Five days into the new year and just like everyone else I've made my list of resolutions that I'll soon to disregard. I guess its good that people take a moment to realize the mistakes they've made over the past year and set some goals to address those problems now. However in reality, we are still the same people. Just a few days shouldn't make a difference in what we can or cannot accomplish. I think instead of saying "this year I will not do something...", we should be saying "by the next year I will accomplish something...". Change is gradual.

I have about 7 resolutions. None of them are to stop a bad habit, but most of them are to cultivate better habits. But I'm not looking to make up for all my shortcomings, but rather just a chance to redeem myself. Myself, the same person I've always been.

Posted in: Life,

Yesterday the brothers Miranda and Shannon (representin the Illinois Miranda's) all played a game of Trivial Pursuit Genus V. I won, as was predicted, but along the way there were many instances where I came up with very good guesses (correct answers) and second guessed incorrectly. Shannon said something interesting. He said I might be a genius if I didn't keep second guessing myself. Now I know I'm no where close to genius but it makes a lot of sense. Looking back at the past few years I really wonder how things might be different if I had gone with my instinct and feelings instead of overthinking and overanalyzing. Come the new year, it gives me some food for thought.

More food .. err drink for thought: Vanilla Pepsi is horrible compared to Vanilla Coke. Laddu is the best kuswar - no debates please. And Canada Dry+Brandy is normally better than 7Up+Gin which is normally better than Coke+Rum - BUT the Canada Dry was flat. :-P ... It was a good holiday.

I haven't had a chance to update for the past few days. Lots of little events here and there that have been occupying my time. Well the only important thing I need to do is wish everyone some holiday cheer.

For all my friends, family and others I want to wish you all a warm and Merry Christmas. May the miracle of Christ's birth bless you and all those you hold dear. For all travelers, have a safe and happy journey. For all the gift givers, please remember the true meaning of this sacred holiday. And most importantly for all those with nothing ... you are not forgotten.

Posted in: Religion,

I'm very fortunate to know the origin of my entire name. Most of the time I take pride in its uniqueness, but there are two things that do annoy me. The first being pronunciation and the second (related) is that on average many people do not remember it. Or if they remember it, they remember some bizarre pronunciation. In my observation (american) people prefer simple names. Something like Jon, Joe or Tim always satisfies. In fact I think that people in general do not like (first) names with more than 2 syllables. Anything longer is either mispronouced or worse - forgettable. Hence the nicknames and short forms.

I made the stupid mistake of allowing a 2-syllable mispronunciation of my name in first grade here in the U.S. Since then almost everyone I know, outside of my family, says my name incorrectly. Senior year in high school, someone made a joke by calling me "Mo". Which by the way, I never liked - but it stuck. So inspite of my reservations, I used it as a nickname. The interesting thing in college was that when I told people my name during group meetings or lab sessions, no one would remember. They knew who I was, but never said my name. But if I mentioned that nickname - no problems. How frustrating.

For all my friends reading this. No need to fix things now, its all good.

Morr-yat = wrong, Morr-ee-ot = wrong, Mo = wrong, Maw-ri-yet = right

Posted in: Life, Philosophy,

Now:

Me: Michael, how old are you?

Michael: I’m bore years old. One, Two, Three, Bore!

Me: Michael, you’re “bore” years old?

Michael: I’m not bore years old. I’m BORE years old!

Later:

Me: Michael, how old are you?

Michael: I’m bibe years old. One, Two, …

Posted in: Funny,