Dec 15, 2009

Observe, Perceive, Employ

Being a romantic and adventurer, I'm not a mist-hater. It makes the world look dreamy, beautiful yet uncertain, discovery prone, demanding exploration.

Atlanta, caught between watery clouds, made me come up with all these hypotheses yesterday. One could gaze up to a certain distance, but after a point landmarks seized to exist to the trained eye. And today, there seemed to be innumerable streets, buildings, and cars lighted up outside the window. Almost an unusual, puzzling amount. The confusion, however, was short-lived as I recalled the mist and realized its affect on how I perceived the same view on two (or rather, three) consecutive days.

Is that what's so attractive about a momentary change? A fresh way of looking at the same, familiar, taken-for-granted surroundings. Thinking about them from a previously unknown or overlooked perspective. Appreciating the existence, the legacy, and smiling away...

Dec 13, 2009

Aroma Reboot

It has been a month since a cigarette stick last danced between my fingers. A month since it last kissed my lips. A month since it filled my lungs with guilty pleasure. Fingers don't reek of disgust anymore and deadly coughs are close to nonexistence.

Pockets feel both heavy and light - no 20-packs, no gum-sticks, no liquid scents. Limbs only shiver when necessary, when stepping out is a requirement. Nervous system craving nicotine is dismissed as soon as it's realized. Which, by the way, is inversely proportional to time - as time moves on, cravings decrease. In other words, time lapse between two successive cravings is on a rise.
Screen shot 2009-12-13 at 7.07.22 PM.png


Held the last black butt between my right index finger and thumb on November 11, 2009 at 12:10am. Looked right into it, said good-bye, and put it back into the Kretek Black Box. Idea is to get it framed and celebrate! Everyday!

Dec 5, 2009

Travel Green

Stopped using MARTA - Atlanta's public transit system - at the end of my Spring 2009 semester at Georgia State University. In spite of working at the university over this past summer, I chose not to commute using the train. Initial reason was to get in shape. I bicycled, walked, even ran to work sometimes. After a couple of weeks, however, addition of a second job - about 20 miles from GSU - on my daily to-do list, prohibited the possibility of foot or public transport, leaving the sole alternative: burning petroleum every single day of the week. And so I did, for the next eight months, until December 1, 2009.

Ever since my decision to move to the heart of Midtown Atlanta - Intersection of Peachtree Street and Ponce De Leon Avenue - I had been excited about walking to everywhere! However, after the initiation of the Daily Fuel-Burn program, I started driving to everywhere! Even if I had to go a few blocks to Tenth and Piedmont, or even worse, two blocks to North Ave and Piedmont!

Thus, four days ago, on the first day of the last month of the last year of the first decade of this second millennium a.d., after several months of procrastinating the application of this idea, I decided to again start using Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for all my in-town commutes.

Happy to announce: I am now a Green Commuter. And with this mother nature love comes the free tool of just enough alone time to get in touch with one's inside nature, to keep it in check and make sure it's getting enough music, podcast listening, and reading time.

Signing off,
-Happy Soul, oh yeah...

Nov 23, 2009

Soberld

This weekend was primarily nasha free and the results are worth boasting about. Instead of [a lot of] alcohol, consumed warm water with a hint of mint and caffeine. In spite of sleeping at five in the morning, woke up fifteen minutes before eleven and didn't even mildly feel guilty about it. Oh, and was up before eight on Saturday. Ecstatic, yes, very much so.

Besides these trivial yet exciting achievements, I ended up accomplishing, or rather doing, various things instead of lazily laying limp. Saturday began with the Enrollment Day at the Art Institute.

Disclosure: I've switched school and the area of study after wasting four years and [let me not mention how] much money at Georgia State. All this while, I was trying to figure out what to do, never feeling a hundred percent sure about anything. One fine summer night - late night - I realized I had blocked out the only thing that could make me happy, that made me happy all throughout high school - Design. Past eight years of my life came rushing back, helping me make sense of everything that had and had not happened. Parents, of course, aren't happy with the fact that their daughter, eldest of the two idiots they've raised, is twenty-two and still only has a high school diploma. Back when I lacked dedication and couldn't find direction, the same bothered me too. Now, I'm content with where I'm headed and the decision I've made.

