Saturday, August 23, 2008
My Blogs Are Getting A Tad Too Boring And Itchy Aren't They
I took a moment to review (a.k.a. read) my last few blogs, and I'll be honest with you here. I see a gulf of difference in them v/s my blogs a few months back.
I also noticed one more thing - most of the blogs were filled with my bitching and whining about something or the other. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm ... Now why did I do that!!!
Maybe at a subconscious level, I'm not all that happy as I think I am ... I need to take a moment off here to talk to my inner self. Once I do that, I'll understand whats really going wrong in my life. And once I identify that - I'll take corrective steps to resolve the matter.
So, for all those lovely readers (if there are any i.e.) who've been bearing the brunt of my whining - thanks for your patronage and support and patience. I am completely indebted to you.
Like the System.gc() method in Java - I will expend maximum effort to get over this boorish phase of mine.
(I know that was a bad joke ... But, what else did you expect from a techie!)
And once I conquer and overcome my current plights, it'll be back to my glorious old days ... And I assure you, I'll write some really good stuff once again.
Till then - Please bear with me. Or if that's too much to ask - BUZZ OFF MATE!!!
:D
I also noticed one more thing - most of the blogs were filled with my bitching and whining about something or the other. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm ... Now why did I do that!!!
Maybe at a subconscious level, I'm not all that happy as I think I am ... I need to take a moment off here to talk to my inner self. Once I do that, I'll understand whats really going wrong in my life. And once I identify that - I'll take corrective steps to resolve the matter.
So, for all those lovely readers (if there are any i.e.) who've been bearing the brunt of my whining - thanks for your patronage and support and patience. I am completely indebted to you.
Like the System.gc() method in Java - I will expend maximum effort to get over this boorish phase of mine.
(I know that was a bad joke ... But, what else did you expect from a techie!)
And once I conquer and overcome my current plights, it'll be back to my glorious old days ... And I assure you, I'll write some really good stuff once again.
Till then - Please bear with me. Or if that's too much to ask - BUZZ OFF MATE!!!
:D
What Happens When You Want Too Many Things At The Same Time
For example, what happens when:
You Want To Take A New Assignment At Work - Which Is Technologically Challenging And Will Get You Places, But Fear That It Means That You Will Leave You With Too Little Free Time For Other/Personal Pursuits +
You Want To Ask Your Current Project Lead To Release You From Your Current Project, Because You Don't See Yourself Going Places Here +
You Want To Chalk Out Loads Of Free Time For Yourself So That You Can Work With Full Energy And Zeal On That Dream Project Of Your, So That You Can Satisfy Your Dream Of Wanting To Be An Entrepreneur +
You Don't Want To Relocate Out Of Cochin, Because You Just Moved In Here 20 Days Back +
You Want To Go Back To Bangalore, Because The City Offered You A Lot Of Freedom And Options To Freak Out +
You Want To Quit Your Current Company, Because The Work Culture Here Sucks +
You Want To Go Back To Oracle, Because The Work Culture There Rocked +
You Want To Stay With Parents, So That They're Happy That Their Kid Is Nearby +
You Want To Move To A City Where All Your Friends Are, Because You Wanna Chill Out As Much As Possible
Simple ... You end up as confused as I am ... TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTALLY CONFUSED!!!
Hopefully, in due course of time, I'll be able to untangle all the cat strings doing the rounds in my mind.
HOPEFULLY!!!
You Want To Take A New Assignment At Work - Which Is Technologically Challenging And Will Get You Places, But Fear That It Means That You Will Leave You With Too Little Free Time For Other/Personal Pursuits +
You Want To Ask Your Current Project Lead To Release You From Your Current Project, Because You Don't See Yourself Going Places Here +
You Want To Chalk Out Loads Of Free Time For Yourself So That You Can Work With Full Energy And Zeal On That Dream Project Of Your, So That You Can Satisfy Your Dream Of Wanting To Be An Entrepreneur +
You Don't Want To Relocate Out Of Cochin, Because You Just Moved In Here 20 Days Back +
You Want To Go Back To Bangalore, Because The City Offered You A Lot Of Freedom And Options To Freak Out +
You Want To Quit Your Current Company, Because The Work Culture Here Sucks +
You Want To Go Back To Oracle, Because The Work Culture There Rocked +
You Want To Stay With Parents, So That They're Happy That Their Kid Is Nearby +
You Want To Move To A City Where All Your Friends Are, Because You Wanna Chill Out As Much As Possible
Simple ... You end up as confused as I am ... TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTALLY CONFUSED!!!
Hopefully, in due course of time, I'll be able to untangle all the cat strings doing the rounds in my mind.
HOPEFULLY!!!
My Friend KSP And His Blog
I have this friend called Kiran. More popularly known as KSP. He dropped a career at L&T for an opening at a small start up organization called Web Chutney. From what I understood, they were a firm that worked in the Marketing and Advertising domains.
I've been tracking KSP's blog for some time now. It makes for a fun read. Correction - It used to make up for a really fun read. Till a couple of months back i.e.. He used to write, ekdum dil koll ke, about the most weirdo topics under the sun.
But, these days - It's filled with stuff that I don't understand. And by this, I don't mean I don't understand the stuff he writes about. I mean - I don't get why he writes it?
I mean - how is a guy who is into Marketing and Advertising domains bothered about RSS Feeds and Technology and Web 2.0 trends? My understanding of Marketing and Advertising is that it's a very glamorous thing where the only thing you do is come up with ideas of how you can differentiate your product. And whenever I think Marketing - a one-track-formula comes into my mind - Strip Mallika Sherawat to the bare minimum of clothes and then ask her to talk about your product. It doesn't exactly matter your product is - IT WILL SELL!!!
Oh God ... Now this is what I call a Tangent. Silly Me!!!
Anyways ... Getting back to KSP and his blog.
So ... My dear buddy KSP ... Wassup with you writing these techie sortta blogs? I'm confused ... Are these integral to the world of Advertising and Marketing? Or are you following these techie thingies based out of pure interest per se?
Thanks in advance bro !!!
N.B: I still like your blogs ... Keep those creative juices flowing!!!
I've been tracking KSP's blog for some time now. It makes for a fun read. Correction - It used to make up for a really fun read. Till a couple of months back i.e.. He used to write, ekdum dil koll ke, about the most weirdo topics under the sun.
But, these days - It's filled with stuff that I don't understand. And by this, I don't mean I don't understand the stuff he writes about. I mean - I don't get why he writes it?
I mean - how is a guy who is into Marketing and Advertising domains bothered about RSS Feeds and Technology and Web 2.0 trends? My understanding of Marketing and Advertising is that it's a very glamorous thing where the only thing you do is come up with ideas of how you can differentiate your product. And whenever I think Marketing - a one-track-formula comes into my mind - Strip Mallika Sherawat to the bare minimum of clothes and then ask her to talk about your product. It doesn't exactly matter your product is - IT WILL SELL!!!
Oh God ... Now this is what I call a Tangent. Silly Me!!!
Anyways ... Getting back to KSP and his blog.
So ... My dear buddy KSP ... Wassup with you writing these techie sortta blogs? I'm confused ... Are these integral to the world of Advertising and Marketing? Or are you following these techie thingies based out of pure interest per se?
Thanks in advance bro !!!
N.B: I still like your blogs ... Keep those creative juices flowing!!!
Need an Internet Connection
I desperately need to take an internet connection at home. I've listed out a few reasons why:
Firstly - I get home around 3.30 PM these days (courtesy of working in a shift system at work), and I have nothing better to do than either play "Counter Strike", or watch some movie/soap, or watch TV. And honestly, it's getting reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally boring out here.
Secondly - I need to start networking and make some new friends here in Cochin. Reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally - At the very least I have to find myself a few activity partners. None of my friends are here.
What was that saying again - "What's life without friends?"
Thirdly - I have a project in mind that I have to step up my efforts on. As it is, it was behind schedule. Today, I realized that I might have some competition as well. So, before the competition heightens and I loose any further ground to them, I better tidy up my act and work towards rolling out my project ASAP!
Fourthly - I wanna download some movies (YES - Porno is also included in my wish list!), mp3, e-books, music videos, etc. My current collection is kindda obsolete.
Fifthly - I need to teach/educate mom and dad on how to use a computer to access their mails and introduce them to the virtual world and limitless power of the internet (am I being a little too melodramatic here!)
Sixthly - Internet surfing, chatting, twitter, Orkut, etc help in killing time.
Seventhly - From the way things are going, I think I might have to pay a visit to www.naukri.com and www.monsterjobs.com very soon.
Eighthly - Browsing at Reliance Web World (I have an account there. I prefer the place as it's very secure. Absolutely no Malware/Spyware/Viruses) is proving to be a very very expensive affair. In the last 20 odd days I have already used up Rs. 650/- worth of internet time. To give me some credit - at their tariff rate of 40 bucks an hour - it's hardly 17 hours usage. In other words, I've spent only 1 hour a day (on an average) online.
Ninthly - Google Talk's PC-PC calls are a great way to save up on ISD charges as also to keep in touch with your old friends.
Tenthly - I actually don't have a tenth reason. I just wanted to make ten bullet points.
With any luck, by the end of this/next week, I'll have a net connection at home.
Till then - Ya'll Be Good Aite!
Firstly - I get home around 3.30 PM these days (courtesy of working in a shift system at work), and I have nothing better to do than either play "Counter Strike", or watch some movie/soap, or watch TV. And honestly, it's getting reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally boring out here.
Secondly - I need to start networking and make some new friends here in Cochin. Reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally - At the very least I have to find myself a few activity partners. None of my friends are here.
What was that saying again - "What's life without friends?"
Thirdly - I have a project in mind that I have to step up my efforts on. As it is, it was behind schedule. Today, I realized that I might have some competition as well. So, before the competition heightens and I loose any further ground to them, I better tidy up my act and work towards rolling out my project ASAP!
Fourthly - I wanna download some movies (YES - Porno is also included in my wish list!), mp3, e-books, music videos, etc. My current collection is kindda obsolete.
Fifthly - I need to teach/educate mom and dad on how to use a computer to access their mails and introduce them to the virtual world and limitless power of the internet (am I being a little too melodramatic here!)
Sixthly - Internet surfing, chatting, twitter, Orkut, etc help in killing time.
Seventhly - From the way things are going, I think I might have to pay a visit to www.naukri.com and www.monsterjobs.com very soon.
Eighthly - Browsing at Reliance Web World (I have an account there. I prefer the place as it's very secure. Absolutely no Malware/Spyware/Viruses) is proving to be a very very expensive affair. In the last 20 odd days I have already used up Rs. 650/- worth of internet time. To give me some credit - at their tariff rate of 40 bucks an hour - it's hardly 17 hours usage. In other words, I've spent only 1 hour a day (on an average) online.
Ninthly - Google Talk's PC-PC calls are a great way to save up on ISD charges as also to keep in touch with your old friends.
Tenthly - I actually don't have a tenth reason. I just wanted to make ten bullet points.
With any luck, by the end of this/next week, I'll have a net connection at home.
Till then - Ya'll Be Good Aite!
Project Idea Stolen
I've been working in recluse on this dream project of mine. And today, while googling for something else, I stumbled upon a site which is similar to my idea. Ofcourse, their product is in no way close to the product I have envisaged. But, still, they have first movers advantage now. And this means - I can no longer afford to be lazy. I need to step up my efforts at developing the application and delivering it to the market. I am also going to have to double my efforts in finding someone who can market the product for me.
DEAR GOD ... I have a lot of work ahead of me ... Please give me the courage and strength to finish it!!!
DEAR GOD ... I have a lot of work ahead of me ... Please give me the courage and strength to finish it!!!
WWW.TWITTER.COM
Today (19-Aug-2008), I started tweeting on www.twitter.com. I don't know whether I'll like it as much as Orkut or Blogging, but, I thought I'd give it a try. Who knows what it'll develop into?
So, for anyone who wants to know what I'm doing right now - add me as a friend on www.twitter.com
(Ping me if you want my twitter e-mail details... The last thing I want is some stupid bot spamming me on my E-Mail Id!)
So, for anyone who wants to know what I'm doing right now - add me as a friend on www.twitter.com
(Ping me if you want my twitter e-mail details... The last thing I want is some stupid bot spamming me on my E-Mail Id!)
Projectless - AGAIN!!!
Today I was informed that my client was about to cut project budgets by approx 50% for this coming quarter. And since mine is an R&D project, sure as hell - it'll be the first one to undergo the scalpel. Unfortunately (Or is it fortunately?) for me, I just joined the project and the account a week back. So, I will be the first one to be kicked out.
I've read (and laughed) a lot of Dilbert scrips about departments being downsized, etc. But, somehow, I never figured it would happen to me!
And to be very honest (maybe it's my bruised ego doing the talking here!) - It feel very angry right now!!!
I've read (and laughed) a lot of Dilbert scrips about departments being downsized, etc. But, somehow, I never figured it would happen to me!
And to be very honest (maybe it's my bruised ego doing the talking here!) - It feel very angry right now!!!
Awesome Cost Cutting Measures
Working with my new employer (Don't want to risk naming them here!) is serving to be a rich learning experience. As a matter of fact, I am learning a lot of stuff that I can use whenever I start my own Consulting Firm. To be a bit more honest - I'm learning a lot-of-stuff-that-one-should-never-do-in-an-organization.
One of the Key things is "Cost Cutting". Ofcourse, I understand cutting costs means increased profits and happier investors and thereby greater stock appreciation and all this finally leads to a richer you! But, cost cutting too has its limits.
Let me take a moment here to list out the 10 most absurd cost cutting measures that I have seen here:
(1) Coffee Vending machines on most floors don't work - Mega Electricity Savings!
(2) On the floors that the coffee machines work, they don't provide mugs - Mega Pantry Expenses Savings!
(3) Toilets are seldom cleaned. This makes employees abstain from using them - Water Bill Savings!
(4) 1 Refill pack of Liquid Soap can be used to fill up 11 liquid soap dispensers - provided you use water to compensate for the remaining 11 parts. If you're lucky - the colloidal solution that forms therewith will still smell of + have the same color of the original Liquid soap. Justification => "After all - You're hands won't smell all that bad after taking a potty/leak... Ergo, you don't need concentrated Liquid Soap extract!" Mega Toiletries Savings!
