Shadow of Thoughts

Music

2009-02-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

I never want to accept that music and singing (bearable) is God's gift and still believe that they are achievable. Music is not an art..nor science..not maths. [;-)] Music is a language for me..means to communicate. But there are certain rules to this language which we need to follow.

I am sure you make out the difference when you hear chinese and when you hear hindi. I feel the chinese use high notes from the chord in between sentences and something like 'krrrrrinngggg'. .Ears Bleed. And If you put forward tamil to an american, same would be the case.

Though music is universal, the rules of the language have a variety ranging from hard to soft to rock to metal..bla bla bla. Atleast if I can learn the basic rules, I would consider it as a great accomplishment. I have been trying to do so for many years now :-(

When we speak..there is a music attached.....and how words can be musically-directed in different ways. The variety of music we use in "Hey Bhagwaan". Sometimes like ARR and sometimes like Himesh depending on the mood. And actually there are languages which people almost sing [:D]. One of them is Oriya as I have understood with my limited exposure to the language.

If you are a softspoken person..try listening to Judas Priest..may be u can try 'breaking the law' or 'painkiller'. Its bout liking the language and its rules. Chinese can be sweet if you like the rules. I see a obvious influence of music in language and communication. I can talk and talk endlessly without making much sense. I like devotional music also..its tries to lift you up..ur morale..simiar is what judas does in 'breaking the law'. But are they comparable ?

Moozic ka topic bas itna hi.

All Knowing But Knowing Nothing

2009-02-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

Have been fortunate enough to travel to most parts of India...access to different cultures..languages..people and personalities. All the more inspirational and heart-warming amidst the diversity. I thought I knew all until I jumped from a smaller pond to a bigger one and so on....and now have got access to culture even outside India. Very interestingly....I love to travel[though money plays a game of dice in the back of my mind]. "I thought I knew everything until I realized I knew nothing". And realization is a slow process and an ingredient to keep up the enthu to learn more. Even if you dont know tamil, go and watch 'Anbe Sivam' , movie starring Kamalhasan and Madhavan as the protagonists. Try it out with a subtitle. The best movie I have seen from Kamal. Link to my fav. song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAwXMP-C18Y&feature=related

I relate to the movie in so many different ways...having the sense of humour and tackling yourself is so important in life. Thanks to my parents who have a astoundingly astonishing sense of humour. The learning for me began at home. My favourite and self-consoling line from the movie is - "Idhu enna kaadhala.... asingama sollikute irukkarthuku". Watch the movie.

As a fan of Amitabh, when movies like AnbeSivam and Pithamagan come across I pity bollywood. And there comes hit movies like 'Rab ne bana di...' from srk. I understand the commercial part of cinema..but atleast srk sucks big time in RNBDJ. Movies like Khosla Ka Ghosla does mean entertainment to me....engulfs you in the plot. Anyways..as Beatles said... 'Let It Be'.

Will watch the new tamil movie 'Naan Kadavul' as the review seems good. BTW..I even like LuckByChance from FarhanAkhtar.

Devil

2009-01-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have never seen a devil. How would he look like. As I look in the mirror and slowly enlarge my eyes...raise my eyebrows..the upper set of tooths out of the mouth..with a stare. - I think may be this is how a devil would be. If everyone has a god in him/her......the person does have a devil in self. Are the terrorists devils ? Or the Demons / Rakhshashas.

People who follow their own interests and dont care about what happens to others are devils. Being selfish and hurting others create devils in humans. We all are devils in one way or the other. Its something like matching the balance sheet at the end of your life and see if the God wins or the Devil. Depending on that your life-after-death would be decided.

I recollect a story related of Jesus - When someone sinned, he/she would be stoned to death. That was the law practiced. When they asked Jesus about the woman who was caught practising adultery, Jesus told " Only those can throw a stone at her, who have never sinned in their life". Everyone backed out. The moral is - we have a devil in ourselves. Purify yourself before you ridicule others. All these may not be a bit practical, but kill the devil in yourself and tame the God [:-)].

Devils can also be cute, handsome and beautiful. Its all in the character, the mind and heart. Look at the mirror and judge to what extent are you a devil. I would suggest..either be a devil or be a God..dont live like a dead man.

Love

2009-01-18T12:15:00.001-08:00

An attempt to define love. Or you can say an article on love. What is love..define in one word. You might have had innumerous discussions on what love is ..and your unique definition of love. Or as SRK says..pyaar dosti hai.

For me, love in one word is "Unconditional". There should be no conditions in your conscience to love the other person. To me thats what love is.... the love of a mother for her son. Even the mother-son relationship is sometimes not enough to explain the extent of love one can have. It depends on the person. Mostly, parents have unconditional love for their children as I have seen and experienced. To have a condition means having a self interest, I believe. Are boyfrens and girlfrens made of that kind of "unconditional" stuff. Do we have friends who we can say are unconditional ?

The shadow of a tree is unconditional, no matter whoever wants to rest under the shadow of a tree can do so. That is nature's love for you. No matter who are and what you do..... your true love will like you and love you more. As I write this line I remember this song...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsVPThOPlX4&feature=related

Arguments: What do you say if my son goes into bad company ..do i still love him...bla bla bla ?

"Guru kumhar shishya kumbha hai ghadi-ghadi kadhat kot
Bhitar haat sahar de bahar bahe chot"

Translation: A teacher scolds you on your mistakes but he also supports you to do your best so he can be defined as a potter who beats the pot on outer side to give good shape and design while supporting the pot by putting a hand inside it so that it does not break.

Love unconditionally does not mean NOT to show the right path. The teacher does not have a self interest in beating the child and so its unconditional love and aim to guide the child in the right path.

More to follow. Still open for discussion. Give it a try...be unconditional to whom you really love.

28th Street South East

2009-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Every damn thing I need is available on 28th Street, Grand Rapids. Seems my world is now limited to 28th Street same as the frog in the well. Early morning even before the hens wake up..I leave for office..in the dark...into 28th Street and take a right on Patterson Avenue..driving slowly, afraid the car might skid. As the darkness fades away..we are already done with our standup meeting every morning.

The only best friend I have in US is my laptop. I know its angry with me for tapping its board..every now and then, no regular timings. As I peep out of the window, the basket ball court is filled with snow....my car has a snow-blanket over it. I had to buy some groceries today and unwilling got ready to go out and firstly clean the car and go to "Meijer". Meijer is departmental store..something like Walmart. And you get all the indian vegetables there....That too is on the 28th Street [:-)] just after the I-96 flyover. For all other indian requirements..specifically Green Chilli and Paneer, I go to "Spice of India", again on the 28th Street. A bit expensive I felt, but you have no other option in Grands Rapids. Bole toh monopoly hai.

