Many times I see shops, organizations, education institute using the term best of breed. I as an individual go for branded items over local maal, only till I am assured the quality and service is same across, then I don't hesitate to move towards the local maal. As I keep thinking more about leafsol, and how to go forward, what strikes me a lot is the argument of Best vs Right.
When I bought my first car, I had a set of constraints and requirements, just like any product / services demand in the market. I wanted something that I can afford, was economical, not necessarily look for a loan, can navigate B'lore roads easily and something that can give me the comforts of a car. Since the nano of nineties, our good ol' 800, it was our immediate choice.
We never thought of Zen. Zen met all the above criteria and also projected a class image that 800 didn't give. But then having 800 in itself gave us a definite image in my family which was sufficient and so I went for it and am happy till date. Similar was the case when we needed a Sedan we went for VFM model Indigo and a petrol version as we stayed in city most of the time.
Having a super dude on the team is not essential, but the right dude ...YES. So having the "best fit" is all that matters and not the "best of breed". I am sure that's what India needs now :).
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Power Cuts
Last evening brought me some sweet memories from childhood. We had almost a 3 hour long power cut, our inverter is not working so I had spend the time in candle lights and with the single emergency light. I remembered how we used to enjoy power cuts when I used to stay in our village.
The earliest memory is how amma used to light up the kerosene lamp and some times the lantern, which I used every year in my school drama as a shepherd who visited Jesus when he was born. I guess these will be some sort of antique pieces today.
I used to love the smell of the soot. Cleaning that soot used to be quite interesting. amma would ask us to use the rangoli powder for the cleaning the glass shade. But still there will be not a single scratch on the glass shade, and would sparkle. I used love it when the glass was put back in the slot. A perfect fit.
Power cuts would be a major problem during the school exams and we used to study with those lamps and I always felt good when I scored well in those papers. I guess candles were expensive or may be it was not freely available in our village, so it used to be just these lamps. Having these kerosene lamps were luxury too, as I remember our tenants and neighbors would use a empty medicine bottle and put some old cloth for a wick through the lid and use it for a lamp. Of course it was not fuel efficient with excess smoke and one cant raise the wick as it burns.
But power cuts were always interesting as the neighbors would all come to our house and we would sit outside in the "thinnai'. Play word games, talk about the last movie we saw in detail. Count the stars. Enjoy the summer breeze. All in all I would regret when the power came back, as everyone would go back to their homes.
But slowly things did change in our village and we got the first TV in our neighborhood. So Sundays meant having atleast couple of dozen people from the near and far neighborhood descending to our house to watch the Sunday Tamil movie. It used to be a mini mela. My sister cursing the TV as she cant prepare of the board exams and power cut was a blessing for her.
But then there were days when all of us wanted to watch the movie and a fault on friday evening near our house meant no one would attend it till Monday. No way to raise a complaint as we didn't have phones and we had to walk about 4 kms to the electricity office. Me and my friend were desperate to see that week movie and we did walk down to the EB office on one such Saturday, but the lineman simply refused to attend the problem till Monday. We were heart broken, as we missed the weekly movie.
Things were no better when we moved to Madras in the early 90s. It just got worse. Power cut meant no fans, which never bothered me in our village. It was worse with the mosquitoes singing into our ears and hurting us by biting for our anemic blood.
Today life is relatively better, with inverters, power cut is not something my son feels much about. But, still there are villages whch have 12 hours powercut during summer or even no power.
And life goes on, I found this site http://www.thrive.in/index.htm with some intresting actions happening, in case you want to help.
The earliest memory is how amma used to light up the kerosene lamp and some times the lantern, which I used every year in my school drama as a shepherd who visited Jesus when he was born. I guess these will be some sort of antique pieces today.
I used to love the smell of the soot. Cleaning that soot used to be quite interesting. amma would ask us to use the rangoli powder for the cleaning the glass shade. But still there will be not a single scratch on the glass shade, and would sparkle. I used love it when the glass was put back in the slot. A perfect fit.
Power cuts would be a major problem during the school exams and we used to study with those lamps and I always felt good when I scored well in those papers. I guess candles were expensive or may be it was not freely available in our village, so it used to be just these lamps. Having these kerosene lamps were luxury too, as I remember our tenants and neighbors would use a empty medicine bottle and put some old cloth for a wick through the lid and use it for a lamp. Of course it was not fuel efficient with excess smoke and one cant raise the wick as it burns.
But power cuts were always interesting as the neighbors would all come to our house and we would sit outside in the "thinnai'. Play word games, talk about the last movie we saw in detail. Count the stars. Enjoy the summer breeze. All in all I would regret when the power came back, as everyone would go back to their homes.
