Friday, December 08, 2006
Leavin on a Jet Plane
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Snack Thingie
Anyway, moving on, I discovered this song called Bin tere kya jeena from the movie Guru. All I can say is that its totally blown and I am awe struck. Its the Rehman effect which makes it completely worth it. I have been listening to it for a long time now or at least it seems like or at least I want to feel like that..:). So the point is I strongly recommend this one since it definitely belongs to the goosebumpy category of songs.
So hum along and enjoy this marvel:
O humdum bin tere kya jeena..
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya oh sajana ho
rukhi re rukhi kato re kate na ratiya
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya
ho ho ho o o o
bhigi bhigi beswadi ratiya o sajana
tere bina kya jeena
tere bina tere bina
chand ka sona khota re
tere bina sona peetal tere sang peetar peepal
aaja kate na ratiya o humdum!!
I know these are not the complete lyrics but I put together the lines which I liked!!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Rambling, yet again
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass. (Its so true!)
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-------------------------
Did it? Stunning! Anyway, I have been listening to Melissa Etheridge lately and she is just so marvelous! Current favorite:
Come on baby lets get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas with the top rolled down
Theres a chill in my bones
I dont want to be left alone
So baby you can sleep while I drive
Ill pack my bag and load up my guitar
In my pocket Ill carry my harp
I got some money I saved
Enough to get underway
And baby you can sleep while I drive
and so on.......
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Emotional ride
It must have been early evening on a sunday and there aren't too many people at that time of the day. As I entered the temple I saw just one young lady sitting in the center of the room. She looked fairly young, attractive, educated and may be married I guess. I as usual walked in surveyed the place and about to comfortably sit. Next thing I percieve is that this young woman is weeping and with tears rolling down endlessly. I tried not look at her just so she doesn't get conscious of my presence and get interrupted in this emotional process. I did try to pretend as if am unaware. But like most of us do, hide our emotions and keep them under multiple layers of anonymity, she was also trying to do same and I could feel that she was afraid and ashamed that some stranger saw her turmoil. I wanted to leave her alone and not make her feel more public and judged. But I couldn't go. I wanted to reassure her that whatever has caused this will soon go and it will be brighter times tomorrow. Of course I could n't say all this but I did sit next to her for a short time gave her friendly pat and was genuinely sorry for whatever she was going through (God bless her). She clarified that it doesn't happen often and that was just once! Disappoinment with friends, failing relationship, loss of something precious or professional mishap, it could have been anything.
So when emotions are such integral part of our existence why do we try and control them, restrict them and manipulate them? Emotions not only help you in personal life but they do significantly contribute to your professional life. Successful leaders are not mechanical, non-emotive, ruthless human beings. In fact, they are the highly emotional, intelligent and analytical folks. I strongly suggest this book which I read a while back called Emotional Intelligence by Dan Goleman. Leading a team sucessfully for a project of any magnitude is not a mathematical equation. Successful management is often a product of commitment of each contributors with their best efforts which is led by a highly emotionally charged leader. I have often seen this in my boss. He is passionate, emotive, dedicated and when he talks about work, he pledges only quality work. No wonder he owns a company which is very dynamic and successful and acheived country-wide recognition in its specialization.
Emotions probably are one of those non-verbal communications which often formulate your decision-making which could be either short-term or long-term. So if they play such a role then why defy their presence?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
My beloved monster
Here is something nice I read its from the movie - akheelah and the bee: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Bittersweet life
While walking back to my car and trying to regain my sense in legs I was celebrating my small, tiny victory. As I reach the car, I see some papery thing stuck to wipers...:). Yeah thats right I have been ticketed for parking in visitor's parking which I used to think is free. Sometimes, I think ASU and God have wierd sense of humor..:). Nevermind.
Anyway, been reading a lot lately which include book and several blogs and articles. Book Never eat alone by Keith Ferrazi has some interesting views on how to leverage networking and build a successful trusted set of friends. Another interesting read, I stumbled on this blog where the fellow blogger has painted a very simple picture of his expectations of love Its very simplicity is very beautiful. Well done!
I read somewhere that sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick (it sure does) and you loose every bit of faith in life. You will be devastated and will hit the ground. Your life will be shattered to innumerable pieces where you would feel its hard to put them all together. Don't give up and keep the faith. If you survive this you will emerge as one helluva strong and wiser person and life will never be the same again.
Random act: When things/acts do not make sense to me in very logical and rational mode and it ranges from surroundings and people, I tend to go to my shell and live a secluded life.
