master'e blog: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

My Top 10 Fav Songs- August 2009

So I have been listening to a lot of different music this month. My mood changes with each day but I have kept a couple of songs constantly in play. Here they are:

1. Salvador- Now that I Have You

This song is so amazing! I’ve had the album for some time now and I tell you that when I played this song for the first time it ended up on replay all day.

2. Salvador- Shine

I started to play this song when my grandmother passed. She used to love light houses and every time I played this song I think of how she was a light and shined for us. I want to be a light that shines for others as well and this song explains how I feel.

3. Worth Dying For- Take Me

I took my friends iPod for a day and ended up playing this song all the time. It’s an amazing worship song; telling the Lord to take all of you because you want nothing left. It’s a powerful statement and a powerful song.

4. JudaCamp- It’s Alright

I like this song because it’s such a cool dance song. It’s alright to be crazy and dance like David. I am considering it for one of my dance groups. It makes me so excited when I hear it.

5. LaRue- Jaded

This song is very old. I like the concept of the song because it’s very real. They are acknowledging that the person they were with wasn’t for them; and its time to move on and let go.

6. Sanctus Real- Whatever You’re Doing

Love this song! It’s honest. I know how they feel; whatever God is doing inside of us feels horrible but there’s a peace in the midst of it. In the midst of God moving things around and it hurting, He’s still giving me peace.

7. Abandon Kansas- I Wonder If It’s Me

New band alert! I got this song as a free download from Gotee records. Love it! I haven’t found a band that sounds like this in a while. I like them a lot. I hope to add more songs from them in the near future.

8. Francesca Battistelli- It’s Your Life

I like that the concept of this song is the way God talks to us. It’s our life but we have to be mindful people are watching us. When we say we are Christians we are automatically thrown into a spotlight under a magnifying glass. We have to make sure our lifestyle echoes what we believe.

9. Flyleaf- All Around Me

I am surprised I didn’t add this song sooner. I love the way she sings (Christian Rock music is getting better). You have to hear this song if you haven’t already.

10. Fireflight- Brand New Day

I feel in love with this band when I first heard “Unbreakable”. After I got their album, I was hooked. It is an amazing song. We have to remember each day is a chance to start anew, to make a step towards or away from the life God has for us. We need to stop living in the past and live in Jesus.

I hope you guys liked this month’s selection. Be blessed.

Hate the Player, Not the Game

The other day I had an especially trying one at el jobbo del day, the details of which we needn't repeat, even in my imagination. (Today is looking up; I already had to kill a mammal with nothing but my cunning and a serving spoon.*) Luckily, Friend Adam had already extended an invitation to join him for some recreational activity that evening. I dutifully tromped over to the outer limits of Queens, where many n00bz were pwn3d (read: many inexperienced players had their digital avatars removed from the game by force). Of course, by "many n00bz," I mean "me, over and over again," and by "were pwn3d," I mean "trounced, most likely by 'tween boys with a 100-word limit on their available vocabulary." It was my first time playing XBox Live, you see. In spite of my adamant liability to my fellow teammates -- something I really do feel quite bad about -- I did feel considerably happier after my little adventure.

Never mind that there are some indications video games can be helpful in alleviating depression; games that conference in other live players can have a decidedly social aspect to them, not to mention the sheer teamwork involved. In the games of Halo I played the other night, our team never could have won the rounds they did without talking through what was going on. It was better communication, in many cases, than I experience in a given day at el jobbo del day. But I write not here to draw insinuations of insults by comparing a fictional war game to a real-life office environment (not here, anyway) but rather to discuss the prejudice against games.

What prejudice? You may well wonder. People love games. They watch reality TV for the games people play, and football for the games titans play. We even have fantasy football, in order to play a game outside of the game. Gambling is a short-form game, and driving is a rather high-stakes action game. Games abound. Even video games are getting a great deal of respect these days, comparatively speaking. Gaming consoles are bleeding cool into what was once a domain of the ubergeek, and even housewives are getting excited by the Wii whilst stock brokers eagerly anticipate the next Call of Duty installment. Heck: "Gaming" and "gamer" have been appropriated into terms associated almost solely with video games, as far as the mass audience is concerned.

