Happenstance!

A fortnight ago, I called up my friend to talk about the travel arrangements to our common friend's wedding. As we live in the same city, I expected to travel together. But to my disappointment, I was told that she has already booked the tickets - well, onward and return as well. She tried to convince me over her decision saying that she is actually traveling to a different city and then to the city where the wedding is arranged. But what about the return journey? huh.. Yes, she was kind of ignorant about this fact.

So I attended the wedding traveling all alone(most of you guys agree, its quite boring!). In the function, she was one among those very few known faces. I was glad to spend time with her and got to know few of her friends. And later while talking about the return journey, we found that we both were traveling in the same train. Quite a relief, at least we can sit together for sometime even if we have our seats in different bogies.

Later that evening, I reached the station and went straight to the computer to check my ticket's status as it was not yet confirmed. Its always a good feeling to have our tickets confirmed at the last minute:). Just few minutes before the departure I found my friend, out in the crowd, boarding the train. And to my surprise, she was boarding in the bogie in which my ticket got confirmed. I went straight to the list of passengers to check whether she is actually placed in the same bogie. Well, there it was - shock of the day, she is placed just opposite to my just-got-confirmed seat. Not just the same bogie but the same compartment too. That's a nice co-incidence I should say.

I saw her father passing on the luggage to her and just followed her till we reached our seats. When she turned back after placing her luggage, she saw me and immediately enquired about my seat. When I told her I am sitting at 54, just opposite to hers i.e. 51, she didn't believe me, thinking its a joke. She returned to her father for few minutes and in the meantime checked the passenger's list only to find my full name at 54. She too was very much surprised about this co-incidence. Later we did talk about this incidence for a while and continued our talks happily till late night. Return journey was indeed satisfying!

I am sure everyone would have come across many of these kind of co-incidences. I would be more than happy to hear from you too.

Hyderabad 10K run!

"RUN FOR... YOUR FRIENDS, RUN FOR YOUR CHILDREN, RUN FOR THE POLAR BEAR, RUN FOR YOUR RIGHTS, RUN FOR YOUR HEALTH, RUN FOR YOUR FITNESS, RUN FOR THE WOMEN'S CAUSE, RUN FOR THE FORT, RUN FOR THE LAKE, RUN FOR A BETTER LIFESTYLE, DON'T STOP, RUN FOR SPORTS, RUN FOR THE FUTURE, RUN FOR THE GOOD TIMES, RUN FOR THE NOT-SO-GOOD TIMES, RUN FOR SOMEONE, RUN FOR HYDERABAD, RUN FOR YOURSELF, JUST RUN, CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF HYDERABAD"

I got an opportunity to participate in a marathon event conducted in Hyderabad on 30th Nov. I had this idea of running in a marathon since many days. I remember missing out on couple of occasions before in Chicago and Bangalore. But this time, the timing was right and I got few days to prepare for the long run. Considering the fact that I didn't have any previous experience in these long runs, I set my target to 10kms and not the half-marathon amongst the 2 options available in the event.

Well, the day started off early as all the participants were requested to assemble at 6am at People's plaza which is situated next to the Hussain sagar lake in Hyderabad. The route fixed for the 10kms run: People's Plaza, Necklace Road ->Sanjeevaiah Park -> Sailing Club -> Tank Bund -> Ambedkar Statue -> Secretariat and back to People's Plaza, Necklace Road. This is the best route one can come up with in this city as this forms the circumference of Hussain sagar lake. The weather was perfect for the run - cloudy and breezy. Huge crowd turned up on this event, an overwhelming response to be appreciated. You could see children, senior citizens, people on wheelchairs - quite a scene to witness!

The start was delayed by few mins, thanks to the VIP's been invited and the related activities planned for them. Nonetheless, that didn't dampen the spirit a bit :). I noted 7:35am as the start tick and begun my run along with my couple of friends to whom I had told 'We are going to complete the run at any cost' - many a times! I ran the first 4 - 5 kms at a nice pace of 10 - 11 kph but had to slow down later as I hadn't run more than 5kms in one stretch before. My legs felt some kind of numbness after few more kms, but was determined to continue my jog. Running along with ever enthusiastic children, athletes and other determined people is a nice feeling. During the last 4kms phase, my friend who had lost some speed, returned and we encouraged each other and finally reached the finish line with a timing of 63 mins. Frankly speaking, sighting the finish line was such a satisfying feeling. We later stood near the finish line relaxing to see others finish the race. All congratulated, applauded each other for completing the race, for the effort and for the spirit!