Monday, September 25, 2006
I just dont want be a millionaire
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Salad-e-Zannat
Anyway for all those lovers of indian advertisement, I bumped into this Tata tea ad, it made my day. Enjoy. Boost is the secret of my energy!!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Lazy weekend
Anyway, moving on, I ran 2.5 miles yesterday and 3 miles just now. I feel great and want to steadily (one month, ambitious is it?) reach the 5 miles target and I try not to overdo since sometimes I get ache in my calf muscles. I am currently reading Competing for the Future by Gary Hamel and CK Prahalad and just about done. Some of the chapters on core competencies, thinking differently and leveraging strategies are worth taking a note of and would recommend to people who enjoy such reads.
Moving on, to my cooking experiments, by the way, I simply love cooking and always want to experiment with ingredients my way. I have been successful few times and few turned out to be ultimate fiascos. Here I would like to mention my luck with gulabjamun (never get them right), either they get over cooked, syrup is watery or not soft...:(. Anyway I want to try some "desi chinese." I wonder who coined such a term and if chinese, even remotely know what we Indians are doing to their popular cuisine. Gobi manchurian, paneer manchurian, spring dosa and what not, and very sure it did not originate in China.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Herd outlook
Tragedy of the commons is the conflict of interest between individual principles with common herd well-being. Reason and reasoning are purely owned by an individual. When an individual subjugates this very reasoning from others' synthesis and judgment is when the rejection of independent thinking begins to concrete. And this blind following caused by insecurity and to gain sense of belonging is dangerous.
Whenever I have discussed Roark from Fountainhead to anyone, I have always heard only one response-"Its hard/impossible to survive like him in a society and do things like he did." Not a single person opined that he was wrong, a loser or a failure. The Fountainhead is about the difference between collectivist and individualist: it shows that the dependent man could never have reason on his side, and that the independent man could never have anything else.
It takes a lot of courage and conviction to stand for truth and values and voice against wrong, sinful and immoral. But with this fear of being quarantined or rejected by "society" (I really need another post for this term), are we going to be supine and wait for more severe repercussion?
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Indian Ocean live
There were several jugalbandis interspersed with their songs array. The concert lasted for about 3 hours and closed after generously playing one extra song by audience demand...:). Melancholic ecstasy was always in my favorite's list but now I have two more added, Ma rewa and Bharam paap ke. Audience swang, waved, tapped and enjoyed every bit. I am glad I was part of it..:).
Friday, August 18, 2006
I, me, my dad and fashion
Anyway, if I ever wore that pair of jeans in front of my dad he will question me “beta, why is your jeans torn, do you not have money?” It was back in college, when my fashion cells were bursting, my dad gave me Rs.500 for emergency, mind you emergency. I went window shopping with my friends and bought Rs.399 Benetton t-shirt. When my dad saw that, he said “beta you paid Rs.400 for this baniyan?” I said daddy it’s not baniyan it’s Benetton t-shirt. He replied that it is baniyan only, it doesn’t even have collars. Oh daddy, you won’t understand. Anyway after that emergency money never happened again.
Another incidence I recall is when my dad used to take me to Bata showroom for shoe shopping. I used to always question him, dad Bata is not fashionable, he always replied, they are durable. I used to always wonder why you would want anything to be durable when you don’t like it.
Song recommendation: Patience by Guns n' Roses..here you go
Shed a tear coz I am missing you
I am still alright to smile.......
Thursday, August 10, 2006
What is pleasure?
Pleasure serves as the emotional fuel of man's successful existence. Not to mention, that man's emotional mechanism will work as per his choice of values he picks up. This is of most importance because if he erred in choice of values, his emotional mechanism will neither correct him nor shield from making a wrong choice. It is found that that there are four broad categories that allow human being to experience the enjoyment: productive work, human relationships, recreation and art (this includes array of things). Each one is inter connected and successful optimization of each will affect the others giving a fulfillment in life.
Man of self-esteem experiences the pure unadulterated enjoyment of using his faculties correctly and of achieving actual values in reality. A rational self-confident man is motivated by a love of true values and by a desire to achieve them. The difference in motivation is reflected, not only in the things different men seek for pleasure but also in the nature of the pleasure they will experience.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Critical task
Question goes back to the history, who made these rules and assumed that its' a "weaker sex" and defined a role for them? or was it a conscious selection by them itself? These are the questions that have always intrigued me and would certainly like to know: why was it like that, what is the driving force that is causing a current of change and whether this wave will sustain, recede or disappear.
