It has been a terrible few days. The episode in Mumbai almost seems that an alternate army is working to bring the country down. Armed and well trained young men, some of whom were carrying food supplies, took control of the financial capital of India. It took about three days of fighting and uncertainty before the situation was brought under control. Speaks volumes for the fact that these people knew what is going to happen, they had anticipated the response and thus were prepared in advance for the same. More like a planned invasion. There was no randomness in this episode, everything was planned to the smallest detail. Pakistan has repeated spoken to the media, asserting that they had no role to play in this episode, but it is kind of convenient that the path chosen by the terrorists was via Pakistan and there were a few members identified as Pakistani citizens. More so, where does one get such a kind of precision training in modern day warfare: in a army training camp. And the camps across the border are known to be training grounds.
I am sure the citizens of Mumbai will come back to the main stream without much difficulty. As any great city, which has withstood the test time and time again, it will not be dislodged from following it path. People will try to create disruption, people will try to create obstacles in their paths, but in the end common sense will prevail and so will humanity. These inhuman fanatics, who do not realize that they malign their cause and their efforts by such acts of cowardice. I am glad that these people were killed in the encounter, there is no sense in taking them prisoners, they need to be gunned down in the streets like the animals they are. Jihad and holy war is not staged on the streets, only in the mind of people. If they people they are moving their goal, they are mistaken, nothing more is going to take them away from their goal and their destiny.
Yesterday, we were interviewed by channel 13, a local Des Moines new channel, featuring us and our reaction to the happenings in Mumbai. It was a very different experience, we were glad to bring the message to the masses. But at the same time we wished it was for something more positive. We hope the people of Mumbai will realize that all over the world, we are proud of their resilience and their determination to keep their sanity intact and keep their lives on track.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Coffee and Pregnancy
I have been looking in the literature to see if we have evidence to assess the role of coffee in pregnancy. So far my search has not revealed anything exciting.
There have been several groups which have looked into it but with no definitve conclusions or guidelines. Which is frustrating if one is looking for answers. And the fact that so many people have tried to answer the same question, makes me wonder why we have no answers yet? It should be a straight forward yes or no.
My 10 cents is that coffee drinking has a correlation with smoking and thus the reason why some studies have shown affect on the developing fetus. And if you take away the factor of smoking, the studies do not really show any difference. So it should be safe. But my quest for a definitive answer will continue.
There have been several groups which have looked into it but with no definitve conclusions or guidelines. Which is frustrating if one is looking for answers. And the fact that so many people have tried to answer the same question, makes me wonder why we have no answers yet? It should be a straight forward yes or no.
My 10 cents is that coffee drinking has a correlation with smoking and thus the reason why some studies have shown affect on the developing fetus. And if you take away the factor of smoking, the studies do not really show any difference. So it should be safe. But my quest for a definitive answer will continue.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Unable to make sense
It has been a very unproductive weekend. From the point of view that I know what I do not want to do as a research project is clear to me. But what exactly I want to do is lacking. I do have a vague idea, but it is too vague and too much of fluff in it. I need more details and definitely more concrete ideas. I am way behind in my own timeline. I thought that by implementing the philosophy of GTD will allow me make headway in my projects. It has given the right structure, but has not given the right direction and flow. I still feel burdened by the details and not to mention, the time that has gone into the plan. It almost appears I am planning all the time.
I even tried the strategy of not thinking about it or a while and see where I stand. Didnot work. Not so far.
I believe that there should be a way to combine the philosophy of Ayurved into the realms of modern medicine. The flow of diagnosis in the ancient form of medicine, might be the source to make the role of Genetics in clinical medicine more tangible. Currently we get involved in the details of the genes, we try to pinpoint every small little detail that goes into the genetic information. And as a result of which we loose the bigger picture and not to mention the broader perspective. That is where we need to combine the powers of the two sciences. There has to be a way to decipher the way one reacts or acts to different things: chemical, physical etc etc, and use that as flow of information to predict. The generic information to be used to refine the results and add to the big picture. also for that to happen, one would need genetic testing to be more commerically available, widely accepted and not to mention an essential source of reliable information.
I even tried the strategy of not thinking about it or a while and see where I stand. Didnot work. Not so far.