(5) Computers left on for more than 6 hours at a stretch will OVERHEAT and will switch off (read as THE COMPUTER DIES IN FRONT OF YOU!). Electricity Bill Savings!
(6) Printers, Photocopiers and Fax Machine never have paper in them. In the rarest of scenarios that there is paper inside them - they'll be out of Ink! Stationery and Electricity Bill Savings!
(7) Working in the morning shift (6 AM - 3 PM) entails you to a free breakfast. To get this free breakfast - you need to walk 1.5 kms to the nearest building, because, that is the ONLY place where the Free-Breakfast-Serving-Canteen is served. Most sensible employees would rather starve than walk 3 kms at 7 AM, and that too - on an empty stomach. Mega Savings in Catering Expenses!
(8) Toilets don't have toilet papers. Nor tissues for that matter. Mega Toiletries Savings!
(9) Company doesn't pay for car parking facilities inside the building premises. Logic - "If you have a car, you pay for the car parking. Why should we pay for you to park your car safely?" Mega Operational Expenses Savings!
(10) (This one takes the cake!) Note Pads/Scribble Pads are issued, but, Pencils/Pens are not issued. Ergo, the Scribble pads are left untouched. Yet another Stationery Related Savings!
And to think that when Oracle cut down on supplies of biscuits and soft drinks (free for employees) - I made a hue and cry about the whole issue, even to the extent of complaining to our HR representatives as well as Senior Managers that it was the "CHEAPEST" thing a company of Oracle's stature could ever do!
My Dearest Oracle .... I beg thy forgiveness!!!
One of the Key things is "Cost Cutting". Ofcourse, I understand cutting costs means increased profits and happier investors and thereby greater stock appreciation and all this finally leads to a richer you! But, cost cutting too has its limits.
Let me take a moment here to list out the 10 most absurd cost cutting measures that I have seen here:
(1) Coffee Vending machines on most floors don't work - Mega Electricity Savings!
(2) On the floors that the coffee machines work, they don't provide mugs - Mega Pantry Expenses Savings!
(3) Toilets are seldom cleaned. This makes employees abstain from using them - Water Bill Savings!
(4) 1 Refill pack of Liquid Soap can be used to fill up 11 liquid soap dispensers - provided you use water to compensate for the remaining 11 parts. If you're lucky - the colloidal solution that forms therewith will still smell of + have the same color of the original Liquid soap. Justification => "After all - You're hands won't smell all that bad after taking a potty/leak... Ergo, you don't need concentrated Liquid Soap extract!" Mega Toiletries Savings!
(5) Computers left on for more than 6 hours at a stretch will OVERHEAT and will switch off (read as THE COMPUTER DIES IN FRONT OF YOU!). Electricity Bill Savings!
(6) Printers, Photocopiers and Fax Machine never have paper in them. In the rarest of scenarios that there is paper inside them - they'll be out of Ink! Stationery and Electricity Bill Savings!
(7) Working in the morning shift (6 AM - 3 PM) entails you to a free breakfast. To get this free breakfast - you need to walk 1.5 kms to the nearest building, because, that is the ONLY place where the Free-Breakfast-Serving-Canteen is served. Most sensible employees would rather starve than walk 3 kms at 7 AM, and that too - on an empty stomach. Mega Savings in Catering Expenses!
(8) Toilets don't have toilet papers. Nor tissues for that matter. Mega Toiletries Savings!
(9) Company doesn't pay for car parking facilities inside the building premises. Logic - "If you have a car, you pay for the car parking. Why should we pay for you to park your car safely?" Mega Operational Expenses Savings!
(10) (This one takes the cake!) Note Pads/Scribble Pads are issued, but, Pencils/Pens are not issued. Ergo, the Scribble pads are left untouched. Yet another Stationery Related Savings!
And to think that when Oracle cut down on supplies of biscuits and soft drinks (free for employees) - I made a hue and cry about the whole issue, even to the extent of complaining to our HR representatives as well as Senior Managers that it was the "CHEAPEST" thing a company of Oracle's stature could ever do!
My Dearest Oracle .... I beg thy forgiveness!!!
Moving Homes
After 5 long years of staying in the same house, today, we moved again. Yes ... Again!
Fortunately or Unfortunately, I'm from a middle class family. And thanks to that - so far - we've been able to live in rented houses/apartments only. But, I would be lying if I say that we never owned any house.
When I was in my Xth std, we bought our first house. It was a wonderful property. Back water facing ... Second Floor ... Terrace all to ourselves ... 1800 sq ft ... Big halls (me and my bro used to play cricket there ... I swear!) ... Big rooms ... Plenty of land around the house ... Garden ... etc ... etc ...
(In short - it had the works!)
Unfortunately, bad times befell upon us, and we had to sell of the house. It seems, the stars pertaining to the house had everything to do with (That was the mambo-jambo that some renowned astrologer dad goes to told him!).
I had just completed my 12th, and I had secured an admission into the NIT, Calicut (It was called the Regional Engineering College, Calicut back then). And by the time we had to move out of that house - I was well into my 3rd semester of college.
Frankly speaking, I loved that house. I have a lot of fond memories of that place. The view of the backwaters during thunderstorms ... aaaaaaaaaah ... Nostalgic!
Also, I also remember that it was when I was staying in that house that I had my first majooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooor crush - Dhanya.
I say crush and not love - as today, I don't even remember her face. If it had indeed been love - it wouldn't be so would it?
Anyways ... More on that in later blogs!
So ... The way I see it - That house bought me a lot of good luck! But, since the astrologer said the house was a bad asset, and since dad worshipped that astrologer jerko like god - We sold of the house!
For a very long while after that, we were staying in one rented house after the other. And mind you, all those stays were pretty short-term by nature. 6 months ... 1 year max. Till - we came to this house (the one I just moved!)
5 long years we spent at this place. And to be very honest - It wasn't my most favorite of houses - for a plethora of reasons ofcourse. For instance, the house was pretty old w.r.t construction. It had a very morose feel to it. The toilets were absolutely disgusting. The were low ... Dirty ... Yucky ... Grossssssssssssssss ... I don't even wanna talk about it. It is after a lot of hue and cry that we finally changed the sanitary ware (at our own expense mind you!), and it is only after that going to the toilet at this home became a "not-so-very-unpleasant" an affair. Also, our neighbours (the family who stayed upstairs i.e.) weren't exactly very friendly. And to add to that - they were nosy as hell! And how can I forget - there was this church right next doors. And come Sundays - we had listen to them shouting and singing and praying at the top of their voices! I don't mean to sound discriminative here, but, whatever the religion you practise, practise it in such a manner that you don't disturb others around you! How difficult can that be!!!
Anyways ... Even with all these negatives, this house too had a lot of fond memories. Without "revealing" (pun intended!) too many details - let me just say - It was ... ummm ... the house where I "experienced" a lot of "firsts"!
(Keep guessing what they were!)
;)
And finally, we bought a new house, again (Touch Virtual Wood!!!) ...
And this time, the house's astrology has also been checked
(I know it sounds weird ... I think so too ... Blame it all on mom and dad!!!)
Unfortunately though, we won't be able to move into it for the next couple of months.
(There seems to be a delay in getting the Water and Power Supply)
So ... For the next 3 - 4 months, we've taken up another house. This one is a lot more prettier than any of the previous houses we've lived in. Plus, since it's on the 6th floor, the view is mind blowing. Mom is completely in love with it!
:)
So ... Till my next move (Hopefully, that'll be our last house shifting ever!) - Adieus Amigo!
Fortunately or Unfortunately, I'm from a middle class family. And thanks to that - so far - we've been able to live in rented houses/apartments only. But, I would be lying if I say that we never owned any house.
When I was in my Xth std, we bought our first house. It was a wonderful property. Back water facing ... Second Floor ... Terrace all to ourselves ... 1800 sq ft ... Big halls (me and my bro used to play cricket there ... I swear!) ... Big rooms ... Plenty of land around the house ... Garden ... etc ... etc ...
(In short - it had the works!)
Unfortunately, bad times befell upon us, and we had to sell of the house. It seems, the stars pertaining to the house had everything to do with (That was the mambo-jambo that some renowned astrologer dad goes to told him!).
I had just completed my 12th, and I had secured an admission into the NIT, Calicut (It was called the Regional Engineering College, Calicut back then). And by the time we had to move out of that house - I was well into my 3rd semester of college.
Frankly speaking, I loved that house. I have a lot of fond memories of that place. The view of the backwaters during thunderstorms ... aaaaaaaaaah ... Nostalgic!
Also, I also remember that it was when I was staying in that house that I had my first majooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooor crush - Dhanya.
I say crush and not love - as today, I don't even remember her face. If it had indeed been love - it wouldn't be so would it?
Anyways ... More on that in later blogs!
So ... The way I see it - That house bought me a lot of good luck! But, since the astrologer said the house was a bad asset, and since dad worshipped that astrologer jerko like god - We sold of the house!
For a very long while after that, we were staying in one rented house after the other. And mind you, all those stays were pretty short-term by nature. 6 months ... 1 year max. Till - we came to this house (the one I just moved!)
5 long years we spent at this place. And to be very honest - It wasn't my most favorite of houses - for a plethora of reasons ofcourse. For instance, the house was pretty old w.r.t construction. It had a very morose feel to it. The toilets were absolutely disgusting. The were low ... Dirty ... Yucky ... Grossssssssssssssss ... I don't even wanna talk about it. It is after a lot of hue and cry that we finally changed the sanitary ware (at our own expense mind you!), and it is only after that going to the toilet at this home became a "not-so-very-unpleasant" an affair. Also, our neighbours (the family who stayed upstairs i.e.) weren't exactly very friendly. And to add to that - they were nosy as hell! And how can I forget - there was this church right next doors. And come Sundays - we had listen to them shouting and singing and praying at the top of their voices! I don't mean to sound discriminative here, but, whatever the religion you practise, practise it in such a manner that you don't disturb others around you! How difficult can that be!!!
Anyways ... Even with all these negatives, this house too had a lot of fond memories. Without "revealing" (pun intended!) too many details - let me just say - It was ... ummm ... the house where I "experienced" a lot of "firsts"!
(Keep guessing what they were!)
;)
And finally, we bought a new house, again (Touch Virtual Wood!!!) ...
And this time, the house's astrology has also been checked
(I know it sounds weird ... I think so too ... Blame it all on mom and dad!!!)
Unfortunately though, we won't be able to move into it for the next couple of months.
(There seems to be a delay in getting the Water and Power Supply)
So ... For the next 3 - 4 months, we've taken up another house. This one is a lot more prettier than any of the previous houses we've lived in. Plus, since it's on the 6th floor, the view is mind blowing. Mom is completely in love with it!
:)
So ... Till my next move (Hopefully, that'll be our last house shifting ever!) - Adieus Amigo!
Virginity - A Big Issue Or A Small Tissue
For some reason, I've been debating this in my head all day. So, I thought I'd put my thoughts into print as well.
According to the WordWeb dictionary Virgin means "A person who has never had sex".
There is a lot of hype surrounding the whole virginity deal. For example, most guys (read as traditionalist men) expect their wives to be virgins. According to them, a person who has had sex outside of marriage, and that too before even getting married - is a person of loose character.
I'm not joking. This is what a lot of my friends, colleagues, batchmates, acquitances have told me. And from the tone in which they were saying it - I am pretty sure they meant business!
Also, most of them reason it out saying. "Hey ... I'm pure (read as I'm a virgin) ... I've not strayed ... And so - I just expect my wife to have done the same!".
To give them some credit - I prefer to look at it as - These guys have been saving themselves for their wives, and they expect their wives to do the same.
But, what irritates me is when a guy - who I know is not a virgin - tells me he would be really pissed, and would even consider divorce, if his wife is not a virgin.
An X-Roomie is one real time example of this. I know the bloke is not a virgin (I ***caught*** and a girl at home, in a -ahem-ahem- very "sticky" situation once), But, whenever we talk about stuff like this, he says "No ways I am getting married to a girl who is not a virgin! I don't want to eat someone elses leftovers!"
Come on dude ... What about the girl you ate (pun intended!).
But, seriously ... In this postmodern era of the 21st century - Is having sex out of marriage such a big deal? Correction - Is having sex such a big deal???
Personally speaking, it doesn't matter to me whether my wife has slept with anyone before. As long as she loves me, remains loyal to me (read as doesn't sleep with anyone else) for as long as we're married - I don't give a damn about her past!
I know a lot of my friends - both boys and girls - who have ... how should i say it - have "Strayed" to the other side. And from whatever I heard from them - it's a totally fun experience!
;)
With any luck - one day - I will "stray" too ...
(I am sure a few folks I know are going to drop me snide remarks for this!!!)
:P
N.B: I know that this blog, unlike my previous blogs, doesn't make any sense. In the context - that it starts of talking about something ... But then it doesn't conclude anything ... Partly this is because I'm feeling ultra sleepy right now, and partly because the things I write here might lead to me - inadvertently ofcourse - exposing people who told me some deep and dark "secrets".
So ... I'm just going to shut up and go to sleep!
According to the WordWeb dictionary Virgin means "A person who has never had sex".
There is a lot of hype surrounding the whole virginity deal. For example, most guys (read as traditionalist men) expect their wives to be virgins. According to them, a person who has had sex outside of marriage, and that too before even getting married - is a person of loose character.
I'm not joking. This is what a lot of my friends, colleagues, batchmates, acquitances have told me. And from the tone in which they were saying it - I am pretty sure they meant business!
Also, most of them reason it out saying. "Hey ... I'm pure (read as I'm a virgin) ... I've not strayed ... And so - I just expect my wife to have done the same!".
To give them some credit - I prefer to look at it as - These guys have been saving themselves for their wives, and they expect their wives to do the same.
But, what irritates me is when a guy - who I know is not a virgin - tells me he would be really pissed, and would even consider divorce, if his wife is not a virgin.
An X-Roomie is one real time example of this. I know the bloke is not a virgin (I ***caught*** and a girl at home, in a -ahem-ahem- very "sticky" situation once), But, whenever we talk about stuff like this, he says "No ways I am getting married to a girl who is not a virgin! I don't want to eat someone elses leftovers!"
Come on dude ... What about the girl you ate (pun intended!).
But, seriously ... In this postmodern era of the 21st century - Is having sex out of marriage such a big deal? Correction - Is having sex such a big deal???