Some of the solutions that I can think of are:
- guaranting women's rights and effective policies and regulations.
- more rigorous implementation of holistic education system.
- ensuring safer environment to increase their presence by addressing violence and abuse.
- investing in economic development by making them key players.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Lasseiz faire
Random thoughts.." I will take his laughter and his tears and make them all my souvenirs."
Wanted to write on some philosophical premises but feel jaded on a friday night to put my brain to work so I shall put that task for the next post..:).
Point to ponder:There is always more to things than they appear at the surface and who seek this and unfold are the successful few. Right or wrong?
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
List of cool n uncool things
- Being truly friendly, caring and affectionate- so always cool.
- Pretending to be friendly and loving- uncool.
- Want to be friendly but trying hard not to-so very uncool.
- Pretending to be busy & pricey when you are not- so uncool again man.
- Reaching out to people- cool.
- Understanding if anything can be done for a problem- so cool.
- Actually doing something about a problem, once you have identified the issue- very cool.
- Conditioning your actions with the potential fear-uncool.
- No enthusiasm and initiative- uncool.
- Back biting- absolutely uncool.
- Manipulation and diplomacy when something in danger-uncool.
- Good deeds and actions- very cool.
- Appreciating n encouraging who do good things- very cool.
- Resisting change- uncool
- Resisting change for good- very uncool.
- Laughing- cool
- Laughing hard- very cool.
- Making fun of weak- uncool.
- Supporting a loser- uncool.
- Being strong, brave and courageous- super cool.
- being stupid, timid and chicken- uncool.
- Reaching for stars- cool.
- Listening to a person who wants to say something- cool.
- Avoiding, evading and rejecting to share- so very uncool.
- Chivalry- cool
- Respecting your parents n elderly- very cool.
- Letting the child in you die- very very uncool.
- Lying, deceiving and betraying- so outrageously uncool.
- Believing in prayers- very cool.
- Dreaming big-cool.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
An objectivist ethics- happiness
Values are the product either of his thinking based on evasion/acceptance through various experiences. Values are not a constant factor and are almost never uniform through any given set of people. This is simply because they are formulated by default, by subconscious associations, on faith (blind or rational) and some form on social osmosis (complex process) or even blind imitation. Value is that which one acts to gain and/or keep-virtue is the act by which one gains and/ or keeps it. The three important values of the objectivist ethics are- reason, purpose ans self esteem with their three corresponding virtues: rationality, productiveness and pride.
To me emotions are a product of man's premises, held consciously or subconsciously, explicitly or implicitly most of the times. Man has no choice about his capacity to feel that something is good for him or evil, but what he will consider good or evil, what will give him joy or pain, what he will love or hate, desire and fear, depends on his standard of value.
A quote from Galts' speech to which I agree: " Happiness is a state of non-contradictory joy- a joy without penalty and guilt, a joy that does not clash with any of your values and does not work towards your self destruction. Happiness is possible only to a rational man, the man who desires nothing but rational goals, seeks nothing but rational values and finds his joy in nothing but rational actions."
Monday, July 10, 2006
Strategic business model
Friday, July 07, 2006
Feeling unsafe
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Tour de Tempe
So my biking in and around Tempe will be called as Tour de Tempe (nothing grand as Tour de France not even remotely close, people). So I did bike for like a mile and half today. Its not the ideal weather to bike around but its a good exercise to tone your legs muscles. I shall post some pictures of me with bike soon. I still need to buy a few accessories (helmet, lights etc.) which I will do piecemeal.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
last weekend
Anyway, on Friday I got this really strong urge to eat Portobello mushroom ravioli in garlic cream sauce from California Pizza Kitchen. Yeah, its’ the best ravioli I have had so far and I have compared about 3 or 4 places. So I asked a few people at work. Got a great response. So I decided to invite everyone. I am known as a troublemaker at work, since I am always up to something and I might get in trouble for this one day. I should keep my humor in check though. Anyway, I decided I would invite everyone. So I sent out an email saying that this lunch is in welcome of the new recruit. Around twenty people responded positively. Yey!! Some more coordination and went, hogged and felt satiated. But, now this new recruit has developed a new kind of respect towards me. She sent me an email and came and thanked me personally too. Appa!! I was feeling guilty and thought if only she knew my train of thoughts.;).
