Zoned Out

My third last day at work. What a drag! It's pretty pathetic to be in the office, with no sign of life on your table, and nothing to do. Have never really had time to breathe in the office; now it's just breathing and more breathing. I guess the glory of doing nothing serves as taking a 'well deserved' break when you are busy; otherwise it's just darn boring.

Have been noble and asked people if they need help, have had 6 coffees, lunch and a snack already. You look at your watch thinking 'its been a while' when its only been 10 minutes. Want to sneak home, but my conscience won't allow me.

I also feel like the invisible person. Everyone talks across me, not to me. Work issues have nothing to do with me anymore, so to talk about them is not the same. In fact, its like all of a sudden things are confidential.

My phone doesn't ring and I'm not getting email anymore. I have cleared my desk, and organised everything alphabetically.

Have spent time with most people I've wanted to. Everyone else seems waaaay to busy; it's like I'm wasting their time and thats the last thing I want to do. So my life feels like its on a standstill, while the rest of the world is still running around like crazy.

Even when I call friends, no one has time to chat, they're 'busy at work', what about when I was working? I still called them then - they always made time. It's probably because they know I've started bumming around, and they can call me later.

So yeah, I'm zoned out. My mind is clear, I'm well rested, I don't care about the next press conference or next strategy presentation. Now that I'm out of things, I'm already looking at what I did, differently. And I have great anticipation and excitement about what's up for me next.

Guess I'll know very soon. Need to get the next two days over first!

Just blog it?

Since I have started blogging, personal emails to close ones have stopped. I have actually started using my emails for necessary correspondence only. Some friends might be relieved that I don't write them intricate details of my life anymore.

Yesterday I wrote an email to a friend V, after a long time. I had no news, no gossip, hadn't bought anything, or done anything remotely interesting. Yet I wrote him about 30 lines. And I noticed that I actually miss being so open and uninhibited when writing. I wrote absolute crap in that email, it was meaningless and not required at at all, but I enjoyed writing it (he just had to bear reading it! as long as the 'delete' command exists in his email function - its all good :). It was my way of communicating with someone without worrying about being judged.

Blogging has curbed my freedom of expression. When I blog, I always think of what other people will think of what I'm writing. That goes against the whole purpose of a blog. A blog is a person's opinion about anything under the sun - and the minute you start tailoring your opinion, or restricting it, fun is lost.

Perhaps its because my blog is not anonymous, I'm a bit weary. But anonymity and transparency don't go hand in hand.

Perhaps it's because my day to day thoughts do not revolve around earth shattering issues, what they do revolve around primarily is my life, and the people in it. Subsequently, I do not want to post anything on this space that is open to the whole world - that might offend anyone, or seem like back-biting or like I don't have the balls to say it out loud, so I'm posting it on my blog.

I don't know what it is. Perhaps I don't want my blog to be my daily diary - open to everyone. Perhaps I'm realising that I am quite a private person, and do not want strangers delving into intricacies of my day to day existance.

I like that I have realised this. I can now resume my nonsense emails, and blog at the same time - big difference. Perhaps now I can give my blog a bit of a definition as well.

Yes blogging is a great way of keeping in touch, and keeping those who care updated. If you can be an open book to the whole world, be it. But if you do want to keep some of your 'ridiculousness' for a few - thats cool too.

Guess I'm not capable of 'just blogging it'.

Shakuntala

While half of Dubai was preparing for Robbie William's orgasms, I was watching Shankuntala - a rock opera. This Kevin Oliver production was one of the best I have seen. About 30 odd talented singers and dancers enacted this 2- hour long epic, through 22 wonderful songs.

You know how you watch something that is so emotive - you have this constant strain in your mind; a strain that is just waiting to burst into a tear or a smile? that's how I felt throughout. But I'm generally sensitive when it comes to live performances, I just love them - and really get engrossed.

What a magnificent performance by each and every cast -for some of which this was their first performance.
I found it amazing how they communicated excitement, love, pain, anger and happiness so accuratley through song and dance.

