I was on a vacation spanning almost a whole month. These are what I remember most about when I think back to the time:
1. My bruised knees on a night journey in a 'Night Super'.
2. The search for a vacant middle seat on the last row in the city buses in Guwahati. (I tend to get stuck if I try sitting on any of the other seats.)
3. My overhanging feet from the upper berth of the Indian Railways and the bumps that people received on their heads because of them.
4. Receiving a banging on top of my head in a minibus not once, not twice but thrice. That too on the same spot, and in full view of five beautiful girls. *sigh*
5. Bumping my head on the ceiling of two Maruti 800s. I still carry painful souvenirs of the same.
6. Instinctively bending my head while entering most of the homes I visited, in order to protect my head from another painful experience.
7. My inability to have a shower standing up at almost all the places I stayed
(not because of any physical ailment on my part, I assure you)
8. Realising the true extent of my height on seeing even my taller family members dwarfed (compared to me) in family photographs.
9. Being cast strange glances (and being most annoyed because of it) while being on a date with someone a foot shorter than me.
10. The above mentioned were for one way journey. Double them for the return journey!
PS. In case you still don't understand (and sympathise), make yourself grow tall and see for yourself!
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Conversation Woes
I am a lousy conversationalist (if there exists such a word, which I think does). Talking to a person, specially if he (and more so if she is a she!) is a stranger or just an acquaintance is quite a tough task for me. And in case the conversation is over the phone, then God only knows how I fare.
I have been like this only. Ever since I remember, sitting down and chatting wasn't something I enjoyed. Unless, of course, I was with some really close pals or was discoursing on topics close to my heart (which are quite few, in fact). And jumping between topics is one of my characteristic traits. One moment I'll be talking about Agra, the next I'll be near the North Pole, if you know what I mean. And I like to think ahead about what I am going to say (even in informal conversations!) and when the time comes, i either completely forget everything or mess it all up.
I think I am selfish when it comes to conversation. I can talk about me, my likes, dislikes, and my life in quite detail, often, in the process forgetting about the other person. Many a times I have called a sick person and forgot to enquire about their health! Someone has been promoted and I forget to congratulate him/her! Its always me, me and me.
At least, face to face conversations are okay. You can drag your visual senses into the conversation. But when you are linked to a person just by your voice and the person is probably hundreds (or thousands) of miles away, its quite difficult to sustain the conversation. Once I have finished saying what I intended to say, the conversation becomes a drag. And after a series of how are yous? and i guess, everythings all right?, the conversation is thankfully terminated. There are only a few people who can continue a conversation with me for maybe ten minutes or more over phone. That would be two of my aunts (with them, its actually a monologue, with me inserting suitable yes, nos and ohs!); sometimes my mom when she is in a similar mood as that of my aunts; and some of my really close pals with whom i don't need to glance at the watch every few seconds and can discuss almost everything under the sun.
The upside of this problem is that I have comparatively lower phone bills. The downside being its getting quite difficult to interact with beautiful young girls. As if to add to my omnipresent woes mentioned above, i tend to get overexcited sometimes and sometimes my mind goes just blank. You can get away with talking about the weather once, discoursing about snippets of quizzical information next time (which, i guess, girls really dislike :( ). What about the next time? And the next? And unless you say something, how do you make conversation? The vicious cycle goes on and on...
I have tried various options. Tried taking tips from my roommate (who can talk on the phone for hours on end- he even passed whole nights on the phone just talking to someone!!!). Tried to evince interest in what the other person has to say. Even read those stupid articles from Reader's Digest. But to no avail. Guess this is an inborn error of metabolism. :) Hope some inborn error rectifies it too!
I have been like this only. Ever since I remember, sitting down and chatting wasn't something I enjoyed. Unless, of course, I was with some really close pals or was discoursing on topics close to my heart (which are quite few, in fact). And jumping between topics is one of my characteristic traits. One moment I'll be talking about Agra, the next I'll be near the North Pole, if you know what I mean. And I like to think ahead about what I am going to say (even in informal conversations!) and when the time comes, i either completely forget everything or mess it all up.
I think I am selfish when it comes to conversation. I can talk about me, my likes, dislikes, and my life in quite detail, often, in the process forgetting about the other person. Many a times I have called a sick person and forgot to enquire about their health! Someone has been promoted and I forget to congratulate him/her! Its always me, me and me.
At least, face to face conversations are okay. You can drag your visual senses into the conversation. But when you are linked to a person just by your voice and the person is probably hundreds (or thousands) of miles away, its quite difficult to sustain the conversation. Once I have finished saying what I intended to say, the conversation becomes a drag. And after a series of how are yous? and i guess, everythings all right?, the conversation is thankfully terminated. There are only a few people who can continue a conversation with me for maybe ten minutes or more over phone. That would be two of my aunts (with them, its actually a monologue, with me inserting suitable yes, nos and ohs!); sometimes my mom when she is in a similar mood as that of my aunts; and some of my really close pals with whom i don't need to glance at the watch every few seconds and can discuss almost everything under the sun.
