With most television channels running recaps of events of the year, I think it is time I run a bit of a recap in my head too. 08 wasn’t exactly a memorable year in terms of macro-events, but personally it was a very significant year in the life of me. I believe I grew up quite a bit this year. ( being 24 has nothing to do with growing up) Mentally, as well as emotionally. I seem to have left behind the kid whose life revolved around PC Games and football and more or less that; and find myself thinking about greater and more significant things. I find myself being more opinioned and more aware of the world around me. Well, I guess maturity had to kick in eventually.
The year sort of sped by; it feels like just yesterday I was dragging myself into work,still in the technical domain, fairly intoxicated from the New year revelry and more or less spending the shift sleeping off the hang over. (Well, everyone did that…so I can’t be guilty of anything).
2008 was a year of numerous micro-events, none of which I would call life changing, but enough to make a very significant impact. Many years from now, I would probably look back at 2008 as a year I start finding myself. I discovered truths about myself which I don’t believe I am totally comfortable with. Despite the fact that these have been there for over 24 years, I just see them now. I find myself questioning the man in the mirror. I find myself asking him to define who he truly is, and he isn’t too sure about how to go about it, because what seemed so certain and concrete yesterday seems as brittle as a chalk today. I also discovered many strengths about myself; ‘Patience’ being one of them. I have always believed that I am fairly impatient and want results immediately. But this year has taught me to learn to wait. Despite the complaining and whining like a kid, “I want it now…now…now!”
I inadvertently found myself thinking more like an adult, worrying about things that in another life I normally would not. Insecurities and emotions I have never dealt with or faced before. I cannot say I passed with flying colours or colours of any sort, but through all this, I believe I have emerged a slightly stronger and experienced me. And that’s what makes life so awesome, always something new.
This year I grew fairly close to Dad. I made a voluntary move from the technical field to the lower domains of management, (who knows the first step to becoming the next big CEO…or whatever), a decision I took by myself. While my father remains my hero, my idol and my guru (personal consultant of sorts), I decided not to consult him this time and I went ahead with my gut. And I don’t believe I am regretting this move as I have completely enjoyed working this year. My thought process automatically evolved from the young brash college kid – ready to take on the world, conquering with rock and roll to a mature adult who knows he has to earn his place. I found myself spending evenings with my father who shared a lot of his extensive experience from industry, explaining the way this dark world worked, the way managers thought, the way I was expected to react. I spent a lot of evenings with dad understanding a lot of things I would have otherwise had an impatient response to. (Reminded of Yoda teaching a young Luke Skywalker the ways of the force). But through all this, I discovered I am a lot like my dad. Our egos - perpetually at logger-heads with one another. I try to prove my point and he vehemently sticks to his. This resulted in tons of debates and arguments which generally ended up with mom screaming at both of us to keep it down lest she not serve either any dinner. I guess I discovered that the apple does not fall too far from the tree.
I made many new friends in 08. I grew closer to many I had and many I did not expect I would be friends with, and grew further away from some. But I guess that is what friendship is about. Always throws up unexpected results. ( Remembering Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you gonna get.”) Some friends, I hope, I will have the luxury of having for life. Cheers to old friends and new. The gang grew a lot closer to one another. Each of us going through our own hells and finding that we can rely on the others to be there to lift us up when things are bleak. At some level, for many of us, it is the realization that our worlds are going to change this coming year, many may not still be in Bangalore, maybe not even in the same continent, leave the same country. I honestly wish I had spent more time with the gang, but I’ve been busy in my sincere attempts to secure a future of sorts.
I also discovered how mentally insane I can get. I found myself on the brink of exchanging my jeans and T’s for a straight jacket many times this year. Most of it was because I was unable to do as well as I wanted in some silly mock exams. This was the second year in a row that I decided to invest my weekends in the eternal quest of a much revered seat at a top B-school in the country. I found myself nearly beating my self to death on some occasions. 2 years of more or less spending weekends practicing papers or otherwise drinking have seriously dented my social skills, which is now part of the New Year resolution list. But this sort of madness comes from the ‘one-child’ syndrome. I’m generally adamant at getting what I want, and this dumb belief has led me to this point in time. Let’s see where I go from here, 2009 shall reveal all when the fog lifts.
