally gone ahead and made an illustration out of it and I have come across it :)  I found this over at The Next Web and at Chris Moody’s sites who got it from David Armano – do drop by and check them out for some great content.

So here it is .. the elusive OMG-WTF Spectrum simply illustrated =)

games people play passing time random thoughts state of mind such is life word play

As I was browsing over at my neighbours last night – I came across a sign that just seemed to draw me to it … Anything & Everything …. So of course I had venture into that zone and check out what it had to offer :) and I was not disappointed :)

Here’s a word play game that I tried out …. You must check it out when you have a few minutes …

Try to answer these questions. The answers can be found at the bottom. No peeking please!

1. What is a four-letter word that ends in "k" and means the same as intercourse?
2. What is it that a cow has four of and a woman has only two of?
3. What can you find in a man's pants that is about six inches long, has a head on it, and that women love so much that they often blow it?
4. What word starts with f and ends with u-c-k?
5. Name five words that are each four letters long, end in u-n-t, one of which is a word for a woman?

Answers

1. Talk
2. Legs
3. A twenty dollar bill.
4. Firetruck.
5. "Bunt," "hunt," "runt," "punt," "aunt."
   

If you had three or more wrong..... YOU HAVE A DIRTY MIND!!!

Don’t worry – I have a dirty mind too ;)

adventures animal escapades random thoughts scaredy cat scary cats such is life

I’ve managed to escape unscathed last night with nothing more than a slightly bruised ego. 

I look back at my day and am just not really surprised by the sheer number of random incidents that took place  yesterday !  After all it is my life we are talking about !

Morning

Late for work because a cart contained egg racks tumbled over and blocked the road coming off a small flyover.

Was left standing in a drizzle waiting for my car to arrive after being stuck at a traffic junction

Met up with RR for lunch at Hard Rock Cafe where our verbal exchange proved to be spicier than the Tabasco

I got a call confirming that there would a be photo shoot (yes !) for a gadget & lifestyle magazine (yes you read right) at my place today and I had to rush to get back home

Evening

Went to pick up NC with MG and headed over to the ATM to withdraw some cash; got stuck in nightmare traffic because Sonia Gandhi (famous politician) was in town for the opening of the Worli-Bandra Sea Link; got to the ATM only to realise that I had left my hand bag at home so had no debit card to use for the withdrawal.

Got back home; got some work done; MG disappeared which meant that NC and I were left to ourselves to try and figure out how to create a wireless sharing network between two laptops.

Yeah that didn’t go so well.  My brother came to the rescue and labelled the network connection as ‘Idiot Sisters’ !! A bit rude I think LOL

MG was still MIA and NC decided to transfer some music across to me that was fresh from Jakarta … erm yeah since we weren’t a part of the whole ‘setting up the network’ process – we didn’t quite know what we were doing .. so the files NC was sending to me … just got copied … onto her own laptop – and we’d basically spent about 40 minutes waiting for the transfer to complete !!

Then NC couldn’t find her house keys anywhere – and it was coming to 1 a.m … so the 3 of us trekked down towards my car to check if her keys fell out there … 

Luckily we found the keys, said our good nights, and as I was about to step in towards the elevator … I saw them … the menacing three toms !

Lately there have been quite a few cats in my building .. and here standing at the steps of my block were 3 huge tom cats – who were prowling around near the elevator … and honestly – they were just stalking the area as if it were their damn territory !! I swear they could have passed for the cats in this picture !

It took us all a few minutes of persuading and shooing the cats away – and then finally MG had to go and tickle one of the toms under it’s chin to try to distract it from launching its’ assault on me whilst I tried very hard to get into the elevator !!

I even shrieked a little bit … I’m a dog lover .. not a cat person … cat’s seem to like me but they are evil creatures and can switch moods at any time .. Trust me – I know – I’ve been scratched by a kitten I was kitten-sitting – in my sleep !!! the punk came and sat on me – woke me up – and then clawed my face !!!

So I ran myself into the elevator whilst MG distracted the big boss cat which was purring away at his chin stroking – and safely locked myself up in my room – in bed – with only a slightly bruised ego – as two of my friends saw me at my chicken best !

insights interpretations metaphysics multiple realities random thoughts such is life universal spectrum universe

Over the last few days, the topic ‘everything happens for a reason’ has cropped up numerous times with different groups of people. 

I suppose I really started believing or acknowledging this theory after a chat with my mate SK – who also writes at Iguana Road … He’s the mad man that introduced me to the concept of metaphysics.

