Having learnt by hearing from her brothers the telugu and english weekdays - Mahalakshmi started reciting them in telugu one fine morning. She went on ... sanivaaramu, aadivaramu... when Chandradithya told her the week starts with a Sunday - aadivaaramu. Then she picked up saying...aadivaaramu, sOdivaaramu, managaLavaaramu... and so on.
That's a first for me to hear sOmavaaramu as sOdivaaramu....and I couldnt' control myself :)
Yes - it's been a looooooooooong time since I wrote last. I'll try to be a little more frequent than it's been so far.
Swasti!!
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Real Shocker
6 months ago I gave a test at the local RTA office and got my learner's permit. The permit said it's valid for 6 months and I could give the road test 30 days after the permit is issued. As usual, I put the permit in my wallet and went about driving. One fine day this month, I realized the 6 month deadline must be approaching, so without even bothering to look at the validity dates I went to the RTA office early next morning and stood in line to take the date for road test.
I haven't driven a car on Indian roads before - although I drove a manual/stick shift car for many years in the USA. So, I thought I would take a few days to get familiarized with it before giving the test.
The line started moving after a long wait - and slowly, but surely, my turn at the window came. The clerk inside took my papers, checked the computer, and asked me to pay Rs. 470 for the road test and gave me a slip. I asked him for 'the available dates after next week'. He said 'come for the test at 1:30pm'. I sought clarification asking - 'which day? I don't see a date on the slip'. He looked up and down at me and answered - 'come at 1:30pm today to the chinta chettu (Tamarind tree) area near the Maseed (mosque). Do you know where it is?' I answered in the affirmative thinking I could easily find out where the Maseed is. I muttered again - 'Can I get it for a later date?'; to which he looked again with the 'don't-waste-my-time' kind of looks and called the next guy in line who was already arching around and in front of me to hand over his application. I felt so unwelcome there and came away from there.
I then immediately called a car driving school number. I saved it in my mobile a few weeks ago, seeing it on the back of a driving school car thinking I should call them and practise a few days before giving the exam.
The instructor answered my call and said he's in the middle of a class. I told him I needed immediate help and that my test is at 1:30pm. He was confused as to how I could sign up for a road test when I haven't taken any classes. I asked where he was and went to him immediately. I explained my situation and sought his help.
He completed his class and told me he will show me what's needed. I got in the driver's seat and he guided me. He also took me to the Maseed testing spot and showed me where the RTA Inspector would stand and what he would ask during the test etc. After driving around a few rounds, we came back home. I grabbed a few bites for lunch and since it's already time for my test, went on my scooter to the Maseed testing location.
After waiting for a while the RTA came with his records assistant. The RTA first cleared those who came in their own cars for the test. Then came the turn of folks who needed a car for the test. A few 'contractors' are waiting with their cars for those like us who need a car for the test. After almost all are done, my turn came. They were sending two candidates each to be tested at the same time. They sent another guy along with me.
We went to the car assigned to us. The navigator asked me to sit in the driver's seat. I sat and tried to adjust the seat and the mirros. The navigator said - 'don't worry. they don't work. Only on setting for them since a lot of people have to use the car every day.' I didn't know what to say.
My hand went to the key in the ignition and left foot went to the clutch. He then said - 'this is a very old car - so the clutch is not working well. I will control the clutch and the brake, you control the accelerator'.
I didn't understand completely what he said at first. I was very puzzled. After a few seconds, I came to my senses and all I could do was smile. Meanwhile, the RTA officer was very busy chatting away with his subordinates and elderly driving license applicants - and didn't even turn towards us. The navigator asked us to go straight and turn right - only to come back half way. All of 200 yards. Then I had to sit in the back while the second applicant came in front of the steering wheel and drove straight to the point where we started.
The navigator then said, the test is done. And collected Rs. 50 each for letting us use his car. We got down and went to the records assistant - and he took our signature in the long book he's carrying. License issued 4 days later.
End of the story.
I was really shocked at the kind of testing being done for prospective drivers. Of course, they are not prospective because almost all of the applicants are already driving the vehicles they are seeking to get the license to drive.
If this is the kind of testing going on at the RTA offices for issuing a driving license, no wonder we see drivers rushing into the 4-lane intersection without looking for the traffic already in the intersection; and coming from bi-lanes into the main streets as if it's all one straight, traffic-free street, and they're the only ones driving on it.
It's not the roads we need to upgrade first. Upgrade the RTA offices, testing and verification procedures before issuing the licenses as also renewals.
Yeah - after 9 months upon our return, we are still learning the ropes of living in our motherland!!
Swasti!!
I haven't driven a car on Indian roads before - although I drove a manual/stick shift car for many years in the USA. So, I thought I would take a few days to get familiarized with it before giving the test.
The line started moving after a long wait - and slowly, but surely, my turn at the window came. The clerk inside took my papers, checked the computer, and asked me to pay Rs. 470 for the road test and gave me a slip. I asked him for 'the available dates after next week'. He said 'come for the test at 1:30pm'. I sought clarification asking - 'which day? I don't see a date on the slip'. He looked up and down at me and answered - 'come at 1:30pm today to the chinta chettu (Tamarind tree) area near the Maseed (mosque). Do you know where it is?' I answered in the affirmative thinking I could easily find out where the Maseed is. I muttered again - 'Can I get it for a later date?'; to which he looked again with the 'don't-waste-my-time' kind of looks and called the next guy in line who was already arching around and in front of me to hand over his application. I felt so unwelcome there and came away from there.