But slowly things did change in our village and we got the first TV in our neighborhood. So Sundays meant having atleast couple of dozen people from the near and far neighborhood descending to our house to watch the Sunday Tamil movie. It used to be a mini mela. My sister cursing the TV as she cant prepare of the board exams and power cut was a blessing for her.
But then there were days when all of us wanted to watch the movie and a fault on friday evening near our house meant no one would attend it till Monday. No way to raise a complaint as we didn't have phones and we had to walk about 4 kms to the electricity office. Me and my friend were desperate to see that week movie and we did walk down to the EB office on one such Saturday, but the lineman simply refused to attend the problem till Monday. We were heart broken, as we missed the weekly movie.
Things were no better when we moved to Madras in the early 90s. It just got worse. Power cut meant no fans, which never bothered me in our village. It was worse with the mosquitoes singing into our ears and hurting us by biting for our anemic blood.
Today life is relatively better, with inverters, power cut is not something my son feels much about. But, still there are villages whch have 12 hours powercut during summer or even no power.
And life goes on, I found this site http://www.thrive.in/index.htm with some intresting actions happening, in case you want to help.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Its tough to be GOD
One of my favorite Jim Carrey movies is Bruce Almighty. Isnt it tough to be GOD. So many wishes and so little time.
I was seeing a bill board ad at Makeri circle. It was in Kanada and I couldn't read it. But I knew what the ad was about. There is some kind of pooja in the Palace at the palace grounds tomorrow for Tirupati Venkateshwara swami. I came to know of it from my Uncle and Aunt who got free pass for it. The best part was, they got the passes from a total stranger. So they feel God has blessed them in some way. I too think so, else why would a stranger give then passes.
They are not the most perfect humans and I have been having many complaints about them. But, I am sure they have been lucky and GOD choose to listen to them, in the little time he has, which he shares with the 6 billion humans and millions of other creatures.
Many times I think he can manage this only because he comes in several forms, like Vishnu, Siva, Krishna, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Father of Christ, Allah etc. I really appreciate that we Hindus were able to assign different responsibilities to diff rent deities, making life marginally easy for our dear god.
And as these thoughts kept popping in my mind, my unease I had since last week has vanished and I kind of got a hang on what to do next in my Career. Well GOD was listening to me too. mmmm that's good.
I hear there is a sequel coming for Bruce Almighty, but no Jim Carrey in it...hmmm that's a bit disappointing.
I was seeing a bill board ad at Makeri circle. It was in Kanada and I couldn't read it. But I knew what the ad was about. There is some kind of pooja in the Palace at the palace grounds tomorrow for Tirupati Venkateshwara swami. I came to know of it from my Uncle and Aunt who got free pass for it. The best part was, they got the passes from a total stranger. So they feel God has blessed them in some way. I too think so, else why would a stranger give then passes.
They are not the most perfect humans and I have been having many complaints about them. But, I am sure they have been lucky and GOD choose to listen to them, in the little time he has, which he shares with the 6 billion humans and millions of other creatures.
Many times I think he can manage this only because he comes in several forms, like Vishnu, Siva, Krishna, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Father of Christ, Allah etc. I really appreciate that we Hindus were able to assign different responsibilities to diff rent deities, making life marginally easy for our dear god.
And as these thoughts kept popping in my mind, my unease I had since last week has vanished and I kind of got a hang on what to do next in my Career. Well GOD was listening to me too. mmmm that's good.
I hear there is a sequel coming for Bruce Almighty, but no Jim Carrey in it...hmmm that's a bit disappointing.
Dreams
I guess everyone has dreams that repeat time to time. There has been dreams that have made me so happy and have left my spirits high for several days, as a kid. Today I no longer get such dreams. There is one type of dream that I always love. A dream where I am visiting temple. I hardly go to temple. May be once or twice a year. I believe god lives in each one of us and connecting to him is possible at any time. Though visiting temples is always a very comforting feeling.
So the other day, when I had a dream where I was in a temple and as usual I was able to get a glimpse of the murthy, I was quite elated. The next day when I remembered the dream I felt positive and good. But, in reality I am going through not so great situation.
I really dint like the party on Thursday. I dint feel like myself, and then when I reached home Mahesha shared a news that resurfaced some long forgotten dream, a dream that was not from my sleep, but a longing , a day dream. When you start your own family, many such dreams are buried deep and forgotten. Many compromises are made to have a happy life.
I was thrilled when Mahesha shared a news and all those long forgotten dream resurfaced, and only to be short lived. Since then I am so unsettled. Praying to God to give me the strength to move on with life. Last night I had a nightmare.