The upside of this problem is that I have comparatively lower phone bills. The downside being its getting quite difficult to interact with beautiful young girls. As if to add to my omnipresent woes mentioned above, i tend to get overexcited sometimes and sometimes my mind goes just blank. You can get away with talking about the weather once, discoursing about snippets of quizzical information next time (which, i guess, girls really dislike :( ). What about the next time? And the next? And unless you say something, how do you make conversation? The vicious cycle goes on and on...
I have tried various options. Tried taking tips from my roommate (who can talk on the phone for hours on end- he even passed whole nights on the phone just talking to someone!!!). Tried to evince interest in what the other person has to say. Even read those stupid articles from Reader's Digest. But to no avail. Guess this is an inborn error of metabolism. :) Hope some inborn error rectifies it too!
Monday, 25 August 2008
Magical Me
Thats right! I am magical! For that matter, so are you. As is everybody else.
I am not saying anything new. Just giving words to what almost each of us has felt sometime or the other in life. Imagine starting life as a single cell and ultimately ending up a giant (compared to a cell, we would be more than giants) of maybe six feet plus lengths (and varying breadths ;)). Imagine all those complex processes going on inside our bodies to keep us alive. Imagine all those neurons carrying messages to and fro at speeds unimaginable. Imagine that heartbeat of yours beating away to the end of your days dutifully without fail (affected sometimes by members of the opposite sex though). Imagine the human body in all its glory. Imagine life!
And to think that we rarely spare a thought to these simple things. Just because they are. Just because we are mired up in the other 'goals' of our lives. Just because we have to be succesful, and famous, and celebrated. And we come to think of these simple facts only in death or disease. And since my profession is such that I do come in contact with these two truths of life frequently, I may have realised what I am writing now. But for how long the realisation lasts, i don't know.
So friends! Lets try to unearth the magic. Lets comprehend what we have been provided. Lets try to respect the treasure within and without us and ensure its well being. Lets celebrate life!
(PS: Whatever it is, this is for you, Kaustuv. Sorry about the book though)
I am not saying anything new. Just giving words to what almost each of us has felt sometime or the other in life. Imagine starting life as a single cell and ultimately ending up a giant (compared to a cell, we would be more than giants) of maybe six feet plus lengths (and varying breadths ;)). Imagine all those complex processes going on inside our bodies to keep us alive. Imagine all those neurons carrying messages to and fro at speeds unimaginable. Imagine that heartbeat of yours beating away to the end of your days dutifully without fail (affected sometimes by members of the opposite sex though). Imagine the human body in all its glory. Imagine life!
And to think that we rarely spare a thought to these simple things. Just because they are. Just because we are mired up in the other 'goals' of our lives. Just because we have to be succesful, and famous, and celebrated. And we come to think of these simple facts only in death or disease. And since my profession is such that I do come in contact with these two truths of life frequently, I may have realised what I am writing now. But for how long the realisation lasts, i don't know.
So friends! Lets try to unearth the magic. Lets comprehend what we have been provided. Lets try to respect the treasure within and without us and ensure its well being. Lets celebrate life!
(PS: Whatever it is, this is for you, Kaustuv. Sorry about the book though)
Thursday, 7 August 2008
'LAZY-CALLY ME'
In case you are wondering what the title means, there are three explanations-
1) I am lazy (as evident from the long duration between this post and the last),
2) I was supposed to write a book titled 'Magical Me' and since that seems improbable in the near future, i thought that this piece may act as a substitute and
3) I am always out of titles for pieces in my blog.
Well, i am lazy not only in posting in my blog (which probably accounts for the low readership stats), but in almost everything in life. I am lazy to get up in the mornings, lazy to breakfast, lazy to work out, lazy to study... The list goes on and on. The only acceptable thing for me probably would be to lie in my beloved bed all day (and night!) and read some interesting book.
Which reminds me of two of the books that I read recently. I am not in the habit of doing book reviews simply because 1) i am not paid for it and 2) i don't think anybody would be interested in my reviews. Anyway, just some hours ago, I finished 'The Silmarillion'- the 'prequel' to The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit. It was a wonderful read. I have always been interested in history, and this book does just that- gives info on the history (mythology may be a better word) into all the characters and events that have been part of modern lore via these books. It took me back to the time when i was reading LOTR. At some instances, it was almost as if I was present at the times and happenings that took place. For lovers of Tolkien, i recommend this book, in case you have not gone through it.
