I AM BACK!

Well, long time ;).. I don't want to make this a regular practice (Have a bunch of better things to do ;) ).. I feel my life is kinda of perfect.. Getting bashed by my dad, get home made food, can skip my promises without hurting anyone (Talk about cooking food on all weekends since when I came, incidentally on a weekend). Things otherwise are good as well, met all the guys one married the rest single (I dare say not ready to mingle ;) ), after all who wants to loose the huge drives! and late night ice creams and pubs! been ages (Again! I DON'T GET DRUNK..) ).
The point of the blog was to just inform that i reached safe and having "A ROCKIN TIME"! (Pity the ones sweating outside India (Or shivering ;) ) ) The only thing missing in my life is... (Lets keep this as the topic for the next Blog)

Cheers
Sri..

Why?

Hmm.. I am feeling terrible for something I did on Saturday.. This would be some low in my carrier. Well, when it comes to work I have never lied about anything. I have been open to agree mistakes, that's what makes me good (and improve on my mistakes). I did something to dent that rapo.. Well, there was a issue in Prod.. Initially thought it was something to do with the setting within the database (my true sense told me that this had to be informed to my manager's (in JPM)) .. Initially though I didn't notice who the mail was sent to.. Next day i did.. What did i do? Well.. Simply kept quite (1st mistake). Finally something kicked in and told me to inform everyone. what did i do next? I attributed it to me not seeing who the mail was addressed to (Well.. 2ND and the worst mistake). Now this makes me a liar.

I could have just said that.. Well, I seriously don't know what I could have said.. I feel like a total Moron now :( (Now that i cant do anything about it.. May just make my last working week hell) :(

There is Happiness who cares why ;)

Well, there have been times these days when i have come out of work happy (With a big GRIN on my face). Initially i thought it was the song that was making me happy. I get excited for no reason (no its not a girl). Not sure why, I cant be so thrilled just because I am going back to B'lore after 14 long months (or can I?). I was always wondering why people wear the I LOVE NEW YORK tee now that i have been here for 14 months I am so very tempted to buy one of those (only problem there would be 100 people like me who would think the same about me) :).

If not Blore or Mysore NYC is where i would love to be, the city is lightning fast that is the best thing i liked :) .. Guys in Bangalore - I might be superfast for the first 3 to 4 days ;) Beware.

But, it cant be just Bangalore.. Its something else... I can feel it. (or I am anticipating too much).

Ok Coffee time.. Will look back, if any of you know why i am on a high (No not drunk) please do let me know ;)

[Watched Kismat Konnection to today.. I feel its something to do with Vidya Balan ;) ].. I am sure.. Is this love?

-S

GOD! When do i retire

This is how frustrated i am today. More so that i am bloggin from office, which has never happened previously. The TODO list keeps increasing and i don't have a clue when i will finish my work. I am totally lost and I have been getting sarcastic messages from the morning.

I for one know that there are lots of things that are creeping up (Bugs in the product that i am working for), how i wish i knew all the programming languages (by the way did I tell that I HATE CODING). Anyway, there is drinks planned in another hr, i just feeling like getting lost from here. Oh God!! i am back to the same place where i started from "The grass is greener on the other side" :(

Enough of bloggin, i need to get back to work. God BLESS ME! [Then you can go bless America :( ]. Hope you guys are having better luck :)

Tata
Shriram

Mix of life

Hi there... I am one person who came to the US with lot of aspiration (not to forget the expectation). One i wanted this to be a "Jump Start" to my dwelling carrier (Good that i could achieve part of being there). It has truly been an year of learning, people around you teach a lot. My mentors were a bunch of people some names need a mention here. Vinay - My fellow teammate, who had loads of experience in Onsite.. It helped me keep my cool all the time. Munjal - Someone who i can never forget (Program Manager). Dan - Plan manager, a efficient worker, a perfectionist. Nagu - my Brother-in-Law, he had long strechs of talks it was very helpful. Satish - A technical mentor (the most helpful guy in JPMC i should say). People come into your life a leave a definite imprint.. Something that you can never forget (even if you forget the person).

Well the reason I am writing all this is because (hope) i am going back (or coming back) back to Bangalore.. Back to my Parents, Back to friends, back to FOOD, (Lets not talk about pollution, i care less).. The only thing i am worried about is my carrier.. Its been wonderful here, i dont want to fall back (People say i should be stern, i would need to see that). Yes, i do feel sad that i am moving out of NY.. a city that had so much to teach me, the culture, the fast moving nature of everything.. I was trilled to be here.. Enjoyed every minute (Truly wonderful experience).. Hope my Bengaluru is waiting to receive me (Receive me or not... Here i come :) )

Those here.. See you (after 2-3 months). People in Bengaluru.. Waiting to get there and meet all you people (Dont spoil the thrill i am not going to tell this to my parents :) )

Wonderful Song

Jheel pe jaise naav chale aahistha aahistha
Baadal mein aise yeh chaand chipey
Kehne ko hai yeh bhi chehra

Chod aaye pichey hum kisko kahan
Unko khabar hai ki hum hai yahan
Aaye baharon mein mehkaayi raah
Phir milney aayenge kya

Bas thodi doori yeh raastha kahe
Rukney lagey, phir chal diye
Jab woh hamey yun dilaatey hai vaastha vaastha
Rishte hum aise nibhaatey hai
Raat se jaise koi subah

Ab hai nazar mein ek aisa samaa
Lekar ho aayenge tum ko yahan
Anjaan rahon ke anjaan rahi
Jaaye tho jaaye kahan

Tum ho salaamat yeh dil yun kahe
Chaahe miley ya na miley
Door se jo bulaayenge, aaja na aaja na
Chaahe savaari bhi na miley
Ho sakey to chalkey aana

Cheers
Shriram

Whats New? Whats Old?

