10 things of '10

The look on my face must have been priceless, for she burst out laughing! Yes, I was surely stumped, by a silly fact when someone told me that 2010 was ending! WHAT… SO SOON! Oh man, just when I was getting used to ending my dates with 10 (pun unintended), it was time to change…. So not fair, I cried!

Well, stupid remarks aside, 2010 has just flown by…. I guess, it’s the same with most good years… and looking back, 2010 has been one of the better ones, for sure :) And like all the people who matter and those who don’t, I have my own views on how the year was, for me!

I have had an O. K. 2009, so when I did look back at the post I did, welcoming 2010 I realized that most of the stuff written in there still holds so true… and most of all, I did actually follow and do a lot of the things I had written in there... well, that’s a first!

So, technically speaking, 2010 was more of learning from 2009 and as happens with most of the “good times” in our lives, we learn little, live a lot and (as happens with me) become even more restless! Sure, I like a good life, but then, it gives you pretty staid topics to blog about, right...especially if you’re blogging after ages and what you write looks rustic)

Cutting short my stupid rambling, here are the things that made 2010 memorable, in no random order…

Laughter: Hell, I have laughed more in this year than the last 2 years together! Don’t get me wrong, my life isn’t that bad, that I remember each time I laughed, but I have surely laughed my head out on so many occasions and with so many different people, that its been an pretty good! :)

Vacation: I have seldom taken a month long vacation, after I began working. Rather, I used to think, I would go crazy if I ever was off work for more than a week… workaholic and all that. Turns out, most of it is bullshit. My entire February was spent in Bangalore. How I fell in love with that city, which had an amazing (though dry) weather and an awesome cake shop! But what really made it the most memorable was the people I was with. Each one of them made it special. The late nights, the dancing, the crazy stuff I can’t squeal here and the amount of food and sweets! Yay!! 

But, even after Feb, I have been on these silly short trips more than a couple of times, with different set of people, and it has been amazing every time! Now, I suppose it’s time to get over the laziness quotient and get myself a passport and go international! (Please stop rolling your eyes, guys!)

People: 2010 has been a lot about people! New friends, old acquaintances, and plenty of people somewhere in the middle. Made my share of mistakes, others made their too… but thankfully, sensibilities prevailed! I love it, when people you’ve known in what seems like a previous life & lost touch with, suddenly re-enter your life in a pretty different avatar! It’s like unlearning quite a bit about them and knowing them again! Mostly a pleasure :)

  

            Marriage: Not mine…. Yet! But my close friends, for sure. So many of them got married in ’10 that it could easily be re-christened to be the year of weddings! (Sorry, 2009). And here is an interesting insight… for someone who loathes attending family weddings (unless they are close), I actually had a blast in each of my friend’s weddings! Surprising! Maybe it was the fact that seeing them happy and beaming was contagious… maybe it was coz I was out of option, or maybe it was because of the behind the scenes goss I was a part of… but friends’ marriages were fun!

Arranged Marriage: HA HA HA… I cant believe I am actually writing this, but the entire process of “Arranged Marriage” has pretty much changed me, in a few ways! For starters, it got me to re-look the entire question of “what I want”…. Since I got my answer to “what I don’t want”! At the cost of risking my entire future and sounding stupid, let me say this…. When it comes to these things, instinct wins over logic! By far!!

Work: Bummer, u say?! Hehehe… I love my work and well, it was amazing this year! All the stuff seemed easier to manage, people easier to lead and work more interesting than ever! Hopefully, this is the beginning of an upward curve! Wish I could share most of my work insights here, but I doubt they’d make sense…

Patience: THE VIRTUE to have! Seriously!! I can’t imagine how I could get by life so far without having any of it, and trust me, I lack it big time! But 2010 has definitely made me so much more patient. Sometimes, one needs to have patience for not only oneself but even for others around you. And boy, its hard… really hard! A lot of things make so much more sense over time, and patience makes you a better person!

Ya, this seems to be as much as I could write for now…. Maybe could update this some other time as well! So, people, happy New Year and all that jazz! Hope 2011 is an awesome year… and make sure, you make it awesome… coz you never know, the world might end in 2012! :P

Oh, and just another note to people (not everyone, you know who you are): I am cybernating right now… yep, off web… no emails/ no chat/ no facebook (Deactivated)/ no twitter…. Not for some time… Brining in the new years in a remote place, just the way I want to…. Quietly and at peace…. But, this cybernation may go on for more than that…. (typically me, na!)… So, don’t fret and fume if you don’t hear from me for a while now… Enjoy it, while it lasts ;)

  

Seriously!