I believe that there should be a way to combine the philosophy of Ayurved into the realms of modern medicine. The flow of diagnosis in the ancient form of medicine, might be the source to make the role of Genetics in clinical medicine more tangible. Currently we get involved in the details of the genes, we try to pinpoint every small little detail that goes into the genetic information. And as a result of which we loose the bigger picture and not to mention the broader perspective. That is where we need to combine the powers of the two sciences. There has to be a way to decipher the way one reacts or acts to different things: chemical, physical etc etc, and use that as flow of information to predict. The generic information to be used to refine the results and add to the big picture. also for that to happen, one would need genetic testing to be more commerically available, widely accepted and not to mention an essential source of reliable information.
Testing mobile posting
So in order to improve my accessibility to my blogs I needed some version to make me more mobile. But then since there is no paucity of softwares available for the same: I guess the best way would be is to test it out and see what else I would need. Not to mention, I might not need more since this may serve most of my basic needs, the rest can be done on the computer.
It is a cold weekend, but I am loving it. Another flavor to life. Was talking to a relative last night and found that she was really confused by the upcoming decisons to be made in her life. I can relate, there are some tough questions that need to addressed and answered. But does that mean we need to be so particular about how we go about life. Don't they say that a mistake only takes our life down a different path. And as long as we have the final goal in our sights we can always revert back to a path similar to the first one or in our eyes the right one. There is no right or wrong in life. It is one continuous process and each new problem, new devlopments, new successes, new failures: they are the harbinger for new opportunities. Opportunities which are there for the taking. And we need to have the self confidence that we are doing the right thing (pursuing your personal legend) and the humility to accept the things we cannot change along with the courage to change things we can.
It is a cold weekend, but I am loving it. Another flavor to life. Was talking to a relative last night and found that she was really confused by the upcoming decisons to be made in her life. I can relate, there are some tough questions that need to addressed and answered. But does that mean we need to be so particular about how we go about life. Don't they say that a mistake only takes our life down a different path. And as long as we have the final goal in our sights we can always revert back to a path similar to the first one or in our eyes the right one. There is no right or wrong in life. It is one continuous process and each new problem, new devlopments, new successes, new failures: they are the harbinger for new opportunities. Opportunities which are there for the taking. And we need to have the self confidence that we are doing the right thing (pursuing your personal legend) and the humility to accept the things we cannot change along with the courage to change things we can.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Harding Science Fair
For the second year in a row, I judged this science fair at this school (which has been adopted by the hospital for annual school physicals, done for free by us, since most of the children in this school come from families who do not have the funding or insurance to pay for something as simple as an annual physical, which is required by law) by the name of Harding Middle School(Link). Last year, this school was also selected as the NASA explorer school(Link), and thus has been funded by NASA to develop their science program and to promote science, specifically the engineering and physical sciences in the school.
So they started this Science fair, last year. They have five judges last year: Myself, Ritu, one of my colleagues and two retired teachers. There were 100s of projects ranging from an experiment to be conducted in space (which was selected by NASA to be taken aboard the Space Shuttle), to generating electricity and designing efficient ways to dry fruits. We were there from 6pm to about 9:30-10pm. It was a lot of work, but fun. Some of the students had prepared presentations, some were goofing around and some genuinely were interested to use these projects as a stepping stone to obtain scholarship from NASA and other funding agencies. The turn out of students, their parents and friends was very encouraging.
This time, it was a bit smaller, but more well organized. Instead of one person doing a project, this year they tried to do it in groups of two & above. Plenty of genuine experiment designs from measuring the elasticity/tensile strength of rubber bands to melting point of chocolates to developing methods on lowering the house energy bill. Also they had many more judges: four from our hospital, 10 from a local college, 10 from drake university and 5 from Iowa State University. This time the judging required like one hour to complete, but there were many more aspects to the function: a Audio-Video link with the Stoddard Space Center and AV links to other NASA explorer schools around the country. Through this AV link they provided a very detailed view of the current NASA projects, including but not limited to the shuttle launch which took place today, the return to the moon mission, the MARS explorer missions. There were also experts available to answer questions and students asked questions ranging from: does one age less or more in space, does time slow down in space, where do the feces go on the International space station (ISS), why do they need more toilets and an exercise machine on the ISS (on board the latest space shuttle mission). All of this was not only by equipment donated by NASA, but NASA also set up the equipment.