Apart from the whole ‘Clark Kent becoming Superman’ learning process, 08 would be remembered for numerous micro-events that don’t really define or teach you anything but sure make for great memories. As mentioned earlier, this year I took my first step into management. Although, it is a fairly subordinate type job (at least the pay is) I loved every bit of it. While most of my friends have moved on to greener pastures, with pay scales that make my eyes pop and make me question my own decision, I still honestly believe that this move would be for the greater good. I got to meet and work with some really fantastic people the past year.
This was the year I got to see Megadeth live. It was a concert not to be forgotten. Dave Mustaine, guitaring god was right there on stage in front of me. The concert was just fabulous and every time I listen to a song that was played live, I get Goosebumps. Metallica put out their brand new album - ’Deathmagnetic’ ,which simply blew my mind. The reason I will remember this is that I managed to pick up the very first CD that went on the shelf in the store, and was the first customer that day. The guys at the store had just opened the shipment. Move over you Harry Potter fans…Metallica rules all. We also said goodbye to Richard Wright this year.Also, Rolling Stone magazine made its debut in India.
This year I began writing again. I remember frequently writing when I was in school, but of late I was pre-occupied with fairly unimportant things (namely 4 years of Engineering). But thanks to my vocation, I got back to writing and have re-kindled my romance with it. Someday, I hope to get a Booker Prize.This year, I also made a return to music. (Yeah right….major artist I was…the world waits with bated breath) I played for my office crowd…a 1000 strong audience. The equipment I got was fantastic. Stacked Marshal Speakers with built in distort. Lights and all. I realized how much in love with the stage I was. I prefer not to sing in public as I am of the opinion that I have a voice that can shatter ear drums, but it turned out, I’m not so bad. With a little practice, there might be hope for me yet.
I saw Manchester United win both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions league. ( In your face Arsenal fans.....)It was a great game, which went all the way into penalties and we won. I remember watching it with the gang, TV up at full volume. The jubilation after Edwin stopped the penalty was awesome, me breaking out into tears. I have lived to see Manchester United win the UEFA champions league. We got drunk on Vodka that night. Irony was that the finals were in Russia against a team owned by a Russian. Speaking of football, I hardly played any this year as I tore a nerve in the leg and the venerable doctor has asked me to keep off sports like football. (Definite sad point in the year) I was en route to signing with Manchester United I tell you. Tis true!!!!
Memorable sports events from the year have been Manchester united winning the double, Sourav Ganguly and Kumble retiring, Manchester united winning the double, India beating Australia, the fedex-Nadal Wimbledon game,Manchester united winning the double,the final race of teh F1 season where Hamilton won despite Ferrari winning the Constructors Championship,Manchester united winning the double, the IPL ( cheerleaders). Did I mention Manchester united winning the double trophy?????
I’m also going to mention that this was the year, ‘The Dark Knight’ released. My alter ego (the one that gives me a lot of advice and helps with the sane thinking in my head) found a new voice and it sounds remarkably like Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker. My alter ego, which until this movie came out ,sounded a lot like General Maximus from Gladiator. (Some one needs a thorough psychiatric evaluation…du-uh…ya think?????) PS: The alter ego for me is my conscience.
Also, this was the year a few other great memorable movies released – Rock On!!, Kung Fu Panda, Iron Man, Wall-E, Burn After Reading, The Incredible Hulk, Indian Jones (part 4) and Quantum of Solace…all of which I recommend.
My first holiday in almost 7 years was definitely something worth mentioning. This is an indication of how boring I have become. But the holiday was totally fun and I really needed it. Have promised myself to go on vacation more often.