I then immediately called a car driving school number. I saved it in my mobile a few weeks ago, seeing it on the back of a driving school car thinking I should call them and practise a few days before giving the exam.
The instructor answered my call and said he's in the middle of a class. I told him I needed immediate help and that my test is at 1:30pm. He was confused as to how I could sign up for a road test when I haven't taken any classes. I asked where he was and went to him immediately. I explained my situation and sought his help.
He completed his class and told me he will show me what's needed. I got in the driver's seat and he guided me. He also took me to the Maseed testing spot and showed me where the RTA Inspector would stand and what he would ask during the test etc. After driving around a few rounds, we came back home. I grabbed a few bites for lunch and since it's already time for my test, went on my scooter to the Maseed testing location.
After waiting for a while the RTA came with his records assistant. The RTA first cleared those who came in their own cars for the test. Then came the turn of folks who needed a car for the test. A few 'contractors' are waiting with their cars for those like us who need a car for the test. After almost all are done, my turn came. They were sending two candidates each to be tested at the same time. They sent another guy along with me.
We went to the car assigned to us. The navigator asked me to sit in the driver's seat. I sat and tried to adjust the seat and the mirros. The navigator said - 'don't worry. they don't work. Only on setting for them since a lot of people have to use the car every day.' I didn't know what to say.
My hand went to the key in the ignition and left foot went to the clutch. He then said - 'this is a very old car - so the clutch is not working well. I will control the clutch and the brake, you control the accelerator'.
I didn't understand completely what he said at first. I was very puzzled. After a few seconds, I came to my senses and all I could do was smile. Meanwhile, the RTA officer was very busy chatting away with his subordinates and elderly driving license applicants - and didn't even turn towards us. The navigator asked us to go straight and turn right - only to come back half way. All of 200 yards. Then I had to sit in the back while the second applicant came in front of the steering wheel and drove straight to the point where we started.
The navigator then said, the test is done. And collected Rs. 50 each for letting us use his car. We got down and went to the records assistant - and he took our signature in the long book he's carrying. License issued 4 days later.
End of the story.
I was really shocked at the kind of testing being done for prospective drivers. Of course, they are not prospective because almost all of the applicants are already driving the vehicles they are seeking to get the license to drive.
If this is the kind of testing going on at the RTA offices for issuing a driving license, no wonder we see drivers rushing into the 4-lane intersection without looking for the traffic already in the intersection; and coming from bi-lanes into the main streets as if it's all one straight, traffic-free street, and they're the only ones driving on it.
It's not the roads we need to upgrade first. Upgrade the RTA offices, testing and verification procedures before issuing the licenses as also renewals.
Yeah - after 9 months upon our return, we are still learning the ropes of living in our motherland!!
Swasti!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Brains
Dr. Usha is a cleanliness freak. Are all dentists like that? Or am I lucky to get paired with one. Needless to say, I don't live upto her expectations of cleanliness. I tend to leave things behind as if I meant to get back to them, but forgot. I can't say myself for sure, if it is purposeful forgetfulness or genuine. I think in my case, the line between both has blurred a long time ago.
Anyway - coming to the present - summer vacation for kids - wake up late in the morning - mom's almost out the door to clinic - dad fixes breakfast - mess and mayhem follow....... yeah! you get the idea. Today's no different. To keep things simple, I carefully planted the idea of Vanilla Milk into their brains even while the toothbrushing is going on. Thank god, they bought into it.
They attacked some of the toys lying around while I ran into the kitchen to prepare Vanilla Milk. After mixing it up, feeling proud of getting a handy froth machine, I poured it into 3 cups, left the spoon on the kitchen counter. Yeah - lazy to just push it a little bit left so it could find its way into the sink. I placed the cups on the kids' picnic/park bench, ordering them to gulp it down by the time I come back from a visit to the bathroom.
I came back in a couple of minutes to pick up the glasses - but as usual - the milk cups were untouched. The kids were busy checking their toys after what seemed like ages for them since last night. I ran into the kitchen to mix some vanilla milk for myself. Instead of taking another spoon, my brilliant brain remembered conveniently that I didn't put the previous spoon into the sink. So, I reached out to the spoon - but my hand came back immediately with a mini shock. On seeing the ants attacking the few droplets of vanilla milk on the spoon. Where did they come from? How could they come faster from seemingly far off distance - while my kids can't reach the milk glasses within their arms reach?!
Who's got the brains here? The dad - who conveniently remembered and thought of reusing the spoon? The kids - who were making the best use of their summer vacation playing around, not even heeding to the call for milk? Or the uninvited guests, who stormed the spoon for the few drops of sweet milk, and lost their lives?!
Is there a way to draw Lakshmanrekha lines all around the house ?!
Swasti!!
Anyway - coming to the present - summer vacation for kids - wake up late in the morning - mom's almost out the door to clinic - dad fixes breakfast - mess and mayhem follow....... yeah! you get the idea. Today's no different. To keep things simple, I carefully planted the idea of Vanilla Milk into their brains even while the toothbrushing is going on. Thank god, they bought into it.