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Ten things to do to prevent global warming
Thursday, June 22, 2006
How does one lead a rational life in an irrational society?
So if we are always adjusting to something adulterated and debased and making just the best of the situation, then, we as responsible souls are allowing these things to exist in the society? And tomorrow when the future questions back how do we urge to handle it? Adjust and adapt or revolt and eradicate?
It is the fear of this responsibility that prompts most people to adopt an attitude of indiscriminate moral neutrality. If one found it difficult to maintain loyalty to ones' own conviction at the start, a succession of betrayals will only multiply the evil and courage to fight will diminish and will make it virtually impossible.
On a lighter note: song on my my mind, when you say nothin at all-by Ronan Keating from the movie Notting Hill.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Man's laws
1: Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella.
2: It is OK for a man to cry ONLY under the following circumstances:
(a) When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
(b) The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse.
(c) After wrecking your boss's car.
(d) One hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds into "The Crying Game".
3: Any Man who brings a camera to a bachelor party may be legally killed and eaten by his buddies.
4: Unless he murdered someone in your family, you must bail a friend out of jail within 12 hours.
5: Moaning about the brand of free beer in a buddy's fridge is forbidden. However complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.
6: No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another man. In fact, even remembering your buddy's birthday is strictly optional. At that point, you must celebrate at a strip bar of the birthday boy's choice.
7: On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.
8: When stumbling upon other guys watching a sporting event, you may ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who's playing.
9: It is permissible to drink a fruity alcohol drink only when you're sunning on a tropical beach... and it's delivered by a topless model and only when it's free.
10: Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed to kick another guy in the nuts.
11: Friends don't let friends wear Speedos. Ever. Issue closed.
12: If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything.
13: Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spies until they demonstrate knowledge of the game and the ability to drink as much as the other sports watchers.
14: Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice of pizza, but not both, that's just greedy.
15: If you compliment a guy on his six-pack, you'd better be talking about his choice of beer.
16: Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a friend of yours, except if she's withholding sex pending your response.
17: Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing: i.e., both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.
18: Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longer than you are able to. Keep a stopwatch by the phone. Hang up if necessary.
19: It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable for her to drive yours.
20: Thou shalt not buy a car in the colors of brown, pink, lime green, orange or sky blue.
21: The girl who replies to the question "What do you want forChristmas?" with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets an Xbox. End of story.
22: There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's Gymnastics. Ever.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Fast Car
He looks I feel alive. He looks away I feel deprived.
He is sexy; he is toxic.
He is a rush of blood I feel in my tips.
He is an icy chill. I quiver. I shiver. I long.
He moves I watch, I feel, I veer.
He talks I dont listen.
He dreams I fantasize.
He shares I feel special.
He feigns. He fakes. He covers. Its sweet.
I feel the rain on my face. I hide; I try.
Another funny thought; My boss (clean freak) went for a vacation leaving his space squeaky sharp. Me and my colleague found it very amusing thought that if we mess up his desk. It will be so funny when he comes back to find it all botched. I can imagine him fuming..:).
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Objectivism
He has the onus of discovering, telling the truth and how to correct from his mistakes. He has to discover his rules of thought, laws of logic, to direct his thinking. Ethics is not a msytic fantasy and nor it is a social convention, subjective luxury which can be switched or discarded in any emergency (convenience sake). Ethics is an objective, metaphysical necessity of man's survival. Rationality is man's basic virtue. Suspension of such rationality or his conciousness is the refusal to know (and not ignorance). Irrationality is the rejection of man's means of survival and therefore, a commitment to a course of blind destruction which is product of anti-mind and anti-life.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Whats' cookin?
Ingredients: 5/6 sticks of Asparagus, crushed pepper, thyme, basil, cummin seeds, chopped garlic, diced onion, salt and 1 spoon of plain yogurt.
Chop the weed the way you want (size, shape really doesnt matter). Heat the pan, add a dash of oil, fry cummin seeds, garlic and onion. Saute it for 3/4 minutes on low flame, and then add the weed..:). It doesn't take too long for it to cook. Add all the spices mentioned above and cook it for 6/7 minutes. Once it looks done add the yogurt and salt. Stir it and yey..its' ready to eat. Yummy...yes it tastes really good. Yeah, I had my reservation bout it.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Women's revenge
As she fumbled for her wallet, he noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.
"So, do you always carry your TV remote?" he asked.
"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me ,
and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally."
