The earliest memory I have of playing a video game was when I was in the 6th standard – losing my pocket money of 1 rupee, which was after I saved two weeks’ allowance of 50 paise each – in a video game center on Mario in the very first round. I lost and it left a very sour taste in my mouth, because Mario was supposed to be easier game in the market and I couldn’t crack even that. I was dejected. There was no way I could play Contra (the one I wanted to play). I vowed never to play video games again. I didn’t have enough money to lose. This was in the ‘arcade’ era. Home consoles were unheard of. At least in India. But, two years later when my cousin from the US handed down his Game Boy (B&W) as he moved on to GBA Color I became an instant celebrity. The only game I had was ‘Kirby’s Dreamland‘. I remember playing it countless times till the day my father decided to get rid of it and sold it for a pittance. I was not even aware. It was the first heartbreak I had to deal with. I moved on, with memories in my heart. Every handheld I see today reminds me of that.
Steve Jobs
When did I fall in love with Apple? I don’t remember, probably it was the first time I saw an all-in-one aluminium iMac at a local computer store. It was the time when that concept was not heard. Then I knew, Apple manufactured gorgeous computers, but, I had my doubts about the OS. Added to that the computer costed a bomb, so I passed it over. The next time Apple caught my attention was when they released the iPod. I love mobile gadgets. Be it a gaming handheld, or a Walkman. I had an excellent CD Walkman from Sony, but, the iPod was revolutionary (I’d vote this as the best invention of our times). 40gb hard disk? That was the size of the hard disk of my desktop at home. I begged my family to give me the money and purchased it. I was in love. All my music library (which was considerable huge) fitted comfortably in the iPod I used the heck out of it. But, as time moved, devices got sleeker and sexier. My iPod felt like a brick. I bought a iPod Shuffle (Voice over edition). It was sleek, but, I had tough time with it – the voice over couldn’t pronounce the songs. But, I stuck with it. One day while working, I saw the ad for iPhone. My jaw dropped. A cellphone with only touch input? I wanted it badly.
Handwriting
“I am still paying the penalty of another neglect. I do not know whence I got the notion that good handwriting was not a necessary part of education, but I retained it until I went to England. When later, especially in South Africa, I saw the beautiful handwriting of lawyers and young men born and educated in South Africa, I was ashamed of myself and repented of my neglect. I saw that bad handwriting should be regarded as a sign of an imperfect education. I tried later to improve mine, but it was too late. I could never repair the neglect of my youth. Let every young man and woman be warned by my example, and understand that good handwriting is a necessary part of education.” – Mahatma Gandhi 1
Surviving as an Introvert
At work:
My manager: “You need to connect to people more, talk to people more”
I: “Why?”
Manager: “What do you mean why? How will people know what you are working on if you don’t talk to all?”
I: “aren’t you supposed to do that?”
Manager: “I will, but unless people see you as outgoing and gregarious, they’ll consider you an under performer, and why are you so shy about talking to people?’’
I:”no, I’m not shy. I’m just an introvert‘.
Manager: ’‘Aren’t they the same?’’
I: ‘‘No, they are not the same. Shyness is fear of social judgement whereas introverts shun social situations because they simply want to be alone, people simply drain our energy’’.
Manager: ‘‘Looks the same to me’’
I gave up.
Out of work: Hey man, what’s your weekend plan, asked my colleague. I replied, ‘I’m looking forward to curling up on the bed and finish the book I started’. He replied, ‘really? get a life dude’.
Romancing the rains
Cool breeze, drizzles to downpours, flooded roads, paper boats, cloudy skies, chilly mornings aah! Rainy season is back. I loved rainy season from the time I was a kid, it could mean a school holiday, and I loved that possibility so much. I fondly remember a day when I went to school to find it closed due to heavy rains. Drenched, but with my rain coat on, and 2 rupees in hand, I walked-in to ‘Cash & Carry’ a greeting card & fancy gifts store. Surviving the AC in the shop in my wet clothes, I bought a lovely bookmark which is still in one of my books. I’ve never been a fan of summer. It meant scorching heat & power cuts. There was no romance in the hot afternoon air – only sunstroke. But, rain was full of romance – a long drive, a hot mug of coffee were enough to put a smile even on a hardcore pessimist.