Well, Its been an yr since the American Bug bit me :)... Highlights of all the things I loved about this experience and why ;)

1)Seeing my Sister and Brother-in-law on the first day of my arrival (Even though they were late).. It was a relief (I was home sick :), already).
2)The drive back to Priya's house, and the cops that we met on the first day ("You are going on a one way!" my BIL says "Oh! is it? I was not aware" ) and no ticket [First time i felt i was lucky]
3)Priya's sight (I met her after 2 yrs.. She was my survival trick :) )
4)Friends for life.. Prasad, Vamsy, Kris and Maruthi.
5)First sight of statue of liberty (Wonderful)
6)NYC -- This is where you need to be [if not in Blore :) ]
7)First day of office (un-sure how tensed I was)
8)Me and my sister walking on the street and a lady shouting "I Like your husband :)"
9)Krishnan.. Going to his house.. He was so helpful
10)Priya again (with Prasad) picking me up from NYC.. [Why, because i cried on the phone.. Well, It was sad.. I would say my trip would have been a disater without Priya, Prasad and Vamsy]
11)Work picking up (was unsure on what to do... Never thought i would fit into what i was supposed to do)
12)Prasad helping me find a house.. Me shifting the house.. JERSEY CITY.. Vijay.. The long chats.
13)1st day of navratri.
14)Atlantic city was fun
15)Meeting Roops in Providence.
16)The first release to UAT and looking at the first screen of the application work.. It was a wonderful feeling, just like the first project i worked for.
17)Hand break on 30th Dec.. I can never forget that incident, it changed my life in someways. Made me stronger, made me understand how much i could miss my parents. My sister again was very helpful. [Things will never be the same]
18)Hard hitting at office, Munjal (Manager at JPMC) being as cool as ever.
19)Most friends getting married and me moving away from it.. I really was.. moving away too far.

.. I would come back to write more.. This is it for the day now

Cheers
Shri ;)

Did a mistake

Hmm.. There a limit to everything, i guess i just crossed it :(. Had a few people who were unhappy with me. Probably because i was doing something that i was not responsible for doing (or because i get onto people's nerves ;) ). Anyway, work is too bad these days. Things don't move. The project as such is going on pretty well (Touch wood!).

This is all about the mistake.. Now the good things.. Fun part.

A few more people getting into the wedlock (without off course a key ;) ). 1st is my very dear friend, a guy who has been there for me in the good and the bad times, someone who i will think off at bad times (only good things about him today, poor soul is getting married) fun to be with, etc etc. Oh well i forgot to mention his name (Duh!). Someshekar ;) (Somashekar actually ;) ). I know him from 8th Std, we used to study in the same class.. used to sit in the last bench.. used to get scolded by him for the wonderful marks i got in school (Please lets not get that topic out, School was the worst part of my life, partly because I was a very bad student). About the girl (I dare not take her name) works in JP Morgan in B'lore. She is a HR manager BTW, has 7 people working under her (I am sure this guy will be a nightmare to handle ;) ). She is a lovely person (i feel). Just hope both of them are really happy. Guys, your present on the way. Marriage on 28th Aug. 2nd my roomie.. Know him from 10 months, feels like i know him from 10 years.. A guy who made me a Sardar (Ek Sardar dusroon ko bi sardar bana de) ;). Well to prove that point check this site. ;) http://www.imeem.com/people/fF66SZx/music/zyDMB_Sj/amrinder_gill_neend_bykaptan_balwant/ yeah yeah punjabi de song ;). One HR the other is a Doctor, hope she is helping out a "Dil Ka Marezz" (or probably trying to bring his blood pressure down ;), which is next to impossible ). Again names ;).. The guys name is Vijay (Girl's name not taken ;) ). Marriage on 1st Sept (Location is where the sunflower grows to its maximum, which is part of every lovely movie, best depicted in DDLJ.. PUNJAB). So its 2 more marriages that i miss (and off course the food). Now lets get that list of people who got married.

1)Anju 2)Santhosh and Sujatha (Wow, both are my friends) 3)Mythili 4)Sarita 5)Saritha 2 6)Praveen 7)Soma 8)Vijay :(. .Good know how many more. :(

Guys you need to listen to the Punjabi song.. Its too good.. Actually most punjabi songs are good.. (Wah re Sardar ;) ).

I would love to write things on my blog, but salla time he nahi milta.. I would listen to this song for the rest of night... Its wonderful.. ;), The only thing in my mind is India :(

Signing off
Sri

Happy: To Be or Not to Be

Well, something inspires me to write all the time. This time it was a friend of mine (Who is more like a sister... Well i still don't understand why all girls get pushed to being my sister [Nan next topic addu]). Well, its about leaving for others; doing things for others and deriving joy off that (Well Derivation... Its a module that i am handling this time. And its Screwed for now ;)... Sorry for deviating from the topic). (Where were we, quickly runs through the prev sentence) Oh yeah! I am trying get a verdict (or was it consensus) of the few people who view my blog (I still don't know how many do, would be nice to see a 1:1 comment ratio).

Wasted a paragraph :(. Well ya, how much happiness can you draw from making other happy. I know that it is the best form of happiness (And i have felt it as well). What I have learned is to love each day being aware of the fact that each day is going to be different and there is no use of thinking of a tomorrow that may never come by. Sigh!! (The stupid Derivation Code, that's what i can think of in my head.. One type of happiness ;) ). The other thing I can think off is being with someone who is close to you, someone who gives the right advices.. That way missed my dad for the 3months that i didn't tell him about my accident. Those where the lows, there was a lesson learnt no wonder. The negative vibes turned to positive ones as soon as i spoke.

