26 - The new age for a mid-life crisis

Random thoughts not precipitated by me turning 26 – that was last January!

First thought that crossed my mind then – this is more of a landmark than turning 25; I am in a different survey-age-bracket now! You know these surveys about random things like “do you suffer from mid-life crisis”... where we have to tick empty slots against Sex, Age, Income... there is an option 26-35, and I realised that now I have to tick this empty slot. Not 18-25 anymore. I am now part of a new demographic!

Quit my job, went back home... while working, would shave regularly; but at home, I let my beard grow... guess what? My first white hair! ...and my mom thought it was something stuck to my beard. A friend of mine (who’s in the same bracket but 30 plus) had something a li’l more interesting to comment – “when you have your first white hair down there, that’s when you have a mid-life crisis!”

Went to Delhi... met one of my favourite teachers after 13 years... he was my Housemaster at boarding school, and his wife taught me Geography. Had a drink with him (Ballantines) and then, dinner... sounds good... but I also met his 10-year old son... played trump cards (does anyone remember trump cards? He had football stars’ cards and he doesn’t like Kaka... why?... Kaka does not win much in trump cards... does he watch football?... NO!)... well, everything is going fine till my brain goes a bit nuts and tells me he’s 10... How old were you when you first met your Housemaster? 10... (I don’t like where this is going)... How old was your Housemaster then? 27... How old are you now? 26, will be 27 next Jan... (why would my head f*** around with my head?)... a very chickie OMG later, “I am old enough to be that kid’s housemaster!”

(Disclaimer: I am not suffering from any sort of mid-life crisis)... Yes, that’s what they all say.

A good start

2008 wasn't that great a year, but 2009 is off to a good start. One month down and life, though could have been better, isn't that bad.
Money-wise I have been a bit lucky, but I guess discounts (Big Retail is not doing so well) shouldn't count much.
Have been able to catch up with some good friends and enjoyed some long conversations after a long time.
At work, my role has changed, but the previous work continues. Plus a few more clients have been added to my portfolio. So, work is about 2.5 times of what it was in 2008, and some of it is terribly frustrating. But now I get to make some money for the bank directly (yes, even in this market!). Making money really feels good, but if more would come to me, it would feel so much better!
Bought corduroys for the first time (and as usual thought about the Emirates ad).
Tried out 2 new places already - Candies and Thai Baan - reviews in a later post hopefully.
Went to Theobroma and had Vodka Chilly Mousse Cake - again after a long time!


And I have also been able to write one blog post in January! (almost deleted this and that would have made a more interesting post!)

A few random thoughts to end this year

1. When I try my hardest not to wince, I always do. I don't know if this happens to others too.
2. There are some things I could have done differently in 2008, but if I had, would I really be better off?
3. I rediscovered my love for games - Lego, Battleships etc. Does that mean I am regressing?
4. On hearing a plan, a friend commented that I am just running away. How do you know if you are running away from something known or running towards something unknown?
5. 2008 was not that great for me, but I still loved it for I learnt so much about myself. So if 2009 is great, will I not learn anything at all?