Sunday, December 12, 2010

Christmas Lights!

I usually don't run in the dark as I don't really have reflective clothing. But today I decided to venture out exploring the neighborhood. I've been living here for almost a year now and didn't realize till today that there is a neighborhood full of houses right behind my apartment community. Was such a wonderful sight to see all the lights lining up all the houses. From Santas and snowmen to reindeer and moose. To children on seasaws to wreaths that say "This home believes" they had it all. People here really seam to be in the spirit.

Incidentally, Coldplay's just released single is called Christmas Lights.



One of the sad things about the Bay area is that you are unlikely to find people walking around town. I don't know if its coz walking isn't really an option here when trying to get somewhere or if its more than that. I'm sure the lack of a usable public transport system plays a role in it. I used to walk around Santa Barbara quite a bit but its something I just haven't done in a year of living here. I envy those who get to walk around every day in places like Manhattan.

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Birthday blogday!

I think I have truly outdone myself this year. Not a single post since I left Santa Barbara. So indifferent have I been to this blog that I haven't even updated my location on the right side of this page. If nothing else, at least I have been faithful to it on this day.

Lots of new things this year. New job, new city, new running group. The Bay area in many ways is the antithesis of Santa Barbara. People, events, tech companies, traffic, noise and of course all things INDIAN everywhere. There are plenty of people I know who live around here and yet almost a year since I moved I find myself settled into a routine not too dissimilar to the one I had in Santa Barbara. Besides my job, honestly not much has changed. I always thought your surroundings governed your lifestyle. But I now believe that regardless of where I live I'd probably be doing the same set of things on a daily basis. Especially being the creature of habit that I am. I suppose the only thing that dictates your day to day life is what stage of life you are in. studying or working, single or married, kids or no kids etc.

Anyway, a year older, and definitely a year wiser, both professionally and personally! The lack of travel apart, I have no complaints.India trip was quite a different experience this time. Due to my unplanned prolonged stay I got to do things at a much more chilled out pace. Visited Ajanta-Ellora. Its one of those places which has a lot of potential for being a great tourist attraction. If only the government authorities took some effort in maintaining it. Bangalore was quite a lot of fun. Just for a brief time of the day enjoyed exploring new parts of the city. I've been bashing the city for the last few years and infact finding excuses to not visit it. But I can actually see myself living there for some reason.

A few people asked me today about birthday resolutions. I've had a few unexpected (and unpleasant) surprises thrown my way this year. In hindsight, I'd say I've handled them ok but I suppose there were things I could have done to be better prepared for them. So perhaps covering all my bases is something I should start doing more thoroughly from now on. Not the most interesting resolution, I know. oh and I promise to blog more often regardless of the number of eyeballs that glance at this site.