What do I do Next Year?

 A good question to ask of oneself. Of course, a part of the list remains unchanged.

Eat, drink and be merry.. that starts this year, right now. Before Christmas, even.

Be aware of one's self-development, such as it is.

Do some good, to my organisation, my students, my colleagues, friends, family.

Think about improving my surroundings in some way..linked to the above.

Have fun, enjoy with people I already know, and those who are new acquaintances.

Take photos, including selfies.. make my selfie-teacher proud.

Continue to write the blog, make puns, coin quizzes, give prizes.. no escape for you guys, in short! 

Birthday Month Resolutions

 Why make resolutions? As we make revolutions around the Sun, it's nice to have some goals before you join the stars. So since New Year is also around the corner, here goes, on the last day of October 2022-

I shall be a nice guy. Of course, I have been trying all these years, but I will try harder. Tele-callers, and unsolicited physical callers, please excuse. To all others, I will be nice!

Extend unsolicited advice -less of it than in the past. Even solicited advice, for that matter!

Will go South (in India, I mean) at least once a year. This is necessary because I have left Bangalore for good, and the pubs need me for business reasons. Friends too, I hope!

My quest for good food, untasted dishes from any part of the world will continue, while savouring the favourites- Biryani, Kababs, Irani chai, etc.. 

I am not really sure what other resolutions are needed, so I shall come back with more as I discover the need. In general, will try and make myself less of a pain to all my friends. Giving them awards for achievements - or for just smiling at me- does not count, so will continue to do so. 

IIM Indore days, 2013-2020, till the first wave of COVID.

With Mom on her 91st. Below. Above, my party shirt and some Chinese beer!

Above, Anusha meets us in Pune. Below, the crack team of IMT Nagpur.

Sameera, with Vandana and Rama Sastry. Below, Alisha Thomas. All profs., and part-time Golfers.

Six Monthly Resolutions

 I don't do things by halves-except resolutions. Half-yearly resolutions are more fun. You can make and break them more often than yearly ones, for one. Like celebrating a birthday more than once. You can even celebrate daily. But anyway, I am digressing. On to my 2022 half-yearly resolutions.

Will (or Shall- sounds better) meet old friends - or any friends- more often.

Shall live life more, and work less, progressively. That's progress, right?

Shall try and appreciate other people's achievements, including simple ones, a lot more.

Shall not give speeches longer than 5 minutes, even under pressure.

Shall not stop punning, unless the brain stops functioning. If it has already, you gotta tell me.

Shall try and taste the best of food and drink, and something new regularly. Time is running out, that's why. 'Miles to go before I sleep' kind of thing, taken positively.

I will not break any resolutions, until I make ones that contradict these. Then, I will decide whether to break these or those.

I think that's pretty comprehensive...

Resolutions For 2021

 Pandemic-induced resolutions for 2021. Not just for me...

Cut the inflated ego about your intelligence. A little, invisible virus can lay you low, or leave you scared/scarred.

Meet your family more often, even if it's on Zoom. Ditto, friends. Though not as good as a personal meeting, it's better than NO meeting.

Make new friends, acquaintances, nurture old ones.

Listen to music of your choice. Helps avoid the blues/cure them. 

Buy books, read them. Write one too, if you can.

Eat what you like, but in moderation. Too many rules about what to eat are tough, this is far simpler.

Cricket matches don't matter..Golf, let me think about.

Celebrate little things..they happen every day. Waiting for the big thing to happen could be a long wait.

Drink tea that you like (this one's for me..Coffee, likewise, if you prefer)

Once things open up, travel..search for more destinations close to nature, and easier to travel to. Goa excluded!

Last-minute Resolutions

Having resolved not to make any, I am obliged to break that one. Ok, here goes-

1. Will be nice to people- no, on second thoughts, just less nasty.

2. Will sometimes turn on my WhatsApp. Not sure WHEN, though.

3. Will sing more. Sing is king!

4. Will read a few good books. I have alreay started...discovered Starmark, a nice bookstore in Chennai, and stocked up a few.

5. Will continue giving out my Nice DP awards on fb; I have to, because there are so many guys hoping to win it- and some who have, who may win again. I may end 2018 with a lecture on How you can win!

6. Will make more efforts to meet people I know on fb-am already making some progress. Got an appointment-gotta go!

Resolute Resolutions

Why do resolutions have to be year-end ones?

Here are 5 mid-year ones, approx. half-way through this year.

1. I will be relaxed about everything. Does not mean in a hammock-it's all in the mind.

2. I will appreciate people a bit more..I find it challenging, so I guess this needs to be worked on.

3. I will try something new each time I teach..generally do, but need to be steadfast.

4. Try new research methods..qualitative in addition to the usual.

5. Write better blog posts..see, I am already trying the last one out. :)

..and continue the good things like the Best DP awards, in case you are apprehensive..