In spite of all this acceptance, imaginative gaming (and I'm coining a phrase here) continues to get a bad rap. Perhaps it's because of all the acceptance; I think it's an ingrained habit for we humans to define ourselves by what we reject, what we do not believe in, and if we're accepting all this other gaming, maybe we need something to point a finger at and say, "Bleargh!" I don't understand it, frankly. I never have, and that inability to understand has resulted in countless awkward social predicaments from about age five on up to now. However, it's also resulted in some of my most rewarding experiences in life. So I stick with being a little different in this sense.

What do I mean by "imaginative gaming"? I mean improvisation. I mean games that are relatively free from conventional constraints. I mean role-playing games (RPGs), but I don't mean the kind that can be played on a computer (as of now, that is) nor do I mean only RPGs. I perceive a unique category of games that spans a bunch of different categories, yet has very much earned a distinction in being rather more openly creative than the rest. I'm basically naming something here that I like, personally, but I'm inclined to believe that I'm not alone in this specific preference. Expatriate Younce outlined some categories of RPG play for me a couple of years back (gamist, narrativist and . . . and . . . LOOK, A SEAGULL!) but these are more styles of playing than descriptions of the game itself. Imaginative gaming is any game in which the players are the ultimate authority over the rules. It is a play in which the sense of play is more important than any other element -- meaning the game itself is based on how well it is played, not how well it is won. Moreover, if this scares you or sounds ridiculous, imaginative gaming is as applicable to buying groceries as it is to making up stories around a table. Movies can be written with it, and difficult negotiations can be compromised with it.

We've all been in the position of working with someone whom we don't particularly appreciate or enjoy, and in some ways playing with such people is much worse. (And I'm perfectly comfortable admitting that I have been just such an undesirable player on more than one occasion, for more than a few people.) Memories such as these make us cautious, and resistant to new experiences. We want to be able to control outcomes, or at least be supported in the belief that control is a factor at all. But the beauty of a game is that we get to be surprised by what occurs, and we get to test ourselves against adversity of all kinds, within a contained environment. Maybe learning to play well with others is one of these challenges. I personally believe that anyone can be a welcome addition to play, if only you can find a good way to play with them.

All this is just to say: Try not to hate the player but, even if you can't achieve it, find a love for the game. It's all some kind of game, after all, and the games that are most true to life are the ones in which we create our own rules.

*My cunning is less lethal than the spoon; luckily (for me) the little guy had run across the wrong side of a glue trap.

uuuugh

I want for group assignments not to exist.

I want my essay to be written already.

I want to vomit everything I just ate.

I want to make out with Colin Firth (I am watching Bridget Jones' Diary instead of doing essay).

I want my hair to grow like 4 inches longer immediately thx.

I want to get paiddddd. (originally a typo. 'I want to get laiddddd'. funny.)

I want to be as funny in blog-form as I am in reality.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

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That Still, Soft Voice

I think it’s hilarious when I hear people say that God doesn’t speak to them? When I asked them what they mean they literally mean they don’t hear God speak to them. I have learned that God speaks to us: through nature, our conscience and His word. He’s that still soft voice that encourages us, disciplines us, and keeps us alert. I have learned personally that God can speak to you in so many ways and using so many things. He could use a friend, stranger, or even a minister; He could use the clouds, tress, our dreams, anything. So when we say “speak to my heart Lord” make sure you are really listening and not expecting a big booming voice from heaven and the clouds opening up (believe me, I heard it all). I hope that this encourages someone. Be blessed.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

What a Wonderful Day

Today was intercessory prayer, baptism and a youth concert: all a day’s work for a youth, lol. But really, prayer service was amazing (it always is), the baptism got me excited again to see that there are still people who have no problem making a statement for Jesus. The concert ended up being a worship experience; an amazing worship experience. I really thank God for His blessings in my life. I realize in this day and time, there aren’t a lot of youth that take a stand for God but to see the masses coming out of a remnant makes me so excited to be one of them. I was telling my cousin the other day that it’s so amazing how when I feel like I am about to throw in the towel the Lord speaks to me and reminds me to keep on the road I’m on. If you don’t believe God is speaking to you, I dare you to ask Him to reveal Himself to you and see what He can do.