The second book that I went through was also an interesting one. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by Jerome David Salinger. The narration is simple- the language all the more so, splattered liberally with swear words and american slang. The mood of the protagonist is the same throughout- always humiliated and ridiculed, with strange notions and ideas. The characters are interesting too. And the way the narration starts and abruptly ends- i found it really interesting.
Well, that sort of somehow sums up my lazy ways. Of course, i am going to start a new book in short order and am not looking forward to it too much. But i'll have to conquer my demons. That book is also an interesting one, though it didn't appeal much to me in my undergrad days. Well, since i'll have to do it, i'll do it. That book is titled 'Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine'.[:(]. Wish me luck!
1) I am lazy (as evident from the long duration between this post and the last),
2) I was supposed to write a book titled 'Magical Me' and since that seems improbable in the near future, i thought that this piece may act as a substitute and
3) I am always out of titles for pieces in my blog.
Well, i am lazy not only in posting in my blog (which probably accounts for the low readership stats), but in almost everything in life. I am lazy to get up in the mornings, lazy to breakfast, lazy to work out, lazy to study... The list goes on and on. The only acceptable thing for me probably would be to lie in my beloved bed all day (and night!) and read some interesting book.
Which reminds me of two of the books that I read recently. I am not in the habit of doing book reviews simply because 1) i am not paid for it and 2) i don't think anybody would be interested in my reviews. Anyway, just some hours ago, I finished 'The Silmarillion'- the 'prequel' to The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit. It was a wonderful read. I have always been interested in history, and this book does just that- gives info on the history (mythology may be a better word) into all the characters and events that have been part of modern lore via these books. It took me back to the time when i was reading LOTR. At some instances, it was almost as if I was present at the times and happenings that took place. For lovers of Tolkien, i recommend this book, in case you have not gone through it.
The second book that I went through was also an interesting one. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by Jerome David Salinger. The narration is simple- the language all the more so, splattered liberally with swear words and american slang. The mood of the protagonist is the same throughout- always humiliated and ridiculed, with strange notions and ideas. The characters are interesting too. And the way the narration starts and abruptly ends- i found it really interesting.
Well, that sort of somehow sums up my lazy ways. Of course, i am going to start a new book in short order and am not looking forward to it too much. But i'll have to conquer my demons. That book is also an interesting one, though it didn't appeal much to me in my undergrad days. Well, since i'll have to do it, i'll do it. That book is titled 'Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine'.[:(]. Wish me luck!
Thursday, 19 June 2008
In Search of a Better Topic
Well, well, well. I am no Arnold Schwarzeneggar and I didn't make any promise about coming back, but here it is - I am back. Back into the big bad cyberworld from which i had to take a forced leave due to the inability of my service provider to keep me connected.And while i huffed and puffed here and there, applying for a new connection with a new company (this is Asom guys, in case u didn't know!- snails move faster here), shouted quite a few times at the supposed call centre executives, had a hard time figuring out the internet settings, the cyberworld had moved along. I felt so out of touch when i came back. My favourite sites were wearing a completely new look, most of my contacts had simply forgotten i was there and i was lost... A quote came back to me out of my past "Anyone who thinks himself indispensable should watch a finger in a bowl of water. When the finger is removed, the water fills the void that was created".
Now, with my aura of indispensibility dispersed, i thought of updating my neglected blog. I wonder if anyone reads all that crap i write (i seem to be mirroring someone, word for word!)except for some of my good friends who seem to go through them and post some ego-boosting comments. But it gives a release to the pent up feelings and emotions deep inside and afterwards i feel better.
Hell! I should probably have got drunk before starting. Its so difficult to express in fluid words what you want to say when you are sober. For that matter, I myself don't know what I am writing. A flight of ideas starts in my brain, reaches a certain point and then changes tracks altogether leaving me confused.
I search for a topic to write. What do I go for this time? Death??? Nah! Thats too depressing, though easier to write about as it brings all your depression and anguish to the fore. Love??? Hmm... Its beautiful but what else would a poor somebody write about something that has been covered from all improbable angles by some (sorry, most, if not all) literary giants? Loneliness??? Thats better felt than described. The political situation??? That always remains the same, only the players change; the only persons benefitting from politics are probably the politicians themselves. Book or movie reviews??? Thats interesting. But i haven't seen any new and interesting movie yet and have been revising some of my old classics- Lord of the Rings, O Jerusalem and now The Deathly Hallows- and these dont need any reviews.
What then? Nothing? Of all the wide array of matter in the world, i have nothing to write about? Well, glancing up at the length of this piece, i have written about something though. I am confused. Nothing? Something? ? ? ?
I'll let you guys decide...
