Land!

Land is now in sight!
Land is now in sight!
The future for now
is looking very bright!

Feel happy, relaxed and relieved.
Not crossed the finish-line, but inching steading towards it!

The end in sight

On and on we go...
the end not in sight...
its like a ship at sea
water till the eye can see

but the hope of land
keeps us going
for the land is where
we want to be
for the land is where
we want to be...

-Max

Overheard
'Try and try till you succeed'
- Prince Arthur

Ditto!
- Max

Calling

Its not always that you get a call from a number that is unrecognizable and that results in a pleasant conversation.
The tele-marketing menace has reached alarming proportions.
But this call was not from a tele-marketeer. it was from a number that read +86...
I wondered who it was. I had never seen that country code before. and not a lot of my friends were in unrecognizable country-code countries.
It was a pleasant surprise to realize that it was an old friend who was currently in Guadong, China. He is a sailor and serves as the 5th engineer on one of the international maritime routes.
He routinely calls and talks of his travails...it feels nice that he chooses to keep in touch with me. i feel guilty as i have been unable to reciprocate the same with a few of those lost friends.
this friend taught me a valuable lesson.
I hope that i can learn something from the lesson...

Temptations

Its tough to not do what you know is wrong when your heart is urging you to do it. Your mind plays games of the funny kind. Deep down, you know that you have taken a decision. Deep down, you know that you are right. And yet, every now and then you hear a voice. A voice that tests you like no other test ever can. It tests your resilience and it tests your patience. Most important of all, it tests your conviction and your ability to resist temptation.
As I am often heard saying, it is easy to run with the herd, but its tough to swim against the tide. And it is times like these that are a true test of character. The rewards are pleasing and it is an enriching experience. What you have to do for it: resist and not cave in.

Anybody who can say assertively that he/she can resist temptation is either lying or is blissfully unaware. Assuming that the temptation is enticingly sufficient, it is difficult for anyone to keep their head above the water at all times. If you do, you rise within your own eyes. That for me is the biggest victory. Personally, winning isn’t about awards, rewards, money or certificates. All these definitely help! But what matters is that winning is about feeling good of yourself.

Knowing that you have resisted temptation is one of the most wonderful things in life. The temptation could be anything. That is not the point. The point is the resistance to the temptation.

Resisting that craving for extra bit of cheese on your pizza, resisting the laziness prevelant on a chilly winter morning. Resisting that sarcastic caustic comment at someone. Resisting in doing the wrong thing at the workplace...
Its tough!
But the feeling of having achieved it: priceless!

Winning thought

This is a winning thought!

You don't quit at half-time!
And you don't score until you have scored!

May make sense to some...may not to others!

Source: American Wedding - The movie.
Moral: Good thoughts and ideas can come from the most unlikeliest of sources!

007

Its time to bid good bye to the year that had...

ups and downs...
moments of joy...
moments of despair...
moments of love...
moments of broken hearts...
moments of togetherness...
moments of loneliness...
moments of hardwork...
moments of rewards...

The moments that were 2006 have to make way...

for 007 to come...
for 007 to spread joy...
for 007 to rekindle hope...
for 007 to spread smiles around...
for 007 to break the shackles of the facade...
for 007 to party...
for 007 to have a good time...
for 007 to fly...
for 007 to be in the sky...

Let us take the giant Leap!

Its time for 2007 to arrive!
Here's to a great year ahead!

All Blacks

I can’t sleep a wink
The night has left us sore
I think we could have done better
I think that we deserved more!

We were so near
and yet we are so far
we may have not won
yet each of us was a star

The last fall that we had
Let it not get in the way
We know our worth
Whatever the others say

Each of us a pillar
That made up the stack
Those that stood strong
Each one an All Black!

- Max


Note: The All Blacks is a trademark of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The Facade

Life is so strange. I feel alone. Yet I had a good time today. I went out. I did many things. Yet at the end of the day, in the middle of the eerie night, I sit here in the middle of deep darkness. I wonder where life is leading me. I want to lead the path. I wish to show the light. Yet I find myself typing my thoughts. I cannot see the keys that I am typing. They feel as if they are shots in the dark. Yet I know that they are not. Everything seems to be moving according to the plan. Yet I find myself confused. I see the milestone.