I have been lucky to have a Dad like him. As sensitive as him, i can only dream! He gave me the best advice that anyone could. What he told me was "Live like there is no tomorrow", well i didn't take that advice too seriously but i wish i did. Now i guess i am getting there. Just hope i wont do that thing again (The thing that happened on 30Th Dec 07). Well, that was just one more example of what i did after that!! Common mam (Slang in Kannada to mean Da.. Man.. Buddy.. Dude etc) you got the blog didn't you ;).

For all you guys insecure on things 2 advices from someone who knows a bit (A bit too much). (i) People who move out are irreplaceable, you will always miss them. But this should not mean you will stop living (Being alive, Being VIVO). Time is the biggest healer, music just helps (ii) Its always good to be safe with your spending, well some of the best things in life are free of cost.. That passing smile, A walk in the Park, Music (With min investment on an ipod), Feel the rain, Looking at a sunrise/sunset and well if you are in NY DT taking a trip to "Statin Island" On the ferry.. That is free too ;)

Our first and last love is.. self-love

Signing off

Cheers
Sri

Rain.. Wow.. Too Good

Well nature inspires me to write :). You need to see how pretty it is outside. Its raining like crazy. Reminded me so much of Bangalore. Never seen it to rain this crazy in here Just feel like getting drenched in the rain.

May be its time to change. Enjoy life without caring about anything. If things are to happen they will. Well.. I dont know what i am writing there is silence.. rain stopped. :(

Liked the Day (To-Day)

Well i had fun today. I feel the people in my team are great. Been really lucky to be part of great teams. I am a little drunk ;) that is one other thing i loved about the day. Aggaga ansathe full tight aganna antha (Wow i forgot that word.. Oh yeah Translation : Some times i feel i should get wasted ;) ). Hope all of you are doing great as usual, Well i got another guy who says hi (in my blog). A total stranger, which is nice ;)

Cheers and Love (I am done with the drinks today ;) )
Sri

Lighter note

Well it was a day i was waiting for a while. My project got released to "Production" with all the difficulty. With all difficulty it was the sense of satisfaction that over powered everything else. Its a bigger success for the offshore team. It was a great team effort from their side, ad mist all the difficulty. I know how hard each of them have worked. I understand their dedication, well, they have made me proud for the passion and hard work they have put in. Time to look back, for me i never thought this would be possible in such good fashion (I am a little Pessimistic). When it mattered most each one in the offshore team has stood up and delivered something extremely important against all odds.

Its time to Salute all those great offshore minds in the project. People who helped us save our asses and our faces :). It was a great feeling when the project went to Production. One of the best. (The pressure was too much to handle, just happy that i got through it)

Cheers
Sri

First for June

Hey there.. Hope all viewers of this blog are doing doing great. . Thought i would put in a post for June. Well, work has reached a height of frustration and tension (I am good for now.. Able to handle pressure (The level of irritation keeps decreasing.. Not sure if its a good or bad sign ;) )). Work one side, there are lot of other things happening in life. My chocolate partner (My sister Roopa) had a baby this week (on 2nd June) that makes me an Uncle (Mama). From what i hear the baby is very cute, well she should be right? :) . Other things that things just keep dragging. I have plans but not really putting my brain on to it (People who know me you know the reason).

I am listening to lots of music now a days (So much that my ear has started paining ;) ). Well, have to admit, thats the only thing thats kept me alive (VIVO. Well the blog name ;)). Today was not different.. Listening to lots of tamil songs. Miss ravi a lot today for some reason (Ravi is a friend from college). I guess this trip has made me a mentally tough (i was previously too, but this was a test), God just gave me trouble as much as i can handle (Which is good!!). I guess everyone should experience this life.. Away from home.. You really get a sense of what you miss, makes you a little humble, its nice. You miss people like crazy (that makes you want them more right, which is good right?). Ok i need to talk to someone now. A friend of mine is leaving to Japan today, just want to wish her all the very best. As always, i would love to see a few comments (Few more people watching my blog, more comments)

Cheers and Love
Sri

Good note

Well i guess its some kind of marriage season.. First, all my friends are getting into commitments (of getting married)... It's a strange feeling that i cant get rid of my mind. For one i am little strange (and i have no hesitation accepting it) and two.. How the hell can i stay with a complete stranger (and how can she take a "Wako", its my pet name from college ;) )

Friendship is good.. Marriage is a little off track. I was told about the violin's, bell, etc, etc.. But dont think those things work any more... For me, For now.. Carrier is fun.. My dreams are fun.. Living for myself is good (well dont think i am ready for a marriage.. And for guys like me.. We can never be sure of being ready for marriage). However, i am seriously going back to India in a bit.. Back to the trees.. Rain.. lots of Friends.. that lovely home.. the train.. the farm.. bike.. i can see a slide show right now.. Wish (actually being a little selfish) all my friends were not married.. (if i had a time machine i would have gone back to Sept 2003.. College.. Friends.. Those trips.. College bunks.. Those days will never come back :) )..