Not sure if some one can interpret this, my house was burning, looks like I set it on fire to escape from something, but the fire became so huge and beyond my control I was so worried for my valubles, and there was no way for us to escape and I couldn't find my son. By the time I am so exhausted and I see a huge fire engine dozing the fire in my neighbours apartment and not paying any attention to my screams. Then I am busy looking for something valuable to take when I escape and I cant decide what it is. I don't want the fire engine to putout the fire and wet my home, my documents !! Finally the fire dies. My house is intact and I am upset that the fire department may say my house is not in a condition to live and I am so upset about loosing my house though it still looks sturdy...
mmmm wonder what this means???
So the other day, when I had a dream where I was in a temple and as usual I was able to get a glimpse of the murthy, I was quite elated. The next day when I remembered the dream I felt positive and good. But, in reality I am going through not so great situation.
I really dint like the party on Thursday. I dint feel like myself, and then when I reached home Mahesha shared a news that resurfaced some long forgotten dream, a dream that was not from my sleep, but a longing , a day dream. When you start your own family, many such dreams are buried deep and forgotten. Many compromises are made to have a happy life.
I was thrilled when Mahesha shared a news and all those long forgotten dream resurfaced, and only to be short lived. Since then I am so unsettled. Praying to God to give me the strength to move on with life. Last night I had a nightmare.
Not sure if some one can interpret this, my house was burning, looks like I set it on fire to escape from something, but the fire became so huge and beyond my control I was so worried for my valubles, and there was no way for us to escape and I couldn't find my son. By the time I am so exhausted and I see a huge fire engine dozing the fire in my neighbours apartment and not paying any attention to my screams. Then I am busy looking for something valuable to take when I escape and I cant decide what it is. I don't want the fire engine to putout the fire and wet my home, my documents !! Finally the fire dies. My house is intact and I am upset that the fire department may say my house is not in a condition to live and I am so upset about loosing my house though it still looks sturdy...
mmmm wonder what this means???
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Musings
Its been 4 months since I left my job. Just thinking on what I have achieved since then...Its very difficult to crystallize and pin point on what I have achieved. But, I have certainly been thru a lot of emotions. Before it was always about me, my carrier and I did what I felt was the right thing to do to keep it going. My family and friends were always after that.
But now things have changed. Giving time to aadi, especially his summer hols spent in US was good. Not perfect but better than the normal days. Ideally I wanted him to make more friends and move around and become a better people person. But, what ever happened in reality was also good. Now I have a long list of places to visit with him. Both, at home and abroad. I just pray to god, that we can do some of it, if not all.
Life has been more peaceful since I left my job. The biggest surprise of all has been the emotions that I am reading from everyone I meet. It’s like walking on Razors edge. The minute I stopped looking at just me & my ambition and started looking at how things are around me, it has been a overwhelming set of emotions. I find it hard to stay detached and play a fair game. When to get involved and when to detach, its a huge question and i find it difficult always. One big learning, YOU CANT MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY!!
Whom to choose and whom to drop (including my own self) has been very difficult. Like this morning discussion with a dear friend was difficult. And the degree of stubbornness (I donno if there is a word like that) I see in lot of people around me...it makes me wonder why am I the way I am?? But all these have taught me couple of more lessons.
HEALTH IS WEALTH.
NEVER BURN YOUR BRIDGES.
hmmm...so many random thoughts are popping up in my mind. I need to find answer to one BIG question in my mind. WHAT NEXT??
God show me the path....
But now things have changed. Giving time to aadi, especially his summer hols spent in US was good. Not perfect but better than the normal days. Ideally I wanted him to make more friends and move around and become a better people person. But, what ever happened in reality was also good. Now I have a long list of places to visit with him. Both, at home and abroad. I just pray to god, that we can do some of it, if not all.
Life has been more peaceful since I left my job. The biggest surprise of all has been the emotions that I am reading from everyone I meet. It’s like walking on Razors edge. The minute I stopped looking at just me & my ambition and started looking at how things are around me, it has been a overwhelming set of emotions. I find it hard to stay detached and play a fair game. When to get involved and when to detach, its a huge question and i find it difficult always. One big learning, YOU CANT MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY!!
Whom to choose and whom to drop (including my own self) has been very difficult. Like this morning discussion with a dear friend was difficult. And the degree of stubbornness (I donno if there is a word like that) I see in lot of people around me...it makes me wonder why am I the way I am?? But all these have taught me couple of more lessons.
HEALTH IS WEALTH.
NEVER BURN YOUR BRIDGES.
hmmm...so many random thoughts are popping up in my mind. I need to find answer to one BIG question in my mind. WHAT NEXT??