Also, the lights, sets and costumes were just brilliant - what attention to detail. I felt so rewarded watching this - I can't even imagine how rewarding it must feel to have been part of its production. It took Kevin about 10 years to perfect this musical. When I saw him on the way out, I wanted to give him a big hug - but restrained to a handshake :)

Anyway, if you live in Dubai and are free over the next 5 days - a must see.

Only in India

My cousin got hooked with a girl while we were in India, earlier in January. We have grown up with the girl, obviously with no idea she would be my bhabhi one fine day. This is typically a specialty in India: parents love to see their children, who have played in bathtubs together when they were 3, get married. "Why not!?" you will hear them say, "they know each other soooo well!" No shit.

Anyway, today was supposed to be their engagement - but guess what, they decided to get married instead! The decision was made around 6pm yesterday.

How ideal, I thought. No hangama, no drama, no 1 year wedding prep for a 4 day wedding, no stress, no bankruptcy; a small, 4 hour wedding was on the cards - something so rare in India.

But guess what: with 12 hours of notice, 110 family members still managed to make it to the wedding. I could'nt believe it! So much for a small wedding. We were the only close family who weren't there. Everything went smoothly. Everyone is happy. The newly-weds should be off on their honeymoon soon.

There are two findings here:
-We don't have to go OTT to have a good wedding in India
-Small weddings in India are impossible

I'm still going to try to pull of f a registered marriage - I don't mind eloping if I have to. Everyone will be informed about it, post wedding. Will celebrate with a BBQ on the beach!

If I ever get married, that is.

Failure to launch

Please fail to watch this movie.

Questions questions

Will I get my visa so I can go to Spain?
Will I teach English in Spain like planned or will I land up working in a bar?
Will I make my way to Mexico or Peru after Spain?
Will I stay in PR after Spain?
Is PR my true calling?
Will I ever realise my true calling?
Will my dancing improve? Will I ever perform?
Will I ever be part of an NGO?
Will I help produce a feature film?
Will I come back to Dubai?
Will I work for Lonely Planet?
Will I work for Channel V?
'Where do I see myself in 2 years?': Will I ever be able to answer this question?

Celebrity impact

Yesterday I watched Aamir Khan on TV for almost an hour, as he demonstrated his support to Medha Patkar's Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save the Narmada Revolution).

So as 3 activists are almost unconscious from the hunger strike they have been on for the last 16 days; I gave thought to their peaceful protests only when I saw Aamir Khan, an actor who is known more for his box office film hits than his concern for the lives of people in rural India. Quite pathetic huh. The pictures of activisits slain by starvation and dehydration were not enough for me to care about their cause.

Media coverage on this issue was splashed across all print and TV media, thanks to the mere presence of the film fraternity.

Well, I guess it's all good - the Narmada Bachao Andolan got some more, much deserved air time. But they should have got it anyway.

Maybe it was a publicity stunt for Aamir; maybe his role in Rang De Basanti inspired him to be part of something real and make a difference. Who knows. Who cares. The ends justify the means ay.

I look forward to the day when I will wake up not needing a hotshot celebrity to get me to listen intently to human issues around the world.

Jay Kay Say?

Jamiroquai. Funky hat, funky moves, funky music. In concert - not funky enough.
Well, I have to admit - I know only 5 songs by the guy, but I really like them so thought it worth my time and money to watch him live. I yawned most the way through as I waited for him to play Virtual Insanity - WHICH HE DIDN'T! can you believe it? But he ended with Deeper Underground which shook up the audience; shame it was over after that.

Not very personable; no small talk - straight to the point. Very British :)
The plastic feather multicolour hat that he wore didn't change throughout and neither did he do his funny yet oh-so-cool dance steps.

I think the main reason I didn't have a rocking time at this concert was because I didn't know most of the songs he sang. And after a point - they all kinda sounded the same! Acid Jazz is what it's called apparantly.

On a separate note, I sold my Robbie Williams concert ticket (no I didn't make any money off it!) - and as much as I think it will be a superb concert, the trauma I foresee of getting to and out of the venue didn't seem worth it. All those who are going - enjoy, I hope he turns up! :)

The cat's out of the bag!