Of course there was plenty of food, apple cider and not to mention prizes for the top 5 projects.
Unfortunately, this school is one of the poorer schools in the state (thus the adoption by the Hospital and NASA). Many of the students get their major meals and food from the school. So much so, that on Fridays and long weekends, if the school and other agencies do not fill their backpacks or lunch boxes with non-perishables; they will go hungry over the weekend. And thus for some of the families which came to the fair, it was a source of free food. A contrast to the amount of food wasted and just distributed in the hospital conferences and meetings.
Each year, they also select teachers, who get to fly in the NASA zero gravity flight (or the vomit comet), and then they share their experience with the students and motivate them to develop projects to test prevailing theories and to develop new technology. They are also in the midst of designing of moon explorer vehicles, which will participate in the annual moon explorer vehicle race.
All of the above reminded me of the project school of ISRO in the village of Vastrapur in Ahmedabad. I guess we were lucky to get the same kind of exposure. I still remember taking the ISRO bus to SAC to participate in the first satellite link with Trivandrum school children. Not to mention the science fair in the school, the science day celebration in PRL.
Life does revolve in circles.
Of course my pet projects in the science fair: does bacterial growth change in space (on board the space shuttle) and measuring the elasticity of rubber bands :-) Simple but very elegantly designed experiments, asking some very difficult questions!
So they started this Science fair, last year. They have five judges last year: Myself, Ritu, one of my colleagues and two retired teachers. There were 100s of projects ranging from an experiment to be conducted in space (which was selected by NASA to be taken aboard the Space Shuttle), to generating electricity and designing efficient ways to dry fruits. We were there from 6pm to about 9:30-10pm. It was a lot of work, but fun. Some of the students had prepared presentations, some were goofing around and some genuinely were interested to use these projects as a stepping stone to obtain scholarship from NASA and other funding agencies. The turn out of students, their parents and friends was very encouraging.
This time, it was a bit smaller, but more well organized. Instead of one person doing a project, this year they tried to do it in groups of two & above. Plenty of genuine experiment designs from measuring the elasticity/tensile strength of rubber bands to melting point of chocolates to developing methods on lowering the house energy bill. Also they had many more judges: four from our hospital, 10 from a local college, 10 from drake university and 5 from Iowa State University. This time the judging required like one hour to complete, but there were many more aspects to the function: a Audio-Video link with the Stoddard Space Center and AV links to other NASA explorer schools around the country. Through this AV link they provided a very detailed view of the current NASA projects, including but not limited to the shuttle launch which took place today, the return to the moon mission, the MARS explorer missions. There were also experts available to answer questions and students asked questions ranging from: does one age less or more in space, does time slow down in space, where do the feces go on the International space station (ISS), why do they need more toilets and an exercise machine on the ISS (on board the latest space shuttle mission). All of this was not only by equipment donated by NASA, but NASA also set up the equipment.
Of course there was plenty of food, apple cider and not to mention prizes for the top 5 projects.
Unfortunately, this school is one of the poorer schools in the state (thus the adoption by the Hospital and NASA). Many of the students get their major meals and food from the school. So much so, that on Fridays and long weekends, if the school and other agencies do not fill their backpacks or lunch boxes with non-perishables; they will go hungry over the weekend. And thus for some of the families which came to the fair, it was a source of free food. A contrast to the amount of food wasted and just distributed in the hospital conferences and meetings.
Each year, they also select teachers, who get to fly in the NASA zero gravity flight (or the vomit comet), and then they share their experience with the students and motivate them to develop projects to test prevailing theories and to develop new technology. They are also in the midst of designing of moon explorer vehicles, which will participate in the annual moon explorer vehicle race.
All of the above reminded me of the project school of ISRO in the village of Vastrapur in Ahmedabad. I guess we were lucky to get the same kind of exposure. I still remember taking the ISRO bus to SAC to participate in the first satellite link with Trivandrum school children. Not to mention the science fair in the school, the science day celebration in PRL.
Life does revolve in circles.