They attacked some of the toys lying around while I ran into the kitchen to prepare Vanilla Milk. After mixing it up, feeling proud of getting a handy froth machine, I poured it into 3 cups, left the spoon on the kitchen counter. Yeah - lazy to just push it a little bit left so it could find its way into the sink. I placed the cups on the kids' picnic/park bench, ordering them to gulp it down by the time I come back from a visit to the bathroom.
I came back in a couple of minutes to pick up the glasses - but as usual - the milk cups were untouched. The kids were busy checking their toys after what seemed like ages for them since last night. I ran into the kitchen to mix some vanilla milk for myself. Instead of taking another spoon, my brilliant brain remembered conveniently that I didn't put the previous spoon into the sink. So, I reached out to the spoon - but my hand came back immediately with a mini shock. On seeing the ants attacking the few droplets of vanilla milk on the spoon. Where did they come from? How could they come faster from seemingly far off distance - while my kids can't reach the milk glasses within their arms reach?!
Who's got the brains here? The dad - who conveniently remembered and thought of reusing the spoon? The kids - who were making the best use of their summer vacation playing around, not even heeding to the call for milk? Or the uninvited guests, who stormed the spoon for the few drops of sweet milk, and lost their lives?!
Is there a way to draw Lakshmanrekha lines all around the house ?!
Swasti!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Our First Summer
We have been looking forward to it. With varied feelings. If we can live through this summer, we would know how it is to live here. Not that we haven't lived in India and Machilipatnam before. But that 'before' was almost 17 summers ago. A lot has changed since then in India. But more so, regarding the summer weather. I don't recall summers being so brutal in those days. May be because the day time highs were not as high as they are now. Was it because there's much more greenery around, much less concrete buildings and much fewer motor vehicles and much less pollution then? Could it be that we were more tolerant then? Or was it that we were not exposed the luxuries of life and were living more in unison with the nature to not feel 'burnt'? Or is my memory just trying to gloss over the past, making the present look worse?!
Whatever be the reason, it's very very hot out here. Forget 'out'- it's very very hot in here as well. The other day, blazing hot summer heat 'waves' started hitting the doors and windows as early as 10:30 in the morning.
Just 5 days ago, I was thinking - 'It's already the first week of May. This summer hasn't been as bad as I expected it to be. May be people just get psyched out about the few days of peak temperatures and attribute those temps to the whole season......' Then, as if the Sun God sensed my silent contempt, he started coming out loud and clear and early too - every morning since then.
Today it's 110F here in Machilipatnam (weather.com says - it feels like 116F). I thought the 110F I suffered in the Hoover Dam area in Arizona/Nevada border back in 2000 summer was my worst summer day. I didn't expect my native town to outwit that weather hands down - every summer day.
Dog days of summer?! Here they are, for sure. Yeah - the kids are grounded indoors from 9:30am - 6:30pm. Well - they have no complaints of course!
Swasti!!
Whatever be the reason, it's very very hot out here. Forget 'out'- it's very very hot in here as well. The other day, blazing hot summer heat 'waves' started hitting the doors and windows as early as 10:30 in the morning.
Just 5 days ago, I was thinking - 'It's already the first week of May. This summer hasn't been as bad as I expected it to be. May be people just get psyched out about the few days of peak temperatures and attribute those temps to the whole season......' Then, as if the Sun God sensed my silent contempt, he started coming out loud and clear and early too - every morning since then.
Today it's 110F here in Machilipatnam (weather.com says - it feels like 116F). I thought the 110F I suffered in the Hoover Dam area in Arizona/Nevada border back in 2000 summer was my worst summer day. I didn't expect my native town to outwit that weather hands down - every summer day.
Dog days of summer?! Here they are, for sure. Yeah - the kids are grounded indoors from 9:30am - 6:30pm. Well - they have no complaints of course!
Swasti!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Fever
Whenever I sign off saying something like - 'more on that shortly' or 'details to follow soon' - that 'shortly' or 'soon' inevitably comes not so soon or shortly. Anyway...that's for later. But for now - I will talk about the new fever.
No - I am not talking about the fever I got last month or the one my son got last week. But the exam fever that's going on now. All around the state, for that matter. Since late February, I should say. Our kids have exams going on now - for the past 4 days - and will complete their first academic year in India on April 21st !! They have been great in acclimatizing and learning fast to adapt to the new environs as well as new subjects/languages. And to stand 1st or 2nd in their classes shows how eager they are to learn, setting aside the numerous inconveniences they face, coming from the USA.
Usha and I have been busy for the past couple of weeks - preparing them for some program or exam or the other. Thank God, the academic year is ending this week! (Or is it not really a respite?! now that the kids will be home all day :( )
We shall see.
Swasti!!
No - I am not talking about the fever I got last month or the one my son got last week. But the exam fever that's going on now. All around the state, for that matter. Since late February, I should say. Our kids have exams going on now - for the past 4 days - and will complete their first academic year in India on April 21st !! They have been great in acclimatizing and learning fast to adapt to the new environs as well as new subjects/languages. And to stand 1st or 2nd in their classes shows how eager they are to learn, setting aside the numerous inconveniences they face, coming from the USA.
Usha and I have been busy for the past couple of weeks - preparing them for some program or exam or the other. Thank God, the academic year is ending this week! (Or is it not really a respite?! now that the kids will be home all day :( )
We shall see.
Swasti!!