Now, with my aura of indispensibility dispersed, i thought of updating my neglected blog. I wonder if anyone reads all that crap i write (i seem to be mirroring someone, word for word!)except for some of my good friends who seem to go through them and post some ego-boosting comments. But it gives a release to the pent up feelings and emotions deep inside and afterwards i feel better.
Hell! I should probably have got drunk before starting. Its so difficult to express in fluid words what you want to say when you are sober. For that matter, I myself don't know what I am writing. A flight of ideas starts in my brain, reaches a certain point and then changes tracks altogether leaving me confused.
I search for a topic to write. What do I go for this time? Death??? Nah! Thats too depressing, though easier to write about as it brings all your depression and anguish to the fore. Love??? Hmm... Its beautiful but what else would a poor somebody write about something that has been covered from all improbable angles by some (sorry, most, if not all) literary giants? Loneliness??? Thats better felt than described. The political situation??? That always remains the same, only the players change; the only persons benefitting from politics are probably the politicians themselves. Book or movie reviews??? Thats interesting. But i haven't seen any new and interesting movie yet and have been revising some of my old classics- Lord of the Rings, O Jerusalem and now The Deathly Hallows- and these dont need any reviews.
What then? Nothing? Of all the wide array of matter in the world, i have nothing to write about? Well, glancing up at the length of this piece, i have written about something though. I am confused. Nothing? Something? ? ? ?
I'll let you guys decide...
Monday, 24 March 2008
Death and the Drunken Rhapsody
12.05 PM. 24-03-2008.
I met death today again. It came in the form of a lifeless young body of just 13 days. I was summoned to F ward with the words 'Doctor, a patient has expired.' Predictably, I was unable to work wonders with a lifeless young body, not even with the title of Dr. hanging around my neck helping in the endeavour. I was at a loss to explain to the parents. My Senior consultant came to the rescue. She explained the child's condition to the parents (in words they will probably never understand) and consoled them. She ended her consolations with the words OK. Goddammit! Nothing was OK. Nothing would be OK (though I don't doubt the sincerity of my senior nor the meaning of the words). What can be OK with a couple losing their first born to a disease they had never heard about??? What can be OK with death itself? Nothing...
I am forced to think. I think. What is life? What is death? What is the meaning of our existence? I can't find the answers nor I think I will be able to.
8.00 PM. same day.
I meet life in the form of a drunk young friend of mine (who, as a gesture of goodwill towards me, has brought some alcohol for me since I was on duty upto 8 PM). The first thing he does is to salute me (i must mention that he was terribly interested in joining the Indian Army, but was denied because of an extra thumb!) and proclaiming his love for me in his own manner. We listen to some romantic songs, some love songs and some rock songs. We dance, we laugh and we shout. The sorrows of the day are forgotten. What matters is now and the Drunken rhapsody we all are engaged in.
As i finish my dinner, and make my way towards my PC, i summarize my day. More importantly i compare the two extremes - one of death and one of life- albeit drunk. I am at a loss. As always. I cant put my feelings into words. Death and life in a single day- its too much for me, for anybody. I wish someone could solve it for me. I wish someone will.
I met death today again. It came in the form of a lifeless young body of just 13 days. I was summoned to F ward with the words 'Doctor, a patient has expired.' Predictably, I was unable to work wonders with a lifeless young body, not even with the title of Dr. hanging around my neck helping in the endeavour. I was at a loss to explain to the parents. My Senior consultant came to the rescue. She explained the child's condition to the parents (in words they will probably never understand) and consoled them. She ended her consolations with the words OK. Goddammit! Nothing was OK. Nothing would be OK (though I don't doubt the sincerity of my senior nor the meaning of the words). What can be OK with a couple losing their first born to a disease they had never heard about??? What can be OK with death itself? Nothing...
I am forced to think. I think. What is life? What is death? What is the meaning of our existence? I can't find the answers nor I think I will be able to.
8.00 PM. same day.
I meet life in the form of a drunk young friend of mine (who, as a gesture of goodwill towards me, has brought some alcohol for me since I was on duty upto 8 PM). The first thing he does is to salute me (i must mention that he was terribly interested in joining the Indian Army, but was denied because of an extra thumb!) and proclaiming his love for me in his own manner. We listen to some romantic songs, some love songs and some rock songs. We dance, we laugh and we shout. The sorrows of the day are forgotten. What matters is now and the Drunken rhapsody we all are engaged in.
As i finish my dinner, and make my way towards my PC, i summarize my day. More importantly i compare the two extremes - one of death and one of life- albeit drunk. I am at a loss. As always. I cant put my feelings into words. Death and life in a single day- its too much for me, for anybody. I wish someone could solve it for me. I wish someone will.
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