Of course my pet projects in the science fair: does bacterial growth change in space (on board the space shuttle) and measuring the elasticity of rubber bands :-) Simple but very elegantly designed experiments, asking some very difficult questions!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Day 6
So this is getting better and better. I am not too sure whether I should this, but I am getting faster in the cold. Maybe it is just the first few days of running in the cold and the rain, but for some weird reason I have been clocking a better time. I have shaved almost 30 seconds of my time. On an average I am doing like 10 minute miles, which is something very remarkable for me since previously I had never done that. I could do it for a couple of miles, but my average pace towards the end of a longer run would be much much less. But now I have been doing it consistently for the past few days. It is not even funny anymore. The rain and cold gear is definitely helping though. And my motivation is still high and so is my training schedule in full gear.
I had this interesting incident today. I was walking back from the derm clinic. Since Ritu was busy at work and was not taking my calls, I had not much of a choice but hike it from there to home. I was about half way home, when this gentleman stops the car. He is relatively young and offers me a ride. I accept it since it was raining and I was not really in a mood to walk. So he drops me home and during our conversation I learn that he is a pastor with a relatively new church. He though introduces his wife as a real-estate agent, which was something very interesting, since it turns out she helps out at the church and is listed as some form of divinity or spiritual advisor. More so ever, in her profile posted on the church it does not mention that he is her spouse, but it is mentioned that she is his spouse in his profile. More so ever he introduces himself to be a dad and husband. And she introduces herself as the being the wife of him. A very interesting way to introduce oneself.
Despite of all this it was a very interesting meeting with him. I learnt that a church can be built from scratch, just like any corporation. And like any business venture requires a lot of planning and effort on part of the so-called 'administrative' staff, which in the Church is actually the spiritual advisors. It is a new concept to me. Till now I was under the impression that churches were always branches of a bugger structure. To might it was almost as if a larger church or a larger entity decided that there was a need in a certain area and that is where the church will come into existence. But according to what I learned today, that is not always the case. This current church in question does not even have a physical presence. It has a spiritual presence alright, but not a physical one. Every sunday it is assembled and then it is dismantled and taken away. And pretty soon it going to lease a space for a period of 10-15 years. I am surprised and very amazed at the way even the 'corporation' of God needs to be set up. I guess this is the one company where the CEO actually claims and is working for the better of the company and it's customers!
I had this interesting incident today. I was walking back from the derm clinic. Since Ritu was busy at work and was not taking my calls, I had not much of a choice but hike it from there to home. I was about half way home, when this gentleman stops the car. He is relatively young and offers me a ride. I accept it since it was raining and I was not really in a mood to walk. So he drops me home and during our conversation I learn that he is a pastor with a relatively new church. He though introduces his wife as a real-estate agent, which was something very interesting, since it turns out she helps out at the church and is listed as some form of divinity or spiritual advisor. More so ever, in her profile posted on the church it does not mention that he is her spouse, but it is mentioned that she is his spouse in his profile. More so ever he introduces himself to be a dad and husband. And she introduces herself as the being the wife of him. A very interesting way to introduce oneself.
Despite of all this it was a very interesting meeting with him. I learnt that a church can be built from scratch, just like any corporation. And like any business venture requires a lot of planning and effort on part of the so-called 'administrative' staff, which in the Church is actually the spiritual advisors. It is a new concept to me. Till now I was under the impression that churches were always branches of a bugger structure. To might it was almost as if a larger church or a larger entity decided that there was a need in a certain area and that is where the church will come into existence. But according to what I learned today, that is not always the case. This current church in question does not even have a physical presence. It has a spiritual presence alright, but not a physical one. Every sunday it is assembled and then it is dismantled and taken away. And pretty soon it going to lease a space for a period of 10-15 years. I am surprised and very amazed at the way even the 'corporation' of God needs to be set up. I guess this is the one company where the CEO actually claims and is working for the better of the company and it's customers!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Marathon Training log 5
So it was the fifth day in training. This by far was the toughest day. I was tired, had a headache and really appeared to be in a bad mood. But then I had earlier seen a man running, and that kind of made me jealous, as it always does, so I decided that I will run. And on top of that I had the opportunity to wear all of the new gear that I had recently bought from Scheels. And so I took out the gear and it felt nice to wear all that. By the time I was ready to run, I was all excited and ready to go. So now, I get out to run, expecting that I will be freezing to death. But to my surprise I am very comfortable and very very warm. It was an exhilarating experience to run. It was wet, it was cold and best of all it was raining. And I did not feel a thing!! I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts and my own pleasure of the run, that I did not notice anything. I even ran faster than before.