Friday, August 28, 2009

good night.

So I went out last night (woo! social life!) and now I look/feel like this:

So today, i want this stuff:

and Sarah Millican:

because she is so sweet and endearing and hilarious and I want her to be my friend. If anyone can hook me up... You should totally youtube her if you don't know who she is. That's what I mainly want today. To spread the love of sarah.

Under Control

Darn these commercials! I am hooked to a song by Parachute called “Under Control”. It was the song in a Nivea commercial and I googled it. SMH. You would think I would know by now, lol. The song got to me though, I have been under control for so long with this situation, keeping my feelings inside and letting it eat away at me. I kept my distance from him because I didn’t want to be a stumbling block. I wanted it to move forward only if it was God’s will but I also avoided him a lot. I don’t regret it too much, I believe everything happens for a reason but I realize how I feel now that it’s spiraling out of control. Thank God for Jesus; I have been talking his ear off and it feels amazing.

Akshay Kumar Teaches Son Aarav to Rollerblade

Fitness junkie Akshay Kumar wants his son Aarav to be like him. Apart from lessons in martial arts, and cycling, the actor is now teaching his six-year-old son to rollerblade.

Says a source close to Akshay who is currently shooting in London for Sajid Nadiadwala's House Full, "Though Akshay has been shooting very hard from morning to night on the London schedule he still is finding time for Aarav and teaching him how to rollerblade. Every day, he makes it a point to keep aside an hour everyday to play Aarav's roller blade trainer."

Impressing papa

The star papa is maha thrilled with his son's balance and control. Aarav also had a professional trainer hand-picked by Akki. Ever since Aarav joined his dad in London, they have been rollerblading every day.

Well-protected

Akshay himself is a seasoned roller blader. Says a source close to the actor, "He learnt rollerblading when he was in Canada. He also did it in Khiladi 420. Akshay has bought Aarav all the top-notch safety equipment possible for rollerblading like the best quality helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads and kneepads so that even if Aarav falls down his wrists and elbows remain protected."

Thursday, August 27, 2009

This might be a regular thing!

So today I went to work. Then to Newtown. Drank some coffee. Bought my brother a present. Went shopping with my mum. Ate some thai. I am home now, but going out later. For the next few weeks I want this to stop happening:

And this body so I can stop feeling guilty about not going to the gym this morning:

The Lover of My Soul

I have been developing a deeper relationship with the Lord. It’s funny to explain it. I dress with Him in mind, I talk to him as I do things, and I want to hear His voice always. I never thought it would feel like this; that it would feel like I’m actually in a relationship. I remember hearing people say let God love you because He can love you like no other and I never realized how true it actually is. I am not going to say I don’t miss companionship (people look at you weird when they see you talking out loud, lol) but I don’t need it as much as I thought I did. I am seeing that so many people need Him. I wish everyone would let Him into their hearts because He’s a lover like no other.

I have started a blog.

This blog has been born out of procrastination. I have an essay due next week that requires a lot of work to go into it. It is even an interesting topic (urbicide) and yet still I find it too difficult to just fucking do it. SO.

I made a blog. I will be blogging about things I want. That is it, really. Sometimes I will just post pictures of things I am thinking of (eg. frivolous objects that will make my life better) or maybe will get all deep and shiz and talk about what I want out of life. That probably won't happen though, so stay tuned for the fun crap I want.

Today:

Beauty and the Beast necklace by Disney Couture. 'mazin.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Passion & Purity

I’m so excited! I’m reading “Passion & Purity” by Elizabeth Elliot. It’s about the waiting time between her and her husband Jim Elliot (this man’s life makes me want to be more on fire for God). It is so amazing and powerful so far. I think I highlighted the entire first 3 chapters. I’m such a romantic to read the story of how they stayed in God’s will and feel so in love with each other, is that so hard to achieve in this century? God I hope not, I pray that my husband makes some attempt to woo me old school style (letters, sonnets, verses from Songs of Solomon, etc). But what amazes me more is they wanted to please God. They struggled and fought their feelings because they wanted to please God and live a life He had for them. Who does that nowadays? Who says "Thy will be done even though I like him/her so much"? They didn't know their love for God and each other would be a testimony to help and encourage me and so many others. I realize when we go through; we go through so that others will be encouraged when they are also going through or to help some not have to.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

It's Not About Us!

