Tuesday, 13 September 2011
I sit and think, if we had as much rain as we do lies from politicians, the entire world would be flooded and no one would survive. No tears from angels are coming down and the ground has cracked, dry dirt being bandied about at the whim of the wind. The weatherman says that we get rain, it just evaporates before hitting the ground, only he calls it "virga." We don't want he fancy words, just simple ones will do. Time to reconnect as people which $500 words will not allow. Use the penny words and we'll reconnect again. Not talking just the weatherperson, everybody needs to do the same - politicians most of all and lawyers fall in there, too. The expensive words being used today, are cloying and drowning us all.
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Resignation ;)
Today i wrote in one more resignation to HPCL I have been jumping jobs for the past 3-4 months and finally feel i am somewhere where i will stabilize.
It started coz of some stupid thoughts and the main reason was The Green Grass on the Other Side Syndrome. When i was in samsung i would hate that job, coz of reasons which feel so stupid now, and their was this rush of getting to know how it feels to put forward a resignation. It feels good actually when you do it, you feel powerful, free. The last few days in the office after you have resigned, you walk like a king, with no one able to say anything to you, everyone being in their bestest form in front of you, and then when the last day comes you feel so aweful and wonder if you can revert back.
I joined HPCL only to find out that PSU's suck big time. Their was this feeling inside of me, that if an organization takes out such a massive written test all over india followed by interviews scheduled in every corner of the country , it must be good, But the only thing good about that job, was the Money, respect & security. I was made the Retail up gradation Officer in Ahmedabad Region and job was to look after all the 180 petrol pumps in the region take care of their maintenance and modernization and construction of all new pumps in the region and to look after all the purchase activities of the Ahmedabad region.
I was initially awestruck by the amount of respect these public dealing jobs have, people double my age will come to me and talk to me like i am some politician. Every one will call me 'Sahab', the contractors licking my butt every time. In my office there were people who will are there just to move files from one table to another, there were clerks and others just to look after file work. The pantry boy will come to my desk for tea 3-4 times a day. When i will have to go for a site visit the guy will pick me up from my house and drop me back to my house. I had to look for a place to stay there and a contractor even offered me his house which was vacant.
But there was not much work to do, all i had to do was release Purchase orders, Sign Bills, and keep a track of construction activities to make sure they are completed in time. Their was nothing technical where i will have to apply my mind, It was all in all a managerial Job so i decided to leave it. Now i work at Fluor Daniel India. Its an american company, so i have alternate friday's Off ! :D that's the best part, finally settled in Gurgaon. (The place is shit!!). Company is good lots of scope for learning.
Their was a time i used to wish to get into a PSU and this year i cleared all PSU exams i sat for and suddenly it lost its charm. ;)
And just read the paper, today is the 9/11. it says 3000 people died in Attacks and after that 1,37,000 civilians have been killed in Afghanistan, Pakistan & Iraq and nearly 360 Lakh Crores INR have been spent in the war against terror.
It started coz of some stupid thoughts and the main reason was The Green Grass on the Other Side Syndrome. When i was in samsung i would hate that job, coz of reasons which feel so stupid now, and their was this rush of getting to know how it feels to put forward a resignation. It feels good actually when you do it, you feel powerful, free. The last few days in the office after you have resigned, you walk like a king, with no one able to say anything to you, everyone being in their bestest form in front of you, and then when the last day comes you feel so aweful and wonder if you can revert back.
I joined HPCL only to find out that PSU's suck big time. Their was this feeling inside of me, that if an organization takes out such a massive written test all over india followed by interviews scheduled in every corner of the country , it must be good, But the only thing good about that job, was the Money, respect & security. I was made the Retail up gradation Officer in Ahmedabad Region and job was to look after all the 180 petrol pumps in the region take care of their maintenance and modernization and construction of all new pumps in the region and to look after all the purchase activities of the Ahmedabad region.
I was initially awestruck by the amount of respect these public dealing jobs have, people double my age will come to me and talk to me like i am some politician. Every one will call me 'Sahab', the contractors licking my butt every time. In my office there were people who will are there just to move files from one table to another, there were clerks and others just to look after file work. The pantry boy will come to my desk for tea 3-4 times a day. When i will have to go for a site visit the guy will pick me up from my house and drop me back to my house. I had to look for a place to stay there and a contractor even offered me his house which was vacant.
But there was not much work to do, all i had to do was release Purchase orders, Sign Bills, and keep a track of construction activities to make sure they are completed in time. Their was nothing technical where i will have to apply my mind, It was all in all a managerial Job so i decided to leave it. Now i work at Fluor Daniel India. Its an american company, so i have alternate friday's Off ! :D that's the best part, finally settled in Gurgaon. (The place is shit!!). Company is good lots of scope for learning.