I have resigned from my job. And it's now official so I can blog my heart out :)

Almost 5 years (yikes) with The Holding Group (Y&R, Intermarkets, Asda'a and Polaris!) have been extraordinary, but its time to move on before I become part of the furniture :)

Plans are to move to Spain for a year. Learn Spanish, teach English and dance salsa (yes they do salsa in Spain!). I have enrolled in don Quijote language school, Valencia branch - where I plan to spend atleast 6 months (Valencia is known to have the hottest salsa scene in Spain; made my decision very easy :)

While I'm there I plan to do my TEFL aswell - and see where all this takes me. Why Spain you may ask? well, ideally I'd like to be in South America. But going there from Dubai isn't easy as there are no embassies here - except Argentina; and that wasn't a country on my priority list. Wanted Latin culture, Spanish and salsa. Spain was my next best option. There are loads of Latin immigrants in Spain I am told, so it kinda hit the right spot for me.

Also, the school I am joining has transfer options to Mexico and Peru, so who knows where I will be in six months! A wise man once said to me there are three things you should never change at once: job, country and language - it's a recipe for disaster. Guess I'll find out first hand what this is a recipe for! :)

My main source of inspiration has been the Transitions Abroad portal that opened my eyes to every dream life option possible. It also sites articles by people who have done what you want to do and have changed their life in many ways.

I am extremely excited to change my entire life for a while. Needed a break from Dubai, from PR, from everything that has become so familiar to me that I can't stand it anymore. I'm looking at this break as a study break, but it actually goes beyond study. I have been lacking personal development for a while now, so I'm taking this plunge to grow a bit, discover things about myself, experience a new culture, travel and pick up a language. With all this unconventional value added, I look forward to see what doors are opened.

I have never been to Spain and do not know anyone there. But thats part of the fun. I do have a little knot in my stomach though. If I get my visa on time, I should be out of here May 7.

I can't wait!

Two good movies

After a long time did I watch two very good movies:

Being Cyrus: A black comedy/thriller in English, no songs, low budget yet brilliant cinematography, 1 -1/2 hour. Rare for Indian cinema! The story line revolves around the parsee Sethna family who live the typical middle class life in India. Cyrus (Saif Ali Khan - so hot!:) walks into their life and changes everything. What he is doing, and why, is not clear till the end; thats what makes the movie quite gripping, and the twist at the end is not anti-climax, unlike most Indian films. You laugh (at what you are not supposed to!) when the director wants you to, and you gasp when he wants you to aswell; truly dark and freaky in that sense.

Another thing that is super about this film is that every character is so well defined by the actors playing those roles: From the podgy, illiterate police inspector Lovely (Manoj Pahwa), to the 'bailu' (no balls), hot tempered yet hilarious Farookh Sethna (Boman Irani) and the adorable father (Honey Chhaya) who has been abused so terribly that you just want to hug him and take care of of him.

Dimple Kapadia plays the parsee tart wife of pothead Naseruddin Shah; unlike any character she has ever played and we will probably never see her play again :)

All in all very interesting and funny, yet creepy at the same time. I'd give it 4 1/2 stars!

Crash: Brilliantly depressing. But I mean that as a compliment! Demonstrates the epitomy of racial discrimination and irony. Too many coincidences in the film did make me feel a bit ' yikes' the world is small - but then again, it is isn't it. Also, you can't really go wrong with a cast that includes Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon and Ryan Phillipe.

Also 4 1/2 stars :) But be ready for some serious stuff before you walk into this one!

How to shit around the world

I know a couple of people I could gift this book to :)

Human Clock

Spend 5 minutes on this website, its really cool.

"Humanclock.com shows a photograph of the current time, with the photo changing every minute of the day (all 1,440 occuring minutes on Earth!). How the time is actually displayed is a whole different matter. A lot of photos have the time written on a crummy cardboard sign, while other photos might have the current time in a more edible format, such as olives. There are photos below sea level and ones over two miles above sea level. There are even clock pictures with people who played at Woodstock."