Well, that’s more or less what 2008 was for me. Like I said, it’s mostly been about evolution. If I were to put a theme song for the year 2008 it would definitely be ‘ One hand in my Pocket’ by Alanis Morissette. Youtube the song. As summed up, “I haven't got it all figured out just yet”. I’ve put the lyrics below:
The year sort of sped by; it feels like just yesterday I was dragging myself into work,still in the technical domain, fairly intoxicated from the New year revelry and more or less spending the shift sleeping off the hang over. (Well, everyone did that…so I can’t be guilty of anything).
2008 was a year of numerous micro-events, none of which I would call life changing, but enough to make a very significant impact. Many years from now, I would probably look back at 2008 as a year I start finding myself. I discovered truths about myself which I don’t believe I am totally comfortable with. Despite the fact that these have been there for over 24 years, I just see them now. I find myself questioning the man in the mirror. I find myself asking him to define who he truly is, and he isn’t too sure about how to go about it, because what seemed so certain and concrete yesterday seems as brittle as a chalk today. I also discovered many strengths about myself; ‘Patience’ being one of them. I have always believed that I am fairly impatient and want results immediately. But this year has taught me to learn to wait. Despite the complaining and whining like a kid, “I want it now…now…now!”
I inadvertently found myself thinking more like an adult, worrying about things that in another life I normally would not. Insecurities and emotions I have never dealt with or faced before. I cannot say I passed with flying colours or colours of any sort, but through all this, I believe I have emerged a slightly stronger and experienced me. And that’s what makes life so awesome, always something new.
This year I grew fairly close to Dad. I made a voluntary move from the technical field to the lower domains of management, (who knows the first step to becoming the next big CEO…or whatever), a decision I took by myself. While my father remains my hero, my idol and my guru (personal consultant of sorts), I decided not to consult him this time and I went ahead with my gut. And I don’t believe I am regretting this move as I have completely enjoyed working this year. My thought process automatically evolved from the young brash college kid – ready to take on the world, conquering with rock and roll to a mature adult who knows he has to earn his place. I found myself spending evenings with my father who shared a lot of his extensive experience from industry, explaining the way this dark world worked, the way managers thought, the way I was expected to react. I spent a lot of evenings with dad understanding a lot of things I would have otherwise had an impatient response to. (Reminded of Yoda teaching a young Luke Skywalker the ways of the force). But through all this, I discovered I am a lot like my dad. Our egos - perpetually at logger-heads with one another. I try to prove my point and he vehemently sticks to his. This resulted in tons of debates and arguments which generally ended up with mom screaming at both of us to keep it down lest she not serve either any dinner. I guess I discovered that the apple does not fall too far from the tree.
I made many new friends in 08. I grew closer to many I had and many I did not expect I would be friends with, and grew further away from some. But I guess that is what friendship is about. Always throws up unexpected results. ( Remembering Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you gonna get.”) Some friends, I hope, I will have the luxury of having for life. Cheers to old friends and new. The gang grew a lot closer to one another. Each of us going through our own hells and finding that we can rely on the others to be there to lift us up when things are bleak. At some level, for many of us, it is the realization that our worlds are going to change this coming year, many may not still be in Bangalore, maybe not even in the same continent, leave the same country. I honestly wish I had spent more time with the gang, but I’ve been busy in my sincere attempts to secure a future of sorts.
I also discovered how mentally insane I can get. I found myself on the brink of exchanging my jeans and T’s for a straight jacket many times this year. Most of it was because I was unable to do as well as I wanted in some silly mock exams. This was the second year in a row that I decided to invest my weekends in the eternal quest of a much revered seat at a top B-school in the country. I found myself nearly beating my self to death on some occasions. 2 years of more or less spending weekends practicing papers or otherwise drinking have seriously dented my social skills, which is now part of the New Year resolution list. But this sort of madness comes from the ‘one-child’ syndrome. I’m generally adamant at getting what I want, and this dumb belief has led me to this point in time. Let’s see where I go from here, 2009 shall reveal all when the fog lifts.