I have learned that holding on and holding out doesn’t just effect me; it effects those around me that look up to me. I have to admit there are times when I want to throw in the towel and do what I want to do but to be able to hold out and be an example is so much more an encouragement. There are girls in my church that no one but me can reach; they speak to no one else but me. So imagine if I’m not there for them, if I stop seeking the Lord and doing whatever; what happens to them? I have seen too many souls lost and I will stand in the gap and be the one that they see Jesus in. Think about it, who can you reach with Jesus?

Monday, August 24, 2009

Wow....

“One of the greatest blessings of heaven is the appreciation of heaven on earth. He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”- Jim Eliot

I have been moved to tears every time I read this quote. To think that he was young (only 4 years older than me) and was so on fire for God that his life didn’t matter. Could I die for Christ? You bet. If you would have asked me that a couple years back and I wouldn’t have answered so quickly; as I gotten older and walked away from a life changing experience with just my nerves rattled I learned everyday that Jesus is sweeter that the day before. To die for Christ is not dying at all; its living a life that could bring someone to Him and make you feel complete. You die so that another might live; isn’t that What God wanted? These missionaries who go to hostile countries to bring the word to the lost are doing the most amazing thing in the world. They are risking their lives so that others can live and walk in the light. I think we need to refocus; this life isn’t about making as much money as possible or “living life to the fullest”, it’s about living your life to the fullest that God has planned for you. How amazing is that? There are blessings, levels and shifts that God has planned for each of us but we need to let go of the concepts and ideas that the world fed us. We need to turn to God and tell Him we die to the things of the world and live for Him.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Discourage Much?

I had a discussion with my Youth Minister today and I realized how much I’ve grown. My initial response if I was younger would have been to yell and withdraw; now I take it in and learn from it. I was told that my heart didn’t seem in the ministry. I tell you that I actually tried not to laugh. I love being apart of the Youth President; but I have learned that it’s God that is seeing my work and knows my heart. So it doesn’t matter if someone doesn’t think my heart is in it or not; it’s what God knows. I want to tell you not to let people discourage you but encourage YOURSELF in the Lord. Be blessed.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

It Takes 21 Days to Form a Habit

I realized that they time you take to put something into your system you have to take the same amount of time of more to get it out. I am at a point where God is showing me all the unhealthy relationships that I need to get rid of and now I am seeing why. There’s a ministry and a calling that we all have and in the early stages just like with pregnancy you have to be careful to not doing anything to lose the life you are caring. I can now say that my eyes are open to the things, situations and people that God is calling me away from…..

Friday, August 21, 2009

It's One of Those Days

It’s Friday! I am so excited! Do you know why? Because I have nothing at all planned tomorrow! I tell you it feels wonderful; to be able to just do my hair and hang out at home all day without worrying about what needs to be done that day……I can’t wait! Be blessed!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

It's A New Season Coming to Me!

I am not going to mention the ungodly hour that I am up today but I feel like it’s a new season for me. Everything is going to change for the better; for my good and I’m moving to a higher level in Christ. I am not perfect, no where even remotely near good but I am grateful that the Lord is moving in my life and on my behalf. I am so excited! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.

Winds of Change

Last night I sat down with Sister Virginia and began to help her study for a test she has to pass in order to achieve a job as a nurse practitioner -- I think of it as the Bar Exam for Insanely Specialized Nurses (henceforth, BEISN [though if you quote me on that, no one else will know what in the heck'n'shoot you're talking about]). I enjoy doing this with my sister, bizarrely enough. It feels like a familiar game, probably owing to my continuous necessity for memorizing lines, and I'm always eager to figure out new ways of encouraging her to order her thoughts and make details really memorable. My approach uses a lot of techniques I've picked up in memorizing scripts but, more significantly, utilizes one big acting idea behind all script memorization. That is: specificity is important because every word and structural element holds a clue to your story and has a reason behind its use. In other words, memorize meaning as well as facts. It's the only way to lock in those lines.