Low fat, German, coffee chocolate bars

Yuck. Do not ever buy these. They are the father of gross.

Who are your 'powerful' lot?

India Today's latest issue defines powerful people as those:
- Who's wealth influences society
- Who have powerful friends who can help
- Who have unique knowledge or skills which makes them power icons
- Who happen to be in the right place at the right time
- Who people listen to
- Who you do not want to get on the wrong side of
- Who have credibility

The 50 people listed in the article, to no surprise, included the likes of: Rahul Bajaj, Sania Mirza, Sharukh Khan, MF Hussein, Ratan Tata, Amitabh Bachan and Kumar Mangalam Birla to name a few.

Was good to see Shabana Azmi / Javed Akhtar + Prannoy Roy in the list too.

However, these people are far out of reach to most of us. They are up there on a pedestal. They have a certain intangible awe about them that we may never have the chance to experience.

So, in perspective of my own realm, 'powerful people' who have managed to shake things a bit in my world are:

My mum and dad:
Who have unknowingly touched so many lives by tirelessly going out on a limb to help anyone in need, not expecting anything in return. They are the true personification of 'selflessness'. I couldn't have had a more fulfilling upbringing.

Vikram Hazra:
A friend who has dedicated his life to making a difference in the world, and has an absolute blast doing it!

Newley Purnell:
Don't know him personally, but he has helped me realise the meaning ' the world is your oyster' in its true sense. (Newley - don't link this to your blog like you did last time! :)

Joseph Ghossoub and Sunil John:
Two communication guru's of the Middle East who I have had the privilege of working for, for almost 5 years now. Under their wing I have learnt everything I know about effective communication and it's impact on businesses and society.

Sam Ahmed:
Someone who never failed to touch the sky in whatever he does. Creative head of Y&R in the Middle East, although I have never had the opportunity to work with him, has always walked into my life when I've needed a push in the right direction. Has helped me believe (from his example) that you can achieve anything you want - a much needed dose from time to time! (Unfortunatley can't find anything to link to this!)

Shirin Venkat:
A family friend who is currently walking 2,400km across India in an intense effort to create a wave of awakening among the rural population with regard to their own health, by educating them on how to prevent maternal mortality that kills 300 women everyday in India.

Jimmy Sirhi:
Tireless promoter of 'spreading love through salsa' in the UAE :) who's smile, warmth and lead is contagious!
(Sorry Jimmy, could'nt find a better pic!)

Ofcourse these aren't the only people who have effected my life - but definitly the most current.
Who are your 'powerful' lot?

Blogstipation: Phase 2

*sigh*

I've been tagged!

I was tagged by Moryarti - am tagging on! :)

Four jobs that I’ve had:-
Film/radio production assistant
Kodak sales girl for Dubai Shopping Festival
Promotion girl for Philip Morris
Advertising executive

Four movies that I could watch over and over:-
Grease
Dance with me
Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
Aladdin! (Could'nt leave this one out!)

Four places I’ve lived in:-
Taunton, UK
Aurangabad, India
Wollongong, Australia
Dubai, UAE

Four TV shows that I like:-
The Practice
Sex and the City
24
Friends

Four places where I’ve vacationed:-
Havana, Cuba
Negril, Jamaica
Portugal
Thailand

Four of my favorite dishes:-
Anything Thai!
Prawns with garlic in olive oil
Pani Puri (an Indian street dish that I can't explain and do justice to at the same time! :)
Shawarma (meat, lettuce, french fries, garlic sauce wrapped in Arabic bread with tahina and hommous)

Four sites that I visit daily:-
www.rediff.com
www.bloglines.com
www.bbc.co.uk
www.news.google.com

Four Books that I’ve read lately:
Thailand Confidential - Jerry Hopkins
Vagabonding - Rolf Potts
Eleven Minutes - Paolo Coelho
The Short History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson

Four Bloggers that I’m going to tag with this:
My brother
Newley
Scaleable Deficit
Rolf Potts

Sorry guys .. but the show must go on :)

Tonic what?