Apart from the whole ‘Clark Kent becoming Superman’ learning process, 08 would be remembered for numerous micro-events that don’t really define or teach you anything but sure make for great memories. As mentioned earlier, this year I took my first step into management. Although, it is a fairly subordinate type job (at least the pay is) I loved every bit of it. While most of my friends have moved on to greener pastures, with pay scales that make my eyes pop and make me question my own decision, I still honestly believe that this move would be for the greater good. I got to meet and work with some really fantastic people the past year.
This was the year I got to see Megadeth live. It was a concert not to be forgotten. Dave Mustaine, guitaring god was right there on stage in front of me. The concert was just fabulous and every time I listen to a song that was played live, I get Goosebumps. Metallica put out their brand new album - ’Deathmagnetic’ ,which simply blew my mind. The reason I will remember this is that I managed to pick up the very first CD that went on the shelf in the store, and was the first customer that day. The guys at the store had just opened the shipment. Move over you Harry Potter fans…Metallica rules all. We also said goodbye to Richard Wright this year.Also, Rolling Stone magazine made its debut in India.
This year I began writing again. I remember frequently writing when I was in school, but of late I was pre-occupied with fairly unimportant things (namely 4 years of Engineering). But thanks to my vocation, I got back to writing and have re-kindled my romance with it. Someday, I hope to get a Booker Prize.This year, I also made a return to music. (Yeah right….major artist I was…the world waits with bated breath) I played for my office crowd…a 1000 strong audience. The equipment I got was fantastic. Stacked Marshal Speakers with built in distort. Lights and all. I realized how much in love with the stage I was. I prefer not to sing in public as I am of the opinion that I have a voice that can shatter ear drums, but it turned out, I’m not so bad. With a little practice, there might be hope for me yet.
I saw Manchester United win both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions league. ( In your face Arsenal fans.....)It was a great game, which went all the way into penalties and we won. I remember watching it with the gang, TV up at full volume. The jubilation after Edwin stopped the penalty was awesome, me breaking out into tears. I have lived to see Manchester United win the UEFA champions league. We got drunk on Vodka that night. Irony was that the finals were in Russia against a team owned by a Russian. Speaking of football, I hardly played any this year as I tore a nerve in the leg and the venerable doctor has asked me to keep off sports like football. (Definite sad point in the year) I was en route to signing with Manchester United I tell you. Tis true!!!!
Memorable sports events from the year have been Manchester united winning the double, Sourav Ganguly and Kumble retiring, Manchester united winning the double, India beating Australia, the fedex-Nadal Wimbledon game,Manchester united winning the double,the final race of teh F1 season where Hamilton won despite Ferrari winning the Constructors Championship,Manchester united winning the double, the IPL ( cheerleaders). Did I mention Manchester united winning the double trophy?????
I’m also going to mention that this was the year, ‘The Dark Knight’ released. My alter ego (the one that gives me a lot of advice and helps with the sane thinking in my head) found a new voice and it sounds remarkably like Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker. My alter ego, which until this movie came out ,sounded a lot like General Maximus from Gladiator. (Some one needs a thorough psychiatric evaluation…du-uh…ya think?????) PS: The alter ego for me is my conscience.
Also, this was the year a few other great memorable movies released – Rock On!!, Kung Fu Panda, Iron Man, Wall-E, Burn After Reading, The Incredible Hulk, Indian Jones (part 4) and Quantum of Solace…all of which I recommend.
My first holiday in almost 7 years was definitely something worth mentioning. This is an indication of how boring I have become. But the holiday was totally fun and I really needed it. Have promised myself to go on vacation more often.
Well, that’s more or less what 2008 was for me. Like I said, it’s mostly been about evolution. If I were to put a theme song for the year 2008 it would definitely be ‘ One hand in my Pocket’ by Alanis Morissette. Youtube the song. As summed up, “I haven't got it all figured out just yet”. I’ve put the lyrics below:
I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby.
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five!
I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby.
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette.
And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign!
I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chickenshit
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby
And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano.
And what it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab!
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