But I digress (probably because it feels like it's been a long time since I was writing here about an actual script, and I've been reading so many plays lately). This current bout of studiousness is in preamble to my sister possibly moving out of the city for work. She has a good thing going with Johns Hopkins, and passing this test would be the solidifying factor in that trial run. I'm very happy for this possibility, for a number of reasons. It would be good work for her, she'd be closer to my parents and NoVa, and I have learned to love Baltimore a bit. I'm very unhappy for this possibility for one reason. That is, it means my sister will, after some seven years in New York, no longer live in the same city as me. I love my sister, and will miss her.

Perhaps not for long, though. Coming up on my ten-year anniversary of having moved to the beeg ceety, I consider more and more the possibilities of picking my show up and moving it somewhere else. I used to fight this idea, but lately it has seemed surprisingly exciting to me; "exciting" being the last thing it seemed when I was a mere youth. I've lived my entire adult life around New York City, and have a lot to learn about living elsewhere. Plus it seems to me that more and more the kind of work I enjoy doing is better suited to a different environment. I'm not sure what, just yet, but figuring that out is part of the potential fun of it.

Man, but I love New York. Things I love about it, in no particular order:

It's so messed up. Seriously: It is. There's plenty of facade of it being this gleaming pinnacle of mankind's ambitions, but every time I see a movie like You've Got Mail, I have to laugh. Give me The French Connection, give me The Warriors. That's still underneath it all in New York, no matter how much veneer Hollywood uses.

New York is honest. To a fault. I'm not saying there isn't an absurd amount of lying that goes on, and on a second-by-second basis. I mean, it's the financial capital -- of course there's a ton of lying. But if you're walking down the street, and someone doesn't like the look of you, you don't know it from a plaster grin. You know it from an honest expression, and me, I love that.

It is a petri dish of culture. At the same time a world-famous production of Hamlet is closing its run at Lincoln Center, a tiny show that only a handful of people saw is closing -- and we'll never know which will prove more significant. Music flows through here like a river wider than the East, and artists happily, slowly kill themselves to work out just what they're trying to say. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is moved by something they come in contact with. You never, ever have to search for a cultural experience. Every day, all around, it's happening.

New York is a city of individuals. I doubt that there's a better place for people watching, anywhere. Sure, it has types, and conformity, and all that (you've got to identify yourself with some tribe) but from one block to the next is a shuffled deck of personalities and ways of expressing that. Sometimes, too, I think of it as a city of superheroes, with secret identities, because who knows what the suit does with his nights, or the hipster does with her family. Love it. Love. It.

Food. Twenty-four hours, from all over the world. Dig it.

It's difficult to not be doing something here. I mean, you've really got to work at it. Sometimes I feel like I was reincarnated from a shark, because one of the worst sensations I know is to stop moving. Ask anyone who's vacationed with me: I'm a pain. I like having somewhere to be, something to get done, and when you take that away from me I eventually begin to have problems with very basic activities (such as: breathing). New York is good for keeping one purposeful, and on his or her toes.
Circus. New York has it. Does your town?
New York is about as historical as the U.S. of A. gets. "What about Jamestown, Williamsburg (we have one, too) and Plymouth Rock?", I hear you cry. Dudes (oh my dudes), I grew up near a lot of such history, and it's poppycock. Sure, significant stuff happened there, and maybe an earthen mound or two remains, but more recently what happened there is that it has been rehashed, developed into more tourism than history. In New York, in spite of all the development, you get to turn a corner and find extant historical architecture. We live in and amongst it, and that's what history is really for.
People talk to each other here. This last one is a little difficult to explain to anyone who hasn't experienced it for themselves. New York sometimes gets referred to as "the biggest little town," and it's largely because of this phenomenon. Here, it is not considered rude to start up a conversation with a stranger. Here, you are likely to get advice from someone you don't know on the subway, because they have overheard your conversation. Different places have this, I realize, but there's something about this particular strange, unspoken, common identity shared by approximately 8,143,000 people that makes me very, very happy.

Of course, I could very easily make a "cons" list as well. After all, it's August in New York -- it would be very easy. But I think everyone knows the cons, to one degree or another. And anyway, the point is that someday . . . maybe sooner than we think . . . I won't live here anymore. People I meet thereafter may not understand why I moved at all, because I'll keep talking about missing the city. If and when I leave, it will be for good reasons, but it won't change any of the above.