Today when I checked the official site for the results and timings, I noticed that I stand at 207th position with a timing of 1:12:38(which I really doubt;-))! Quite a satisfying event.

Peninsula state park, Wisconsin

Door county was our destination this weekend for a nice fun n activity filled outing. Door county in Wisconsin is about 5 hours drive from my present abode in Arlington Heights, Illinois. We were 15 of us and started off in the early hours with the intension of reaching at around 11am and have sufficient time for our activities. On this cold day with temperature between 3 - 10 C, we planned to hike in the dazzling fall colors of nature, a round of kayaking and biking in the woods. Due to some delay in reaching the county, we had to settle for just kayaking. But let me tell you, it was one of the nicest activity and everyone were happy at the end with just one :)

Nicolet bay in Peninsula state park was the starting point. And one good thing about this place is that we have a small island about a Km from the shore. All 15 of us started off the bay in double and single kayaks heading towards this small island. I actually didn't have any plans of reaching this island considering the distance to be covered, but the group had already decided to! Well, I started off slowly posing for the cameras ;-) and then looked around only to witness one of the beautiful places I have been to. Then began the race to reach the island, uff.. it was tiring. The only problem with the boat was, it didn't move straight :-D rather we didn't row it straight! But its quite an effort to actually control the pace and at the same time, give proper direction to the boat. After about half an hour later we reached the island huffing and puffing. The group with jubilant feeling and sense of accomplishment stood there posing for snaps:) Our group was the only one to be on the island during that time, otherwise we would have been welcomed by a round of applause for sure!

We headed back immediately just to make sure we reach the shore back within the allotted time of an hour and hence avoid the fine;-) The return journey was more fun-filled, well, thanks to my partner and friends who started off splashing the cold water using double-bladed paddles. That one hour of kayaking was simply great!

After sometime, we reached the 'Eagle towers' which stands tall to provide the best view of the Peninsula state park. This view is undoubtedly one of the best gifts you can give to your eyes!! I can simply say, the most beautiful scene of nature I have ever seen so far. The tower gives us the view of the small island, the long stretch of the shoreline, dense woods with the initial fall colors and never-ending view of green bay in front!

Indeed a colorful weekend to end with for this fall'08 in US.

Friends!

Found the below article while browsing..

'If you go out in life looking for friends, they will be hard to find. If you go out in life striving to be a friend, you will find them everywhere'... How true!

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John Cherten Collins declared, "In prosperity, our friends know us. In adversity, we know our friends." The 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary says that a friend is "one who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity." In other words, it means someone who is interested in doing something for another person. A friend is an attendant, a companion, a favorer; one who is propitious. It is a term of salutation.

I agree with the statement that if, at the end of life, we can count at least two people who are true friends willing to do anything for us at the drop of a hat, who stand ready when we are hurting or need help, we are indeed fortunate. We can talk with friends about every facet of life - our joys, trials, triumphs, tragedies, hopes, wants, and needs. We can make ourselves vulnerable to them, knowing they will always think and act in our best interests. Joseph Addison held that "friendship improves happiness and abates misery by doubling our joy and dividing our grief." Robert Hall claimed, "He who has made the acquisition of a judicious and sympathizing friend may be said to have doubled his mental resources."

Since friends and friendships are so valuable, how can you acquire more? If you go out in life looking for friends, they will be hard to find. If you go out in life striving to be a friend, you will find them everywhere. Samuel Johnson said, "If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he would soon find himself left alone. A man should keep his friendship in a constant repair." Follow that advice, and you will seldom be lonely.

Research work lost in the woods..

