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Archive: October 2007

Halloween Day - Oct 31

nationalday 29/10/2007 @ 05:32

Halloween Day - Oct 31

Ah! Halloween. It reminds me of an incident that happened last year when Ron tried his hand at a Halloween prank at office. Am sure you wouldn't like to miss this one.

Mr. B, our boss, has a cool head on his shoulders alright, but when you spring surprises like the way Ron does, you should've nerves of steel to keep your composure intact.

He sneaked in a Jack-O-Lantern to work and it was a designer one! Yes. It had the eye sockets dug and tastefully carved out nose and mouth to make it look scary errr. . . rather funny. Anyways, our Resident Evil Ron, though technologically-challenged, did go the Einstein-way and wired the lights to the sockets, coiled a few coils, taped tight some sundry wires; plugged it in and announced "Mission Accomplished" Bush-style! Looked real neat, I should confess. Of course, we immediately cried for a "demo," but alas, none was forthcoming. Ron said it had to wait until Mr. B entered.

And so came our Boss with a grand swagger breezing past and stood in his tracks on seeing the alien pumpkin, Ron errr. . . the Lantern! Momentary silence as Boss stood, staring at the creature. With the right pause and timing Ron made his move and hit the switch. The lights came on and there was an eerie glow that engulfed the room, the colors were Wow and the scene scary. . . almost. Genius Ron, I thought! And then the inevitable happened. Sure, the lights were cool, but realistically they were hot and they heated up the vegetable, the accumulated pressure releasing as it must. The sockets turned red with electric glow and the left eye turned a missile and there was eye contact with Mr. B himself! Eye contact? Yes. Literally. The left eye hit the right eye of the Boss and all hell broke loose. Pandemonium ensued and calm was restored only when we could extinguish the fire. When the dust settled, Boss stood in the middle of the remnants of half-burnt paperwork and darkened furniture facing the shivering Ron, the ex-genius. This time Mr. B's eyes were red hot without any supportive wires or coils from Ron.

He thundered, "Ronnnnn, you better explain."

A pregnant pause. Pin drop silence. All eyes on Ron. . . .

All he did was open his mouth and the smoke came gushing, poor fellow, he has had the taste of his own fire. . . he looked a half-burnt Simpson!

It had its effect. . . you guessed right, peals of laughter! Tell you what, when the Boss is happy, everything is just fine. And so it was!

Make A Difference Day - Oct 27

nationalday 29/10/2007 @ 05:31

Make A Difference Day

Remember the kids from the Home that we visited last time, buddies? I and Megan have become so fond of them that we make regular trips to the place. And the kids go crazy as always when we come to visit. I've become especially close to Lizzie, the doe-eyed one, who is mischievous to the point of outwitting me. Hmm...that should count to something.

Last weekend, Megan had other plans and I had to go alone. Why not take Rachel, my niece, I thought. Well, I was in a fix; I don't know how to go about this one. Lizzie is an orphaned kid living in less privileged circumstances while Rachel is in another plane. As I drove with Rachel on my side, I thought of starting a conversation, but never managed the correct opening. It's never easy being the Big Boy sometimes. The point is, I couldn't just explain to her that she has to be nice to Lizzie and never comment about her lifestyle or lack of things...stuff and all that. We were already there and once I stepped on the grass, I heard the shriek first, yes, that's a signal. The roller-coaster named Lizzie was on her skates and we were the target. She did meet us, but we could converse only lying down. Yes. She knocked the wind out of us, tripping us down. The naughty one! I look around for Rachel who was right now in a fetus position and before I could calm her and introduce them, they were already in shaking hands....err.. rather wrestling terms. They were rolling around trading punches. Ouch! Tiny fists do hurt. They were screaming as the fight has come to a stalemate both holding each other in a lock so none could move.

Disaster!

I stuttered to my feet, went around and put some distance between them.

They stared at each other and then Rachel went, "that's an ugly one."

I followed her eyes to the wound inflicted by Rachel on Lizzie's arm. She immediately took Lizzie aside and led her to the running water by the corner. The fighter has gone caretaker in an instant and a few minutes later I could see them rolling on the grass again, but giggling this time.

Yes, Lizzie loved me, but for her Rachel is a gift. A friend! Yeah, I did make a difference or rather they made a difference to me. Kids! They just don't watch the price tag on the dress, their eyes never look for the details. You see, as I should know, the devil is in the details!

Mother-in-law's Day - Oct 28

nationalday 29/10/2007 @ 05:30

Mother-in-law's Day

Technically, she is not yet my mother-in-law. Yes, I'm talking about Aaliyah's mom, but well when there is a day dedicated to Mother-in-law you better make the most of it. Gift the mother-in-law something special, win her praise and rise a notch high in stature in your girl's eyes! Double Whammy! Trust Bob to get things right. . . well, almost!

