For someone who is so used to be connected to the web, suddenly losing touch is quite hard. A thing which has happened to me because of my present place of duty. I miss internet a lot and also other things which i used to take for granted. Atleast i have now wap activated on my phone, but the interface can never match the desktop or laptop.
Another three weeks to go before i shall be able to use a normal PC with connectivity. Until then its little tough time for me. When i return full-fledge my regular blogs will also come to the fore. Time to hit the bed now.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Friday, 9 October 2009
Diwali Sweets
From as long as i can remember in Air Force, sweets during diwali is procured for all the serving soldiers of Air Force, from a sweet shop in Punjab. These sweets are distributed throughout India after transporting it by air, by the Air Force. The sweets are of good quality when set against the price it comes for.
Two years back or so this particular sweet shop was providing Motichoor Laddu for 50 rupees per Kg. Today the price has escalated to Rs.86 per kg, still quite less compared to costs in other shops anywhere in India. No where does Laddus come so cheap. The Air transportation cost is borne by Air Force, as a welfare measure. If one takes into account the transportation charge, the cost of sweets could shoot upto approximately Rs.800 per kg.
This kind of expenditure can be justified, because it for the general benefit of the soldiers. I have had instances of knowing insider news when a regional commander had launched an aircraft to collect his Ray Ban glasses which he had forgotten on his visit to a place. The Ray Ban glass costs approximately Rs.3000 at the max, while procured through CSD canteen. The operating costs incurred by Air Force in bringing his glasses worked out to anywhere approximately Rs.2,00,000. The same commander had once forgotten his briefcase while returning from an Air Force station in another city. In his usual ways, he launched an aircraft to get his briefcase collected. The cost on this occassion for bringing his briefcase should have worked out to around three to four lakh rupees.
There are many kind of such people, who use their powers for selfish ends; never thinking about the huge loss incurred to the nation. But this Diwali its going to be a sweet one for me, as i have ordered 2 kgs of sweets and also my wife is joining from chennai during the festival.
Two years back or so this particular sweet shop was providing Motichoor Laddu for 50 rupees per Kg. Today the price has escalated to Rs.86 per kg, still quite less compared to costs in other shops anywhere in India. No where does Laddus come so cheap. The Air transportation cost is borne by Air Force, as a welfare measure. If one takes into account the transportation charge, the cost of sweets could shoot upto approximately Rs.800 per kg.
This kind of expenditure can be justified, because it for the general benefit of the soldiers. I have had instances of knowing insider news when a regional commander had launched an aircraft to collect his Ray Ban glasses which he had forgotten on his visit to a place. The Ray Ban glass costs approximately Rs.3000 at the max, while procured through CSD canteen. The operating costs incurred by Air Force in bringing his glasses worked out to anywhere approximately Rs.2,00,000. The same commander had once forgotten his briefcase while returning from an Air Force station in another city. In his usual ways, he launched an aircraft to get his briefcase collected. The cost on this occassion for bringing his briefcase should have worked out to around three to four lakh rupees.
There are many kind of such people, who use their powers for selfish ends; never thinking about the huge loss incurred to the nation. But this Diwali its going to be a sweet one for me, as i have ordered 2 kgs of sweets and also my wife is joining from chennai during the festival.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Different sets of People
The social networking sites are all so good, but with some ifs and buts. Though i am more attached to Orkut, i still keep a track of Facebook account. Of late the facebook account seems interesting too, as few of my friends keep updating many things and its easy to know more about them without my having to message. Its a good deal for me.
Today, out of the blue in my facebook account there were 8 friend requests pending. In the past few years of my having that account, this kind of thing never happened. I added 6 of them, but avoided the remaining 2 as i couldnt place them anywhere in my memory. Another set of difficulty i have usually felt is about adding everyone into one network. I have different kind of friends, and my interaction levels are all different. Some of my friends talk things on the face, because of the closeness they enjoy and hence i never add them in orkut fearing others in my freindlist may be in for a shock.
People from different cultures and different countries have their unique way of talking. I for one will never have the courage to add one of my lady friend in orkut even if she wishes. Her grip on the English language is so enormous and she twists and twirls it, without thinking twice. On a public platform others who read it may be shocked, but we enjoy such good freedom in expressing ourselves. I even share this fear of mine and even though she has read my blogs, i have warned her enough, not to be her usual self if she leaves any comments.
Some fears are manageable, and this one which i talked about falls into that group. Until other challenges come to bind me here, let me go and have my dinner now.
Today, out of the blue in my facebook account there were 8 friend requests pending. In the past few years of my having that account, this kind of thing never happened. I added 6 of them, but avoided the remaining 2 as i couldnt place them anywhere in my memory. Another set of difficulty i have usually felt is about adding everyone into one network. I have different kind of friends, and my interaction levels are all different. Some of my friends talk things on the face, because of the closeness they enjoy and hence i never add them in orkut fearing others in my freindlist may be in for a shock.
