Thursdays are bad because they're not Fridays (and neither are Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, I get it, but don't you think of picking a fight with me).
Waking up today morning was especially a chore because the thoughts that ran through my mind (apart from 'Just 5 more minutes!!' and 'Another 2 minutes... I'll skip breakfast even!') were: 'Hell, it's a Thursday!' and 'omg, no clean socks.'
I need clean socks.
So here I am. No breakfast. Dismal lunch. Cranky and in need of some excitement.
In fact, for *some* excitement, I went through a different route to reach my desk (if you can call it that). How lucky am I.
Sigh.
Only 3 minutes have passed by since I started writing this post.
I think time has slowed down for all mankind.
***
You know you need help when you:
1. Think you're one of FRIENDS characters (Blend of Monica+Phoebe for me)
2. KNOW you're one of Scrubs characters (At the moment, I'm Dr Cox)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
MAD
Make A Difference (MAD) - an acronym that I got from Lucky.I started writing this post after I saw a pic that my friend had put up in one of his Orkut albums. The photo taken was of the house Anne Frank had stayed at before she was taken away by the Nazis.
Anne Frank was only around 13 years old when she started writing her book. But this teens' diary (a diary!) brought tears, laughter and it motivated so many people around the world to learn about other Holocaust victims like her and help their families too. And that's to say in the least. Films were made and books were written based on her thoughts and insights of the world that lay outside her window.
I've read an abridged version of her book. And do correct me if I'm wrong but what touched me was that she was eternally optimistic. Even while she was scared of being caught, she looked for the goodness in everyone, including those who were trying to capture people (Jews) like her. Maybe that's what young 13 year olds are... Naive, as they say.
But to make it short, she made a difference.
Hmm.. I'm 23 and maybe I should know better. Maybe I'm naive. But I believe that goodness lies in everyone. That everyone deserves it too. A small act of kindness can snowball into an avalanche... And even if it doesn't, every small thing that we do can make a small difference in someone else' life.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Cake
The cakes they sell at the office basement store are really good.
I've eaten only a couple:
1) New York Cheese which tastes like soft vanilla sponge cake
2) Chocolate Sandwhich which consists of two slices of soft chocolate cake (with chocolate chips) and a layer of cream in between.
Bakery products always seem so fresh, spring-y to touch and heaven to taste!
I wonder how anybody hardly puts on any weight around here.
Oh wait, don't answer that. I know: 'Darling, it's only you doesn't eat to live, but lives to eat!'
:)
I've eaten only a couple:
1) New York Cheese which tastes like soft vanilla sponge cake
2) Chocolate Sandwhich which consists of two slices of soft chocolate cake (with chocolate chips) and a layer of cream in between.
Bakery products always seem so fresh, spring-y to touch and heaven to taste!
I wonder how anybody hardly puts on any weight around here.
Oh wait, don't answer that. I know: 'Darling, it's only you doesn't eat to live, but lives to eat!'
:)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Oyster
*Gasp* I HAD OYSTER FOR LUNCH TODAY.
And it wasn't bad. Frankly, it only LOOKS disgusting (all squishy and eww) but when cooked, its actually quite chewy.
Hmm. And to answer your question, I had a small one. After that, I went back to munching on my apple slices. After all, there's only so many of 'traumatising' TIY (Try It Yourselfs) I can handle in 1 day.
:)
And it wasn't bad. Frankly, it only LOOKS disgusting (all squishy and eww) but when cooked, its actually quite chewy.
Hmm. And to answer your question, I had a small one. After that, I went back to munching on my apple slices. After all, there's only so many of 'traumatising' TIY (Try It Yourselfs) I can handle in 1 day.
:)
Culture
Yet ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: Following blog entry is based on my observations of Korean Samsung employees and other Koreans I see regularly. This is not to categorize anybody!
I like learning about different cultures around the world... I'm sure that many of you are interested too. So here are a few different practises followed in South Korea. I only have so many, but will come back and add whenever I can think of more:
1. A lot of the employees here are concerned about their personal hygiene. After every (and I mean EVERY) meal, they take the pain to brush their teeth. They even have special toothbrushes and toothpaste stored at their desks! That's a really great habit, by the way, which I am too lazy to follow. :)
2. Even if Korean women DO wear killer shoes, they are still concerned about comfort. Some men and women here take off their shoes while they are at work and walk around in fluffy, comfortable slippers instead.