Now, the moment of Zen, it's never easy to be with your girl when she shops, almost impossible to shop the right thing for your girl, and I swear to God there isn't a guy in this world who can even think of a right present for his future mother-in-law. I just don't know. Chocolates? No! She isn't a girl. Dress? What?! I don't even know what fits her. Flowers? Too simple.

When in doubt call your girlfriend.

"Bob, that's so sweet of you...but don't you think you should talk to me first?"

"Yeah, that's why I called you. . . so what should I get her?"

"No, Bob, not that, it so happens that when I become your wife then she gets to be your mother-in-law"

"I know. . . Aaliyah, but we are sure of where we are going, right?" I let that one casually.

"Bob, there's a dream and there are dream moments and for a girl, nothing betters than a guy going on his knees and popping the question with a ring. If you are serious, don't ring me up with goofy questions, but go find a ring!"

Click.

She hit that one straight out of the park. Double Whammy? My foot!

Sure buds, wish your mother-in-law on Mother-in-law's Day, but those who are yet to decide on the nuptials just don't look at the calendar!

Statue Of Liberty Day - Oct 28

nationalday 29/10/2007 @ 05:29

Statue Of Liberty Day

Steve, the eternal pessimist, has a way to make everyone feel that Armageddon is near. He was in full form the other day our gang met up at my place. He was browsing channels and couldn't help going, "The war, the attacks, everything. . . everything. . . tell you what Meggy, our days are numbered...we're not secure. . . anything can happen anytime"

Sometimes words have their immediate effect. We all sat in silence and there was a gloomy mask on everybody's face. Megan looked around and couldn't take the damp silence.

She fired her salvo, "Listen up Steve, I'll tell you something that I listened to. . . the view from my apartment was the World Trade Center! Now it's gone. They attacked it. This symbol of... of American ingenuity and strength. . . and labor and imagination and commerce and it's gone. But you know what the view is now? The The Statue of Liberty. The view from the south of Manhattan is the Statue of Liberty. You can't beat that!" That's a Jon Stewart quote. Yes, it's a borrowed quote, but so what?" "When the buildings fall they raise the dust. . . yes, it hurts to look at the dust, cry when it hurts, but once the dust settles down, look beyond it, you may see the Statue of Liberty. The Strength."

Yes, I reiterate again, sometimes words do have their immediate effect. When there's a collective rush of positive energy, it shows. The eyes lit up and there was a confident smile. Hats off to Megan and yes, to the lady with the torch!

Change Your Life Day - Oct 19

nationalday 18/10/2007 @ 09:06

Change Your Life Day

When you step on the accelerator just about when you are gonna take a turn, it isn't exactly a wise thing to do. Ask me?! Well, I was the one who hit the bumper. I was jaywalking down the lane when the above-said maneuver was attempted and I was thrown across the pavement. I was conscious enough to understand the EMS sounds and the white-coated docs, but when they chattered about how I would lose or dislocate my left arm if it isn't held in a particular position I almost went unconscious. From the corner of my eye I could see some John Doe hold my hand. For all the 15 minutes it took I was just concentrating on my arm, not to move it even an inch; of course, he was holding it just right. I recuperated and came out in one piece after a few weeks. One day I happened to pass by the same hospital again and saw that this guy was involved in yet another emergency case. He was moving with concern and determination, written large on his face as if his life depended on it. I know, I paid my bills, paid my insurance its dues, and thanked my friends and family who were by my side when I was recuperating. But what about this guy, a virtual nobody, who is concerned and fighting it out there with no credentials as a doctor, but just a nurse. He doesn't care if he's paid the price of a life he has saved or waits for a pat. He is just another male that fills up the hospital floor. Mere number! At least for me! "Hey, he saved your arm!" I heard it loud this time. It came from within my heart. Found him in the Nurses Station in a relaxed mood for a change. He looked surprised. I don't know when was the last time he saw a patient walking in perfect health, come to him. I profoundly thanked him and even gave him a hug. I guess he was embarrassed. I know why. He never expected it. Nobody is inferior and everybody deserves a word of gratitude. Life is made of precious little moments like this and more often than not every single moment has a lesson or two, which could change our lives.

