The Quarter Life Crisis

So… I see this link on facebook and damnit! A realization sets in with my morning coffee... Whoa… I am already facing a quarter-life crisis. There’s a decent job, no boyfriend (no desire to have one either!), life is routine, hobbies are occasionally thought of (more like yearned on), friends are there but busy with their own lives, parents want me to just get married and fast. Sigh!

I again begin my daydreams of really enjoying life like I want to. Work 9 hours a day, 4 days a week. Travel on shoestring budgets and just discover places. Read and read a lot. Lose those extra inches and get a fabulous body. Discover something I am so passionate about that I lose myself in it and lose myself in this world. And so on… Everyday, atleast once a day, I daydream. 4 months away from being 25, I wish I were still 18 and would’ve done more. I wish my life were different and I wish I would do something.

The interesting part is, I know a lot of folks going through the same. They are bored with their jobs, they want no serious relationships (or are so committed in one that it doesn’t particularly count) and they want to read or travel or work in an NGO or just start something. There are just too many people of this category. And it made me wonder.. Why are we all so dissatisfied and unhappy? We have the ability and the power to make decisions for ourselves and yet we complain, we agonize, and rarely do anything about it.

The truth is we are a struggling generation. A generation trying to desperately bridge the gap between old and new. A generation who has seen the likes of the handheld phone and the smartphones to google glass. (Yes, our parents have also seen them, but unlike us, they are happy with the old tech!) A generation to have seen movies in single screen halls to multiplexes to Movies on demand on your home theater. A generation which has seen joint families, housewives and double income nuclear families. A generation that debates whether 24*7 connectivity is a boon or a curse (Remember the fav topic of school essays: Science a boon or a curse. Simpler times!) A generation that has seen a recession cycle and that actually understands how the economy works, how it can be fixed and well, how we can sit around and do nothing about it.

‘Ignorance is bliss’- that was the old saying. In today’s world of knowledge economy, all our wealth is knowledge. And I fear our generation has too much to process, too many things to consider and reconsider, too many options to seek information from. And with the rest of our world’s success and aspirations being rubbed on our face everyday with facebook and instagram, we really don’t want to make ourselves feel more miserable.

The average 25-year old today has seen enough changes in the world, that the pressure to make the right decision gets the better of us. Keeping up with this change is what we are learning and we Indians… Well, we are keeping up with the westernization vs. traditional war as well! It is a war out there… A war to get the perfect job, the perfect partner, a corruption-free developing/growing country, a robust economy… 

So lets cut ourselves some slack and do what we actually want to do. Make quick decisions and stick to them. Not think too much cuz that always made the decision more difficult. Let go off the pursuit for the 'extra' knowledge.. Why? Because you can. And stop this war in our own heads and hearts. Cuz whatever the war may be outside, we would finally want to die with no regrets and only peace in our lives.

And yes.. Happy Birthday Harry Potter! :)

Some things that run through a girl's mind when she's buzzzzing!

1. Gosh the guy on the next table is soooo cute.. would he mind if I say a hi? ;)

2. Can I have more fries? They taste soooo awesome ryt now!!

3. Should I completely stop texting my ex-boyfriend? Does he like me.. or is he still an idiot!! Need a drink to stop thinking abt jerks.. Conc. on the guy on the next table.. he looks well dressed.. Mamma's boy.. no doubt!

4. I'll do that assignment tonight! How much will the answers change after I am drunk.. Lets see!! And let the marks go to hell! :P

5. Is my nail paint better than the chic on the next table... Is that guy looking at her?!

6. Damn I cant make-out with anyone ryt now! (applicable to ones w/o a date!) Will that cute guy even look at me once?!!

7. I am definitely thinner than that one sitting there!

8. I should give up this material life and live like a hippie! Will the guy in the next table like a hippie?! Damn yaar.. but hippies are so not in fashion ryt now... Bah.. leave it!

9. That was my last drink... but wait.. I feel good.. I feel a nice buzz.. whats the harm in another one?! ;)

10. Can I sing this song out loud?? Its like my fav song ryt now!!

11. Screw the cute guy.. all guys are dumbos.. Looks are so freakin deceptive.. The last one also was like that... idiot!!!