Personally speaking, it doesn't matter to me whether my wife has slept with anyone before. As long as she loves me, remains loyal to me (read as doesn't sleep with anyone else) for as long as we're married - I don't give a damn about her past!
I know a lot of my friends - both boys and girls - who have ... how should i say it - have "Strayed" to the other side. And from whatever I heard from them - it's a totally fun experience!
;)
With any luck - one day - I will "stray" too ...
(I am sure a few folks I know are going to drop me snide remarks for this!!!)
:P
N.B: I know that this blog, unlike my previous blogs, doesn't make any sense. In the context - that it starts of talking about something ... But then it doesn't conclude anything ... Partly this is because I'm feeling ultra sleepy right now, and partly because the things I write here might lead to me - inadvertently ofcourse - exposing people who told me some deep and dark "secrets".
So ... I'm just going to shut up and go to sleep!
Impressions Sinking By The Hour
It's been a week since I joined my new organization, and honestly, I am not at all impressed in the way things are going here.
First of all, people don't get a computer if they're not alloted to a specific project. I've BEEN alloted to a project, but I still don't have a computer. The whole of my last week was spent doing permutations or combinations of the following:
1. Sitting idle staring at someone else's computer screen (the "other" person got annoyed at me starring at his screen and asked me to leave. Obviously ... I'd have done the same if I were in his shoes!)
2. Sitting in a library (oh btw at this library - You only get yesterday's newspapers. If you want today's newspapers - simple - come tomorrow! Also, you're not allowed to talk inside the library. And, since I am talkative person, I ignored that. End result - the librarian threw me out!)
3. Sitting on the sofas in the reception area.
4. Coffee Breaks.
5. Lunch Breaks.
The weirdest part of the whole deal is the way the organization is run. It is run like a Government Organization. Red-tape'ism is at its peak here! I mean - for crying out loud - this is supposed to be a private organization. But, the people here behave otherwise.
The next big shocker - You need to address people as "Sir" and "Madam" if you hope to get any work done out of them. Seriously. This, by far, is the biggest culture shock to me!!!
Even to this day - I remember the first project manager I ever worked under (a nice gentleman called Sridhar) reprimanded me for addressing him as Sir. And today, I have to address every Tom Dick and Harry in the admin department as Sirs and Madams, just to get a Form Signed or a Vehicle Gate Pass Issued. I shun to think what I will have to do when I need assistance in matters much more serious than this!
Resource Crunch ... Space Crunch ... Facilities Crunch ... I could list another 10 items - But, you get the general idea don't you!
Heck ... I'm toooooooo upset to even talk about the rest of the findings. I give up. I don't care anymore ... I think I'll just go to sleep!!!
Good Night Friends ...
First of all, people don't get a computer if they're not alloted to a specific project. I've BEEN alloted to a project, but I still don't have a computer. The whole of my last week was spent doing permutations or combinations of the following:
1. Sitting idle staring at someone else's computer screen (the "other" person got annoyed at me starring at his screen and asked me to leave. Obviously ... I'd have done the same if I were in his shoes!)
2. Sitting in a library (oh btw at this library - You only get yesterday's newspapers. If you want today's newspapers - simple - come tomorrow! Also, you're not allowed to talk inside the library. And, since I am talkative person, I ignored that. End result - the librarian threw me out!)
3. Sitting on the sofas in the reception area.
4. Coffee Breaks.
5. Lunch Breaks.
The weirdest part of the whole deal is the way the organization is run. It is run like a Government Organization. Red-tape'ism is at its peak here! I mean - for crying out loud - this is supposed to be a private organization. But, the people here behave otherwise.
The next big shocker - You need to address people as "Sir" and "Madam" if you hope to get any work done out of them. Seriously. This, by far, is the biggest culture shock to me!!!
Even to this day - I remember the first project manager I ever worked under (a nice gentleman called Sridhar) reprimanded me for addressing him as Sir. And today, I have to address every Tom Dick and Harry in the admin department as Sirs and Madams, just to get a Form Signed or a Vehicle Gate Pass Issued. I shun to think what I will have to do when I need assistance in matters much more serious than this!
Resource Crunch ... Space Crunch ... Facilities Crunch ... I could list another 10 items - But, you get the general idea don't you!
Heck ... I'm toooooooo upset to even talk about the rest of the findings. I give up. I don't care anymore ... I think I'll just go to sleep!!!
Good Night Friends ...
Movie Review - Mummy 3
After the runaway success of Mummy 1 and 2, when I heard that Mummy 3 had been released, I was just dying to see it.
Honestly, it just didn't live upto my expectations.
From the start itself, the movie fails to entice the audiences attention. The movie starts of depicting the cruelity of the Dragon Emperor, and how he was cursed by a witch and thereby turned into stone, and how if he is awakened he will destroy all mankind (seriously .... what is with this. It seems all mummies have the same motto in live. Arise - and then conquer the world!).
The portrayal of the The Dragon Emperor makes him look like a novice next to the fiends in the previous parts - namely - Imhotep and Scorpion King.
Next, Brendan Frassier looks really old in this movie. Seriously!
He just isn't able to do justice to his role.
Next, Rachel Weiz has been replaced by a new actress. And this, me being attracted to Rachel Weiz (just her looks i.e.), was kindda difficult to accept. Atleast for the first 20 minutes of the movie.
Next, humour is virtually non-existant in this movie.
(The one or two instances of comedy were very poorly timed)
Next, the screenplay is nowhere near anything like the 1st and 2nd parts. It's, for a lack of a better word, Lackluster.
Next, the graphics looks cartoony. Forget Impressive - It's doesnt even convince one.
Next, the script is REALLY REALLY weak!
I think the producers just tried to cash in on the "Mummy" brand one last time - even though they knew that the script was not good enough. But, unfortunately, they failed miserably!
On the whole, on a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this movie a measly 2. In other words - it's an avoidable movie.
Honestly, it just didn't live upto my expectations.
From the start itself, the movie fails to entice the audiences attention. The movie starts of depicting the cruelity of the Dragon Emperor, and how he was cursed by a witch and thereby turned into stone, and how if he is awakened he will destroy all mankind (seriously .... what is with this. It seems all mummies have the same motto in live. Arise - and then conquer the world!).
The portrayal of the The Dragon Emperor makes him look like a novice next to the fiends in the previous parts - namely - Imhotep and Scorpion King.
Next, Brendan Frassier looks really old in this movie. Seriously!
He just isn't able to do justice to his role.
Next, Rachel Weiz has been replaced by a new actress. And this, me being attracted to Rachel Weiz (just her looks i.e.), was kindda difficult to accept. Atleast for the first 20 minutes of the movie.
Next, humour is virtually non-existant in this movie.
(The one or two instances of comedy were very poorly timed)
Next, the screenplay is nowhere near anything like the 1st and 2nd parts. It's, for a lack of a better word, Lackluster.
Next, the graphics looks cartoony. Forget Impressive - It's doesnt even convince one.
Next, the script is REALLY REALLY weak!
I think the producers just tried to cash in on the "Mummy" brand one last time - even though they knew that the script was not good enough. But, unfortunately, they failed miserably!
On the whole, on a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this movie a measly 2. In other words - it's an avoidable movie.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Movies I saw in the Last 1 month
About a month odd back, I had written in this blog that I wanted to check out the following movies:
1. Hancock
2. Dark Knight
3. Jane Tu Jane Na
4. Wanted
5. The Incredible Hulk
I saw most of the movies mentioned in the above list, and you can find my verdict regarding the same below:
Hancock
This is a totally lackluster picture. Will Smith should probably shoot himself for making something this pathetic. The script is bad. The screenplay is passé. The movie, although only 90 mins long, feels like a big draaaaaaaaaaaag!
Dark Knight
The first half of the movie was mind blowing. Action … Action … and more Action was the mantra of the first half – which is pretty good!
But, just when I thought the movie had come to an end, I realized, No … It’s just the Interval. The second half, on the contrary, was totally pathetic. It was all mind games, and romance, and drama. I honestly didn’t like it that much. If it were up to me – I’d do away with the second part completely.
Anyways … Even with the boring second half, this is one movie I’d recommend for everyone who wants to see some really kick ass action.
Jane Tu Jane Na
I have a bootlegged copy of the movie on my Hard Disk. Sadly, I haven’t had the time to check it out as yet. The moment I check it out, I’ll let you folks know.
But, just as an FYI – all my friends who saw the movie Loved It!
Anyways … Keep watching this section for updates as and when it happens!
Wanted
This is a frigging boring movie. The whole USP of the movie revolves around people who have hearts that beat at 400 bpm (beats per minute), and assassins who are trained to bend bullets. The only thing that holds the movie together, are the stunt sequences, and ofcourse – the totally gorgeous Angelina Jolie (There is a 10 second nude scene of hers somewhere around the 90 minute mark. Don’t miss that!)
The Incredible Hulk
Unfortunately (or fortunately), by the time I was able to free up some time to hit the theatres to watch this movie, the shows had changed. So, right now, I am looking for a bootlegged copy f the movie. Once I get hold of a copy, I’ll watch it, and then comment on it. Deal?
1. Hancock
2. Dark Knight
3. Jane Tu Jane Na
4. Wanted
5. The Incredible Hulk
I saw most of the movies mentioned in the above list, and you can find my verdict regarding the same below:
Hancock
This is a totally lackluster picture. Will Smith should probably shoot himself for making something this pathetic. The script is bad. The screenplay is passé. The movie, although only 90 mins long, feels like a big draaaaaaaaaaaag!
Dark Knight
The first half of the movie was mind blowing. Action … Action … and more Action was the mantra of the first half – which is pretty good!
But, just when I thought the movie had come to an end, I realized, No … It’s just the Interval. The second half, on the contrary, was totally pathetic. It was all mind games, and romance, and drama. I honestly didn’t like it that much. If it were up to me – I’d do away with the second part completely.
Anyways … Even with the boring second half, this is one movie I’d recommend for everyone who wants to see some really kick ass action.
Jane Tu Jane Na
I have a bootlegged copy of the movie on my Hard Disk. Sadly, I haven’t had the time to check it out as yet. The moment I check it out, I’ll let you folks know.
But, just as an FYI – all my friends who saw the movie Loved It!
Anyways … Keep watching this section for updates as and when it happens!
Wanted
This is a frigging boring movie. The whole USP of the movie revolves around people who have hearts that beat at 400 bpm (beats per minute), and assassins who are trained to bend bullets. The only thing that holds the movie together, are the stunt sequences, and ofcourse – the totally gorgeous Angelina Jolie (There is a 10 second nude scene of hers somewhere around the 90 minute mark. Don’t miss that!)
The Incredible Hulk
Unfortunately (or fortunately), by the time I was able to free up some time to hit the theatres to watch this movie, the shows had changed. So, right now, I am looking for a bootlegged copy f the movie. Once I get hold of a copy, I’ll watch it, and then comment on it. Deal?
Books I Am Reading
As of today, these are the books I am currently trying to complete reading:
1. The Game (Neil Strauss)
2. Malgudi Days (R.K. Narayan)
Thanks to the TV at home, the amount of reading I am able to do these days has drastically reduced. But, with any luck, I should be able to complete all three books by the end of the month.
Okay ... Enough TV/Computer Games/Blogging for one day. I'm off to my reading table and my books!
1. The Game (Neil Strauss)
2. Malgudi Days (R.K. Narayan)
Thanks to the TV at home, the amount of reading I am able to do these days has drastically reduced. But, with any luck, I should be able to complete all three books by the end of the month.
Okay ... Enough TV/Computer Games/Blogging for one day. I'm off to my reading table and my books!
Life in the Small City - After Life in the Big City
After living in a Cosmopolitan, as well as Metropolitan city like Bangalore for close to two years, moving back to my hometown of Cochin has not been very easy.
For starters, the climate at Cochin is a lot warmer and it's a lot more humid too, as compared to Bangalore i.e.
Everybody shuts shop by 8 pm, and the roads are pretty much deserted by 9 pm. Bangalore, in sharp contrast, comes alive only after 8 pm. This is a mainly because, being the IT city that it is, people come back home only around 7 pm - 8 pm. It is only after this that they get to step out for some fun. The crowd in Cochin, on the other hand, consists primarily of employees in small-scale businesses. To the people here, come what may, their work timings end at 6 pm. And since the crowd here is primarily in the age group of 35 - 50, they prefer to head back home to their families rather than party around. To give them some credit, the disposable incomes of the IT youth in Bangalore is many times the actual salaries of the average Cochin based employee. A simple example would be the scenario at my home itself - My dad retired, after 25 years of service, at Weston Electronics, with a annual salary of 3 laks P/A. With this pay package, he had to pay for rent, 2 kids education, save money for a house, etc, etc. On the contrary, just 3 years into my career, I already earn close to 7 laks P/A. And I have no responsibilities whatsoever. I hope the message is loud and clear!
People here are a lot less broadminded than I would have liked. But, that again, we can account to the crowd being primarily in the age group of 35 - 50. People expect children to be the docile, obedient, unadventurous, not-crossing-the-line-parents-draw types. Nett result, the children are as boring as their parents!
The babes are BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD. Seriously, seeing a girl in a jeans is a rarity. Seeing a good-looking girl in jeans in am impossibility! This particular aspect, after living in Bangalore - where the girlshardly wear any clothes, is a total total heart wrencher!
Liquor is a lot more expensive than at Bangalore. I blame the higher taxes in Kerala for that. Also, you don't get a lot of brands or varieties either. By that I mean - getting stuff like Tequilla, or good cocktails, or schnapps, or exotic drinks like Kahlua or Bourbon - is a virtual impossibility.
No pubs here. The only pub I've heard of is the one at Hotel Avenue Regent. And that is not even a Pub. It's a lounge bar. On the contrary, Bangalore has a pub at every nook and corner of the city. In a place like Brigade Road, you can find a pub every 20 meters even.
But, all that said and done, on the bright side, living in the Small City comes with a lot of luxuries that life at the Big City can never afford.
Traffic is a breeze. It hardly takes me 15 mins - 20 mins to get to my office (which is a good 15 kilometers away btw). Even during peak traffic hours - the drive hardly takes 35 minutes. This is a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig blessing as compared to what I had to face at Bangalore. A drive of 12 kms to work takes, at the very least, 45 minutes. If its rush hour traffic - 1.5 hours.