Basically we are all specks in an infinite universe … There are various parallel universes co-existing simultaneously as our own.  As individuals, we can only see as far as our visual reach – we can only comprehend the actions of others that are visible to us – we only know our own life in and out and the obvious … we do not know what goes on in the day-to-day lives of our friends, family or colleagues once they are out of our present sight.

Those daily grinds that others experience are part of an alternate ‘universe’ beyond our own.  Now think about how many billions of people this takes place for.  That’s a huge spectrum to cover – and as far as we on an individual level are concerned – we aren’t able to digest that.

I’ve always believed that each of us lives in our ‘own universe’ … when I was a kid, sometimes I felt that that everything that happened in my life was like a book – that God was reading out.  With time – I still feel sometimes that my life is made up of various chapters and someone out there is getting a great read :)

To put it simply – we are a part of this broad spectrum called the universe – and our very existence is defined by the universal energies surrounding us.  In essence there’s nothing that is right or wrong – good or bad – there are just events which occur out of the actions of people and these events happen to anyone and everyone.

There is almost an unsaid predetermined set of events that are the consequences of our actions.  Someone famous – Newton- once said ‘For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’.  That’s pretty much how the universe works … well kinda if I have understood this correctly … actually maybe that quote doesn’t work too well LOL

All our actions and thoughts have an energy flow attached to them which the universe understands – the more positive energy we have – the universal energies come together for you .. and the more negative energy we have – the universal energies just move away from you …

So for everything we say, think or act out – there is a flow of energy which goes out there into the universe and attracts some sort of force which eventually finds its way back to us … good or bad depends on what we thought, said or did …

Maybe that’s why the concept of karma came into place.  Do good to get good right ?? If you get a chance to read Iguana’s blog – you might get a few more pointers out of it – and I didn’t want to do a copy & paste job … Ironically everytime I am motivated to write something inspired by SK – he happens to ping me online !!! that’s the law of metaphysics !

The thoughts we think are carried out and if we genuinely mean our thoughts – they will find a way to make things happen :)

If you want to really understand this concept then perhaps the book (which I have NOT read as yet FYI) The Universe and Multiple Reality by Professor M R Franks might bring some insight into the topic.  I came across it whilst browsing the net and will definitely have to pick it up.

leonard cohen lyrics Magic of Melodies meanings of lyrics music song review state of mind such is life writing

I heard this song for the first time today.  I was driving back into the city (as a Navigator actually) with my friend HS – who incidentally had taken me for an R&R break – when he finally had it with my ‘beat-y’ music and told me he was switching the tone.

I don’t really blame him – we’d quite literally heard at least 2 albums of St Germain – and he told me to put on some Leonard Cohen. 

Until  earlier today, I had absolutely no clue who Leonard Cohen was.  A little research on Google tells me that he is a very well known Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet, novelist and artist ! He has also been in the music industry for four decades !

He was also inducted into the ‘Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’ (2006) and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2008).  He also has a few Juno Awards for Vocalist and Songwriter of the year.  That’s a pretty hefty list of credentials !!

The very start of the music makes you instantly relax …. and then … THAT VOICE … the deep husky baritone and bass voice … it can make you melt ! The simple drum beats soothe every muscle in your body.  I found myself settling into the car seat and closing my eyes – and just letting Leonards’ voice take over. 

I loved this song simply because not only does it have a lounge feel with a soothing melody; there is also the enough time between each line of the song allowing the listener to fully grasp and acknowledge each instrument playing and at the same time being able to ‘hear’ the lyrics word-for-word. 

With most songs, even slow songs – there are some verses of the songs that one isn’t able to grasp all the words being sung.  With this track – it’s impossible not to hear all the words.  Cohen and collaborator Sharon Robinson's vocals are absolutely gorgeous throughout.  Not to mention the perfect harmony of the various instrument – take it up another notch !

The unusual combination of music and lyrics is perfect. The lyrics are sheer poetry !! and just transports you to another world … It really does feel like a secret life ….

Can you picture a memory to each word you hear … doesn’t it create a warm fuzzy feeling inside ?  Sometimes it also causes a pull in the pit of your stomach … .. slowly releasing itself into your insides … doesn’t it increase your heart beat .. just a little bit … do you feel the tightening of your heart ….

Do you hear the hum of a wind instrument against the bass and drums  ? Can you picture the fingertips gracefully moving on the keyboard … or the ones strumming the guitar ?

