Its 2.20 pm in the watch. The day before an exam/interview/first date always seems to go on forever.
Again a look at the watch. Its just 2.23. Unbelievable! Sadly all the daily chores are done with. Its going to be a long day. One opens a newspaper website out of (boredom ?)
The first thing one comes across is the appalling spot fixing stuff. One isn't a religious fanatic when it comes to cricket. But one knows how much the country one belongs to is affected by such stuff. Integrity must be a myth for some people, one thinks. Must be sad for those involved. Last one heard the country was in floods, before that the infiltration and terrorism, before that the anarchy. Desperation one thinks. Must be stretching them to such extents. But what about the believers ? Isn't it a circle of life. The believer believes, the believed delivers/performs. They are kind of self fulfilling prophecy for each other. With even one weak link in the chain, it can break. Sometimes it can be welded. At other times its just a broken chain, with a great story of belief behind it.
Then one listens to SRT's interview online. One thanks god for him. Integrity doesn't seem a myth anymore. Its a legacy one has to learn about and carry forward.
Its 2.46 in the watch now. One has successfully eluded sleep. And one can get back to more meaningful work. After all when it comes to cricket and sports in India sometimes pretending to be oblivious to some obvious stuff, is the best remedy to avoid cynicism.
~nightflier
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
ramble ramble but dont gamble
P.S. ignore the title. I loved the rhyme though :P
So there are times, I mean phases in my weeks when I am literally blank. Its like time freezes and I get sucked into this blackhole where nothing happens. So I am going to ramble about whatever tiny eet-bits happen around my life these days.
* I watched scott pilgrim vs. the world. It is PURE AWESOMENESS. I am still laughing inside my head. OK giggling in mute (as a friend is asleep) in front of the laptop screen. You guys it is EPIC. Watch it. OK do I sound like a teenager now ? I may. But you can't ignore that its AWESOME!
* I am reading the girl with the dragon tattoo by Stieg Larsson. I am loving that one too! For once its a thriller not set in a regular American city. Its set in Sweden and is strangely mysterious. And is opening my eyes to how much abuse women all over the world undergo, despite the race, colour or ethnicity. I highly recommend.
* Even in Texas (Dallas actually, I don't know why I keep calling every texan city as Texas :D) I have stuck to my walk schedule. When things cool down late in the night, I set out for my daily walk of 1.5 miles around the soccer field of UTD. I have also got acquainted to the campus and can now venture out on my own. It still remains a stranger university for me. Go hawks!!!!!!
* I made some Indian style pasta today (wanted to make Neha style but there was no zuccini and basil at home :-/). And to mix things a bit, while cooking added some milk in the pasta to give it a rich creamy flavour. Did not go bad. Added julienne cut veggies (peppers,tomatoes,scallions,carrots,mushrooms), lots of garlic, sauted them for like 5 mins, and then added coriander powder and a little marinara sauce (I am not a huge fan) then sauted some more, added the pasta, some black pepper and some salt. Garnished with cilantro. Pretty decent for 6 people.
* I am socialising with random people these days. End up in unknown people's birthday parties (the midnight cake cutting ceremonies i.e.). Don't particularly like it, but then want to be remembered as the good jolly guest from the midwest. Its funny as I very politely wish the birthday person and then hide away in one corner. And that's why I would not like any strangers at my birthday parties. Because I as the birthday girl would never know much about their existence in my party. And stranger if you are reading this then dont mind at all to come over for my birthday anyways. We will do some small talk and you will get the cake too!
* We have tea + scrabble time nowadays. So around 6 pm when everyone starts coming back from work, we make tea and indulge in a game of scrabble. That's another thing that I am finding the iTouch to be of extreme use for. The other thing is reading. And the other other thing is music, sometimes.
* We also made gulaab jamuns the other day. I think I have become an expert at the art of making a good (consistent enough) dough and not letting them break while frying. iLike :)
* And then was talking with dad about the CWG the other day. I seriously don't understand if you are minting money, why not at least have the conscience to spend it properly first. What a shame!
* Also watched a french movie called Wild Grass (Les Herbes Folles). It is at times funny, sometimes weird and most of the times touching. I anyways like weird movies. So watch it if you do too. And remember whatever our age the wild grass inside us is never tamed. Completely.