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Vande Mataram
Here I am, flapping and attempting to mature in a way that I can make a difference tommorow. Deeper understanding of problems and cognitive thinking will provide a step-by-step solutions.
On another note, I am grateful to have few people in my life. Besides my family, I have few real close friends here. Bill and Drea for my sane existence. I have shared my friendship with them for about 2 years now. Bill is Dreas' better half (very quiet person). Drea (equally opposite of Bill) is my rational and emotional support to times when I have broken down completely. I knew this post is going to be all over the place when I started. Sorry about it folks. Shall come up with something funny soon.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Google Earth
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Bowling at work
So onus on me to perform was high. It didn't work. I sucked and was one of the lowest scores in the first game. Only one guy was lower than me who was in ultimate boss's team. Now his position was so miserable, imagining that he was in team led by ferociously competent and yeah boss too. This team was next to our lane. I must have heard boss screaming at that guy to perform. Imagine your boss yelling at you to bowl better. I even heard him saying " look at Pallavi even she is doing better than you and look at Megan even she is doing better than you." I had sympathies with him man.
Well anyway, two games average was computed and I made sure where we stood before I left. My team was second. The funniest thing happened the next morning. Mr.boss hovers around and says, "yesterday evening was lot of fun and grabbing second position was awesome." Hello!!! I had to turn back and clarify it was my team which came second. He argued with me for a short time, I didn't budge though. So I approached the social director and requested him to email the results of the game to everyone. After half hour he comes again and says, "ok so your team came second, only by 6 points." Exact thought on my mind was 6 points but still. I was grinning...:).
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Professor Paul Rothstein
Thursday, April 27, 2006
I am an optimist!!
Firstly, being optimist doesn't imply excluding the factor "not having to fail." Secondly, being
If you have started at anything with some amount of pessimism, to me battle (battle may not be the best word here) has begun half heartedly in the first place. Everyone feels their life is most tough. My sister-in-law once told me this saying and it's been with me since then- "Never underestimate anyone's struggle. Each and everyone of us are fighting our own battle."
What happens when there is an optimistic enthusiast around?Ohhh... Advantage is multifold. It immediately creates an aura of positive energy and conditions conducive for synergy of ideas and their realizations. On the other hand, not starting a dialogue because of uncertainty is rejecting whole lot possibilities of new horizons and dreams to be fulfilled.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Sweet Mystery
Thats' right!!! 19" Dell Ultra Sharp flat panel LCD monitor..:D. For all the mundane info (if you care to know).
Why is it special to my heart? Coz it replaces one ugly, fat CRT one from my study...
and check-out all the room around it..sweet...na?
Coming up next......My poem on eyez..
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
New gadget
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Do we compromise in life?
Personal integrity is often abused simply because we have made that comfortable fluctuation (in total awareness). I don't think we can get confused (in our attentive mindful presence of soul) between an innocent mistake and a honest betrayal of regulations of every day operations of a system which we refer to as life. Its not a compromise when we see rational validity in a situation and learn quickly and move on. e.g., accepting publishers' meaningful suggestions is not a compromise but making some changes in order to please him or to please public against one's own standards is. Also accompanying one's husband or wife to a concert, when one does not care for music is not a compromise.
I personally feel that there can be no compromise on moral principles. Does life really need a surrender of that which is true and good to that which is false and evil? Well I really strongly don't think so. It precisely what life forbids-if one wishes to achieve anything but a stretch of tortured years spent in progressive self-destruction. Think about it..:)
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Carrot, egg or coffee bean?
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water,
its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same,
but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Let me know your pick.
On a very different note I have these songs on my mind..:).
-Tumko dekha to yeh khayal aaya zindagi dhoop tum ghana saaya (Saath-saath)
-Aap ki aakhon mein kuch mehke hue se khwaab hai (Ghar)..:D
-Tu bin bataye (Rang de Basanti)
-Chandi jaisa rang hai tera (Pankaj Udhas)
-Naina milaike (Saathiya)
-Gali mein aaj chaand nikla (Zakhm)
-Best of me (Bryan Adams)
-Hungry eyes (Dirty Dancing)
Thats' it for now. Believe me, this list is so long that I can stay awake all night listening to my favorites but I don't have that choice. I have be at work at 8am morning.:(((. Anyway on this romantic note I say good night to all of you and if you want any of those songs please email me I shall send it to you.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Top ten things only women understand.
10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell colors.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.
AND, the Number One Number One thing only women understand :
1. OTHER WOMEN
Saturday, March 11, 2006
At work!!