Yet I want to make myself believe that I am not on the right path. I do not know whether it is plain apprehension. Or whether it is plain fear that is affecting me. Whatever it is, it is having a funny effect on me. I am losing that one important lesson that I learnt. To smile
The importance of a Smile. Something that I have been preaching to a few friends. I talk about the manner in which we can be successful, happy, and striving for more. Yet, at the same time, a peace of mind prevails that helps us tide through the tough times of life.
I know find that missing. I see that people believe that I am happy. The façade that I put up, they fall for it hook, line and sinker. They are envious and happy for me. Curious as to how one amongst them is doing that he is doing. But I guess that few see beyond the façade. I wonder if I can see through my own façade. I wonder if I can do that myself. As the day shines upon me, as the lights get back to normal, I wonder whether I can see through what the mirror is projecting out to me. I wonder whether I can see beyond what the world sees.
The satanic verses by the side, I wish to be the extra special. I wish to be the one that people look up to. Nevertheless, most importantly, I wish to be somebody that I want to be happy to see when I look into the mirror.
Someone without the façade. Someone whom I can have a look and say that what I see is what it is.
The thought behind the smile is easy to miss. The thought behind the enthusiasm is easy to miss. Thoughts behind the entire façade are easy to miss.
However, it is tough to miss the forlorn look occasionally. It is tough to miss the despondent expression occasionally. It is something that inflicts every one of us.

Optimism

What am I without it
What am I without it
it is what keeps me strong
it is what keeps me going

it eggs me on
to do the right thing
pushing me on stage
it makes me want to sing

it makes me want to reach out
making me want to touch the sky
it makes me want to spead my arms
making me want to fly

it makes me believe
someday i will get there
gives me the hope
someday will be my day

gives me the hope
someday will be my day...

- Max

Greed

Greed and malice in thy mind
what cometh upon thou
in thy bad times
thou too have to bow

- Max

The Whiff of Honey

The count is down
and so is the frown
what was meant to be done rare
is now all brown

it happened to soon
it happened to fast
wish it weren't a dream
wish it were to last

mulling over the thought
wonder if it were meant to be
it was staring in the eye
and yet I did not see

on one side is a scissor
on the other is a cliff
the honey was always there
I just never had the whiff

-Max

Thee Memories

Try to hold not the people you meet
try instead to hold thee memories

try as we may hard
things don't always go our way
angels come and make a difference
and then they move away

try to hold not those
who are like a feather
but keep them in your mind
let the memories not wither

Its the moments

It is tough to identify the single most important reason that resulted in me writing this on a rainy night at 0312 IST.

It could be the defining moment when I chose what was likely to be The Path early this year. The decision that stumped most and shocked the rest of the world that I was known to. Nevertheless, it made sense to me. I guess that was what mattered at the end of the day. What mattered was what I thought of it at the end of the day.

It could have been the eye-opening journey that I embarked upon. The journey that helped me learn that there was more to the world than I knew existed. The journey that quelled any doubts that I had while I stood at the fork in The Path that had left me in a state of quandary.

It could be the presence of the dependable friends who guided, helped, and mentored me. Those who patiently bore with my idiosyncrasies. Those who were there when I needed them the most. Those whom I am most grateful to.

It could be the crazy, bull headed, and dogmatic me. These may not sound like (and my belief is that they are not) the qualities that one should aspire to have. Nevertheless, I guess in some manner, shape or form, they may be the reason between a shot in the dark and a bulls-eye.

Whatever the reason, the fact remains that I have achieved part of what I intended to achieve. The rest of the part is yet to come. Held in the future, it beckons me to follow the lead. Taking one-step at a time, calm and composed.

Today, I finally took the leap. Hoping and praying to god that I would be able to fly. Spreading my arms far and wide, I hoped to be the bird who flapped away towards the lighthouse. Flapping furiously, the light firmly in my sight, I hoped to be there before I lost breath and gave up. For I knew that if I did give up, I would end up dropping down like a rock. Not for once wondering why I took the jump. Instead, wondering why I did not try harder.

However, the leap was good enough. It did not get me to the end. But, it was the first jumps among many to come. It was not the greatest of shots at goal. But it seemed to serve its purpose. It was not convincing enough. Nevertheless, it got me to the other side. It was not something that all would be proud of. Yet again, something for which others would kill without blinking an eye. What mattered was that it was something that had my head spinning and my heart pumping!

And as the road winds ahead, I set my eyes on the road ahead. There is a lot of distance to cover. A lot of oil to burn and a lot of sweat to wipe. But, I chose the path. And I intend to make it happen.

It may not be a milestone for some. It may sound like a non-event for most. It may have all the makings of the ‘mountain out of a molehill’ story. But then, life is not all about the breaths that we take. Rather, it is all about the moments that take your breath away!

