I started a blank note on the 10th of September and finally started writing in it on 10th March . Completely unplanned but the timing is perfect . This winter had been gracious . I can call myself a Cinncinnatian now having faced 2 winters here. It's bright and sunny today , the grey clouds are history now . The grass is all green and the birds and squirrels are all out . I was wondering today morning where do they hibernate all winter ? It almost feels like winter never happened seeing them hopping around .
The dog training classes have been a wonderful change . The one way bus ride to class Brings back memories of the bus rides I've taken to college a decade ago , memories of Deepu taking the bus to college and all the walking he has done to catch one . The twenty minute bus ride has been a time for me to stop and think . Think about everything from the daily to-do list and stop over to prod all the other fluttering thoughts passing by .
Iam beginning to love the bus ride . It takes me through parts of town which otherwise I would never visit . This might just be my next blog . The bits I write down as I take my twenty minute bus ride to class everyday . This might take a while to finish up. Iam not in a hurry either . I haven't seen anyone as a regular here in the bus like we see in India . Back home , it's almost the same faces on the transit at a particular time . Here we have to find our way into doing anything . No complaints though . The past two weeks the girlfriends here have been planning a baby shower . It's a surprise for Vanitha . I truly hope she has no idea about it coming . Been quite hectic between classes and putting together this shower . Will be a fun gathering for sure !
The new phone has been a boon to me . I might never use the phone to its whole capability , but it has been a great one so far.. A few things wouldn't have happened like this blog , Listening to the latest chart toppers on Saavn , pen down those stinging thoughts , my chores list to name a few ..
The class is getting interesting by the day . I've realized that learning and performing a skill are two different things . Theory is so much more simpler than the practical . Handling dogs and learning about them is truly an art , and my instructor , Scott does a wonderful job . I so hope I will be like him some day . Those are big shoes to fill . His ability to break down a problem and have a step by step approach to it is fascinating . If I can learn how to do it , the rest can be mastered by practice and over time . There is no literature available which teaches the method of breaking problems . You create your own . His prior experience of 13 years with dogs cannot be beaten by any book .
Performance reviews are never fun . No matter which field you are in . I had mine yesterday and it was not a good one . Rekindled thoughts of my review during my corporate stint with 3M . Feedback is a tough cookie to eat , but that's your supplement for growth . The knowledge , art of handling , self confidence and a good teacher are the four pillars in this field . The confidence buildup is like a button to be pressed . I hope I do that faster than I think I will . Took Neo for the trials as a part of my review and he did exceptionally well for someone who has been going through the training for just the past 3 weeks and in German !! Beat that !! Practice makes the man perfect . In this field , the dog is your true mirror . A reflection of your guidance, teaching and handling . Something that doesn't appeal you , it's all you .
By the way the baby shower went very well :) Iam glad Vanitha was surprised and had a good time :)
Sachman has been busy at work too .. Between his current role , politics at the workplace and new job hunt he is been tested and Iam sure his head is busting at the seams . He manages to keep his cool and and carry on . Gives me the strength to go on no matter what . Sometimes I do think I started the trainers program a little late,but then the second I finish that thought, the next thing which follows is better late than never and it is all subjective to what "late" means .
Towards the fag end of the training with about two weeks left for completion, Iam in a flight to Bangalore because dad is unwell . I remember being in the flight and had fleeting thoughts all possible things which could go wrong . Cancer was a first in the family . Something new to learn about and deal with . Landed in Bangalore early morning on 30th July . My youngest aunt and uncle were there to receive me and take me home . Everything was a hush affair for the extended family and no one knew about my impromptu visit home . Human mind wavers and thinks the worst when someone shows up unexpectedly. That was the least of my concern then . I needed clarity and know what we were gonna deal with . The visit to Manipal hospital was futile . All I did was grope in the dark. Explanations and comforting concerned people were beyond for the doctors there . Command hospital has always been our saving grace . There have been enough instances in the family for us to come back here to consult and restore both body and faith . Our decision to come to Command hospital and consult was the best decision so far . Doctors see so much that the soft communication skills is lost in the woods . Not as much within the defense premises . When the cash variable is removed , the clarity on service is what you get to see .
Today we are on the 12th of August . A month and ten days have passed since dad has been hospitalized. He is through with the surgery and his long journey to recovery will begin in a few more weeks . Until then it would be clocking a few hundred kilometers, more temper tantrums , odd hours of sleep and junk food .Acquaintances continue to happen . Time will test these relationships to see if we will make it to the next level of being friends . I've met very interesting people and cute ones ;) especially one on the list :) will continue to keep a tab on this guy :) no idea if he will read this blog , but if he does he will know !
I am 18 days away from going back to Cincinnati. I plan to go back and finish up my pending classes and hopefully continue to apprentice under Scott. The learning and experience is unmatched to any other . This unplanned stint to India has been a crazy one! It has and continues to test my patience, maturity and given me a brief glimpse of what looking after an ailing parent will be . I think I have faired well . Here I am sitting in the officers ward , Command Hospital penning the last few words . This blog will be reminder to me nothing is certain . I expected it to be a simple blog in the bus and now I am half way around the world finishing it . Raising a toast to the uncertainty , cheers my friend, until next time around .
