Taking a 6 months hiatus!

Through out the day, ideas come rushing to my head unannounced, but there is not much time to put them down into quality writing and when there is time the inspiration has disappeared. Therefore such abysmal activity during the past couple of months. Pity!

So, I am taking a short, 6 months, hiatus from blogging here to concentrate on priority items 1-5. As the days get longer and the weather warmer, I shall find more time to dedicate to writing, which has turned from a hobby to a passion.

During this hibernation period, I will have the opportunity to extrapolate the thoughts into notes and drafts and find my (writing) niche.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in special topics of various C/C++ issues and information, visit my blog here.

In a nutshell, I shall be back!!

Re: How to give our elections more pop?

Andrew Chung, Toronto Star columnist, writes in his recent post:

The razzle-dazzle U.S. campaign offers some tempting lessons on how to jazz up our own. The question is, do we really want to learn them?

God no! We don't need to jazz up our elections American or any other Style!

Events like the US election campaign is a production of media to build rating and sell advertising. Hardly any useful fact about leadership style and strategy is transferred to the audience during an event like this. Those millions of dollars that (you suggest) Canadians should consider spending, I doubt result in electing a leader that can face the problems head on. Bottom line the razzle-dazzle, pop, all the jazz, etc. is not what we lack or need to attract public attention and talent. For that we need to come up with better solutions.

What do you think?

People believe I am what they see Me as!

I have a perception-phobia --that is I am most concerned of how I am perceived in the eyes of the others. This trait shows itself time and again and creates bizarre moments. Recently, I joined a new team where I have to start from scratch building relationships. This is much harder (and by far much more important) than the actual job. Even, if I do an excellent job on the project, if my team dislikes me, my accomplishments will fall on deaf ears and blind eyes --that is no one will care to notice and recognize them. I definitely need to do some serious thinking about this topic and come up with practical strategies to achieve this. Any thoughts?

Saturday morning musing

The 60 year old who took an early retirement and has been running a farm in Vermont for the past 12 years, talked about it being 14 hours a day work --more or less like the corporate world he retired from but much in a different way. Here he can stop and relax, alongside his wife, for a taste of cheese they make on the farm. Although, the routine repeats everyday but he feels happier and healthier --less stressed.

I admire people who take a leap of faith, open a new chapter, turn their life upside down and start fresh.

For me the days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months too quickly to spare me moments to think about the future in a profound, focused way --that famous (rather out-dated interview question) where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 15 years.

Just this past month I spent many unaccounted hours on promoting a series of seminars on communication and softskills. The launch was a significant event so was the positive feedback of attendees! It was a desirable outcome for 6 months of brainstorming with Vicki, Manager of Professional Development and Career Services at Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, about the course, instructor, logistics, PR and etc. TV producer, Stacie Overton, of Ivanhoe Broadcast company, found the idea interesting enough to do a show for their Smart Women series. This idea is still being discussed between Stacie and Ayla Tezcan the instructor but I very much hope it takes off.

I am going to wrap up my Saturday morning musing with a funny quote from Mickey Rooney:
"Always get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted a whole day."

World Laughter Day

Not too long ago a friend stunned me with existence of Hot Yoga, and today I learn about Laughter Yoga which is so difficult to imagine, considering some of the yoga positions are so hard to sustain that it actually brings tears to eyes. But, that is not the whole story, with that came the realization of World Laughter Day, which is on May 6--next Sunday. I take laughter or a genuine smile over a blank, expressionless or serious frown every second of every day. It's amazing what a difference it makes when you smile and laugh from your heart.

.. what do you know?!

... especially if someone tries to knock you down a peg or two; as long as you are respectful of other people, defending your position is the right thing -- even a noble thing -- to do.

Marketing Ads

Whoever comes up with these marketing slogans should receive the "foot in the mouth" prize of the year--I am not kidding there is such a prize. You don't believe me do a google on it.

My favorites are:

• Innovation. Available right off the shelf. Mix n match for your business!



• Unlocking the incredible potential of people through Internet connectivity.

Since when innovation has become so ubiquitous and easy to achieve that you can mix n match them? And how on earth can Internet connectivity unlock the incredible potential of people?

Granted these slogans are meant to be eye catchers but they shouldn't sound so shallow or should they?

The Marathon

The Toronto Marathon was this past Sunday. I cheered and clapped until my hands turned red and I started sounding like an old rooster. It was a rather cool day , but thankfully the sun was shinning. The first spot went to a guy from Vancouver who finished the Marathon in 2 hours 34 min and 11 sec. The first female runner finished 13. There were a couple of music bands playing and let me tell you their contribution was probably the most obvious. Every beat they played brought a smile to the tired face of the passing runners. Cheers!

Fall

Time just flies. Have you noticed a change in your surroundings recently? Well, in my neck of the wood, it seems like people went from shorts and sandals to jackets and sweaters overnight. I am actually looking forward to the season of colorful leaves and crisp and cool weather. Happy Fall!