Well i am living ok.. Till the ok feeling gets to "great" no marriage for me ;)

Things i miss

The feeling of frustration just kicked in. I want to put in a few things that i miss from my childhood.
1)Miss my mom dragging me to get to school (when it came to school i used to do anything that would make me stay at home.. Some of them being Acting Sick, Crying)
2)Miss fighting with Roopa (My 2nd Sister) for a bar of chocolate. [Finally it used to get split into 2 equal halves, well almost or i would get the bigger piece]
3)My first cycle in which i used to VRROOOMMM inside the house [Well, it was a tri-cycle ;) ]
4)The small pond in our house.
5)My dad teaching me how to ride a cycle [All that he did was.. pushed the cycle]
..... I can see those scenes all in my mind.. Somethings are really difficult to forget
6)Ride that Soma used to give me when i had a broken hand.
7)Getting scolded by Benny Sebastian (He was my Electronics Lecturer in Christ College), didn't realize why he was scolding (Well, send him a mail as soon as i wrote this point ;) ).
8)Meeting that very special guy on the first day of college (i guess the whole world spin'ed around after that)
9)Pampering that i received from college (For the first time i enjoyed studying and liked the things that came with that)
10)The bets on who i would overtake (Academic percent wise) a fellow student [Always used to win these ;) ].
11)Being with a set of like minded people.
12)Those 4 lovely years of engineering [I those were the days i enjoyed my life, really wonderful]
13)1st day of office, first day of meeting someone who i never used to talk in college.. but became so close to in office
14)That 8th sem project, with two of my closest friends (Well 3, 1 outside partner).. the final night outs (Getting the project report, listening, thinking, dry project description with "Flute path reconstruction system ;)" It was fun though.
15)Missing someone on and off (this was a close friend of mine.. Names not taken.. For people who know me well.. You know who i am talking abt )
16)Miss working long hours for TZA.
17)Miss not working in HYCee (It looks Ironic right?)
18)Miss my bike, driving the car in B'lore.
19)Miss BENGALURU
20)Miss INDIA

Will there be a time when all of these will be with me? One place, one time?

Why come here?

Hmm, there was something that hit me like a rock. I was looking at a profile (Was looking for a friend and my mind diverted to an unknown profile [AS USUAL] ). Why do we leave our home country (India for me) and start missing it like crazy :(. I was on one side really confident that i could handle my life. I wouldn't miss anything from B'lore, etc ,etc.. But now i know nothing of that is true (The feeling is that they will never be.) now i feel like packing my bags (with shoes) and running away. To hell with everything (I can live a happy life with enough money rather than live an uncertain life).

The message on why we are here is clear, we want to move ahead with our life. Compete with others. Work hard, make a mark in life (not to forget the $$, still is 40Rs ;) ), but then is it really worth missing your family? Your friends? Your Home? Your Bike? Sheesh, like my sister said i truly have become a philosopher

That profile really touched me. Can i get my flight tickets today? :)

Freakin Busy day

Hmm, its been a tiring day. For the first time i was working in office till 7:15 PM (Well i don't run from my work i start work at 8AM ;) and when i work i really do). Had to come back and started the comp again. There was a Tech Arch meeting today, the guy was very knowledgeable the only thing was it was like he was introgating me ;) . Well the only thing i can think of is my trip to CA. Will meet my parents after 7 months. I am excited. Cant wait to see them :), cant wait to see my sister.. WTF.. My whole family ;) . I have ****** got bored of staying here. :) Anyway i guess things are changing a little.

I want to write something else here... but i am holding from putting my pen down :). Have a lovely day all of you. Take care madi.

Everything has a reason. Live life like there is no tomorrow (don't break your hand or leg thou :) )

Love
Sri :)

Engaged... Forever, Congrats

Hey,

Its the unfolding of one of the loveliest days of my life. Well, 2 things today is my Sister's bday (9th Apr in US) and in 4 hrs time one of my closest friend is getting engaged (10th Apr in India). Well, I for one had been waiting for this a while (Heard her talk abt this all the time.).

Her name (Forgot that, cant help my nuts are lost) is Mythili. I have seen her since 7yrs now know her for 3yrs (Where did the 4 yrs go? Those were in the college i had a big group and.. still beats me as to why i didnt talk to her). She is one of the most bubly girls i have seen. In one sentence "She is one person i have seen smiling the most." Keep the smile up Myth, know you will have a great life. Take care.. :)

Just a question ;)

If you get the right girl, will you ever feel that you can't leave without her... (live with her or no one else).. Never got that feeling about anyone.. Not sure if i will ever feel that way (Probably i am too unromantic... But... Does it ever happen?)

Question open for expr'ed people only... Not for "L" boards like me ;)

Love
Shri ;)

Dream...

Well, hope this is a little funny (well my life is). Was listening a song on friendship, really very impressive. Always had/have lovely friends. It was always a dream that i get married to someone i knew (someone who would be a great friend before a wife) someone who understands my world, never expects me to change (well the only thing i can promise is that i would never tell her to change on anything).

Yeah, i always thought of a friend who fits into this role really well (but the thing is our friendship has matured so much that i am so very happy that she be my friend, i dont think it can ever happen). Now feel i will get married to someone my parents search for (well life ends here all the time ;) and on the other end of the fence i think i am a lousy decision maker ;) ). I guess i am really very adjusting so i am pretty sure any girl will be good for me. The only thing i can think abt now is..... What if i meet someone who gives me the feeling that i know her from a while? What do i do? Should i say, chuck it?

The first thing that i am going to do when i get back to Bangalore is

1)Give a big huge to my lovely friends Santu, Ravi, Giri, Soma, Bharath, Sat, Chethan, Sumesh, Saral (Miss this special guy.. He is having a test of his own. Know that he is strong enough to be totally out of it... Very soon, sorry buddy couldnt be with you this time) and a lot more guys
2)Go to a pub with Soma. (3hrs Have so much to drink ;), not too good at this thou ;) )
3)Go to a coffee shop with Sanjana (2 hrs reserved.. There is so much to talk)
4)Meet all my NTPs (the 3rd and final group that i will ever be with, man did we Chime)
5)There is one more person i want to meet ;) (Secret, I am pretty sure the person i am talking abt will... Wondering who... It might just be you ;) )

Friends are forever, we will be together!!!!