Their was a time i used to wish to get into a PSU and this year i cleared all PSU exams i sat for and suddenly it lost its charm. ;)
And just read the paper, today is the 9/11. it says 3000 people died in Attacks and after that 1,37,000 civilians have been killed in Afghanistan, Pakistan & Iraq and nearly 360 Lakh Crores INR have been spent in the war against terror.
Main Tenu Samjhavan Kiven
Came across this awesome song, A remake of the Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's famous " Main tenu Samjhavan Kiven". And Feel aa gayi ;)
Friday, 9 September 2011
Positivity
Have you come across people in your office who have something negative to say all the time? Or, are complaining/whining or just being a plain old drag? I bet you have. And such a person could very well be a close friend, your parents, siblings, a relative or even a friend from many years ago you have just reconnected with on the wonderful Facebook. And I am not judging them, for who knows, the reason behind their demeanor could be deep-rooted, genuine anxiety about something in their personal lives or perhaps clinical depression starting from worries at home or at work. We all have such days when the positivity in us is simply beyond reach, despite all efforts. But let’s face it, we all know one or two individuals who moan without a cause; they complain because they can!
Perhaps the groaners and moaners were growing in number in our office lately, or perhaps we simply ran out of reasons to feel cheerful about—what with the economy, budget cuts and jobs being hacked. Whatever be it, our senior management decided that it was time for a “motivational speaker” to boost our morale and make us all feel geared up at the work front. This happened at our annual retreat recently. Following several nice speeches and a wonderful buffet lunch, we were subjected to nearly 30 minutes of motivational speech. It soon became the longest 30 minutes I have spent listening to someone delivering a speech. Her “let’s do it because you are special” spiel became insufferable and I felt like running out of the room!
However, I am determined to steer myself away from negativity, so I am going to concentrate on what I actually found nice in the talk. (And this may be something you have heard/read about somewhere – then please stop reading from this part onward!)
Can you classify yourself as one of the following? Are you a D’Grunt, a Gomo or a Smover? What are these, you say? I didn’t know, so I started following the speaker more carefully as she went on to describe the qualities of the D’Grunt (a disgruntled person), the Gomo (person going through the motions) and the Smover (a person who crosses the line and smiles and moves). So you can tell, those carriers of negativity can fall into the D’Grunt category and the “I don’t care but will go through the motions” are the bearers of the Gomo pall. I won’t go into the details, but Google Sam Parker and you can read more.
What I took away from it is what we can do to get out of this rut of negativity and lethargy that can drag us down in all walks of life – whether at home or at work. Here are a few things the speaker had listed – she admitted to have collected them from the motivational gurus out there (Seth Godin, Jon Gordon and Sam Parker, to name a few):
1. Don’t expect others to make you happy. You are the only one who can do that.
2. Focus on what you “get to do” instead of what you “have” to do.
3. Re-establish your passion and purpose.
4. Celebrate the great moments and the accomplishments.
5. Decide not to be a D’Grunt or a Gomo. Decide to be an asset.
6. Have an attitude of appreciation and say “thank you” often.
I will add to this that we should also try to celebrate the small moments and little accomplishments. What’s mine today, I ask? I managed to stay away from that giant burger at Ruggles Green Café. Should I also count my momentary happiness when I did give in to their chocolate crème brulee cheesecake? :-)
Ok, that’s it from me. I’ll leave you to ponder on these… while I go read up some more stuff written by these sage folks.
Perhaps the groaners and moaners were growing in number in our office lately, or perhaps we simply ran out of reasons to feel cheerful about—what with the economy, budget cuts and jobs being hacked. Whatever be it, our senior management decided that it was time for a “motivational speaker” to boost our morale and make us all feel geared up at the work front. This happened at our annual retreat recently. Following several nice speeches and a wonderful buffet lunch, we were subjected to nearly 30 minutes of motivational speech. It soon became the longest 30 minutes I have spent listening to someone delivering a speech. Her “let’s do it because you are special” spiel became insufferable and I felt like running out of the room!
However, I am determined to steer myself away from negativity, so I am going to concentrate on what I actually found nice in the talk. (And this may be something you have heard/read about somewhere – then please stop reading from this part onward!)
Can you classify yourself as one of the following? Are you a D’Grunt, a Gomo or a Smover? What are these, you say? I didn’t know, so I started following the speaker more carefully as she went on to describe the qualities of the D’Grunt (a disgruntled person), the Gomo (person going through the motions) and the Smover (a person who crosses the line and smiles and moves). So you can tell, those carriers of negativity can fall into the D’Grunt category and the “I don’t care but will go through the motions” are the bearers of the Gomo pall. I won’t go into the details, but Google Sam Parker and you can read more.