At the same time I have been using the GTD software and it has been helping me get things done. Since I have the list of things to do, it makes it easier to not only remember but I have this urge inside of me where I actually want to make sure that I complete it. It gives me that sense of completion and that sense of feeling that I am accomplishing things bit by bit. I did end up with many tasks that I had felt that I would do today, but could not even get around to doing them. But in the end when I did look at the number of things that I had accomplished, it give a sense of high. The similar high that I get from long distance running. I think this is something that I will be doing for years to come and enjoy it more and more. I never have enjoyed it so much and the sense of accomplishment is amazing. It is good to get that feeling that I am able to do and complete something that most people only dream and aspire to complete. I think that when it will be July 26th it will be a different day in my life and I am looking forward to that day to come.
Interestingly enough, I also believe that the winter wear that I bought for running in the cold, is also helping me to run more efficiently and with less pain/injury. For some weird reason I think it also helping with the circulation of blood in my muscles and in my peripheries. I will have to look into that. And if that is the case, then it will be a very good experience to try that even during the times when it is not so cold to run. I guess I will only find out when one day I run without all that gear on and then one day run with all of that gear on. Running is another experiment that I did not envision myself to be doing.
Then there are these things that I think about when I am running. Like right now we only use the heart rate and the strides (time/pace/distance) to assist the runner in his or her performance. Now what if we had these sensors, which were either built into the clothes that we wear or they are fine small needles that we stick into different parts of our body as sensors. And the above, senses various things: sweat production rate, the amount of lactic acid built up in the muscles (better still the differential amount of lactic acid built up in different muscle groups of the body), the amount of glucose being used in different parts, how much there is expression of certain genes/nuclear receptor or mediators, and finally the mitochondrial activity and/or it's by products. And then we customize it per person and that way we can analyze what kind and type of athlete that person is.
At the same time I have been using the GTD software and it has been helping me get things done. Since I have the list of things to do, it makes it easier to not only remember but I have this urge inside of me where I actually want to make sure that I complete it. It gives me that sense of completion and that sense of feeling that I am accomplishing things bit by bit. I did end up with many tasks that I had felt that I would do today, but could not even get around to doing them. But in the end when I did look at the number of things that I had accomplished, it give a sense of high. The similar high that I get from long distance running. I think this is something that I will be doing for years to come and enjoy it more and more. I never have enjoyed it so much and the sense of accomplishment is amazing. It is good to get that feeling that I am able to do and complete something that most people only dream and aspire to complete. I think that when it will be July 26th it will be a different day in my life and I am looking forward to that day to come.
Interestingly enough, I also believe that the winter wear that I bought for running in the cold, is also helping me to run more efficiently and with less pain/injury. For some weird reason I think it also helping with the circulation of blood in my muscles and in my peripheries. I will have to look into that. And if that is the case, then it will be a very good experience to try that even during the times when it is not so cold to run. I guess I will only find out when one day I run without all that gear on and then one day run with all of that gear on. Running is another experiment that I did not envision myself to be doing.
Then there are these things that I think about when I am running. Like right now we only use the heart rate and the strides (time/pace/distance) to assist the runner in his or her performance. Now what if we had these sensors, which were either built into the clothes that we wear or they are fine small needles that we stick into different parts of our body as sensors. And the above, senses various things: sweat production rate, the amount of lactic acid built up in the muscles (better still the differential amount of lactic acid built up in different muscle groups of the body), the amount of glucose being used in different parts, how much there is expression of certain genes/nuclear receptor or mediators, and finally the mitochondrial activity and/or it's by products. And then we customize it per person and that way we can analyze what kind and type of athlete that person is.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Deadlines
Today was one of those days. I decided that I need to get the stuff to connect the laptop the HDMI TV that we have. I got to Best-buy since I have these promotion coupons from them. I thought that I knew what I needed to buy, but them I get confused as soon as I see all of the cables there. I go to the help desk and have to wait for some time for some one to help me, since the lady who was to help me has no clue about what I am talking about. Finally after a huge amount waiting and patience, I get this lady to assist me. I tell her my requirement and she takes me to the product category and gives me what I need. I am happy, go to the check out and get the lady there to help me with the purchase. Firstly she cannot give me the discount that I wanted from the reward zone card. I ask her if she can apply it for me, no she can't. So now I ask her if it can be printed here in the store: no that is not possible. I am so pissed with the service, that I leave the product and return home. But then after a while I am thinking that I do want that product and it would be nice to get something like that since it will make my life easier and I will be finally able to use the TV that has been just sitting her ever since it came from California. So I finally decide to print the reward zone certificates and leave for the store. I again get the lady to help and I get the product. This time it seamlessly goes through the process and I am home.
