Its a fact that even Google cant give the exact answer to the question "What is Life?"
Did your ever notice that whenever you are happy or excited, people don't say "that's life" whereas when you are down with problems and going through a rough patch people try to comfort and also add "That's life".
What is that supposed to mean?
Anyway, I love this original rap by Frank Sinatra and the one by Westlife!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
The BIG news!
A big news comes as a surprise most of the time. Could there be things in life that can make you feel extremely happy and totally sad at the very same time? I would say yes.
Let me just get to the point and the big slash great news is that one of my best friends is getting married soon and will be moving miles away. Am very happy and excited about it. The last few years wouldn't have been fun/exciting/adventurous without this person who means a lot and who was always there through thick and thin. A clone of Mother Teresa that we call her is one of the amazing persons I have ever met and deserves the best in everything! Oh yeah, this is one of the emotional moments and it makes me feel sad because things are going to change and G3 is going to miss its integral part.
This means an end to the regular catch ups, the fun filled gatherings, night outs, random shopping, surprises, crazy talks, travel plans, ever pending to do lists, yapping and a lot more. I know that at some point in time one might have to let go of the close ones but it is hard. Like the way I had laughed every single time I watch "Friends", I had cried so hard watching the last episode and I never took a chance to watch that last episode ever again. It almost looks like I am going to see it in reality. This definitely is the "end of an era".
Alright, now back to the celebration mode for the Big day. This means being a part of one of the best moments and would mark my first trip to the northern part of India. YAY!
Here's to a new beginning of another phase in life! Wishing all the best in life now and always! Cheers! Mika & Ch4
Let me just get to the point and the big slash great news is that one of my best friends is getting married soon and will be moving miles away. Am very happy and excited about it. The last few years wouldn't have been fun/exciting/adventurous without this person who means a lot and who was always there through thick and thin. A clone of Mother Teresa that we call her is one of the amazing persons I have ever met and deserves the best in everything! Oh yeah, this is one of the emotional moments and it makes me feel sad because things are going to change and G3 is going to miss its integral part.
This means an end to the regular catch ups, the fun filled gatherings, night outs, random shopping, surprises, crazy talks, travel plans, ever pending to do lists, yapping and a lot more. I know that at some point in time one might have to let go of the close ones but it is hard. Like the way I had laughed every single time I watch "Friends", I had cried so hard watching the last episode and I never took a chance to watch that last episode ever again. It almost looks like I am going to see it in reality. This definitely is the "end of an era".
Alright, now back to the celebration mode for the Big day. This means being a part of one of the best moments and would mark my first trip to the northern part of India. YAY!
Here's to a new beginning of another phase in life! Wishing all the best in life now and always! Cheers! Mika & Ch4
Friday, February 24, 2012
Happy Birthday Steve!!!
Had my favorite silicon valley entrepreneur been alive today, it would have been his 57th birthday!
Here are some of the inspiring quotes to remember on his birthday:
1. "My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time."
2. "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."
3. "Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things."
4."When you’re a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you’re not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You’ll know it’s there, so you’re going to use a beautiful piece of wood on the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through."
5. "But innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10:30 at night with a new idea, or because they realized something that shoots holes in how we've been thinking about a problem."
6. "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."
7. "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
8. "It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the navy."
9. "Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."
10. "Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles."
11. "I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance."
12. "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful, that's what matters to me."
13. "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."
14. "Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith."
15. "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."
Here are some of the inspiring quotes to remember on his birthday:
1. "My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time."
2. "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."
3. "Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things."
4."When you’re a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you’re not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You’ll know it’s there, so you’re going to use a beautiful piece of wood on the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through."
5. "But innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10:30 at night with a new idea, or because they realized something that shoots holes in how we've been thinking about a problem."
6. "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."
7. "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
8. "It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the navy."
9. "Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."
10. "Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles."
11. "I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance."
12. "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful, that's what matters to me."
13. "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."
14. "Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith."
15. "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."
Gratuity
I must tell you that I had been loyal to my previous employer for 4 years and 223 days. One might be surprised to know that I actually remember the exact number of days.
Here's the story behind it.
When I left the Organization I knew that I was so close to be eligible for gratuity, a monetary benefit for ones service but since I did not want to stick around for the next 4 months (Usually one is eligible for gratuity if you complete 5 years in an Organization however it varies from one to another) I was ready to give up on the additional perk and moved out. It did bother me a bit considering the fact that I missed a lump sum by few months but I made the decision looking at other aspects so I thought it was okay.
A week before I had a conversation with a friend and was told that I might still be entitled for the benefit as some employers have the eligibility criteria set to 4 years and 8 months. I got excited about this (I have tons of commitments, you see!) and technically I had completed 4 years and 8 months. So,I dropped a note to my previous employer to know about the details. The request was forwarded in minutes to a different team to get back to me with the details and I kept my fingers crossed.
I kept waiting for the response and in the meantime there were people who raised my hopes by saying that I might receive the bonus as the cut off was 4 years and 6 months. That was a "To be excited OR To not be excited" situation I must say. Did I mention that I left the employer a year and half before? I know what you are thinking, but yeah, I did all this verification a week ago.
So, finally I was thrilled to see a final mail in the morning that read the following:
Hi XXXXX,
Please be informed that the below mentioned employee DOJ as per our Database is DD-MMM-YYYY and DOL is DD-MMM-YYYY.
However based on above details we have checked the eligibility for gratuity, wherein this employee is not eligible for gratuity as it come to 4 Years and 223 Days.
Gratuity eligibility is 4 Years and 240 Days.
Best regards,
YYYY
Gosh darn it..... Did I miss it by 17 days????
Yes, it is a BIG YES and Ouch, it HURTS!