I am not surprised that the novel “Serious Men” won The Hindu Best Fiction Award 2010! After all shouldn't a novel depicting the ‘real’ India be applauded! Even if the novel is through the eyes of a frustrated yet cunning man in our society who believes on being wronged because of his birth in a certain caste! Even if his depiction made me think that every second person walking on Indian streets was deranged. Here was a man, who spoke the truth! Of course he would be awarded!

Never mind the bad spelling, erratic grammar, poor editing and a story which resembles a movie plot; we have to encourage more of such truth inspiring, heart rendering human stories, which show our “real” India and the way we are to everyone! How else would the stark truth come out of our living rooms. How else, would these awe inspiring individuals guide us into light by informing us that Militants and Naxals need a humane touch and that the solution to every problem in our country is through a media trial and that everything would be all right if a certain CM resigns! So 

what if their sentences begin with ‘and’ and the comma follows every 2 words like a Hutch puppy. Who needs an English teacher writing our books anyways!  

What we need are these free minded, spirited young individuals who are comfortable enough to express their disappointments with the Indian society. Yes, the more the merrier. After all, isn’t that the true barometer of a thriving, intellectual, free and developing democracy? Not to mention that this guidance comes Direct to Home! What more can we as a country ask for. We shall, as a society be ever indebted to these great writers of no caliber but big mouths for letting us know what India is all about.

Thank You Manu Joseph, Ms. Roy and many others. Thank You! (Sorry for getting emotional)

           

I am not surprised that the novel “Serious Men” won The Hindu Best Fiction Award 2010. What I am surprised about is why it did not win the Best Non-Fiction Award, 2010! Real shame that!

I feel good

(This is my contribution to the Writers Island Prompt # 14 - The Journey)

He jerked as the clock stuck 4:00 p.m.! Six months had passed but the journey from his ‘routine’ to this visit seemed longer than that, very long in fact. It was more like an event of someone else’s distant past. The lack of emotion and the numbness made him smile as he remembered that day.

That fateful day when nothing had seemed different. He had been uneasy, that’s all, but it seemed a case of ‘waking up at the wrong side of the bed’, than an ominous sign of something. But would it have changed anything? He thought not.

It was around 4:00 p.m. when he left work that day. Yes, it was way too early for his standards. But owing to a grumpy mood, he had decided to call it a day. No one seemed to mind. Very few noticed.

   

It was a beautiful evening, the sky was clear and the breeze was cool and refreshing! He decided to walk back. Life was good, and walking would help him clear his mind and get him back into his usual spirits. Plus, he had ample time today, no rushing home for dinner date, no missing out on TV shows! A half empty day really felt good, he smiled.

He looked up. The sun was on its way home, which made the entire horizon look dark pink. How she loved the colour! He should call her up, he thought. Then he remembered, he was supposed to be angry on her. Life is good, he thought! Bloody Good!! He was humming the James Brown number…. Life seemed to be having everything going for him… why have I been grumpy all day, he chided!

He was at the street corner, when it happened. He just waved at a neighbour and her child. They waved back. How he loved young kids, all innocent and pretty. Life would be a breeze if I was a kid. Maybe someday, I will have some, he thought! 

And then he turned, to go to her street. I shall enjoy this, he thought, thinking of how he would make her feel guilty for all their silly fights!... Evil Man, Evil!

And then, out of nowhere, he heard a loud music being played. He turned to see, the smile intact. But before he could comprehend, he was on the floor, unconscious! The loud music was still on…. The drooling mouths and the sloppy eyes at the wheel were still unfazed…. The smile on his face still remained…. But something else was lost….

And a lot was lost, and a lot had changed since then... he sighed. His journey had begun, with the loss of his legs. His life seemed much more, with a body part less. As ironic as it seemed, he had found everything, when he had lost something! Six months had passed and nothing was ever the same again. The pain, the will to live, the need to breathe, the ecstasy of being able to, was much more beautiful and of greater value than anything else he had ever known. He truly felt alive! He could not understand if he felt more alive in the past month, than he had felt in years. But there was one thing he did know, Life, as he knew that day, would never be the same again!

And, somewhere from the window, he heard that James Brown track again…..

[This is for everyone who has ever been a victim of drunk driving! Please guys, do not drink and drive... it's just not cool!]