"Pollution ... What is that?" is what I have to say about Cochin. On the contrary, thanks to the polluted environment at Bangalore, I ended up with a host of skin eczema and rashes.
No "You're-From-Outside-The-State" Ostracization here. This could partly be because of the fact that I am a Malayali, and therefore, not an outsider. But, in my experience, I've never seen people from any state being ostracized here. But, on the contrary, one thing I realized during my stay at Bangalore is that the localities don't really like outsiders. Atleast, that's the sentiments localities at a much more grass root level (read as financially not well off) bolster. One of my colleagues - MB (He's a Gujju btw) - got beaten black and blue on a BMTC bus, because of this charged emotion amongst the locals. This could be because of jealousy-invoked anger amongst the localities (Economics calls it "The Difference Between The Haves And The Have Nots!"). But, whatever it be, it's just not fair!
The cops are a lot less corrupted (read as cheaper to buy out!) in Cochin. Seriously... I mean it! At Bangalore, if a cop sees a Non KA (Karnataka) registration bike, the first thing they'd do is run up to your vehicle, turn off the ignition, take the key and walk away. What would result is a 20 min - 30 min long begging and pleading session, which would be followed by him quoting an astronomical bribe (which increases depending on whether/not you work in a Global MNC/Indian MNC) to not fine you. I got caught twice, and both times, I was asked for bribes of close to 2000. I mean - who the hell asks for a bribe of 2000 bucks? In comparison, if you ever get caught by a cop in Cochin, at the very max, a 100 buck bribe is all it would take for him to let you go Scott-Free. Heck - if you're lucky - he might even give you a salute!
:D
Cost of living is cheaper. 2 BHK Rentals would cost a minimum of Rs. 12,000/- in Bangalore. The same sort of a house would cost Rs. 8000/- here. Which is a good 33% cheaper. Food is a lot more economical too. A decent family (of four) outing to a decent restaurant would cost you a minimum of 1000 bucks in Bangalore. Here, a max of 500 bucks, and you can be back home all happy and content!
For starters, the climate at Cochin is a lot warmer and it's a lot more humid too, as compared to Bangalore i.e.
Everybody shuts shop by 8 pm, and the roads are pretty much deserted by 9 pm. Bangalore, in sharp contrast, comes alive only after 8 pm. This is a mainly because, being the IT city that it is, people come back home only around 7 pm - 8 pm. It is only after this that they get to step out for some fun. The crowd in Cochin, on the other hand, consists primarily of employees in small-scale businesses. To the people here, come what may, their work timings end at 6 pm. And since the crowd here is primarily in the age group of 35 - 50, they prefer to head back home to their families rather than party around. To give them some credit, the disposable incomes of the IT youth in Bangalore is many times the actual salaries of the average Cochin based employee. A simple example would be the scenario at my home itself - My dad retired, after 25 years of service, at Weston Electronics, with a annual salary of 3 laks P/A. With this pay package, he had to pay for rent, 2 kids education, save money for a house, etc, etc. On the contrary, just 3 years into my career, I already earn close to 7 laks P/A. And I have no responsibilities whatsoever. I hope the message is loud and clear!
People here are a lot less broadminded than I would have liked. But, that again, we can account to the crowd being primarily in the age group of 35 - 50. People expect children to be the docile, obedient, unadventurous, not-crossing-the-line-parents-draw types. Nett result, the children are as boring as their parents!
The babes are BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD. Seriously, seeing a girl in a jeans is a rarity. Seeing a good-looking girl in jeans in am impossibility! This particular aspect, after living in Bangalore - where the girls
Liquor is a lot more expensive than at Bangalore. I blame the higher taxes in Kerala for that. Also, you don't get a lot of brands or varieties either. By that I mean - getting stuff like Tequilla, or good cocktails, or schnapps, or exotic drinks like Kahlua or Bourbon - is a virtual impossibility.
No pubs here. The only pub I've heard of is the one at Hotel Avenue Regent. And that is not even a Pub. It's a lounge bar. On the contrary, Bangalore has a pub at every nook and corner of the city. In a place like Brigade Road, you can find a pub every 20 meters even.
But, all that said and done, on the bright side, living in the Small City comes with a lot of luxuries that life at the Big City can never afford.
Traffic is a breeze. It hardly takes me 15 mins - 20 mins to get to my office (which is a good 15 kilometers away btw). Even during peak traffic hours - the drive hardly takes 35 minutes. This is a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig blessing as compared to what I had to face at Bangalore. A drive of 12 kms to work takes, at the very least, 45 minutes. If its rush hour traffic - 1.5 hours.
"Pollution ... What is that?" is what I have to say about Cochin. On the contrary, thanks to the polluted environment at Bangalore, I ended up with a host of skin eczema and rashes.
No "You're-From-Outside-The-State" Ostracization here. This could partly be because of the fact that I am a Malayali, and therefore, not an outsider. But, in my experience, I've never seen people from any state being ostracized here. But, on the contrary, one thing I realized during my stay at Bangalore is that the localities don't really like outsiders. Atleast, that's the sentiments localities at a much more grass root level (read as financially not well off) bolster. One of my colleagues - MB (He's a Gujju btw) - got beaten black and blue on a BMTC bus, because of this charged emotion amongst the locals. This could be because of jealousy-invoked anger amongst the localities (Economics calls it "The Difference Between The Haves And The Have Nots!"). But, whatever it be, it's just not fair!
The cops are a lot less corrupted (read as cheaper to buy out!) in Cochin. Seriously... I mean it! At Bangalore, if a cop sees a Non KA (Karnataka) registration bike, the first thing they'd do is run up to your vehicle, turn off the ignition, take the key and walk away. What would result is a 20 min - 30 min long begging and pleading session, which would be followed by him quoting an astronomical bribe (which increases depending on whether/not you work in a Global MNC/Indian MNC) to not fine you. I got caught twice, and both times, I was asked for bribes of close to 2000. I mean - who the hell asks for a bribe of 2000 bucks? In comparison, if you ever get caught by a cop in Cochin, at the very max, a 100 buck bribe is all it would take for him to let you go Scott-Free. Heck - if you're lucky - he might even give you a salute!
:D
Cost of living is cheaper. 2 BHK Rentals would cost a minimum of Rs. 12,000/- in Bangalore. The same sort of a house would cost Rs. 8000/- here. Which is a good 33% cheaper. Food is a lot more economical too. A decent family (of four) outing to a decent restaurant would cost you a minimum of 1000 bucks in Bangalore. Here, a max of 500 bucks, and you can be back home all happy and content!
My Best Friend And His Role In My Life
My best friend Chery, as he terms it, is a "Serial Entrepreneur". He started one business (Photon Consulting. Then, within the end of the first year of running itself, he started the next one. And even as I type this blog, he's delving into a third one. But, the story doesn't stop here. He's got aggressive plans to expand into a few more areas/businesses in the near future.
Also, in his TO-DO list, he aspires to do an MBA from some reputed college (ISB being right on the top of his list!).
His claim -> He wants to do an executive program ONLY - as he can't afford to stay away from his business for so long, and besides, he doesn't need the placements that a regular program gives anyways.
Want To Know What I think -> He's just too lazy to prepare harder and get the better scores that a full time MBA, from any of the ivy league colleges, would require. Ergo, the decision to do the Executive MBA program.
:D
But, in any case, it's still an ambitious thing (not to mention that it takes a visionary mindset to be able to think like that) to want to improve ones knowledge by going for an MBA, and thereby help the business grow faster and better.
All this said and done, he is a hardcore fun person to be with. Although, at times I do get irritated by his slapstick comedy and the differences in opinions we have over, ummmmm ... lets see ... everything, he's one guy who brightened my life for as long as I've known him. Thanks to him, my interests have widened from getting drunk with my friends from college - to practising pick-up routines on girls, drag racing, X-Box gaming, DJ'ing, Gym'ing (A Big thanks to you for that bro!), etc.
And, most importantly, I learned a lot of things from him.
I learnt that it doesn't pay to be shy. It doesn't pay to be afraid. It doesn't pay to hesitate, and most importantly, It doesn't pay to be afraid of failure.
He, has instilled in me a new found confidence, a strong desire, or should I call it a want, to pursue my dreams, and now - I'm not that afraid of failure as I used to be earlier.
After doing all this for me, the least I can do is felicitate him and tell him a BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG THANKS by means of my blog.
Thanks for everything bro ... Really ... Thanks!!!
Also, in his TO-DO list, he aspires to do an MBA from some reputed college (ISB being right on the top of his list!).
His claim -> He wants to do an executive program ONLY - as he can't afford to stay away from his business for so long, and besides, he doesn't need the placements that a regular program gives anyways.
Want To Know What I think -> He's just too lazy to prepare harder and get the better scores that a full time MBA, from any of the ivy league colleges, would require. Ergo, the decision to do the Executive MBA program.
:D
But, in any case, it's still an ambitious thing (not to mention that it takes a visionary mindset to be able to think like that) to want to improve ones knowledge by going for an MBA, and thereby help the business grow faster and better.
All this said and done, he is a hardcore fun person to be with. Although, at times I do get irritated by his slapstick comedy and the differences in opinions we have over, ummmmm ... lets see ... everything, he's one guy who brightened my life for as long as I've known him. Thanks to him, my interests have widened from getting drunk with my friends from college - to practising pick-up routines on girls, drag racing, X-Box gaming, DJ'ing, Gym'ing (A Big thanks to you for that bro!), etc.
And, most importantly, I learned a lot of things from him.
I learnt that it doesn't pay to be shy. It doesn't pay to be afraid. It doesn't pay to hesitate, and most importantly, It doesn't pay to be afraid of failure.
He, has instilled in me a new found confidence, a strong desire, or should I call it a want, to pursue my dreams, and now - I'm not that afraid of failure as I used to be earlier.
After doing all this for me, the least I can do is felicitate him and tell him a BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG THANKS by means of my blog.
Thanks for everything bro ... Really ... Thanks!!!
Exposing My Dark Side
Inspired by blogs like this, and this, and this and many more like that, I too wanna try my hand at discussing those "Deep Dark Secrets" (read as the ummmm ... The Really Personal Stuff) in my life. But, honestly speaking, I don't think I have the guts to do so. You wanna know why?
Well - Its pretty simple actually! A lot of people read these blogs. And when they read those deep dark secrets - They'll know about that one side of me that I spent the last two odd decades hiding from people. This could be a good, as well as bad thing.
Good in the sense - I know longer have to hide those secrets. I can be just plain old me!
Bad in the sense - I am pretty sure that I'd have to live to face a lot of ridicule and jokes and finger pointing etc. And that - I'm not too sure - is something I want at this point!
Also, I am aware that a few members of my family also read this blog. And reading these shocking revelations might have adverse repercussions back home.
(One particular cousin, who happens to read this blog, is a bit of a loud mouth. He has this habbit of "accidentally" broadcasting controversial stuff to the rest of the family!)
But, I am also left thinking, the feeling I'd get revealing these enigmatic secrets - that would be such a rush ... Orgasmic even!
;-)
Heck ... That brings me back to square one again, and once again, I'm totally confused whether to do it/not do it!
What do you folks think - Good Idea or Bad?
Well - Its pretty simple actually! A lot of people read these blogs. And when they read those deep dark secrets - They'll know about that one side of me that I spent the last two odd decades hiding from people. This could be a good, as well as bad thing.
Good in the sense - I know longer have to hide those secrets. I can be just plain old me!
Bad in the sense - I am pretty sure that I'd have to live to face a lot of ridicule and jokes and finger pointing etc. And that - I'm not too sure - is something I want at this point!
Also, I am aware that a few members of my family also read this blog. And reading these shocking revelations might have adverse repercussions back home.
(One particular cousin, who happens to read this blog, is a bit of a loud mouth. He has this habbit of "accidentally" broadcasting controversial stuff to the rest of the family!)
But, I am also left thinking, the feeling I'd get revealing these enigmatic secrets - that would be such a rush ... Orgasmic even!
;-)
Heck ... That brings me back to square one again, and once again, I'm totally confused whether to do it/not do it!
What do you folks think - Good Idea or Bad?
Why I've Been Away From Blogging For A While
For those of you who have been following my blog for sometime now, you would've noticed that for the last couple of months, my blogging has been highly irregular. Also, you'd have noticed that a large number of entries come up all of a sudden.
Well, first of all, let me apologize for this erratic behaviour. Also, now, I'm going to take a moment to explain why this erratic behaviour.
I just moved professions. And also, I just relocated between cities. So, I've been busy for one. And more importantly, now, unfortunately, I don't have an internet connection at home. This means, either (a) I go to a cyber cafe and type my blogs in, or (b) I write my blogs at home, and upload them from my office PC. I am not too comfortable with option (a) as the cyber cafes I generally frequent don't have the necessary "ambience" to write blogs. So, I had to stick with option (b). But, now, thanks to my company switching, I don't think I'll have the luxury of doing that either. My new organization - TCS - doesn't permit me to carry any Storage Devices to work (I don't get the logic behind the ban though!). So, as of today, I have around 19 blog entries that I have written (on a textpad sheet ofcourse), but haven't had the opportunity to upload it.
I promise, tommorow (or maybe the day after) - when I hit a cyber cafe, I will take these blog entries along in a pen-drive, and upload them all at once.
Also, moving forward, I will try to be a little bit more frequent with the uploading bit (i.e. until I take a net connection at home again!)
So ... For all you lovely readers and fans of my blog - I'll continue dripping my creative juices here, and you folks keep having a good read!
Whatever you do - Don't Forget To Keep Smiling!
:)
Well, first of all, let me apologize for this erratic behaviour. Also, now, I'm going to take a moment to explain why this erratic behaviour.
I just moved professions. And also, I just relocated between cities. So, I've been busy for one. And more importantly, now, unfortunately, I don't have an internet connection at home. This means, either (a) I go to a cyber cafe and type my blogs in, or (b) I write my blogs at home, and upload them from my office PC. I am not too comfortable with option (a) as the cyber cafes I generally frequent don't have the necessary "ambience" to write blogs. So, I had to stick with option (b). But, now, thanks to my company switching, I don't think I'll have the luxury of doing that either. My new organization - TCS - doesn't permit me to carry any Storage Devices to work (I don't get the logic behind the ban though!). So, as of today, I have around 19 blog entries that I have written (on a textpad sheet ofcourse), but haven't had the opportunity to upload it.