I dont live on 28th Street. The hotel is in Stahl Drive but at a stone's throw from 28th Street. No covered parking for vehicles..even though they are sure..it snows almost half the year. The county corporation toils hard to clear the roads [of snow] to ensure safety. I was always under the false assumption that being with snow would be great..but this is too much. Anything in excess is not good. The good season to visit Grand rapids is like May to October....m waiting for those moments of view free from snow.

Everything New

2009-01-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

Leaving San jose was bit difficult for me...and my frens ..the weather and adjustments I had made to the atmosphere [both work and personal life]. I moved to a different project....was moved. And on the verge of entering the ninth year of the 21st century, I am in Michigan on a different project..new people-to-be-made-frens, new challenges...new weather..and a changed Kartik. Learning from past experiences and carrying the burden of uncertainity..I moved.

And then a trip to columbus to meet good old frens...a learning experience on many fronts...meeting new inpsirational people who can change "thought-process". Amazing trip it was..to gatlinburg and had a nice time..thanks to folks whom I joined. Slept on New Year night - with a thought to wake up will all new energy for the new year and march towards a year..which is going to change my life.

One thing I have concluded in last year is - The more things that you see and are accessible to, the more you learn..the more you grow as a person. Its bout opportunity and making the most of it. Have met some really wonderful guys over a period of time..my orkut list has grown from around 100 to almost 200 now ;-)

Change is inevitable. Changes the way I work...my thoughts..dream more [:-)] ... and I also intend to have a great personality. Kya karu..mere bhai !! Changes are needed when you are not upto your own expectations - this is what I believe in. I have started to spend a lot of time in my iPhone and Nintendo. I am sure this is not achange I was looking for..but very happy to get involved in both :-)

Not been able to post or even change the blog-image...technical problem :-(

Blind to what we dont want to see

2008-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

The attacks on mumbai has made us feel ashamed and forced us to look at the mirror....this time with more deep thought.

Who are these indians.... 700 years partly ruled by Mughals..250 years by British. Who are we.. the guys whose history speaks bout Mahabarata and Ramayana or are they just simple early-morning-after-bath stories and soap operas. Why do we have the 'dont-care-attitude'. Even Arjun fought for what was true and against his own brothers / teachers. What is the concept of Hindutva..is it a political jargon?. What bout those innocent muslims who face the wrath of unwanted comments.

Diversity has its own challenges..and atleast in India..there are a number of political wings who run on divide-n-rule policy. Religion, Caste ...Region and so many other unwanted man-made identities. Now as it gets confirmed day by day the role of some elements of indian-born country named Pakistan, its disheartening to see how the terrorrists are brain-washed on religious grounds and made to spoil their life. Is it just to terrorise people or is there any other alternate motive. Or is it something that was done to Russia by external forces which everybody knows about.

Nations dont have friends, they only have interests. And to manage the greatest democracy, there are politicians you cannot find in this Universe. After serving 3 decades to shiv sena..one of the ministers plans to join congress....may be with a precondition that he would be made CM. And he fights cheaply in the aftermath of the terror strike in mumbai once his dreams are shattered. Now we are in a shocked-state..donno what to do and how to proceed. What I can do is write a post and test my vocabulary..shameless fellow. Hope God shows me the right path and help me contribute something. Lots of things eat up my mind but I am helpless..or infact I am so selfish that I am not able to help in any social cause. Life moves on.

Mystery Spot

2008-10-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

I find happiness in the slightest of things..and if needed..I will manipulate situations to make myself and others happy. The attached pic is one such example which I feel happy about. Mystery spot is a tourist spot ;-) near santa cruz, california. Its supposed to have some mystery in it..something like illusion or I would say confusion bcoz of the 'frame of reference'. But they boast its a mystery :D

As the scheduled time on our ticket was 5 Pm we need to wait some more time..and then I thot why not create mystery ourselves..and as u can see in the pic...I am standing straight outside the main entrance but photo shows I am tilted whereas the entrance is straight...Make it out for yourself :-)

Sunday Morning

2008-10-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

I woke up even before the Sun today...and as the light slowly filled the world around me...I enjoyed the ginger-tea. I like tea..I love it more if there's a flavour of ginger. Well did you know...why sunday is named so ? Coz its the day of the Sun and monday - the day of the moon. Check the other days for yourself. Where did the names originate from...and those in hindi....somvaar is named after deity "Soma" who is associated with the moon. Friday is named after Venus...same as 'Shukra' in Shukravaar. Friday stands for purity, brightness..bla bla bla :-)

And how Solomon Grundy helped us remember the days of the week without knowing what these were named after. Philosophically, the poem depicts the 7 ages of our life. Its amazing though how poems make our brains grasp things more easily. I still use the '30 days are september; april, june and november' and we all know bout february. Hey...did u ever know where these names of the month came from :D

More astonishing fact is that 'July' is named after Julius Caesar bcoz he was born in July. If I were born during his age and did something worth....you would have a month as Kartik ;-) My birthday is also in July. In Hindu calendar...Kartik is a month though I was not named after the month..instead my name is based on Lord Shiva's son.

Catch you later...need to have something for breakfast..feeling hungry :-(

Festive Season and Fever

2008-10-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Durga Pujo, Dushera...and Diwali are all neighbours in the Calendar...and what a gala time indians have. I would consider myself forunate to have witnessed Durga Puja in Kolkata..the city of joy. Donno why..but I feel so attached to Kolkata..the place..the environment. The crowd..sealdah station...share auto from kankurgachi to girish park..the metro..44 from phoolbagan to howrah...3B from K'gachi to taratala..egg roll. what has engulfed me is may be the earthly nature of things there..from the auto to human beings...Nothing seems to man-made..even the human beings follow their fate.. :-) To sit beside the auto-pilot is an "altogethaar" a "diffaarent experiaance"...kind of "maraaatokk ". And I really miss these words in quotes.

I started with festive season..but once I am into the word kolkata..I get lost and I am sure most of the kolkata-bashi would do so. The concept is of Victory over Evil. And then the crakers season would start with diwali with an "altogethaar" different concept of Ram returning to Ayodhya. And this is indeed India..my dear. May be you can compare it to the thanksgiving-christmas-NewYear enthu of US. Amidst all these festive fever...I am actually suffering from fever....may be a viral one..due to the cold and climate change. I dream of the ongoing fun in India and wish to be there asap. With the health not with me...its more tempting to get the feeling of going home. I am taking the best of care of myself..even though the last 3-4 weeks have not been in my favour..had cut my fingers twice..got burnt ...fever... :-(

Enjoy your festive holidays and may the almighty bless everyone.

I Miss Myself

2008-10-06T20:29:00.001-07:00

Going through bad patches in life is like a dark tunnel and we all are optimistic that there will be light at the end of it. And we search for the shortest path..the fastest way to reach there..solve all problems. People tend to lose patience if they get late to reach the "light". But actually when they reach the light, they are in a different tunnel and they move ahead in search of brighter light.