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 - Another milestone
This year marked a major milestone in our lives. We returned home from our 16 year US stay. Our families are in two minds - happy that we returned; and worried we chose Machilipatnam over Hyderabad or other Metros to try and settle down. We have been facing some funny and uncomfortable questions from people we meet. 'You lost your job?' 'Is your project done?' 'You ran out of H-1 and did not get Greencard?' 'Did you make a fortune and came retired?' to list a few. Obviously some of these are uncomfortable. Some are funny. And some others are downright ridiculous.
Anyway - this is all part of the game, we feel. We can't answer all. But as long as we can answer to ourselves for all the questions/issues we face, we can live in peace. Coming to that word - one thing we felt recently is this. Ever since we went to the US, one thought at the back of our minds was - when/how do we go back to India? However, since we returned to India, we realized we are not haunted by the thought - when/how do we return to the US? That in itself gives us a semblance of inner peace.
After being in India for 3 months now, we haven't met some of the milestones we looked forward to. We are still a week away from moving into our own abode (rental, of course). Usha joined a dental clinic in November after a couple of clinics tried to get her to join them. She went and treated some cases (and made some money, of course) - but couldn't continue as the kids haven't fallen into a routine, which required both of us. She will resume later in the new year we hope. Moving into our own home should help.
The going has been slow, slower than our generous allowances. Nevertheless, we look forward to the New Year with renewed optimism and commitment. We are relearning the ropes of Indian life and confident of greater success in the coming months.
We wish you all the same - a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. 1-1-11 should ring in the positive change.
Swasti!!
Anyway - this is all part of the game, we feel. We can't answer all. But as long as we can answer to ourselves for all the questions/issues we face, we can live in peace. Coming to that word - one thing we felt recently is this. Ever since we went to the US, one thought at the back of our minds was - when/how do we go back to India? However, since we returned to India, we realized we are not haunted by the thought - when/how do we return to the US? That in itself gives us a semblance of inner peace.
After being in India for 3 months now, we haven't met some of the milestones we looked forward to. We are still a week away from moving into our own abode (rental, of course). Usha joined a dental clinic in November after a couple of clinics tried to get her to join them. She went and treated some cases (and made some money, of course) - but couldn't continue as the kids haven't fallen into a routine, which required both of us. She will resume later in the new year we hope. Moving into our own home should help.
The going has been slow, slower than our generous allowances. Nevertheless, we look forward to the New Year with renewed optimism and commitment. We are relearning the ropes of Indian life and confident of greater success in the coming months.
We wish you all the same - a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. 1-1-11 should ring in the positive change.
Swasti!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Frozen
It's been a month to this day, since we returned home to India. It's been vacation time so far for all of us - especially since Dasara is a family get together time every year. The kids are growing 'smarter' watching the TV programs here - ChoTha Bheem being their favorite. We zeroed in on a school for them - and will be joining them soon. Our shipment is due to arrive by the end of this week - and we will then have no excuses after that :)
One thing I realized is - even after our annual trips to India - we are frozen in our '1994 India' mindset in some aspects. One example is - whenever I meet or come across my teachers/Professors I am folding my palms together and wishing them Namaste; while they are extending their hands to shake mine :) Walking is a forgotten skill for many, I observe. More on the 'frozen' part later...
One thing I realized is - even after our annual trips to India - we are frozen in our '1994 India' mindset in some aspects. One example is - whenever I meet or come across my teachers/Professors I am folding my palms together and wishing them Namaste; while they are extending their hands to shake mine :) Walking is a forgotten skill for many, I observe. More on the 'frozen' part later...
Datta today wrote part of the Telugu alphabet and impressed at his 'artwork', he offered the 'masterpiece' to his mom and asked her to sell it for big money. He then came over to me and asked me to take a digital picture of it, and sell copies of it - so I don't have to work any more. I wish it's as easy and simple as that :))
Chandra and Lakshmi are enjoying every bit of the Masula life - mosquito bites included :)
Swasti!!Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Point is to Return
That tag line from Sri D.V. Sridharan's http://www.pointreturn.org has been an inspiration for me for long -- well, for over 2 years now, since I learnt about his site and his wonderful work. The point is to return. What a wonderful line. Many of us going from one place to another always think of returning to the origin. That thought - some of us visualize and then realize. But very few probably really RETURN. I, for one, am not the same but brought back a lot of baggage with me (not everything physical).
After landing in HYD, I went to a couple of closeby places - which was enough to give me a glimpse of the changing landscape. In the two days since we landed in Bandar - I walked through many thoroughfares and side streets of the "lazy town". Well, for one thing, I realized it's not lazy any more. Agreed - there are no pubs (or are there, in the gullies I haven't been to, or may be hidden somewhere else under non-descript sign boards?!), not much of a night life other than the homeless and the live cattle taking center stage in the center of the town. Agreed - there are no Fun Parks, IMAX Multiplexes or even McDonalds and Pizza Huts.
But what I have seen thus far is that there are many small businesses that cropped up; many young entrepreneurs making a living with colorful themes and trying to make a mark, grabbing the opportunities. I am surprised to see many Computer Institutes touting "live projects" and offshore contracting work from mega corps. Of course, I am sure much of it is worthy of humor :) But still, people are trying it out - of all places, in Bandar. I see people taking their purses out and spending. I see people eating out more and more.
Not that I haven't been to Bandar in ages. I visit my native place almost every year (except 2009, when I made just a 5 day dash to Desh). But I guess my glasses are different now. I am not visiting any more... trying to live here. Makes all the difference eh?!