I promise, tommorow (or maybe the day after) - when I hit a cyber cafe, I will take these blog entries along in a pen-drive, and upload them all at once.
Also, moving forward, I will try to be a little bit more frequent with the uploading bit (i.e. until I take a net connection at home again!)
So ... For all you lovely readers and fans of my blog - I'll continue dripping my creative juices here, and you folks keep having a good read!
Whatever you do - Don't Forget To Keep Smiling!
:)
My Dear Friend Pallu And Her Life These Days
Off late, I've been seeing a lot of activity on Pallu's blogs. I'm guessing (read as I know so) that this is because she has nothing better to do - thanks to the ex officio house arrest imposed on her by her parents - thanks to her marriage which is just around the corner.
But you know what - I'm really beginning to like what I read there.
Earlier, meaning - when she started blogging - the entries were primarily about her pubbing escapades in Bangalore.
Then, meaning - when the house arrest phase started - the entries were about how she misses Bangalore and the free life she had there.
Now, meaning - last 2 or 3 days - the blogs primarily revolve around how time kills her. Ooopssie ... My Bad ... I meant - How she kills time!
:D
I've realized one thing. She primarily spends her time
1. Cleaning
Whats the deal with girls and cleanliness??? Is this behaviour hard-coded in female genes or something???
2. Shopping For Jewelry And Clothes
I know girls think of this more as a sport than as a recreational item. And also because her marriage is just around the corner - I think it is justified as well.
3. Shopping For House Hold Items
By this Pallu clarified that she meant stuff like Pillow Covers, Bedsheets, Curtains, etc. Seriously, I don't understand how this can be so tough to choose? I have a thumb rule (Okay ... Make that two) when I go to buy these house-hold items.
a. There should be a discount on the item
b. There should be naked/semi-naked/dressed (order of preference) chick pictured somewhere in the product.
If any of these two rules are satisfied, I pick up the item. That simple. I don't understand, how and more importantly - WHY, girls make such a big deal out of something this simple and silly.
4. Teaching Her Brother Maths
Now this one takes the cake. It is totally unexpected. I mean, Pallu, Come on ... I know you're upset that you have to sit at home all day. But, torturing your brother with Maths lessons - That is the heights!
:D
She's been a total sweetheart to me when I was in Bangalore, and it is only thanks to her that I got to hit a lot of happening night clubs during my stay there.
As a token of appreciation, and also because I too am going crazy from all this forced abstentious nonsense (thanks to staying with parents!), I plan to help smuggle her out of her house for a coffee (read a Beer) one of these days.
I was thinking of visiting her house a couple of times in the Traditional Kerala Attire (Mundu + Chandanam Smeared Forehead + Oiled Hair + Totally Innocent Looks) to make her parents feel that I am an "Ayyyo Paavams" types. That way, when she comes out with me for the "supposedly" coffee date, they wont smell a rat.
But, when I pitched the idea to Pallu, she told me her parents are not that stupid, and sure as hell, they wouldn't let their daughter out alone.
And more important than that. If I wear this outfit on more than one occassion, My Mom will smell a rat, and I could get into trouble.
For those of you morons who're thinking I'm worried that I'll get into trouble for gulping a few beers - Well Buddies - that's not what I am talking about.
I am talking about a much larger risk that I face here. The risk that mom might think that I'm up to no good, and that there is a Female Element involved in the ratty scheme of mine. She might suspect that I'm wearing all this mallu traditional attire to impress some girl/her parents, taking her to the temple, etc.
(Trust me. I know my mom. And I'd be least bit surprised if her mind didn't start thinking up conspiracy theories more intricate and complex than the ones I just came up with a sec back!)
Such a thing would lead my mom to start nagging me, all over again, about getting married and starting a family!
That's the last thing I want - Especially, when I'm going to be stuck in Cochin for the next couple of months!
So, pallu, in MY best interest, I am not going to be follow that plan. Sorry about that darling!
:(
If anyone else has any "other" bright ideas regarding how to dupe the parents of a soon-to-be-married-girl to let their daughter out on a coffee date - I'm all ears. Drop me the suggestion in the comments section. If I am able to pull it off - I'll buy you a coffee (read as a beer or whatever else it is that you drink!)
But you know what - I'm really beginning to like what I read there.
Earlier, meaning - when she started blogging - the entries were primarily about her pubbing escapades in Bangalore.
Then, meaning - when the house arrest phase started - the entries were about how she misses Bangalore and the free life she had there.
Now, meaning - last 2 or 3 days - the blogs primarily revolve around how time kills her. Ooopssie ... My Bad ... I meant - How she kills time!
:D
I've realized one thing. She primarily spends her time
1. Cleaning
Whats the deal with girls and cleanliness??? Is this behaviour hard-coded in female genes or something???
2. Shopping For Jewelry And Clothes
I know girls think of this more as a sport than as a recreational item. And also because her marriage is just around the corner - I think it is justified as well.
3. Shopping For House Hold Items
By this Pallu clarified that she meant stuff like Pillow Covers, Bedsheets, Curtains, etc. Seriously, I don't understand how this can be so tough to choose? I have a thumb rule (Okay ... Make that two) when I go to buy these house-hold items.
a. There should be a discount on the item
b. There should be naked/semi-naked/dressed (order of preference) chick pictured somewhere in the product.
If any of these two rules are satisfied, I pick up the item. That simple. I don't understand, how and more importantly - WHY, girls make such a big deal out of something this simple and silly.
4. Teaching Her Brother Maths
Now this one takes the cake. It is totally unexpected. I mean, Pallu, Come on ... I know you're upset that you have to sit at home all day. But, torturing your brother with Maths lessons - That is the heights!
:D
She's been a total sweetheart to me when I was in Bangalore, and it is only thanks to her that I got to hit a lot of happening night clubs during my stay there.
As a token of appreciation, and also because I too am going crazy from all this forced abstentious nonsense (thanks to staying with parents!), I plan to help smuggle her out of her house for a coffee (read a Beer) one of these days.
I was thinking of visiting her house a couple of times in the Traditional Kerala Attire (Mundu + Chandanam Smeared Forehead + Oiled Hair + Totally Innocent Looks) to make her parents feel that I am an "Ayyyo Paavams" types. That way, when she comes out with me for the "supposedly" coffee date, they wont smell a rat.
But, when I pitched the idea to Pallu, she told me her parents are not that stupid, and sure as hell, they wouldn't let their daughter out alone.
And more important than that. If I wear this outfit on more than one occassion, My Mom will smell a rat, and I could get into trouble.
For those of you morons who're thinking I'm worried that I'll get into trouble for gulping a few beers - Well Buddies - that's not what I am talking about.
I am talking about a much larger risk that I face here. The risk that mom might think that I'm up to no good, and that there is a Female Element involved in the ratty scheme of mine. She might suspect that I'm wearing all this mallu traditional attire to impress some girl/her parents, taking her to the temple, etc.
(Trust me. I know my mom. And I'd be least bit surprised if her mind didn't start thinking up conspiracy theories more intricate and complex than the ones I just came up with a sec back!)
Such a thing would lead my mom to start nagging me, all over again, about getting married and starting a family!
That's the last thing I want - Especially, when I'm going to be stuck in Cochin for the next couple of months!
So, pallu, in MY best interest, I am not going to be follow that plan. Sorry about that darling!
:(
If anyone else has any "other" bright ideas regarding how to dupe the parents of a soon-to-be-married-girl to let their daughter out on a coffee date - I'm all ears. Drop me the suggestion in the comments section. If I am able to pull it off - I'll buy you a coffee (read as a beer or whatever else it is that you drink!)
TCS - Day # 1
Today (06-Aug-2008), was my joining date at TCS. I reached the office 15 minutes ahead of the stipulated start time of 9.30 am. There were 7 of us who were joining on the same day. All of them looked pretty senior as compared to me, and after I took the onus of introducing myself and getting their credentials out of them, I realized that they were indeed pretty senior members. Everyone else - except me - had a work experience of upwards of 6 years, making me the youngest guy in the conference hall. But, to my credit, I was the only guy from a World Class Company (Oracle). The rest of the crowd was from some "naam-ke-waaste" or the other.
Anyways, lets go on with the story.
So, a good 10 minutes after we were herded into the conference room, we were greeted by 2 HR ladies. One of them, I had already met. The other lady, a slighty dark one, was new to me. Let me call them as HR-1, and HR-2 respectively.
HR-1: "Good Morning Everyone. So, does everyone have their Forms ready?"
Everyone-Else: "Yes Maaaam ..." (In a musical kind of way. The sort that you hear in Class VI.
Me: "Nopes ... I didn't get any forms!"
Well ... Let me explain what that was all about:
TCS HR folks had sent me an e-mail on 05-Aug-2008, asking me to fill a host of joining related forms. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take printouts of the same (as I was busy chatting away with Farhana, Sarah, Ravi Etta, Sameer, Milan, etc). It is only when I returned home, around 9.30 pm, that I realized my mistake. But, by then, it was too late to go out and get printouts (Cochin sleeps at 9.00 pm). So, I figured that my best bet would be to go to the TCS office and tell the HR that I didn't get any mails. I figured that they would buy that story, and would give me a copy of all the forms the had mailed me, and I could fill them up at office.
Now, back to the story.
HR-1: "Oh ... Sharath ... We had mailed everyone the forms yesterday. Didn't you receive them? Everyone else seems to have received them!"
Me: "Well ... I've been travelling a lot over the last two days. I didn't get a chance to properly rummage through my mail. I guess it might be there in my SPAM folder. I'll have to check to confirm though!" (Please note - I said this in a totally matter of fact manner. It takes years and years of practise of lying to mom, professors, and these days - the equivalent of both - managers, to pull of a stunt like that!)
I could tell that she bought the story. After all, why would someone with a background like Oracle lie about something like this. Especially on their joining date!
HR-1: "Oh ... In that case ... Sharath - You please wait for a few more minutes. I'll be right back. In the meanwhile HR-2, you start collecting the documents from the others!"
With this said, she walked out. 10 minutes later, she came back into the conference room.
HR-1: "Sharath ... I've mailed you the forms again!"
Me: (Totally confused!) "What?"
HR-1: "I've mailed you the forms again. Please take printouts of the same when you come tomorrow. We'll handle the joining formalities for you separately tomorrow. It shouldn't take more than 1 hour. Fine?"
I had expected her to come with a bundle of forms, not tell me that she had re-sent the e-mail to my mail id. I was, honestly speaking, totally stumped by the response. Especially, after working in a company like Oracle, where everything is so totally professionally driven, this was a totally lack-lustre and lacking gusto sort of reaction.
Me: (Too stumped to react) "Okay. So, what do I do for the rest of the day?"
HR-1: "You can go over to the Tejomaya building, and meet Sharat!"
Me: (Even more confused) "Come again ..."
HR-1: (Laughing as if really amused) "You need to meet a person called Sharat. (seeing my bewildered look) Yes - He's Sharath without a H... He sits in the neihbouring building. He is a member of the MATC. He will tell you which project you be working on and whom you will report to"
That sounded interesting.
For the benefit of people reading this and who're feeling totally lost. TCS has occupation in two office - Vismaya (the office I was in now), and Tejomaya. MATC (or whatever it is actually called)
I was told that Tejomaya was pretty nearby. But, nearby, in this case, meant a good half a kilometer away. Anyways ... I bore the brunt of that walk, and met up with Mr. Sharat. And guess what, the only thing he did was ask me to go meet a certain Mr. Rejin at the Vismaya building, and that he would be my Manager moving forward. That's it.
Again, another gruelling half a kilometer walk later, I met up with a smart and well-informed lady Ms. Smitha, who debriefed me about the project that I would be working on. I am not at a liberty to tell you the name of the client or anything else for that matter, but, all I can say is that the project involves a lot of fundoo technologies, and most importantly, there was no onsite opportunity in that project. I must confess, I was very very let down when I heard that. But, I always liked to believe - "That Everything Happens For A Reason".
After that, I had to get my access card. For which, I had to make yet another trip to Sharat's office at Tejomaya, and back to get a sign from HR-1. (Another 1 KM trip) As a follow on to this, I had to make runs between the Admin, IS (Information Security), and Facilities teams so that I could submit a scanned copy my photograph for the ID Card. Sadly, I wasn't able to complete the process.
Another task which took a few more grueling minutes of interaction with the Admin folks was getting the Vehicle Pass Forms. I intend to fill the same and submit it tomorrow only though.
The whole walking around trying to get signatures and approvals kindda reminded me of my last day at college (NITC) when I had to run around from pillar to post (read as department to department) to get all the No-Dues clearances from the concerned people before they left for their vacations.
At Oracle, or even Wipro for that matter, things were a lot more organized. One phone call, or e-mail was all it took to get approvals, and data. But, unfortunately, at TCS, the only way out is the one practised during the Pre-British Era. Run from person to person and grovel for whatever you need.
Honestly, the responses I got from the various departments and the lack-lustre manner in which everything was handled reminded me of the defunct and dusty systems in place at Government Offices in the country.
Seriously, is this how things are done here?
I narrated this experience to a friend of mine, who - for the record - has been with TCS for 3+ years, and this is what he told me - "Welcome to TCS buddy. A place where things never happen on time!"
I was left wondering - "What the hell have I landed myself into man!!!"
Anyways, lets go on with the story.
So, a good 10 minutes after we were herded into the conference room, we were greeted by 2 HR ladies. One of them, I had already met. The other lady, a slighty dark one, was new to me. Let me call them as HR-1, and HR-2 respectively.
HR-1: "Good Morning Everyone. So, does everyone have their Forms ready?"
Everyone-Else: "Yes Maaaam ..." (In a musical kind of way. The sort that you hear in Class VI.
Me: "Nopes ... I didn't get any forms!"
Well ... Let me explain what that was all about:
TCS HR folks had sent me an e-mail on 05-Aug-2008, asking me to fill a host of joining related forms. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take printouts of the same (as I was busy chatting away with Farhana, Sarah, Ravi Etta, Sameer, Milan, etc). It is only when I returned home, around 9.30 pm, that I realized my mistake. But, by then, it was too late to go out and get printouts (Cochin sleeps at 9.00 pm). So, I figured that my best bet would be to go to the TCS office and tell the HR that I didn't get any mails. I figured that they would buy that story, and would give me a copy of all the forms the had mailed me, and I could fill them up at office.
