Joyous Pleasure of Sharing what you Find

(Don't be misguided by the title, I am not the kind of person who would share a treasure (if/when I find one), or maybe I will, I don't know. People who know me best would be a better judge of whether I would share or not. :P)

As always, I've been meaning to write this one for a while but could not find the time (naah, just being lazy I guess) to write. Anyhoo, the title of the blog is a mixture of two things. (1) A short story my sister had in the English class when she was in 1st grade (me in 6th). It was called "Joy in Sharing". It's about a little boy who gets a Bicycle as a gift for his Birthday and he lets go of his old Tricycle (which he hasn't used for a while and at the same time dint let anyone else have it). The boy's mother gives the tricycle to their maid's son. The next day, the boy sees the maid's son riding his old tricycle and having a lot of fun with it. Then the boy feels bad that he did not let go of his old tricycle soon, so that someone else could have had used it. Regretting his actions, the boy takes his new bicycle to the maid's kid and they both take turns in riding the new bicycle. The boy realizes how much pleasure someone gets from sharing the things they have. (The actual story might have been slightly different, but that was the gist of it)(2) It's the title of the famous book by THE ONE AND ONLY Richard P. Feynman called "Pleasure of Finding things out". (For those who dont know about it, check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgaw9qe7DEE )

Being a Researcher, I get to learn quite a few new, different and exciting things. Also, being a teacher/tutor I get a chance to share this knowledge with my students. I believe the knowledge I have (whatever it accounts for) is a bigger treasure for me than any treasure in the world. I love teaching and especially when I see the "spark" in my student's eyes, the moment when she/he gets the idea I am trying to convey, its such a great feeling. It gives me immense "joyous pleasure" when I am able to share the knowledge that I have and teach someone something. It kind of gives me a sense of fulfillment!! 

The Road Not Taken

In case you are wondering, no this blog has nothing to do with Robert Frost's poem. After seeing my friend Aarti Kapur's recent facebook status message ("What if Rhode could never try her hand with a gun? What if Lochte din't take to swimming but played baseball? What if Ye started with Table Tennis or Gymnastics? I think I missed the boat somewhere......sigh"), I cant help but think, "WHAT IF?" a though most of us, if not all of us at some point or the other in life must have had. What if I would have chosen a sport as a career or at least a serious interest which would lead to, me representing the country at the International level? 

Growing up in India in the 90's and that too in India definitely dint help. Coming from a middle class family meant, in order to make any kind of prospect in life, you must be an Engineer or a Doctor. So the attitude of most parents was "khel-khud kya khana khilayengi"(Games-Sports would not feed you). And my parents were no different, they used to ask me stay home and study on the days when we had Track and Field events at school. Such was the "encouragement" I had.I don't really blame them, because they did what they felt was better,  played it safe and make sure I chose the path with a good future(whatever that means). But, rebel that I am, I still used to go and win a race here or there.

Like most kids, I have always been into sports and was quite good at some of them. It makes me wonder, how would things have been if I had some encouragement and the opportunity.

I am not unhappy with what I am doing right now, because from all the choices that were available to be me, I chose the one I liked the most. But I really doubt if I will ever do something in this line of work which will give me the same feeling as standing on the podium with an Olympic Gold medal around my neck and mouthing the words to the Indian National Anthem being played in front of hundreds of people from all over the world.

What has happened has happened and I can't do anything about it. At this point in life, even if I trained hard enough, I may not be able to run like Usain Bolt or swim like Yannick Agnel, but there still are a few sports where I can try my hand at, like Cycling, Archery, Rowing, Shooting ,Cross-country skiing, etc. Though it takes commitment, dedication and years of preparation to just qualify for the Olympics, at least there is still that outside chance and I am nothing if not an Optimist, so why not. So, lets see what happens in the next 8 years and how things turn out.

Crazee for Thee

Recently I've started listening to Adele Adkins, man does she have a great voice and one of her songs, "Crazy for You" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW4etJWzE1o) inspired me to write my poem no. four and I am sure that there will be more. :D


Every face I see, looks like the face of Ye,
I must be Crazee, crazee for Thee,

The days have been long, but I am strong,
like the strength of king kong, I feel that we belong;

You may not like how I look, but hey I am a good cook,
like an ugly cover of a book, which still could be a great hook;


Though you are not mine, someday I will be fine,
the day You and I dine, along with some wine;


You say I will miss out, I say I will wait out,
doesn't help even if you pout, for my love is that stout;


You must think I am stupid, that I dont mind,
 like the great Intrepid ,you are one of a kind;

Every face I see, looks like the face of Ye,
I must be Crazee, crazee for Thee.

As always I will be looking forward for any kind of comments, compliments and criticisms.

P.S. I'm happy for You...... well........ I'm trying  :|

Broken Hearts and Burgers

It is the name of one of the episodes from "The Wonder Years". The other day I was having a "Burger" and for some reason, it reminded me of this Episode. Though the contents of the episode have not much to do with what I intend to share through this blog, I feel the title is in some way apt.

It's never fun to have a "burger", I mean duh, it's not good for your health. But yet, why do I keep finding myself at a "McD" when I know for sure that I will end up having a "Burger" which in turn will result in years worth "fat deposits" in my system. From my past experience (singular) It seems like the only way to get rid of these "fat deposits" is to go to a "McD" again. But how can I be sure that I wont have a "burger" again, which will leave years worth "fat deposits" yet again? Damn this viscous circle.

About You

For those who are counting, this is my third attempt at poetry and as always inspired by the same person. I am reneging on my word given to the same person by writing this poem, but hey Isn't "All fair in ............................"

What is it about you, that makes me miss you,

believe me it's true, like a baby is new;

Though we haven't spent much time, like the church bells chime,

I'm willing to meet at prime, and hope the hour wont sublime;

What is it about you, that makes me like you,

believe me it's true, like the redwoods grew;

Are you not seeing my zeal? it's like the shock of an eel;

I hope you hear my appeal, I think of you more than I meal,

What is about you, that makes me love you,

believe me it's true, like the strength of glue;

Remember when we had tea? why din't you answer my plea?

I think it is meant to be, because I need you for me;

what is it about you, that makes me adore you,

believe me it's true, like the oceans are blue;

It's time that you gave us a try, like the way you learn't to fly,

that will stop my heart from fry, and make my life sweet as a pie.

As some of you may know, I am not very good with punctuation, so forgive me for that. But any kind of critical review is welcome as always.