People from different cultures and different countries have their unique way of talking. I for one will never have the courage to add one of my lady friend in orkut even if she wishes. Her grip on the English language is so enormous and she twists and twirls it, without thinking twice. On a public platform others who read it may be shocked, but we enjoy such good freedom in expressing ourselves. I even share this fear of mine and even though she has read my blogs, i have warned her enough, not to be her usual self if she leaves any comments.
Some fears are manageable, and this one which i talked about falls into that group. Until other challenges come to bind me here, let me go and have my dinner now.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Shopping weekend
Having lot of free time, sucks. This past weekend, thanks to Gandhiji's birthday I had 3 days of holiday at a stretch. What better way than to visit my wife in Chennai. There wasnt any accommodation available in train and so had to catch a bus to reach chennai. Though its a long journey i could weather the hardship as i was keenly looking forward to spend some time with my wife.
On reaching chennai the free time just vanished. I went to watch a tamil movie starring Kamal and Mohanlal. Also did bits of shopping for us on the last 2 days. Mall hopping proved to be a good pastime, otherwise i generally used to feel bored at my in-law's place. Even when Beena left her laptop for me to browse on earlier occasions, boredom sooner hit me. This time she took leave on saturday and i didnt want to spend it sitting idle at home.
Today afternoon i reached back trivandrum. From tomorrow its back to my normal routine. But this week end proved to be quite good. I have been feeling lazy to write anything in my blog. Dont know why, but sometimes state of mind does have a lot of bearing on one's attitude in general. Thanks to all my blog readers. See ya. Lots of Love.
On reaching chennai the free time just vanished. I went to watch a tamil movie starring Kamal and Mohanlal. Also did bits of shopping for us on the last 2 days. Mall hopping proved to be a good pastime, otherwise i generally used to feel bored at my in-law's place. Even when Beena left her laptop for me to browse on earlier occasions, boredom sooner hit me. This time she took leave on saturday and i didnt want to spend it sitting idle at home.
Today afternoon i reached back trivandrum. From tomorrow its back to my normal routine. But this week end proved to be quite good. I have been feeling lazy to write anything in my blog. Dont know why, but sometimes state of mind does have a lot of bearing on one's attitude in general. Thanks to all my blog readers. See ya. Lots of Love.
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Busy for ever!
A particular experience in the past month left me quite hurt. A person who is very close to me approached me for a small favour. I arranged for it, through another friend of mine. This first friend kept me and my other friend waiting without any calls or sms about her plans. The person who wanted the help didnt bother at all, where as we both were getting troubled not being able to hear from her. Many times i have found myself in this kind of situation in my ambitious pursuit to help all people i consider close.
Another friend i have in chennai, who is doing her doctorate from an university there. Whenever she feels it fit, she calls me or leaves messages. But when i call, she is quite busy to attend her phone. Neither she finds time to return the call nor cares to leave a message. The past day she wanted my help and there she was, calling on a daily basis. I did help her with whatever she wanted.
When people say they dont have time, its a simple admission that they dont know how to manage their time. I have worked 18 hour days, but never have i forgot to call or message my friends when i couldnt attend to their call or sms. Even on my wedding day, all the calls or sms were replied. Sometimes i forget my friend's birthdays but thats a different thing, because i sometimes forget my own birthday too.
Another friend of mine since 16 years ,who is now in chennai wasnt attending my calls or responding to my repeated messages for many months on end. This guy had changed so badly i thought. Few months back when i went to chennai, i contacted another friend who knew his home. I told him i want to go to this friend's home today and blast him left and right. I was taken to my irresponsible friend's home by this friend whom i contacted.
When i reached his home, he was there with his wife and his small kid. I didnt waste any time in bombarding him for not returning my calls or messages. He was feeling quite embarassed because i was taking him to task in front of his wife, i couldnt bother about it in the least. He kept pleading he was busy always. I said if he cant find time for one minute for an old friend like me, he is not fit to be busy. For the 15 minutes i stayed there, i kept harping on that point over and over again. That atleast will teach him how to respect people, who think of him amidst their busy schedules too.
Everybody is busy, but one never should be selfish or indifferent. I have heard the saying "Busy people find time for everything". How true!
Another friend i have in chennai, who is doing her doctorate from an university there. Whenever she feels it fit, she calls me or leaves messages. But when i call, she is quite busy to attend her phone. Neither she finds time to return the call nor cares to leave a message. The past day she wanted my help and there she was, calling on a daily basis. I did help her with whatever she wanted.
When people say they dont have time, its a simple admission that they dont know how to manage their time. I have worked 18 hour days, but never have i forgot to call or message my friends when i couldnt attend to their call or sms. Even on my wedding day, all the calls or sms were replied. Sometimes i forget my friend's birthdays but thats a different thing, because i sometimes forget my own birthday too.
Another friend of mine since 16 years ,who is now in chennai wasnt attending my calls or responding to my repeated messages for many months on end. This guy had changed so badly i thought. Few months back when i went to chennai, i contacted another friend who knew his home. I told him i want to go to this friend's home today and blast him left and right. I was taken to my irresponsible friend's home by this friend whom i contacted.