Now, back to the story.
HR-1: "Oh ... Sharath ... We had mailed everyone the forms yesterday. Didn't you receive them? Everyone else seems to have received them!"
Me: "Well ... I've been travelling a lot over the last two days. I didn't get a chance to properly rummage through my mail. I guess it might be there in my SPAM folder. I'll have to check to confirm though!" (Please note - I said this in a totally matter of fact manner. It takes years and years of practise of lying to mom, professors, and these days - the equivalent of both - managers, to pull of a stunt like that!)
I could tell that she bought the story. After all, why would someone with a background like Oracle lie about something like this. Especially on their joining date!
HR-1: "Oh ... In that case ... Sharath - You please wait for a few more minutes. I'll be right back. In the meanwhile HR-2, you start collecting the documents from the others!"
With this said, she walked out. 10 minutes later, she came back into the conference room.
HR-1: "Sharath ... I've mailed you the forms again!"
Me: (Totally confused!) "What?"
HR-1: "I've mailed you the forms again. Please take printouts of the same when you come tomorrow. We'll handle the joining formalities for you separately tomorrow. It shouldn't take more than 1 hour. Fine?"
I had expected her to come with a bundle of forms, not tell me that she had re-sent the e-mail to my mail id. I was, honestly speaking, totally stumped by the response. Especially, after working in a company like Oracle, where everything is so totally professionally driven, this was a totally lack-lustre and lacking gusto sort of reaction.
Me: (Too stumped to react) "Okay. So, what do I do for the rest of the day?"
HR-1: "You can go over to the Tejomaya building, and meet Sharat!"
Me: (Even more confused) "Come again ..."
HR-1: (Laughing as if really amused) "You need to meet a person called Sharat. (seeing my bewildered look) Yes - He's Sharath without a H... He sits in the neihbouring building. He is a member of the MATC. He will tell you which project you be working on and whom you will report to"
That sounded interesting.
For the benefit of people reading this and who're feeling totally lost. TCS has occupation in two office - Vismaya (the office I was in now), and Tejomaya. MATC (or whatever it is actually called)
I was told that Tejomaya was pretty nearby. But, nearby, in this case, meant a good half a kilometer away. Anyways ... I bore the brunt of that walk, and met up with Mr. Sharat. And guess what, the only thing he did was ask me to go meet a certain Mr. Rejin at the Vismaya building, and that he would be my Manager moving forward. That's it.
Again, another gruelling half a kilometer walk later, I met up with a smart and well-informed lady Ms. Smitha, who debriefed me about the project that I would be working on. I am not at a liberty to tell you the name of the client or anything else for that matter, but, all I can say is that the project involves a lot of fundoo technologies, and most importantly, there was no onsite opportunity in that project. I must confess, I was very very let down when I heard that. But, I always liked to believe - "That Everything Happens For A Reason".
After that, I had to get my access card. For which, I had to make yet another trip to Sharat's office at Tejomaya, and back to get a sign from HR-1. (Another 1 KM trip) As a follow on to this, I had to make runs between the Admin, IS (Information Security), and Facilities teams so that I could submit a scanned copy my photograph for the ID Card. Sadly, I wasn't able to complete the process.
Another task which took a few more grueling minutes of interaction with the Admin folks was getting the Vehicle Pass Forms. I intend to fill the same and submit it tomorrow only though.
The whole walking around trying to get signatures and approvals kindda reminded me of my last day at college (NITC) when I had to run around from pillar to post (read as department to department) to get all the No-Dues clearances from the concerned people before they left for their vacations.
At Oracle, or even Wipro for that matter, things were a lot more organized. One phone call, or e-mail was all it took to get approvals, and data. But, unfortunately, at TCS, the only way out is the one practised during the Pre-British Era. Run from person to person and grovel for whatever you need.
Honestly, the responses I got from the various departments and the lack-lustre manner in which everything was handled reminded me of the defunct and dusty systems in place at Government Offices in the country.
Seriously, is this how things are done here?
I narrated this experience to a friend of mine, who - for the record - has been with TCS for 3+ years, and this is what he told me - "Welcome to TCS buddy. A place where things never happen on time!"
I was left wondering - "What the hell have I landed myself into man!!!"
My TV - Truly A Pandora's Box
For over a year of my stay at Bangalore, I didn't have a TV at home. It might come as a surprise to many of you. Especially so since even the most rural villages boast of 100% population owning TV's. Well, I just want to say that I never felt the need to buy one. As a matter of fact, it was a conscious decision on my part not to invest in a TV. During the last 1 year or so that I've not had a TV, I have had so much time on my hands that I've been able to explore a multitude of things I've wanted to try out. Reading, Blogging, Movies, DJ'ing, Product Development, Marketing Strategies, etc, etc, etc.
At times, I must confess, it did feel like a big handicap when the TV was not around to console me. Because, after all, you can only read a book or watch a movie or blog so much, and beyond that, it becomes boring. But, still, not having a TV at home, did afford me a lot of luxury in the form of time, which I utilized to maximum possible.
Ever since I've moved back to Cochin, I've been so glued to the "Idiot Box" that I haven't even unpacked properly (Might I add - It's been 4 days since I arrived here!). I miss a lot of appointments thanks to the "Channel Surfing" habbit that I am slowly developing. I've come to reality with the harsh reality that as the days pass, I am becoming more and more lazy. Also, thanks to the comfortable sofa in front of the TV (courtesy Dad), and the good food stocked on the dining table (courtesy Mom) - there is every possibility that I'll add a lot many more kilos to my already rather large frame!
I think, it's high time I shake myself out of this silly habbit, and try to go back to my good old days. I am not unaware that this is easier said than done. But, I have to try as hard as I can. For my own good!
Wish me luck mate!
At times, I must confess, it did feel like a big handicap when the TV was not around to console me. Because, after all, you can only read a book or watch a movie or blog so much, and beyond that, it becomes boring. But, still, not having a TV at home, did afford me a lot of luxury in the form of time, which I utilized to maximum possible.
Ever since I've moved back to Cochin, I've been so glued to the "Idiot Box" that I haven't even unpacked properly (Might I add - It's been 4 days since I arrived here!). I miss a lot of appointments thanks to the "Channel Surfing" habbit that I am slowly developing. I've come to reality with the harsh reality that as the days pass, I am becoming more and more lazy. Also, thanks to the comfortable sofa in front of the TV (courtesy Dad), and the good food stocked on the dining table (courtesy Mom) - there is every possibility that I'll add a lot many more kilos to my already
I think, it's high time I shake myself out of this silly habbit, and try to go back to my good old days. I am not unaware that this is easier said than done. But, I have to try as hard as I can. For my own good!
Wish me luck mate!
My Career Goals
My short-term to mid-term career goal has always been to move into a customer facing role, with my prime responsibility being milking new projects out of customer, and mapping customer requirements to business solutions. Different organization call the person involved in this sort of a role by different names - some call it a Business Analyst (Wipro), some call it a Program Manager (Infosys), some call it a Solution Architect (Akamai).
I think I got the inspiration to follow this particular career path from my cousin brother - Ravi. I grew up watching him climb up the corporate ladder in a similar profile. Since he was my childhood hero (he's not my hero anymore though - for some "other" reasons of course!) I guess I had this desire to become like him, and that resulted in the inspiration to follow in his footsteps.
I don't know whether it is the right step to take. But, given that I am gifted with a glib tongue, I don't think I'll do badly either! Whether it is indeed my "calling", only time will tell. For now, I'm just going to concentrate on anything and everything I can to ensure that I achieve this career goal of mine at the earliest possible.
So, Ravi Etta, if you're reading this, do drop me a few helpful pointers!
Deal?
I think I got the inspiration to follow this particular career path from my cousin brother - Ravi. I grew up watching him climb up the corporate ladder in a similar profile. Since he was my childhood hero (he's not my hero anymore though - for some "other" reasons of course!) I guess I had this desire to become like him, and that resulted in the inspiration to follow in his footsteps.
I don't know whether it is the right step to take. But, given that I am gifted with a glib tongue, I don't think I'll do badly either! Whether it is indeed my "calling", only time will tell. For now, I'm just going to concentrate on anything and everything I can to ensure that I achieve this career goal of mine at the earliest possible.
So, Ravi Etta, if you're reading this, do drop me a few helpful pointers!
Deal?
Moving To TCS
I've been hearing this question one too many times. So, I'm going to take some time off to write the actual reasons behind my decision to move out of Oracle to TCS.
1. The work at Oracle was getting boring
Let me elaborate. I was initially working on a project called Ship and Debit. It was a pure development project. I had a loooooooooooooot of fun working on it. The learning curve was rewarding in itself. Things were going very well. Then, all of a sudden, quite a few people quit in my team, sequentially of course. This lead to a resource crunch, and since I was the only person in the team left with product knowledge, experience and expertise on a product called Sales Online (OSO), I was pulled out of the Ship and Debit project to work on OSO. I didn't exactly like this decision that much, especially since the OSO project was primarily into a maintenance mode and it wasn't exactly the most rewarding - or for that matter fun work - around.
2. The pay was not competitive enough
When I joined Oracle, I was amongst the top 10% of the highest paid employees in my batch. This was indeed a great ego boost. But, over the 2 years I was at Oracle, my pay got raised a meager 15%, whereas my contemporaries, in other companies of course, had their salaries revised to such levels that, the last time I checked, I was earning a good 30% - 50% less than they were earning currently. The icing on the cake was that freshers were joining Oracle at the same pay stacks as people with 4 or 5 years work experience. This was indeed a big blow to my ego.
3. Desire to move to Consulting/Service
I've always wanted to move into a customer facing role. Especially one that’d let me improve upon my sales and marketing skills. This is because - I've always wanted to move out of applications development into more buxom and hot areas like Marketing and Sales. My logic is - if I am in a role where I play a direct influence on the revenue of a company - they'll be more inclined to respect, keep me happy and reward me handsomely. Maybe my logic is flawed, but until I am proven otherwise, I am going to run with this logic itself!
Anyways ... Back to the main story. So, I learnt, after a lot of researching, that the only two departments, at Oracle, where I could do anything like I mentioned above were Sales and Marketing, and Product Management. Also, on digging a little more, I realized that Oracle doesn't exactly encourage developers to move into such roles. Atleast, that's what all the "contacts" I touched base with told me. Thus, when I realized that my career aspirations could not be satisfied by Oracle, I started looking for organizations that would let me move in the direction I wanted to. And what better industry than the service industry to help me in these aspirations.
4. Easy Referrals Available
Since I had decided to move to a consulting/service industry space, the companies I could move to were - Accenture, Wipro, TCS, Infosys, Satyam, Cognizant.
* Cognizant - My friend, Ravi Ramchandran, had got me a referral. But, that lil dimwit had got a referral for a walk-in event, and I just hated walk-in events (I'll talk about why in another blog!). So, that didn't exactly take off.
* Wipro - I'd be dead before I walk into that shit hole of a company again!
* Infosys - Although this was my dream company, I didn't like the concept of having to wear a tie to work. Plus, my friend Raj (who is a manager there) informed me that there were no openings for 3+ years Java/J2EE professionals at the moment (thanks to the Sub-Prime crisis and the depreciating rupee situations)
* Satyam - They were not even ready to match my current CTC.
* Accenture - I didn't have anyone to refer me here. Besides, I was told that they didn't have any overseas opportunities.
* TCS - Well this is where my friend Vineeth and Rohit helped me out. They got me a referral, and I was interviewing with the TCS tech panel the very next day at Cochin. Everything went well during the interview, and a few rounds of haggling with the company HR resulted in a satisfactory paycheck.
5. For My Parents
My brother had just graduated from college, and was staying with my folks for about a month before joining the Oracle work force. After he left home for Bangalore, mom kindda went into a slight depression phase. Now that both her kids were far away (a good 12 hours journey by train/bus), she just didn't take it that well. I just couldn't bear to see her that way. So, I realized the best thing to do would be to move closer to home so that she feels better.
6. Overseas Opportunities
At Oracle, it was assured that we wouldn't get to go abroad. Even in the rarest of situations that we did, Oracle didn't have a concept of per day allowance. So, since there was not extra money-making upside to the whole deal, as well as the downside that one would have to pay from one's INR savings for any and all purchases and incidentals while abroad, it was not in the very least bit a lucrative deal.
On the contrary, TCS has a much more attractive onsite, both short-term as well as long-term, with a potential upside of making a few (if not a lot) of extra dollars (or pounds, or yen, or whatever other currency exists for that matter).
7. Fatter Paycheck
TCS was offering me a better paycheck. Hike wise I was being offered a meagre 10% more than what I make at Oracle. But, since I would be staying at home, I would be able to save a lot of money (like rent, food, partying, etc). Looking at it from that sort of a holistic perspective, I would be able to save and additional 1 lak+. On that note, I'd say my pay hike was an "effective" 30%+.
8. Promotions
TCS was offering me a promotion. I wouldn't say this was a make or break decision criteria, as I am pretty sure that if I had stayed on at Oracle, I would've gotten a promotion there as well. But, since the TCS offer was giving me a promotion ahead of the Oracle promotion cycles, I must say, it served as an unearthly temptation.
Now, for all those people who had this question in mind, I hope your queries are cleared. Let me know otherwise (via a comment/mail/sms/call) and I'll try to help you out with it!
1. The work at Oracle was getting boring
Let me elaborate. I was initially working on a project called Ship and Debit. It was a pure development project. I had a loooooooooooooot of fun working on it. The learning curve was rewarding in itself. Things were going very well. Then, all of a sudden, quite a few people quit in my team, sequentially of course. This lead to a resource crunch, and since I was the only person in the team left with product knowledge, experience and expertise on a product called Sales Online (OSO), I was pulled out of the Ship and Debit project to work on OSO. I didn't exactly like this decision that much, especially since the OSO project was primarily into a maintenance mode and it wasn't exactly the most rewarding - or for that matter fun work - around.