But above all, it's still a sweet town (no pun intended). One can go anywhere and get work done without having to see better part of their day relegated to history. Need I add you can do it in a healthy way too?! Yes - you can almost walk to any place, without much bother. Innovas and Civics are not new to the roads here - don't get me wrong. You can have them - but don't need them here. How sweet - eh?! Not to talk of Bandar laddu, badam milk, mashala etc - the delicacies of the main thoroughfare in town. Am yet to indulge in them - not in a hurry.
So any way... The point is to return. Still a long way to go. Haven't found a suitable house to make home. Yet to finalize a school - out of 3 shortlisted - for the boys. And that's only one half of the puzzle. I have to set shop and Usha has to put her skills to practice - almost like pulling teeth...er... not almost. That's what she does :)
Swasti!!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Time to Return Home
'been thinking of returning home for a while now. 2009 was what I set my sights on, when I first came to this country. It was not to be, for various reasons - the most prominent being the state of the world economy. I say world economy because a couple of sponsors who were supposed to pen an agreement with us backed out in the last minute due to cash crunch.
Anyway, better late than never. After dilly dallying, without much happening but just stressful wait and the time ticking by - we finally settled on September 18th to be the D-day. So the process for the return started with the purchase of tickets - on none other than Air India. We will be landing in HYD on Sept. 20th. That will be a new beginning for me (and for us). It will be an all new Me 4.0.
Will try and keep you posted on what's happening between now and Sept 18th.
Swasti!!
Anyway, better late than never. After dilly dallying, without much happening but just stressful wait and the time ticking by - we finally settled on September 18th to be the D-day. So the process for the return started with the purchase of tickets - on none other than Air India. We will be landing in HYD on Sept. 20th. That will be a new beginning for me (and for us). It will be an all new Me 4.0.
Will try and keep you posted on what's happening between now and Sept 18th.
Swasti!!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Busy with no work
Some people are very busy when they have a lot of work. Some in this category, despite being very busy, make time and take on more work.
Some others feel busy even when they have a little work.
I feel very busy now with no work. Strange...eh?! But true.
Will write in detail later - as I am busy now :)
Swasti!!
Some others feel busy even when they have a little work.
I feel very busy now with no work. Strange...eh?! But true.
Will write in detail later - as I am busy now :)
Swasti!!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
How long is the year NEW?
When I talk to some of my friends or colleagues, for the first time this year - the conversation starts with the 'Happy New Year' wish. Even on Jan 19th. I don't mind..and wish the other person the same and even better :)
How long is the year new? When does it get old - or rather, not new any more?! Does it take a second conversation to get past that opening sentence/wish? Or does it really have to be February before people drop that wish from their conversations?! Or is it done by the last week of January (feeling that we are already at the end of the first month?!) Any ideas?! What's the cut off...if any?! What say you all?!
In this context, I remember one of my English teachers from my early school days saying - we should not talk any more after we say 'Good Night'! And I used to follow that scrupulously (as a kid - not now :) ) Has any of you heard that before?! What do you think of that?!
Anyway - to those I haven't talked to, this year, yet - Happy New Year!!
And to all of you - Good Night!!
Swasti!!
How long is the year new? When does it get old - or rather, not new any more?! Does it take a second conversation to get past that opening sentence/wish? Or does it really have to be February before people drop that wish from their conversations?! Or is it done by the last week of January (feeling that we are already at the end of the first month?!) Any ideas?! What's the cut off...if any?! What say you all?!
In this context, I remember one of my English teachers from my early school days saying - we should not talk any more after we say 'Good Night'! And I used to follow that scrupulously (as a kid - not now :) ) Has any of you heard that before?! What do you think of that?!
Anyway - to those I haven't talked to, this year, yet - Happy New Year!!
And to all of you - Good Night!!
Swasti!!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Happy New Year!!
Dear friends,
Hope you all are having a good start to this New Year! There have been many events in 2009, as with any other year, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. However, I am sure we are all that much more experienced and wiser by all the happenings.
As with the advent of Sunday, or the first day of any month, we look forward to the beginning of the year with bated breaths; with many hopes, wishes and aspirations - for positive events and outcomes for our efforts. However, this continuum of time knows no boundaries like days, weeks, months and years and never changes its course nor favors any - and it is us who have to improve ourselves and put in a better show to achieve our goals.
Wishing us all the best in this year for bringing out a 'better us' -
Swasti!!
Hope you all are having a good start to this New Year! There have been many events in 2009, as with any other year, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. However, I am sure we are all that much more experienced and wiser by all the happenings.
As with the advent of Sunday, or the first day of any month, we look forward to the beginning of the year with bated breaths; with many hopes, wishes and aspirations - for positive events and outcomes for our efforts. However, this continuum of time knows no boundaries like days, weeks, months and years and never changes its course nor favors any - and it is us who have to improve ourselves and put in a better show to achieve our goals.
Wishing us all the best in this year for bringing out a 'better us' -
Swasti!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
5 states and 2,717 miles
Back in 1998 I had been to Chicago but didn't have time to go up the Sears Tower. Usha wanted to go to Chicago for a long time and with our 10th Anniversary upon us, we decided to visit the Windy City. I checked the flight tickets and called some friends/relatives around there. One thing led to another, and we ended up with a long list of invites to visit. These invites were also from different places in that region - not just Chicago area. So, we both decided to go driving and took a week off from work.