3. It seems to me that Korean women go outside with only their husbands/boyfriends/male members of their families. I don't think they go out with friends who are guys. This would certainly explain why Koreans are confused when they do see mixed friends (of other ethnicity) out together.
4. The Korean dream is to buy a house (Korean real estate is supposedly very expensive)!!
5. This, my colleague told me: Koreans settle late in life. They get married around the age of 35 (after courtship of a few years) and work very hard till the age of 45. After that, they retire and lay back... Try to compare that with the Indian practise of 'get married by age of 25, have at least 3 kids by 30, have grand children by the time you turn 50 and work till the you retire at 60, then wait for your kids to follow the same cycle...' :)
6. Sid just let me know that many Koreans have stuffed toys at their desk. Reason: During naptime, which is after meals, they snuggle up with their toys and fall asleep. Even the guys do it! I have yet to see this but the I think that the idea is so cute!
7. Almost everything is automated here: lights at the Guest House, the metro... Even the restroom facilities! The seats are heated; there are buttons on each seat for different functions. The only catch is that you need to experiment a bit since the instructions are not in English. <- My sis pointed out that you find such restrooms in Japan too.
8. In India, you have these tap handles which you have to push up to get water. But in Korea, you have to push them down! That's almost downright irritating to get used to. :)
9. A few words from Korean English... 'crunky' = 'crunchy'. 'Cheeg picha' = 'cheese pizza'
I like learning about different cultures around the world... I'm sure that many of you are interested too. So here are a few different practises followed in South Korea. I only have so many, but will come back and add whenever I can think of more:
1. A lot of the employees here are concerned about their personal hygiene. After every (and I mean EVERY) meal, they take the pain to brush their teeth. They even have special toothbrushes and toothpaste stored at their desks! That's a really great habit, by the way, which I am too lazy to follow. :)
2. Even if Korean women DO wear killer shoes, they are still concerned about comfort. Some men and women here take off their shoes while they are at work and walk around in fluffy, comfortable slippers instead.
3. It seems to me that Korean women go outside with only their husbands/boyfriends/male members of their families. I don't think they go out with friends who are guys. This would certainly explain why Koreans are confused when they do see mixed friends (of other ethnicity) out together.
4. The Korean dream is to buy a house (Korean real estate is supposedly very expensive)!!
5. This, my colleague told me: Koreans settle late in life. They get married around the age of 35 (after courtship of a few years) and work very hard till the age of 45. After that, they retire and lay back... Try to compare that with the Indian practise of 'get married by age of 25, have at least 3 kids by 30, have grand children by the time you turn 50 and work till the you retire at 60, then wait for your kids to follow the same cycle...' :)
6. Sid just let me know that many Koreans have stuffed toys at their desk. Reason: During naptime, which is after meals, they snuggle up with their toys and fall asleep. Even the guys do it! I have yet to see this but the I think that the idea is so cute!
7. Almost everything is automated here: lights at the Guest House, the metro... Even the restroom facilities! The seats are heated; there are buttons on each seat for different functions. The only catch is that you need to experiment a bit since the instructions are not in English. <- My sis pointed out that you find such restrooms in Japan too.
8. In India, you have these tap handles which you have to push up to get water. But in Korea, you have to push them down! That's almost downright irritating to get used to. :)
9. A few words from Korean English... 'crunky' = 'crunchy'. 'Cheeg picha' = 'cheese pizza'
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Bikes
Announcer: "Aaannnnddd the Award for Best Bike Passenger 2008 goooooeeesss to -----"
OMG. That's ME!! I head towards the stage to pick up my Award (Strange! It bears an uncanny resemblence to the Oscar...).
My thank-you speech: *Wipe tear off cheek* "This is one of the most amazing moments of my life! To think that I had to work so hard for this...