On reaching home I realize that I cannot find the connection cord for the TV!! So now I spend like an hour to find it, I find it and connect everything: to my surprise she gave me the wrong thing! It does not connect to my computer. Now I am left with no choice, but to return back to the store, a bit annoyed and very much frustrated. I explain to them the problem, the person at the counter has the nerve to ask me if I am sure the product does not fit. I am like: this is the third time I have come to this store and you expect me to be having a joy ride and telling you that it does not fit. I asked him to check it out with the Macbooks they have in the store. He sends to another rep and he confirms it with me. It was the wrong product. And to my frustration they did not even have the replacement piece for it. So here I am trying to get something done and all he has to tell me is that they do not have the product. He refers me down to the Apple store, but also adds the disclaimer that it might not be available there too, since they also get accessories late.
So I return the product and come back home. I have everything except that one piece of cable which would connect my Macbook to the TV!! These are the times when I cannot understand why apple needs to do everything so specifically different. If like others it had made the same kind of connection then at least it would not be so difficult each time one tries to connect something to a different appliance.
I always believed that being tenacious and being persistent helps. But I guess not all the time. It has been a tough call. I let a lot of things slide out of my schedule so that I could get this one thing done properly: and yet it is still not done and I have a lot of other tasks that needed to be completed today. Now not only do I not have the time, but at the same time, my mood is so bad that I do not even want to complete the task today. I guess one also needs to add another deadline to every task, the deadline of completing it or the the deadline of trying for something. One can spend a lifetime trying to complete something, but in the end one needs to weight if spending that much time was really worth the effort or not.
On reaching home I realize that I cannot find the connection cord for the TV!! So now I spend like an hour to find it, I find it and connect everything: to my surprise she gave me the wrong thing! It does not connect to my computer. Now I am left with no choice, but to return back to the store, a bit annoyed and very much frustrated. I explain to them the problem, the person at the counter has the nerve to ask me if I am sure the product does not fit. I am like: this is the third time I have come to this store and you expect me to be having a joy ride and telling you that it does not fit. I asked him to check it out with the Macbooks they have in the store. He sends to another rep and he confirms it with me. It was the wrong product. And to my frustration they did not even have the replacement piece for it. So here I am trying to get something done and all he has to tell me is that they do not have the product. He refers me down to the Apple store, but also adds the disclaimer that it might not be available there too, since they also get accessories late.
So I return the product and come back home. I have everything except that one piece of cable which would connect my Macbook to the TV!! These are the times when I cannot understand why apple needs to do everything so specifically different. If like others it had made the same kind of connection then at least it would not be so difficult each time one tries to connect something to a different appliance.
I always believed that being tenacious and being persistent helps. But I guess not all the time. It has been a tough call. I let a lot of things slide out of my schedule so that I could get this one thing done properly: and yet it is still not done and I have a lot of other tasks that needed to be completed today. Now not only do I not have the time, but at the same time, my mood is so bad that I do not even want to complete the task today. I guess one also needs to add another deadline to every task, the deadline of completing it or the the deadline of trying for something. One can spend a lifetime trying to complete something, but in the end one needs to weight if spending that much time was really worth the effort or not.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
So I did my 5 miles today. It was raining and even had a hail storm. It was painful for a while, but then thereafter I was used to the whole thing. It was a different feeling of accomplishment and determination on my part to have done that despite of the odds. I did not believe that I would be so determined, but I think it is appropriate that I should be. Life needs to be that way. It is a good lesson in the way I have lived my life and how I should be living it in the near future.