 

Mammography Day - Oct 19

nationalday 18/10/2007 @ 09:05

Mammography Day

Kate's mom, Diane, adores Aaliyah. She likes to shop with Aaliyah and likes her humility and choice of clothes. No wonder that Aaliyah too likes her a lot. Diane had mentioned to Aaliyah about a lump in her breast and Aaliyah has immediately fixed up an appointment for a mammogram. Diane was petrified, but touched by the gesture. Aaliyah wanted me to accompany them. I have a pin and needle phobia, but if your girlfriend asks you out even if it's to the coroner….go! That's my policy, I guess, it's universal?! Anyways, I was there and there instead of leafing through the magazines that teaches taboo things, I took a look at the chart. Man! I was so ignorant. I never knew much about breast cancer and the mortality rates and radiation therapy. This one is pretty serious. Well, the good news is Diane was carrying a benign lump and a simple extraction would do. But she is happy that she got a confirmation and has promised to come for a routine mammogram at the right intervals. I made sure I would pass on the information to my mom and ignorant ladies I know. Hey! No embarrassment there…it's a disease and there should be awareness….Aaliyah sides with me here…she goes, "Hey Bob's pals, innocence is sweet, but ignorance is crime." Did you hear that?! Go the Bob way, listen to the lady!

Sweetest Day - Oct 20

nationalday 18/10/2007 @ 09:04

 Sweetest Day

Meggy has a habit. She is a choc-freak and everyone knows it. The adage goes, "women can't open boxes." Well, I don't really agree with that, but women do fill them up for sure. Meggy has boxes and boxes full of chocs and sweets that she has piled up over the months. That's her personal domain and no-entry-zone for everyone. On Sweetest Day, she had an excuse and spread her wares, boxes in this case, all over her place. She could become a mini-millionaire if she auctioned it. Such was the collection: Both quality and quantity. Steve was browsing channels on the television and froze on a non-profit organization ad for underprivileged children. Well, no guesses where we were headed. Megan, had a change of heart, and agreed to share her bounty. We've never been to an orphanage and didn't know what to expect. Of course, we expected disturbing scenes. No! That's a myth. Once we had a chat with the caretaker of the Home, the kids lined up for the goodies. And they literally ate out of Meggy's hands. They were happy to see us and jumped all over us, going for our pockets as any kid would do and playing with whatever they found for a while before depositing it back. With chocolate-smeared lips they kissed us all, especially Megan, who by now resembled a choc-dripping reservoir. We had a tear or two, watching the kids having fun, but they were anything but poignant. Kids being kids, they didn't need to think or judge, but just be themselves. Wow! Is there a way to make a sweet, sweeter?! Yes, share it with kids!

Babbling Day - Oct 21

nationalday 18/10/2007 @ 09:03

 Babbling Day

When Megan goes babbling all day, it's tough for us to stop her. She does chat non-stop 24x7 and doesn't care even if it's Kong who is the one listening. So, when she goes suddenly quiet, that's not good news. Hmm….usual! Fight with the boss. She and her boss are chalk and cheese and they end up going for the jugular at least once a week. She was sitting by the fire, contemplating and playing back her duel scenes with the boss while we kept a safe distance from her. It's a known legend how Megan reacts when somebody pokes her while she is angry. Nah! No one dared. Our place was dead quiet even though four people were talking at the same time. Alas! Meggy's voice resounds better on the wall. She is the one with the microphonic shrill. Kong, the savior, stepped up to the plate. He went by the moaning Megan and sniffed and snuggled to open her up. And boy! Didn't she open up! She went, "You know Kong, the boss of mine…..blah, blah, blah, blah. . ." Babbling babe Megan on a roll, wink*, wink*. If the place is quiet and everything is neat, that's a museum. If there is clutter, Coke cans and juice tins strewn around then that's called a house err….rather Bob's place…

Train Your Brain Day-October 13

nationalday 15/10/2007 @ 16:37

Train Your Brain Day


Adult human brain is about 2% of the total body weight. Steve claims it's 20% for him. He says he would never forget a face or a word once he sees or hears it. He has trained his brain in such a way. Sure, we know why! Let me give you an example. Our gang took a trip to Connecticut to visit Steve's folks, last summer. One idle evening we strolled by the river lake and to the park beside only to find a greyhound limping and in pain. Steve, ever-the-caregiver, couldn't resist and took a closer look. The dog was off leash and limping somewhat bizarre. I mean, both its right hind leg was bleeding as well as the left front one. Of course, since it was balancing the weight on the front foot, the front leg too was hurting, hmmm….

Steve dug through his backpack to find the necessary first-aid, he carries stuff that could be used on a war-field, by that I'm not ruling out ammunitions. He spread the antiseptic and some cream, the name of it can never be pronounced, definitely Geek, I presume and then bandaged it neat. It took a few minutes for the hound to understand he has been treated. He gingerly placed all four legs on the ground and once sure Steve hasn't performed black magic, gave him a slurp lick on the cheek and scooted!

