A book I was reading last night inspired me to create a new blog. I felt so touched and emotional by this book's character that it made me want to do something about it. I realize that I am extremely fortunate to have everything I have in my life: family, friends, home, health, wealth, love, education. freedom. There are people in this world that struggle to make ends meet, that deal with one hardship after another, that face challenges beyond their control. I wanted to create this blog to say my prayers for them everyday. Some day soon I hope to create my own Big Give or Pay it forward scheme but for now I want to spend a few moments a day thinking about those that are much less fortunate.
So check it out at http://myprayersfortheworld.blogspot.com/ and if you can find the time be sure to say a prayer of your own for someone that may have touched your heart.
=)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Television Addicts Anonymous
I am addicted to TV. I can seriously spend a whole week watching TV nonstop, only getting up for quick breaks to the bathroom or for replenishing my food supply. Isn't that just insane? I mean I know its such a royal waste of time but its the one thing my A.D.D. mind can truly unwind to. I can't even fall asleep unless the TV is on and the noise of Nick at Nite works like a soothing lullaby helping me doze off.
TIVO has only made this addiction worse. Before DVR I would miss all my favorite shows, since I was never home for any of them, and not care because there was no other option. Now, knowing that I can save any show I would want to watch and have it at my dispense 24x7, makes for a long list of pointless shows that I find myself watching every free moment that I can get. I stay up waaaay past what should be my bedtime, simply because I can't resist the urge to watch that extra episode of some stupid show that i would otherwise not even know exists. Serious waste of my precious time!!!
But TV has taught me sooooo much!!! It has taught me about the culture of a country I was so new to and knew nothing about 16 years ago (given that my high school was not quite like the one in Saved by the Bell or 90210). It has taught me about drama that I thought only existed in Bollywood movies & shows. It has taught me about the Fabulous life of so many celebrities I would have never known (just more to add to things I need to buy someday that will probably not make much difference in my life except giving me the sheer joy of knowing I can afford outrageous expenses). It has taught me ways I can redo my house or cook gourmet meals (all right fine so I've never moved a table in the house but at least I know the option is there and I did use a cup once to mold rice, restaurant style, in a nice circle for my in-laws first dinner at our place ... presentation is everything). It has taught me how the universe came to be and how it may someday not be (don't you just love National Geographic & History Channels ... yes ... I do watch those sometimes). It has kept me up to date on every move Britney Spears and the American Economy have made. TV has shown me how people really live on the Hills, Big Brother, America's next top model, the Newlyweds and the Real Housewives & how they should live on the Gossip Girl, Brothers & Sisters, Hot Shots, Sex and the city, Lipstick Jungle and Desperate Housewives.
I would know nothing today if it wasn't for TV. So I think its perfectly OK for me to spend the amount of hours (the exact number shall remain undisclosed) on my favorite pass time, the wonderful world of Television.
TIVO has only made this addiction worse. Before DVR I would miss all my favorite shows, since I was never home for any of them, and not care because there was no other option. Now, knowing that I can save any show I would want to watch and have it at my dispense 24x7, makes for a long list of pointless shows that I find myself watching every free moment that I can get. I stay up waaaay past what should be my bedtime, simply because I can't resist the urge to watch that extra episode of some stupid show that i would otherwise not even know exists. Serious waste of my precious time!!!
But TV has taught me sooooo much!!! It has taught me about the culture of a country I was so new to and knew nothing about 16 years ago (given that my high school was not quite like the one in Saved by the Bell or 90210). It has taught me about drama that I thought only existed in Bollywood movies & shows. It has taught me about the Fabulous life of so many celebrities I would have never known (just more to add to things I need to buy someday that will probably not make much difference in my life except giving me the sheer joy of knowing I can afford outrageous expenses). It has taught me ways I can redo my house or cook gourmet meals (all right fine so I've never moved a table in the house but at least I know the option is there and I did use a cup once to mold rice, restaurant style, in a nice circle for my in-laws first dinner at our place ... presentation is everything). It has taught me how the universe came to be and how it may someday not be (don't you just love National Geographic & History Channels ... yes ... I do watch those sometimes). It has kept me up to date on every move Britney Spears and the American Economy have made. TV has shown me how people really live on the Hills, Big Brother, America's next top model, the Newlyweds and the Real Housewives & how they should live on the Gossip Girl, Brothers & Sisters, Hot Shots, Sex and the city, Lipstick Jungle and Desperate Housewives.
