Senseq's Blog Zone

Production support anyone?

2010-04-23T17:55:00.001-07:00

In managing a team for production support of a large finance organization, I come across the same dilemma repeatedly. Only a few people are interested in working in this job profile. As a result many who join remain perennially unhappy.

And why? Because it is rumored that the skills gained are not of use in the career, and that the work isn't challenging.
But i have personally seen, that Prod support actually gives an opportunity to learn what bad code is, and know how to design stable software.
I do agree that being 'on call' is not fun. But even other project types have crunch times, such as when one has to meet a tight deadline.
These comparisons aside, the interesting thing I've observed, is that even when people move to other roles, they remain unhappy. I wonder if this dissatisfaction has become the very nature of the IT Industry, and 'unpopular' project types only bring out more protests, while people remain unhappy across the board.

Sculpting meets Nature

2009-03-27T21:43:00.001-07:00

Long lives, Body monitoring

2009-03-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

Having a truckload of medical history, I know how important constant monitoring of body functions can be for some of us.

Tech Jargon

2009-03-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Techies love jargon words.
Being a techie, I find myself using many such words, and then encountering blank stares.
So I thought, why not elucidate? Here's a small list of Jargon words from my IT world. Go ahead and add to this list with your own jargon words!

- Timebox (e.g. 'Lets timebox this discussion to 5 minutes'):
senseq: Lets cut this crap we're talking after 5 minutes.
dictionary: Limit the discussion to 5 minutes.

- Sleeping Giant (e.g. 'A sleeping giant caused the server blowout'):
senseq: I didn't cause this, it was always there
dictionary: An issue which was always there, but came up only now because of the special condition.

- Same Page (e.g. 'Are we on the same page'):
senseq: You are making no sense. Either you're really stupid or we're talking about different things.
dictionary: Lets make sure we're talking about the same thing.

- Keep me in the loop (e.g. 'Please loop me in on this issue'):
senseq: Don't you go talking behind my back. I want to know what you have to say about this.
dictionary: Please involve me in any conversation around this topic

- Email warfare/Flaming (e.g. 'I'd rather avoid email warfare'):
senseq: Lets avoid kicking each other's butts on emails.
dictionary: I'd rather avoid angry email exchanges

Gay Animals

2009-03-10T23:07:00.001-07:00

Though Southpark came up with an episode of a gay dog called Sparky, I didn't think there were gay animals in the animal kingdom - and that it is a purely human phenomenon.

Well, it turns out there are 1500 species that have been observed to engage in homosexual activity! This includes penguines, chimpanzees , and even a curious case of blue ducks.

gay animals, south park, penguines, chimpanzees, blue ducks, sparky

In search of a song...

2009-03-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

I always seem to fall short of music to listen to. This is even though I have a Rhapsody account, which gives me access to millions of tracks.
The deal is, that going out and finding music is always tough for me.
I also have given some music sites a chance (such as fiql and imeem), I haven't been finding the music I love easily.
Is there any other service out there you'd recommend?

Snowed in!

2009-03-02T05:36:00.001-08:00

On Sunday, last night, I was driving back from NYC to Richmond, VA. I was somewhat bemused that I heard there will be major snow storms, but the weekend was pretty uneventful (weather wise).

On the way back though, it started snowing. And snowing. And snowing.

Then we realized we were getting in the midst of a huge snowstorm. 2-5 inches in VA and about 125,000 power outages.

We made it home safe, but it's super snowed in today. Our office is shut, and the VPN (connection from home through internet) is jammed - probably with too many people on it.

Here's a view from my home.

richmond snow, richmond snowstorm, virginia weather

Knock-your-socks-off Performance Electric Car

2009-02-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

Electric cars are slow. Shelby who?

I became acutely aware of my ignorance today, when I saw this article in Engadget.

I do hope to become rich (like most of us?), and was thinking I'll buy an Audi R8 when I do. I think this kind of car will be more like it for me, though.

No idea on the pricetag, however.

Nurses don't care

2009-02-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

This video is a farce!

I was surprised to hear, that as part of their training - nurses are 'taught' not to get close to their patients. What a paradox - a noble profession, all about caring for the sick, and you're taught not to care for them!

As an example, I went to a Quest Diagnostic lately - and there was this unsmiling nurse at the counter. Knowing I had a timed test, she still took a whole lot of time to initiate the test, and it didn't seem to be anywhere in her interest to help. Her nails were long, which didn't help. But once again - it was the smile - or the lack of it, which upset me the most.