* There are times when I so want to be politically incorrect and blurt out stuff. But I am somehow practising self control and instead drafting such thoughts and writing them down. And on more than one occasions I have been thankful for the restraint I showed earlier by not thinking/shouting out aloud. Is it true that I am growing up with a split Calvin inside ?
~nightflier
P.S. oh just in case you wondered I am still pretty much jobless and looking for jobs.
So there are times, I mean phases in my weeks when I am literally blank. Its like time freezes and I get sucked into this blackhole where nothing happens. So I am going to ramble about whatever tiny eet-bits happen around my life these days.
* I watched scott pilgrim vs. the world. It is PURE AWESOMENESS. I am still laughing inside my head. OK giggling in mute (as a friend is asleep) in front of the laptop screen. You guys it is EPIC. Watch it. OK do I sound like a teenager now ? I may. But you can't ignore that its AWESOME!
* I am reading the girl with the dragon tattoo by Stieg Larsson. I am loving that one too! For once its a thriller not set in a regular American city. Its set in Sweden and is strangely mysterious. And is opening my eyes to how much abuse women all over the world undergo, despite the race, colour or ethnicity. I highly recommend.
* Even in Texas (Dallas actually, I don't know why I keep calling every texan city as Texas :D) I have stuck to my walk schedule. When things cool down late in the night, I set out for my daily walk of 1.5 miles around the soccer field of UTD. I have also got acquainted to the campus and can now venture out on my own. It still remains a stranger university for me. Go hawks!!!!!!
* I made some Indian style pasta today (wanted to make Neha style but there was no zuccini and basil at home :-/). And to mix things a bit, while cooking added some milk in the pasta to give it a rich creamy flavour. Did not go bad. Added julienne cut veggies (peppers,tomatoes,scallions,carrots,mushrooms), lots of garlic, sauted them for like 5 mins, and then added coriander powder and a little marinara sauce (I am not a huge fan) then sauted some more, added the pasta, some black pepper and some salt. Garnished with cilantro. Pretty decent for 6 people.
* I am socialising with random people these days. End up in unknown people's birthday parties (the midnight cake cutting ceremonies i.e.). Don't particularly like it, but then want to be remembered as the good jolly guest from the midwest. Its funny as I very politely wish the birthday person and then hide away in one corner. And that's why I would not like any strangers at my birthday parties. Because I as the birthday girl would never know much about their existence in my party. And stranger if you are reading this then dont mind at all to come over for my birthday anyways. We will do some small talk and you will get the cake too!
* We have tea + scrabble time nowadays. So around 6 pm when everyone starts coming back from work, we make tea and indulge in a game of scrabble. That's another thing that I am finding the iTouch to be of extreme use for. The other thing is reading. And the other other thing is music, sometimes.
* We also made gulaab jamuns the other day. I think I have become an expert at the art of making a good (consistent enough) dough and not letting them break while frying. iLike :)
* And then was talking with dad about the CWG the other day. I seriously don't understand if you are minting money, why not at least have the conscience to spend it properly first. What a shame!
* Also watched a french movie called Wild Grass (Les Herbes Folles). It is at times funny, sometimes weird and most of the times touching. I anyways like weird movies. So watch it if you do too. And remember whatever our age the wild grass inside us is never tamed. Completely.
* There are times when I so want to be politically incorrect and blurt out stuff. But I am somehow practising self control and instead drafting such thoughts and writing them down. And on more than one occasions I have been thankful for the restraint I showed earlier by not thinking/shouting out aloud. Is it true that I am growing up with a split Calvin inside ?
~nightflier
P.S. oh just in case you wondered I am still pretty much jobless and looking for jobs.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Udaan
chhoti chhoti chhitrayi yaadein
bichhi hui hain lamhon ki lawn par,
nange pair un par chalte chalte, itni door aa gaye hain
ki ab bhool gaye hain joote kahan utaare the.
sach bhool gaye hain joote kahan utaare the, par lagta hai ab unki zaroorat nahi ..
He looks towards Manindar (his best friend). Manindar doesn't understand it. In its true essence. But it has touched a chord inside him. That moment is beautiful. Even you feel something truly beautiful is about to enfold. And thankfully it does. That's Udaan for you. A rare beauty and a gem. A simple story with real people and great screenplay and direction.
