Add 1 to 2009 = 2010

2009 was a washout. Okay, it was a mixed year. Boring on a social level but extremely beneficial on a work level. I reached ultimate highs and managed to touch the lowest of all lows. But should I have expected that? Check out my great numerological math. Supposedly factor of three (3,6,9,12 and so on) are lucky for me. 2009: 2+0+0+9 = 11; 1+1=2 and I turned 26; 2+6= 8. Basically factors of 2. Numerologically, 2009 was not meant to be much of a year and towards the end of the year, it really did manage to challenge me and slap me across the face pretty damn hard. Anyway, the year is over and all in the past. A new year always means new beginnings and I have a gut feeling 2010 is going to be my year. And numerologically, it works too. 2010: 2+0+1+0= 3 (YAY! factor of 3) and this year I turn 27: 2+7= 9 -- yet another factor of 3! Alright this is all superstitious banter but I do hope it does happen.

I bought it 2010 rather quietly but that didnt really bother me. I'm used to quiet New Years Eves. Its become a part of my life now. I just hope I have a quiet productive 2010 with no unnecessary hungama. And that is all I really ask for along with successes in my personal and professional life. I dont think that is TOO much to ask for...is it now?

This year:
Chase a dream, Walk along a stream,
Laugh out loud, Whistle a tune,
Whisper a promise, Cherish a memory,
Lend a helping hand,
Wipe a tear, Never fear.
And live it up! Happy 2010!

Diwali Mumblings

The festival of light - i.e. Roshni, could easily be my festival technically...right? Fat chance. This Diwali I missed my family and childhood more than ever. And wasn't the big things but the smaller things that I missed. My Aunts homemade mithai, fighting in the office over who would do what, lighting diyas outside our home door, running around on D-Day figuring out where we needed to be in time for a pooja or for an office cocktail. From childhood Diwali has always been a grand affair. Then I moved to America and it has never been the same. While sometimes I prefer the anonymity that Diwali heralds in the States, other times all I wish is to be back in my father's office gorging on cocktail samosas looking, eye at the door, waiting for an Uncle or Aunt to enter so we could attack them and watch them cough over a money filled envelope.

But Diwali brings with it a whole range of connotations that have disappeared into obsolete. Besides the usual Ram returning from exile, the underlying meaning that is associated with Diwali is simple: good over evil; light over darkness. And darkness comes in different forms. To a blind man, darkness is normal. That form of darkness can only be eliminated by a doctor. But to the ignorant, light is the truth.

When I have to look at how light has affected my own life, I think light in all forms has provided me with immense amounts of inspiration. It can be as simple as a star, the sun, my brightness in my Grandmothers eyes and even the twinkle in my cousin Sona's smile; all forms of motivation. But I also see in light in the good that other people do or in their successes which ultimately formed my webzine. Light is good in every form; there's no denying that.

What do I want for the New Year? Peace, happiness, success and the usual. But I also want guidance and direction in my life -- which I'm hoping Lord Ganesh will assist me with by demolishing all obstacles and Goddess Lakshmi will help in by providing me with the moolah to fulfill my dreams. And Pritish Nandy twittered the following for Diwali which summarizes life easily: "If you pursue Lakshmi, she runs away from you. But if you chase Saraswati,Lakshmi usually comes along." And I couldn't have said it better.

Happy Diwali!!