I had never gotten on a bike before I was 18. So y'all can imagine how clumsy I was the first time I had to clamber on (chuckles from the audience). But y'know, the first time was not so bad. It was the second time that I fell down... TWICE... during traffic (collective gasps). But thankfully, nothing happened to me. After that, I never sat one-sided again... nor wore synthetic fiber! *Big smile*
My friend, Vikas, used to give me lifts during college. I liked bike rides (and still do), but I think it was best when I admired them from a distance and not from the passenger seat!! (Laughter from the audience) Vikas would always say 'Whatever it is, stop it right now coz you ain't helping my balance...!!' Later I came to know that he wasn't comfortable with ANY one as a passenger. :)
It was only when I worked for a few months in Cochin that my room mate Roopster gave me a few two-wheeler pointers. She drove a Deo and boy, did we have happy times. :) But I was still clumsy. I never felt that comfortable. I was still scared since I had fallen off a bike before. Even when I relocated to Bangalore, Matt had to give me tips all the time. I used to feel so proud of myself when he said that I was doing great. :D
A few months ago, San offered me a lift from Airport Road to JP Nagar. There was hardly any traffic that night and San kept going faster and faster. I love speed and so I wasn't really complaining.
'Are you still in the back seat???' he asked me while he was driving.
'Of course I am!! Trust me, you'd know if I fell off!!' I retorted back.
'No, its not that... Usually girls get a lil uncomfortable when I go this fast... And you really are taking it well!!' he replied.
It was then I took notice of my body language and-wow!- I was no longer sitting stiffly! I was shifting my weight and balancing myself according to the movement of the bike. I realised I had graduated to Qualified Bike Back-Rider.
Everyone, I have arrived... (cheers)
It's been one looonngg journey... Ha! Pun intended (laughter from the audience). And I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to those who helped me reach this far! Vikas, Roopster, Matt & San... You guys are the best!! And fans... I love you too!"
(Standing ovation from the audience).
:)
OMG. That's ME!! I head towards the stage to pick up my Award (Strange! It bears an uncanny resemblence to the Oscar...).
My thank-you speech: *Wipe tear off cheek* "This is one of the most amazing moments of my life! To think that I had to work so hard for this...
I had never gotten on a bike before I was 18. So y'all can imagine how clumsy I was the first time I had to clamber on (chuckles from the audience). But y'know, the first time was not so bad. It was the second time that I fell down... TWICE... during traffic (collective gasps). But thankfully, nothing happened to me. After that, I never sat one-sided again... nor wore synthetic fiber! *Big smile*
My friend, Vikas, used to give me lifts during college. I liked bike rides (and still do), but I think it was best when I admired them from a distance and not from the passenger seat!! (Laughter from the audience) Vikas would always say 'Whatever it is, stop it right now coz you ain't helping my balance...!!' Later I came to know that he wasn't comfortable with ANY one as a passenger. :)
It was only when I worked for a few months in Cochin that my room mate Roopster gave me a few two-wheeler pointers. She drove a Deo and boy, did we have happy times. :) But I was still clumsy. I never felt that comfortable. I was still scared since I had fallen off a bike before. Even when I relocated to Bangalore, Matt had to give me tips all the time. I used to feel so proud of myself when he said that I was doing great. :D
A few months ago, San offered me a lift from Airport Road to JP Nagar. There was hardly any traffic that night and San kept going faster and faster. I love speed and so I wasn't really complaining.
'Are you still in the back seat???' he asked me while he was driving.
'Of course I am!! Trust me, you'd know if I fell off!!' I retorted back.
'No, its not that... Usually girls get a lil uncomfortable when I go this fast... And you really are taking it well!!' he replied.
It was then I took notice of my body language and-wow!- I was no longer sitting stiffly! I was shifting my weight and balancing myself according to the movement of the bike. I realised I had graduated to Qualified Bike Back-Rider.
Everyone, I have arrived... (cheers)
It's been one looonngg journey... Ha! Pun intended (laughter from the audience). And I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to those who helped me reach this far! Vikas, Roopster, Matt & San... You guys are the best!! And fans... I love you too!"
(Standing ovation from the audience).
:)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Yongsan
DISCLAIMER: This blog entry is only a matter of opinion... and it may even be more girly than usual, so GUYS BEWARE. :)
Another weekend in Korea!