-Future User Experience/Interface Designer


Had yet another question-answer, explain-my-stand session with dad at and after the Ai event. It has been going on for some time with successive failures. I don't see my arguments making sense to him until my actions start shaping my career. Which is understandable and thus - I've concluded - discussions are worth avoiding for the time being.

Moving on. With little, not so important, details in between - snacking at Chatpati after several years, putting a check mark next to "buy art supplies", late night, lighted up, chilly Atlantic Station walk, making french toast for breakfast, getting some money-bringing work done - lunch at Varasano's Pizzeria and Amy Schumer at the Punchline Comedy Club deserve ovation.

Varasano's is a fairly new joint, with only salads, pizzas, and desserts on their food menu. That's probably the reason why they excel at what little they offer. From the first sip of Death In the Afternoon - Champagne and Absinthe with a sugar cube - and the first bite of Nucci - Garlic, Olives & Emmenthaler finished with Arugula, Mushrooms & Herbs - to the last drop and crumb finding it's way out of the glass, off of the place into my mouth & beyond, the entire experience was heavenly. As soon as I first sipped, chewed, and swallowed, I was talking about my next visit to this pizzeria. If you're in Atlanta and you haven't been here yet, please allow me to accompany you :) (no, it ain't on me, we'll split the bill).

Sunday outing came to an end with comedian Amy Schumer performing at the Punchline in Dunwoody. I'm not into stand-up comedy, but I'm open to exploring if the event is free (deal tweets, peeps). Had been to a show once before, at the same location, and didn't enjoy it at all. Today, however, not hearing something - as a result of prolonged laughter - made me want to rewind the live show. That's all I gotta say. Good night folks, you've been a great audience!

Nov 19, 2009

Geetali to GTalli, and back...

Drinking and getting drunk seem to go hand in hand for amateurs and college students. When, in January 2006, I was introduced to the wonderful world of liquor, I did the same - drink and get drunk. Did it for the next three years and ten months. Always hating the morning after... not recalling details of intriguing conversations held, disgusted by dry aftertaste in mouth, feeling tired, needing sleep.

Yet, I continued to drink and get drunk (and was soon nicknamed GTalli). It made me feel free, it helped me say things I wouldn't have otherwise. Things I really did want to say, but had reservations about how the receiver might take it. When drunk, people's feelings didn't matter, sharing a fact or an observation or a deep feeling - no matter how depressing, embarrassing, or naked - seemed the most important.

Things have changed now. I don't want to be out of control anymore (probably 'cause the "amateur" label needs to go). I don't want to share my thoughts with everyone (if I do share, I want to take full responsibility and not hide behind alcohol). I don't not want to remember the discussions (they're beautiful and I want to build upon them). I don't want to waste nights and days chugging like an idiot and sleeping like a dog (there's so much to do, so much to see, why waste at all).

So far, I have been able to come up with ways that help me savor. Beer is the easiest, you can't have a lot of it. Reached a surprising achievement with martini as well, when I self-learned to "hold the drink" on Friday, November 13th at Raesh's. But last night, with Macallan and Jager, didn't go as well. Excuse: It was Punti's birthday, but c'mon! Realized that these drinks were so smooth that they just hit me out of nowhere. They didn't taste nasty, they didn't feel weird, and thus I was [partially] gone, quickly. Promotion from cheap to classy may take a while to get used to. But I'm willing and learning!

Good bye binge drinking.

Aug 25, 2009

iWorship Apple

I bought the long awaited 13-inch MacBook Pro - better known as, mehbook - on July 30, 2009 with a 32 GB iPod Touch for mother. In store, paid $1498 - $1099 for mehbook + $399 for the Touch - and zilch tax (GA Tax free weekend). iTouch was to cost $170 after a mail-in rebate.

Yippy! Oh wait, SHIT.

Mail-in rebate is a term I dread and love at the same time. Love it because of the discount. Hate it because of the intense, head scratching, tear shedding paperwork. It is one of the many things that deepens my belief of businesses not giving a shit, and sucking the individual up to a point of frustration and dismissal.

That's why Apple's rebate process surprised the fuck outta me!
1) Go to http://www.apple.com/promo

2) Click on Submit Your Claim.

3) Sign in using your Apple ID.

4) Enter your contact information.

5) Enter purchase information.