Change is the only inevitability, it's been said, and I believe it. Still, some things in my life to date have proven especially resistant to change, and such things are usually related to love. And I love this town.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Where Are the Good Comedies?

I grew up on the good stuff: Friends, Seinfeld, Everyone Loves Raymond, etc. Now all there is on TV. is garbage! Well except for How I Met Your Mother, Rules of Engagement and New Adventures of Old Christine. But if it’s not a Monday Night or Wednesday Night, I’m stuck. I am falling in love with the U.S. of The Office, but what else is there? I love a good laugh just as much as the other person, probably more. They need to bring the good stuff back! I’m sorry, I needed to rant!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Prep Time!

I’m counting down until my B-Day! I want to go to the opera or see a ballet then go out to eat. I don’t want too many people there; just my friends from because I want clean, wholesome fun! I am designing my dress and setting a color scheme! I am also looking into restaurants and shows on Broadway. I’m so excited!

Bal Thackeray's Grandson Aditya Gives a Rare Insight Into The Thackeray Household

Thacke-ray of hope?

Bal Thackeray's grandson Aditya is just 19 years old, but seems to have his head firmly on his shoulders. The shiv sena scion gives Varun Singh a rare insight into the thackeray household

He has inherited the most powerful surname in Maharashtra and his family enjoys a considerable political clout in the state. Yet, when Aditya Thackeray, dressed in a white T-shirt, blue jeans, spectacles and a stubble on his face, walked into the MiD DAY office this week, he showed no airs of belonging to an illustrious family. The 19-year-old was like any other teenager who loved talking about cricket, movies, music, photography and his social work. Though he resembles his father Uddhav a lot, Aditya insists he is more like his grandfather, Bal Thackeray.

Are you like your father?
People say when I don't talk much, I'm like my dad, but when I'm at my entertaining best, I'm more like granddad. My dad is a reserved person, but my granddad is an extrovert. He loves to have people around him. But yes, I share some of my dad's features.

What's your equation with your grandfather?
I meet him often, but late in the evenings. He is a big cricket fan and loves to watch T20 matches. But I don't. Although I like watching T20 cricket, Test cricket is what I prefer. Grandpa also loves watching TV and he's more into cassettes and VCDs. He is not adept with new-age technology. But we chat for several hours and he even performs magic tricks for me.

But he is Bal Thackeray.
Yes, but for me, he is my granddad. It's a revelation watching him at public rallies. It's amazing to see people chase him. They will do anything to catch a glimpse of him and want to touch only his car. He has a superb sense of humour. When he was admitted to the hospital for angioplasty recently, I called him from abroad to inquire about his health. While talking to me, he suddenly spoke in an English accent. It was very funny.

What about you father and mother?
My father and me crack lame jokes that irritates my mother and brother. My mother keeps us grounded. I seek her advice on many things. In fact, I even took her permission to come here (smiles).

Who are you closest to?
My family and friends. I can share everything with my closest friends.
Are you in touch with your cousins?
We meet once a year at events or festivals.

What about your uncle Raj's children?
Since then (referring to Raj's split from the Shiv Sena), I haven't met Amit, but relations between us are cordial.

Your family is know for its fiery brand of politics and targeting certain communities. Does that affect you personally?
I have friends from all communities. However, there have been times when people's perception about us scared some of my friends. Once, a girl who studies with me in college was supposed to come home for some project work. She was very scared and I could sense it. But when she visited Matoshree, she admitted that she was relieved to see a normal household. She was extremely nervous and it took a while to calm her down.

Maybe it's the security guard with the gun. Is he always around?
Yeah, even in college.

Does he attend lectures too?
No, but maybe I could ask him to take notes (laughs).

Do you wish you didn't have a security cover?
Not really. I've had security guards since I was born. They are more like friends to me. We joke around and even play cricket together.

What if you are dating a girl?
Oh, I don't want to.

You're against dating?
There'd be no place in the car (laughs). I'll think about it when it happens.