12. Adios Amigos... I feel too sleepy to do anything good for myself!!

Silent Conversations

You’re a stranger, you stand so far

And our eyes meet in the corner of a bar

You look tempting and awfully good

The sort on whom girls continually brood

I like that drink in your hand

And your choice of song to the band

I notice you notice me some more

Those piercing eyes never seen before

A fleeting smile across that face

Adds so much more to that naughty gaze

A tilt of your head by my side

Or was it for the bitch beside? ;)

The band changes the track, just like our story

Our dates come back and we dance away to glory

And like the songs we dedicated to each other

This silent conversation remains in memories forever.

Nostalgia

It all comes to me in a sudden rush

Like waves that touch the rocks at the sea shore

Time moved on, and so did I

But memories stay longer than ever before

Those times when life seemed carefree

And the biggest worry was the pending homework

The days and the evenings were playing sport

And not the games people play at work

And being a rebel as a teenager

Friends were above what parents said

Learning and discovering what life is

Being an adult was all in the head

Come graduation, we knew it all

The world awaits us, is what we thought

Heart and confidence both took some beating

Anything and everything could be bought

No regrets in life is the best option

We did what was best and made us wiser

Mistakes are made by one and all

We pick ourselves after we fall wherever

Those tough times made us who we are

And a clear sky never makes a good pilot

Blocks were there to make life colourful

Black, white, red, blue and violet!!

Pain

One lesson life teaches in vain

There is no gain without some pain

Like the pleasure to look tall with painful heels

You silently wish they had two wheels

The pain when someone stamps your foot

You regret having not worn your boots

But the docs found cures for all this shit
it’s the heart where you are worst hit

The agony of a backstabbing friend

The trust for the world then instantly ends

When death takes a loved one away

Sharing the pain seems the only way

Heartbreak is the hardest to bear

Makes you cry and makes you swear

Love seems the worst idea ever

Life begins to look like ‘Its over’.

The world looks like an unfair place

When all the pain is in your face

Fear of pain is worse than the real

Transcending the painful to surreal

The strength to bear it is given by the Lord

A wiser us is the ultimate reward

Some pain makes the reward more sweet

Lets be aware and mistakes not repeat

Changing Times

One touch and the world is alive
3 year olds are no longer naive
Life is in the fast track lines
We live today in changing times

Connect and communicate with all
Have fun on the facebook wall
Billionaires are created online
We live today in changing times

A tablet is no longer just a pill
Too much comfort making us ill
Credit card limits keeps on flying
We live today in changing times

A walk in the park needs Nike shoes
LCD, LED and technologies new
BB Pin is the identity tonight
We live today in changing times

Mercedes and Audis on the roads
Amazon and ebay being no frauds
Unwinding demands a Smirnoff lime
We live today in changing times

Roti, kapda, makan and cell phone
24 x 7 connected and still alone
I miss the morning chirps and chimes
We live today in changing times

The Constant in Change

1988- I come in this world.
1991- Kinder Garden
1995- School
2004- Junior College
2006- Under Graduate
2009- Post Graduate
2010- MBA
2011- Summer Internship.....

These are some major changes that happened in my life till date. And with each one of this change the people in my life kept changing. Some friends stayed, some others moved on. Some became even more close. I met new people and worked with them.

But 10 months staying away from home, I realized that, whatever changes, there is one place that will always love you as much and always welcome you with open arms and will always treat you the same whether a prince or a pauper... Home. The constant factor in the change that our life is.

When I taught regression to my classmates, we used to easily ignore the constant in the equation and focus on the co-efficient. The change is what people normally focus on. I have to be ready for this change. Is my preparation enough? Am I capable of handling this change? Blah blah blah... But they take the constant for granted. And worse, they never appreciate it.

Home is that constant in anyone's life. How attached and how deeply embedded family values are, defines your core. People who follow the 'I am Ok. You are Ok.' line of thought usually come from a Happy Family. I always strongly disagree with people who say that XYZ is more important than family. Then that means You, my friend are messed up (or your home is).