I am one of these. Incourse of searching the light, I forget myself...my own hobbies..things which I like to do. In deep thought now.. I realize how much I miss myself.

People become "CHID-CHID" (Irritative) when they dont get what they wanted..instead of thinking whether they took the right path to search the light. Maybe I interpret things wrongly..."Chid-Chid" is their first reaction and later they go into their own shell to think what went wrong.

I am in one of those moments where I dont like anything..I dont want to talk to anybody..I want to be with myself..alone and brood over what I could have done correctly. Writing these philosophical (Stupid) stuffs in a blog.....what do I want to convey?

"Whatever I write in my blog..is my failure to communicate" and so I put these in words and assume the whole world reads it ;-)

Self-Proclaimed Hero-to-Villain

2008-09-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Fateful Day...September 27, Saturday Afternoon and I got burnt in my face and shoulder....Do you wanna ask me how it feels ... you idiot !! Scars on foreheader..cheek and shoulder has turned this self-proclaimed hero to a Villain. I hate the mirror now which was so dear to me until that day :-( Boooh Booh Booh....

With ointments and optimistic thoughts, I feel all scars will be "History" and I would become the Hero again. It does not feel good to have hot water splashed at your face..but thank god..my eyes are safe... The Irony is that these eyes are the one who make me see the mirror.

All kinds of feeling erupts...physical appearance...and that I am going home on diwali..and why did God do this to me. I would like to wash my face with some kind of divine water which would remove my scars forever..I am that childish !! Before...I used to smile at the mirror, adjust my hairstyle and search a better hero in myself. Nowadays, I look at myself with a grin and frown my eyebrows and search a better villain in myself. The positive point is that - " I am looking to search the better of me in whatever I am and whatever I look like"

If you are a cobbler, try to be the best in the town.

Consoling myself with stupid rumours and some magical cure, I will try to move on.

Kapoor - The Singer

2008-09-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Na Jaane kaun sa pal maut ki amaanat ho
Har pal ki khushi ko gale laga ke jiyo

-Mahendra Kapoor

Kaagazon Ki Kashtiyon Ka Kahin Kinara Hota Nahin

2008-09-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Saahilon pe behnewale, kabhi suna to hoga kahin
Kaagazon ki kashtiyon ka kahin kinara hota nahin

I am immature enuf to get inspired by songs and I love that...haa re....I really love that...to relate life and myself in almost everything and being busy with myself. After 25 days of injustice done to my blog...I could not bear the feeling of guilt I had to have left alone my blog and also felt sad ..the blog did not even get a comment in solitude. Who Cares. Who Damn Cares !! Booh Booh Booh !!

We get lost in everday life and its tensions that we tend to forget about things that make us happy, forget ourself and drift along with the "Kashti" of life.

In recent past where I and blog were apart, one memorable experience was my trip to Las Vegas. Wooohooooooo.....Vegas..lala la la la laaaa !! Indeed THE place to go if you have some Xtra $ in your wallet. And also the Grand Canyon...the Skywalk specifically...awesome experience. The rides at the Stratosphere tower...good but hyped too much and not worth the money spent. Six Flags was far better for rides.

To be Contd.

Eyes

2008-08-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Expressive and indeed one of the most beautiful things human posses - Eyes. The lids, lash and brows just add to the beauty of the inbuilt telescope....and the black marble shows you different colours. And you scroll it to and fro..both marbles in sync (wide angle).

The eye-brows dance with expressions...they meet each other when we frown..which meant when we are sad...the two of them just kiss each other....Try this once now. They rise up when we are surprised...and if you are expert enuf..you can make one brow dance at a time and then the other. They are oceans of expression...some of them comic. Ever imagined a life without eyebrows..we would be handicapped unable to express a lot of things...in a fast way as we do now.

Eyes reveal happiness in one moment and sadness in another...and its a routine job for them and they have no control over the feelings. And we play with it all day round until the lids are shut for a nap. And they are the most beautiful and the reason I feel is bcoz it is one-source-display for happiness, anger, curiosity, depression, fatigue, drowsy, dizzy, jealousy,helplessness...and what not !!

Eyes convey more than you could express with words. Its also fulfils the basic job of letting us see the world...the colours. Probably its happy when we shed tears..coz thats the only time it gets cleaned up in and out.

Best of them all, it expresses love better than anything else..."Aankhon hi Aankhon mein ishaara ho gaya..baithe baithe jeene ka shaara ho gaya ..."........Or "Yeh aankhen dekh kar hum saari duniya bhool jaate hai..."

Above all...its a camera..which captures images and stores it in our mind :-)

Macau

2008-08-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

Macau is a wonderful island and as I have heard..most of the things there are a replica of Las Vegas. I will confirm that...once I return from the LV trip next weekend. But it was awesome...the macau tower and a sponsored lunch at 360 degree cafe...the view was spectacular. But time was less :-( Macau is a 1-hr ferry from hong kong and we all needed to go thru the immigration processes :-\ Its been a nice experience to visit a new place..and what better than Macau....The climate was as humid as chennai.... The view from the 360 degree revolving restaurant was amazing and attached is one of them. The neck-pain buildings now seemed like match boxes from the 60th floor of the Macau Tower. Its just an amazing feeling and cannot be put in words..

The next day we had some wonderful team-building events and since I was in the team which won..I got a mascot..of Beijing olympics..2008 ..and when u press the belly of the soft toy..it does say " Welcome to Beijing 2008"

With sweet memories and some hard truth [:-)] I left hong kong...asked the driver to play some chinese songs on the way to airport...the music was good....and we did talk bout movies....stuff like that..about Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee :-) and in no time I was sitting in the CP flight to SFO.

Hong Kong

2008-08-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong and Macau are awesome places to visit. This is not wikipedia you are looking at ;-) Been-there-done-that. One post is not enuf to actually share the experience at HKG and macau. As we landed in HKG and got some hkd $, the facilitator was waiting with a Oracle placard and guided us towards a bus :- and we were left to witness the neck-pain buildings, awesome infrastructure and the calmness of a Hong Kong morning....as we reached Le Meridian at Cyberport.

We checked-in, refreshed ourselves and left to "Central". Central is to HKG what connaught place is to Delhi. We roamed inside the IFC mall..had some snacks..the aalu-tikki (Hash browns) was good. The humidity was getting on us..but we were excited to see the new place..double-decker buses and trams..and the market place at central. We walked through the streets with see-this-see-that vocals. And finally decided to board a tram which showed Kennedy town..Its $2 for tram..we sat on the upper half of the tram and the ride was one to cherish for a long time. The first day tour was unguided and was indeed a good experience.

Had some noodles in a local restaurant and the experience to make them understand that we wanted "Veg" noodles was eureka-feeling. My knowledge in Mandarin is as good as their english. But the noodles tasted great. Left to the hotel as we were invited to a welcome reception at the hotel followed by dinner....