I'am Lucky

Well, I have to admit this. I am actually lucky, god has given me strength to come out of my miseries. It was my Bday on 28th Mar, Well i turned 26. I thought it would be a lousy bday, but it was wonderful. Loved that day. Felt i was with my family. It seriously was. A girl named Neha prepared a wonderful cake for which she was awake till 1AM. I guess she would be a sister in my previous jyanma ;). My roomie was very nice (he has always been). The land lord is a great lady (you need to see her to believe). Well, like to explain the whole sequence.

That night i got a little cream on my face. The day i got to take blessings of the landlords MIL (it was special). I went to office. Came back at around 5:00 PM. My roomie came at around 7 PM. Then.. They called me down. Light were off. A long alley, all dark and a candle (will the light at the end of the tunnel ;) ) a cake and a candle with a '?' ;). People told me to cut the cake. I did light came on, It was wonderful. **** the other things, i am lucky, lucky it was just my hand, lucky to have been able to take care of myself, lucky to be around with great people, lucky to have got friends like Prasad, Vamsy, Kris, Vijay, Sreekar... Its been a good trip so far, i hope my fortune changes with the climate. Finally, i got another family a bro, 2 sisters (lets make it 3).

Where is the stupid light (I am close to the end of the tunnel ;) )

Hey.. Hope you guys are doing much better than me. Well, i decided to come out of the shackles and write something nice. The past few days have been a bit of a tragedy for me. In one corner of my mind i fell that my hand will heal, in the other i think what if....? Anyway, whatever be the case i will face it and will face it with a Smile :) (Thatz the real me).

Sometimes takes time to realize that this is not that much pressure and i can get through. I am currently thinking abt the worst case scenario.

Physically (this is priority), i will have another 3 weeks of torture. I will miss my parents, my friends, people i like, people i hate. But then i had that experience previously... Means i should be able to handle it better this time around.

Mentally, i will loose a few more dollar's (Lost 4,600$ last time around), might loose a little more this time and may not be able to take anything back with me (Not to forget the tough brain). That i would say is Ok. I still have a long way to go. The experience has been stunning.

I always thought i would be very happy after coming out of physiotherapy on the day i left that place i realized i would miss Erin (Physiotherapist) who spoke to me well, pepped me up all the time. Frankly, she was very impressive.

I am right now telling myself it time to move on (its gonna be difficult, but i guess i can pull myself through this difficult times). Signing off. Take care

Horrible Day

I had a bad day today. Having a bad season i guess. Days are a mixed baggage, feel sometimes that things are going to get better. However, today was one day where i felt everything went horribly wrong. I had an appointment with the doctor today (for my broken arm which underwent a surgery), everything was so positive.. My hand looked great i could do almost anything with it. The doctor was happy with the progress too (he said "We are getting rid of you today").

Then he said, ok i guess its time for an x ray lets see how things are. Went for an X Ray and came back. The doctor started looking at my X Ray. I over heard him talking to his recorder. Where in he repeatedly said "Bone not healing, bone not healing, if things go bad its going to be a plate failure" (One of the plates). He called me and said. "I have bad news for you" (Oh man!!! not again). He showed my X Ray and said that one of the screw was coming out of the plate and the bone underneath was not developing.

Don't feel like writing anything more

Racial Discrimination, Are we the targer or Source

I just wanted to come off my emotional posts. I guess this would open a slight debate. We always felt that there is racial discrimination in US/Europe. But you'd be surprised if i say there is more racial discrimination between us (Indians) then we getting discriminated elsewhere. Still following?

Being in Bangalore i used to observe a whole lot of things, North Indians (Observe, the discrimination.. What does North or South have to do... But we still do address each other as North and South Indians ;) ) lot of whom were my friends (Some really close) kinda got favored by North Indians (And i dare say a little ill treated by south indians.. Well obvious, not directly). Now that i am in the US, feel that people here are really cordial (All American/Europeans are, Indians not that much. Looks like they are scared of something) and the Indians here are Indians not South, not North. I share a room with a guy from Punjab. I would put him in one of the best friends that ever met. We work as a team, obviously having friends from Punjab helped me a little. But i am sure i would have been good anyway.

In here at times you would see Kids (Indians) telling "Abey Edison kyun janna waha pe bahut sari South Indians hai" (Edison is a place in NJ. Majority of people are Indians, Well South Indians) (Brought to my notice by Munjal, my big boss in here.. Was bad to hear that). Should we do this to ourselves? Should we separate our country to North, South, East and West? Should we have Muslim, Christian Hindu, Sikh, Jain? Does it make a difference as to who works for the country?

PS: Oh man!!! All the posts that come are serious ones. Hope next one will be a little funnier

Good weekend. Cheers

Love old songs, tastes as good as old wine ;)

This would be kinda adhoc post. Was just listening to all the songs that i heard being a kid. Its my memories of the past (History thara ;), when i was 5... Say 20 years back ). My dad was really found of songs from Mukesh, Mannadey, Lata Mangeshkar, etc etc. We liked these songs a lot too, things that you grow up with always have a special value. Would be that way for ever (Like a friend, a crush, a lovely song, a cheerful place were you grew up.. You can never forget them).

I guess these memories are to stay, stay for really long... Good were those times, when life had more to offer. Before i sign-off. A real fact about life ;)

"Zindagi ...kaisi hai paheli, haaye
Kabhi to hansaaye kabhi ye rulaaye
Zindagi...

Kabhi dekho man nahi jaage peechhe peechhe sapno ke bhaage
Ek din sapno ka raahi chalaa jaaye sapno ke aage kaha
Zindagi...