'Whats wrong with the Indian Law and Wildlife Trust of India(WTI)' was my initial comment when I came across the news "Czech national gets three-year jail for stealing butterflies". This has pulled in the attention of research community all over the world and an online petition requesting for the release of these Czech nationals/scientists.
My curiosity to understand the situation better let me know few facts which everyone should know before actually coming to any conclusion on the topic.
Its very unfortunate the court in Darjeeling fined Petr Savacha, an entomologist, $500 and sentenced his associate Emil Kucera to three years in prison. Kucera also was fined $1,500.The court released Kucera on bail of $150 pending an appeal.
Having said that, I would like to mention that the facts taken into consideration in the trial were also significant and quite reasonable. An article by postdoctoral fellow will surely throw some light on it(Have to be a registered user to access it).

I am not here to question court's verdict and surely not to influence one's opinion on these scientists. But hoping for some kind of leniency in the higher court trial!

Quote of the day!

Chipotle, a well known chain of Mexican restaurants, is the regular place where I have my lunch(if you agree, trice in a week fits the word 'regular'). Its a great place for burritos and tacos.
Well, I am not here to write about the restaurant but about something nice and encouraging quote:

"If your life's work can be accomplished in your lifetime, you're not thinking big enough"

(Yes, I spotted this quote on the cups served at this restaurant. This cup refers to Wes Jackson, a plant geneticist and former professor who quotes this. And more interesting is the person himself who shares the honor of being one of the 35 'Innovators of Our Time' with the likes of Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg.)

.. time to think big!! :)

TV commercials..

I have observed that the TV ad commercials in US are not interesting and innovative as compared to the ones back home.
But here are few which I have liked and made me laugh! :)

First known picture of Michael Phelps

Really funny!! :)
Picked it from the below location -
http://runningahospital.blogspot.com/2008/08/first-known-picture-of-michael-phelps.html

But let me tell you, Michael Phelps is a phenomenon!!

Tagged

Thanks to Sheetal for tagging! Well, since quite a while wanted to post but wasn't able to. As a matter of fact, I had many topics to write about and share, but laziness had the upper hand!
Lets start with this nice n silly game :)

Last movie seen in a theatre?
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane na.

What book are you reading?
Chicken's soup for Traveler's soul!

Favorite board game
Chess

Favorite magazine
Readers Digest(Its been a long time, didn't have one)

Favorite smells
BRU coffee

Favorite sound
Many.. but 'Airtel' ringtone striked first now.

Worst feeling in the world
Being blamed for something you didn't do.

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
Where am I today ;-).. But frankly, 'I want to continue sleeping..'

Favorite fast food place
Durgadh Bail, Hubli(hometown).

Future child's name
Ladki hui tho 'Rachel' aur Ladka hua tho 'Chandler'.. Now don't ask, which school??!!

Finish this statement. "If I had a lot of money I'd..."
Travel a lot and would have become a politician(CM/PM) to make things better in India!

Do you drive fast?
Yes, uska maza hi kuch aur hai

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal
Define 'Stuffed animal' :)

Favorite Drink
Coffee/Pepsi

Do you eat the stem of broccoli?
Yes

Storms - Cool or Scary?
Scary

If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?
hmm.. lemme check Lakme/L'oreal website

Name all the different cities/towns you have lived in:
Hubli, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Libertyville and Arlington Heights.

Favorite sports to watch
Many.. Cricket takes the lead..

One nice thing about the person who sent this to you
hmm difficult job man!! he he just kidding.. well, she is a nice n humble person.

What's under your bed?
Cricket ball I guess.. Have to check

Would you like to be born as yourself again?
No.. its boring to go through the same things again! Try something new all the time

Morning person or night owl?
Both

Over easy or sunny side up?
Neither.. Plz dont kill those chickens before they are born!:-p

Favorite place to relax
Home sweet home..

Favorite pie
Apple pie at McD

Favorite ice cream flavor
Butterscotch

You pass this tag to:
Manu, Mahe, Hema

Of all the people you tagged this to, who’s most likely to respond first?
Hema

A nice heartfelt poem!

My Second Chance
by Emily Rheault

Long Ago
I knew you,
And every memory I shared with you

And how painful sometimes it is to remember
Every Word
Every Day
Every Time
I was with you

And how close I felt to something special
Something deep inside
You were a part of me
You had a part of
My Soul
My Heart
My Mind

And how every day I got up 'cause of you
And everyday I couldn't wait to see you

And how I regret those days I kept my silence
And how I wish I would have said something
said anything, to make you understand

And then we left
We stopped talking
It was my fault. It was.