Do you know which verse I’m referring to with all my thoughts above ?   I closed my eyes and wrote whatever I was feeling …. I think you should try it … You never know what you come out with hehe 

It’s 2:40 a.m and once I was finally settled in bed – I had already found the relevant links on youtube to find the video of the song … and have heard it at least 4-5 times at this point including whilst writing this post.

Do you have a secret life ? I think we all do … Do you find yourself drifting off … someplace … away from where you currently are … when you ‘finally’ find a few minutes to yourself .. away from your busy schedule ?

That zone .. that someplace … it’s ‘your’ time to reflect back for a little bit …on anything … and everything …  to shut out the noise and daily communication … I’d been needing to do that for a while now and didn’t even realise just how much my entire system was begging to be shut down !

Now that I think about it – earlier today I found myself allowing myself to get into the pool and just ‘float’ around … I put my sunnies on, stepped into the pool neck deep (I’m 5’7” in height) and slowly dipped my head back to get my hair wet and get over the initial cold shock – propped my toes and let my entire body lie horizontally – with arms above my head and toes peeking out of the water surface – closed eyes and submerged face aside from the edge following the outline of the sunnies.

I must have floated for 5-7 minutes at a time for close to 30 minutes – and it felt just amazing.  This song would have been perfect to listen to whilst I lay there floating in a gorgeous pool and catching the suns rays on my face (and yes I have panda eyes now ! stop giggling now !! ).

On that happy note – I’m going to go to bed now - and leave you all to hear this wonderful piece of music – and visit your secret life =)

Special Thanks to HS for introducing this amazing musician to me (and to the rest of you who didn’t know about him too)

In My Secret Life

I saw you this morning.
You were moving so fast.
Can't seem to loosen my grip
On the past.
And I miss you so much.
There's no one in sight.
And we're still making love
In My Secret Life.

I smile when I'm angry.
I cheat and I lie.
I do what I have to do
To get by.
But I know what is wrong,
And I know what is right.
And I'd die for the truth
In My Secret Life.

Hold on, hold on, my brother.
My sister, hold on tight.
I finally got my orders.
I'll be marching through the morning,
Marching through the night,
Moving cross the borders
Of My Secret Life.

Looked through the paper.
Makes you want to cry.
Nobody cares if the people
Live or die.
And the dealer wants you thinking
That it's either black or white.
Thank G-d it's not that simple
In My Secret Life.

I bite my lip.
I buy what I'm told:
From the latest hit,
To the wisdom of old.
But I'm always alone.
And my heart is like ice.
And it's crowded and cold
In My Secret Life.

happiness quotes interpretations key to happiness not enough hours random thoughts reflections such is life thoughts

One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory.
  - Rita Mae Brown

I came across this quote on igoogle earlier today and it got me thinking.  If the key to happiness is a bad memory – then I am going to be a very unhappy person for the rest of my life !

I’m one of those individuals that has a very sharp memory – and if a memory isn’t right at the top of my mind when the subject comes up – I just need a few verbal triggers for me to get back into the groove of an actual memory.

I find it a bit ironic that a lot of times – when we look back on what we consider to be ‘good times’ – they also come with that deep feeling of ‘loss’ because those good times are no longer a part of our daily lives.

People who travel a lot and are constantly shifting cities / countries for a year or two; or those that have left their homes to go and work in other countries – away from their family, friends and loved one …. It must be hard right ?  To have to settle into a strange place where your closest friend is still a few hours away by flight; to have to go out there and figure out a new network of people that you would want to spend time with and yet try not to compare them to your old friends.

For those of us who are currently single – it’s probably because we haven’t met the person who makes us ecstatic at the thought of just being with him / her.  So when we have to retrace our happier days – we will  inevitably have at least one memory involving and ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend – and that might bring a smile to our face for a few minutes – but also bring about a fast forward feature of your entire relationship thus causing some feelings of happiness, joy, fondness followed by a feeling of loss, pain or hurt (depends on how the relationship was) on the relationship ending.  It’s only natural that this happens as at the present time – we’re single and have no new relationship to turn to.

For those who are married or settled with a partner – does happiness fade away as the years go by ? Or do you just let the memories go – and take each day as it comes ?  I would think that for the majority of married couples – they would consider the bulk of the duration of the marriage to be a part of the happier times … Or do these quotes not apply to married couples ? 

