Unintentionally funny

Some may think it's a little cruel, but I think sometimes you can have a quiet laugh when you experience something that's unintentionally funny. You want an example? Well, how about that relative who thinks she's good at Kathak dancing or singing or poetry and just isn't? In such times, you really hold your sides when you catch some other sufferer's eye. It takes a huge effort not to burst out, and I think that's part of the whole appeal.

I dont know whether its the reality gap that exists or its just the egoistic nature of such people (you know, they get all puffed up, have an important face of sorts before making asses of themselves) that makes it pure fun for me.

Hmm. Wait. Do some people laugh at my writing? Nah... can't be... hmm?

Ya learn somethin' new every day

And it's always an exciting thing! Provided you are in the mood, of course.
I'm trying to learn about new online media and related stuff- you know, google alerts, twitter, etc- it's part of the grand plan in my professional life at the moment. But what I'd like to say is that a day when you've learnt something new, and it can be really a small thing, is still a day that makes you feel good about yourself. Whatever it may be, maybe its just tying a shoelace a different way (ok maybe not that mundane) its all for the good. Highly recommended.

Music to the ear

As someone recently said to me- music's the only solace. In times like ours, listening to a good song does make you feel good without realising it. I was just listening to songs from the film "New York" and I'm pleasantly surprised by the feel good factor in them. Especially the first three songs- perfect for a rainy afternoon.
One of the things I regularly do nowadays is to listen to some good numbers on Utube, while I'm working. Wonder why I didn't earlier- it is an instant stress-buster!

The Right Attitude to Rain

My CEO told me that London is experiencing a heat wave recently, and apparently, its actually hotter than Pune! I think both Punekars and Brits like to talk about the weather. While some consider it banal... I say why not? Its a neutral, safe topic, allows you to air a grievance (and everybody has a grievance about the weather) and connect to strangers, bosses and other exotic birds. Alexander Mcall- Smith calls it the right attitude to rain, and I agree. Welcome, weather-talkers! The monsoon's getting better, but nowhere close to what it should be.... what say?

Life's small opportunities

We all hate being taken for granted, isnt it? But I had the exact opposite experience this morning. I met a dear friend of mine, my neighbour, whom I yelled out and said good morning to, and asked whether he wanted a cup of tea. This was quite early in the morning, and he'd just come back from the US- so I thought he would be busy with something else, or would be plain tired. I figured that he would decline the offer and catch with me later.

But to my pleasant surprise, he said he was coming right up. We had a nice chat and the tea wasn't too horrible. I learnt something from him today. He took the offer up and spent that time with me there and then, not pushing out something for later. It wasnt more than 15 minutes, but it was full of life and that's how it should be- but we keep forgetting that...

Needle in the Haystack

We'd lost quite a precious piece of jewellery in the house quite recently. After much heartbreak that we couldnt find it, we wondered whether it was stolen or misplaced. Then over a period of time, everyone forgot about it and went about their daily lives.
And then, months later, today, my young'un found the damn thing. By sheer luck, or coincidence. It takes a child's eyes to find that needle in the haystack. The sheer joy of it all.

A Rare Thrill

For the uninitiated, I've written a book called " The Map that Matters" which is being published by Strategic Publishing Group, NY. It's a self help book, and I think it's based on a pretty unique insight, but that's just me selling it to you I guess :).

Writing it has been a very demanding and enriching journey for me.

Just a few days ago, I got the Galley Proof - which is a copy sent to the author for approval before it moves towards publication. As soon as I got it in my hands, I became a little child who wanted to show it off to all my close friends and family. It was such a rare thrill that it counts as a special small joy for this blog. I'll keep you guys posted on further progress!