6) Submit.

That is it! And with in ten-days of submitting this super easy, self-explainatory form, I receive the following email.

Picture 2.png

Yes, I am an Apple Worshipper. This is an example why.

Girl Love

Following a tiring weekend, I did make it to work this Monday morning; only thirty minutes late. After a long time, I enjoyed working. Partly because I was constantly busy, mostly because training is starting to set in and unknowns are slowly disappearing. Though being diligent the entire time, minus salad and tea breaks, my low voice and slow movements were screaming for rest.

After reaching home, I spent an hour feeding my body and senses with bread/hummus and Super News before setting an alarm for a thirty minute nap at 5:15 PM, which upon going off was extended for another thirty minutes, and then another. The last leg of the "nap", however, was cut short when all three of my roommates walked in with a tiny envelope, smiling excitedly. I returned their "hi" with half open eyes and slightly lifting my hand. In a split second my eyes were shut again, and a questioning "hmm" sound escaped from somewhere. I don't exactly remember what happened between that "hmm" and the envelope finding it's way into my hand, but after reading the words "Belated Happy B'day Geetali. From Nithya, Kritika, Ruchika" I kept on repeating the words "What The Hell!" Couldn't think of anything else to vocalize my dumbfoundedness (if that is a word). Not even when Nithya exclaimed, "What, what the hell?!" To my surprise, I answered her by saying, "No, I don't mean what the hell, but I mean, WHAT THE HELL!" :)

Inside the envelope was a Macy's gift card. I have been asked to go buy something and show it around before it finds its way into my closet.

Totally unexpected! Totally awesome!

Picture 3.png

Aug 18, 2009

Weekly Summer

Summer's over. It was long and busy. Lot's happened. One thing, however, did not - Blog.

In spite of telling, requesting, ordering myself to write, hoping to again start doing something that I enjoy, I just never sat down to gather my thoughts and type. Time certainly was an issue: there were instances when I slept for only four hours a day, for several days. There were moments, when I didn't have time to
think, must less remember the to-do list. There were mornings when I left home before six-am and nights when I didn't return until after midnight, many times in a single twenty-four hour span.

So yeah, the summer was long and busy, a lot happened. I learned. I grew. Visited home a lot. Worked my ass off. Walked in the sun. Knocked on doors. Counted furniture. Delivered pizzas. Drank. Smoked. Ran. Biked. Lost weight. Ate six meals a day. Made my first gay friends. Kissed my first lesbian girl. Started dressing well. Gave away food. Listened to symphonies. Bought my second MAC. Saw Paul McCartney. Learned stick shift driving. Drove a convertible. Got my first speeding ticket. Went to sleep by the pool side. Talked to a lot of people. Read. Listened. Appreciated. Changed.

And decided, to finally put my decision into effect, of writing, something substantial, at least once a week. I probably will start with a few of the many, many stories I have from the summer. Now that I think about it, 2009 may have been the best summer yet, since 2004, and it deserves to be shared.

Next post: in seven days, or less.

Mar 17, 2009

IITians/Techies Launch Website

Neel and Punit, both IITians who came to the US to further their education at Georgia Tech, are now working at Capital One (Richmond, VA) and Endeavor Telecom (Atlanta, GA), respectively. They were roommates at one point and shared the dream of starting a business some day. Not necessarily together, but yea.. being their own boss - be it on the side - was something they craved dearly.

Not long ago, Neel had an idea about creating a site that compares stock websites (websites where you purchase stocks). This way, instead of individuals doing their own research, this website - Compare Broker - does the work for them. I remember, driving down to Richmond on the July 4th '08 weekend so that the two could discuss this idea further and start working on it. I also remember, how many times Punit decided to skip social settings just to continue to work on this. And wah-la.. in about eight months the idea has been converted into a website that is up and running - www.comparebroker.com. It has only recently been launched and is in the early stages of generating traffic for Google indexing. So please, don't be thrown off yet :). A blog has also been setup so the users know what's new with Compare Broker. Being in a fast pace social networking environment, the owners decided to set up a Twitter account as well, so if you tweet do follow @comparebroker.

