My Life, A Cocktail

Smell is a powerful thing. It can transport you across oceans, across time, decades behind. It was my usual Caltrain morning ride. I picked my single seat on top, set my bags and was just getting my laptop out, when this smell hit me. It was the smell of warm dosais coming from a perspiring lunch box. It took me back to the time when my mom would pack a similar lunch box for me. Warm soggy dosais with sugar to take to school. And the time my mom would pack a MTR Rava Idlis with milagai podi for my bus ride back to Mysore. And the time my mom would pack a whole box of Poruchu Kozhambu saadam to share with my friends at work. Whoever you are, eating those dosais right now, indulge.

As I walked through a little park in San Francisco on my way to work, a thought came floating with the wind. It whispered - your time is limited here… Instantly, my mind was more aware, taking in the surroundings and molding memories that would last. I looked up at the tall trees that swayed with the breeze, the birds that fluttered from one branch to another, the scarlet flowers that drooped with the dew trickling down the tender petals. My feet felt the paved cement trail and I let the mist engulf my face. If only I could live each day this way…

Tell you what, don’t let your life revolve around us, let us revolve around your life… I got this as a response when I asked a question this morning. I immediately appreciated the thought and it’s the kind that stayed with me through the day. Made me reflect on a few different things… It is important to define what comprises your “life”. Family, friends, work or hobbies, no matter what it is, it is important to define and articulate it. There’s this bucket called “life” and then, there is everything else. It is your epicenter. Priorities automatically fall into place. Time management is no longer an ordeal. The illusion of choice is lifted. Distractions are a thing of the past. Eliminate the noise…

Lighted trees are everywhere and large shiny ornaments hang down from the ceilings of tall buildings. Snow mans and Santas are inflated to adorn the front yards. Icicle lights through the roof to go with that. Thoughtful gifts are arriving in mounds in Amazon packed boxes. Soon they will be wrapped, ribboned up and destined. Peppermint and caramel are the flavors of the season. People are nicer, more thankful and giving. It’s that wonderful time of the year!

If anyone would ever ask me for advice – Live. Live like there’s no tomorrow. Live every moment like there’s nothing else to do than what you are doing at present. Learn. There’s always something new to learn, each day, every day. Don’t let a single day go by without learning. Coach. Impart the knowledge. Share the glory. No, I am not an expert. But I am practicing. 

I was first introduced to this wonder in Fargo, North Dakota. Interesting selections of ice cream flavors and even more interesting mix-ins. Available in 3 sizes – Like It, Love It, Gotto Have It. Perfectly apt. Of course, now, it's more like a weekly Friday tradition. It didn’t take me long to find the One. It was called “Coffee Lovers Only”. Picture this. Coffee ice cream, at the right temperature. Not too cold, not too runny. Roasted almonds and heath bar crumbs. A nice drizzle of caramel. Lotsa marshmallows. Blended on a stone until they all come together in absolute harmony. Uhmazing! 

Exhausted and tired, I was on my way back on the train after a long week. I decided to read over music. Just as I was getting my book out of my backpack, I heard a sobbing angry voice. I turned and found the girl who was sitting opposite me shouting curses on the phone, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was loud and clearly upset. About something some guy had done. It almost seemed like the big fight after the breakup. The one sided conversation that I was party to, was mostly filled with phrases like “How can he f**k around like this, who does he think he is, who is he bull sh**ting” and other such wonderful gaali galoch, if you know what I mean. Thankfully, the train went through the tunnel and her phone disconnected. I could sense her friend on the other end sigh a big sigh. I am not sure if I would ever react this way in a similar situation, but I am not the expressive kind. My mind formed opinions without knowing anything about her, but that’s what vacant minds d...