Jul 24, 2009

Anticipation

She just couldn't wait...all she wanted to do right now was run! Run as fast as she had never, run as fast as she could, run to feel the embrace of the wind on her, run so fast that her heart would skip its beats.
She had dreams that she didn't see, but nurtured them.
She loved to hear Neil Diamond sing, how his magical voice washed over her every time. She wanted to see the colour of his voice.
Every morning she woke up to feel the coolness of the mountains, the peace of a valley. She wanted to see the dew fall and rise again.
She wanted to see the blue in sky and the blue in water. She wondered at the shine of sun and shimmer of gold. She wanted to see the vibration of touch and the shape of love, the eyes that you could look through and the truth that you might never see, to taste food with her eyes and sip the beauty of nature.
All she wanted to do right now was run...without the fear of falling, knowing where her next steps will home, to make her own direction. In this moment she would live a lifetime, for she waited her 14years worth of lifetime to 'see'. In a few, long seconds, her eyes will gain sight forever.
Ironical, that she was named 'Drishti' when she never had the sight...until now. And then, she said to herself - "I am going to run..."

Jul 10, 2009

Shades of Entertainment

So the 'Entertainment' industry has been making some news around the globe.

So Mr Shiney Ahuja is not so much the 'star' any longer and Carla Bruni is always an amusing bit in the French International Relations news. And the icon, Michael Jackson having made history even in his death...May he rest in peace. And I was glued to the television on the day of his death as well as the funeral. Saw every bit of news, clip, feature and coverage of his. Can't still believe he is gone!

Another bit of entertainment was our trip to Wisconsin Dells over the 4th July weekend. This city is made to entertain and amuse people of ages and tastes. Known as the waterpark capital of the world, with over 21 waterparks and theme parks. One can experience scenic splendors of Wisconsin River, several lakes, canyons and even the sand-stone mountains that are scattered all over this town. With a population of less than 3000 people, and tourism streaming in several times more than that, its not hard to imagine that possibly every household in the city is engaged in some form of customer or tourism service.

We had a delightful two day, complete with parasailing, water-scooting, buggy rides through canyon, boat rides through river, immodest stunts display at Tommy Bartlett Show, Cheese Mountain Pizzas, go-karting and Fireworks as the icing on the cake!!

10hours drive, 46 hours of fun and 300 pictures later we return with our memories, wondering about the lives of people webbed in the business of entertainment. Its the same Lunch special on the menu, the same instructions for the speedboat, the same acrobat jump in water, the same buggy ride...but a different audience to perfrom for. Eachday and everynight, making it look brand new. And the show goes on, as these entertainers do what they are best at.

I salute the spirit of the people who choose to take the path of entertaining, amusing strangers and helping them make memories, without becoming a part of their lives.

Jun 18, 2009

Changing Gear...

Counting exact number of days, its been 261 days since I have not had a full time job. During this time, Nikhil and I have relocated to another country. One could say that I have taken the time to first wrap-up a household and then set one up all over again, plus taken the time to “settle-down” in the new place. For many calls and mails I have also remarked that “I’ve been busy”.
Well, looking back at my days…I realise that life has gotten much slower for me. As if giving me 36 hours a day to account for. And ‘productivity’ moves from one decision to another. Days spent at work used to demand my time be regulated and rationed, every moment feeding into objectives and deliverables. Without really being aware, take a hundred different kinds of decisions everyday. And with each decision done, one section of the work-life was behind me.
Decisions now are totally different. Selecting a meal composition seems much sundry to choosing which client to reach out to. Days are lazier, pace is leisurely, stress virtually non-existent, consequences of decisions are not as far reaching, neither is any objective pushing a deadline. The kind of life that once in a while, every professional wishes for.
But right now, I would gladly trade for ‘plans that will pack the weekend’ with meeting schedules which will burst the seams of a work week. Trade my recipe’ exchange chatter with networking leads. Trade my gaining weight with earning promotions. And above all, trade my lazy noons with decision-packed, action-frenzy work mornings.
Got some ideas, guys?

Jun 9, 2009

Journey into Grandeur

So whats common between New York City, Niagara Falls and Yanni? Well, one that they are all SPECTACULAR!!
They all stand unmatched in their field, with years of glory behind them. International symbols to their respective kinds.
They all create an un-forgettable first impression.
The more you experience them the more you want from them.

Nikhil and I had the privilege to Visit NYC, Niagara falls and attend Yanni’s concert all in a span of one week in end May. Needless to say, it was a week so grand that the hangover continues.

NYC’s famous buildings…the heights just kept soaring. The history ever-present in each stone of Cathedrals, Towers, Stock Exchange, Squares, Museums and all. Just crossing the new WTC under-construction or walking the Wall-Street made one feel part of the whole grand milieu. Niagara Falls, as grand as they were in the first sight, welcomed travellers from all over the world with humility towards its incessant waters & mist. To take away a camera full of memories that last a lifetime. To add to the whole experience of being a tourist, we walked for miles just exploring, ate only street food to taste the city, waited hours in various lines to get the epic glimpses and marvelled at everything that until this moment we’d seen only in TV.

Yanni’s ‘Voices-Concert’ was no-different (than NYC-NF experience) and unique at the same time. Playing some of his best symphonies, with dazzling discographies and each performer on stage holding 4000 spectators spellbound. Yanni, a prodigy who made his own rules and then broke them all, delivering great music unswervingly. A stalwart in his work, he launched four new artists under his tutelage…enjoying their music. Mark of an exceptional coach.

And that week once again cornered me with the question my coach asked – “What is the one thing you can do so grand and exceptional that it blows your own mind?”

May 29, 2009

Maiden Blog Post

This is my first effort at blogging. Knew about it for a long while and was even 'in-the-loop' with Ketan's regular blog sharing, but just didn't get on board... for some procratinating reason.

So thankyou Sandy for the kick I needed to begin blogging.
Thankyou Ketan for un-knowingly providing me the platform to blog.
AD, Sahiba, Priya always encouraged me to 'write', I said -"Don't know what to write". So my first blog is dedicated to their encouragement.

I have a lot of things I want to start sharing immediately, but will have to hold my narration-diahorrea for one-blog-at-a-time. This blog is only to remember people...the 'oscar' way.

Thankyou Joy for your tremendous guidance.
Thankyou Faisal for sharing regularly, I admire your written communication.
I wish I had more time with Maria, to watch her grow.
I wanted to tell Tarun Bachher what a wonderful person he is, I don't know if I did.
I felt a world of happiness when I had Nilaav in my arms.
I miss my parents and my in-laws.
I miss talking to Urooj and Rohit Sinha!
I have no words to express how happy I am for Vidya-Sachin and Radhika-Dhruv.
I felt happy in Shibani bhabhi's company.
After many years I am back in touch with ol' friends, courtesy Facebook. And I can't stop thinking about all the wonderful years we shared.

...and there is more. But this is for now. You will hear from me soon. Being in touch with you all IS one of the most important things for me. And please excuse me for the last six months of delayed or no mails.