Lazy

I have this feeling that I am naturally lazy. I am probably not one of those super-charged Energizer bunny rabbit types. If there is an obstacle to my momentum, more often than not, I willingly take it. Most people do, I guess. It is just that, right now, my work is filled with exceptions to that rule.

Thirty two

It's here. I feel neither older nor wiser, but happier.
This is not as dramatic as the 30, but this one is special for what lies ahead.
I will be a father in a few weeks, and they say that changes life more than anything ever will. For both of us.
I have made a simple resolution today that this is also the right time to let another idea germinate. For which I will allow nine months. For by then, it will be two years. And, the symbolism matters.
Family. Happiness. Balance.

- The stay-honest letter from myself.
- The get-real conversation with Kaushik.
- The special weekend at the Mandarin Oriental.
- The stirring speech from Ploy at her farewell dinner.

Now, I am all set.

Boiled eggs

That special week in Shanghai. A week where I realized again the true privilege of working for this firm. One week of leadership training, with remarkable leader peers, who could well be lifelong friends. The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra as a prop. Fortune 500 CEOs as facilitators. Flight scheduling games where the definitive frequent flyers failed.

More importantly, an opportunity to sit down and take stock. Others believe in me more than I do. I am constantly in a state of preparation, without ever being ready, which is ok. My passion is clear, though the end game is not. Happiness, family and balance matter to me most, followed by health and authenticity. I should continue making time for the little things that energize me in these areas - the boiled eggs at breakfast, looking through the lens and walking. Achievement, excellence, impact, etc., somehow did not even figure in that list.

My great pursuit at this moment is constant self-improvement. I should overcome the mindset of a time-bound graduation date from the firm, but figure out what my improvement objectives are and how I will determine that I have achieved them.

Life is about to change again. Oh, the joy of living. 

450

Recently, we crossed that depressing milestone of 400 ppm CO2 in the atmosphere.

The other day, I was discussing term life insurance with my agent. Is it sufficient if I cover myself until I am 60? That would be the year 2041.

It's strange. We pretend that life will be the same in 2041. It won't be.

Something more dramatic will happen in 2037. Well, our son will possibly graduate from college. But, more importantly, he will throw his graduation cap into an atmosphere that would have just breached a nightmarish 450 ppm CO2.

Nice legacy we will leave him.

That's just 24 years from now. 1 ppm every six months. 

Stumble

All good things must come to an end. Like all those helium balloons that eventually give up.

Today was that day at work. Dived from an absolute high to a pitiful low, all because of one person who I struggle to respect. My project manager. I hope I am wrong.

Open feedback is good when it works. Bad when his floodgates are open when it is both his turn to speak, as well as mine.

Cheers!

Miracle

The miracle that is life.

Our own. In-womb somersaults included.

How life changes life!

Survived

...a year with the firm. It has been an amazing experience. I have grown and at this moment, I am loving it.
There are still ups and downs, but I am learning to accept and relish them. I should be grateful for her unflinching support and cheer-leading.

Actually, right now, I am just tired, sleepy, warm and wondering what to get for Friday lunch at the Book Cafe.

Life is good.