The Great Gig in the sky

(This is my contribution to the Writer's Island Prompt on Title's)

For the original Pink Floyd Song, click here

This ode comprises of title's of all Pink Floyd songs. 

This is my tribute to some of the best lyrics i have ever heard! 

Since the ode doesn't have any additions, it may sound odd at first... 

Paranoid Eyes, Good Bye Blue Sky,

Don’t leave me now, Learning to fly

Run like Hell, Remember the day, See Emily Play,

See-Saw, Lucy Leave, One of these Days 

The Dogs of War, The Gunners Dream

Scream Thy Last Scream

In the Flesh, childhood’s end, A Great Day for Freedom

Post War Dream, Bring the Boys Back Home,

Not Now John, The Show Must Go on

Time, The Trial, Speak to me, One of my Turns

Comfortably Numb, The Gnome, The Hero’s Return

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PINK FLOYD: Musicians par excellence! Their Lyrics are the stuff that make you sit up and think, but also thoroughly entertain. There may not be a living soul who has not heard "Wish You Were Here" or "Comfortably Numb". They are a MUST LISTEN for each and everyone! 

I could go on and on and on about them....

If you have not heard of them (God Bless You!), go out any buy them NOW.... Go Go Go!!

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Nirvana... Aha!

This is my contribution to the Writers Island Prompt on 'Reunion'

It was an unusual afternoon. She was wilting under the heat. The emptiness of her soul, lay visible to all who saw. It made no difference to her, that there were so many people around, probably staring, many wondering and some even understanding. At that moment, no one and nothing else mattered.

 All she could feel was his harsh stare, the reality of him taking away something from her so important. The thought that with every stare of his, a part of her identity vanished was embarrassing her. Every glance of his, made her feel as if there was less and less of her remaining. Her dignity seemed to be vanishing with every passing moment. But she had nowhere to go, nothing she could do to somehow stop it. The helplessness was even more unnerving.

But she held on, she stayed put. She knew, if she could face this humiliation, she would indeed have her moment of glory. In her mind, it was not a case of “will she”… but more a case of “when will she”…. And suddenly she winced. But before that, nothing would remain, she thought…coming back to the harsh reality again!

A few months passed by. Every day seemed a battle for her. The days were long, the times were harsh. Every moment getting her closer to that which was now, inevitable.. There came a day, when nothing was left in her, but still he was there, trying to take whatever remained of her. Trying to make sure that she indeed was dead, and nothing remained. He was always there, she thought. Every day, in and out, he would be there. Suddenly she was comforted by that surety that he would be there when she got back at him.

And then it happened. Her day of redemption, her finale was here. She couldn’t see him. She knew he was there, as always, she smiled again! ‘Fine, hide all you want, but am going to love it today’, she smiled. Aah! the breeze again. The cool and calm breeze! She felt alive and happy. The harsh encounters of the recent months had left her bruised, hurt, empty and black, and now she knew she would be beautiful again! I shall be alive once more, she thought.

Suddenly it got real dark. The clouds made the entire place serene and calm. Their voice drowned everything around. But that voice was music for her, the prelude to a shocking climax. The lightning stuck as if heralding a change, a sweet victory for a ferocious little battle she had played a part in. And it rained!

She leapt at the first few drops of water that fell on her, absorbing it within herself. She wanted to dance, but knew she couldn’t. Her joy knew no bounds. She was once again re-united with the one and the only thing that gave her an identity, that which gave her a purpose, which allowed for her existence…. Her existence of being what she was. She was no longer barren, no longer devoid of water. She looked up and smiled. She knew that all was right for now, until he returns again! She stood calmly in the rain, brushing aside all thoughts, of him, of the battle which would return, of what had happened to her…. Everything! All she knew at that moment was that she was alive, and it was exactly for this, that she existed! Nirvana, she knew would feel just like this. And she smiled.

my naya awards!

Yay!... Jingle, bless her.... has gifted me with two awards... here they are:

Yay!... And i want to give these two to Alice in Wonderland :) :) :) Enjoy it, chicka :D

Till inspiration strikes me again.....

Cheers

Letter to my love

Dear,

We have had a long relationship. Longer than many others, I have ever had. You have always held a very special place in my heart. From the first time I ever set my eyes on you, till today, I have fallen in love with you again, and again and yet again!

My life would be very much incomplete without you. You have been with me, longer than any one else. Your smell, your appearance, the calmness that surrounds you, would make everyone around love you. Yet, you never ignored me, loving me equally. You would give into my every fantasy, my every whim and wish, making sure each of our meetings was a memory I couldn’t forget. You are the only one, for whom I have given up on food! Yes, I have given up on foodstuff to save and come meet you! This silly thing called love… doesn’t let me forget you!