It was after dinner that we left to see the night life. Meet in person to know what we did..coz this is a friend-family-blog ;-). Next day we left for Macau Island....wait for the next post...

Look back .....

2008-08-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

Look back into your life to learn from past mistakes..but dont regret of what you have done. Innumerous decisions which went wrong unfortunately...deeds...thoughts which haunt you often....are all your enemies within yourself. Sometimes they stop you to make one more decision...they instill in you a sense of fear...and is an enemy to the friend inside you.

Life is like a hurdle race and you might fall once and try to overcome a similar hurdle next time with more strength and you need to keep on running....!! Relish your journey and dont run after destinations...I have always maintained that the hurdles are the spices that compliment our existence.

Most of the times..as I have experienced..the thoughts are our prison...and we build a castle of air around it..and dont want to peep outside. Bound by our own thoughts....we limit ourselves. Its like a cage that we build inside ourselves and sometimes we get stuck and cannot come out. Break all bounds....and let yourself free..and I tell you.."You are the Best".

Even I regret over a lot of things...and sometimes unconsolable :-( but as we make way for ourselves thru the unknown path towards an inevitable death..enjoy the path and cherish the moments and the Gods you meet on your way. Everyone of your friends, family, enemies..and infact all those who come into your life are God. They cross your path for a reason. I am sure your tend to learn from almost everybody....sometimes the way you should be..or the way you should NOT be. The so called "Gods" teach you lessons in life.

With all the regrets of past and anxiety,fear and curiosity of the ahead...give a smile to yourself. Try this everyday and smile for yourself once in a while. Or once in a week do something that makes you happy..may be you like egg-pakoda..gulaabjaamun..aalo-tikki-chaat..or going to the temple..or watching a movie....Dont forget yourself in the race. Be Happy :-)

Batting against the Wind

2008-07-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

July has been a quiet month with regards to posts..had been to couple of nice places...Napa Valley, Muir Woods and couple of beaches in SFO. And before that..had a tript to Lake Tahoe...and the tricycle photu was taken on Tahoe.

Work is cool..now not much to worry bout...and I also get time to read some books..currently 3 mistakes of my life by Chetan Bhagat. I get time to sing..and for me I am the best after Kishore-da :-). And as I sing I float..and feel alone in the crowd....and lost in my own world..more happy than ever. For me, singing does not mean sur-tal-voice combination...Its more of feelings that I can relate to and some which I go through. Most of my frens get irritated and bang their heads against the doors if I sing..but I have always had this dont-care-attitude and enjoy doing what I like. There is always a room of improvement..so gimme me some time, my dear ones.

I also want to dance and go into the moving-world..watching youtube videos to learn :-( ...And also want to do a lot more things...all imagination turned into dreams and then reality.. With a big smile of mine..I can boast of having learnt swimming now.. but cannot cross the pacific ocean.

Sunlight mein mat bhaag kartik....kuch nahin dikh raha ...bla bla bla....and as you see the funny part of it :-) Narinder is the choreographer..all credit to him to have shot this...

Bit worried as my brother is not keeping well for sometime now....hope everything gets alright as we move into the month which has birthdays of both mom and dad and Aaditya also..

Meet you guys in August and I promise to post more in the coming days to follow :-)

Why are we so Restless ?

2008-07-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

Restless bout everything...mostly when the mistakes are done by others...Lot of people ask me what is that is different bout amrikka. Sometimes I get into a fierce argument and support my India...whatsoever. But I too like to take the positives from the lifestyle in america. From what I can conclude is they really care about what others might feel or think.

In india we spit on the road and dont even care what the passer by might think and the passer-by is also one among us..He does not care..until and unless u spit on him ;-)

First of all these guys here are afraid of the law-rules..if they go against will result in a hefty fine which they cannot escape. This is the only mantra to follow. We in india , instead try to bribe the police in an amount lesser than the penalty. The people who like to live here and support this system actually go back to their hometown on vacation and repeat the same old mistakes. Its something like if you are hiding a thief..you are also a thief....We do not stop a person from doing a social-mistake.....and are afraid we would get a prompt answer " Tere baap ka kya jaata hai...and blah blah blah "

Each individual has to change..and our thought process...and then the system might change.. :-)

The roads here are wonderful...hema-malini ke gaalo ki tarah....the infrastructure is good and population is less. We are accustomed to see crowd...and it really irks me- the emptiness here. Social life is the Best in india. There are always good points to take from others may it be amrikka or any other country..but its upto us to implement back in our own home country.

I have not been able to post for a long time now..take these updesh from me for now....btw..swimming is going in full swing and wait for my swimming videos..will flash it on the blog very soon.. ;-)

Oh Mere WG

2008-07-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

कहीं ऐसा न हो पाँव मेरे थर्रा जाए
और तेरी मरमरी बाँहों का सहारा न मिले
अश्क बहते रहे खामोश सियाह रातों में
और तेरी रेशमी आँचल का किनारा न मिले

-साहिर लुधियानवी

When you first paddled your Tri-Cycle

2008-07-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

When you first paddled your tri-cycle..and someone was behind you to help you out and make you learn and you drove with confidence...and moved on !! May be you faltered once..twice and still remember the first bruise on the knee....and feel good bout it....

And then during the course of your journey..lot of things happened and you learnt a lot...and most of the time...there was someone..who helped you out..taught you the tricks..to whom we are indebted for this lifetime. It might be your inner strength which helped you..

Lets point down the positives that you have in you.....and tick those where you were helped by someone else...or inherited the quality..or its genetic..or its just your hardwork...It may just be your "Patience" which has developed over time...

How often we express our gratitude towards those who have helped us grown. A "Jadoo ki Jhappi" would do..or just a phone call..and let them know .... " You are the person coz of which I excel in #$#$@# and thanks a lot..I love you". We often climb the ladder and forget the previous step which really helped us go to the next one....

It may be your parents....girlfren/boyfren....your teacher..or your enemy...Pickup your mobile and call them up and express yourself.....Or let me put this in my way...

"Connect to the person using Nokia and Express yourself using Airtel" ...

Or if you really think it was yourself..your inner strength..raise a toast for urself..get a beer and chill out :-)

If you are still wondering why I tend to write these kinda posts....Frankly..I missed some opportunities to express myself but do not want you to lose one......

July First Week

2008-07-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

July is special bcoz I was born in the month of july....In fact WE were born in the month of July ;-) Dont you think I shud post something special on our birthday. Wait pannu paa...3 more days to go for that..

But the month started with a bang..me driving to Los Angeles from San Jose to meet my mamaji who have been statying here for a l0ong time now. I had never met them though. This was the first time....I left early from office on thursday and started by 4 PM....and 350 miles..to go...It was a wonderful experience though..first time alone on such a long distance drive..only frens were my favourite songs that the music player played...10:30 PM and I was there..entering the light-display of LA and finally home...