I would know nothing today if it wasn't for TV. So I think its perfectly OK for me to spend the amount of hours (the exact number shall remain undisclosed) on my favorite pass time, the wonderful world of Television.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Sense of time
These days I feel like I have no sense of time, or perhaps it was like this before and I just never realized it. When I see my friends it feels like I just saw them yesterday when in reality I haven't seen them in 3-4-5 months (maybe I just didn't miss them that much *haw* or maybe these past few months have flown by). I thought my 3 year anniversary was coming up but I haven't even passed the 2 year mark yet. I've been in this city for a few years but it feels like a lifetime, Can't even imagine not having lived here. What did I ever do before moving here?
Looking back I think about some of the significant events in my life: birthdays, relationships, graduations, jobs, moves, etc. Its almost surreal to me that I experienced those at some point in my life. I feel so distant from some of these events, which could also be a result of major memory loss thanks to gallons of alcohol consumption over the years. Its almost as if I am remembering scenes from some movie I saw many years ago instead of having lived through those times myself. Clearly it was me; celebrating those birthdays, going through the relationships, working on my class projects, changing jobs every 2 years, moving to new cities every few years; definitely me that lived through it. Then why does it feel like someone else's life. Have I changed that much?
I don't know if its good or bad but time seems to be passing me by faster then I had ever imagined. I need to remind myself to take a breather and reflect on life in order to appreciate all the good and bad that has made this life sucha fun adventure so far.
Looking back I think about some of the significant events in my life: birthdays, relationships, graduations, jobs, moves, etc. Its almost surreal to me that I experienced those at some point in my life. I feel so distant from some of these events, which could also be a result of major memory loss thanks to gallons of alcohol consumption over the years. Its almost as if I am remembering scenes from some movie I saw many years ago instead of having lived through those times myself. Clearly it was me; celebrating those birthdays, going through the relationships, working on my class projects, changing jobs every 2 years, moving to new cities every few years; definitely me that lived through it. Then why does it feel like someone else's life. Have I changed that much?
I don't know if its good or bad but time seems to be passing me by faster then I had ever imagined. I need to remind myself to take a breather and reflect on life in order to appreciate all the good and bad that has made this life sucha fun adventure so far.
Gossip Girl or Gossip Guy?
Girls were, are and probably always will be considered the town gossips. Possibly somewhat true! Boys on the other hand are just perfect, they don't ever stick their noses where they don't belong, they never care about anyone else's business and always just mind their own. SO FALSE!!!!!
I was at a dinner party recently where the guys seemed to be doing more of the gossip than the girls. Here we were, having conversations about shopping, working out, weddings, and cooking (such good lil girls), only to glance over and hear the guys discussing everyone else's business. Their conversation was full of drama, who did what to whom, what someone shouldn't have done, how some guy got rid of his girlfriend and how another scored some with a new girl. I mean COME ON!!!! Is that not gossipping?
What's funny about this is that it is not something new. For as long as I have seen, men tend to be just as curious and judgemental about everyone else's life as women, if not more. Yet its always the women that take the blame and bad rep for being the "washington post". I think its coz men are just smarter at keeping their image clean and quick to act very nonchalant about any fingers pointed at them. Uggghhhhh .. makes me so mad to think of how chalu they are and how much they get away with.
I was at a dinner party recently where the guys seemed to be doing more of the gossip than the girls. Here we were, having conversations about shopping, working out, weddings, and cooking (such good lil girls), only to glance over and hear the guys discussing everyone else's business. Their conversation was full of drama, who did what to whom, what someone shouldn't have done, how some guy got rid of his girlfriend and how another scored some with a new girl. I mean COME ON!!!! Is that not gossipping?
What's funny about this is that it is not something new. For as long as I have seen, men tend to be just as curious and judgemental about everyone else's life as women, if not more. Yet its always the women that take the blame and bad rep for being the "washington post". I think its coz men are just smarter at keeping their image clean and quick to act very nonchalant about any fingers pointed at them. Uggghhhhh .. makes me so mad to think of how chalu they are and how much they get away with.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Luck or Hard Work???
You've probably heard your parents or teachers tell you throughout life to work hard and it will pay off. Give it your best shot and you will succeed. Put your heart and soul into what you want and you can have anything you set your mind to. Then there are those that swear by luck. Destiny is everything according to these believers of fate. You can only have what you are destined to have.