Started in Albany on Thursday July 2nd morning. Here's our itinerary, in short - and the major places we visited:
- Thu 07/02 - Albany, NY to Cleveland, OH - visited Tallamraju Madhury and Ravi family (Usha's cousin sister)
- Fri 07/03 - Cleveland, OH to Darien, IL - visited Chaganti Mohan's family (Usha's cousin). Checked into Marriott in Elmhurst, IL for the night
- Sat 07/04 - Attended the 17th TANA Conference in the Rosemont Convention Center - Chicago. Will write another piece about it. Returned to the hotel room at 1:45am in the morning, after the TANA programs.
- Sun 07/05 - Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, IN - visited Dr. Chaganti Mallik and Lakshmi family (Usha's cousin).
- Mon 07/06 - Rensselaer, IN to Chicago, IL - visited the Aurora Sri Balaji and the Lamont Sri Rama temples. Checked into the Marriott in Elmhurst, IL.
- Tue 07/07 - Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI - visited the Betty Brinn Children's Museum and the Art Museum with its wonderful wing top (which closes every day in the evening). On the way back, stopped by Nori Vijay's place (a friend of ours), had dinner there and then returned to the hotel.
- Wed 07/08 - Drove along the Lake Shore Drive, took pictures on the banks of Lake Michigan and visited the Navy Pier briefly. Watched a kids' Pirates show there, walked around and went to another friend's place in Elmhurst (Singaraju Trivikram and Smitha) for dinner before returning to the hotel room.
- Thu 07/09 - Took the Double Decker Bus Tour around Chicago downtown; stopped at the Sears Tower; went up the building and ventured onto the glass chambers on the 103rd floor; returned to Navy Pier for some more fun times. Watched Cirque de Shanghai show there and went on a moonlight boat cruise overlooking the city's skyline at 10pm. Returned to the hotel room.
- Fri 07/10 - Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN - visited Dr. Veena Nagappa (Usha's classmate in Boston Univ.) and her family; visited Prof. Kandukuri Lingamurthy of Andhra Univ Engg. College, who's visiting his children in Carmel, IN; and then went to Ayyagari Lakshmi and Raghava's house (Usha's cousin) for the night.
- Sat 07/11 - Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH - visited Glen and Cindy Courtright (he's my previous boss in SAIC and a great friend).
- Sat 07/11 - Dayton, OH to Columbus, OH - visited Vani and Srinivas (Usha's cousin) in Dublin, OH; visited Perala Umasankar and Sujatha (my friend from Andhra Univ) in New Albany
- Sat 07/11 - Columbus, OH to Albany, NY - started there at 6:15pm and except for a few breaks in between for dinner, gas, pee-stops, came home at 5:15 am Sunday after unexpected, all-night driving covering 635 miles.
What a trip it has been - fulfilling, exciting, interesting, educating, fascinating, surprising and of course, tiring. We sure need another vacation to relax!! I will come back with details of these visits soon...
Swasti!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
3 minus 2
One fine morning last week, the boys were getting ready to go to school when Chandra started doing subtractions on his fingers.
2 minus 2 equals......... hmm... one finger, two fingers; fold two of them and you are left with zero.... (ok...who is reading this to learn? come on... go and get an education :) )
The restless parent in me tried to teach him the 'simple fact' that if you subtract a number from itself, you always get a zero. No need to work your fingers for 'such simple' things. Not content with just 'teaching' the principle, I wanted to test him.
Me: What's 3 minus 3?
Chandra: (as usual) takes 3 fingers and starts his calculations.
Datta: (interjects and says) Zero
Me: That's good Datta. Now what's 4 - 4?
Chandra flings a few fingers out but hesitates... and then says zero
Datta: (shouts immediately) Zero
Me: See peddabbai, Datta is already getting it. You don't have to use your fingers to do this simple thing. Let's try again... 5 minus 5 is?
Datta: Zero
Chandra: Zero
Me: That's very good Datta.
Chandra is happy that his little brother is also into learning math and asks Datta a question.
Chandra: Datta what's 1 minus 1?
Datta: Zero
Chandra: Datta what's 3 minus 2?
Datta: Zero
Hmm.... the kids made me realize what a fool I make of myself at times, trying to cut short the learning process and teach them the tricks :) Datta's just having fun and that's what it is meant to be, isn't it? Every kid has to learn the basics the old fashioned way and there's no shortcut there!
Well, if I think I learnt a lesson I can apply to parenting as a whole, I'll be in for a surprise when I get back to my 'restless parent' mode again soon enough.
Swasti!!
2 minus 2 equals......... hmm... one finger, two fingers; fold two of them and you are left with zero.... (ok...who is reading this to learn? come on... go and get an education :) )
The restless parent in me tried to teach him the 'simple fact' that if you subtract a number from itself, you always get a zero. No need to work your fingers for 'such simple' things. Not content with just 'teaching' the principle, I wanted to test him.
Me: What's 3 minus 3?
Chandra: (as usual) takes 3 fingers and starts his calculations.
Datta: (interjects and says) Zero
Me: That's good Datta. Now what's 4 - 4?
Chandra flings a few fingers out but hesitates... and then says zero
Datta: (shouts immediately) Zero
Me: See peddabbai, Datta is already getting it. You don't have to use your fingers to do this simple thing. Let's try again... 5 minus 5 is?