Moving up the escalator

Monday morning bright and sharp, I got off the train. I run ahead of everyone, wanting to be the first one getting on the escalator. After all, the goal is to beat the rush hour traffic and get to work early. Strangely, no one else feels as eager as I, to get on. How is that? But, I don't get a chance to think about an answer for my brain quickly switches to solving a much bigger problem. I can't move up this escalator! I try to take one step--up that is--but I lose my balance. I let go of my purse and lunch box and hold on to the rails tightly. I take one more step. Okay, I am going to make it, I think to myself. You wish. I lose my balance and fall on all four. Ouch that hurts. My knee is bleeding and I feel a sharp pain on my side. I can't let that get me down. Oh no! I am now further away from the top. A scary thought crosses my mind; I might die on this stupid escalator. I can't let that happen. I pull myself together. Get up. Grab the rails so tightly that my knuckles turn white and I climb. I finally make it. I pinch myself to see if I am awake or if this has all been a bad dream. The blood is dripping down my leg. It can't be a dream. I am all confused. I take this escalator every morning. In fact this escalator is the only reason I trek the platform all the way to get on the first car. I look down. Who on earth could have foolishly changed the direction of the escalator. It clearly has the sign "Going up"?!!!

I see a few gathered down the escalator. One is holding my bags. I can't hear what they are saying. But, I bet they are asking one another, who on earth these bags belongs to.

I better go get my bags...I have to move on. I have no time to stand here feel sorry for myself and angry at the person who did this to me!

Couple hours later, after I have vented my anger to one of the station superintendents, placed a band aid on my knee, which I had almost forgotten I had in my wallet, told my story to half a dozen people; I feel much better. In fact, a smile lits my face every time I think about the incident; definitely something to remember for years to come.

Finch Station is different ...

She plays keyboard and he plays violin. Together they create the most delighful music that ranges from "Waves of the Danube" to "La Cumparsita". As I proceed with my morning commute through Finch Station I listen to the art Indulis and Ilga Suna create. Each and everyday when I listen to them I feel the surge of excitement then comes the goose bumps as I hum the familiar tune, eventually I launch into this very happy go lucky mood that lasts even after the music fades away and through the hectic morning commute.

The Fab Four!

With four teams left and only 4 more matches to go it’s hard to believe that the Fifa World Cup 2006 is coming to a close. During the past 4 weeks about billion or more people watched the games as their favorite teams rose or fell out of the games. It was such a pleasure to watch so many different soccer styles. South Americans yet again became my all time favorite—and I am utterly disappointed of their early elimination. They play passionately, run feverishly, see each other in the field, play as a team and win as a team. Mexico versus Argentine was a classic, wonderful showcase of South American football.

Many of these players are on European teams and quite familiar with strategies and tactics of European football. Yet when confronted, their performance against European teams are fairly dismal—where was Rolandinho, Ronaldo and Robinho in the Brazil game against France. I have to admit Argentine played a fantastic game against Germany and if it wasn’t for their keeper having to leave the game due to injury they had high chances to advance to the semis.

In any case the Fab Four have been selected and I think this is how they will rank in the end: Portugal, Germany, Italy and France.

A mini vacation :)

I took a different bus to work today. It was just what I needed --a mini vacation. It was good for my brain which has seized up!

On a completely different note: Canada is an Indian word and it means village. How interesting!

Your call is important to us. Please continue to hold!!!

I didn't have to go down to their offices and frankly they were surprised I did. While the receptionist of one of the companies was trying to direct my "call" she had to emphasize to the support team that I was physically there, "customer is here --in person!"
I am glad I did go down and solved my problem and got my questions answered in person. This experience was much more pleasant than being on hold for close to an hour. Also, I felt more confident with the service I got!

Where are you from?

With the current rate of immigration one is bound to see people from her own home country on some corner of the city one now calls home. I am also an immigrant and have chosen to call a new country and city home. I pass by and glance at many people on my daily commute, but somehow it is different when the features of the other suggests he or she might be a compatriot --I feel a sense of familiarity.

... well deserved Oscar went to Crash for the best movie of the year. The movie depicted eloquently cultural differences in a series of intertwined stories that had just the right amount of drama!

Change

I am sitting here and "blabbing" as I need to take care of dozens of things to make the changes go smoothly--unfortunately on a Sunday--but right now "blabbing" seems to be the most reasonable savior --escape-- from reality.
I can't see myself living a "monotone" life, but when I confront change there is always a part of me that longs for the routine!
On a completely different subject why is "weather" such a popular conversation starter and/or rescuer. Looks like weather is a more interesting or less threatening topic to break the silence with. So, how is the weather at your corner of the world?! Snow flurries are dancing in the air here--it's quite pretty actually!