The GPS technique!

Ouch! Am I talking about GPS as in Global Positioning System? Well Indeed…! And people who know me well will be quite under shock thinking on my triggering technical instincts!! Um…I can even imagine some of their facial expressions ;)

We had hired one of the Nissans to travel around in the outskirts in UK. And as we miss the Indian luxury of asking for directions there, we managed to borrow GPS from one of our friends. My cousins conveniently had named it Miss.Tom relating to its company name and set it to the female voice. Now, she is one self sufficient woman with tremendous patience who can lead you to desired destiny provided you feed her with right postal code of the destination area. She had the perfect voice, perfect tone and extremely tolerating when you don’t listen to her which made her slightly boring and ofcourse an unrealistic woman;) And I couldn’t get over the way she pronounced the word- ‘then’ in that beautiful voice. I dint find UK accent that unfermented any time before! Each time she pronounced that word, it was kind of a musical note that lingered on my mind which made me wanting to hear more of that. She would instruct directions very politely which goes something like this- “go straight-and in the round about –take the first exit and then...” trust me...it was nice!

Recently, one of my friends had some problem. It was a pretty simple one but she was thoroughly confused. We discussed and I was glad that there was some convincing solution to her problem. But later on when I came back home, I was thinking about an easier way to clear out such petty confusions and that’s where the GPS technique entered my mind. Now I must warn that this technique may not resolve the comprehensive heart muscle problems…if you know what I mean! But this can drive you to solutions otherwise given a dedicated time for the journey.

Here is the example for the simple problem:- One day I come back to my room in the evening and find it totally clean. As happy as I can get, I don’t see the bunch of important papers that I had kept on my bed. Now, should I call the maid? Nope, that would be like an accident considering my repeated instructions. So, step on to the GPS mode! Become self sufficient having patience that it requires. If I were my maid, where would I have kept it? So I go to the study and it had become so sparkling that it looked like it’s never been used. The shelf above had music and on top of that the books which clearly had no room for papers. And the shelf next to that had some electronic gadgets that I can’t even identify. So now, getting desperate and with hopeless hope checked the dressing too. Hmm now is it the time for an accident? No not yet, I am just in the tolerating mode! So I take a quick turn around and take the exit of the room and then turn right and get into the sister’s room which has occasional occupancy and bam…there you find your papers in her book shelf:)

Well, I mean to say it’s all about chalking out a clearer plan and sometimes writing it on the paper to be more effective. My friend had once told me about desktop method but I find my technique more interesting with usage of word-‘then’! So first, when you know your destination with your firm decision, draw a map to it even when it seems boring to do and sounds unrealistic! And I promise that you will take the first exit to the solution from any damn problem!

PS: For people who wondered in the beginning on my technical strength building, I like to reconfirm that I am still me:)

Signing off for now,

Achu

Back in Time!

Well I am just back in after a long holiday with my family! Infact my last blog article was also posted while being on a holiday reading which, one of my friends left a message on fb saying- she is expecting another blog post about my holiday and, here I am with it and kind of want to dedicate this one to her!

Now, what shall I write about this extravagant holiday that I had!! If it was my dad, he would have definitely chosen to write about the engineering and the bridges that he went gaga over. And if it was my mom, then certainly about the gorgeous summer flowers or her wedding anniversary celebrated in her favorite legendary singer’s restaurant or the stunning Lord Venkateshwara’s temple in Birmingham or just about how fascinated she was to talk to my niece anytime she wanted over the net.

But now it’s me who is writing…having lots of more choices! Should I write about all of those art galleries I visited or my beautiful countryside journey to Milton Keynes or about the tempting beach huts in Colchester or about that amazing walks in Piccadilly circus or the rollicking self informative trains which led me to be on own there or about the awing Shakespeare’s birth house at Stratford or just about the day sipping through a lemonade spritzer by Thames river!! Umm…tough…but in any case, I have chosen to write about something that has fascinated me the most from the beginning of the holiday! And, it’s always nice to write about something fascinating that has fascinated me in the first place!!

My obsession to that thing started as early as in a stop over at Dubai Airport where I clicked the first snap of it without knowing what was coming ahead. Once I reached London, the same thing took my breath away. It was there everywhere….I repeat ‘everywhere’!!In Greenwich, it had the entire history and some classic models wherein you place your hand on it only to get slid down realizing the smoothest thing you have ever felt. Ripley’s had it made out of walnuts for god sake…believe it or not;). When went to a Lords cricket ground tour saw a hep sporty one, infact the London eye looks to be a replica, the Buckingham palace had the one which was made in 18 th century with minute details considered and for that matter, the ‘Big Ben’ which is my D favorite with its big history had the most sophisticated one!!