I'm sorry guys, but there's something majorly wrong with the medical system in the US.

Why shopping online is not for everyone

2009-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Going online to shop gets people thinking they will save money.
Unfortunately, there are so many different merchants to choose from, finding a good deal in the online superstore can be a daunting ordeal.
Not just are you looking for a good price, you're also looking for a reputable store to purchase from, products that are reviewed by users (you can't touch that product - just see it on your screen), and then there are the checkout hoops you have to jump through - shipping costs, coupons, cash-backs, mail in rebates... sigh!
With this complexity, shopping online smartly is becoming ever more tedious - something that's soon getting reserved for the nerdy few who have the time to find good deals.
Now, don't get me wrong... there are sites like pricegrabber, shopping.com etc, which give you comparison prices. Also, there are sites like fatwallet and google product search, that try to make shopping online simpler. But here's the deal - none of these sites has enough information for you to make the educated decision.
Isn't it much simpler to just go to a store and pickup what you want! Okay - you're paying a premium, and maybe some extra tax.. but at least you get instant gratification!

Now - if shopping online and finding a good deal online

Senseq's Economic Stimulus Plan

2009-01-28T08:00:00.001-08:00

As Barack Obama goes in to pass his bill for helping the economy, I have an idea I think can help us get back on our feet.

The problem with a bad economy is not that there is no money - its just that those who have money are sitting on it, and unwilling to spend. When everyone's saving money, it isn't getting passed around, and so people are not making any money to spend it.

Without going into details of economics - here's my idea in all its simplicity:

1. All wage earners should be given the option to earn more money - about 20% more - than what they are currently earning.
If they want to earn this extra sum, they need to agree to taking about 70% of their income in the form of gift cards or visa cards that will expire in a month's time.
2. This way, people can either decide to earn lesser and save. Or earn more and spend. They will still have the option of saving the remaining 30% of their income.
3. Some people may want to take advantage of this program by selling off these cards online. Well so be it. The money will still get spent.

Questions -
Who pays the 20% extra the people are getting?
The government and corporations giving the gift cards.
What happens if the gift cards expire?
Well - government coffers and corporate coffers continue to be filled.
How does this plan help?
Demand will go up for goods and services. People need to spend money - so people will have the opportunity to earn.

What do you think? Criticisms, comments?

Why so serious, son?

2008-09-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I just can't get this scene out of my mind from Batman: The Dark Knight.

The performance by the Joker is terrific.

Outsourced - the movie

2008-09-22T05:50:00.001-07:00

Outsourced

While browsing netflix for instant watching movies, I was surprised to see the #1 was a title I hadn't heard about- called 'outsourced'.

The topic of outsourcing has been one close to my heart- & I have always tried to view it from new perspectives- simply because of the ironies in it. An economy driven by competitive prices, seemingly killing itself by sending jobs overseas.

'outsourced' is a light-hearted look at this taboo topic.
The movie talks about this american call centre manager sent to india to train his replacement.
What ensues is a delightful comedy- with the underpinnings of job loss & the irony of the situation showing through.
The movie takes a look at indian culture and contrasts it with the western. Also, the sights and sounds of small town india are shown as is. No glossing over- though a little overdone in some parts for the drama.

The movie ends with an interesting twist, & is definitely an educational & entertaining watch.
A must see.

On Marriage

2008-09-03T09:47:00.001-07:00

World - I cracked it. It just hit me.

Marriage is the leading cause for both - Death and Divorce!

When it rains... it pours

2008-08-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Today started of like just another day.
I had come into nyc to meet my doctor. And everything seemed to be going as per plan.
I had parted my car this morning at the shopping complex. Gone into town met my doctor l got to work on time & had an otherwise fruitful day
I wrapped up work and left for home & wrote a B log about my uneventful day.
But when I went to pickup my car I realised the day had just started!
My car, You see, Was not there.I then learnt that parking in the shopping complex was not permitted for outsiders and that I will have to cough up a hefty $180 for towing! Ouch!

Anyway, after fretting about it long enough, I slept- I had my toefl exam the next day.
Sure enough I missed the toefl the next day cos I couldn't locate the centre (gps dependency?)
So that was an award winning $350 loss in 12 hrs! Wow.

the day after the bad hair day

2008-08-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

So yesterday went off in sulking!!
My roommates wondered ( as did I) why I was making such a big deal of such minor errors.
Well that's just me I guess. And I don't believe in suppressing my feelings - so be it an overreaction- its ok.
Today I walked into office with a bit of a sulk still on- but determined to do a good job.
My managers found another couple of issues! But I was quick to find out what was there was as per spec.
So while I didn't point it out- I did keep my head up high.
By the end of the day, I had solved several key issues & brought 2 projects to completion.
"thanks a lot" said two managers - "your'e most welcome" said I - with a smile.
There's another chance, I suppose, that comes along, to help you get out of a ditch you put yourself into.