I took the in-training exam, I think I did well. I could have done better, but I did well. Now I aspire to be even more diligent and more organized in my approach. And to make it so that every time I take any test it is simple and easier. So like the marathon training I will not make regular goals and make sure that I realize and achieve those goals in the right time frame. At the same time I will use all this technology I have to make it possible for me. Why have all this technology and not put it to good use. After all now I have the means and the method to make good use of everything that is available to me.
Also the realization has come to me that it is important to me that I realize my personal legend and all of these things will help me and enable me to realize them. The final goal in everyone's life is realization of their personal legend and that is why they move across continents and leave their loved ones behind. And I will realize my personal legend.
I took the in-training exam, I think I did well. I could have done better, but I did well. Now I aspire to be even more diligent and more organized in my approach. And to make it so that every time I take any test it is simple and easier. So like the marathon training I will not make regular goals and make sure that I realize and achieve those goals in the right time frame. At the same time I will use all this technology I have to make it possible for me. Why have all this technology and not put it to good use. After all now I have the means and the method to make good use of everything that is available to me.
Also the realization has come to me that it is important to me that I realize my personal legend and all of these things will help me and enable me to realize them. The final goal in everyone's life is realization of their personal legend and that is why they move across continents and leave their loved ones behind. And I will realize my personal legend.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Marathon log 3
I am with the force. My third day into the training. It was a glorious day. Came back from the dermatology clinic, where I was on the verge of falling asleep. Had a very light lunch and went for a run. I guess I am still a bit scared with of snakes, so the going was a bit tense. And then I am aware of the fact they come out during these months, since they like the heat and like to soak up the heat on the hot pavement. I did not see any today though. It is kind of weird though, I have this weird relationship with snakes. I see them everywhere, I hate them with a passion and I am scared of them too. But then I realized that my fears should not be controlling how I lead my life. I should be in control of my fears and live my life on my terms.
Nevertheless the run was wonderful. I did 8 miles in about 81 minutes, which was like a few seconds over a 10 minute mile. I felt wonderful and so much in shape. I also finished listening to Paulo Ceolho's 'The Alchemist. Now I know why Ritu was so crazy about the book. It is an amazing and powerful book. Very inspiring. From now I am going to be very careful about what I say and what I will think. I agree that the moment we think or say something, the universe starts conspiring to make it happen for you. So from now it is going to be a very forcefully positive me. I have felt that maybe life would be better that way, but have never really lived my life in that manner. It does appear to be a wonderful way of living life. At the end of the day, even if it does not turn my life around, it will make life more positive and wonderful. So from now, I am going to imbibe the underlying theme of 'The Alchemist'.
I guess the world does appear to be a wonderful place when you have a positive attitude towards it. Yesterday when I was running, I was hearing these sounds from time to time and could not figure out where they were coming from. And then today I realized that it was coming from the polling booths which being prepared for the voting today. I did not see any lines, but did see many people in lines on the internet and TV. I was in a poor mood today, becoz of the elections. I am somehow not too happy with the election of Obama, but I think that is the conclusion already. I heard Fareed Zakaria on CNN GPS and more than once he referred to him as President Obama. There is really no way that McCain will be able to do a upset. I wish it has been a more closer race. But then during the run, I came to terms with that fact. Now I am at peace with the fact that we will have a socialist as a president. Though the experiment of socialism has failed in various parts of the world, here in the United States we will be a predominantly socialist. Sad indeed. But the run helped me overcome that disappointment. I guess it is not a big deal. I do agree that the US is that stage, where any new president has his task made out for him, and the change will be the welcome. Either one will have to make the tough decisions and take some bold steps. It will be an interesting next couple of years.
Since today I am call, I am going to sit down and make my running plans. That way I did not have to think each time I plan to go for a run. And also it will make me mentally prepared for the task ahead. I should have done this a few days ago, but then better to do it now than to not do it all. Nothing like some planning to keep me motivated.