The boy is trapped. Its not that he wants to stay in the misery. His gait, his run, his walk show a subtle sign of respect and hope for something better which might one day happen unexpectedly. He wants to believe in the good. He tries it too. But nothing really happens. And I did not shed a single tear in his misery. But in his triumph. In his final run. I cried like a baby. I smiled too. A friend articulated the feeling quite well. Enthralling he said. And I agree.
All the while I was watching it, I felt something inside me too. I am still trying to identify the feeling. Was it fond nostalgia ? or anger ? or pain ? or a sad longing for innocence lost and dreams unfulfilled ?
The disparity in its frames, the steel mills of Jamshedpur in the background and poetic nature around Rohan; the moving trains and Rohan with his book and pen on the tracks. I am still quite captivated with the movie. Its every frame speaks thousands of words and at the same time silently mocks the sychophants in us. Vikramaditya Motwane I am going to track your career now. The bar has been raised so high!
This movie should have normally gone here. But I have loved it so much that it needed a proper post dedicated to it. And people who know me know that when I love a movie I deservedly go gaga about it.
On a parting note..
Pairon ki bediyan khwabon ko baandhe nahi re, kabhi nahi re
Mitti ki parton ko nanne se ankur bhi cheeray, dheere dheere
Iraade hare hare, jinke seeno mein ghar kare
Woh dil ki sune kare na darre, na darre
~nightflier
Image courtesy - google
P.S. I have used the word beautiful and lot. Believe me the movie is!
bichhi hui hain lamhon ki lawn par,
nange pair un par chalte chalte, itni door aa gaye hain
ki ab bhool gaye hain joote kahan utaare the.
sach bhool gaye hain joote kahan utaare the, par lagta hai ab unki zaroorat nahi ..
He looks towards Manindar (his best friend). Manindar doesn't understand it. In its true essence. But it has touched a chord inside him. That moment is beautiful. Even you feel something truly beautiful is about to enfold. And thankfully it does. That's Udaan for you. A rare beauty and a gem. A simple story with real people and great screenplay and direction.
The boy is trapped. Its not that he wants to stay in the misery. His gait, his run, his walk show a subtle sign of respect and hope for something better which might one day happen unexpectedly. He wants to believe in the good. He tries it too. But nothing really happens. And I did not shed a single tear in his misery. But in his triumph. In his final run. I cried like a baby. I smiled too. A friend articulated the feeling quite well. Enthralling he said. And I agree.
All the while I was watching it, I felt something inside me too. I am still trying to identify the feeling. Was it fond nostalgia ? or anger ? or pain ? or a sad longing for innocence lost and dreams unfulfilled ?
This movie should have normally gone here. But I have loved it so much that it needed a proper post dedicated to it. And people who know me know that when I love a movie I deservedly go gaga about it.
On a parting note..
Pairon ki bediyan khwabon ko baandhe nahi re, kabhi nahi re
Mitti ki parton ko nanne se ankur bhi cheeray, dheere dheere
Iraade hare hare, jinke seeno mein ghar kare
Woh dil ki sune kare na darre, na darre
~nightflier
Image courtesy - google
P.S. I have used the word beautiful and lot. Believe me the movie is!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A letter ...
Partner wrote it for his would-be-parent best friend in V.P.Kale's Partner. Rani Mukerji wrote it for her newborn daughter in KKHH. And then Mansi wrote it for her future child. That was inspiration enough for me, to hunt down the age old draft and post it. [Had not posted it earlier as I always thought it to be incomplete..somehow.]
Dear Kid,
Don't be surprised to read this. Even if we live in the same household this post is a mirror to what your mother was few years back. And somewhere its your duty to remind her (i.e. me) that how cynical, and irritated an adult she has become. As I write this I hope to reflect on my own life and tell you some goofy stories about life and its lessons. If I sound too patronizing then don't mind I am trying my level best to be the coolest parent around. For some reason if you put yourself in my shoes or any parents' shoes you will realize 'why they act the way they act' and it will be quite an amusing revelation. ;)
And that's the first thing I would like to tell you from what I have learnt from life so far. Don't judge anyone randomly for their actions. Try to practise empathy and compassion. It will save you from many harsh decisions and also open your heart to a range of human emotions. Being human has its own vicissitudes. I hope you learn to acknowledge and respect them early on. Even if you dont understand all this right now, I hope you just make a note of it. It has helped me a lot, and it will help you too.
