Journey to Middle Earth

So the journey begins ! Today I impulsively booked a ticket for a conference in Bangalore !! I haven't put much thought into it. Just read about the speakers in the conference and I was very excited. Couldn't miss this chance. I am sure, I won't be able to attend such conferences once I get back to work.

Now that the sudden rush has come down a bit. I am worried about the traveling. The best (read economical) way to travel there would be to go by bus. Train travel takes 24 hours. Bus travel about 16-18 hours. Not sure if I am making the right choice. But flight travel will blow my budget out of proportions. Since the conference cost itself could be less than 10% of the travel, accomodation cost ! Yes and I would be staying in a hotel for couple days. Tempted to crash at a friends/cousins place. But don't want to bother for now.

Looks like a good adventurous trip. Hoping to have a good trip. Will post soon if I indeed go through with my plans.

Hectic week & Some time to rest

So last week was a very hectic week for me as I had to go out ever so often. Was really worn out and feeling tired. It was followed by an eventful weekend. Eventful because my niece was here ! I know handling a kid should be child's play. But not her ! She really needs some one to talk to and play all the time. She is just two years old, but talks like a real wise person :) I always listen to the advice that she has to offer. That is to play nursery rhymes all the time and talk non stop throughout the day !

I also had a cousin around. So we had some fun time, all the cousins. Ended up eating some fried food ! Could not miss that trip to the McDonald's for my niece. Also had some awesome Chinese food from my favourite restaurant. Even had some chaat , but without the fried stuff. Finally we rounded off by having some home made fish delicacies.

So finally all the excitement finished by today afternoon. Had a very sore body and just slept it off today evening. Was supposed to meet friends for dinner, but postponed it for tomorrow or later. Missed the Liverpool game, but could watch some part of the F1 race. Was rooting for Alonso, but guess Vettel deserved it I guess. The Red Bull racing team had a much more consistent car out there than Ferrari. That summed it all ! Saw Schumi one last time in a race. Cricket was topsy turvy today, as England, to be more precise KP & Monty beat India in their own game today. Started off with KP showing histornics like Sehwag and then Monty teaching the Indian spinners a thing or two on how to bowl on this track. Game is England's to lose now. 

Would have loved to watch the game, but weekend tickets seemed full. Also the mad rush at home did not allow me any time to get out. Now, it looks highly unlikely I would go for the game tomorrow. My legs are still hurting and elbows & shoulders too. I really deserve a good nights sleep, followed by noon time sleep till tomorrow !

Ciao n Peace.

Stories of 26/11 Heroes

Yesterday the news was full of stories about heroes, survivors & relatives of 26/11. Brings back painful memories. But amidst those painful images, we heard courageous stories of men giving up their own life to save hundred other lives. Of them was the great Tukaram Omble. If it was not for him, the Mumbai police could not have captured the sole terrorist alive, the only source of first-hand information about the evil perpetrators behind the heinous attacks.

An article on following link describes the bravery of this gentleman in great detail - http://www.firstpost.com/mumbai/how-tukaram-omble-ensured-kasab-faced-a-fair-trial-529947.html

The article describes how the dutiful long serving police man armed with a baton and radio was able to stop the heavily armed terrorist. As the car of the terrorists crashed into the barricades, he was the first one to charge at the terrorist and grab his gun which eventually led to his unfortunate death but meant that the terrorist was caught alive. For the first time in years, direct proof about Pakistan links were established which led to initiation of a trial against the LeT chief in Pakistan. 

Although we are long way from punishing the original conspirators of the terror attack, it was very important to serve justice in this case to ensure terrorism will never be tolerated here. It was an emphatic win for the largest democracy in the world. As all the legal procedures that are followed by the law abiding citizens were presented to the terrorist, Kasab. He was on a trial that went to the Supreme Court and he was also given a chance to put forth his "Mercy petition plea" in front of the President. It took nearly 4 years but justice was served !