Datta: Zero
Chandra: Zero
Me: That's very good Datta.
Chandra is happy that his little brother is also into learning math and asks Datta a question.
Chandra: Datta what's 1 minus 1?
Datta: Zero
Chandra: Datta what's 3 minus 2?
Datta: Zero
Hmm.... the kids made me realize what a fool I make of myself at times, trying to cut short the learning process and teach them the tricks :) Datta's just having fun and that's what it is meant to be, isn't it? Every kid has to learn the basics the old fashioned way and there's no shortcut there!
Well, if I think I learnt a lesson I can apply to parenting as a whole, I'll be in for a surprise when I get back to my 'restless parent' mode again soon enough.
Swasti!!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Nature - The greatest leveler
In this day and age of great seismologists, -graphs, technology and communication media - it is sad that the Italian government was not able to evacuate its subjects from the affected areas in advance. I didn't read the news items in detail but gather from the radio (NPR is my news source) that over 200 people and several centuries old/historical/heritage sites are among the casualties.
When I heard that, I couldn't help but think of what a great leveler nature is. Loss of life is very sad, but that's not what I was reflecting on. The greatly preserved heritage sites. Governments and private institutions shell out millions and millions to restore, preserve and promote such sites. But all that counts for nought, when Nature comes calling.
Isn't there a profound lesson to be learnt?!
Swasti!!
When I heard that, I couldn't help but think of what a great leveler nature is. Loss of life is very sad, but that's not what I was reflecting on. The greatly preserved heritage sites. Governments and private institutions shell out millions and millions to restore, preserve and promote such sites. But all that counts for nought, when Nature comes calling.
Isn't there a profound lesson to be learnt?!
Swasti!!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
All Inclusive Day!!
We have the most famous Valentines Day and Mothers Day - meant for specific sets of people. Then we have the Fathers Day, Grandparents day etc. in the second rung of the Day-mania ladder. Of course, we also have other days that celebrate the Secretaries, Frienship, Workers etc. If you look at all these days, they are aimed at recognizing a specific set of people and relegates everybody else for that one day. Is that right? Or may be people in that specific group will be relegated for the rest of the year.
Come to think of it, there's only one day that treats everyone on equal footing without fear or favor, love or hatred, near or far, known or unknown. The simplest and cheapest of all the Days in terms of celebration - as it doesn't require spending or going out partying. No feelings of getting slighted whether recognized or not on this day. Isn't that a wonderful feeling? It just brings a smile on the lips and within us all, just at the thought of it.
Okay - you probably know what I am talking about! As Mark Twain famously quoted: "This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four."
Happy AFD!!
Swasti!!
Come to think of it, there's only one day that treats everyone on equal footing without fear or favor, love or hatred, near or far, known or unknown. The simplest and cheapest of all the Days in terms of celebration - as it doesn't require spending or going out partying. No feelings of getting slighted whether recognized or not on this day. Isn't that a wonderful feeling? It just brings a smile on the lips and within us all, just at the thought of it.
Okay - you probably know what I am talking about! As Mark Twain famously quoted: "This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four."
Happy AFD!!
Swasti!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Happy New Year (India)
According to the Telugu calendar, today is the first day of New Year, titled Virodhi (meaning 'enemy', 'against' etc.) Doesn't sound like a good name for a year we all look forward to, to bring in positive change...does it?! What more?! This also happens to be an election year in India. And if positive change is not to be expected, based on predictions, then the prospects shudder me to no extent.
However, to a large extent, last year seemed to be a pretty bad year what with the earthquake in China, financial meltdown, recession, Mumbai attacks, etc. taking unprecedented toll on the common man. The politics and governance in India reached new lows as well last year.
What could go worse this year?! The politics?! The governance?! I can believe that - and we already see that in play.
But God! Save innocent lives and make this year better than last year atleast in that count. As for politics and governance - they reached such lows even God is helpless. The system has to correct itself after it can't go down any further.
Anyway, enough of the dark stuff. Wish you all a very pleasant new year! Even in the darkest clouds, we can see silver linings. I hope and wish for many such silver linings this year - so much so that the darkness could be withstood and forgotten.
Swasti!!
However, to a large extent, last year seemed to be a pretty bad year what with the earthquake in China, financial meltdown, recession, Mumbai attacks, etc. taking unprecedented toll on the common man. The politics and governance in India reached new lows as well last year.
What could go worse this year?! The politics?! The governance?! I can believe that - and we already see that in play.
But God! Save innocent lives and make this year better than last year atleast in that count. As for politics and governance - they reached such lows even God is helpless. The system has to correct itself after it can't go down any further.
Anyway, enough of the dark stuff. Wish you all a very pleasant new year! Even in the darkest clouds, we can see silver linings. I hope and wish for many such silver linings this year - so much so that the darkness could be withstood and forgotten.
Swasti!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Goal without a plan? Yes, sometimes...
My first significant goal after getting out of my home as an adolescent (for Bachelors education) was to get out of the country. During my M.S. education and initial years of employment in USA the strategic goal was to get back to my home country while still young. As the years passed by, the desire to get back not just to my country but to my hometown as well grew bigger and bigger.
We decided to return in October, after 15 years in USA. Do we have a plan? Yes and maybe. Do we need a well structured plan to get back to our homeland? The desire to get back to our roots and become a socially relevant entity there is strong enough in us and we believe that will get us to our current goal.