I came across two such quotes which both strongly advocate that if you want to be happy then a bad memory is a must … As funny as it sounds maybe it does make sense. 

I find that every time I think back to my days in London – I’m smiling – and then after a while I end up feeling slightly down. Why ? A lot of my friends are there; I had this lifestyle that I don’t have here in Mumbai; the visual appeal of the city – the places to go and visit – which I don’t find so easy to do here in Mumbai. 

Ironically when someone asks me ‘so why are you in India then’ – my answer is for my career and its a market with untapped potential.  I do have a lot of fun here – and maintain a social life that most would be envious off – I have made some good friends as well and there are perks that I can only enjoy out here (a driver, a new car, cheap outings etc). 

Therefore my conclusion here is that I’m happy being wherever I am because really I can’t be truly happy in any city as I would be missing the perks of the another city.

 

Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.

- Albert Schweitzer

rambling random thoughts reflections sleepy Sunday state of mind such is life thoughts

Sundays are meant to be lazy days ! The one day in the week where you don’t have to worry about getting up early.  The day that you can just lay back in bed and snuggle up under the duvet in a chilled room.  A day meant for sitting in your PJ’s without a care in the world !

That’s not how I’m spending my day !  I woke up to the horrendous sounds of hammering and banging ! I thought the roof of my room was about to come down on me ! Initially I kept tossing and turning, just trying to ignore the damn noise but after a point – it was just a bit too much !!

I live in a 5 storey private building where I’m on the 4th floor – and the owner has the top pent house.  This man is crazy !

The building society has a law whereby no construction or building work can take place on a Sunday at any time and just because this jack-ass is the owner – he thinks it’s OK for him to have builders up there moving things across the floor – not by lifting them – but by dragging them !!

I had to call our building security twice to get them to stop the noise – and even had to move from my bedroom to my parents room just to try and get some sleep ! It’s the worst feeling when you get jolted out of bed because of some unexpected noise =(

I’ve been up and about since 9 a.m on a Sunday after only 4 hours of sleep and am feeling quite deprived.  Maybe I’ll catch a siesta later this afternoon – but it’s unlikely. 

I am lazing away at NC’s place now as I write this post – propped up against two pillows with a light sheet over my legs listening to her talk to my cousin in New York.

Maybe we’ll watch a movie … maybe I’ll head back home … Oh and now she’s telling my cousin MC how she enjoys hanging out with yours truly !! Woohoo !!

For those of you out there on the other side of the globe – I hope you are having a truly sleepy Sunday !!

funny getting ready interpretations life lifestyle make up outfits saree saris such is life wedding reception weddings

The content of this post refers to an incident that took place on Fri 20th Feb '09

February has been a very busy month for me in terms of family obligations - more specifically - weddings ! Two of my cousins' were getting married; and in all of this - a good friend of mine rings me up and announces that he is also getting married !

Imagine an Indian household preparing for Indian weddings ! Now think of 3 women and 2 men in one house and the about 15 functions to attend during the course of the week ! Yes it's hectic ! Mind-numbingly tiring as well !

So on Fri 20th - after a series of events for my cousin VC - I had efficiently put aside my outfit; jewellery; sandals and handbag in preparation for my mate CS's wedding reception. My mother has quite sweetly ensured that my outfit is ironed; has informed my grandmother that I would be stopping by after work to get my sari draped before the event.

I finish work at about 7:30, head to my grandparents' place, chill with my grandmother and go about getting myself ready for this reception. On arriving at the venue, we go around the property as there are a few halls and I couldn't see the name of the bride or groom so stopped to ask one of the attendents who told me to go to the banquet hall at the back of the property. No problem - so I head along there but find that it's a different name.

So I tell my driver to go back around to the front and check once again - and by this point - I'm getting a bit cranky thinking - how the hell can no one know where the function is taking place ! One of the attendents smirks and tells me 'are you sure you're at the right place?' - of course I'm at the right place ! I'm a wedding planner for god's sake ! I know venues around the city !

In the midst of this conversation, a fleeting thought crosses my mind, and I call up my mom and ask her to go and check the wedding card .... and that sinking feeling took over when I heard my mom's soft giggle ... 'darling it's on Saturday - not today!'

Ofcourse I was only just slightly miffed about the mix-up with dates - then again I was so spaced out from the numerous wedding functions I had to attend - this was almost a dress rehearsal for the real day !

So there I was ... all dressed up in a beautiful Tarun Tahiliani sari and absolutely no where to go but home !