But the other day, he comes around and says “ohh it’s a ghetto and the next thing you know there is a RV truck parked in our cubicle.” I think I chuckled out and so did he. When I couldn’t control anymore I had to go out and finish laughing for another ten minutes or so. Now obviously by this sarcastic humor we two had a good laugh but she was flushed with embarrassment. When I got back to my desk I couldn’t look straight into her eyes for like an hour. I gradually gave some wisecracks about the guy who left our team and firm because he didn’t get two/three hour lunch breaks to play football and stuff. Things look fine and friendly between all of us now. She is a good sport.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Vows
# Do you, A and B, pledge to help each other in developing your hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom, as you age and undergo the various ups and downs of life, and to transform them into the path of love, compassion, joy and equanimity? Do you pledge to grow in dharma?
# Do you pledge to support each other's journey, to continually shine light on each other's virtue, and support individual intuitions, even when it doesn't directly benefit yourself? Do you pledge to reinforce and complement each other's virtue?
# Understanding that just as we are a mystery to ourselves, each person is also a mystery to us. Do you pledge to seek to understand yourselves, each other, and all living beings, to examine your own minds continually and to regard all the mysteries of life with openness and joy? Do you pledge to trust the inexplicable ways of the universe?
# Do you pledge to work for the welfare of others, with all of your compassion, wisdom, and skill? Do you pledge to remember the harmfulness of ignorance, anger and clinging attachment, to apply antidotes when these arise in your minds, to recall the kindness of all other beings and your connection to them? Do you pledge to be an instrument of selfless service?
# Recognizing that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth and that internally, your own minds and emotions will sometimes get challenged by negativity, do you pledge to see all these circumstances as opportunities to grow, to open your hearts, to accept yourselves, and each other? Do you pledge to be real, in all situations?
# When it comes time to part, do you pledge to reflect on your time together with thankfulness for the ways in which you have grown, acceptance that all things are temporary and empty of inherent satisfaction, and joy that you met and shared what you have? Do you pledge to cultivate gratitude for the boundless gifts you have received?
# Do you pledge to preserve and enrich your affection for each other, and to share it with all beings? To take the loving feelings you have for one another and your vision of each other's potential and inner beauty as an example, and rather than spiraling inwards and becoming self absorbed, to radiate this love outwards to all beings? Do you pledge to expand your family to include all living beings?
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Are we really ever content?
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Be the Change
A LIST OF THINGS I DO TO BE THE CHANGE, UNCONDITIONALLY.
1. Not litter in public and point out to people who do that.Keep ur environment clean just the way u want to keep ur house clean.
2.Car pool whenever possible and minimize the use of our resources.
3.Try to be good & protective to weak and vulnerable. There are bunch of people (read losers) out there who grab every opportunity to use you.. So be strong.
4.Promote Ayn Rand philosophy of "Objectivism" as much as possible.
5.Be involved in some kind of cultural thingie to keep my roots in place.
6.Love my family.
7.Laugh often, long, loud & till my cheeks hurt. It creates positive energy anywhere and eases things out.
8. Be an active sportsperson which means playing lawn tennis, table tennis or badminton on a regular basis.
9. Last but not the least beat Kartik. Yes unconditionally..:D.
THINGS I HOPE TO DO TO BRING SOME CHANGE.
1. Get more involved and be more productive to AIDIndia.
2. Make more friends.
3. Write poems more often.
4. Put condescending people in place.
5. Compliment and appreciate more often who do good work, things or deeds.
ok I think thats it for now. Not able to think more right now.
Ohhh and to keep the spirit of tagging alive I am tagging Mr.Venktesh Kalyanaraman. This will also give a much needed kick-start to Venky's blog.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Ashes n Snow
Sunday, January 29, 2006
.....
Tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin
jahan tu muskaraye, meri manzil wahi.
tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin
jahan tu muskuraye, meri manzil wahi..
meethi lage, jag ke dekhi abhi, mishri ki dali,
zindagi ko chali jahan hai teri bahein,
mera saahil hai wahi.
tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin,
jahan tu muskaraye, meri manzil wahi..
man ki dali to phuaron aa
bhig jae mere khaabon ka kafila
jise tu gunganae meri dhun hai wahi.
tu bin bataye, mujhe le chal kahin,
jahan tu muskaraye, meri manzil wahi..
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Food habits
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Dreams
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Sore muscles
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Midnight madness
Wish you all a very happy and a prosperous new year ahead. May God be on your side.