In other reports, I was shocked to read some irresponsible reporting by the western media. A newspaper like NY Times reported Kasab as  “the Mumbai attacker” or the “lone surviving… gunman”, even the Washington Post earlier reported as a "gunman" but later retracted owing to social media pressures and termed him as a "terrorist". It seems that it isn't "terrorism" for them unless its them or countries where they have strategic / monetary interests. "Here was a man who was caught live on CCTV cameras waging urban war in a neighbouring country and shooting dead innocent people and policemen, was subsequently arrested, subjected to a lengthy due process of trial, and  found guilty of waging war on India – and, finally, hanged"

Courtesy news on - http://www.firstpost.com/india/dear-western-media-why-cant-you-call-kasab-a-terrorist-531055.html

My blog post has nothing to do with DM or my current situation. But living in Mumbai, we have been through ups & downs since last 15 - 20 years. These reports mean a lot to each and every Mumbaikar. Just to highlight what we had to go through all these years - 

Terrorist attacks in Mumbai include :

• 12 March 1993 - Series of 13 bombs go off, killing 257
• 6 December 2002 - Bomb goes off in a bus in Ghatkopar, killing 2
• 27 January 2003 - Bomb goes off on a bicycle in Vile Parle, killing 1
• 14 March 2003 - Bomb goes off in a train in Mulund, killing 10
• 28 July 2003 - Bomb goes off in a bus in Ghatkopar, killing 4
• 25 August 2003 - Two Bombs go off in cars near the Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar, killing 50
• 11 July 2006 - Series of seven bombs go off in trains, killing 209
• 26 November 2008 to 29 November 2008 - Coordinated series of attacks, killing at least 172.
• 13 July 2011 - Three coordinated bomb explosions at different locations, killing 2

(Source : Wikipedia)

I would describe Mumbai as similar to New York in US or Sydney in Australia (not in terms of Manhattan skyline / Sydney harbour but spirit of people, lifestyle,...). Where you dream of living the great Indian dream. Just as you would dream of living in US / Australia. So in addition to living for our life long ambitions we dream of living in a peaceful city.

Ciao n Peace.

Winds of Change

Well not really change in medicines. But the medicines seem to be working ! Finally !! So my blood reports have come down a bit. CPK is now hovering about 588 & liver enzymes have reduced marginally since last check. Also the muscle pain had come down couple notches. But winter seems to be starting here and that means muscle stiffness and pain might accompany. Already feel the stiffness & pain in quadriceps. Stamina should improve as the blood work is following an optimistic pattern since last couple months. Hopefully by Jan, should be able to work.

By winter I mean by Mumbai standards. Since winter here should be a pleasant day in any other part of the country. But I am so used to this warm, humid climate that even bit of chill outside often leads to dry skin, bit of cold, .. Will try to remain warm as much as possible. Yesterday spent almost all day in my doc's visit. I had also had a very long walk the other day when I didn't get any transport to the lab where I get the blood tests done. So my legs are screaming since 2 days. Also today for some car insurance thing, had to get my car chassis number which was on the car floor below driver's seat. Ended up stretching my legs too much I guess. 

Trying to concentrate on couple of things, but somehow not finding enough time. Hopefully will have my schedule sorted out starting tomorrow. Also, soon there is going to be Ind - England game in Mumbai soon. Hope I can go for at least 1 day there ! Lets see. Might be risky, but would really love to spend a day in the sun watching cricket !

Today was a special day for all the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks. As Ajmal Kasab was hanged at 7:36 AM at Yerwada jail in Pune. Finally some sort of a closure for all the victims who lost their lives on that fateful day 4 years ago and their relatives. I hope this is just the first step before other terrorist groups are shut down / destroyed by proactive governance.

Ciao n Peace. 

Happy Diwali

So this week we were celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights ! So didn't really get time to post anything new. I used to get wiped out by evening and didn't have the energy to do stuff that I normally enjoy. So Diwali in Mumbai means lots of shopping, exchanging gifts with family n stuff like that. So didn't really buy much coz wasn't in the mood to splurge on myself. But did lots of shopping nonetheless ! The day we went shopping our table at the hotel was half full with all the shopping bags :) This was the best Diwali ever ! I was so busy that I had no time to think about the pain, weakness n fatigue ! Even burst few fire crackers with my niece as it was her first Diwali celebration with crackers! Also I think I trained her to be not afraid of the loud explosive crackers :) Loved making those funny videos with her !

So since my last post, I had been to a physio. I had consulted him 15 years back. He is a jolly person, who will talk with you continuously while doing exercises. I enjoyed the session. But was very tired afterwards. Eventually had a lot of joint pain and so decided not to pursue any more physio sessions going forth.