Cut to the present! It's been a year now since the incident and this time, we were in our neighborhood park. Yes, you guessed it right. Familiar sight, a greyhound standing just like the other day, leaned on a tree, and limping! Steve was glowing! It took a liking for Steve and was staring at him. We couldn't exactly place the dog, but Steve was sure and to clear the air, the hound started limping visibly. Steve immediately moved forward and reached for the hind-leg with a smile.

It takes exactly one-and-a-quarter second for a dog to bite off a chunk of flesh. Well, how do I know it?! Because, my dear buddies, I saw it. Yes, Steve lost as much flesh when he went for a Vet-care session with a hound dog.

Yeah, probably, it was not the same one. He learnt it the hard way!

 

'You Go, Girl' Day [Oct 11]

nationalday 12/10/2007 @ 11:51

Girl' Day

Meggy is on a Christmas shopping spree. Now, don't fault her, she has started late this year. She usually starts Christmas shopping just a week after New Year. By her standards, she is late. And she has to makeup for last time – her words, not mine. The worst part is, she likes to tag us poor souls along. If the trail room had a kitchen and toilet, she would've happily settled there until Christmas, I guess. She literally lives there. She goes in with a bale of clothes and comes out in different colors and hues. All said and done, for all the tiresome leg work, her enthusiasm is infectious. She is such a sweetheart!

Our entourage happened upon a 7-Eleven on our way home and we went into a pick up a few domestic stuff. The scene was straight out of the movies. A dude barged ahead of us to the cash counter, breaking the queue, and brandished a gun at the bewildered lady behind the counter. She went for the alarm, but the guy took aim at point blank range. She didn't have a choice, but to step off. Learning Taekwondo and Tai Chi helps, I guess. A hand on my shoulder for balance, one step on the baggage cart to propel her leap, she landed foot first between his legs and hurt the place void of bones. One-Two-Three maneuver. Two seconds. That's it. Gun-wielding dude was spread-eagled across the floor. An attempt at 7-Eleven shopping ended up with a 911 call. It's not the skill, but the guts and spur of the moment decision to react made Meggy in my eyes a champion. Icing on the cake is that this incident happened on the day dedicated for Kathy Sullivan, 'You Go, Girl' Day, the first American woman to walk in space. How apt!

 

Boss's Day-Oct 16

nationalday 12/10/2007 @ 11:27

Boss's Day-Oct 16

Mr. B is stocky. Yes, he is. His attire's fashion has passed expiry date, but he still clings on to it. He sulks too. It's hard to extract a smile out of him. Believe me, we've tried. The only time he does smile is when we get the work done on time. Of course, he has a heart of gold. No second thoughts there. Kate, myself, and Ron ganged up to find out what he enjoys off work. Ah! We found his Achilles heel, that's golf. Yup! The Big Man loves to putt and we hit upon a plan. On Boss's Day, when he arrived, we moved in, convinced him that we are through with the work for the day and would like to take him out. Well, he nearly had a stroke. Hmm….

Our destination – golf grounds, a few lanes away. Once there, we gifted him the T-shirt, trousers, and sneakers and he wore it Tiger Woods style. Forget the paunch! Caddy cart was manned by none other than Ron. He took it to a Go-Kart and instead of fetching the ball and carrying the golf clubs, he literally mowed the grass. Mr. Big didn't mind that, he just went for the Tee and Putt all day along. Man, he possesses some energy! He had a whale of a time and we loved to see the smile that was perpetually seated on his lips all day along.

Worth it!

When we were through we wished him, "Happy Boss's Day!" and he said those four words, we were longing to hear from morning, "Let's hit the bar!"

Grouch Day-Oct 15

nationalday 12/10/2007 @ 11:25

Grouch Day-Oct 15

Ron's uncle was deployed in Iraq, was wounded, and now recuperating at the Veteran's Hospital. We went around for a visit and were taken aback by the scene. They were in pain, but brave enough to hide it. It's not the physical pain that struck me, but the loneliness. That resulted in them being a grouch. Steve's uncle was irritant and easily frustrated. He complained about anything and everything. I decided I shouldn't judge him by what he says, but from where he was and why he is here.

Kong took a liking to him and would stay by him all the time making faces, placing his paws high on his chest and surprisingly he was the only one who escaped the soldier's ire. I thought it was best to let him be with him and Kong readily agreed with a nod. Good for him! When we were making our way out, Steve's uncle was breaking his façade of a grouch and petting the dog with all his heart and Kong was devouring the attention. They looked a happy family full of smiles. Strange are the ways of the world! Sometimes nothing compares to company!