Weekends, Coffee, books and me.

Saturday Morning

Post breakfast, Coffee/Tea + Gupshup Session with Parents :

My mom was just discussing how they never used to fall prey to common sickness like cough and cold during their childhood, unlike us. Every other day, we suffer from some common ailment or the other. The most haunting of all is Headache and body pain. I usually call up my folks, during weekdays, when I am in FC, having coffee. And most often than not, headache is the precursor to my urge for coffee. I was really stumped once, when my mom retorted, “Give me the days, when you don’t have headache?” I was really lost for words. And then the feeling actually sunk in, there is seriously something wrong with Gen X kids. May be it has something to do with the IT sector, the constant exposure to the harmful rays coming out of the laptop screens, and the over-use/abuse of cell phones ‘coz of incessant calls, or our erratic work schedules. Anyways, whatever the trigger maybe, now that we are in here for good, we might as well learn to live with it. Just be careful about your diet (Avoid deep deep-fried stuff, sweets and aerated drinks), 20 mins of cardio daily and you are good to go!

My Addiction

Why is it so difficult to give up coffee? The caffeine addiction is worse than smoke addiction. ‘Coz its directly related to your productivity. One heavenly cuppa…and I am ready to take on the world, actually! J The moment I take the first sip of coffee, its like a row of tiny Jasmine buds start blooming in slow motion in my forehead, just above my brows…during this blooming process, all my tensions and worries ebb away, leaving me in a calm and placid state, somewhere at the top of a hill, where I find myself standing blissfully and looking at the horizon.. with miles and miles of glorious daffodils stretched across all around me…And no, I am not over-exaggerating. This is actually my state of mind then.

This week was very happening for me. Got an opportunity to witness a book launch and signing event, first time in my life. I will avoid mentioning the title of the book and the author, ‘for my own safety :P

So this book (supposedly, a best seller), had a very clichéd title. It tried to leverage on the success of a popular social networking site and of course the eternal topic of romance. So the session started with a short speech by the author, followed by an even shorter speech by the Publication Head. Then the book unraveling and interactive session. The author was not a great speaker, let me warn you at the outset. So all my hopes of inviting him/her for “The Speaking Tree” forum took a deep dive into the dismal depths of shock and disappointment. The setting of the book was the city of Cuttack. (Yes, you read it right!) The first question thrown at the author was, “Mam, what is the linkage between you and Cuttack.” The author was taken aback and recovered somewhat to reply, “I have crossed Cuttack, couple of times, while traveling in train!, and my grandfather also used to visit it sometimes, I find the name very musical, hence I selected Cuttack, moreover, all these small sleepy towns are much of the same, Jayshree cinema hall and places like that, can be found in most of the cities etc etc”. And sitting in the front row, I almost dropped my cup of coffee and “Naankhatai”, to hear the ridiculous and superficial/fake reply. Oh c’mon! You are a writer! You are supposed to be blessed with lil bit more of thought, creativity and brains! How can you give such an moronic answer! Heights! This was not the end, though. The author continued in the same vein for the next 20 mins or so. Finally, I had to walk out of  the room with a sagging spirit but with a very renewed determination to turn into a full-fledged author, someday. And definitely, this wouldn’t be the way, I would handle my book launch. There was absolutely no energy, no humour, and no spark in the room, thanks to the great author. I have met lot of authors and attended innumerable talks by them, and they might be quiet, low-key, but never exude such dead vibes, as this one. You are a celebrity now, you have to inspire people, you have a great responsibility on your shoulders now, how can you turn up for a session, dressed up shoddily! Just a simple Fab India Kurti with Jeans would have done wonders to your personality, but no, you would prefer coming to a book launch as if it’s a wedding! In all your dhinchak glory!

Well it goes without saying, that the only silver lining of the session was the cuppa! And yes, no prizes for guessing, that I didn’t buy the book. J

Have a great weekend!

Cheers! :)