Btw do you attend your classes regularly ? And do you study regularly ? When I was in school I was too sincere. But thankfully managed my bit of fun too. I used to read a lot. Do you read too ? And what kind of genres do you read ? Please include the Potter series, Little women and To kill a mocking bird in your reading list.
Do you sing/dance/paint/doodle/write/scribble/cook/run ? Any of these activities helps you explore the world within and outside with an open mind. I hope health and the mind's well being is on your agenda. Don't just be a kitaabi keeda.
And have I shown you the Michigan lakeside ? If not then we need to plan a trip soon. Btw I hope you do like travelling. Isnt it just fun to pack your bags, forget the humdrum and be yourself ? I also hope you love the nature and its beauty. It has the ability to heal the deepest of wounds and shoo away scariest of thoughts. When you feel really lonely, give nature a chance. It will be a good shoulder to lean on and strengthen yourself.
There is one more thing which is very important and you should remember. That is being yourself. In spite of your colour,size,height,weight be yourself. You will face identity crisis at some point or the other in life. But dont forget your principles, the little things you believe in, just to be somebody else. And even if you do forget and try to be something you are not, then don't worry. I will try to be a friendly reminder. As important it is to give others a second chance, it is of utmost importance that you give yourself chances too. Better to learn a lesson than never committing a mistake. Be generous to others and yourself. Life isn't easy, so its better not to complicate it with little things.
And do you enjoy the small stuff ? Like pani puri, a candy bar, leaving small notes behind for yourself and friends, writing letters, jumping in roadside puddles, getting wet in the rains once in a while, drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace and watching animated movies ? It is always this small stuff which matters. It is the joy of small things which sometimes lessens the pain of not getting what you wanted in life.
Life with its absurdities will sometimes amaze you, sometimes dishearten you and sometimes bog you down to the extent of giving up. But moving on is the greatest gift you have got. Use it wisely. Cultivate your faith and a right attitude towards life and people in general. Then you will be able to deal with the cynics and non believers from early on. Don't ever give up on your dreams. They make you what you are. They also motivate you to keep going despite the hardships, trials and tribulations of life. And its nice to keep the kid within alive, along with that dream.
And have an ego. But not amongst friends. They are your mirrors and each friendship you nurture will open you to fun things. I hope you are not hooked to social networking sites (if they are still the in thing that is). If facebook is gone then what do you use to re-connect with lost/old friends ? If facebook exists then are we friends on it ? I hope we are. Again I dont intend to keep a watch on you, but just want to be a part of your life and the changes you are going through. And if twitter is still there, then hope you are following me and vice versa ;) Do you have a blog ? Well not because you like writing. But its a good option for having a pensieve. And also because I would love to read your thoughts. (We have a deal on the being a non creepy parent so dont worry ;))
I hope you give love a chance. It needn't be a happy ending. But opening your heart to someone is a really warm feeling. Love will keep you grounded and humble. Also its not important to be wise in love. Let your heart choose its own way. What makes it happy, will make you happy in the end :)
Btw do you get annoyed by unsolicited advice and suggestions ? (If yes, I am so happy that you are like me) But its good to be a good listener. Also its ok to be a rebel and give your piece of mind to annoying people once in a while ;)
You will meet people who would like to change you to suit their needs or to better yourself. I hope you will be able to recognize what is what from early on.
I am so sure you are a good kid and loved by everyone. I am also very sure that you have lots of dreams and ambitions. Don't give up on any of them is the least I can tell you. But sometimes with life's unpredictability you might have to let go of some. It will be a terrible feeling, but time gets rid of all troubles. So I hope you cultivate patience too. And more than wisdom, being clever is important in life. Sometimes wisdom might take away all the fun there is to situations. And remember having fun is a necessity when it comes to leading a happy life :)
Also never take anything for granted. Always count your blessings. For every crib-thought you nurture, remember there is a kid in an impoverished neighbourhood struggling to make a living for him/her self. But you will always have me and god to crib, cry about stuff which is important to you.
I think sometimes we wont find time to be the normal parent-kid. Not always will we find time for each other, with my work-life imbalance. Then its your duty to remind me of the balance I need to seek. If I become cynical, unhappy and irked by life and people, it is again your call to remind me who I was and what I have become. As you can see responsibilities for you will start quite early in life. Please try to accept them gracefully. With a mother like me, it will save you lot of energy ;)
Keep your eyes and mind open kid. Learn, eat, explore, enjoy, love and be loved. Dream a lot and strive for your dreams. All this won't solve any of life's mysteries but it will definitely make life happy and fun.