Have you ever celebrated Valentine's Day?
No, I haven't. But my friends often joke that when I do, I'll be the first to get caught. Once, I received a greeting card from a girl in school. It was a big card and heart popped out every time you opened it. I didn't go to class the next day, because I was very scared. When I attended school later, I slipped the card into my friend's bag, but the teacher got hold of it. Luckily, there were no names on it. I don't like celebrating such days, including Parents' Day because their blessings are always with me. I don't need to celebrate it once a year.

What do you do for fun?
I love watching Hindi comedies. Films that deal with conflict and suspense don't interest me. I'm also into poetry — Hindi, English and Marathi. I don't follow any particular poets, but I like Wilfred Owen. I also write poetry based on random things I observe. But if it's romantic, I add a disclaimer stating that my writing is from my observations alone and not from personal experience. I also write in Urdu.

Urdu?
It's the Jodhaa Akbar effect. I have watched the movie over 50 times. In fact, I started welcoming my friends with Urdu phrases from the movie. They started calling me Hrithik for a while.

Is he your favourite actor?
Yes, he is. I've met him once. We both went to the same school (Bombay Scottish).

When are you joining politics?
I am apprehensive about joining politics. If I get into it, I must work hard and stay there. I'm only 19. I don't want to be an immature giving my views

Monday, August 17, 2009

Scaling Hypotheses

I am a great lover of hypothetical questions. To my mind, they are the most efficient method of getting a person to write you a very brief and personally grounded bit of fiction. Maybe this, too, is why many people avoid hypothetical questions -- they're all-too aware of how revealing their answers may be. I think these sorts of questions are a little too entertaining to be concerned for my own exposure, though. Over the years I've tried to disguise my hypothetical questions in forms people won't find too fanciful or threatening. Instead of asking, "If you were trapped on a desert island with a CD player and only five albums, which would they be?", I go for, "Top five albums?" Even then, many balk. "You're allowed to change your mind," I insist. Still, nuthin'. Some favorites of mine:

Would you rather be able to fly, or become invisible at will?

If you had to pick one musical artist or band to compose a running soundtrack behind your every moment, who would it be?

What would you do if you knew you had three weeks to live?

I thought of a new one the other day, and a series of events seemed to conspire to bring me back to my answer to it, over and over. I had the answer before I had the question, to be completely honest. The answer: Climb. The eventual question:

If you could only do three things for the rest of your life, which three voluntary actions -- besides sleeping, eating and sex -- would you choose?

So when I put it to myself that way, I came up with to climb, act and write. I took some time with it, because I figured that given more options I might come around to see that to climb was not my life's greatest ambition. And it's true. I don't aspire to climb, particularly. What it is about the act of climbing that puts it at number one is that it makes me the happiest out of these three things I love to do. This is very interesting to me. I notice that I am not a professional rock climber, nor a telephone-pole repairman, nor even a stuntman, per se. I could make some practical assertions as to why not, but all of these would crumble once applied to my chosen aspiration of maintaining a legitimate acting career.

I'm not sure I can explain what it is about climbing -- simply climbing -- that is so satisfying to me. It seems like such a simple action, yet it always cheers me up somehow, to the extent that if I had to give up acting or climbing, I really don't know which one I'd choose. (So please: Nobody ask me that one.) Writing's third because I love it, but it's solitary, and acting's second because it comes with some really nauseating lows right along with the dizzying highs. But climbing, it's very pure, and uplifting (see what I did there) and heck: I just don't know. I fantasize about getting a grant to do performance art for which I climb various public sculptures, turning major American cities into playgrounds. From what I've heard, I've always been this way. One of the earliest stories of me that my parents have involves climbing to the top of an nine-foot-tall metal giraffe. This same story also highlights a rather strange accompanying fear: of heights.

I don't know what this says about me, and I don't particularly care. I get a greater sense of reward out of definitively identifying a little joy for myself than I do out of plumbing its roots and motivations. So I instead put it to you, Dear Reader:

If you could only do three things for the rest of your life, which three voluntary actions would you choose?

Remember: Fun, not Freud.

I Ache All Over!

So...... maybe limbo wasn’t such a good idea. I ache all over my legs to the point that I can’t bend them without flinching, lol. I should have done some serious stretching before I played. I’m in fit flops and I refuse to put heels on, keep the prayer there. I guess I'm not as young as I used to be....Lol.