Nevertheless the run was wonderful. I did 8 miles in about 81 minutes, which was like a few seconds over a 10 minute mile. I felt wonderful and so much in shape. I also finished listening to Paulo Ceolho's 'The Alchemist. Now I know why Ritu was so crazy about the book. It is an amazing and powerful book. Very inspiring. From now I am going to be very careful about what I say and what I will think. I agree that the moment we think or say something, the universe starts conspiring to make it happen for you. So from now it is going to be a very forcefully positive me. I have felt that maybe life would be better that way, but have never really lived my life in that manner. It does appear to be a wonderful way of living life. At the end of the day, even if it does not turn my life around, it will make life more positive and wonderful. So from now, I am going to imbibe the underlying theme of 'The Alchemist'.
I guess the world does appear to be a wonderful place when you have a positive attitude towards it. Yesterday when I was running, I was hearing these sounds from time to time and could not figure out where they were coming from. And then today I realized that it was coming from the polling booths which being prepared for the voting today. I did not see any lines, but did see many people in lines on the internet and TV. I was in a poor mood today, becoz of the elections. I am somehow not too happy with the election of Obama, but I think that is the conclusion already. I heard Fareed Zakaria on CNN GPS and more than once he referred to him as President Obama. There is really no way that McCain will be able to do a upset. I wish it has been a more closer race. But then during the run, I came to terms with that fact. Now I am at peace with the fact that we will have a socialist as a president. Though the experiment of socialism has failed in various parts of the world, here in the United States we will be a predominantly socialist. Sad indeed. But the run helped me overcome that disappointment. I guess it is not a big deal. I do agree that the US is that stage, where any new president has his task made out for him, and the change will be the welcome. Either one will have to make the tough decisions and take some bold steps. It will be an interesting next couple of years.
Since today I am call, I am going to sit down and make my running plans. That way I did not have to think each time I plan to go for a run. And also it will make me mentally prepared for the task ahead. I should have done this a few days ago, but then better to do it now than to not do it all. Nothing like some planning to keep me motivated.
Marathon log 2
Today was the day when I tested the words of General Patton in my life. If the mind is strong, healthy, the body is strong and health. Today was one of those days when I was fasting, and as a result did not have anything substantial till the end of the day. As a result of which I was hungry, irritable and very tired/weak towards the evening; the time I had planned to run. So when I came back from work, I realized that I was neither in the mood nor the desire to run. I looked for excuses: I am hungry and cannot run on an empty stomach. I am tired and should not run today. It is not healthy and advisable to run when one is fasting. So, I came home and had some sumptuous dinner. Once I done with dinner, I decided that one should not run for atleast 2 hours after a heavy meal. So, now I did other work from 6pm to 8pm. Very conveniently I forgot the 8pm self-deadline. Now, around 2015 hours I decided that enough was enough. If I am to do this marathon and more to come, then I need to make this a part of my life. It should be like reading a book, or having a cup of coffee: something which was essential and enjoyable. So by 2030 hours I had my running gear and was already hitting the pavement. Next thing I know I was flying for the next 54 minutes. I did my five miles. I was so proud of myself. Though I must admit I had the worst heart burn in the century. I really need to start taking my PPI, at this rate there will not be much of my esophagus left. And after all this effort, if I die from esophageal cancer, that will be an irony and a tragedy. So I have survived my third day into the training and I am on schedule for this week. Hopefully, this mindset will keep me going and drive away any self doubts I have in my mind. I have also realized that running clears my mind and makes more energetic by the time I get home. It is a lovely feeling of energy and power. Makes me feel I am in control of my life and my destiny. I wish I had taken up something like this when I was young. It would have been a lovely sport and hobby to nourish. I think this is where I failed growing up. I paid too much attention to only one aspect of my life. And it is my fault, no one elses, coz this is what I chose for myself. But then one can correct their mistakes in this life time itself and I am out to correct mine.
Marathon log
So I registered with the SF marathon. I needed the registration to keep me motivated in running. It was like a positive omen to keep me enjoying this form of physical activity. And of course this will be my way to test my physical fitness too.
It will be fun. I have my dairy in place and I have my logs in place. And I am going to work on it like everything else. Maybe this time I will be able to better my previous record.
And of course I get to run the Golden Gate bridge!!!!
It will be fun. I have my dairy in place and I have my logs in place. And I am going to work on it like everything else. Maybe this time I will be able to better my previous record.
And of course I get to run the Golden Gate bridge!!!!
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