Lots of love, laughter and sunshine,
~nightflier
P.S. And yeah do you have a pseudonym too ?
Dear Kid,
Don't be surprised to read this. Even if we live in the same household this post is a mirror to what your mother was few years back. And somewhere its your duty to remind her (i.e. me) that how cynical, and irritated an adult she has become. As I write this I hope to reflect on my own life and tell you some goofy stories about life and its lessons. If I sound too patronizing then don't mind I am trying my level best to be the coolest parent around. For some reason if you put yourself in my shoes or any parents' shoes you will realize 'why they act the way they act' and it will be quite an amusing revelation. ;)
And that's the first thing I would like to tell you from what I have learnt from life so far. Don't judge anyone randomly for their actions. Try to practise empathy and compassion. It will save you from many harsh decisions and also open your heart to a range of human emotions. Being human has its own vicissitudes. I hope you learn to acknowledge and respect them early on. Even if you dont understand all this right now, I hope you just make a note of it. It has helped me a lot, and it will help you too.
Btw do you attend your classes regularly ? And do you study regularly ? When I was in school I was too sincere. But thankfully managed my bit of fun too. I used to read a lot. Do you read too ? And what kind of genres do you read ? Please include the Potter series, Little women and To kill a mocking bird in your reading list.
Do you sing/dance/paint/doodle/write/scribble/cook/run ? Any of these activities helps you explore the world within and outside with an open mind. I hope health and the mind's well being is on your agenda. Don't just be a kitaabi keeda.
And have I shown you the Michigan lakeside ? If not then we need to plan a trip soon. Btw I hope you do like travelling. Isnt it just fun to pack your bags, forget the humdrum and be yourself ? I also hope you love the nature and its beauty. It has the ability to heal the deepest of wounds and shoo away scariest of thoughts. When you feel really lonely, give nature a chance. It will be a good shoulder to lean on and strengthen yourself.
There is one more thing which is very important and you should remember. That is being yourself. In spite of your colour,size,height,weight be yourself. You will face identity crisis at some point or the other in life. But dont forget your principles, the little things you believe in, just to be somebody else. And even if you do forget and try to be something you are not, then don't worry. I will try to be a friendly reminder. As important it is to give others a second chance, it is of utmost importance that you give yourself chances too. Better to learn a lesson than never committing a mistake. Be generous to others and yourself. Life isn't easy, so its better not to complicate it with little things.
And do you enjoy the small stuff ? Like pani puri, a candy bar, leaving small notes behind for yourself and friends, writing letters, jumping in roadside puddles, getting wet in the rains once in a while, drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace and watching animated movies ? It is always this small stuff which matters. It is the joy of small things which sometimes lessens the pain of not getting what you wanted in life.
Life with its absurdities will sometimes amaze you, sometimes dishearten you and sometimes bog you down to the extent of giving up. But moving on is the greatest gift you have got. Use it wisely. Cultivate your faith and a right attitude towards life and people in general. Then you will be able to deal with the cynics and non believers from early on. Don't ever give up on your dreams. They make you what you are. They also motivate you to keep going despite the hardships, trials and tribulations of life. And its nice to keep the kid within alive, along with that dream.
And have an ego. But not amongst friends. They are your mirrors and each friendship you nurture will open you to fun things. I hope you are not hooked to social networking sites (if they are still the in thing that is). If facebook is gone then what do you use to re-connect with lost/old friends ? If facebook exists then are we friends on it ? I hope we are. Again I dont intend to keep a watch on you, but just want to be a part of your life and the changes you are going through. And if twitter is still there, then hope you are following me and vice versa ;) Do you have a blog ? Well not because you like writing. But its a good option for having a pensieve. And also because I would love to read your thoughts. (We have a deal on the being a non creepy parent so dont worry ;))
I hope you give love a chance. It needn't be a happy ending. But opening your heart to someone is a really warm feeling. Love will keep you grounded and humble. Also its not important to be wise in love. Let your heart choose its own way. What makes it happy, will make you happy in the end :)
Btw do you get annoyed by unsolicited advice and suggestions ? (If yes, I am so happy that you are like me) But its good to be a good listener. Also its ok to be a rebel and give your piece of mind to annoying people once in a while ;)
You will meet people who would like to change you to suit their needs or to better yourself. I hope you will be able to recognize what is what from early on.