But here's a thought- if happiness relies on outside successes, there's no guarantee how much one's going to get!

the techy's bad hair day

2008-08-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

ouch.

a bug found in my code.
actually it was a change done long back, & there's no way to prove it really is my doing (& i'm ofcourse pretty sure it isn't!!)

well & so I graciously apologize for the minor bug. my fault or not.

but inside my stomach knots up. oh I hate a bug - & so starts a bad hair day.

next another manager asks me to re validate a task. oh gee- I find a difference between my previous validation.

sigh- a techies worst nightmare.
we live in a world of absolutes. either its a bug - or its not. either you goofed up, or not.

so I head home nœw. shamefaced. sitting in the bus & blogging my misery away.

oh well.
here comes my stop.

Providence Water Fire

2008-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Having lived in Providence for a couple of months now, I had my first bunch of friends from the Big Apple drop in.
They had heard of the Providence Water Fire, and came down to check it out. The water fire is a festival where they light fires on the Moshassuck river flowing through Providence, and downtown Providence suddenly springs to life - with aromatic food stalls, throngs of tourists and locals, artist performances and a gala time for all.

We first did some salsa dancing under the Turk's Head Building (Yes, there's a Turk who's looking at all from atop this structure). It was nice to see about a hundred people surround a single salsa instructor, everyone full of enthusiasm and practicing the basic steps away.

After some salsa practice, we went on to see the water fire being lit.
Boats with the Water Fire crew lit the fires one after another, and artists performed with fire, musical instruments and in fancy costumes.
We walked by the river and paused every now and then for a photo, some food or to see an artist perform.
If you're looking for the right time to come down to Providence, the Water Fire is the right time to do that. There's one more water fire festival that will take place this year, before winter sets in.
You may like to check this festival out -

Exim Screen Protection - 2 Thumbs up

2008-08-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

Okay - so my blog is not about technical reviews.
Lets get that straight.

But there is a geek and a gadget freak hidden in me somewhere, and, I have read, it is not good to suppress your emotions (and so, alternate personalities too, I suppose).

To give you a background - I have been a handheld computer fan ever since I first saw a Palm III. I have owned, and extensively used Ipaqs and Palms ever since. I have found them to be great entertainment and utility value. I've used them for finances, time management, project management, communication and fun!

Now - the one thing that would hurt any lover of gadgets - is if it starts to show its age. Given that PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) use a touchscreen - they are quick to show scratches.
I've used several 'Screen Protectors' (transparent stickers that go on the screen), and they would get scratched really quick too. In fact, I sometimes wondered if better than putting protectors that scratch easier than the screen - would it just make sense to leave the screen to itself?

Enter Exim Screen Protectors.
I found these on ebay - and they cost a whole lot more than regular screen protectors.
On reading a positive review about their longevity, I decided to go ahead and order.

Yes - this is a great buy - worth the $10-$15 they would cost you (mind you - you only get 1 protector where others would sell you a pack of 10 or more).

I just replaced my old screen protector with the exim, and it looks beautiful. The feel is decent to the stylus, when it comes to writing; but my pda looks smart and beautiful once again. Applying this protector is a breeze, and it fits perfectly.
Though I can't yet vouch for its longevity - it certainly looks robust and has excellent clarity.

Oh - Happiness!

Another pet project - Why not?

2008-08-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Fresh out of my GMAT exam, I chat with my roommate. Oh well, we're both sulking. He, cos he's in his mid-thirties and feel he hasn't gotten anywhere. I, cos I wanted way more in my exam!

So - I think - why not give him a shot in the arm? I know he has contacts in India for producing hand crafted ethnic Indian wear - real cheap. And I, with my tech background can help him turn this into a business for clients in the USA.

We get talking, and its exciting allright. The url deals2wear is available - it has a tangy sound and is easy to remember (for reasons I'd rather not state!).
"Ebay Stores is offering 30 days free premium accounts". $10 buys us the domain at bluehost.com. Email accounts at deals2wear are setup.
We decide to put in $100 each - that's a measly $200 in all! Get a professional photographer in India to take some snaps of Sarees (yeah - there are no measurement hassles as far as we know - hmm, but maybe the blouse would need some measurements... ah well). And we'll be ready to run a pilot.
The initial days in any idea are exciting and give an adrenaline rush - I feel great that my roommate will benefit from this, and I too can get some pocket money for further studies.