I am okay

Mumbai Multiple Blasts: For all those concerned, I am okay.

Regards,
APS

The finishing line

A month back, as the biggest spectacle of world team sport started, there were a lot of names that were thrown in the ring. All the best names in the world of soccer had descended upon Germany and it was expected to be a spectacle to watch out for. There were Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Czech, Spain, Netherlands, France and Italy.

Brazil, the eternal favorites, claimed that god was Brazilian and that he would not diappoint them in scoring a brace after Japan-Korea.
Argentina were in with a young team and played an attacking game of football that seemed to floor most of the football aficionados of soccer. Maradona claimed that the cup was headed to Buenos Aires.
It was Germany that caught the imagination of all with their un-characteristic football under Klinsmann. It looked like the hosts were preparing themselves for a party at Berlin.
The rest of the pack held a lot of promise, but failed to deliver.
When I talked about the ones, i said it would be Portugal or Italy. Portugal did lose out steam in the semis and eventually went out to Les Bleus...France! To say that they played a lousy game of unfair football would be to be kind to the portuguese.
But it was the other team... the Azzuri that made it all the way. There was a lot of ridicule and contempt for my support to the Italians. But I guess... its he who laughs last, laughs best!
France drew first blood early in the evening with a Zizou penalty. It looked that was to be the only goal for the match. The french, quite keen at holding onto their solitary lead. But the Italians were not going to give up so easily. Marco Materazzi making a name for himself in the 19 minute with an amazing header.The rest of the match did not tickle the scorers. There were a couple of chance to either side. But it seemed that the game was headed for extra time.
The extra time of 30 minutes would not have been eventful. Had it not been for the ruthluss head butt that Zinedine Zidane gave Materazzi. The referee sent off Zidane for this heinous act that was probably committed in a fit of rage. A blemish that will probably end up tarnishing what has otherwise been an amazing career of one of the greatest footballer of our times.
While the Italians did try to make some headway, the threat of penalty kicks was looming ominously.
And that is what it ended up being.
Buffon, Barthez and the rest of the guys would decide who would make a quiet exit though the side door. And who would be crowned champions of the world!
The Italians with their jinx of never having won in a shootout were palpably tense. The French did not look too hopeful themselves.
In the end, it was the team that held its nerves and prayed the most that ended up with the fanfare.
I guess the presence of the Vatican must have helped them in this case. Whatever the case, Trezeguet hit the wood-work. Meanwhile, the Italians converted all that they could. The end result...Italia were crowned as the WORLD CHAMPIONS! All those Brazil, Argentina, Germany and France supporters can take a hike!
Italia! Italia! It is they who cross the finishing line who want it bad! The world clicks him who crosses first. The also-ran remains just that...

Amchi Mumbai

There has been many a joke on the fiasco called the Mumbai rains. The BMC, MMRDA, Sena, Congress et al have pointed fingers at each other. All that remains is the mention of the 'foreign hand'. The one ace up every politician's sleeve.

Well...this joke does have a 'foreign hand'. I got this from my boss in NY. Seems that there is a joke floating around in the US.
It goes something like this...

Where Indians say "BEST buses were out in full strength and the train network was kept up and running till such a time when it became impossible to run services" -- source (Mumbai Mirror ed. 05 Jul 2006 - City)

Americans say: "We are in a state of emergency. Due to never seen before, extreme weather conditions city buses and trains are out of services. All available police forces have been mobilized, and the mayor is on the way…"

Seems like there is something going good for Mumbai! :)

This year seems to be better than the last one. All said and done, there was flooding and there was chaos. But, the over zealous media seems to have blown it grossly out of proportion with its live news feeds! The scars left in the minds of the people post 26/7 have just made things worse! Panic seems to set in a jiffy.

But this does not take away from the BMC, BEST, Mumbai Police and last but definitely not the least, the Mumbaikar spirit who have taken the raging bull by its horns.

Kudos to Mumbai! Kudos to its spirit!
Whatever happens, pick up your bag and move on! Its time to board the 18:34 Thane Fast (train).

Subtlety

Subtlety is an art. Some messages have more then one meaning. The truly artful ones have more then two...
The art lies not in being subtle...the art lies in making sense of the subtlety.

Italia...Italia

I have been chanting three names since the start of the World Cup...

Portuguesa - Portugal
Italia - Italy
England - RooneyLand

England failed to deliver at the last moment. Going down to the Portuguesa.
But the rest are still there...and if the Francaise falter in Germany, it would be a nightmare for me...
I wouldn't know whom to support!!!
Happened more than once in the Finals...