I am so sure you are a good kid and loved by everyone. I am also very sure that you have lots of dreams and ambitions. Don't give up on any of them is the least I can tell you. But sometimes with life's unpredictability you might have to let go of some. It will be a terrible feeling, but time gets rid of all troubles. So I hope you cultivate patience too. And more than wisdom, being clever is important in life. Sometimes wisdom might take away all the fun there is to situations. And remember having fun is a necessity when it comes to leading a happy life :)
Also never take anything for granted. Always count your blessings. For every crib-thought you nurture, remember there is a kid in an impoverished neighbourhood struggling to make a living for him/her self. But you will always have me and god to crib, cry about stuff which is important to you.
I think sometimes we wont find time to be the normal parent-kid. Not always will we find time for each other, with my work-life imbalance. Then its your duty to remind me of the balance I need to seek. If I become cynical, unhappy and irked by life and people, it is again your call to remind me who I was and what I have become. As you can see responsibilities for you will start quite early in life. Please try to accept them gracefully. With a mother like me, it will save you lot of energy ;)
Keep your eyes and mind open kid. Learn, eat, explore, enjoy, love and be loved. Dream a lot and strive for your dreams. All this won't solve any of life's mysteries but it will definitely make life happy and fun.
Lots of love, laughter and sunshine,
~nightflier
P.S. And yeah do you have a pseudonym too ?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
~William Ernest Henley
Friday, August 6, 2010
cooking woes
I have observed, lately I end up cooking good food but with a little less salt.
Cooking is about finding balance for me. If I am losing it there, time to reflect on my life and try to add an extra pinch there too ?
:|
~nightflier
Cooking is about finding balance for me. If I am losing it there, time to reflect on my life and try to add an extra pinch there too ?
:|
~nightflier
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Dallas Diaries
After the usual woes of the baggage that I tend to accumulate over time and packing and moving, I have finally arrived in Texas. I was sleeping through most of the touch down and hence dont have any specific aerial observations about the city I am in. But from what my sleepy head can remember, the landscape seemed pretty sparsely crowded (with buildings and vehicles) and greener than I could have imagined.
Oh and the airs of Dallas blew me away. Literally. As soon as I got out of the airport gusts of hot winds greeted me. Except for the people around I had a deja vu feeling for a second of being in my homwtown, where things get hot, hotter and hottest! My shared cab driver made me wait for 20 minutes and then finally we took off. Normally I do my bit of research before visiting any city to at least know about the people and culture. But this time due to lack of time and lack of internet I ended up being a total nomad. I was clueless except for the fact that I had the address of the friend where I was supposed to go. [May be it was the comfort of visiting someone familiar that I was so careless to not do my part.]
And since I was caught in an unfamiliar territory I started my bit of small talk with the driver by talking about the weather. [:P] After making it obvious that this was my first visit to southern USA, he broke the ice pretty fast. Talks soon moved to schooling and education and what I was doing there. After giving my standard replies, I asked him where he was from. Algeria. I made a very stupid attempt of guessing its geographic location and made a huge boo boo. Thankfully I was judged for being an engineer, a person who should know more about technology than geography. He then went on to explain the whole geography of Africa. He had no difficulties telling stuff about India and our neighbours too. He also mentioned Kashmir and then we ended up discussing how political the whole situation has become. Which lead to an interesting revelation on his behalf. Apparently he was a business administration student at a nearby university. And due to the recession he dropped out of school in his last semester, 2.5 years back and started this driving business. That was apparently the reason for his good knowledge of current affairs. Looking back he reflected he should have continued school and finished it sooner instead of trying to earn more money. But for the better part he also got his family here [but it seems his younger brother and sister have also dropped out of school and are part time drivers].
We humans are weird. I met a guy who quit school to earn money by doing something he never thought he would do, at a point when I am contemplating my next career move. I could not help but compare myself with him and feel a tad bit secure.
At the same time, I could not help but wonder if they will join school again and be able to go back home ?
So that's the story of the first texan friend I made. He plans to join school and finish his Bachelors soon. And I can just hope 'that soon' is not the next 2 years.
