A long time ago, when I first came to the US, I landed loaded with dreams and aspirations- because after all this IS the land of oppurtunity, or so one had been sold to think. And this many years later, its not that I dont think it isnt. Really, one can accomplish anything one wishes to do so. Be it careerwise, academics, sports, arts, crafts, technology....you name it and there's a shiny avenue for it. So whats the catch? I mean really, the one lesson I've learnt is everything comes at a price. No, not always a monetary price.
Thus far, I've tried my hand at sky diving, bungee jumping, hand-gliding, trapeze-ing(much as it looks fancy in cirque-du-soleil shows, my god- the hands hurt, even with gloves!), white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, paragliding, snow-tubing, skiing.....yes been there, done that. By far, the one fear I have tried to conquer is that of water. From learning to swim to all the water sports, I have tried, really! And I am coming close to saying that I am just not comfortable with water. The only element of nature that I find quite challenging to commune with. So what now?
Well, true when I think back, while it sounds impressive, I can honestly say these arent the times that make me feel fulfilled or that I accomplished something of substance. The times that come to my mind which make me feel truly fulfilled is the time I have invested in people. The bonds that have been built and nurtured- be it in the real or virtual world.
Having come here on my own, every connection has been painstakingly built- over time, with effort and patience...like a sculptor or a mason. For every successful bonding, there have been quite a few failures. Decidedly. But I have also learned to let go and move on. Its a matter of concluding that it was good while it lasted.
Recently, my friend's daughter talked about wanting to go on a hot air balloon ride. Thats how this post came about :-). My most romantic notion back then was to go on a hot air balloon ride in Napa valley. When I visited the lush green expanses of Napa Valley one summer, I made a note of the Hot Air balloon ride company's details, so I could revisit whenever I had a suitable partner and we needed a cosy two-some break. That has not happened yet, but I know I will get to do the hot air balloon ride, some time, some where, some how. No hurries. Maybe when Durga's pretty daughter N, turns 13, which is when she plans to go on this ride, I might be her partner, partner in thrill. She has a piggy bank collection going just for this. Everyone needs to be saving for a thrill ride, absolutely! I need to start mine soon.
Thrills could be from roller-coaster rides, or from emotional ones- but for now, I am happy to (to borrow a phrase from Tharini's recent post, which I absolutely loved) "hang out in the space between my thoughts".
Of thrills and spills
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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10 mint(s) of wisdom:
wow. you've tried a great many things Altoid. Its more than what a lot of us can lay claim to. Hot air balloon over Napa sounds divine!! Start that piggy right now!
It endeared me to read about Durga and her determination to make her dream happen.
USA can offer everything except human bonding, don't you think? It's always so formal or distant, when it comes to relationships but career wise and achieving what you want is limitless as long as you strive for it. I wouldn't even think of living anywhere else but here! I love this country even though it has his problems and drawbacks but then which country doesn't? :))
Enjoy your bugees and rides, sound great but for me, I hate even the roller coasters!;p
:--) I dont know if it was meant to be so, but I found this post -cute! :--)
Btw hot air balloons rides are only early in the morning, in winters (bcos of the temperature-balloon rising, relationship), in case you didnt know, just so you can plan better (how many years from now?) :--D
you did all that????? WHOA. I bow to you. you rock!
Hot air balloon ride with one's partner over the Napa Valley - you talk like a true piscean once again ;-)
Its going to be N's special treat for the 13th birthday - so this one's on me.
Her piggy bank can take us all to Daytona may be - thats another of her dreams. Just hope she takes us because you never know when she'll grow up and won't want to do anything with us :-)
I applaud your enthu to try everything. I think I have too much inertia for that. I read the ladies detective agency and loved it. I have been waiting to read the rest of them, but I always seem to find the wrong order in the series.
Tharini - :), yes yes piggy needs to begin right away!
Asha - True for most part. But human bonding is about people no? I mean such isolated existence has creeped in, even in India these days, me thinks.
SK - Good to know, if I am doing the math right, probably another 8 yrs or so :P
Dotmom - Coming from a car geek that I realised you are, not so rocking, what I did.
Durga - I dont know about you, but she will surely invite me to Daytona, that much I believe :D. She would need fashion tips , more so then, than now, wouldnt she? ;)
Munimma! Good to see you here. You wanna go hot air ballooning with me? That'll take some of the inertia out :D
Sure. When pigs fly.
ohhh i so want to do all that too!! lucky you :) am only waiting and waiting!
you will. you will. just put it on your calendar and it will happen.
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