Jinhone sajaaye yaha mele sukh-dukh sang-sang jhele
Wahi chunkar khaamoshi yu chali jaaye akele kaha
Zindagi..."

PS: I never knew i was so emotional ;)... Well thats just me, i change like the seasons.. Well the good times are round the corner. ;)

India to USA-Part 3

Hmm, now i was in the Airport. Bharath and Nikki dropped my luggage off at the airport and left (Wanted them to stay but felt that would get me weaker). My parents were there with me. I could see my mom was in the verge of crying, holding her tears, making sure that it doesn't affect me (Now that she was the one who told me that it was my work and it was nice for me to get off from the protection of home). That was when i had the strong feeling in my mind "Did i do the right thing? Is going to US really required?" (Oh GOSH!!! I still cant get that question of my mind). I spoke my parents off the broken window were my mom said ("Channagge nodkoo, time sariyagge oota maddu, gasthe acche thinnbedda") (Translation : Take care of yourself, have food at the right time, dont eat out too many times.) I said "Worry madkonbedda i will be great" (Am i? ;) ).

After talking for 15 mins, i told my parents to get back home and that i would call them. They said "Yes" and left the airport. I guess those were the worst 2hrs of my life so far. Was alone, roaming around the airport and trying to talk to each one of my friends. Mala (Its a guy, name is Malakondaiah), Rashmi, My parents, Ravi, Santhosh, Bharath, Sanjana.... The list goes on... Then found something interesting to do, overhearing 4 Scott's on the airport. Was wondering why i was not able to understand whatever they spoke (man that accent, didn't know my boss here would have the same accent ;), i can understand him though ;) (now) ). Then comes the announcement, i picked up my trolley bag and started moving towards the check in area. Was a little worried (first time on a flight and off course the bad tummy ;).). finally reached my seat, was hoping that an Indian would sit next to me, but it was not to be :). It was an American lady (She as actually from Porto Rico). She had come on a GE Project to Bangalore. She just and a "Hi" and slept :).

The flight started moving,I was thinking "Man if this flight stops here i am going to call for the crew and get back home ;)" ... But, it didn't. Saw Benguluru from the sky, it was a pretty sight. :). Saw it for the last time, thinking that i wouldn't see her again for an year (In India, everything pretty is her, unlike NY where you have Hudson River, etc). The flight was boring, spoke to the lady next to me. She was very reassuring she always told me "You will be great" :). I had a connecting flight to catch at Heath row Airport. The flight was at 2:45 PM (GMT, forgot to mention my Flight in B'lore was at 6:30AM) and i was still mid at 1:00 PM ;), Surprising!! I was that i was not tensed. :)... Well i went to heath row 1hr earlier, at 1:45.. Foreign land was nice (considering i had never gone above Goa, its a south Indian state ;), very south ;) ).

Then i remembered all the things that Mythili told me
1)Before getting down from the flight in Heathrow make sure you pick a bottle of water from the flight - Did that, took a bottle of water
2)Have the water with you, water is too costly in airports - Couldn't do this as there was a big board which read "No bottle allowed over this point, and the lady cop (incidentally a Desi) told me to chuck the bottle.

Roamed around heathrow, the airport looked like a mall ;). Ferraro Roche was the first thing that pulled my eye ;). Just realized that i can have any number of Ferraro Roche's i was getting to my chocolate partner (There is a competition here, 2 people Roopa (My pretty sister) and Priya (another sister, man, what would have i done without her, she was my weekend survival trick ;) )).

Finally!! The call from my next flight (After a delay of 1 hr), i boarded my next flight (Flight took off after another 45mins, no runway was free).. This time though it was an Indian next to me (He didn't talk a word ;) ). The flight was overfilled with American air hostesses. The food was awesomely awful ;). The lady in my previous flight suggested me to taste Cranberry Juice. So it was time for a few cranberry juices (Actually 8 cups of them ;) ). Now, i was stuck.. knew couldn't go back, hoped that things will work out fine for me (Hoped bad). Slept in that flight for around 5 hrs.. Reached Newark airport, got my immigration done without any problem, well almost, i didn't like being called an alien ;) (Well who cares now ;) ). Then had to pick my bags, thanks to people (who said British airways is bad with luggage) i didn't recognize one of my bag for 45 long mins (Even thou it ran over me 10 times ;) ). Finally decided to check the lonely bag.. guess what, it was the bag i was looking for. :))

Next on my blog me reaching America and what happened next (The sifting of 4 houses in a week was an experience (A bitter one, was made a little better by Priya and Prasad)). Will sign off now.

Liked this one :)

Hey all,

There is a friend of mine (Krishna) who is really great in singing. I guess you guys should look at it... Put in your comments in his web :)

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=537805

Cheers to Krishna

Love
Sri

India to USA-Part 2

Pre-requisite: India to USA-Part 2 (Its a continuation, i Promise there wont be dependency from next time ;) )

Now then i reached b'lore. The next few days were a little hard. People close to me didnt know that i went for a stamping and i couldnt explain to them that it happened so quickly that i couldnt tell anyone. Anyway, things came to normal (Some people telling themselves... whatever... I know of a few... I am sure you were one of them.. Gotcha ;) ).