Yes…I am referring to the lovely looking status levied Roman clocks all over there restored from back in time. It was there on all the possible buildings, stations, near castles, churches, monuments, junctions and literally everywhere!!But ironically one thing I realized during my big bus tour was about two things that got missed out in most famous Madame Tussaudes were the clock and Shakespeare’s wax statue! Hmmm…wonder if I have missed that…strange! Anyway talking about those sensational clocks, it was just not about the time, but- the beauty of the time, the importance of the time and the investment in time. It’s always interesting to see the combination of beauty and intellectual intelligence and that’s what those clocks have represented to me and that’s what drawn me the most to it! It’s a serious business without a doubt and I couldn’t stop admiring it and perhaps falling in love with it!!

I flaunt my red watch when I am informal and the silver one with sea green dialed otherwise. Now I know, the next time I select my watch, I am gonna wait until I can make an investment in ‘time.’ It’s a realization from the imperial past that with every tick or in every hour bell of the clock that….its no merriment and it’s certainly true that….Time is “Precious”!!

Signing off for now,

Achu

I might be Judged!!

Gone are the days where one lists the mediocre hobbies and interests in a job profile or in social networking profiles or wherever there is a slightest smidge of chance to express ones identity. Offlate people are varied and exploring and mostly live in an era of –‘just being themselves!’ Infact wish that, now I was into the recruitment job with a responsibility to screen extremely explicit sales profiles. God… it’s intriguing to know the hobbies of those tough aggressive personnels! I got this urge after watching one of the interesting video clips- Glengarry Glen shared by a friend. Hmmm only sturdy people can make it to sales I guess!

Speaking of unlikely hobbies, I came across one of the strange hobbies from three of the people I know of. One of them included my aunt who is a homemaker and would like to sit in the balcony with a cup of filter coffee just to observe different sorts of people- their behavior, their reactions or just watching people!! She says it rejuvenates her mind after seeing several super models of humans! Now this jinxed me up only when I started to hear from more than one person who said it’s kind of a hobby to them… Phew!! To me, when it comes to observing people, it’s a mere cursory glance or sometimes make a snap judgement which might be relevant or irrelevant and move on. But here to these people I know of, they enjoy it as a “hobby!” Well, I had a notion that only anthropologists would do this as their hobby or profession or whatever it is!!

According to me, hobby is a subsidiary activity that you do to get revamped. And imagine having been able to develop this kind of a hobby! It’s going to be such a power recreation and comes in so handy and is fun too and ofcourse, its fun as long as it’s harmless or non-offensive to others. This could have been old news to many, but the fact that it’s getting developed as a “hobby” captured my mind recently. Now on, one might get judged anywhere by this quality of people.

Btw, who knows right now where I am sitting and penning down this article, some one might be totally judging me! Oops something fell off…….oh-my-word!!

Signing off for now,

Achu

It’s what it is!!

Not until I read ‘Anne Frank’s diary’ I was able to understand one of the most significant terms in every human life!! It’s the world famous diary apparently written by the young Dutch girl who started writing when she was thirteen, that promptly explained her life in hiding for two years in small office building during World War II. She however could not survive out of concentration camp beyond fifteen years of her age! Her quality of writing and expressions are so intense that does not lower the hangover of the feelings expressed easily. I was so much into that book that, one morning I got up with a terrible fear feeling as though as I was in hiding!!! And there my friends, was my realization on the significant term –‘Freedom!!’

It’s the free spirit that maketh a life. The fight going on for the same in Bangalore prison is one of the examples. Although the prisoner’s demands are outrageous to the government, one can sense the desperation for freedom in them. The life in prison is the least one may want. Infact, one of the classy movies – ‘Shawshank redemption’ explains it all and how the genius makes his way through to his freedom. It’s indeed a blessing to be in a country that not only is a free country but also is democratic. However, in a weird way, democracy is becoming more of a boon to politicians these days in India!!

Anyway although I am a patriotic soul who used to get goose bumps when I hear National Anthem or just by the look of National Flag and also, attended parades and other programs sometimes just as a fest on Independence Day, after such realizations- I do get that same impressions for right transformed reasons for sure!

Freedom indeed is what it is and nothing can be compensated for it!!

So, with the respect of highest order to all those freedom fighters, to all those men and women at the borders and especially to the freedom to be…. “Happy Independence Day to all”

Signing off for now,

Achu

+’ve Inspiration from the opposite sex!

Recently I attended my high-school reunion wherein I was able to get hold of one of my close friend’s contact. We had a recap of almost everything as we spoke. Of the many things that we recollected, we remembered how our male Hindi teacher inspired us to do well in our third language though we both majored in Kannada. He basically used to teach students who had opted Hindi as their first language! Although he dint teach us, it was strange that we somehow wanted to do well in Hindi…. pretty unusual huh!!!