~nightflier
Oh and the airs of Dallas blew me away. Literally. As soon as I got out of the airport gusts of hot winds greeted me. Except for the people around I had a deja vu feeling for a second of being in my homwtown, where things get hot, hotter and hottest! My shared cab driver made me wait for 20 minutes and then finally we took off. Normally I do my bit of research before visiting any city to at least know about the people and culture. But this time due to lack of time and lack of internet I ended up being a total nomad. I was clueless except for the fact that I had the address of the friend where I was supposed to go. [May be it was the comfort of visiting someone familiar that I was so careless to not do my part.]
And since I was caught in an unfamiliar territory I started my bit of small talk with the driver by talking about the weather. [:P] After making it obvious that this was my first visit to southern USA, he broke the ice pretty fast. Talks soon moved to schooling and education and what I was doing there. After giving my standard replies, I asked him where he was from. Algeria. I made a very stupid attempt of guessing its geographic location and made a huge boo boo. Thankfully I was judged for being an engineer, a person who should know more about technology than geography. He then went on to explain the whole geography of Africa. He had no difficulties telling stuff about India and our neighbours too. He also mentioned Kashmir and then we ended up discussing how political the whole situation has become. Which lead to an interesting revelation on his behalf. Apparently he was a business administration student at a nearby university. And due to the recession he dropped out of school in his last semester, 2.5 years back and started this driving business. That was apparently the reason for his good knowledge of current affairs. Looking back he reflected he should have continued school and finished it sooner instead of trying to earn more money. But for the better part he also got his family here [but it seems his younger brother and sister have also dropped out of school and are part time drivers].
We humans are weird. I met a guy who quit school to earn money by doing something he never thought he would do, at a point when I am contemplating my next career move. I could not help but compare myself with him and feel a tad bit secure.
At the same time, I could not help but wonder if they will join school again and be able to go back home ?
So that's the story of the first texan friend I made. He plans to join school and finish his Bachelors soon. And I can just hope 'that soon' is not the next 2 years.
~nightflier
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
a glimpse into my world
Now those who know me and read this blog, know how I got addicted to television. How it has become an integral part of my life here in the US. [most of it is attributed to not having to eat meals alone i.e. my work around for having some company ;) for those who dont know]
So anywhoo (this is something I picked up from Scrubs :P) point behind this post is nothing but praise some of the tv shows that I have come to love!
1. Sex and the city - Now before TV became such a huge part of my life, I always had my reasons for not watching this show. Its kind of obvious in the name itself. And I openly admit that I was judgemental about it. Until one of my close friends whose taste in such matters I consider of great importance, raved about it. Then my roomie, who is a smart, independent person herself also started going gaga about it. [there are only 2 ways you can make me watch/read a movie/serial/book - I should either love you too much or respect you too much to ignore ;)]
So without any clue I hurled myself into the world of the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw. Co-incidentally I was going through a low phase in life and used to miss life back home and friends like anything. So SATC gave me a reason to look forward to my meals and life, in a new way. Watching it was like hanging out with girls (friends) over drinks/coffee/breakfast and just be yourself. And the more I progressed into the show, I started realizing it was intelligent and deep. And despite being neurotic and sometimes stupid, I started relating with Carrie. Because of her obvious flaws (and love for shoes. I tend to judge people from their shoes only if I dont know them and need to form an opinion) and her need to be accepted the way she is. Its a huge revelation you know. To acknowledge ones own flaws and just being oneself. And deal with life your own way.
So for all this and the great company that I got during my meals, this show is one of all time favourites!
[I love all the girls in the show equally btw]
my favourite lines from the show - so many !!!!!
2. House MD - Medical detective drama and me! Quite inseparable! Plus Greg House is so wacky, whimsical, wicked, and at times philosophical and human that I am in love with him. Some of the cases are so intriguing and the underlying tensions in the team, House's manipulative strategies of differential diagnosis make it all the more engaging! Plus they dont show much intrusive medical procedure. Hence a safe meal time companion.
But what I dont write here, beyond the obvious, is how I House has had a profound impact on me. Specially the episode where House has to treat a brain cancer patient and how he is humbled at the end!