What I took away from it is what we can do to get out of this rut of negativity and lethargy that can drag us down in all walks of life – whether at home or at work. Here are a few things the speaker had listed – she admitted to have collected them from the motivational gurus out there (Seth Godin, Jon Gordon and Sam Parker, to name a few):
1. Don’t expect others to make you happy. You are the only one who can do that.
2. Focus on what you “get to do” instead of what you “have” to do.
3. Re-establish your passion and purpose.
4. Celebrate the great moments and the accomplishments.
5. Decide not to be a D’Grunt or a Gomo. Decide to be an asset.
6. Have an attitude of appreciation and say “thank you” often.
I will add to this that we should also try to celebrate the small moments and little accomplishments. What’s mine today, I ask? I managed to stay away from that giant burger at Ruggles Green Café. Should I also count my momentary happiness when I did give in to their chocolate crème brulee cheesecake? :-)
Ok, that’s it from me. I’ll leave you to ponder on these… while I go read up some more stuff written by these sage folks.
Ghost Story Part I and II.
It wasn't a usual kind of night: for one, the moon shone a bit too brightly in the night sky, and two, I was the lone man walking the streets. The winter air was crisp, and I could sense the vapour leaving my nostrils and mouth as I huffed and puffed up the rather long road.
I had had a long day at work, and just when office had gotten over, I eagerly ran towards my car. There was disappointment in store for me: the fuel tank was absolutely empty. Seeing my desperate state, a passerby offered me a lift in his vehicle, which I gladly accepted, and was dropped off to the nearest point from my home.
Today, the familiar looking streets took on a mysterious air. There was not a single light on at any window, and for all practical purposes, I may well have been the only living being around. The thought made me shiver. Walking all the more briskly, I turned towards the row of houses that I knew was where I lived. It was pitch dark and dead silent all around. To keep up my last shred of optimism, bravery and self respect, I walked confidently up the gate of the house that supposedly was mine. Until now. Treading slowly down the driveway, and taking extremely cautious steps towards the house entrance, I tried calling out to Trudy, my trusted friend and wife for many years. A slight chill began creeping up my spine, when I found that I didn't have enough courage to call her name out loud. Suddenly, a loud cricket started chirping, sending an electric current through the silence of the night. Somewhere very far, I sensed the baying of foxes (or was it wolves and wild dogs?)
To be continued....
I had had a long day at work, and just when office had gotten over, I eagerly ran towards my car. There was disappointment in store for me: the fuel tank was absolutely empty. Seeing my desperate state, a passerby offered me a lift in his vehicle, which I gladly accepted, and was dropped off to the nearest point from my home.
Today, the familiar looking streets took on a mysterious air. There was not a single light on at any window, and for all practical purposes, I may well have been the only living being around. The thought made me shiver. Walking all the more briskly, I turned towards the row of houses that I knew was where I lived. It was pitch dark and dead silent all around. To keep up my last shred of optimism, bravery and self respect, I walked confidently up the gate of the house that supposedly was mine. Until now. Treading slowly down the driveway, and taking extremely cautious steps towards the house entrance, I tried calling out to Trudy, my trusted friend and wife for many years. A slight chill began creeping up my spine, when I found that I didn't have enough courage to call her name out loud. Suddenly, a loud cricket started chirping, sending an electric current through the silence of the night. Somewhere very far, I sensed the baying of foxes (or was it wolves and wild dogs?)
To be continued....
Part II
The house lay completely silent. Trudy was missing, much as my mind revolted against the thought, and so was our new Labrador puppy, Frisky. I cautiously entered, and switched on the light. No electricity! The situation was becoming more complicated than I had imagined. Slowly treading up the stairs, and making my way into my room, I cautiously entered my bedroom, half expecting to see some kind of monster making himself comfortable on my bed. There were no signs of any abnormality in my room: Trudy always was a careful home maker. " Trudy?" I heard myself utter for the first time. There was no response. I opened the bathroom door too, thinking that whatever the "thing" may be, would be hiding there. My nose sensed the soothing fragrance of lilac clinging to the air: Trudy's most preferred cologne. It was funny how the "smells" of the owners stayed with them in the houses they inhabit. Although temporarily comforted at the thought, the pitch dark house seemed to be having it's last laugh on me. A sense of the eerie had overtaken me. All those movies in which giant mother ships came to suck up or steal it's inhabitants played in my head. Running down the stairs this time, I headed straight for the kitchen, attempting to make myself feel "more at home". Unsteadily, I put on the gas, attempting to make a cup of coffee. I opened one cupboard at a time, looking for the sugar, and the instant coffee powder: my mind simply had blanked out with anxiety. Suddenly, I saw it: a bright yellow POST IT, freshly pasted on the kitchen cabinet door. It read:
Darling, I'm off on a sudden camp organized by our neighbours. Will be back early next morning. Please don't worry: I'm not carrying any cell phone. OK? Take care!