We try to please the world and take for granted those who make us who we are. Take time off for them. Buy them gifts. Take them out to dinner. Laugh. Smile. Make them smile. Those jokes will become family jokes that only you and your siblings get. Play Dumb Charades of weird relatives. Play Antakshari. Appreciate the constant part of your life. The part that keeps you stable. The part of your life that you were born into and makes you unique.

Cheers to Happy Homes and Happy Families!

The 4 musketeers

I never imagined in the past

The 4 of us having such a blast

With pseudo names that cause glee

Let me introduce them to thee.

The monkey is the cutest of all

The giraffe cracks the worst jokes on all

The dolphin is my sweetheart & simply the best

The last one is me and we are the best.

The first time in jungle out in the night

It simply rocked with ‘A Beetle’ in sight

T’was fun being tipsy in the lane

The night did end on a jet plane.

Lack of memory is what haunts the second

Indulgence was my key in the end

Another night with singing fun

All I remember is smoke and rum.

The third was simply legendary

A night of song and dance and merry

Records were made and all were high

Performances made even the girls sigh.

Popcorn will soon change its name

Singing with an Indian accent is the new game

Feelings came on, like a flood

This time, I’m gonna drink his blood!

Google talk never appealed to me

But it connects me to the other three

The chats are dirty and fun with a twist

I pray the fun times forever persist.

Love you my 4 mosquitoes... oops!! 4 musketeers.. Ro, VT, 4g et moi! :) CD Rocks!!

The Babe Code.

Our very own version for the Babes in the world. Additions are most welcome! :)