Last night (Friday), I stayed up even later than usual. I slept around 1:30-2:00 am after watching a few episodes of (you guessed it) Scrubs.
I woke up today morning thinking 'I'm going to make it a Pamper-Thyself day'. So went out around 11 am because, really, what better way is there to pamper a girl than to go to a beauty salon? However, I couldn't quite get across the concept of threading (hope that the guys are aware of this) to the receptionists of three separate salons. In fact, the exchange between the last salon receptionist and myself went along as follows:
After the lady shakes her head, saying that 'it' wasn't done at the salon, I ask: "Where can I get it done?" She tries to find the most appropriate word and replies back with: "Hospital!"
OMG!!
"Hospital?? No, no!" And I try to show eyebrows and something being shaped.
She nods, understanding dawning upon her. "Tattoo!"
The worst part is that I think she meant 'piercing'... That is to say, she thought I wanted to pierce my eyebrows!!
So off I went to the GH... back to the comforts of my room and my beauty kit. :D
***
After an internal debate with myself, I finally decided to spend my Saturday afternoon in Yongsan. With some cyber-encouragement from my colleague (Thanks Poornima!!) and the fact that I had such a great teacher (Thanks Sid!!), I was fairly confident in travelling in the metro by myself.
Sticking to the theme (ha!) of 'Pamper Thyself!', I made an effort to dress up. I even wore my favorite earrings and makeup. :)
These are little things in life, I know, but they make such a difference. I wasn't aware of it till today but South Korea has these taxi-stops. If you need a taxi, there are designated spots where you can wait. If there's a free taxi, it will come right to you. It's like a bus stop and so very convenient!
Anyway, back to the point. I reached Suwon Metro Station. My ticket was easy to purchase. But I was suddenly unsure of which track to take. I crossed my fingers and walked to a random one, hoping desperately that it was right. Later I realised there was a board above the track that had 'Seoul' written on it (translated as 'Lucky guess'!!). Even then, I waited for a few trains to pass by, taking my own sweet time to consult my Metro map (it's in English, yay!).
The actual ride to Yongsan was quite slow. It took around an hour and I had ample amount of time to people-watch.
You have GOT to hand it to Korean women. Some of the shoes that they wear are so feminine and pretty... but some of them, well I think those shoes should be hidden away in handbags and, in times of dire need, be used as weapons! Why? Because Koreans are quite fond of high heels I think, and we're not talking about ANY high heels... but stilettos! I've still not learnt how to balance myself on such pointed pumps (I think you need the balance of a gymnast, frankly speaking), but I do, DO admire the ladies for it! :)
Yongsan station is a very, VERY big place. It has a digital, departmental and a restaurant complex attached to it. I had a lot of fun browsing around in the departmental section. They had familiar brand names like Giordano, Mango, Marks & Spencers (and the same huge price tags) etc and local shops were present too. Restaurants advertised their fare by displaying food at counters. Some dishes looked very appetising. And some... well, lets just say they must have looked appetising to SOME people. :)
The digital complex was quite impressive too. Different floors were dedicated to different types of electronics. One floor to laptops, another for cameras & mp3 players and yet another for home appliances. That's all I saw frankly, because by then, I was in a hurry to get back home. I ended up buying a digital camera (I have no idea if it's the best price according to Korean standards, so please don't ask me!) which I had been badly wanting for some time.
Getting back to Suwon was not an ordeal. In fact the ride seemed even quicker than usual.
There was a Korean guy who was standing quite close to where I was sitting and (oh my!) was he cute. :) He looked my type and seemed just the right age too! I wished I knew the right Korean words to say 'hi' (and something equivalent to Joey's "How YOU doing?!").
Did I mention that the metro ride seemed even quicker than usual? :D
***
I took a taxi back to the GH. Judging by my appearance, the friendly taxi driver correctly guessed that I was an Indian.
'Samsung?' he asked me.
I replied back with a 'Yes'.
He smiled broadly. 'Samsung number one!' and he gave me a thumbs-up sign.
I felt so proud then... It's not like I built Samsung with my own two hands. But even being a teeny weeny part of such a reputed organisation made me feel very warm inside.
:)
Another weekend in Korea!
