Tomorrow has come, Today

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Run or be run-over!

I think people take the saying, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop” too literally! What else would explain the fact that just about all my close friends are training for marathons across the world right now?

Well on the bright side, it does prove that none of them are Satan worshippers, for sure!

I guess I can be good and cheer them on (give to the many causes that they run for) or I can jump out from the sidelines, stick a leg out and trip them while they whiz past! Ok, I’m not mean-spirited, but it was a rather comic thought!

Jokes aside, I am distinctively proud of one friend who’s aiming to run the Chicago marathon this summer. Infosin that’s you!

Now back to the gags!

It’s my belief that it takes a large amount of discipline to train for a marathon. That is if you want to do it right. Someone I knew ran a marathon on the eve of his 25th birthday without prior conditioning just because he’d put that on his ‘to-do before I turn 25 list”! Admirable? Foolhardy, I’d say. But hey, look who’s talking! Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I’m impulsive.

The run-club at work was signing up new recruits. I excused myself with the (almost) congenital bad-lower-back defense. *sigh* It’s no lie. I can speed walk for miles, bike as well. But running- takes the worst toll.

Darn lucky I don’t like to run I say! Now where do I sign up for the bike-club?

Monday, April 28, 2008

Love in the time of #308!


Here’s just one more reason to start taking the bus … No, no this isnt a post-earth-day post!



A Wrong, Right Reason?

Overheard in the bus: - “Oh he’s just doing that to get noticed! Talk about doing the right thing for the wrong reasons!”

(This wasn’t a particularly intriguing conversation but I was clutching at straws here. My book was getting boring and it was a dull rainy day out.)

A bit more eavesdropping and I pieced things together. Apparently the subject of slander wasn’t getting a rave review for being a do-gooder. But it definitely got me thinking …

So what if there is a selfish* reason behind doing something nice? Who cares! Isn’t doing the right thing what’s important anyway? Or is it more complicated now? And I say talk about it all you like- maybe someone else will be motivated to do something nice as well! And how bad can that be? Think of it like a free ad-campaign! But don’t start equating efforts, that’s what makes a good effort go awry.

*Some people say that every action has a selfish motivation behind it. I don’t think I fully subscribe to that idea. It can be just about giving back …

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Feeding my passion

I’m often asked where my passion lies. Having just been through several technical interviews for a new job, I didn’t think this is the time to admit that food is one of the many! After all, who wants an employee who’s at the snack bar from 9 to 5.

From when I can remember, I’ve been helping out and very soon cooking on my own. As early as 4 years old I think. The smells, the textures and did I mention the smells! They are as important to me as eating. In fact, I’ve noticed that when I spend a considerable amount of time cooking- I end up eating lesser. (Hmm idea for a diet book in the offing …) And I always have my entree on the plate untouched for a (much) longer time than H would. (I added the ‘much’ since he inhales his meals! The reason being; his sister always ate more than her fair share.)

When I try different cuisines, I’m always fascinated by the unseen melding of cultures. If you’ve ever tried Cuban ‘dirty’ rice AND you hail from South India, you know what I mean! The obvious relations between other cuisines are equally interesting. Not having had a staunch interest in History, I get to learn things the other way around! For e.g.; Ah, the flavors in this are really Arabic, was this country ever under an Islamic reign? And so it goes …

I’ve met a lot of people who are pretty picky about the “authenticity” of a cuisine. Many Seattle-lites tend to boycott restaurants that create “Americanized” dishes. But isn’t this just another gastronomic marriage? And it could beget another *Tikka Masala

*Tikka Masala wasnt really Indian ...

Friday, April 18, 2008

Don't Shoot the Passer-by!

I've often found walking downtown to be a great source of entertainment. It can suit practically any mood that I'm in.

Comedy? How about the man who's just bent over to tie his shoelaces but realizes he's worn loafers today. (He maybe drunk at three in the afternoon, but hey, I'm not here to judge!)

Romance? Watching those in love stroll hand-in-hand oblivious to the curses and stares they receive from those around, willing them to move just a little bit faster... until someone "accidently" puts forth an expletive out loud. (Hmm maybe I categorized this wrong)

Anyway, you get my drift. So here I was walking along the waterfront when I hear a "whoosh" and before I can react, a lens comes flying at my already crooked nose. (Yes! Its ever so slightly turned to one side) Tears in my eyes, I hoped that my nose was back in shape, after all the pain I suffered! But I guess I was hit on the wrong side of my nose, since I don’t see a change. (Hmm it DOES look a little MORE off, H says)

What’s with all the amateur photographers these days? Have those humongous lenses become suddenly cheaper? Is it the "green" thing to do this year?

Having been an avid photographer myself when in high-school, I know why it’s a much-loved hobby. Plus its so much easier these days to display your 'collection'. However I do miss the minutes spent in the dark (red) room, swishing through developing fluid, waiting for the picture to show up- like magic!

But I digress. All I'm saying is ... all you Riis wannabe's out there, please mind your lenses. And your camera straps. Not to mention your tripods!

I'll get to the voyeurism later ...