My favourite lines from the show - 'You can't always get what you want!' and many more
3. Big Bang Theory - I like nerdy stuff! And Sheldon Cooper you rock! For his priceless bazinga moments I can sit through some other mindless stuff. And I have seen quite a few comedy sitcoms. But BBT could make a place in my heart. May be because it is weird, they talk about science, physics and other geeky stuff :P
4. Castle - Beckett-Castle chemistry is the freshest stuff I have seen between 2 crime detectives since sherlcok holmes - watson. Well may be I exaggerate. But it is very likeable and funny. Plus Ric Castle's home is so fabulous and the kind of rich-kid-gone-spoilt stuff he engages in (read video games, laser tags etc) is super awesome! And I really like the very professional, no-nonsense, dedicated feel Beckett brings to the work place. Double thumbs up!
5. Glee - I know its ages past my age to watch high school dramas. But everyone in Glee is so godammitly talented, that I overcame my initial awkwardness of watching Glee. I love all the music, drama and theatrics in it. I always had this little dream of becoming a performer (only to realize later that I can't really handle all the attention one gets :P) and Glee lets me live it. Vicariously enough! ;)
So all in all I have a really high opinion of American Television now! It can accommodate so many tastes. Desi TV aisa kab banega ? :-/
~nightflier
So anywhoo (this is something I picked up from Scrubs :P) point behind this post is nothing but praise some of the tv shows that I have come to love!
1. Sex and the city - Now before TV became such a huge part of my life, I always had my reasons for not watching this show. Its kind of obvious in the name itself. And I openly admit that I was judgemental about it. Until one of my close friends whose taste in such matters I consider of great importance, raved about it. Then my roomie, who is a smart, independent person herself also started going gaga about it. [there are only 2 ways you can make me watch/read a movie/serial/book - I should either love you too much or respect you too much to ignore ;)]
So without any clue I hurled myself into the world of the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw. Co-incidentally I was going through a low phase in life and used to miss life back home and friends like anything. So SATC gave me a reason to look forward to my meals and life, in a new way. Watching it was like hanging out with girls (friends) over drinks/coffee/breakfast and just be yourself. And the more I progressed into the show, I started realizing it was intelligent and deep. And despite being neurotic and sometimes stupid, I started relating with Carrie. Because of her obvious flaws (and love for shoes. I tend to judge people from their shoes only if I dont know them and need to form an opinion) and her need to be accepted the way she is. Its a huge revelation you know. To acknowledge ones own flaws and just being oneself. And deal with life your own way.
So for all this and the great company that I got during my meals, this show is one of all time favourites!
[I love all the girls in the show equally btw]
my favourite lines from the show - so many !!!!!
2. House MD - Medical detective drama and me! Quite inseparable! Plus Greg House is so wacky, whimsical, wicked, and at times philosophical and human that I am in love with him. Some of the cases are so intriguing and the underlying tensions in the team, House's manipulative strategies of differential diagnosis make it all the more engaging! Plus they dont show much intrusive medical procedure. Hence a safe meal time companion.
But what I dont write here, beyond the obvious, is how I House has had a profound impact on me. Specially the episode where House has to treat a brain cancer patient and how he is humbled at the end!
My favourite lines from the show - 'You can't always get what you want!' and many more
3. Big Bang Theory - I like nerdy stuff! And Sheldon Cooper you rock! For his priceless bazinga moments I can sit through some other mindless stuff. And I have seen quite a few comedy sitcoms. But BBT could make a place in my heart. May be because it is weird, they talk about science, physics and other geeky stuff :P
4. Castle - Beckett-Castle chemistry is the freshest stuff I have seen between 2 crime detectives since sherlcok holmes - watson. Well may be I exaggerate. But it is very likeable and funny. Plus Ric Castle's home is so fabulous and the kind of rich-kid-gone-spoilt stuff he engages in (read video games, laser tags etc) is super awesome! And I really like the very professional, no-nonsense, dedicated feel Beckett brings to the work place. Double thumbs up!
5. Glee - I know its ages past my age to watch high school dramas. But everyone in Glee is so godammitly talented, that I overcame my initial awkwardness of watching Glee. I love all the music, drama and theatrics in it. I always had this little dream of becoming a performer (only to realize later that I can't really handle all the attention one gets :P) and Glee lets me live it. Vicariously enough! ;)
So all in all I have a really high opinion of American Television now! It can accommodate so many tastes. Desi TV aisa kab banega ? :-/
~nightflier
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