Finally!! the shopping spree started, God know why people shop so much (Well that is something that i have not found an answer for :) ). With shopping another thing started as well the treat spree. I just had time for one.. It was with some of my closest friends (Literally Chadi dost, guys who i grew up with, guys who mean a lot to me :) ). Bharath, Nikki, Sumesh, Chethan, Sathish, Praveen, Soma, Ashwini (She is slightly new to the team, well i guess this circle is going to get big ;) in couple of years time). We went to Amar Court (Not sure on the spelling, Boy was it expensive ;) ). As per the tradition we started off with a few drink, i took on 2 Vodka's (60ML vodka, 200ML Sprite), well this was my second time, the company made me take 2 :)... Was fun. Never liked vodka since then (Its served too strong here ;) ). The bill was fat (so big that the hunters became the hunted, didnt understand, the people in the treat had to pay 2K Rs ;) ).

Back to shopping, I had to meet 2 (actually 3 one of whom was in Germany (Well his name is Giri, had to put it in.. Reader's Request ;) ) already) more guys who meant a lot to me. One who is partly responsible of me doing well in engineering (No, i didnt copy in the exam from him ;) ). First time i felt that if you are with a guy who studies hard you tend to study too (Atleast hardly ;) ). Met Ravi and Santhosh (Remember the 2 guys) in Garuda mall (We had become so close that we used to call each other each day for 3 months after getting off college. :) ). I had to buy a few things so all the 3 of us went to marathahalli, brought a Nike Slippers, a suitcase (Each time i did this i would update my shopping bills, i remember it was 17K already ). Then we went to MK Ahmed Bazaar. Santhosh is a pro in food stuff so he suggested a few ready to stuff from MTR (I had not prepared Rice ever so, this was a survival trick ;) ).

Never thought that would be last time that i would see them before getting to US. Thatz what happened though, miss them a lot now... Dont know why :(.. There were a fews guys that i couldnt meet too, that was much more disappointing.. Would have loved to hug everyone and say bah bye ;).

That week was one of the most hectic weeks of my life.. Getting tickets booked was the other part of the pain ;). Now i would fast forward a little and come to the last 2 days before i left ;).

Sept 27th : One day before i left, sitting in office getting ready with things, understanding the project, understanding the client.. Started wondering then "Iddu yella bekkagitha antha" (Whether i wanted all this ;) ). Well the answer then was "Yes, Givmme more" Now i say "Oh man!! what have i got myself into ;)". I remember that night... All that i could think of is "Oh man i cant sleep on this bed for a while now, how bad is that :(, to make it worse, i used to see my mom i> Worried Missing me (Already), but well that's life right, like the birds you cant stay in the nest for long..

Sept 28Th: A day when i met a few friends, one of whom was Sanjana, a best friend of mine (When it comes to girls :))someone who i could talk about anything serious. She presented me a nice blue kurta, which i wore for one of the office functions. Felt nice. Next met Swaroop, considering he was traveling too on the same day :) he was busy too, caught up with him after a struggle ;). Next came Mythili, another close friend of fine.. who knew exactly what to present me.. Fruit and Nut and a greeting card. Look at it each time i am a little down, feels nice. Cant forget that day, had a bad tummy, had to fly the next day, didn't get a min of sleep, couldn't think of anything except my home, my parents, my room, toilet (Oh man i am serious that was something that i was thinking about :) )... Sheesh!!!

Finally the day arrived. I had a 6:30 flight to catch. My bags were weighed 20 times at least :). Then comes in Bharath and Nikki... Help me pick my bags and i got a drive from my dad... It had been i while since i saw him drive. Mom and dad in front me at back, looking at the lovely streets of Bangalore, Inner ring road. Was remembering a Friend who liked this stretch of road a lot... I knew why ;).

Well, Time to say good bye for now.. Will be back soon with more. Flight happenings and arrival at USA next :)

India to USA-Part 1

Just wanted to put down all the things that i remember from my trip here (Not over yet thou)and The few days before i got here. Surely, this is not gonna be one post and things that are not meant to be public wont be put in:).

Before coming here

Sept 11 07 - Finally my delivery manager decided that i had worked in India for long and felt that i could handle the pressure of being in a "Tough Project" and client facing. She told me "Shriram visa date book maddu" (Easy i guess "Book your visa date"). I had too much work that day so really could not book on that day.

Sept 12 07 - I went to the visa cell, told them that i had to go for a stamping. The Q&A went on for a while, then the question came "Is this the 2nd time" (My visa got rejected the first time). I said "Yes". Then came the bad news (Good i mean :) ). She said "You need to go for your stamping by 18th" to add more she said "Tomorrow is the only day you can go ;)".. Oh man!! I was puzzled, didnt know what to do :). Went back to my Delivery manager. She said "Hoon hogu" (Yes go!!). I was shocked!! i took my bag and left office. Didnt have cloths, no photos, no tickets, no reservations :(... That was the only day i felt when things have to happen they do. Everything worked out just fine, i got a nice sleeper Volvo (Sleepers with bed, first time i saw something like that :) )

Sept 13th (Still in 07, will let you know when i jump to 08) :) - Went for getting stamped (Felt that way as it was the second time and didnt think i would get it ;) ). Stood in the queue for a while. Wearning a bage color pant and a white shirt with a red tie (A few of my friends liked me wearing that ;) ). my visa stamping happened at 11:20 (Thatz quick right!! considering that i reached at 10). Hmm, i got my visa... Full kush. Sat in an auto and went back to the hotel. Then decided i would go back to bangalore (without having food.) mid way to the railways station i realised that i left all my documents in the Visa consulate (Oh man, i looked like an Ass to myself, Documents are life in India, you can never get them back :) ).. Told the auto driver to get back to Visa consulate. Thank god got all my docs back.

Went back home realising 3 things

1)I would never have to go back to Chennai ;)
2)That i would miss my lovely bangalore, my parents and my lovely and pretty friends (Guys are lovely, girls pretty ;) )
3)Oh man!! i didnt tell anyone about this, i am really gonna get screwed when i tell them that i am going to the US :)

Sat in the train, unreserved compartment and chennai, wow what a combination ;)... supposed to reach b'lore at 10:30, it reached KR Puram (a station in blore) at 9:30... It was pouring Cats and Dogs (Literally, i caught a few ;) ) and i made a decision to catch an auto.

