Unfriend Vs Unsocial

How many of us fear getting bumped into our old pals?

I met with an old pal after a long time (a chance meeting). He expressed his surprise at me not trying to catch up with the old pals (through the countless virtual social groups and communities floating in the cyber world). I coyly replied - I am usually busy with work and moreover they do not let us use internet at work (I blatantly lied to him). The real reason was I didn't want to see him again, ever again after college and had he somehow sneaked into my friend list, I would have unfriended him ('unfriend' - a polite word for booting someone out of your friend list, I love this word) and then their is the fear of being institutionalized.

Who wants to join an institution?

I have always feared joining institutes (dragged myself laboriously and unwilling through some big doors for many a years). I feel they tend to make you more like them then what you want to be. I find communities and groups akin to the dreaded institutes and then their is the status message and location which I fret (gives me chill and my local tailor made shirt a darker hue - complex). Most of my mates from school and college happen to be in Canada, UK, Scotland, France et al.

What have you achieved in your life?

Have I achieved less then most or too righteous to say I am what I wanted to be or  plain embarrassed to say I couldn't make it as big as them (and jealous too). Whatever might be the reason, I like to keep my distance from the insidious social networking websites (for reasons we most know well - many have burned their fingers and reputation).

 Let's jump!!!

Today, I parried another request to join a community and I am feeling unrighteous about it - it was a cute suggestion. I so wanted to join it but said no - I might have to see a shaman to drive the unsocial devil out.

And then I came across this - 'Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about’.

Don't be surprised if you stumble upon a profile like-

Kamal Sharma
CEO - SHARK International Pvt. Ltd.
NY. USA
Location - USA
Status - On Vacation in Aspen

In five years, will this matter.

Environmentalist. Who me? + Twishi and a much cleaner Shimla

I am not an environmentalist but definitely a tad worried about the way we would handover this beautiful earth to our future generation. It's a shame that 150 odd countries could not come up with something to save the Earth at Copenhagen (was it because of too many cooks working out a new recipe). The moot question is if I am also to be blamed.

I have a blog and my readers (157) waits eagerly to adds 7 grams of CO2 each time they search for my blog through Google search and over it Google adds to its carbon footprint to maintain my blog in its server (Who should we blame - Google/Readers or Me?).

It has been long since I slapped a blog post. It took quite a bit to write the first line, I was too conscious about increasing the carbon footprint. With a bit of encouragement from my last blog posts (comments) and the significance of reaching out, I was able to pick up some courage and tapped on the keyboard.

I think, I should dedicate this one to my close ones especially my sister Twishi (my mamaji's daughter) and a much cleaner Shimla (since banning plastic in HP).

Twishi is sweet and cute, she always asks me about my blogs and stories but have never been able to catch up herself (no internet at home). And, then I have the other members of the tribe who couldn't careless if I write or sing. Robin Sharma, shamelessly tells that he started small and he only had his family members when he launched his first book - he has come a long way since them. I have been trying hard to convince my kith and kin to subscribe to my post but in vain (they feel they have better things to do than read my feeble attempt at humor).

I was home for my brother's wedding (he got a beautiful girl for life partner). I wish them both well and a happy married life. On my way back to Delhi, I spend a day with my mamaji in Shimla. It was a bit of relief from the travel and I got to keep my promise to Twishi that I would take her out. She was super excited. It was quite a joyous day out on Mall Road, Shimla. Being Sunday, most of the shops were closed but the tourist traffic was at peak - she walked me through the hot spots around.

Christ church was the first on the list. I clicked quite a number of pictures surreptitiously (wasn't sure if photography was allowed). I was in awe at the sight of this imposing and historic structure. It definitely has a rich history - don't miss the plaques on the walls in the memory of loved ones, it might draw a tear.

We roamed around like it was our first time there and trigger happy me didn't miss any photo opportunity (we even put the tourists to shame). A delectable Singapore noodles for lunch was followed by coffee at Barista (we had bag packers, sketchers and some elated tourists for company). It was followed by a bit of shopping for books and then an enjoyable quite bus ride home.


By the way, when are we celebrating the Environment Day?

- Happy belated b'day Twishi and thanks for slipping the new year card in my bag (sorry this time I found it much before the D day). Hope you have a good and prosperous new year. AFJ2FE6ME6P7