My health seems to have been improved since I have started going out more often. I know deep down there is no point in moping around at home and have to keep with all commitments. But going out ever so often makes me wiped out by evening/night. So now only thing that is left to improve upon is my stamina (can't do any activity for more than 2-3 hours, feel really tired afterwards) & some pain (elbows, knees,thighs). I somehow feel that the pain is related to the muscle wasting. Since there is hardly any muscle padding left on my hands ! Yeah they have become really thin. All my veins stand out ! So when I am sleeping have to be really careful otherwise end up hurting my hand ever so often. So whenever I get up, not only am I groggy but have immense pain in my elbows & biceps / wrists sometimes.

So going out had nothing to do with work. But mostly outings with friends, relatives who have been calling me since past couple of months. I feel really guilty when I try to avoid other people's calls or give a very lame excuse. But I sometimes don't have the strength to explain the same ol' story about the relapse, current situation, n all. So I usually try to answer in monosyllable or end up telling half truths :( Not the best of times for sure.

But I try to make most of the outings. Also like to help out to buy cars or help get their broken down car repaired ! Yeah seriously ! I mean I am the last person you would want to be pushing cars n stuff. But I am really slick with towing agencies, mechanics and have couple of buddies who get things done real quick ! Also, been driving a lot lately. Nothing makes you forget about illness more than a good long drive with your favourite rock music on !

Have really cut down on my computer time now. Only check up couple times on FB, etc. No more chatting, no marathon movie/tv series sessions any more ! But did watch couple of movies in theatres. Caught skyfall the other day. I was bit disappointed. The movie was really good but thought there were not enough action set pieces like the train chase sequence in the beginning. The train chase was epic though ! In sports, F1 race at Abu Dhabi was awesome. Iceman speaking on the radio " Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing" and "Yes Yes Yes...." was pretty hilarious. The India - England cricket series started today and Sehwag gave a rousing performance at the start. I am telling you, "it's going to be Indian batsmen Vs Swann". Unless the decide to bring in Monty. After watching Englands first innings I can probably give a prediction of the scoreline for the series. But as of now, if all the pitches are going to be turners like this one. God help the Pompies ! Am sure they will be bundled out for low scores once Ashwin, Ojha have the ball and Yuvi is no mug either. Looking forward for Day 2. 

Have a doc's visit on 20th. Also need to get an appointment with rheumy in next 2 weeks.

Ciao n Peace.

Stormy Times

This week the super storm "Sandy" that hit the US & today "Nilam" that hit Tamil Nadu in India were in the news for most days. I can't imagine how horrific it would be to be in midst of such storms. My prayers are with everyone affected by them.

This week I did travel a bit, after the adventures of Thursday I was tired for about a day or two. But still managed to go for outings with friends. Past couple of weeks, I was trying to lay low, since I often get very tired after going for such outings. But this last week, just couldn't avoid all those invitations. I drove a lot and really felt great after the drive. I also had to visit my native place last week, but I had to cancel out. Since I was not feeling super confident last week about travelling across states and doing all that flying around and  road journeys. Most of my family was present for the occasion, guess will have to wait for it till next year. Have another dinner invitation on Saturday, trying my best to somehow dodge this invite, but probably will have to make this one last trip.

All the travelling and outings has taken a toll on me. My diet plans have flew out of the window. Since last 2 days was feeling very uneasy and it eventually led to that panic attack kind of feeling. Most times of the day I feel pretty ok to do everyday stuff. But when I get into that "panic attack" mode (don't have better words to describe it), I feel very weak and need to eat and drink a lot to get out of it. Maybe it is something to do with my eating habits or I don't know. Need to ask my doc about it. Mostly the doctors don't reply to such queries and just tell me that things will be fine after the change of dosage.

Been exercising pretty regularly, and do need to see that physio  therapist asap now. There is no way to check muscle wasting, since my hands,legs are pretty thin since my DM diagnosis. But my weight reduced by about 4 kgs. Will need to keep a check on the weighing scale. I rarely ever check my weight, since its usually constant.

So last week saw couple of movies - Chakravyuh & Chittagong. Chakravyuh was pretty bad - very weak storyline and horrible acting by couple people. It was based on the naxalite movement in India which according to our PM is the no 1 threat to the country. Expected a sensitive movie, but turned out to be more of a action flick with a weak plot & horrible songs. Chittagong was a sincere effort and I liked it, the story is pretty much true to life. So next movie to watch out is of course Skyfall as James Bond returns to duty !

Ciao n Peace.