Good Friday..went to couple of beaches...Zuma beach needs a mention..and saturday was reserved for Six Flags Magic Mountain LA. If you are still frowning what 'Six Flags' means...Google out..the deadliest of roller coaster...an amusement park dedicated to roller coasters..what else can Kartik ask for...and also google out the new ride X2..on the same park..Awesome....a new trendsetter when it comes to rollercoaster rides...And we left the park at 10:30 PM..and I needed to drive back to San Jose next day...I came back an hour ago..

Mamaji and family were very good to me.. :-) and I like dear Shashank (Mamaji's son)... he did teach me some games..Wii NIntendo stuff..and it was all fun......But the reality is..Tomorrow is Office agaaaain !!

First Things First

2008-06-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

When I first touched the apple laptop...and as my friend told me to get a hold of it and feel the mac and apple inventions...I lost my typing skills..it was almost like my vocab was dumb...The keypad could be compared to a flower whom you shud not touch but appreciate.

It was also the same when I touched an i-Phone...dint know whom to call....how caught-between-happiness are we when we get what we want and are in a numb-state. Again, the day I bought Nokia-5610..the first camera phone....the first person I called..the first photo I took..and the first message I received..oh..mine..its all so great to experience that feeling...

As you read on, I am sure you remember the things that you got..first time..and the ecstasy..the first time you rode a bicycle..(tricycle)..first time you drove a 2/4 wheeler...the day you wore a tie...your favourite sports shoe...or the first bike..or your guitar..the first time you were on an aeroplane..

The first time we did coding..and that was implemented successfully :-) ....However..coding nowadays is more of looking at the screen and more-or-less writing the same thing again and again..may be with more indentation.

How thoughts roll across and you go back to your childhood and think..how your experience was.....and sometimes feel ashamed of what childlike you have been to have demanded stuffs from your parents ;-)

History: We were in Agra on a trip and I was in 2nd standard...and my dad had told me he would buy me a watch..the digital one..which costed around Rs.25 It was almost evening and the volcano-feeling of getting a watch erupted..and I stood like a T in the middle of the street and would not move till the Wa !! tch ticked in MY wrist.

And sometimes you feel proud of doing something like that....We all have similar kind of experiences and have different and amazing feelings attached to it.Do share your experiences..and the madness you went through..

YNP

2008-06-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

YNP stands for Yosemite National Park.

I , infact we have always been amazed to see the way Google functions..one example is the Logo of Google which changes according to the ocassion. I also feel the same and will try to depict my mood thru the blog-image. What a gr8 idea..but human emotions are not ocassions...hmmm..let give a try... How far can I go..Lets see...

My first being the dry background of Yosemite National Park which replaces the Kartik at the beach. After visiting YNP today, I truly acknowledge that it deserves to be a world heritage centre. Heaven for the trekkers...the naturists....and for the 'common' people who can visualize the nature monster-standing infront of them. It was a 1 day trip..and I have already planned..the next time I go..I will be there for a minimum of 3 days. So nice is the place - a refuge to me..and infact to all of them who hail from the roar and dust, the sick environment and the man-made hell. Only words you will utter..will be kind of..WAAUUUUW....oh gosh..terrific..spectacular...amazing..I am sure u will be short of words to appreciate nature in its own home.

Excellent scenic drive and a must-see for someone in and around california. As we moved towards one of the vista points -May Lake..we could see ice(snow ka bhai)...on some of the rocks...ice in June..can u believe that....its not melted yet...Its on the Tioga Road..which remains closed november thru may.

Glacier Point needs a mention...huge rocks..the watefalls...the valley..you can always google out things which are good to see in YNP..I am waiting for my next trip....and will update you with more pics and stuff...

Hindi Poetry I

2008-06-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

I am impressed and totally mesmerised with hindi poetry....or u can say..hindi verses..may it be a doha or a sonnet in hindi....shero-shayari...Hindi is the language I feel very comfortable to express myself the best.

History: I was in 7th standard and been to nagaland where I met Tiwari-ji who used to work with my Dad. And it was then when I was introduced to bit of shayris and poetry and their meanings....One of those verses which I would like to share is -

Nakshatra bhushanam chandro
Naarinaam bhushanam patiha
Pratidhya bhushanam Raja
Vidya Sarvasya bhushanam.

These are self explanatory and everyone may not agree with all the lines but we do find some inspirational good things in everthing and everyone.

Nakshatra bhushanam chandro - Moon is the ornament of all stars
Naarinaam bhushanam patiha - Husband the ornament for the wife
Pratidhya bhushanam Raja - King is the ornament for his Subjects
Vidya Sarvasya bhushanam - Knowledge is the ornament for everyone !!

And we really do and should boast of great poets..kabir is one of them..Tulsidas.and so many. As I remember some more..

'Aalasasya kuto vidya, Avidasya kuto dhanam
Adhanasya kuto mitram, Amitrasya kuto sukham'

If you are lazy you wont have knowledge and if no knowledge - no money
No money then no friends, No friends - No happiness !!

I have been fortunate enuf to have some friends in Delhi who were from Allahabad..the epicentre of Hindi poetry as I am made to believe....the great sense of peotry and the power it has...but even though I have been so attracted..I have not been able to do justice to myself by keeping in touch with hindi verses. More to come on that..in my upcoming posts...where we dont live our dreams...we behave like common people..stuck in the social bindings. Social laws are written for the common man..You are not common..dude ...Raise up..and live yur life.We dream but dont apply...dont have a goal for ourself.....!! People who do not have a goal are no better then dead and there are so many of them breathing around but do not even know they are Dead.

फ़िर मिलेंगे

2008-06-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

गर जिंदगी में मिल गए फ़िर इत्तेफाक से

पूछेंगे अपना हाल तेरी बेबसी से हम

- साहिर लुधियानवी

People

2008-06-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

"Mujh ko bata mera dar hai kahan maula
jogi bana main phira rawan kinna...."

Everybody is a jogi in some terms and most of them throughout their life....Some songs do touch us and make you flash those moments infront of you..may it bad or good...Left home after class 12th and since then been a Jogi of all sorts :-(

And as my best friend puts it, people around you are ladders, you have something to learn from each one of them and grow up in life...I was the lone cook today as my frens had some office-calls and as I started to chop vegetables to make aalu-shimlamirch ki sabji...I played some bengali songs,,"Shei tumi keno..." and " Mone aar naai re...." ..Wherever I might be and whenver I feel lonely I play some of my favourite songs..coz as the real-player sang so melodiously, I felt I just had to open the door and I could find Atanu..Daadu..Pontu with beedi....sharing one of our own lectures. And actually I like to be in that mode and enjoy being so..just as I would turn right and see Shankar-Da religiously cooking the best of food....or sometimes I myself sing "Piyu bole Piya bole..." to make myself feel that I am inside VM - Vaibhav mansion. How on earth do I do that....