I look around me and think about the many people in my life that are at different phases in their careers. There are those that have done well, some that have lost their path to success and others that have succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. I have seen 25 year olds becoming Directors and Program Managers, entrepreneurs all around in their mid 20's - mid 30's, young CEO/CTO/CFOs and yet some still searching for the "perfect job".
I have a cousin that just started a company last year thats already valued at 10's of millions of dollars. A friend of mine signed a deal last year making him a millionaire for at least the next 10 years. Another friend who is making recording deals and is a millionaire before hitting 25. One whose trust fund is maturing next month and another whose kids will probably never have to work .
So is it hard work that brought them where they are or is it luck? Sure most of these people have put a lot of effort and sleepless nights into getting to where they are today. These are smart individuals with immense drives and great ambitions that lead them to success and prosperity. The trust fund babies had it all handed to them on a silver platter but they will probably spend their lives working hard in trying to maintain it. But is it just plain hard work that is solely responsible for the incredible success these people have achieved?
There are so many people that I know that are total worker bees that work above and beyond the call of duty yet they are not nearly as successful. The employees that are first in and last out yet are still awaiting promotions after doing their job well for 12 years. People that have built companies from the ground up and given it their all only to see it crumble in front of them due to freak accidents or poor economy. Classic example is of those that invested in the real estate or stock market. There are those that made millions and others that followed that lost millions. A relative of mine doubled his business thanks to a storm that hit the city next to his destroying all business in that city hence allowing my cousin to step in and take more business. I mean isn't that just pure luck? The storm could've hit his city just as easily and then he'd be outta business but instead here he is richer faster than he had expected.
I have a cousin in India who says he's just waiting for his good fortune to come. He doesn't think he has to do anything because he knows its his fate to be rich in life, his palm reader said so. He is still living with his parents and unhappily unmarried. So clearly, just luck doesn't do it.
What is it that pushes you to that next level, beyond the norm?? Is it equal amounts of luck & hard work or the "right" combination of the two? If so, how do you get to the right combination???
--Bulbuli =)
I look around me and think about the many people in my life that are at different phases in their careers. There are those that have done well, some that have lost their path to success and others that have succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. I have seen 25 year olds becoming Directors and Program Managers, entrepreneurs all around in their mid 20's - mid 30's, young CEO/CTO/CFOs and yet some still searching for the "perfect job".
I have a cousin that just started a company last year thats already valued at 10's of millions of dollars. A friend of mine signed a deal last year making him a millionaire for at least the next 10 years. Another friend who is making recording deals and is a millionaire before hitting 25. One whose trust fund is maturing next month and another whose kids will probably never have to work .
So is it hard work that brought them where they are or is it luck? Sure most of these people have put a lot of effort and sleepless nights into getting to where they are today. These are smart individuals with immense drives and great ambitions that lead them to success and prosperity. The trust fund babies had it all handed to them on a silver platter but they will probably spend their lives working hard in trying to maintain it. But is it just plain hard work that is solely responsible for the incredible success these people have achieved?
There are so many people that I know that are total worker bees that work above and beyond the call of duty yet they are not nearly as successful. The employees that are first in and last out yet are still awaiting promotions after doing their job well for 12 years. People that have built companies from the ground up and given it their all only to see it crumble in front of them due to freak accidents or poor economy. Classic example is of those that invested in the real estate or stock market. There are those that made millions and others that followed that lost millions. A relative of mine doubled his business thanks to a storm that hit the city next to his destroying all business in that city hence allowing my cousin to step in and take more business. I mean isn't that just pure luck? The storm could've hit his city just as easily and then he'd be outta business but instead here he is richer faster than he had expected.
I have a cousin in India who says he's just waiting for his good fortune to come. He doesn't think he has to do anything because he knows its his fate to be rich in life, his palm reader said so. He is still living with his parents and unhappily unmarried. So clearly, just luck doesn't do it.
What is it that pushes you to that next level, beyond the norm?? Is it equal amounts of luck & hard work or the "right" combination of the two? If so, how do you get to the right combination???
--Bulbuli =)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Ahhh to be so young and bold and fearless ...