2. The pay was not competitive enough
When I joined Oracle, I was amongst the top 10% of the highest paid employees in my batch. This was indeed a great ego boost. But, over the 2 years I was at Oracle, my pay got raised a meager 15%, whereas my contemporaries, in other companies of course, had their salaries revised to such levels that, the last time I checked, I was earning a good 30% - 50% less than they were earning currently. The icing on the cake was that freshers were joining Oracle at the same pay stacks as people with 4 or 5 years work experience. This was indeed a big blow to my ego.
3. Desire to move to Consulting/Service
I've always wanted to move into a customer facing role. Especially one that’d let me improve upon my sales and marketing skills. This is because - I've always wanted to move out of applications development into more buxom and hot areas like Marketing and Sales. My logic is - if I am in a role where I play a direct influence on the revenue of a company - they'll be more inclined to respect, keep me happy and reward me handsomely. Maybe my logic is flawed, but until I am proven otherwise, I am going to run with this logic itself!
Anyways ... Back to the main story. So, I learnt, after a lot of researching, that the only two departments, at Oracle, where I could do anything like I mentioned above were Sales and Marketing, and Product Management. Also, on digging a little more, I realized that Oracle doesn't exactly encourage developers to move into such roles. Atleast, that's what all the "contacts" I touched base with told me. Thus, when I realized that my career aspirations could not be satisfied by Oracle, I started looking for organizations that would let me move in the direction I wanted to. And what better industry than the service industry to help me in these aspirations.
4. Easy Referrals Available
Since I had decided to move to a consulting/service industry space, the companies I could move to were - Accenture, Wipro, TCS, Infosys, Satyam, Cognizant.
* Cognizant - My friend, Ravi Ramchandran, had got me a referral. But, that lil dimwit had got a referral for a walk-in event, and I just hated walk-in events (I'll talk about why in another blog!). So, that didn't exactly take off.
* Wipro - I'd be dead before I walk into that shit hole of a company again!
* Infosys - Although this was my dream company, I didn't like the concept of having to wear a tie to work. Plus, my friend Raj (who is a manager there) informed me that there were no openings for 3+ years Java/J2EE professionals at the moment (thanks to the Sub-Prime crisis and the depreciating rupee situations)
* Satyam - They were not even ready to match my current CTC.
* Accenture - I didn't have anyone to refer me here. Besides, I was told that they didn't have any overseas opportunities.
* TCS - Well this is where my friend Vineeth and Rohit helped me out. They got me a referral, and I was interviewing with the TCS tech panel the very next day at Cochin. Everything went well during the interview, and a few rounds of haggling with the company HR resulted in a satisfactory paycheck.
5. For My Parents
My brother had just graduated from college, and was staying with my folks for about a month before joining the Oracle work force. After he left home for Bangalore, mom kindda went into a slight depression phase. Now that both her kids were far away (a good 12 hours journey by train/bus), she just didn't take it that well. I just couldn't bear to see her that way. So, I realized the best thing to do would be to move closer to home so that she feels better.
6. Overseas Opportunities
At Oracle, it was assured that we wouldn't get to go abroad. Even in the rarest of situations that we did, Oracle didn't have a concept of per day allowance. So, since there was not extra money-making upside to the whole deal, as well as the downside that one would have to pay from one's INR savings for any and all purchases and incidentals while abroad, it was not in the very least bit a lucrative deal.
On the contrary, TCS has a much more attractive onsite, both short-term as well as long-term, with a potential upside of making a few (if not a lot) of extra dollars (or pounds, or yen, or whatever other currency exists for that matter).
7. Fatter Paycheck
TCS was offering me a better paycheck. Hike wise I was being offered a meagre 10% more than what I make at Oracle. But, since I would be staying at home, I would be able to save a lot of money (like rent, food, partying, etc). Looking at it from that sort of a holistic perspective, I would be able to save and additional 1 lak+. On that note, I'd say my pay hike was an "effective" 30%+.
8. Promotions
TCS was offering me a promotion. I wouldn't say this was a make or break decision criteria, as I am pretty sure that if I had stayed on at Oracle, I would've gotten a promotion there as well. But, since the TCS offer was giving me a promotion ahead of the Oracle promotion cycles, I must say, it served as an unearthly temptation.
Now, for all those people who had this question in mind, I hope your queries are cleared. Let me know otherwise (via a comment/mail/sms/call) and I'll try to help you out with it!
Testosterone Overload
Okay ... I accept it. I'm a horny guy. But, in my defense, who isn't?
Every Tom-Dick-And-Harry on this planet is. Just that, they don't shout it out loud like I'm doing right now!
(Maybe I'm just really stupid!)
But, off late, I've been getting really really horny. As in SUPER EXTRA horny. And, I really don't know why?
It's just been a few days since I left Bangalore. Not that I was any less horny then. But, at the very least, the sights and sounds of Bangalore, as well as the absolute freedom I had - thanks to living alone in my 1 BHK - afforded me a frequent “release” mechanism.
Maybe it is because of moving home, and the relative loss of freedom, and the necessity to "hide" certain aspects of ones "true" personality, that comes with living with your parents, that I no longer have the luxury of that release mechanism.
(At least not as often as I'd like to!)
Heck ... At this rate, I think the only long term solution I have to this problem is - MARRIAGE!!!
Sadly, that's too loooooooooooooooooong term a solution!
Anyone got a better (read as shorter term) solution - drop me a comment with your ideas!
Every Tom-Dick-And-Harry on this planet is. Just that, they don't shout it out loud like I'm doing right now!
(Maybe I'm just really stupid!)
But, off late, I've been getting really really horny. As in SUPER EXTRA horny. And, I really don't know why?
It's just been a few days since I left Bangalore. Not that I was any less horny then. But, at the very least, the sights and sounds of Bangalore, as well as the absolute freedom I had - thanks to living alone in my 1 BHK - afforded me a
Maybe it is because of moving home, and the relative loss of freedom, and the necessity to "hide" certain aspects of ones "true" personality, that comes with living with your parents, that I no longer have the luxury of that release mechanism.
(At least not as often as I'd like to!)
Heck ... At this rate, I think the only long term solution I have to this problem is - MARRIAGE!!!
Sadly, that's too loooooooooooooooooong term a solution!
Anyone got a better (read as shorter term) solution - drop me a comment with your ideas!
Shopping at Cochin - A completely forgettable experience
Yesterday, I went shopping at the Raymond showroom at MG Road. And true to the title of this blog entry, it was a forgettable experience. My mom tells me that shops down shutters post 7.30 here. This is completely in contrast to what I've observed in the last two cities I've lived in - Chennai and Bangalore. The closing times in those two times were 9 pm and 10 pm respectively. And the best part is, even if you enter the shop at 9 pm, the sales executives ensure that you have a pleasant shopping experience before you leave.
Now, back to Cochin, and the Raymond showroom.
I spent a good 5 minutes trying to locate the mens trousers section, after which another 15 minutes of hunting led to me picking up a trouser I liked. During this while, I had noticed a couple of sales executive stealing a glance in my direction, and even after me signaling to one of them, none of them walked up to assist me in my buy. Obviously, coming from a city with a shopping experience like Bangalore, I was pissed.
I caught up with one of the sales executives and ordered him to get the shop manager. A few minutes later, a nonchalant gentleman announced himself as the shop manager. I voiced my concern (read as complained to him), in a very aggressive manner, and it was only then that I got some sort of a customer service from one of the executives.
Honestly speaking, I was left wondering - If the service rendered to the customers was improved, people here might actually start enjoying shopping.
Thanks to this bashed experience, I for one am not going shopping at the Raymond store in a hurry. That much I am very certain!
If any of you guys (or gals) reading this blog know any other place where a guy can get good trousers, at good prices, AT COCHIN - Please drop me a comment with the direction to that place. I'll send you a beer (or chocolates if its a lady helping me out) as a token of my appreciation.
:)
Now, back to Cochin, and the Raymond showroom.
I spent a good 5 minutes trying to locate the mens trousers section, after which another 15 minutes of hunting led to me picking up a trouser I liked. During this while, I had noticed a couple of sales executive stealing a glance in my direction, and even after me signaling to one of them, none of them walked up to assist me in my buy. Obviously, coming from a city with a shopping experience like Bangalore, I was pissed.
I caught up with one of the sales executives and ordered him to get the shop manager. A few minutes later, a nonchalant gentleman announced himself as the shop manager. I voiced my concern (read as complained to him), in a very aggressive manner, and it was only then that I got some sort of a customer service from one of the executives.
Honestly speaking, I was left wondering - If the service rendered to the customers was improved, people here might actually start enjoying shopping.
Thanks to this bashed experience, I for one am not going shopping at the Raymond store in a hurry. That much I am very certain!
If any of you guys (or gals) reading this blog know any other place where a guy can get good trousers, at good prices, AT COCHIN - Please drop me a comment with the direction to that place. I'll send you a beer (or chocolates if its a lady helping me out) as a token of my appreciation.
:)
The Sporadic Nomad
So finally, I have done it. Another day ... Another job change ... Another company ... Another city...
In 2005, when I graduated from NITC, I was a resident of Calicut. A brief 2 month vacation at home later, it was time for me to relocate to Chennai. The next 17 months at Wipro was a torture thanks to both an unforgiving climate as also a messed up employer and a even worse Program Manager. Anyways ... I bore the brunt of that and by Nov 2006, I was a resident of Bangalore.
Honestly speaking - I liked this city. After a really long while, I realized the true meaning of the word freedom. I was making good money, my friends were all there, there weren't any relatives to be afraid of running into, the people were broad minded, and “The View” (read as the babes) was truly spectacular!!!
;)
But, like all good things, it too had its down sides. The city was highly polluted which resulted in me ending up with an array of skin eczemas. Everything was frigging overpriced. Even at my fat paycheck, it was difficult to have any savings (I blame my lifestyle for that though!). And most important of all, it started getting a bit lonely!
No, before you morons get ideas, I am not warming up to mom's suggestions of getting married. I just meant that, living in a city where the only weekend culture is boozing or shopping, one does get bored after a while.
Well ... Like all good things, this too came to an end. I, effective from the time I am writing this blog, have moved back to my hometown of Cochin. It does feel good to be back. Atleast on prima facie. But, whether or not I will love it here, only time will tell!
For those of you who are wondering "Why is he not happy that he is back in his hometown? Most people would kill to be able to work off their hometowns!” Well, for those of you, please read on:
Point # 1: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. TONS OF RESTRICTIONS!!!
Point # 2: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. HAVE TO OBEY PARENTAL RULES!!!
Point # 3: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. NO MORE GIRLS!!!
Point # 4: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. NO MORE BOOZING!!!
Point # 5: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. NO MORE WATCHING PORNO IN THE HALL/BEDROOMS!!!
It wouldn't be one bit fair if I didn't list out the advantages of staying with parents as well:
Point # 1: Mom's Cooking.
Point # 2: No need to worry about doing the laundry anymore.
Point # 3: No more skipping meals because I'm too lazy to cook/go out and eat.
Point # 4: Looooooooooooooooooooads of love from mom and dad!
Point # 5: Cost of living is cheaper.
Besides all that, another thing that I find difficult to adjust to is the climate here in Cochin. I might sound arrogant when I say this, especially since I spent a good 21 years in Cochin. But, to give myself some credit, I spent the last 2 years in Bangalore, where the climate is evergreen and pleasant, and I got so used to that climate, that Cochin seems like an oven compared to Bangalore.
And the funny part is, this is August - The time of the year when the climate is supposed to be pleasant in Cochin. I dread to think what it will be like in March next year when the temperatures actually soar.
Anyways ... I think it's too early for me to arrive at any conclusions whatsoever about whether or not I will love my stay here. So far, I have always managed to adjust to the cities that I have been too, and I see no reason why I won't be able to reinvent the wheel again!
:)
Wish me luck!
In 2005, when I graduated from NITC, I was a resident of Calicut. A brief 2 month vacation at home later, it was time for me to relocate to Chennai. The next 17 months at Wipro was a torture thanks to both an unforgiving climate as also a messed up employer and a even worse Program Manager. Anyways ... I bore the brunt of that and by Nov 2006, I was a resident of Bangalore.
Honestly speaking - I liked this city. After a really long while, I realized the true meaning of the word freedom. I was making good money, my friends were all there, there weren't any relatives to be afraid of running into, the people were broad minded, and “The View” (read as the babes) was truly spectacular!!!
;)
But, like all good things, it too had its down sides. The city was highly polluted which resulted in me ending up with an array of skin eczemas. Everything was frigging overpriced. Even at my fat paycheck, it was difficult to have any savings (I blame my lifestyle for that though!). And most important of all, it started getting a bit lonely!
No, before you morons get ideas, I am not warming up to mom's suggestions of getting married. I just meant that, living in a city where the only weekend culture is boozing or shopping, one does get bored after a while.
Well ... Like all good things, this too came to an end. I, effective from the time I am writing this blog, have moved back to my hometown of Cochin. It does feel good to be back. Atleast on prima facie. But, whether or not I will love it here, only time will tell!
For those of you who are wondering "Why is he not happy that he is back in his hometown? Most people would kill to be able to work off their hometowns!” Well, for those of you, please read on:
Point # 1: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. TONS OF RESTRICTIONS!!!
Point # 2: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. HAVE TO OBEY PARENTAL RULES!!!
Point # 3: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. NO MORE GIRLS!!!
Point # 4: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. NO MORE BOOZING!!!
Point # 5: I am staying with my parents. For those of you who still don't get it, let me be a little more point blank. NO MORE WATCHING PORNO IN THE HALL/BEDROOMS!!!
It wouldn't be one bit fair if I didn't list out the advantages of staying with parents as well:
Point # 1: Mom's Cooking.
Point # 2: No need to worry about doing the laundry anymore.
Point # 3: No more skipping meals because I'm too lazy to cook/go out and eat.
Point # 4: Looooooooooooooooooooads of love from mom and dad!
Point # 5: Cost of living is cheaper.
Besides all that, another thing that I find difficult to adjust to is the climate here in Cochin. I might sound arrogant when I say this, especially since I spent a good 21 years in Cochin. But, to give myself some credit, I spent the last 2 years in Bangalore, where the climate is evergreen and pleasant, and I got so used to that climate, that Cochin seems like an oven compared to Bangalore.
And the funny part is, this is August - The time of the year when the climate is supposed to be pleasant in Cochin. I dread to think what it will be like in March next year when the temperatures actually soar.