Everbody does it....and u meet different people as the JJ - Jogi Journey goes on and on...God must be anxious to see how puts such different people in one box and roll it into the bowling stands.....At an atomic level..VM is one good example..or perhaps the earth is one big example where everbody is in and GOD curiously watches how and what happens NEXT!!

When I see the heads of Jit-da, Ranjan, Kannan-Anna, atanu, joy, daadu , sujoy da...and so many others...the head is just a mask for the brain cells who are actually facing a storm...kind of a tsunami..the high energy of thoughts..some absurd..some good..and how on earth do they think so much ! Keep aside Biology, and you would find a kurukshetra in everyone's head..just ignore how they look like...its the brain cells that are smart and not THEY ! Sometimes in discussions I stare at their heads and dream of how the cells would be suffering inside...some of the same type of cells who are sleeping inside my head..

Even in office meetings..when I feel sleepy or boring..I stare at the barking humans and go to a different world..when the lectures seem to be rubbish...humour pops out..absurd thoughts occupy my mind and I am truly lost in myself...I am sure most of you also experience the same thing...

Its not always humour though..some songs touch your heart....me being so sentimental..lot of songs make me feel and moresoever..makes me think...some generate the tears in my eyes...

"Addhura hun main ab tere binaaa.......
Addhuri meri jindagaani reh jaayegi.....Doorie sahi jaaye naa.."

And practically the same song is interpreted differently by different people...As I hear the above two lines..I miss my dad.....and much before I realized that I had lost my dad..I used to miss my girl-friend with the same two lines. Sample example below:

"Kambakht yeh chand bhi ajeeb keher dhaata hai...
bachpan mein mama, jawaani mein sanam nazar aata hai "

I might be the KID in each group..the lesser GK-waala, ignorant....less experinced in terms of life..I dont think much when travelling...just relax..but believe me..lot of absurd thoughts go in my mind and I enjoy them a lot..and feel happy bout myself....I think about almost everthing..from what the vegetables think, What would I do..if I could fly....what if I am selected into Indian Cricket team and how I would behave then :-) and lots and lots..

I would try to keep these kind of post with a different link in the blog as I dont want to bother you people so much that you block my blog !

Lion (Sher)

2008-06-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

हमें इन सस्ती खुशियों का लोभ न दो

हमने सोच समझ कर गम अपनाया है

- साहिर लुधियानवी

Begun Bhaja

2008-06-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

As I opened the fridge, I could see a half-cut egg-plant (Brinjal). Manu was going to prepare a sukhi-sabji with aalu and cabbage. This brinjal was getting older and it was time it should die. I could visulaize "Begun-Bhaja" in that brinjal and I told Manu and Narinder that I would make one of the bengali dishes and I was sure they would like it.

They did warn me against the amount of oil I was going to spent on an experiment whose result could be horrible. Will all the courage I have, i stormed into Narinder's Kitchen..(Mine was loaded with rice and dal). Made a mix of haldi, chilli powder..and salt and rubbed the beguns against that paste. Now the real game began...I put one begun on to the already heated oil...Oh God ...I think the begun had some water in it..and oil started to dance and spill...Save me my Lord !! One by one..as it turned brown and partly black...I had fried 7 beguns.....kuch toh jal gaye the :-(

Little did I know the amount of smoke my preparation generated....luckily it was just not good enuf to ring the smoke-alarm-bell. Narinder started yelling and opened the doors and windows..as he was the one who had to sleep there :-)

It was really very oily..but not that bad...eatable..It made be remember Barpeta Road (Assam) where "Begun Bhaja" is a common preparation.

BTW..the snap which I took of the "Begun Bhaja's" contains a newspaper in the background....and the only readable words are " Avoid Mistakes"......I have to appreciate GOD..and destiny.

Boss

2008-06-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Give me the Wisdom, To understand my Boss
Give me the Love, To forgive him
Give me the Patience, To understand his deeds

But dearest God, dont give me the Power
Because if you give me the Power
I will BREAK his head !

GREAT

2008-06-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is what I feel bout myself...Two weeks of swimming and I can swim a whopping distance of half the pool :-) . After a hectic day at the office..the functionals sitting on my head and me behaving like a sorry ass...I plunged into the pool as if I would cross the English Channel. As the gorees dip themselves into the water and feel me ..he he... J

One hour at swimming and 2 litres of water (drank them all), donno how much calories did I burn. Its was 40 mins that I had become "Hippopotamus in pool"..cannot move or splash my hands/legs...it was time to merge myself into the jacuzzi :-)

The upcoming week is gonna be hectic at office and Bush might have to call back the troops from Iraq to help me from the functional testing guys. So guys..thumbs up and say - " All the best, Kartik"..C'mon be louder...."ALL THE BEST, KARTIK" ...Hmmmm.....That was nice!

Faith - Man with Umbrella

2008-06-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, there was a severe draught in certain parts of India. One village in particular was caught up right in the middle of this draught belt. The economy of this village was entirely dependent on agricultural produce. Without rains, the villagers faced a bleak future, indeed. The extreme heat of the sun had dried up the rivers and the lakes. There was hardly any water left in the wells. The people were really desperate for water.

The villagers approached the village pundit (priest) and asked him to organise a prayer-for- rain meeting in the temple. The whole village turned out at this prayer meeting. One man was among the last group of people who arrived at the temple and every body with strange quizzical looks on their faces, was looking at this one man. This man was carrying an umbrella and he was the only man who brought his umbrella to this prayer meeting. No villager was ever seen carrying an umbrella outside of the rainy seasons. To the villagers, it was as strange as seeing a housewife going everyday to the vegetable market dressed in a bride’s costume! For it seemed unconventional to carry an umbrella when there was not one rain cloud in the sky.
The prayer meeting commenced and at the end of all the rituals and ceremonies, when people were about to leave the temple, they could not hold back their curiosity about the man and his umbrella.

‘Why was he carrying the umbrella?’ the people asked.

Upon being questioned, the man with the umbrella replied:
"The Lord will provide. He gives and He takes away. The Lord will surely answer our prayers for rain and I will need the umbrella for the rains".

The villagers laughed him off. Not one of the villagers could appreciate the absolute and sincere faith of the man with the umbrella. The scorching heat of the sun outside the temple was still fresh in their minds.

And then, a miracle took place. As the people were streaming out of the temple door and putting on their shoes, rain clouds appeared in the sky, the gentle breeze gave way to gusting winds, the pallor of the sky darkened and thunder and lightning heralded the coming of the rains. And a sudden downpour opened the eyes of the villagers. Their ridicule of the man with the umbrella changed to amazement, disbelief, and they now understood the intense faith of this man. All the villagers agreed that it was the sincere prayer of this one man with his total faith and devotion that the Lord simply had to answer.