I know the owners personally and am proud of the hard work they're putting in. Do check out their site and feel free to provide input. It'll reach them, I promise! :D

Feb 12, 2009

Atithi Devo Bhava (A Guest is a Reflection of God)

A lot has been going on since November 2008. I guess, it all began from and [in a way] was a result of the India trip.

I
finally got a chance to visit India after 7 years, 3 months, and 10 days. I left India in 2001 and hadn't been back since. For the first 4 or 5 years I really missed the life I had back home, after that I think I lost all hope and just let it be. Forcing myself to believe that everything was in the past and didn't matter anymore. But this belief - of making peace with the circumstances and moving on - was shattered completely when on the evening of November 13, 2008 I checked in my baggage, cleared security, boarded flight NW8622, buckled myself in, and tweeted the following:

Sitting in seat 37J. 15 more minutes till departure. I AM GOING TO INDIA! Seems unreal.

Yes, I was immensely excited and whole heartedly looking forward to go on bumpy rides in small cars, zig-zag through traffic while sitting on a motorcycle, inhale large amounts of car exhaust, go hours without electricity at a time, ride in a whole lot of public modes of transportation, eat street side food, haggle for everything with everyone, being proactive for the littlest things - be it crossing the road in traffic or buying something in a crowded place where the concept of lines did not exist. I wanted to meet people and visit places that used to be a part of me. Family, friends, neighbors, teachers, home, school, local markets, temples, parks, everything! I wanted to re-see everything.

However, at the same time, I somehow did not have any expectations with anyone or anything. I've known for some time that I despise the word and the concept of
expectation. But I, Geetali, actually practicing non-expectation-ness and not being a hypocrite was realized in full swing in India, probably during the last week. Whole idea of zero expectations, having nothing on the agenda, and just going with the flow is probably what made the trip so full of surprises and an ultimate memorable experience.

Overall, my 5-6 weeks in India were Amazing! Rewarding. Refreshing. Energizing. Full of fun, laughter, appreciation, respect, conversations, realizations. I enjoyed each and every second spent with each and everyone. I was amazed by how happy people were to see me and spend time with me. Their willingness to get to know me and efforts of helping me out with transportation and planning my whereabouts, left me with nothing but appreciation and respect and love. The people who swept me off my feet came from every city I visited and every group I met. Several people left me spellbound and I think their actions changed me in a way. I can't help but continue to feel that the Geetali that landed in India was not the same Geetali that left India.

The last week, I saw myself doing things that I would never have done before. I cancelled plans with friends to spend time with family. Given that I wasn't in Delhi forever and obviously felt more comfortable with people my own age, I can't help but go WTF! when I think I blew off friends to spend time with my father's siblings. But I did it. And I enjoyed it. When nani asked me a question the night before my return flight - the same question that left me furious several weeks ago - I listened to her, inside me a throbbing realization that she's concerned because she cares; I answered calmly, logically, maturely. The very next second - after 1) Deciding to spend time with family and not friends. and 2) Answering nani's question - I thought back to what I had just done. I sat there, amazed and proud, with the hopes of never going back to the person I was 5-6 weeks ago.

I believed in some things before but while in India I saw those in practice and they made me an even stronger believer. Little things that sometimes don't even require a lot of extra effort can make someone feel so special and appreciated. Being welcoming and treating people nicely equally rewards both the receiver and the provider. Memory is a great fuckin' tool and if you remember the right thing, you can make a person feel week in her knees.

My prep grade teacher - from SEVENTEEN years ago - remembered my name, face, my parents' occupations, and my younger sibling. Damn!

One of my grandmother's colleagues was shocked that I specially came to see her. The kiss that she landed on my forehead and the blessings she gave me with both her hands placed on my head were more than enough to convey her emotions.

Friends alternating their daily schedules to sync with mine, traveling with me within or out of city, and making me feel so much at home made me realize that in some cases distance and time doesn't really matter.

Three different groups of relatives willing to take me to the airport the night of my flight. Either trying to get rid of me asap :) ...or trying to make sure I'm comfortable throughout. Seriously, I don't know what to say.

Yeah, India was Amazing! But, India didn't feel like home anymore. At every step I was reminded that I'm an outsider, a visitor, a non-resident. For the first two weeks I felt like a complete alien. The moment my flight touched base with Atlanta, I looked out the window and thought, "Back to work!"

India was a vacation, not home. Now, I really have come to terms with it.