Last night (Friday), I stayed up even later than usual. I slept around 1:30-2:00 am after watching a few episodes of (you guessed it) Scrubs.
I woke up today morning thinking 'I'm going to make it a Pamper-Thyself day'. So went out around 11 am because, really, what better way is there to pamper a girl than to go to a beauty salon? However, I couldn't quite get across the concept of threading (hope that the guys are aware of this) to the receptionists of three separate salons. In fact, the exchange between the last salon receptionist and myself went along as follows:
After the lady shakes her head, saying that 'it' wasn't done at the salon, I ask: "Where can I get it done?" She tries to find the most appropriate word and replies back with: "Hospital!"
OMG!!
"Hospital?? No, no!" And I try to show eyebrows and something being shaped.
She nods, understanding dawning upon her. "Tattoo!"
The worst part is that I think she meant 'piercing'... That is to say, she thought I wanted to pierce my eyebrows!!
So off I went to the GH... back to the comforts of my room and my beauty kit. :D
***
After an internal debate with myself, I finally decided to spend my Saturday afternoon in Yongsan. With some cyber-encouragement from my colleague (Thanks Poornima!!) and the fact that I had such a great teacher (Thanks Sid!!), I was fairly confident in travelling in the metro by myself.
Sticking to the theme (ha!) of 'Pamper Thyself!', I made an effort to dress up. I even wore my favorite earrings and makeup. :)
These are little things in life, I know, but they make such a difference. I wasn't aware of it till today but South Korea has these taxi-stops. If you need a taxi, there are designated spots where you can wait. If there's a free taxi, it will come right to you. It's like a bus stop and so very convenient!
Anyway, back to the point. I reached Suwon Metro Station. My ticket was easy to purchase. But I was suddenly unsure of which track to take. I crossed my fingers and walked to a random one, hoping desperately that it was right. Later I realised there was a board above the track that had 'Seoul' written on it (translated as 'Lucky guess'!!). Even then, I waited for a few trains to pass by, taking my own sweet time to consult my Metro map (it's in English, yay!).
The actual ride to Yongsan was quite slow. It took around an hour and I had ample amount of time to people-watch.
You have GOT to hand it to Korean women. Some of the shoes that they wear are so feminine and pretty... but some of them, well I think those shoes should be hidden away in handbags and, in times of dire need, be used as weapons! Why? Because Koreans are quite fond of high heels I think, and we're not talking about ANY high heels... but stilettos! I've still not learnt how to balance myself on such pointed pumps (I think you need the balance of a gymnast, frankly speaking), but I do, DO admire the ladies for it! :)
Yongsan station is a very, VERY big place. It has a digital, departmental and a restaurant complex attached to it. I had a lot of fun browsing around in the departmental section. They had familiar brand names like Giordano, Mango, Marks & Spencers (and the same huge price tags) etc and local shops were present too. Restaurants advertised their fare by displaying food at counters. Some dishes looked very appetising. And some... well, lets just say they must have looked appetising to SOME people. :)
The digital complex was quite impressive too. Different floors were dedicated to different types of electronics. One floor to laptops, another for cameras & mp3 players and yet another for home appliances. That's all I saw frankly, because by then, I was in a hurry to get back home. I ended up buying a digital camera (I have no idea if it's the best price according to Korean standards, so please don't ask me!) which I had been badly wanting for some time.
Getting back to Suwon was not an ordeal. In fact the ride seemed even quicker than usual.
There was a Korean guy who was standing quite close to where I was sitting and (oh my!) was he cute. :) He looked my type and seemed just the right age too! I wished I knew the right Korean words to say 'hi' (and something equivalent to Joey's "How YOU doing?!").
Did I mention that the metro ride seemed even quicker than usual? :D
***
I took a taxi back to the GH. Judging by my appearance, the friendly taxi driver correctly guessed that I was an Indian.
'Samsung?' he asked me.
I replied back with a 'Yes'.
He smiled broadly. 'Samsung number one!' and he gave me a thumbs-up sign.
I felt so proud then... It's not like I built Samsung with my own two hands. But even being a teeny weeny part of such a reputed organisation made me feel very warm inside.
:)
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