Milk & Water Friendship

2008-06-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

We often have examples of friendship and I would like to share my favourite story on friendship between Milk and Water.

The milkman bells the door and gives the packet of milk. The owner adds some water to the milk and pours into an utensil and keeps it on the Stove. The thought process of Milk and Water ...

Water: " Milk is my best friend..I had nothing in me..no colour..no purity, the money value...the taste..and the added minerals..calcium..and so many things..Who would give me all that he has in this selfish world..By getting mixed up with the milk..I have attained all the characteristics of milk..and so..he is my best friend and I owe a lot to him"

Milk: " As usual , the owner is going to boil me and later drink and I am going to die very soon..Who in the world will accompany you in the path of death...Water is the best friend and is with me in the worst of situation and so he is my best friend"

As the milk gets heated...

Water: "Since the milk has given me so much..I cannot let it die...I should be the first one to die....and so the water vapours up..in no time and milk is left alone.."

Milk: "In my short span of life, I got the best of friend and he also has left me now....I cannot live without him..and I should die now....I dont want to live..and so the milk decided to commit suicide by falling into the gas stove fire.. "

It comes up gradually above the utensil..to spill into the Stove and die...the owner sees that...and sprinkles some water on to the milk...As soon as his fren (water) returns back to him..the milk subsides down ...

Post a comment if you like the story :-)

Story of Onion, Tomato and Ice Cream

2008-06-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Long long time ago, when humans had not dominated the world..and even the vegetables used to have a social life..this story is about three best frens - Onion,Tomato and Ice-cream. It was a very humid day and all three decided to spend their time at the marina beach. Though Tomato and Onion were pretty good swimmers, the Ice-Cream was bit reluctant as he did not know to swim...But convinced that OT would help I, they all reached the beach. It was a lot of fun..but suddenly the ice-cream slipped out fo tomato's hands and drowned....OT tried their best to save the Ice-cream but in vain...It was like the tsunami had destined to take away the Ice-Cream.

Shattered, doomed...seeing a fren drown and being helpless..what else can the HELL be made of ! Tears unstoppable....three frens and one of them gone..they were walking in the beach shore like mad ..cursing the Bay of Bengal. Then suddenly, the tomato saw huge giant foot above his head..and before he could react... he was crushed to death by a human-being strolling on the beach.

Hell had broken loose on the onion...cursing himself for giving the idea of swimming..left alone in this bad-bad world...without frens...having seen close frens drown and then crushed to death...he was not in his own self...fed up with his life..he rammed into the temple and in amitabh-deewar style..Aaaii...with all his complaints and as the tears flooded the temple..he asked why was it that..he is left with no frens. When the Ice-cream and Tomato died..there was someone to shed tears atleast and feel for them...But the onion was left stranded in this world......

The God appeared and told him..Dude ! Whenever you die, the perosn who kills you will cry....Tatashtu !!

And this is why we all cry when we cut onions :-) Post a comment whether you like it or not !

saDavatharam

2008-06-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

With lot of expectations...an ardent fan of Kamal especially after seeing "Anbe Sivam", I left Santa Clara campus and headed towards Century Berryessa where dasavatharam IS being screened. The movie started with a bang..back to 12th century and kamal in his own self..but as the 3 hours went by..it was an horrible experience...If you are looking for logical storyline..forget this movie....but if you are looking for acting(kamal's)..You can probably watch older movies of Kamal which are outstanding. Ten roles..just for showcasing the talent, the makeup and to prove his ability. He actually does not need to prove anything..he just could have made a wonderful movie. All in all...the rating would be 2.5 out of 5.

Some Kamal-characters did stand out atleast for me (Chris Fletcher and Balram Naidu)..fantastic makeup..acting..even though fletcher was a bit unbelievable.Watch the movie only when the ticket prices go down....Some relief..in the last 10 mins or so..when the tsunami stuff is picturised in a better way (actually it could have been worse).

Came back at 9PM yesterday night and spent some time with Jack Daniels and towards a sound sleep.

Football and Life in Bangalore...

2008-06-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

Never have I been a sports buff except for cricket....We all have recently started playing football here at the Lick Mill Park..There's a tennis court too. Football is really very painful..My legs have gone on strike against me as they felt I treated them as slaves...I am surpised how Rolandinho and Rooney plays.....Well Rooney might be playing the real game nowadays as he got married to his childhood sweetheart very recently....Wish you a very happy married life Rooney Bhai.

Coming back to legs..its aching like hell and after 8 PM I threw myself in the pool....All these drama-baji is not just to lose weight..but to be away from the compter/code/erp world and be what I actually am - a small kid in the big world, playing and relaxing irrespective of whether the earth is gonna be saved or not J.

Even with this hectic schedule....I miss bangalore and alpine apartments...I was the King there..who managed kartik..even now I am ! But sometimes playing with those kids, the ganganagar market, going to Sujoy-Da's house, Jit-da, Atanu, Joy, Daadu, Arka...and talking to them bout Kundu, ROnjOn, Pupu and so many things.....

When I used to be in Delhi, my frens often asked me - kartik...tu kabhi life mein serious nahin hoga kyaa..har samay faaltu mazzaaak karna accha nahin hai re....But actually if I look back..and feel those foolish moments of mine, where I have been childlike..talking nonsense...having a cheap sense of humour...living on the edge with some absurd thought process..helped by some cheap non-veg jokes...I actually feel Great bout myself..happy with the slightest of things I possess. So many things to share..bout my frens..especially starting from Doon, Delhi, Kolkata, bangalore...and then Oracle...how they have changed me..or let me take the credit - how I have learnt from them !! Will Keep on posting..even if you dont post a comment ;-)

शायरी फॉर द डे :-)

2008-06-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

हर तम्मान्ना हर खुशी से आज मैं दूर हूँ
जी रहा हूँ इसलिए के जीने पर मजबूर हूँ
जीने नहीं देगा मुझे ये तेरा इंतज़ार
चाँद रोया साथ मेरे रात रोई बार बार

Samay Ka Pahiya

2008-06-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Nice song ("Samay Ka Pahiya") from Bhootnath movie starring Amitabh and this is played when the child performs the rituals for the bhoot's mukti. You never know from when and where do you get inspired sometimes. Mostly the mistakes are on the ones you learn more from. Please allow me to dedicate some of the lines of this song to myself.

Office is very hectic nowadays..and after work-hours we have started playing football and if time permitted- a bit of swimming. But I dont have results to show..I am still 67. Probably I am eating more calories than I am burning.

Also if you unfortunately come across this blog ...do comment on what you think when you see a beach first time !! Take a moment and see the first page of this blog :-)

Golden Gate Bridge

2008-06-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

One of the best attraction SFO has and its stands up tall to all the name and fame its has been bestowed with...The City view and the bridge is wonderful....For me any such big bridge reminds be of the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata (Ravindra Setu). It was a good experience ..driving ..first to the Oracle Headquarters in redwood city and then to the golden gate bridge and beyond..till we reached sea-shore.