10 PM i got to Airport inner ring road and man!! the auto stopped and the driver said i cant take you any further then this :(. I said ok.. Decided to walk.. Well right decision as the roads were filled with sailing cars (Sailing is correct :) ).. I walked 200 feet my right slipper got washed away, another 500 feet 2nd slipper gone too :). Walked bare foot for a while and then decided to wear my shoes. Walked and found a few guys like me (Worse actually) pushing their bikes, one was a HR in a company had just come from toronto and the other guy was working in IBM... Good fun, 3 guys who didnt know each other at all walking and talking like they knew each other from long time, making jokes.. That was a nice experience.

Weel need to prepare food now.. Coming up in my next post, my meeting with Bharath, Nikki, Praveen, Sathish, Chetan, Soma, Santu, Ravi, Sanjana, Mythili, Swappy, Rashmi, (Not my sister, she will come into the pic in a while). Not meeting a few close friends.. Sujatha, partha, afgi. Wait on for that. Take care. Have a wonder day :)

Snow snow everywhere

I was always been a great fan of snow. I guess one bad experience has not changed that in any sort. I still love snow, still want to play in the snow exactly like the 2 kids i saw down the street.

Well, its kind of a shocker that i don't want to take that risk until my hand is alright. I am all ready for the snow this year end. I have a to do: list

1)Run on snow (Fall on a snow bed, hope this time it will be a soft landing ;) )
2)Make a ball and hit each other, not sure who is gonna come with me. Oh, boy thats gonna be so much fun ;)
3)Go to New Hampshire (Its a place here close to Canada). Oh man what a lovely place (BTW, thats where i fell ;) )
4)Ski on the black slopes
5)Make a snowman (Oh ya, carrot is must)

Probably this time, i will be safe and fly back to India (in one piece and without any bandages)... :).. Want to do that as the last activity here. I guess i will sign-up now.

On an offshore call currently, looks like i am in trouble :). Wow, this is gonna be so much fun :).

Middle class, Good or Bad?

Hey there,

Most of us are from the middle class of families. I am one of them too. I am really happy about it. Now the real discussion is about up to what level you want to consider yourself "Middle Class"?

My parents always told me "Studies is the most important thing in life. You study well you will earn money, if you don't you are a failure". Even though i was not great in studies my parents always encouraged me. Finally, out of difficulty i became an engineer. Joined a job too, now i feel i shouldn't be 'Middle class' anymore. Middle class in the way i think, in the way i dream.

Usually we are stuck with what our parents pushed, get a job -> get married -> don't take too many risks -> you will live a decent life.

I have big dreams (I cant think of small dreams, i guess i am worth more). Big dreams -> Bigger Risks. I want to go solo (Not so solo too), want to open a coffee shop. Want to serve people, want to have a concept of my own. Want to kick the IT bucket.

My middle class thinking wont allow me to "Invest" 40 L Rs on something that is really very risky (not very profitable too). Lets see if i can break the shackles. So badly want to :).

Should i kick IT run behind my dream, my passion?

Views welcome ;). I am not a great writer (What a way to plead for compliments ;) ), hope you guys can understand what i write :).

FAQ's :)

I met with a accident on 30th Dec. This post is for all those who want to know how i am. Wow, what a reason to create a blog ;). Anyway these are the set of question that i usually need to answer. Well guys, thanks for all those who like me so much :) Its a wonderful feeling, wished i was there with all you guys :)......

1)When did it happen?
A:You are not looking at the post ;) 30th Dec 2007

2)That should have been real terrible (Two days before new year's)?
A:Oh Yes!! its a torture, when you can't move your hand :(

3)How did it happen? Which hand?
A:I was out with my brother in law and his friend for skiing. We had actually gone to New Hampshire (What a wonderful place, man i missed it :( ). Had a breakfast break in Mac Donald's, while getting back i didn't notice the ice on the pavement. So... The rest is history. Right hand

4)Did your brother in law take you to the hospital?
A:No, called 911 the paramedics gave me a ride in their ambulance. The ride cost me 945 $, out of which i have to pay 100$

5)Was it so bad?
A:Oh yes, i never knew there were 2 bones in the hand. What more, i found out that both had broken into 4 pieces.

6)How did they fix it?
A:I underwent an operation, have 2 steel plates and 11 screws.

7)Why operation?
A:That was the only option, i had to get it done there itself as the doctor there scared us telling the bone might come out of the skin

8)How long was the operation?
A:90 mins of torture

9)Was it fine post operation?
A:It was a nightmare for 1 week, my sister and BIL took good care of me. But the pain was too much, well everything was mad.

10)Who took care of you after a week?
A:I have a great roomie, he prepared food for a week for me and packed lunch too.

11)Did the bandage come out?
A:Yes, after 2 weeks

12)What did the doctor say?
A:He said "This is the worse anyone can do to their hand, would take 4 months to recover. Don't expect it to be as it was previously" ( :(( ). You can join physiotherapy.

13)How has the recovery been
A:Pretty good, my right hand is 40% strength of my left hand.

14)How much do you have to spend?
A: LOTS :)

15)Has it effected your work?
A:Oh yes, i guess i am not doing much. Not happy about it but, don't have a choice.

16)Did you tell your parents?
A:I actually didn't want to, but a friend of mine told me to and i did, they were shocked. Well, Happens

Guys this is one of the toughest phase of my life, just hope i come through :). Thanks guys :)