I drink a lot of water (more than 3L a day) so it’s easy to get bored of it. Switched to sparkling water. Am now bored of that too. So I picked up tonic water.

Yuck.

Not being a gin drinker, I don’t think I have ever had tonic water; definitely not had it on its own.

It contains Quinine: C20H24N2O2, a natural white, crystalline alkaloid that is extracted from the bark of the South American cinchona tree; and has medicinal properties. But because the amount of Quinine in tonic water is very less, it exists for taste.

And it tastes really bad. It tastes like diluted alcohol gone bad with decayed lemon.

I’m glad I bought a ChupaChup.

Blimey Blimp!?

"Roughly the size of two football fields, the Aeroscraft can be used as a military transport for troops, artillery and equipment; as a cargo transport service in the spirit of Federal Express or UPS; as a commuter transport service; and as a luxury travel option."

Bloody hell, I'd be petrified if I saw that in the sky. We so don't need these sorts of slow moving monstors in the sky! Especially not as 'luxury travel options!'

Lights, camera, serve, whatever!

Went to watch the women’s ATP finals last night: Maria Sharapova (SHE IS 6”2!!! and she grunts really loudly) Vs. Justine Henin. Great tennis. Sharapova was leading 5-3 first set; but she landed up losing that set 5-7 and the tournament. Henin was superb.

I didn’t pay a penny to watch this match, and was seated in the VIP pavilion. Would I care if I had’nt seen the match? Nope. Last year I watched an Agassi – Federer final for free as well. Would I care if I had’nt seen the match? Not really. It’s the Dubai Tennis Open I’ve been watching for the last 5 years. I’m over it.

HOW SPOILT AM I!

Wimbledon, Roland Garros, people pay a bomb to watch such matches and would buy their last row tickets 6 months in advance; and that probably would'nt be the finals! Here we are in Dubai, watching world class professional tennis as if it was taking place in my own back yard.

Was so disgusted at the snobbishness whirling inside of me whilst I was sipping my hot chocolate next to Sheikh Hasher.

Guess we are darn lucky. The tennis open is definitely one of the bonus’s of living in this otherwise nauseating Emirate. But when will we care? We probably won’t because we take it for granted. Dubai attitude – needs a slap.

Does your existence matter?

A close friend ran 60K today for charity. Starting 4am, he finished at noon. He did the same two years ago; and he will do it again next year. As much as he loves running, 60K is no easy task - mentally or physically.
My contribution: I was a distance marshal at the 55K mark. (Yes, a bit pathetic)

(Detour: while we were standing at our point in the rain, since we had a cooler box with us, people looked at us strangely - as if ' who are these freaks going on a picnic in this weather! :) anyway, almost every other passer by in a car offered to give us a ride somewhere; that was nice - it's quite rare in Dubai!)

It's also rare that people (in Dubai specially) make use of their hobbies for a cause. Guess where there is a will to give back to society, there is a way. And it doesn't have to be some life uprooting sacrifice.

I have wanted to do some community work for a while now. Although I have done the odd thing, I have always found an excuse not to be part of anything in which my contribution will make a significant difference. Don't have time, Dubai does'nt let you contribute in a way that is fulfilling enough, need to find something 'big' enough to be part of for it will be fulfilling, etc etc.

I had the opportunity to train and run 20K in this run. But no, who's going to train at 6am every Friday.
I had the opportunity to run a donation tent for Tsunami in Dubai, I could have volunteered for a week in Thailand when I was there last year.

Crap huh.

On raving about the thrill of my profession (Public Relations), to a close relative recently - he asked me a very simple yet hard hitting question: How are your communication skills adding value to anything that matters in this world?

Ouch.

A colleague of a family friend, quite a high flying corporate individual, spends a few hours of his weekend at labour camps in Dubai; helping labourers complete their visa/labour forms and helping them understand their rights.

Hats off to him, to my ultra-runner friend, and to everyone who has got their act together and is doing their bit.

I seem to have enough inspiration to do something. Just need to figure out how I can be part of the mix.