GMAT jitters to GMAT blues

2008-08-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Oh..kay. So I gave my GMAT Today.

Well all my recent mock tests seemed to promise a 750+ score- but the reality was a grim 710.

Yeah a 710 is not such a bad score. So they tell me.

But here's the low-down. the essays went well, in math I missed on some questions cos the proctor didn't allow me to take extra paper( sure enough I ran out of space), & she cut my break to 5 min cos I signed back before time.

I am surprised I never heard of either of these rules before.
Sigh.

So much of prep lost to a couple of weird rules.

Sometimes i wonder: does life have a launchpad waiting for you- or will it just make you jump around?

One nation controlled by the media...

2008-08-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

As I came home from work last night, a friend mentioned that Georgia has been attacked by Russia.

I was shocked to hear that, and more so, since I had read the news earlier that day. must have just happened, I figured.

I flipped to CNN, Fox & some of the other news channels, & they were all providing detailed coverage of ... you got it- john edward's affair!
it was only bloomberg (of all the channels ) that had an interview with the Georgian Ambassador in progress.

it is disappointing how insular the news here tends to be. I suppose the media is more interested in showcasing provocative stories of lesser significance but more mass appeal rather than news events of global implications.

2nd Life Anyone

2008-08-07T20:20:00.001-07:00

I was trying to figure what to do with my time... I'd already blogged earlier today... done my daily visits to Facebook and Gmail. Heck, I'd even had two baths.
(Add to that a great GMAT mock test score of 770)... seen an episode of Sopranos, had dinner and dessert... hmm... what next.
So I came across second life on the internet.
Yeah, I'd tried this out long back, but didn't give this site a fair chance.

I'm downloading SecondLife as I write... I'm thinking I'll take a little tour - especially since they say membership is free.

For those of you who don't know, second life is a virtual world where you can go, meet people, participate in activities etc of interest to you. I'm thinking this could be an interesting scape to go and meet other interesting people and widen ones' horizons... hmm!

Anyone out there who's used second life? How have you used it?

roomy dilemma

2008-08-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Last night- after guzzling a 6 pack of beer, my roommate started talking.

So he was married. has 2 little girls.
His ex-wife, he said, had a series of boyfriends ( reminds me of my own ex!) during their marriage. As he spoke about his life, I realized, he is depressed. He had hid it well - considering that we live under the same roof, and talk to each other every day.
In fact, I got a hint earlier that day itself - he had bagged a high paying job offer earlier that day; but there was no celebratory spirit. Instead there was just a wallowing in sorrow in the evening.

"I told her not to go once" he said. "but she said her boyfriend is waiting".
"I was drunk - she thought I won't even remember. But I know she was gone for 3 hours while I was alone at home."

Its the first time I heard my friend speak straight from the heart. Though this was heart rending to hear, I am happy he mentioned what was on his mind.

I believe that the first step to resolving depression is to talk to someone. This simple step is often the toughest one to take. I am glad my roomy started talking. Now I can understand him better and at least try to help.

GMAT jitters

2008-08-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

GMAT next monday.

was doing well in mock gmats- but got a (what I consider) crappy 690 in my last exam.

so now I'm left wondering if I'm qoing to have the same poor performance in the finale!

oh well-strategy now is to look at weak spots. practice. look at weak spots, & practice some more!

anyone out there w/last week gmat advice?

The Nameless

2008-07-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes people without a name come out of nowhere and teach you an important lesson.
Even a lesson that can change your life.

Last week I woke up stressed. On a Sunday.
I felt overwhelmed with all that was going on in my life.

I decided a little nature might do me some good, and set off to Wanskuck Park - a mile from home.
Walking through the park was refreshing - with the breeze gently blowing, and soft greenery all around.
As I was walking through the park, trying to absorb the scene, I saw a man. Arguably, there wasn't much to say about him. He was in shorts taking a walk, a dog by his side. But his calm appearance impressed me. He was the very picture of relaxation.

I realized suddenly that in this moment, there was nothing to be stressed about. I can just take it easy, just relax. At that point in time, all the stresses were just in my mind. In that moment, there was nothing to really be worked up about.