When i reached his home, he was there with his wife and his small kid. I didnt waste any time in bombarding him for not returning my calls or messages. He was feeling quite embarassed because i was taking him to task in front of his wife, i couldnt bother about it in the least. He kept pleading he was busy always. I said if he cant find time for one minute for an old friend like me, he is not fit to be busy. For the 15 minutes i stayed there, i kept harping on that point over and over again. That atleast will teach him how to respect people, who think of him amidst their busy schedules too.
Everybody is busy, but one never should be selfish or indifferent. I have heard the saying "Busy people find time for everything". How true!
Please share ur experiences or view about this subject through ur comments.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
My share of Vanity
The times spent in college and school always stays in our minds. Some of the memories may be good and some not so good. A particular vanity which worked up my mind in untiring ways was my yearning for good dress and nice pair of shoes.
My demands were generally not so much on my parents compared to my elder sister's. She would stamp her foot down and get the most difficult things achieved, but i was not so adamant in nature. I understood my dad's financial challenges in bringing us up and never was unnerving on him.
Stylishly dressed people always got my extra attention. Sneakers which were fashionable got my eyes fixed on them. The shoe company 'Liberty' had a run-away success with their Force-10 brand of sneakers. I was head over heels in love of it, for the sheer style it gave. Though i shared my appreciation and liking for this brand of shoes, with my parents, i never asked them to get it for me. I thought when i start earning, i can always buy them if they are still in fashion. Precisely, that was to happen 3 years from then.
Once i got my job, in the second month's salary i bought my much yearned brand of shoes. No doubt, it was 3 years later, but its style commanded appreciation from my fellow trainees in Air Force. A deep sense of satisfaction could be felt, and also tremendous amount of happiness for having bought it with my earned money. In the subsequent months, another long pending wish of mine was to get fulfilled.
When Timex launched their 'Indiglo' brand of watches, they had done tireless advertising, which got me hooked up in the list of its admirers. A neighbourhood boy whose dad was mega rich, got him this watch. Since i knew him, i got to check it from close quarters and fell for it that very moment. My dream to own it ended within the first few months that i started earning.
After these two loved things were possessed, i felt i shouldnt fall in love so deeply for any objects. The waiting periods can be a harsh thing to suffer. The yearning for good things is still there, but the intensity is markedly controlled.
Vanity can get us in its net, but values and character would act as guardian angels.
My demands were generally not so much on my parents compared to my elder sister's. She would stamp her foot down and get the most difficult things achieved, but i was not so adamant in nature. I understood my dad's financial challenges in bringing us up and never was unnerving on him.
Stylishly dressed people always got my extra attention. Sneakers which were fashionable got my eyes fixed on them. The shoe company 'Liberty' had a run-away success with their Force-10 brand of sneakers. I was head over heels in love of it, for the sheer style it gave. Though i shared my appreciation and liking for this brand of shoes, with my parents, i never asked them to get it for me. I thought when i start earning, i can always buy them if they are still in fashion. Precisely, that was to happen 3 years from then.
Once i got my job, in the second month's salary i bought my much yearned brand of shoes. No doubt, it was 3 years later, but its style commanded appreciation from my fellow trainees in Air Force. A deep sense of satisfaction could be felt, and also tremendous amount of happiness for having bought it with my earned money. In the subsequent months, another long pending wish of mine was to get fulfilled.
When Timex launched their 'Indiglo' brand of watches, they had done tireless advertising, which got me hooked up in the list of its admirers. A neighbourhood boy whose dad was mega rich, got him this watch. Since i knew him, i got to check it from close quarters and fell for it that very moment. My dream to own it ended within the first few months that i started earning.
After these two loved things were possessed, i felt i shouldnt fall in love so deeply for any objects. The waiting periods can be a harsh thing to suffer. The yearning for good things is still there, but the intensity is markedly controlled.
Vanity can get us in its net, but values and character would act as guardian angels.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
My Troubles on the Road
Since the past 2 months that i met with an accident, fear has firmly gripped my heart while i am riding on the road. These days i just dont like to ride myself, but dont have other way to get around easily. The other day i opted to sit pillion in my friend's bike. I was praying to him to slow down, though he was riding within his abilities. Poor guy, he had to ride unreasonably slow to keep me happy and comforted.
One nasty accident has put great amount of fear in me. While, right after the accident and during the accident, i showed great strength, presence of mind and also averted much injury to me. But, the fear has been gripping me firmly over a period of time. Earlier, my wife used to complain that i drive rash. But last time i was with her, she felt i had improved my driving, meaning i am lot slower these days.
Actually i am unreasonably fearsome these days, a fact which i am quite ashamed to admit. I shudder sitting in any vehicle which is driven rashly, whether its bus, car or bike. I am trying hard to come out of this phase. Thats also the reason i am consciously riding more on the road. When one runs away from our enemy, there is every possibility of the enemy following us. So i am trying to face it head-on. I hate being a coward, anywhere and everywhere. The results are showing slowly, my grit is taking me on the path of victory of mind. With god's support, my fears should subside to acceptable limits.
Until then, let me always hit the road on the slightest excuse and hope to drive the unwelcome monster out of my heart.
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