This was a distant inspiration from a good looking North Indian who had just started his career as a teacher and possessed a dynamic behaviour. Back then in South India and that too school filled with girls, he was equivalent to melodramatic khans of the bollywood. Now that I think of it, I could relate the obsession to do well in Hindi to- ‘emotion of opp sex’ about which I had read sometime ago although the reference terminology might vary from source to source. This indeed is the topic that’s not easy to comprehend and therefore, there is a possibility that majority of people would consider the vibes of emotions towards opp sex biased to be related to physical too at first. Anyway that’s just human or mostly human;) (Pun intended!!)

Well coming to the ‘inspirations’ that rise from the ‘emotions of opp sex’ which essentially has its own weird powers! It fills in so much of energy and drive that gets you right into the action that requires to complete the task. For instance, the task could be to as simple as to get through a book that is as boring as 'Men are from Mars and Women are from venus'!!The zest out of emotional inspiration is unbound. It’s proven that, it indeed is one of the powerful factors which not only encourages towards the accomplishment of the task but also makes one conquer beyond their abilities. Well ofcourse, there could be other inspiring factors too which can lead to similar strive like- one’s own burning desire to achieve or inspiration from the family or some other significant event in life! Amongst all such inspirations, emotional inspiration from the opp sex can be counted as one of the potent means which can do wonders!!!

As per my understanding on the topic, the interesting part is, the vibes for such emotions does not restrict on age bar and can start as early as eight! When I was in my fourth grade and as much as I wanted to study well and make my parents feel proud of me, I also wanted to excel badly because a boy in my class was leading. And thereafter, I reckoned to make it to the college dance team thinking that the science nerd across the building might notice one day. And sometimes, it’s the friend’s cousin whom you meet once in a blue moon or sometimes, it’s the show off intellectual colleague from the other wing at office!! Such minor inspirations ironically had led to worthy results. The influence of emotions creates such state of being that leads to stronger mind and keeps it motivated to the ecstasy!

However, there was a thought in my head that, when such teeny tiny +’ve inspirations can afford to put life to an extra mile, what about those exceptional people who have such inspirations from their “true love” or its synonym “friendship!”

Well, Just the thought of it seems like such a biggie and… ain’t that the jackpot of life??

Signing off for now,

Achu

Astrology- is it kinda spooky????

It will be improbable if I say that I do not care for teensy prediction that comes in the newspaper every day! And if it is Sunday hmmm…the morning tea time is fixated. The best part in India is the flexibility of the star signs. Here, the star sign determined by the actual birth date as per English calendar differ from that of the sign determined by the time of birth. So if the zodiac sign Cancer is sick for the day, then I conveniently move over to Virgo and vice versa! And sometimes if both signs are not in my favor then, it’s simple enough to move on considering the teensy predictions irrelevant! Ultimately it’s the ‘feel good’ factor that mind bangs upon. As my impression on this methodical ancient science was as roving as this, I came across a personal incident for which I have to bow wow to astrology…well to be specific to the term- ‘Medical Astrology’.

The astrology savior entered my life just like the cops enter at the end of the classic bollywood cinema…although the significance of the former at the climax was uncanny. In my teenage years, an unfortunate accident left a ‘coin shaped’ scar on my feet. It stayed with me all through and started acting weird when I first joined work perhaps because of the stress factor. Soon it dragged me to the dermatologist wherein it was diagnosed to be something dreadful. I was happy to hold prescription and medicine back home until I read about it on the internet. That explained the look on the doctor’s face which had actually made me think that he was unwell.

There started the trouble for next five years. I denied telling it to my parents for obvious reasons and started to venture out the ways to get rid of it. At that age, nothing else was more important to me. The unwell doctor’s face had such a bleak impact that I dint dare to go back to him or to any other allopathy doctor or to any others. Although with my sister’s help, I did visit about three homeopathy clinics in five years with my big mouth telling homeopathy doctors about my syndrome before they ask me. Infact, I not only told them but also convinced them even before their attempt to diagnose it. It was as though I was in some ‘make believe’ contest and I always succeeded with my big mouth. But the ‘coin shaped’ scar remained intact without causing any more harm while my parent’s were hazy about my efforts of running around to get rid of my stubborn scar.

Almost every other day became a battle for five years. The allegations with mind are most difficult to deal with and were tough to handle!! One tiring day, I finally broke down in front of my parents. My dad, who is very interested in learning astrology and has accomplished it to some extent, took me to our family friend with my detailed horoscope. Uncle is a renowned astrologer who specializes in Medical astrology and also the author of the book-‘Horoscope for Stethoscope’. Through some calculations he assured that my problem would vanish. We three then headed in particular direction to see one person who could look into the problem. I had no choice but to walk with them with my big mouth again!