The house lay completely silent. Trudy was missing, much as my mind revolted against the thought, and so was our new Labrador puppy, Frisky. I cautiously entered, and switched on the light. No electricity! The situation was becoming more complicated than I had imagined. Slowly treading up the stairs, and making my way into my room, I cautiously entered my bedroom, half expecting to see some kind of monster making himself comfortable on my bed. There were no signs of any abnormality in my room: Trudy always was a careful home maker. " Trudy?" I heard myself utter for the first time. There was no response. I opened the bathroom door too, thinking that whatever the "thing" may be, would be hiding there. My nose sensed the soothing fragrance of lilac clinging to the air: Trudy's most preferred cologne. It was funny how the "smells" of the owners stayed with them in the houses they inhabit. Although temporarily comforted at the thought, the pitch dark house seemed to be having it's last laugh on me. A sense of the eerie had overtaken me. All those movies in which giant mother ships came to suck up or steal it's inhabitants played in my head. Running down the stairs this time, I headed straight for the kitchen, attempting to make myself feel "more at home". Unsteadily, I put on the gas, attempting to make a cup of coffee. I opened one cupboard at a time, looking for the sugar, and the instant coffee powder: my mind simply had blanked out with anxiety. Suddenly, I saw it: a bright yellow POST IT, freshly pasted on the kitchen cabinet door. It read:
Darling, I'm off on a sudden camp organized by our neighbours. Will be back early next morning. Please don't worry: I'm not carrying any cell phone. OK? Take care!
*********End****************
ALTERNATE END (of Part II)
I rummaged through the cupboard, and found the elusive instant coffee powder. The thought of a hot cup of coffee made me hum, and for a while, I forgot the situation I was faced with. The problem was, that it was still quite late at night, and there was no to go for help. Even the phone lines had mysteriously died out, and that left me with little options to choose from. I went up to the living room, where Trudy and I generally spend quiet evenings in front of the TV, or playing a game of scrabble. The door to the living room creaked open, and I turned on the emergency light. Immediately, all the familiar things lit up before my eyes: our sofa, the flowery curtains, the light rug, and the lampshade, all chosen by my dear wife who, for some strange reason, had all but disappeared.
Making hesitant moves, I crept in, and went through the room, observing one item at a time. I swept aside the curtains, moved the side tables around a bit,(making more noise than necessary, to show my bravado to myself), and then, lastly, peeked under the sofa. Nothing. Running out of the house, I sat down for a while, trying to think straight. All of a sudden I saw the spectre: it was giant dark shadow, almost the size of a four-storey building, with a sack thrown across it's shoulders. Out of this sack, I saw an awful number of flailing hands and feet, of people trapped inside, all crying for help. The "spectre" was making it's way now, towards me! It had no face, a vague body and looked more of a black cloud than anythng else. Terrified, I shouted, " What's going on? Who are you? Help me, somone!" The shadow merely floated to my side, picked me up, and threw me into the same sack as the rest. Inside, I was jostled like a sack of potatoes, but through the mayhem, recognised some faces. They were of my neighbours, but I couldn't spot my wife as yet. At that point indeed, I knew not what the figure intended doing with us: we were just headed to nowhere! The unreal setting of this moment was beginning to weigh down on me, and I sincerely prayed that it was only a nightmare from which I'd wake up, sooner or later.
When my eyes opened, I was in a pitch dark hole, surrounded by corpses. Yes, corpses! There was an indescribable terror that I sensed: was I in the land of the Dead? Could things get any worse? I clambered out, and found myself in the dead of night, alone in what seemed to be a graveyard. Moving around were shadows similar to the one that had come for me. I hid behind a tombstone (not exactly a comforting thought) and thought I heard a whimper of a dog. I looked to my right, and, squinting in the darkness, saw what I recognized to be Frisky! "Frisky!". I could barely whisper. The poor animal was trapped in a small hole, and beside him lay a scarf, which I immediately recognized to be of Trudy's! Making use of the darkness, I slid up, grabbed Frisky in my arms, and, with some sixth sense, ran up to a tree. Amazingly, along with Trudy were several other women, tied up with rope, and all of them in agony. Quickly, I untied them, and although every one of us were terrified beyond imagination, managed to have the wit to stay quiet, and at the same time, run out of the terrible graveyard, which was the home to so many lost souls. At a turning up ahead, while we reached, puffing and panting, a sudden beam of sunshine blazed across the sky. Suddenly, we were back to our dear old town, in our own neighbourhood, which was bustling with the usual activity. Besides myself and Trudy, no one ever remembered the goings on of that strange night, when we were all kidnapped by unknown forces. Even now, I don't take a chance, and always sleep with a flashlight and my dog by my side.
****************************END*************************************************
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