The Azzuri are through!
And They wait for Portugal to join them! Or atleast, I do!

Italia...Italia...
Based on their football under Jurgen Klinsmann, Deutschland were likeable and a pleasure to watch...but at the end of the day, those close to the heart are close to the heart!
The Azzuri are through!

Italy, unlike their usual self, played an interesting bit of tactical football under captain Canavarro and master tactician Marcelo Lippi. I wondered for a while if they were doing the right thing... but i guess all is well if you're going to Berlin!

Twice unlucky... third time lucky! And then... forth time lucky!
Fabio Grosso... Del Piero! You're on the front page! Say Cheese!
Italy! Pack the Bag... its time for Berlin!

While my heart does go out to the Germans, the Azzuri were a better side. I guess it was written all over Klinsmann's face.

And Lippi couldn't help dancing I guess. The Germans rode their luck. But, to give credit to them, they played an amazing genre of football. The kind that hasn't been associated with them. Not in the past that is.

Unfortunately, football(like others) is a ruthless game. There could only be one winner. Your heart bled for the Germans. But, I guess they have to go...
And no marks for guessing what Buffon is saying to them...

YOU'RE OUT!

Deutschland!!!

Bundesrepublik Deutschland, République d'Allemagne or The Federal Republic of Germany!!!

The winners of the match arguably touted to be deservingly called the finals before the finals!

A match that was boring to start off, it ended up with enough euphoria and adrenaline to befit the deserving tag of a final!

It saw stark contrasts and a sort of role reversal, Argentina playing 'Italian style' possession football. Germany, on the other hand, tried an approach with more flair and panache. However, the statistics told a whole different story. Argentina had the shots on target, the possession and a better hold over the match.

The first half of the match was a drab affair with both goalies barely having a say in the bearing of a match that saw the Olympiastadion stadium in Berlin packed like a tin of 70,000 sardines. The only affair worth commenting was the regular shrill of the referee's whistle that seemed to punctuate the proceedings at just about the right moment.

The two teams headed to the lemon break without tickling the scorers. Worse still, the scorers would have had gone off to sleep, had it not been a FIFA quarter final!

The second half saw the Germans coming out with a sense of belief and meaning. Must have been something that Jurgen Klinsmann must have said i guess. Whatever, it was that was said, the game seemed to be a different one from the first half.


However, it was The Albiceleste who drew first blood after barely four minutes into the resumption of play. A Riquelme corner saw Ayala guiding it past the outstretched hand of Lehmann into the netting as Lahm could only stare in despair.

This seemed to bring a sudden sense of urgency into the Deutsche as they seemed to be a team possessed. A set of 11 men fighting for their honour and that of their countrymen. They kept pressing, but were unable to pierce the Argentine wall.

As time passed by, the Germans got increasingly restless and fidgety. It didn't help that the South Americans were frustratingly content on keeping possession and wasting priceless time.


But, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Miroslav Klose acting as the torch bearer in the Nationalmannschaft’s progression towards an equaliser! In a fine display of team-work, Klose was ably aided by Captain Michel Ballack and Borowski. In the process, Klose headed his fifth for the tournament.


The Olympiastadion erupted in a frenzy as their favorite son (atleast at that moment) had ensured that they had lived to fight another day! The goal left Jose Pekerman's team in a disarray. They were playing for the final whistle and this meant a complete U-turn in their approach. They tried to twist the German arm, but the Germans wriggled out of the situation. They had their own chances, but it seemed that the match was destined to go beyond the regular stipulated time.

The 30 minutes of extra time excited only to disappoint with no change to the original score line. This meant that the match was headed into the infamous and exhilarating Penalty Shootouts. I guess it was fair, considering that it was really difficult to differentiate the teams apart. My guess is that it was worthy of a match of such a stature should head into shootouts. It was rightly said that the best matches are played in the quarters and the semis.

The hosts had a cent percent success rate as they converted through Neuville, Ballack, Podolski and Borowski. Jens Lehmann was the hero for the Germans as his saves from Ayala and Cambiasso meant that the Albiceleste and their huge contingent of fans had to embark on a long quiet and disappointing journey home.


As sorry as I am that she has to go, it also means that the Germans or the Portuguese would be staking a claim for my money on the finals!

Bundesrepublik Deutschland!!!

Its all in the mind...

It's all in the mind!
Listen to what is has to say...
You'll be happy!
Listen to your heart
You'll have the peace...
Listen to the both
and you'll be the happiest...
If you can manage to do this
nothing can stop you in life!