You know, how everyone has been against this love. They say, you sweep me of my feet. They say, I forget the world, when I am with you. They are true, though! Spending time with you, I never remember anyone or anything. Conversations seem unimportant, the background music/ noise unobtrusive. The only thing that I see, feel and hear is what you give me! You have been more than perfect for me, in every way a girl like me, could ask for….

Yet today, I did, what I couldn’t have imagined doing even in my wildest dreams! I ignored you… I walked past you without giving you as much as a glance. So what, if I was with my colleagues and they would never accept it for what it is…They would never understand the desire of visiting you and holding a book could ever be so important to me! I am sorry, really sorry for having to do this to you, dear !

Yours truly addicted

Rachana

This letter is sent to the Landmark and Crossword of my life ! :D  

I treasure

(This is my contribution to the Writer's Island Prompt on Treasure)

I treasure…

You singing me a song, I never wanted to hear,

I doing a little jig, you never wanted to see.

Walking through the hallway I, trying to act important

You giving me a push, and telling me, it didn’t matter.

Awaiting my chance to speak, talk and impress

You giving me a smile saying “you know you are the best!”

Waiting for that magic, the moment that wouldn’t pass

You knew what I felt, knew just where to start…

Sitting at your window, talking about stories of glory

Watching the world go by, over too many cups of tea

Life is nothing but collection of moments such as these

What would I do, if they hadn’t happened to me!

so far so good :)

I like my short breaks from society, the few times wherein I get off everyone’s heads and lives, to figure out my own existential quotient! And I wont lie, I have loved being out of sight! Loved being on my own, not bothering with everyone else’s schedule and priorities, understanding the very different layers to my own existence and being, figuring out what and who needs to be a priority to me, and who and what needs to go, living and experiencing what it is like, to JUST BE!

Basically wanted to make sure ‘that the noise of other people’s opinion, didn’t drown my inner voice’, in Steve Jobs words! :)

Usually the end of the year has always bought with it, its own share of de-cluttering activities, 2008 saw me completely removed off from everyone, holed up at home studying for the exams, and understanding relations and people. It also had me switching off my cell phone for a good two months! This time, however, the cell phone could not be off, since I was working, and I did make a habitual appearance on Facebook and on chat (shall be figuring out the ways of reducing it further soon), but over-all I made sure, I was in control of what I spent my time on. And I am happy with the results so far!

For starters, I have figured out the things I needed to do to make sure that I could pull off what was expected of me at work. It took me some time, a lot of patience and plenty of reading and discussing with people, who could help, to figure out the way out, but nothing beats the fact that I did find it out, and well, since the plan is currently in action... given myself till the end of January to figure out if the same needs any changes or any modifications. So all excited and gung-ho about it! :) :)

Currently focussing on the people and relationships in my life. Love what I have, couldn’t thank God enough for each person I have met, and who is in my life right now, but there are a few people and relationships which have outrun their course, and before things go bad, they need to be looked in to. It’s never going to be easy, but when you can’t avert it, you have to learn to accept it, right?!

Anyways, moving on to the other stuff that has been happening... I have been doing a couple of new things; basically the time after my birthday has been really wonderful! Tried my hand at ice-skating, and had a fun time with it, currently trying my hand at composing Haiku, though it’s making sense, am not too sure it’s blog-worthy yet... maybe some day, when they start making sense.... actually, the whole point of blogging, somewhat is losing it's importance in my life... but that's for another post...

Oh yea, and also started learning Sanskrit - the language of Gods, the most precise language of them all... it’s going at a very very slow pace, as of now, but atleast I started! :D ...

Next on the list is trying my hand at minimalism. Recently reading a couple of wonderful blogs like Celestine, Zen Habits, and Uncluttered, where I came across this concept of minimalist living. It seems promising, and I think it’s deffinately worth giving a try! Will come back and blog about how it is going, and if I actually started following it!

Loving my life right now, and thankfully living it my way!

So long then, Adios! :)

Oh, also two more things: a) Finally figured out HOW twitter works (thanks to Google Desktop widgets)... so i am on twitter at rach_kamat and

b) I think everyone needs to hop over to Gkam (see Gauri am not addressing you as G'ri :D :D), where she has some amazing Blog-a-ton posts and things like that, i think most of you would enjoy it! [YES, SHE PAID ME FOR THIS...]!