I was at my cousin's dance rehearsal the other night for her college holiday show. Watching all the youngen's took me down memory lane to those days, many many many years ago, when I used to practice till 4 am and bust my ass over a few dance performances that were the center of my life. It was a thrill and a rush unlike any other. So much effort and energy went into it, back then I had the stamina to pull all nighters without blinking an eye, all for the personal satisfaction and the public acclaimation that kept me on a high throughout college without ever needing drugs.
More than their performances, what caught my eye, was this naive look in their eyes .. a very fearless attitude as if they could and would conquer the world as soon as they get out of school. Everything seemed to be within their reach, everything seemed possible. They knew exactly where they were going, well .. most of them anyway, and had an exact blue print of how fabulous and incredibly successful their lives were going to be. No obstacle would ever stop them, everything was doable and achievable. There was no worry in the world ... no road block that would prevent them from doing what they want and getting to where they want.
I remember that feeling clearly, although it was many years ago, I had that same sense of unstoppable power and optimism in my head. Its funny how years later, I look back and it all seems like another lifetime. That feeling, although not completely gone, has reduced in its magnitude. That attitude has had adjustments and reality has definitely had its impact on the future and its possibilites. The endless possibilities have now been narrowed down by family, friends, relationships, marriage and responsibilities. Of course, I still strongly believe you can do anything you set your mind to and give your 110% to but priorities are different. Options are limited and selection is much tougher than it used to be.
--Bulbuli =)
More than their performances, what caught my eye, was this naive look in their eyes .. a very fearless attitude as if they could and would conquer the world as soon as they get out of school. Everything seemed to be within their reach, everything seemed possible. They knew exactly where they were going, well .. most of them anyway, and had an exact blue print of how fabulous and incredibly successful their lives were going to be. No obstacle would ever stop them, everything was doable and achievable. There was no worry in the world ... no road block that would prevent them from doing what they want and getting to where they want.
I remember that feeling clearly, although it was many years ago, I had that same sense of unstoppable power and optimism in my head. Its funny how years later, I look back and it all seems like another lifetime. That feeling, although not completely gone, has reduced in its magnitude. That attitude has had adjustments and reality has definitely had its impact on the future and its possibilites. The endless possibilities have now been narrowed down by family, friends, relationships, marriage and responsibilities. Of course, I still strongly believe you can do anything you set your mind to and give your 110% to but priorities are different. Options are limited and selection is much tougher than it used to be.
--Bulbuli =)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Burning Bridges
Moving all your life makes it so easy for you to believe that you can escape people। If you ask anyone that has moved from city to city throughout their childhood, majority of them will say that they have learned to make friends quickly but also learned to move on quickly। When you start your life in a new city, you meet new people, make new friends and build new relationships fast. You learn ways to join circles of friends that have known each other all their lives. Then when its time to move to a new place, you have to leave this fairly new set of friends, detach quickly and prep yourself for the next rotation. You can make friends or break friendships without really thinking long and hard about it. It doesn't really matter anyway since you'll most likely never see them again.Lately however I have realized, this world is a very small place। Its one thing to run into people that live in your neighborhood, city or even state but when you start coming across people that live in other states or countries that you hadn't seen in 20 years, its a complete shock. This shock has lately become more and more of a reality for me.
I remember getting over things quickly in the past, relatively speaking. If someone hurt me or wasn't a good friend or did something to make me not want to speak to them, I would do exactly that, not speak to them without any warning or explanation or efforts for communication. It didn't really matter so much before because usually I would avoid them as much as possible and eventually just move so would never expect to see them again. Being in the the same place for a long time along with this globalization phenomenon is making me rethink this approach.
Perhaps some things are best dealt with and resolved, to whatever extent possible, immediately. That way there are no hard feelings and usually some form of closure. I tend to run from things that make me sad. The older I get, the more I don't like getting involved in the so called "drama" of life. Now that I'm beginning to settle down in what might be the last city I reside in, I'm starting to realize the importance of friendships, conflict resolutions and burning bridges. You never know who you'll see or need in the future. Its best to deal with life head on instead of ignoring it. This is very true for work relationships too. I see how important it is to make sure you leave every job without any ill feelings.
Its something I want to be able to do although I'm not very good at it. I see how burning bridges or holding grudges and not communicating or resolving conflicts will cause me pain in the future but sometimes I just hope that things will disappear or the pain will lessen over time.
--Bulbuli =)
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