Do we need to plan and execute to it always? Sometimes the excitement is in doing things as they develop, while not losing sight of the goal. And we look forward to reaching there.
Swasti!!
We decided to return in October, after 15 years in USA. Do we have a plan? Yes and maybe. Do we need a well structured plan to get back to our homeland? The desire to get back to our roots and become a socially relevant entity there is strong enough in us and we believe that will get us to our current goal.
Do we need to plan and execute to it always? Sometimes the excitement is in doing things as they develop, while not losing sight of the goal. And we look forward to reaching there.
Swasti!!
Friday, March 06, 2009
The forgotten Martyrs
Wherever there's an attack by rowdy/terrorist elements on a celebrity (or plural), the whole world including the govts. and the media only focuses on the well being or predicament of the celebrity. Seldom are the lives of the security forces and the innocent passers-by given a second thought.
Consider the recent attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. 9-12 security forces have been killed in the shoot out. But all you hear about is how the cricketers escaped and how many got bruises in their legs, arms etc. (To give credit here, a couple of them with a bullet or two in non-critical parts of their body). Mind you, I am not trying to belittle the incident nor the suffering of the Stars. I am peeved at the raw deal meted out to the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to save these Stars. Dead or alive, the latter get all the attention and support. Dead or alive, the former never get a second look.
Blame it on .... WHO/WHAT? The corrupt politicians/governments? The celebrity crazy media? The public's insatiable 'paparazzi'sh' appetite, which is fed by the media? Or the degrading value for life (if it is not ours) ??
May the martyrs lives rest in peace! And their families stay strong, healthy and find better living.
Swasti !!
Consider the recent attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. 9-12 security forces have been killed in the shoot out. But all you hear about is how the cricketers escaped and how many got bruises in their legs, arms etc. (To give credit here, a couple of them with a bullet or two in non-critical parts of their body). Mind you, I am not trying to belittle the incident nor the suffering of the Stars. I am peeved at the raw deal meted out to the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to save these Stars. Dead or alive, the latter get all the attention and support. Dead or alive, the former never get a second look.
Blame it on .... WHO/WHAT? The corrupt politicians/governments? The celebrity crazy media? The public's insatiable 'paparazzi'sh' appetite, which is fed by the media? Or the degrading value for life (if it is not ours) ??
May the martyrs lives rest in peace! And their families stay strong, healthy and find better living.
Swasti !!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Wake up the bull? Not anytime soon...
Markets are going down for a few months now. Not just in the USA, but everywhere. One would think the indexes have tanked and they will start turning back up pretty soon. But every passing day brings with it some other bleak story - pushing the numbers further down. Once in a while we see speculators pushing it up a little bit, in vain hopes of the govt. recovery package doing wonders. But alas, we see the bear shaking its back ever more vigorously on the Street.
We have seen hundreds of thousands of jobs wiped out recently. Many more are on their way out. Again, not just here - but every where else as well. Banks collapsed. Many companies were shut down. Auto giants are on their way out or getting ready to be marginalized to being minions. One would think the nation would start getting into a savings mode never seen in recent times. But I haven't seen that in my community here where the restaurants and malls are ever so crowded even during weekday evenings, let alone on weekends.
Then we have the learned economists asking the public not to withdraw into their savings shell, but continue to spend as if nothing has happened. They say that is the only way to beat the recession. Yeah - right! Aren't these the same elite who brought about this situation? How can a reliable solution come out of their brains, which created this mess in the first place? Are we to believe that they realized their mistakes and now are prescribing the right formula?
Methinks, in simplistic terms, that all these economists and highly learned folks, complicated the otherwise keep-it-simple theories only to suit their own self serving purposes without any social relevance in mind. You earn money, save it and spend it for your needs first, and then wants. You borrow at times to meet those. But what we have seen is that the second step is missed completely in recent times and that the wants and may-be's have become needs and cannot-live-without's. All because of the media and marketing blitz added to the plethora of pundits that rule this world with their short-circuited brains and convoluted thinking.
Keep it simple, stupid!
Swasti!!
We have seen hundreds of thousands of jobs wiped out recently. Many more are on their way out. Again, not just here - but every where else as well. Banks collapsed. Many companies were shut down. Auto giants are on their way out or getting ready to be marginalized to being minions. One would think the nation would start getting into a savings mode never seen in recent times. But I haven't seen that in my community here where the restaurants and malls are ever so crowded even during weekday evenings, let alone on weekends.
Then we have the learned economists asking the public not to withdraw into their savings shell, but continue to spend as if nothing has happened. They say that is the only way to beat the recession. Yeah - right! Aren't these the same elite who brought about this situation? How can a reliable solution come out of their brains, which created this mess in the first place? Are we to believe that they realized their mistakes and now are prescribing the right formula?
Methinks, in simplistic terms, that all these economists and highly learned folks, complicated the otherwise keep-it-simple theories only to suit their own self serving purposes without any social relevance in mind. You earn money, save it and spend it for your needs first, and then wants. You borrow at times to meet those. But what we have seen is that the second step is missed completely in recent times and that the wants and may-be's have become needs and cannot-live-without's. All because of the media and marketing blitz added to the plethora of pundits that rule this world with their short-circuited brains and convoluted thinking.
Keep it simple, stupid!
Swasti!!
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