1.       Chicks before dicks: ALWAYS! Bastards are plenty and always waiting. But your girl friends are always more important: they are prettier, hotter, bitchier and always there for you.
2.       SIZE MATTERS!!
3.       Never kiss a guy on the first date unless:
                           i.      He’s a super model
                         ii.      He’s a sports star
                        iii.      He’s got a Ferrari/Lamborghini/Aston Martin and he’s given you a ride in it
                       iv.      Until recommended by a fellow babe
4.       Thou shall never wear granny panties: Except if your break-up happened within the past 1 week
5.       Thou shall always maintain calorie count: Except if you are having chocolate chip ice cream over a break up.
6.       Thou shall always have a pair of red/black hot lingerie in your wardrobe
7.       Thou shall always keep your secret diary locked and miles away from a potential boy friend.
8.       A fellow babe’s brother is definitely not off-limits.
9.       But a fellow babe’s boy-friend is off-limits up to a month after their break-up
10.   A white shirt is a must have in the wardrobe (the more transparent, the better… )
11.   Vodka is always greater than beer. Champagne is the greatest.
12.   Diamonds are your best friends. And so are rubies, emeralds, pearls, sapphires…
13.   Thou shall have a soft toy on your bed to cuddle up. The soft toy is always more important than the boy friend.
14.   During a sleepover with best friends, you are allowed to cuddle up. It’s totally cool!
15.   On a babe’s night-out, thou shall not hook up with a guy.
16.   Thou shall never catch the bouquet at a wedding, unless your actual age is 28 years or above.
17.   Your boyfriend’s sister cannot be a fellow babe, unless the condition 8 is the case.
18.   Thou shall always win an argument with your boyfriend/husband.
19.   You are allowed to binge on junk food 5 days in a month
20.   Thou shall always blame your mood swings/ anger/ arguments on P.M.S.
21.   Thou shall not hook up with the Best man at a wedding if the Maid of Honor wants to do so.
22.   No babe shall ever dress up in fluorescent colors. Unless the theme of the party is retro.
23.   No babe shall ever leave her birthday unplanned. Every detail must be nailed till the last point.
24.   Gossip is a necessary part of every conversation between two babes. Add Bitching to it and you have the perfect conversation.
25.   Thou shall watch every chick flick. Either in the cinemas or later on TV. If you know it is dumb, you’ll watch it to laugh at the girls. If it’s cute, you can just do “awwwwwww…” Thou shall take your current boy friend for at least two of them.
26.   Thou shall always save a fellow babes from playboys/ Casanovas. Go to any extent to do so.
27.   Thou shall always help a fellow babe to take revenge on her ex, unless condition 9 is the case.
28.   Thou shall ALWAYS take a fellow babe’s call. Even when you’re getting lucky.
29.   Thou shall not call a fellow babe when you know she’s getting lucky. ;) Except for an emergency, like: a chipped nail.
30.   You shall always have emergency chocolate and ice cream supply in the freezer. Thou shall always share it with your babes.
31.   Never sleep with a guy who has cheated on your babe. In case you are super-tempted to do so, refer rule 1.
32.    Thou shall always explain EVERYTHING in great detail; including how you found that perfect shade of nail paint.
33.   Thou shall always have a LBD in your wardrobe.
34.   You must overhaul your wardrobe every six months; the more the overhauling, the better
35.   Your handbag is your lifeline; no matter the size, it shall always contain your world.
36.   There should always be emergency lip balm, make up kit, sanitary napkins and condoms in it.
37.   You shall always say 5 mins, even though you may take 2 hours to get dressed.
38.   You shall always throw a tantrum for something you really really really want.
39.    Under-arm hair is a strict no-no.
40.   You shall never disclose a fellow babe’s age.
41.   You shall agree to go for the action flick with your boyfriend; go to the movie hall; throw a tantrum and then make him take you for a chick flick.
42.   You have the complete right to cry during a film.
43.    Always answer a babe’s question: “Am I looking fat?” with the truth. There is some difference between babes and jackasses!!
44.   It is necessary to check your make up in the rear view mirror when the car is stuck in traffic.
45.   Your playlist shall have a minimum of 10 love songs
46.   Thou shall NEVER call a fellow babe ‘behenji’.
47.   Thou are permitted to indulge in impulsive shopping. However, you are not allowed to feel guilty after doing so.
48.   You should proudly display your hickey to fellow babes, and never to others.
49.   Thou shall always play two roles: Babe to babes, and Bitches for the others.
50.    Babe’s dictionary: Fine: This is the word we use to end an argument, when we are right (which is always) and the boyfriend or the husband needs to shut up now.
51.   Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This is our weapon where the argument begins with ‘nothing’ and ends with ‘fine’. Note: ‘Nothing’ with a lot of attitude works better.
52.   It is perfectly OK, to read the sex columns in the newspapers and magazines.
53.   Dirty jokes/porn is not just for guys. Thou can indulge in it as much as you want to.
54.   Thou shall have at least 1 friend who is gay.
55.   It is perfectly normal for babes to show PDA. We can hug, kiss, hold hands, say ‘I love you’, and give loving looks to each other, in full public sight and be extremely proud of it.
56.   Thou shall never make a ‘brother’ of a jerk. If someone is hitting on you, you shall ask your fellow babes to take care of him ;).
57.   Thou shall never fart in public.
58.   Body odor is a strict no-no!
59.   Thou shall never burp in public.
60.   You can dump and fire a guy on the same day!
61.   Its ok to look slutty, if you know you are gonna get lucky.
62.   Your lips should look kissable all the time.
63.   Girls’ night out is always more important than getting lucky.
64.   It’s OK to have one night stands. Why should boys have all the fun? ;).
65.   Always carry a moisturizer in the hand bag.
66.   You can bitch about your best-friend too ;).
67.   You ought to believe that either Jacob or Edward is meant for you.
68.   Always squeal when excited, the squeakier the better.
69.   You must do a slutty number when drunk dancing with girl friends.
70.   You don’t call dibs. The one who is wearing the sluttiest dress wins.
71.   Babes must have codes between themselves; a ‘bluetooth’ connection is even better. 

72.   Babe's Dictionary: 5 mins: Before dressing up implies 1 hour.

73.   Babe's Dictionary: Its OK. : NOTHINGS OK!

74.   Babe's Dictionary: She Looks like a slut: Ohh shucks.. How the hell did that bitch manage to look so hot and slutty!!

75.  The Maid-of-Honor shall spend more time with the bride than the groom.

76.  Your best friend has to be your Maid-of-Honor and not some random family person!

Generous contributions from: Vidhi Gada, Disha Kapadia, Jo, Shreya Bhattacharji and Kriti Singh. Luv ya Babes!

To other babes... Its comeback time!! :) ;)