The Oracle HQ was also the first time and it was indeed incredible to have witness the office of the largest Database/ERP solutioning company ;-)

Need to sleep..lotz and lotz of work in days ahead. Good Night Folks !!

Hollywood Blvd

2008-06-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Late though..but this needs a mention as I walked through the streets of Hollywood..the 'inscribed stars' on the road...Lot of actors.. and probably it was just a feeling to be in the Street and nothing else..Actor's hand/foot prints found...and surpirsingly the attached snap is also from the Hollywood Blvd!!

You can give a one-time visit..thats all....we went in the daytime as we had to leave in the afternoon fro San Jose....But I would suggest..go there after evening ;-)

And if you thot the attached is God Ganesh - Wrong answer..Google it out for yourself :-)

Stanford !!

2008-06-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Universities..study centres..educational institutions and colleges..these are things where God has played tease-punish game with me. With all respect to God..I would want to ask him..kyun yaar !! Even I want to be in the best of college and best of campus. God - Aap jo bhi karte ho accha hi karte ho (Shayad)...or the famous harivansh rai line - Mann ka ho toh accha aur agar mann ka naa ho..toh bahut accha. Whatever.

Just been to the Stanford University in California. C'mon..as I commented out to Manu, it was actually more like visitng the Lal Qila in Delhi. Huge..kind of historic look..never-seen-before....and I somewhere felt as I explored the campus that I dont deserve to study here :-(

The nearest one I can think of (that I have been to ) is IIT Chennai where Mayank is studying. No comparison boss...dont hit me...It was a great experience today..and would like to share one angels snap that I took inside the campus and fortunately see the timing of the snap - You find LOVE at her feet !!

Universal Studios & Sea World

2008-06-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

I was never a GK guy..who knows bout places and hence was curious to see Universal Studios..what it was.... Even though I had googled it out a bit. My frenz told me it wud be like Ramoji Film City, hyderabad. I have never been there not to Universal. To sum it up..it was a great experience.....rides (sepcifically the simpson's ride), horror museum, the shows, studio tour, jurassic park ride..and what not...Awesome!!

We had also been to the SeaWorld amusement park at San Diego to see Shamu Dolphin, Sea Lions, the pets (dogs,cats,pigs) performing like theatre artiste. But it was very crowded..and the food (burger) was next to hell. But again..the rides were fantastic..and the "Journey to Atlantis" needs a mention. The drive to San Diego from LA was one of the better one I have been till now in US.

This was all 2 weeks back..work is in full flow. BTW..I am swimming everday in the evening for an hour....Did you guys read that clearly..I am swimming :-) .. Still learning but..very happy with myself after a long time for giving a chance. Needa post more bout swimming and sharing the same water with the gorees ;-)

Learn in India and Drive in the US

2008-06-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

Mirza-saab...the name of the Great Person who successfully taught me driving four wheelers..and his name is "tattooed" in my mind for the rest of my life. I remember his frowns, anger and smile..when I used to drive :-( BTW, I have learnt driving and have an valid Indian DL.

Never did I know I would bump upon Sujoy-da's alto from WB and get to park it in alpine apartments..I got it just for 1 min..but I wanted to test myself.....and I remba' how I left the Keys in the vehicle. The reason I realized later (When I spent time with myself), that during my driving classes I never had to pull off the keys..coz Mirza-saab had to train the next guy and he wud be sitting in the car for the next candidate...I actually had never taken off the keys in my life :-)

That was all seven months ago and now I am in US..yearning to drive..but so busy are my colleagues...that I did not get time to bring the car from hertz guys. I started with Narinder's vehicle..once,twice...office....and finally booked a ford fusion and drove it myself back to the hotel. Never did I dream bout driving..let alone in india. Copied songs and have put it in the ford's music system. Driving is always a good experience but kartik-driving is an "Adventure" :-)

First Week at San Jose

2008-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Quite an experience..new place..adjustments..very little though...missing my dear family and friends...Ganganagar... Saturday evenings...alpine apartment, the kids...and lots and lots to mention. New life out here...most of my frenz were actually waiting to get my response on how I felt being here...and comparison with India. Ha..ha.ha...Do you really want me to compare my home country to anything...India is the best place..anyday !!

Been to a nearby temple (Pic attached-taken from my nokia 5610) yesterday at livermore..30 miles from here...started working out..to keep myself fit...thoda time bitaya in the swimming pool..though I donno to swim..I was actually fighting with the water and got tired very soon...Hopefully I can add one more skill up my sleeve (swimming).....Kal se phir office hai...the thought eats me up.. :-(

Planning to go to LA the next long weekend thanx to Memorial Day... and also will keep updating the Kartik's thoughts (absurd , childlike) which keeps his brain cells working and adds to the cheap sense of humour I have ;-)

Landed in SFO

2008-05-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Transit Time of 2 hours and I was sitting next to a german guy on the way to SFO. The german was off to a vaction to Honolulu..and places around ( Donno how they manage $ all by themselves ). Saw couple of movies - The Gameplan and 27 Dresses..long journey ..11 hours..too much yaar..My Knees had put their hands up..they cud not sit for this long continuosly...Somehow managed ..reached SFO..and WOW..and shit..robotic life here...but streamlined having all the processes in place. Booked a cab and off to the Hotel..

Had longed to see the Oracle HQ..and this was the time...So many buildings on the way..catching my eye..Reached the hotel and there started a different life...a life afresh..without my friends in bangalore...have to start all over again..after living the "I-want-I-get" life in Alpine Apts. Its now I realize what my friends meant to me in Bangalore.. :-(. Life is very different here...Living in one of the best suites meant I had to do almost nothing as far as home-cleaning is concerned....Need to push off..office hai yaar :-(

Journey To US and The Granny

2008-05-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Little did I realize how far I am going away from home and especially India (THE place on earth), I bumped into an old Indian Tamil lady on my way to Frankfurt...Typical Indian Saree..and features of a Goddess..with the glow in her eyes she asked me "Where are you goin' ". I replied SFO. With a smile in her face she replied - "Oh..we will have to part ways after Frankfurt..I am off to Chicago...been there for 17 years now and before that 7 years in Egypt". I was floored not bcoz where she was living but the way she put across her words with sense of owness..and that we have to part touched me...we talked thru the journey on a lot of things...and suddenly she asked me "Kartik - Can you guess my age". I said around 65-70..keeping in mind the wrinkles on her hand. She smiled and said - I am 81 dear. I complimented her and also told that she was the first lady who does not want to hide her age.I was impressed by the way she talked, her humility and the way she played with her words.

We were in Frankfurt. I touched her feet and told her how lucky I have been to meet her. Let me close on this and add a new post on whom I met on the way to SFO from Frankfurt....