Though I'd read this many times in books, the realization dawned on me at that moment.
And that realization has carried on since. The image of that person comes to mind often, when I see myself stressed, and I automatically tune into that relaxed state of mind.

So to you, the person with no name - While I cannot personally thank you for this lesson and may never see you again - you have changed a part of me. Thanks.

Mail-in Rebates 911

2007-10-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

So after shopping for stuff on the internet, getting great deals (thanks often to MIRs - Mail-in Rebates), I started to feel frustrated and cheated time and again!
Valid rebates get returned and barely damaged UPC barcodes are rejected. While some companies were liberal and more customer oriented, others just didn't care a hoot.
So that brings me to OneClickRebates . I set up this website with the whole idea that people should be able to take corporates to the task, and companies need to realize their financial liability.
Currently it speaks about MIRs, and has a discussion forum setup.
Will be setting up polls on the good and bad deals/companies out there, and plan to bring out a host of features to help the beleaguered net shopper.
So drop by to check on the MIR deal you're planning on - is it a real deal?

Niagara Falling

2007-06-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, so we did the typical Indian thing.
Wife and I. Another couple. Four of us Indians... headed to Niagara falls. Memorial day weekend.
DARNED! The whole place is full of Indians! Where did so many Indians come from! Did all the Indians in the US decide to descend in that weekend? From what I hear, that's not the case. Niagara is a perennial spot for Indians.
Apart from the plethora of Indian restaurants, what really "blew me" - was the fact that you would see not only the American and Canadian flags, but also the Indian flag flapping in the wind.

So where did so many Indians come from? Why at Niagara? Well I have done some investigations, and have found that another natural wonder - the Grand Canyon - is also overflowing with Indian tourists.

In another blog, I found a theory about two types of Indians - 1. A bunch of guys who decided to jump in a car and go to Niagara. 2. A married Indian husband bringing his wife and parents (possibly in-laws) to see the falls.
I believe there exists a third group - the newly married Indian who wants to show his wife something spectacular. I belong to this group.

So by this time, it should be an established fact that there are a lot of Indians at Niagara. I'm not particularly proud of my nationals swarming the holiday spot... but here's something I found snooty - there were language translations into French and Spanish, but there weren't any translations into Hindi or any of the Indian languages. I can understand the desire to be hospitable to Canadian neighbours coming to see the falls - but I can't understand how the large throngs of Indians are completely ignored in translating for the tourists.

It's Promotion Time!

2007-06-07T08:32:00.001-07:00

No, not job promotion. Code Promotion.
So I've been working on this piece of code for ages... first step is to get offshore working on it. Train them... explain the requirement... and how it is to be implemented. For no fault of theirs, they take a week. Darned, I feel I could've done it in a day! But that's human nature I guess - it always seems to be so much simpler than the task is.

Anyway, after all the review sessions, in the code goes to QA.
Manager is hovering over us... 'is it done yet' is the mantra he's chanting. As if that was not enough, he also passes some other tasks onto my plate.
Nonetheless... QA starts on the testing... no, they don't understand the system too well. They come back to me - 'can you run a test on our environment please?'. Innocent and sweet is they way they ask it... but innocent and sweet the request is not. The environment is warped, nothing is setup as it ought to. Finally I run an entire test run in their environment.
Yes, the test run includes a data refresh.
"Where's all our test data gone!!" whimpers QA! Well that was gonna happen if there's a data refresh!
And all the clients come pointing fingers... 'YOU! You are the one who erased all the data'.
"Dude! I was working on QAs request! They need to know what they are asking for! They need some ownership training !'

A day passes... "there's a defect #6845 assigned to you" says QA. The developers heart is in my mouth - "huh? me? a defect? OH NO! "
On looking it up... "pah -its a dud". That was no defect... working as planned.
Next day, another defect raised... That was no defect... testing not correctly done.

And so the day draws close... another release... full of the twists and turns that Information Technology includes... gets ready to go to production.
Will it make it okay in production? will it bomb? Only time will tell... not the QA sign-off.

Well only time will tell! With QA Sign-off, atleast I'm covered.

Obama for Change

2007-05-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, Barack Obama is winning hearts all over the United States. He just won me over.
Though politics is not really my area of interest, but reading this article (one of the first commentaries on Obama's speech I've come across), one can't help but feel great about this guy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/07/us/politics/07cnd-obama.html
He's matter-of-fact and willing to speak out about what we may be doing wrong - and that makes him just the change the US needs.
I'm waiting to come across other speeches of Obama.