God show me the path....
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Home sweet home
Getting back home has been really good. Aadi is still sleeping..He may have tough time getting to school tomorrow. I am also not in best of my spirits..hope I can stay awake thru the day.
Looking back, last 45 days have been a real roller coaster of emotions and expierences. I enjoyed all the outings we had. Atlanta, Niagara and Orlando were great. Hospital was the worst. But I guess we need a low for a high. Life can't be all good things, how else can we learn to appreciate the good things in our life.
This trip has made me stronger person in some way. Guess have to get back to work from Friday. Hope it can wait till Monday. My mind is clutter with a long list of To Do.
Its going to take time to get things in order.....
Looking back, last 45 days have been a real roller coaster of emotions and expierences. I enjoyed all the outings we had. Atlanta, Niagara and Orlando were great. Hospital was the worst. But I guess we need a low for a high. Life can't be all good things, how else can we learn to appreciate the good things in our life.
This trip has made me stronger person in some way. Guess have to get back to work from Friday. Hope it can wait till Monday. My mind is clutter with a long list of To Do.
Its going to take time to get things in order.....
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Getting Back
4 more days to get back home...I am looking forward to it. It is going to get very busy. Aadi school starts. Leafsol work will start. Renu will be gone. Need to bring the new one upto speed. But I am sure I will like all this better, being back at home after a long time will be good.
Cant belive its been a week since Mahesha went back. The long drive from Orlando to Atlanta was very good. It reminded me our SFO trip. This is better than that, with aadi around and minus Kamal Prasad, this trip was great.
Wish we had more time, but the short ones make it more special and memorable. The Spiderman ride was something I wanted aadi to experience. Going twice on the ride was fantabulous.
Things I want to remember from my trip.
Universal
1. Universal Combo tkt purchase...that Indian lady was right in pursuing me to buy two park tkt.
2. The Woody woodpecker ride with aadi. Just found out that aadi loves rides.
3. Getting on ET ride with aadi and watching Barney live show.
4. Seeing ourselves on the screen during the earthqauke show.
5. Time spent in Adventure Island
Disney Magic kingdom & Animal Kingdom
1. The Mickey philharmagic 3D show was too good - we watched twice
2. Pirates of Carribian
3. Winnie the Pooh ride - (with aadi's restroom episode)
4. Its tough to be a bug
The highlight was the night parade and the fireworks. I am happy that Mahesha insisted that we stay for the fireworks. Eveyone loved it. It was good we went on Saturday, they were open till midnt.
Animal Kingdom was so so after Magic kingdom. But the tree of life was done very well. I immediately remembered the picture bhuvana sent. It was the same tree , saying it is a natural tree in India!!!
On the whole the 3 days was quite memorable, inspite of all hardships...mahesha missing connecting flight. My uncle and aunt not able to match our pace. HOT HOT sun...everything fades away and I just remember the great time me, aadi and Mahesha had.
Would live to do more of this. Atleast one vacation per year. Even if it is in India. Just 3 of us will be great.
Cant belive its been a week since Mahesha went back. The long drive from Orlando to Atlanta was very good. It reminded me our SFO trip. This is better than that, with aadi around and minus Kamal Prasad, this trip was great.
Wish we had more time, but the short ones make it more special and memorable. The Spiderman ride was something I wanted aadi to experience. Going twice on the ride was fantabulous.
Things I want to remember from my trip.
Universal
1. Universal Combo tkt purchase...that Indian lady was right in pursuing me to buy two park tkt.
2. The Woody woodpecker ride with aadi. Just found out that aadi loves rides.
3. Getting on ET ride with aadi and watching Barney live show.
4. Seeing ourselves on the screen during the earthqauke show.
5. Time spent in Adventure Island
Disney Magic kingdom & Animal Kingdom
1. The Mickey philharmagic 3D show was too good - we watched twice
2. Pirates of Carribian
3. Winnie the Pooh ride - (with aadi's restroom episode)
4. Its tough to be a bug
The highlight was the night parade and the fireworks. I am happy that Mahesha insisted that we stay for the fireworks. Eveyone loved it. It was good we went on Saturday, they were open till midnt.
Animal Kingdom was so so after Magic kingdom. But the tree of life was done very well. I immediately remembered the picture bhuvana sent. It was the same tree , saying it is a natural tree in India!!!
On the whole the 3 days was quite memorable, inspite of all hardships...mahesha missing connecting flight. My uncle and aunt not able to match our pace. HOT HOT sun...everything fades away and I just remember the great time me, aadi and Mahesha had.
Would live to do more of this. Atleast one vacation per year. Even if it is in India. Just 3 of us will be great.
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