And how I wish I could change that.

And how sometimes late at night, I can't fall asleep
cause I wish you were here
And how I wrap myself so closely with that blanket you used

Just to remember
Just to feel something
to feel a part of you

And how sometimes I lay lavishing myself in tears
Waiting, Longing, Yearning
to feel your touch

Just to be with you
Just to hold you
Just to kiss you.....once

And how some mornings I wake up reaching out for you
but you're not there
And sometimes I imagine that you care
And how once in a while I fantasize we'll talk
once again

And how I wish I could take my second chance
to be near you.

Waqt nahi!!

(Read it at my friend's desk and when googled for this, saw many blogs with the same. It reflects the life of many of us quite nicely)

Har khushi hai logon ke daman mein,

Par ek hansi ke liye waqt nahi.

Din raat daudti duniya mein,

Jindagi ke liye hi waqt nahi.

Maa ki loree ka ehsaas to hai,

par maa ko maa kehne ka waqt nahi.

Sare rishton ko to hum maar chuke,

ab unhe dafnane ka bhi waqt nahi.

Sare naam mobile mein hain,

par dosti ke liye waqt nahi.

Gairon ki kya baat karen,

jab apno ke liye hi waqt nahi.

Aankhon me hai neend badee,

par sone ka waqt nahi.

Dil hai gamon se bhara hua,

par rone ka bhi waqt nahi.

Paison ki daud me aise daude,

ki thakne ka bhi waqt nahi.

Paraye ehsason ki kya kadr karein,

jab apane sapno ke liye hi waqt nahi.

Tu hi bata E zindagi,

is zindagi ka kya hoga,

Ki har pal marane walon ko,

jeene ke liye bhi waqt nahi.......

Perfect blend of nature & wildlife!!

River Tern Lodge, Chikmaglur was our camp on a weekend in the month of March. Yes, I along with 11 others had decided on this place considering the fact that western ghats is the right place during Winter season to be introduced to the nature in its serene beauty.

8 of us traveled from Hyderabad to Bangalore in the train and were joined by another 4 in Bangalore. River Tern Lodge on the banks of River Bhadra is around 6 hours from Bangalore and we started our journey in a 12 seater bus. The best part of these travels is you get lots of time with each other and its when you get to mingle better through some singing, dancing or any gaming activities.

We reached the resort at around 2pm. The resort was rightly placed on a hillock from which you could get the best view of the surrounding beauty. We were mesmerized by the scene we were witnessing from our cottages. It was simply great! The lunch was served and we were given the options of having a safari drive or water activates. Wait a minute, did I forget to mention that the food served was great.

We all opted for the water activities considering the fact that afternoons in water is better than cold morning time in water:). The water activates included sailing, kayaking & water trampoline. All had a great time on trampoline with everyone showing their jumping, somersault and diving skills. Well, I was adjourned the best in diving.. really no kidding.. ask my friends! :) To everyone's surprise, only 4 of them knew swimming among those 12 in water. Thanks to the inventor of life jacket! We all were in the water for around 3-4 hours till evening. Damn, everyone had lots of fun.

We were back to our rooms bit tired. It rained for couple of hours in the night and really made the environment better to be enjoyed in the middle of the jungle. We had nice dinner and later some interesting games till late night.

The next morning, we were all set for a jungle safari. It started at 7am and I had a high expectations set. I wasn't disappointed at the end, since we encountered interesting flora and fauna in our 2 hours safari. We saw barking deer, deer's, dancing peacocks, and how can I forget the single tusk elephant which posed for some snaps! Quite a co-operating animal:). We happened to see variety of birds too. Tiger!!! damn, was the only animal we missed :(

We were back to our rooms but since we had nice time the previous day in water, everyone decided to hit the water again for swimming. We all made sure to entertain the crowd there with our shouts, group activities and of course the sync swimming! :)

This was one of the best weekends I spent, rightly coz of the friends and the place.