Well, the lesson learnt here is: When in doubt, "damn it, just ASK"!
Here's the story behind it.
When I left the Organization I knew that I was so close to be eligible for gratuity, a monetary benefit for ones service but since I did not want to stick around for the next 4 months (Usually one is eligible for gratuity if you complete 5 years in an Organization however it varies from one to another) I was ready to give up on the additional perk and moved out. It did bother me a bit considering the fact that I missed a lump sum by few months but I made the decision looking at other aspects so I thought it was okay.
A week before I had a conversation with a friend and was told that I might still be entitled for the benefit as some employers have the eligibility criteria set to 4 years and 8 months. I got excited about this (I have tons of commitments, you see!) and technically I had completed 4 years and 8 months. So,I dropped a note to my previous employer to know about the details. The request was forwarded in minutes to a different team to get back to me with the details and I kept my fingers crossed.
I kept waiting for the response and in the meantime there were people who raised my hopes by saying that I might receive the bonus as the cut off was 4 years and 6 months. That was a "To be excited OR To not be excited" situation I must say. Did I mention that I left the employer a year and half before? I know what you are thinking, but yeah, I did all this verification a week ago.
So, finally I was thrilled to see a final mail in the morning that read the following:
Hi XXXXX,
Please be informed that the below mentioned employee DOJ as per our Database is DD-MMM-YYYY and DOL is DD-MMM-YYYY.
However based on above details we have checked the eligibility for gratuity, wherein this employee is not eligible for gratuity as it come to 4 Years and 223 Days.
Gratuity eligibility is 4 Years and 240 Days.
Best regards,
YYYY
Gosh darn it..... Did I miss it by 17 days????
Yes, it is a BIG YES and Ouch, it HURTS!
Well, the lesson learnt here is: When in doubt, "damn it, just ASK"!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Resolutions
It is very common that people come up with new year resolution/s and like I said before I was interested in knowing them.
Here is what I heard:
1. The women in particular care to shed those extra pounds and in some exceptions people without the extra pounds also desire to turn size zero (Is there a minus 1,2,3...n). Its a Girl thing and who would not want to flaunt the chick look?
2. Most of the men want to quit smoking and hit the gym more often.
3. Some want to give up coffee/tea.
4. A few desire for long hair and chose not to cut it for a year while some want to try curling/straightening.
5. A bunch of them want to become early risers and go for a morning walk or jog.
6. Some have made their travel plans to their favorite destinations while some want to spend more time at home.
7. There are people who look forward to confess their love while some want to move on with their lives.
8. Some of them are interested in joining classes like dancing, music, swimming, cooking etc.
9. Few want to become Organized.
10. Taking medicines as per the schedule is also on someone's list.
11. Some desire to buy a 2/4 wheeler.
12. A friend wishes to stay single while some want to get married.
13. Early to bed.
14. Savings/Investments.
15. Reduce drinking.
16. Take stairs instead of elevator.
17. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
18. Quit unnecessary shopping.
19. Clear unused clothes from wardrobe.
20. Start dieting.
21. Reduce Anger.
22. Read newspaper every day.
23. Cut down on junk food.
24. Clear loan/CC payment.
25. Not to take any resolution.
Would you like to share yours if any?
Here is what I heard:
1. The women in particular care to shed those extra pounds and in some exceptions people without the extra pounds also desire to turn size zero (Is there a minus 1,2,3...n). Its a Girl thing and who would not want to flaunt the chick look?
2. Most of the men want to quit smoking and hit the gym more often.
3. Some want to give up coffee/tea.
4. A few desire for long hair and chose not to cut it for a year while some want to try curling/straightening.
5. A bunch of them want to become early risers and go for a morning walk or jog.
6. Some have made their travel plans to their favorite destinations while some want to spend more time at home.
7. There are people who look forward to confess their love while some want to move on with their lives.
8. Some of them are interested in joining classes like dancing, music, swimming, cooking etc.
9. Few want to become Organized.
10. Taking medicines as per the schedule is also on someone's list.
11. Some desire to buy a 2/4 wheeler.
12. A friend wishes to stay single while some want to get married.
13. Early to bed.
14. Savings/Investments.
15. Reduce drinking.
16. Take stairs instead of elevator.
17. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
18. Quit unnecessary shopping.
19. Clear unused clothes from wardrobe.
20. Start dieting.
21. Reduce Anger.
22. Read newspaper every day.
23. Cut down on junk food.
24. Clear loan/CC payment.
25. Not to take any resolution.
Would you like to share yours if any?
Happy new year!
Happy new year you guys! Gong xi Fa Cai!!!
I am back yet again after a BIG gap and I know this wish is quite late. This doesn't really mean that I was very busy but I would answer it with a partial yes and no. The past few months were filled with some exciting and disappointing moments. I'll share some of the wonderful experiences and things on top of my head.
By the way, out of curiosity I kept asking people if they have any new year resolution/s however I was reluctant to come up with a checklist because of my previous track records of breaking them in the shortest span of time and say "Resolutions are meant to be broken". Jokes apart, it was interesting to hear a lot of different things that people wanted to do. I'll talk about this in detail in my next post.
I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity in 2012!
I am back yet again after a BIG gap and I know this wish is quite late. This doesn't really mean that I was very busy but I would answer it with a partial yes and no. The past few months were filled with some exciting and disappointing moments. I'll share some of the wonderful experiences and things on top of my head.
By the way, out of curiosity I kept asking people if they have any new year resolution/s however I was reluctant to come up with a checklist because of my previous track records of breaking them in the shortest span of time and say "Resolutions are meant to be broken". Jokes apart, it was interesting to hear a lot of different things that people wanted to do. I'll talk about this in detail in my next post.
I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity in 2012!
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