Of picnics and photos
Recently few colleagues and I had gone to Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, KRS Dam and Balmuri falls. Took this photo on the way using a Samsung D-500 mobile phone. Turned out pretty good, eh?
We had pretty dull weather all day but thankfully it didn't rain too hard.
Turns out a few days after we visited the KRS dam, it filled to the brim and they had to open all the gates. The rush of the water was something to behold. I'll try and put up a pic soon.
Saturday chores
Went to an unlikely place today. The Sub-registrar's office in Krishnarajapuram. We had sold a piece of land and wanted to get a copy of the Sale deed or the sale copy and all we had to do, actually, was walk up to the officer and fill a form. But no, like everyone else, we caught hold of an enabler (that's what I am calling middlemen or touts) and he undertook the job. Took 200 of the best from my dad and promised to get us the form.
You know what, for some strange reason, we believed him and you know what's stranger still? I am
sure he will do the job. That's the way of life here. I am absolutely sure he will call us and tell us that he has found it.
Went in the afternoon with my uncle to the Country Club. He wants to become a member. Decent place and a good deal but I wanted the Sales guy to suffer a longinsh weekend so I advised my uncle to hold on until Monday before becoming a member! Sometimes, the devilish streak in me rises. And how!
IT returns and a headache
Got up in a panic today - suddenly realised that I have to go to Shijo's house and collect the Form 16A. Had a quick wash, a cuppa and rushed to Vijayanagar to Shijo's place and collected the form.
Came home and realised I have a splitting headache. On the way to the office, dropped the Form 16 into the able hands of a Kinfocian who's doing this as a 'side' business. He and his wife file returns and are 'tax-consultants'. They do a good job and I've been with them for a couple of years now. Who knows, if they do a good job this time, I may get a refund!
The headache disappeared during the day and by night, it had gone completely.
Had a dosa at the Wipro cafeteria and found it to be quite good. The cafeterias nowadays are producing decent stuff as they have their own kitchens now.
Back to work
Had a goodish weekend & Monday morning looked fine. Work was not hectic, just well-paced. Have to file my IT returns and was frantically trying to locate my Form 16A from the earlier company where I was working.
Contacted Shijo Thomas, an ex-colleague and asked him to collect it from the person concerned. Have to collect it tomorrow.
Sunday ke Fundey
Went out for lunch with my dad, wife and son. Mom went with her youngest sister to Malleshwaram to meet another sister. The noise level in Malleshwaram is expected to go up! 3 ladies chatting, beware!
Met a couple of senior citizens who are respected elders in our community. The idea was to 'show' my son to them. After that, went to the Woody's restaurant in the JP Nagar Inner Ring Road. Had some Fried Rice, Veg Balls in Garlic sauce and Baby Corn Manchurian. Good stuff. Chased that with 'Curd Rice'. Hey, I'm south-Indian after all!!
Went for a drive late evening with wife and kid. Watched my current favorite show - American Chopper featuring the Orange County Choppers gang. This is simply a superb show. Reality TV at it's best.
Saturday - Family day
Sober day today - Grandfather's death anniversary. Spent nearly all day at my uncle's place.
This is a typical Hindu function and usually consists of a 'Puja' where a priest arrives and conducts certain rituals at home. This is followed by lunch which has a standard menu plus one or two of the departed person's favorite items! The meal is typically south-indian, served on a plaintain leaf. The image nearby is only indicative and is not the real thing but you get the idea.
Usually, the entire family gathers again in the evening to polish off the leftovers. The excess is given away the next day. Altogether, it is an occassion where the entire family bonds with no malices.
Freaky Friday
After a long day at the office, my colleagues and I stopped for a drink on Hosur Road. This was a small little joint called Bageecha and we swigged a couple of beers and then went home. Did a lot of bitching while we were at it.
Sometimes this helps. Dont know how many of you agree with me but once in a while, it is good to let your hair down and chat about the sore thumbs in the office. It doesn't harm anyone and it can get out of your mind. I call it bitch-therapy for want of a better name.
It was raining mildly as usual and by the time I reached home, it was almost 12 am. Perfect time to crash out. Sleep - Tired Nature's Sweet Restorer, as mentioned in many Wodehouse novels.