The person that my uncle took us to looked very learned and confident of curing it. Obviously I was not satisfied with that person’s mediocre reaction towards my problem and so, my big mouth delivered the speech again which made him the first person on earth to defend me. He was strong and clear about what he is treating and convinced me that its nothing remotely related to what the unwell doctor had concluded. Since the fact that this person has treated millions of people did put me back on the edge making me feel that it was high time to do some due diligence to myself. So, after five years of gap, I once again checked on internet and learned that the symptoms or the progress over years had nothing related to unwell doctor’s diagnosis. It made me so confident that I went back to couple of super specialty hospitals only to confirm the negative results against the previous one. My problem required treatment just for a month with some easy maintenance. Overall I couldn’t believe I am going to be living one of my dreams!

Today, every time I put on my shoes, I see the ‘dot shaped’ scar and remember the kind of person it has made me during the course of time. I thank it for leaving me yet living with me. It’s the D learning of life for me!! It has restored so much of positive doses for future use and health wise made me go pure vegetarian for early cure that I have been for long enough now and for that matter, continue to be so for the rest of my life. All the more...the ultimate advantage is that the weight management turns to auto control mode with vegetarianism. (Trust me on this ladies)! Anyway most importantly, the whole experience made me understand the value of family and friends and thus strengthened me to never cease the wants of life despite such hurdles. After such a dramatic experience, I can’t help but to give credit to astrology which was the ignition to end this traumatic journey! It’s beyond my league to even attempt to think if this part of vedic science is spooky or not. It did leave remarkable evidence on me backed up with genuine profound knowledge of my uncle.

But come what may, I still find it appropriate to approach astrology only for couple of important things for sheer confidence boost if I ever need, but, certainly do not let it spasm heartfelt decisions. If someone doesn’t believe in astrology, then there’s nothing to consider but if there is a belief, I think the influence should be minimal. It’s definitely not that thrilling to condition the beautiful life by the planetary alignments which can lead to limitations. Infact ‘hope’ is a magical word that can pep up life to the rim and I feel one should never compromise on most important element -“fun”!

PS: my uncle would kill me if he gets to read this blog post:)

Signing off for now,

Achu

I’m telling ya…u’ll love ‘em!

“I want to feel my life while I’m in it”- Meryl Streep

Indeed the above quote is from a very renowned personality who is also one of my favourite actresses!! Such one-liners have always taken me for a spin!! She means so much in such short sentence! Infact, how many of us can possibly ‘feel’ what we do in every aspect of life? having a great feeling in everything you do is indeed a divine experience that’s not everybody’s cup of tea! And therefore that quote of hers blows my mind completely!!

I have been a big fan of quotes of any kind! The moment I pick up RD, I do not go to the ‘laughter’ page and I do not go to the most popular ‘life’s like that’ page but, I directly pledge myself to the page of “quotes.” They are so thought provoking and although, some are hilarious like this one for instance- “When a husband brings flowers for his wife for no reason, there’s a reason:)” quotes do not give up on your rational thinking! It gets me enthralled as to how the volumes of messages can be put in such concise manner. They are crisp but capable of talking life time experience. The best part is, there are all kinds of categories in them to suit your mindset!!

Some great sayings can rush through you like a slap on the face… like this one here- “Tell me what you brag about and I can tell you what you lack”

If you need something sweeter, here it is- “The most important thing a father can do to his children is to love their mother”.

Something witty- “Cooking is like making love, you do it well, or you do not do it at all”.

Something political- “Politicians are same all over; they promise to build bridge even when there is no river”

Or if you need to kick in some positivity- “whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe he can achieve”

For health- “the person who has no time for exercise must make time for illness”

Or you want something for trance- “the quiet mind cureth all”

Or something for self-upliftment- “accept that some days you are pigeon and somedays statue”

Something for just to be yourself… “You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it”

Well, am sure there are oceans of quotes available on the net, in books, posters, calendars & some on t-shirts as well. But here, I want to suggest one handbook which I loved the best!! I picked it up from crossword and it’s called “Attitude, Altitude” a Times of India effort with Bennett Coleman publish. It’s a handout that’s stands apart...something different like that of ‘Chanakya Neeti’ which is a pure delight to read. Anyway this handbook that I am suggesting has the sayings from great people showing off their extraordinary attitude but being outrageously modest!! I tell you… get up early morning, take a big mug of hot tea and sit by the window and read through that book…hmmm…u’ll love ‘em!!

Now, as an abridgement to my post here on quotes, I too have made up one quote to spice it up a lil bit!! Here I present to you my creation as a conclusion …

“Like the quality red wine stimulates the heart kicks better, the ravishing quotes stimulates the intellectual kicks better”- Achala;)

Signing off for now,

Achu