The Morning Newspaper

"THUD !" came the sound. And instinctively, all eyes went up to the balcony. The moment that all had been waiting for since dawn had duly arrived. The morning newspaper was here !

It is amazing how important a newspaper is to the life of an Indian (or at the very least, an Indian living in India). Amazing bcoz news are now available at our fingertips. There are 24 hour TV channels and broadband Internet. On many occasions, the morning newspaper is a little stale. Some of the news items have already got updated over the course of the night. In fact it is exactly the same news that were seen yesterday evening, that people wish to catch up on in the morning. And yet, there is little else that we look forward to in the morning. There is this strange connection between an Indian and print media, it seems to give a kick that nothing else can. Once the newspaper arrives, everything else takes a backseat. Atleast for a while. Everybody has their lips on the morning caffeine and their eyes on the paper. It is a ritual that is followed with utmost seriousness.

 I vividly remember how lost my father felt every morning on his first visit to US. He would prepare his cup of tea and then wonder what to do next. The idea of drinking it without the newspaper seemed impossible. Though he never complained, there was clearly an emptiness that was evident on his face. Soon enough, I realized this and a week later, got myself subscribed to New York Times. It was only then that normalcy resumed.

Now that I have moved to India, I have also got bitten by the newspaper bug. My hectic mornings make sure that I barely get 15-20 mins for myself and the paper. And I try to use them in the most effective way possible. A fleeting glance at all the pages, earmarking the interesting articles either for work or for evening. While I am on way to work, my jealous stares are reserved for the ones with chauffeurs. I see these folks catching up on the news while somebody else is on the wheel, and I tell to myself "What Bliss !".

I guess this is going to be one of those random posts where I get started but don't know how to end. But then isn't this what blogging is all about -- capturing the thoughts in a free flowing way without any specific structure or format. I smile and pat my back for figuring a way out, and move on. 

TEN Things I Believe IN

First, the acknowledgement. Last week, I ran into Preeti Shenoy's  10 Day YOU Challenge. And though I did not take the challenge (since I know I am too lousy to write a post everyday for 10 days), it did get me thinking about some things.

And so, thanks to Preeti's blog, this post of mine got created.

I BELIEVE THAT: 

•  Most relationship issues can be solved by talking. Sincerity, willingness to talk, an hour or two of interrupted time and a cup of coffee (with unlimited refills) -- is all that u need to solve the most vexing of problems.
• Snapping a relationship is actually the easiest thing to do. Making a relationship survive against all the odds is the real challenge. I understand that sometimes, snapping is all that can be done. But even then, it should be the last option; and not the first.
• The small "big" moments make life worthwhile. The little things in life are what life is all about. Life is tough anyway.
• A little ego is actually good for an individual. Life's experiences have taught me that if u are too good; people trample you. They walk all over you. Having ego shows that if nobody else, atleast you will stand up for yourself.
• No matter what they do; family is family. Friendships, unfortunately, do die and wither. Blood relationships are always there. They might be tied by a very loose, weak string; but they can never be completely broken. Never.
• There are very few things in life that are worth fighting about. Which is why I am always open to a compromise. You win some, you lose some. Besides, there are always bigger fishes to fry.
• Listening is probably the best way to make others feel valued and important. Note that you need to listen; and not just hear.
• Anger is a huge relationship killer. Get a hold on your temper; and half the world will be in love with you.
• Touch is a hugely under rated (and probably under used) expression of emotion. Far more comforting, intimate and meaningful than that hugely over rated three letter word.
• On most occasions and with most folks; Out of sight is Out of mind. Harsh and sad, but true.