Anyways ... I think it's too early for me to arrive at any conclusions whatsoever about whether or not I will love my stay here. So far, I have always managed to adjust to the cities that I have been too, and I see no reason why I won't be able to reinvent the wheel again!
:)
Wish me luck!
Joining Amway
Today, one of my friends (his name is not important - if you're wondering why - refer my previous post) came over home to explain "The Amway” deal to me.
Being a part of a similar MLM/Network Marketing company (It's called Quest Net btw), I pretty much knew what I could expect from his presentation. And to top it all - I had heard so many bad reviews about Amways from a few other friends. But, having worked on something similar earlier, I knew how hard it was to try and get someone to listen to your idea, and more importantly, how bad it felt when someone told you that he/she is not interested in listening to it - Point Blank!
Anyways ... I decided to respect his effort of wanting to explain to me, and sat through the whole presentation (which lasted for a good 30 mins).
And you know what? Although I still prefer my original Quest Net marketing jig to Amway, many of the urban legends that people had fed me about Amway have disappeared. As a matter of fact, I've started to think that Amway is indeed something that people can make money out of (although the fact as to whether/not I can make any money out of it is still not very clear to me!)
Anyways ... I am going to go back and ponder about this new business proposition for a bit (read as a week/two) before I make any sort of call on the same.
If any of you reading this has been a part of Amway and wants to be a darling/sweetheart and add a new thought, idea or angle about why/whether/not I should join - Please feel free to leave a comment!
:)
Being a part of a similar MLM/Network Marketing company (It's called Quest Net btw), I pretty much knew what I could expect from his presentation. And to top it all - I had heard so many bad reviews about Amways from a few other friends. But, having worked on something similar earlier, I knew how hard it was to try and get someone to listen to your idea, and more importantly, how bad it felt when someone told you that he/she is not interested in listening to it - Point Blank!
Anyways ... I decided to respect his effort of wanting to explain to me, and sat through the whole presentation (which lasted for a good 30 mins).
And you know what? Although I still prefer my original Quest Net marketing jig to Amway, many of the urban legends that people had fed me about Amway have disappeared. As a matter of fact, I've started to think that Amway is indeed something that people can make money out of (although the fact as to whether/not I can make any money out of it is still not very clear to me!)
Anyways ... I am going to go back and ponder about this new business proposition for a bit (read as a week/two) before I make any sort of call on the same.
If any of you reading this has been a part of Amway and wants to be a darling/sweetheart and add a new thought, idea or angle about why/whether/not I should join - Please feel free to leave a comment!
:)
Bomb Blasts @ Bangalore
I've heard of this happening in cities like ... I've seen the aftermath on TV ... But what I never expected was something of the sort to happen in my own city!!!
And you know what I did - the first thing I did - when I heard about it? Called my brother to check whether he was safe. Then, I called my sis - Radhu - to check whether she was safe. Basically, my mom and dad were staying with her for the weekend. So - this call was partly (or should I say primarily) to check on them. After that, I called up two of my cousins - Sriji and Sateesh (in that order). My next call went to - my best friend - Chery.
I don't recall calling anyone other than the people mentioned above.
Either, this means - I truly care only for a few people. Or, maybe it's because I was just plain selfish, and once I found out that my immediate family and most near and dear relatives and friends were safe, I didn't care to check the status of the remaining guys I know of.
I guess the proverb that "Blood Is Thicker Than Water" is indeed true. Or atleast that's what the above reaction stipulates - Right?
And this blog wouldn't be complete unless I mention the fact that a few people did care enough to call/ping/sms to check on how I was doing. Okay ... So - I'm trying to show off here. But, I guess I am entitled to do that ... (Isn't everyone???)
1. Pavani ping’ed me via gtalk
2. Rakku (aka Rakesh) sent me an SMS
3. Apeksha ping’ed me via gtalk
4. Pallu (aka Pallavi) sent me an (make that two) SMS
Thanks you all for making me feel special ... For making me feel that people do truly care about me ... For making me realize that I am not an insignificant speck on this planet ... For making me realize that I am remembered
(On that note - Do I owe any of you money, and is that why you remembered me???)
:P
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... Going Melodramatic ain’t I ... No more "Saas-Bahu" soaps for me for a month!
Coming back to the topic, as far as I heard, there were 7 blasts in the noon (around 1.30 pm) and 2 more in the evening (around 5.00 pm). So, please people, till the cops and intelligence agency folks figure things out, and this pandemonium clears up - STAY INDOORS!!!
And you know what I did - the first thing I did - when I heard about it? Called my brother to check whether he was safe. Then, I called my sis - Radhu - to check whether she was safe. Basically, my mom and dad were staying with her for the weekend. So - this call was partly (or should I say primarily) to check on them. After that, I called up two of my cousins - Sriji and Sateesh (in that order). My next call went to - my best friend - Chery.
I don't recall calling anyone other than the people mentioned above.
Either, this means - I truly care only for a few people. Or, maybe it's because I was just plain selfish, and once I found out that my immediate family and most near and dear relatives and friends were safe, I didn't care to check the status of the remaining guys I know of.
I guess the proverb that "Blood Is Thicker Than Water" is indeed true. Or atleast that's what the above reaction stipulates - Right?
And this blog wouldn't be complete unless I mention the fact that a few people did care enough to call/ping/sms to check on how I was doing. Okay ... So - I'm trying to show off here. But, I guess I am entitled to do that ... (Isn't everyone???)
1. Pavani ping’ed me via gtalk
2. Rakku (aka Rakesh) sent me an SMS
3. Apeksha ping’ed me via gtalk
4. Pallu (aka Pallavi) sent me an (make that two) SMS
Thanks you all for making me feel special ... For making me feel that people do truly care about me ... For making me realize that I am not an insignificant speck on this planet ... For making me realize that I am remembered
(On that note - Do I owe any of you money, and is that why you remembered me???)
:P
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... Going Melodramatic ain’t I ... No more "Saas-Bahu" soaps for me for a month!
Coming back to the topic, as far as I heard, there were 7 blasts in the noon (around 1.30 pm) and 2 more in the evening (around 5.00 pm). So, please people, till the cops and intelligence agency folks figure things out, and this pandemonium clears up - STAY INDOORS!!!
Oath of Anonymity
One of my previous blogs kindda whipped up a storm. I don't want to point out which one it was, but that little blog kindda made me realize that people DO READ my blog.
One part of me feels so happy about the fact that I have a readership base (I am going to try use some tool and ascertain whether that is fact or fiction) which is something I thought only my other blog - life-at-diapro.blogspot.com - had. And the other part of me feels bad for the people I had mentioned in the blog.
For those who're wondering about what all this yada-yada is about, like I said in the previous paragraph - I wrote a blog where I kindda mentioned peoples names. Well ... To be point blank, I kindda spoke ill about some guy and the worst part is - I mentioned his name (yeah ... Real Name). People read that blog, and kindda nagged him about it (I think!).
At the time of writing the blog entry, little did I realize (or should I say - "gave no thought to") that people who might know him, or worse - be related to, might read that blog, and the repercussion of such a scenario. I don't know whether or not something like that happened, but I sincerely hope that it didn't!
But, to give myself some credit (after all - it is my blog, and I like blowing the occasional trumpet), the instant I was informed of this angle to the whole issue, I removed all references to his (as well as all the others in the story) from the blog.
I know, understand and accept that having done that does not make my mistake disappear, and that whatever damage has been done has been done, but I just want the world (and him!) to know that I am extremely sorry for my boo-boo!
Seriously, I mean it...
On that note, to ensure that any such incidents don't happen anymore, from now on, all the characters in my blog are going to be fictitious/vague.
In other words - either I will use whacko names (Thomas could become Thangappan ... Martin might become Mahalingam ... Moosa might become Samoosa ... You get the general idea don't you?) in lieu of their real names or I'll end up using un-imaginative names (like AAA or XYZ or Mr. X) ... All that depending on my mood and the importance of the names to the story!
;)
So - my dear readers - kindly bear with me for whatever inconveniences this brain-fag idea of mine might cause.
(Hey - its 2 am here, and I've spent the last 4 hours trying to tidy up my house in anticipation of my parents visit to Bangalore. So - It goes without saying that I am tired and sleepy as hell. And so, I'm sure you'll buy-in when I say, I'm not at my Creative Best!)
Once again - "The-Guy-Who-I-Hurt" (or should I call it "The-Guys-Who-I-Hurt")
I'm really really sorry!
It won't happen again!!!
One part of me feels so happy about the fact that I have a readership base (I am going to try use some tool and ascertain whether that is fact or fiction) which is something I thought only my other blog - life-at-diapro.blogspot.com - had. And the other part of me feels bad for the people I had mentioned in the blog.
For those who're wondering about what all this yada-yada is about, like I said in the previous paragraph - I wrote a blog where I kindda mentioned peoples names. Well ... To be point blank, I kindda spoke ill about some guy and the worst part is - I mentioned his name (yeah ... Real Name). People read that blog, and kindda nagged him about it (I think!).
At the time of writing the blog entry, little did I realize (or should I say - "gave no thought to") that people who might know him, or worse - be related to, might read that blog, and the repercussion of such a scenario. I don't know whether or not something like that happened, but I sincerely hope that it didn't!
But, to give myself some credit (after all - it is my blog, and I like blowing the occasional trumpet), the instant I was informed of this angle to the whole issue, I removed all references to his (as well as all the others in the story) from the blog.
I know, understand and accept that having done that does not make my mistake disappear, and that whatever damage has been done has been done, but I just want the world (and him!) to know that I am extremely sorry for my boo-boo!
Seriously, I mean it...
On that note, to ensure that any such incidents don't happen anymore, from now on, all the characters in my blog are going to be fictitious/vague.
In other words - either I will use whacko names (Thomas could become Thangappan ... Martin might become Mahalingam ... Moosa might become Samoosa ... You get the general idea don't you?) in lieu of their real names or I'll end up using un-imaginative names (like AAA or XYZ or Mr. X) ... All that depending on my mood and the importance of the names to the story!
;)
So - my dear readers - kindly bear with me for whatever inconveniences this brain-fag idea of mine might cause.
(Hey - its 2 am here, and I've spent the last 4 hours trying to tidy up my house in anticipation of my parents visit to Bangalore. So - It goes without saying that I am tired and sleepy as hell. And so, I'm sure you'll buy-in when I say, I'm not at my
Once again - "The-Guy-Who-I-Hurt" (or should I call it "The-Guys-Who-I-Hurt")
I'm really really sorry!
It won't happen again!!!
Movie Review - Kung Fu Panda
This is one really chweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet movie. The panda is totally adorable (as are the other characters in the movie). On the whole, I'd say, it was definitely worth the time and money elements!
:)
For those of you who have 90 bucks to spare, you can catch this movie at PVR cinemas during weekdays before 12.00 am. For those of you who don't you can probably watch it online at www.watch-movies.net
For those of you who've seen the movie and want to share your opinions/views/thoughts/perspectives (you get the general idea right?) - leave me a comment or an e-mail.
Till my next blog - Adieus Amigo!!!
:)
For those of you who have 90 bucks to spare, you can catch this movie at PVR cinemas during weekdays before 12.00 am. For those of you who don't you can probably watch it online at www.watch-movies.net
For those of you who've seen the movie and want to share your opinions/views/thoughts/perspectives (you get the general idea right?) - leave me a comment or an e-mail.
Till my next blog - Adieus Amigo!!!
Soap Review - How I Met You're Mother
I started watching the soap series "How I Met You're Mother" from Friday (18-Jul-2008), and for the last 3 days - I've been completely hooked to it!!!
I finished watching one full season - and so far so good!
It's funny ... Correction - It's HILLARIOUS. I would even be audacious enough to say - the humor is funnier than the humor you'd get to see on "FRIENDS" or maybe even "SEINFELD" for that matter.
So, for all you guys with an unlimited broadband net connection and access to any Torrent Software - what're you waiting for, go download the series. I personally vouch for it!
:)
I finished watching one full season - and so far so good!
It's funny ... Correction - It's HILLARIOUS. I would even be audacious enough to say - the humor is funnier than the humor you'd get to see on "FRIENDS" or maybe even "SEINFELD" for that matter.
So, for all you guys with an unlimited broadband net connection and access to any Torrent Software - what're you waiting for, go download the series. I personally vouch for it!
:)
Movie Review - CONTRACT
Okay ... This is one movie review where I am going to jump straight to the point. THIS IS A PATHETIC MOVIE!!!
Seriously - FUCKING PATHETIC!
No Story ... No Masala ... The Screenplay sucks ... The actors look like Zombies ... Music is bad if not non-existent...
I never expected something like this from a Ram Gopal Varma flick. And the worst part is - the only reason I went for the movie is because it's a RGV flick. Remind me - NEVER TO DO THAT AGAIN!!!
On the whole, my verdict is - if you haven't guessed by now i.e. - This movie is a complete waste of time and more importantly MONEY!
Seriously - FUCKING PATHETIC!
No Story ... No Masala ... The Screenplay sucks ... The actors look like Zombies ... Music is bad if not non-existent...
I never expected something like this from a Ram Gopal Varma flick. And the worst part is - the only reason I went for the movie is because it's a RGV flick. Remind me - NEVER TO DO THAT AGAIN!!!
On the whole, my verdict is - if you haven't guessed by now i.e. - This movie is a complete waste of time and more importantly MONEY!
Wanting to go for a movie
It's been a very long while since I last went for a movie. Seriously ... I can't even remember when the last time was! Come to think of it - the last movie I saw was Ironman at PVR. So, I guess it's not been aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall that long, but still, to give me some credit, 1.5 months is indeed a long time.
(Those of you who don't agree can jump off a cliff!!!)
I am planning to watch 1 movie every day for the next 1 week. The biggest advantage I'll have is
1. I get to watch movies at 70 bucks a ticket.
2. I get to enjoy my notice period.
3. After a 2 months long hiatus, my bike has finally come back to town. I was just looking for an excuse to ride it!
For now, the movies that I've short listed are as follows (in that order):
1. Hancock
2. Dark Knight
3. Jane Tu Jane Na
4. Wanted
5. The Incredible Hulk
Not too sure how successful I will be in this plan. But, in case any of you folks have seen any of these movies and think they're crap - please drop me a mail, response. I don't want to spend my valuable time and money (month end woes!) on a bad movie you see!
;)
Tally-Ho!
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