I do hope the US can go through elections next year without skin-colour or hardened political allegiances coming into play. The country should consider the qualities of the President they bring in -after all, it impacts not just the United States, but the world at large.

And so I join the chorus: "Obama for Change"

PS: No, I'm not affiliated in any way to Obama's campaign. Thanks for asking.

Loads about Nothing

2007-04-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone
Today, I have nothing to share. Absolutely nothing. Zilch. Nada. Zero.
With nothing to share whatsoever, and no idea what to write, I have decided I will write my blog nonetheless. This blog is therefore full of no useful information. It definitely is full... of words, sentences, and even its very own paragraph - but it doesn't have any information in it.
Having said that, I would like you to keep reading, and keep commenting on this blog of no importance. All the time you have spent reading this post has been spent without gaining any information. I won't say it's time wasted, cos some wise-ass will inform me that maybe they were here to waste time in the first place -> so it still would fulfill the purpose -> and so it won't be time wasted.
Now that I am getting on to the second paragraph, I feel that it really is time I stop writing. I mean... I have nothing to say... yet I am going on, and you are continuing to read. This has to stop at some point. It is criminal to go on, and a criminal I am not.
And lets be honest, I did warn you right in the beginning that you aren't going to get anything out of this post. No pearls of wisdom, no what-have-you's. So I'm not a bad guy after all... the only one who fell for a trap that never was... the only sucker who suckered himself into reading this... is YOU.

Freedom Beckons

2007-04-24T13:55:00.001-07:00

So the monday morning blues are not yet over... and its tuesday already. Maybe the blues will carry for a day or two longer, until the sweet thought of the next weekend starts to emerge.
Oh the drudgery of our daily work!

After a long day
not much work not much play
the clock comes close to 5 o'clock
the heart is ready to burst with song
the droopy eyes start opening up
and energy flows in the body anew
Yes, its time to go home.

On Freedom

2007-04-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

The US is a fast moving country. It's admirable how open minded this nation is. Also, the freedom enjoyed by the people is great. Unfortunately, with a lot of freedom - come people willing to trample and misuse that freedom. While we can put up many checks on people, there's no real way to determine which normal person may become psychotic tomorrow, and what's going on in people's minds.

I share in the sorrow of the shootings at Va. Tech. Also, my wife studies at Columbia University and I count my blessings no such thing happened here in New York.

The sad but true part is, with great freedom, come great psychos. I don't believe there's a way of changing that.

Happy First Anniversary

2007-04-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

So... it's 15th of April, and yours' truly's wedding anniversary! Yes, I'm married, and yes, its just my second blog and i've let the cat out of the bag!

Well, so a month back, my wife declared that she had run into the perfect anniversary gift for me.
That, to a single person, would sound like music to the ears. Unfortunately, my friends, it is not so in reality. Immediately the stress of finding an equally wonderful gift for my lady was turned on. My dearly beloved didn't mince words in telling me I better find her an equally wonderful gift (heck, I didn't even know what she'd got me !)
The tension was high, and being an unromantic fellow (like most men?), I had the daunting task of finding her something awesome.

So finally a few days before our anniversary, I went over to Bloomingdales and picked up some golden earrings - which I hoped and prayed and used law-of-attraction on - that my wife will like. Also some body shop perfume thingys. Also a restaurant reservation at a highly rated NY restaurant, planned a carriage-ride across central park and finally tickets to the Lion King. There must be **Something** out of this she will like a lot - I figured.

So anyway people - that is how I have gone through my first anniversary. While I'm still in the middle of it, I must say, it has been a good experience - everything has gone well, and my wife has liked all the gifts. Only thing that couldn't happen was the ride across the Central Park.

In the end, I would like to say, to all men - be brave guys - with a little planning, you too can make it through your anniversaries.

PS: The gift, by the way, which my wife got me was an aquarium. Odd and unique as it is, I did really like that!

Hello World! Senseq's first Blog

2007-04-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hello World
The first words of any computer program, and my first words on my first blog!
So after calling myself a techie over the years, I was somewhat ashamed when it occurred to me that I don't have a blog of my own. Especially since I consider my life to be quite out of the ordinary (isn't everyones?)
So here I am, starting out on writing my own blog. A little apprehensive - feeling as though I'm speaking to a massive mass of people... better be careful of what I write... better think twice about what I'm writing. But trying to get a flow nonetheless.
So here's to my first 'baby step' to the world of blogging.
"Hello World" to the world of blogging. "Hello World" to all the people out there reading this.
I arrive.