Dropping in...

Hiya... I thought I would drop in and say "Hi". I was up and in the gym by 6.30 am against KC's best intentions. Working on a Sunday morning is preferable 'coz there are few people around. On weekdays I have to wait my turn at the treadmill. I hop onto the other instruments hoping the treadmill will be empty by the time I am done. But guess what, somebody hops onto it by then... and the wait starts all over again.

I am determined to keep at it this time. I am wearing my tight Reebok top to be able to see the difference work out makes to my body. Sure... the weight scales will tell me the same thing. But seeing is believing. There is no point in losing weight if I (and people around me) cannot see it.

I have also decided to stick to work outs life long. The wonderful part is that I have lost weight despite eating out... which means anything in moderation is fine.

And now we head to Pen... on the outskirts of Panvel to check out a site for investment in a flat. Lets see how it goes... I am going to wear my new green UCB dress I bought yesterday at 40%.

Check out the sales.... they are everywhere and damn good too. Its a good time to shop... even if you are broke.

My appliances are acting up

First the IPod conked off... don't know how or why. The stupid call center executive gave the incorrect address for the service center.

Next, my Lenovo laptop has started the same problem for the 3rd time. Can you believe IT??? I have decided to get it repaired... and then sell it off. I will buy a Sony Vaio or a Dell. The former for its looks and the latter for reliability.

And then, my MTNL net connection would keep disappearing. The landline was not working. But atleast that has been repaired.

And there is my hand blender... the first one broke down... I bought another one... even this is acting up.

Getting appliances fixed is a pain... there is a search for the service center online... then the visit to the center.... after which is the wait which is killing... when it is fixed and handed over there is the fear that the problem will recur.

I think my cable guy reads my blog...

... he disconnected the free cable on the 2nd TV.

Things that irritate me

• People who chew tobacco. Why would anyone do that??? It is a dirty, dirty, dirty habit; worse than smoking. And the teeth are an ugly sight. I always thought this was the habit of the uneducated until recently. I hate the smell of tobacco.
• People who cross the signal when it turns green. I can't figure out why. They stop when signal turns red. Somebody ought tell these fuckers that the signal is for vehicles only.
• People who are late. This is the worse... The most professional people don't turn up on time. Last week while waiting for a meeting the manager made us wait for 40 mins and then he had the nerve to say; "Sorry... I woke up late". I had skipped b'fast to be there on time.

It has been on ok Sunday. I have so much to do on weekends it is tiring. My cook is like a kid. I have to teach her the basics of cooking. Sigh!!!

11 Km Obstacle Trip

Anyone remember me screaming with joy when my office moved to Powai??? Just 11 km from my house??? In Mumbai??? The luxury of office only 11 km away??? Earlier the office was in Lower Parel, a good 26 km... 1.5 hr drive in the morning and 2 hrs in evening.

The first few days were great... 30 mins in morning and 45-60 mins in evening.

But things have changed (don't they always?). The traffic is getting worse every month... the drive is 75 mins in morning and 60 mins in evening.... no matter what time I leave home... whether it is 8 am or 8.15 or 8.30 or even 9.

The first obstacle is crossing the LBS road which does not have too much traffic but there are so many potholes in Bhandup that they act as major obstructions to speed. After 30 mins on LBS... the turn towards Powai slope is a torture. There is always some bus/truck/car stuck there which slows traffic further. There is a bus stop on the slope which is so weird. The ride is smooth till Hiranandani after which some cows block the road. I am not kidding... somebody lets them loose every morning and they stand/sit right in the middle. No amount of honking or driving very close makes them move. It is like a Fevicol ka jod.

And then comes the very last obstacle... the signal from where cars enter Hiranandani. The entry lane is narrow causing traffic.

And then some 75 mins later I reach office and cross the obstacles in the evening to reach home.

I crave for a city where 14k rent will get me 3 bhk... where driving 11km will take 15 mins... every the house will have a balcony... where I won't come home too exhausted to go the gym... where the traffic sounds will not follow me home...

I was never fascinated with Mumbai... and now I think I have had enough of it. Time for a change?

Bandh Shandh

This is the first time there are no traffic sounds on the road facing my flat. I never imagined something could stop the noise... even if for a day.

We all know the bandh is a sham. It means nothing. If BJP was in power they would have hiked the fuel price and Congress would have called for the bandh. Its all politics... nothing personal about it.

It isn't even a holiday I can enjoy because everything is closed. When I heard about the bandh on Friday I was not convinced it would affect normal routine. But then I heard about the preparations of opposition and government... both trying to prove their power. There was a vague hope that the government would win... one look at the deserted road and I knew who the winner is.

I wish I could say the bandh ruined my plans... I didn't miss any flight or get stuck anywhere... or missed my normal routine. I also wish I could say it was a relaxing break. I am not complaining but if could have planned this... I would have taken a long weekend break.

Maybe next time... :)

The Immortals of Meluha

I don't know what this book is about.... yes, I have read it and yet I am confused.

The story is about Lord Shiv who is a mere mortal. The king of Meluha believes he is god and seeks his help to defeat their enemies. His daughter is Sati. Shiva marries Sati, defeats the enemies... and... thats it. There is supposed to be a sequel.

Please don't waste your time on this one.