Monday, September 24, 2007

I wouldn't, either

Do you remember that scene in the movie American Beauty in which Kevin Spacey is at his self-deprecating best?

Guy: Hi, I'm X.
Spacey: Actually, we already met - at that Christmas party last year.
Guy: Ohhhh...
Spacey: Don't worry, I wouldn't remember me either.

Well, something similar happened to me today. The person was Girl In Stat Class, GISC for short.

Me: Actually, I'm headed to X Building in the west campus. I'm in the Industrial Engineering Department, you know.
GISC: Oh, then you must me knowing C...
Me: (sigh) Yes, you already told me, she's your neighbour.

I nearly wanted to add, "Yeah, I wouldn't remember talking to me either."

But it's even more sad because I'm quite sure I've done the same thing to other people on many an occasion. I just have a terrible memory for people-related things. In fact, I'm a terrible people-person, period. But that does not excuse such behaviour, now that I know how it feels to be at the receiving end.

Moral of the story? Pay attention to people. Be a better listener.

Hopefully I have learnt my lesson!

Cheers,
Prashanth.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Robert Jordan Dies

Robert Jordan, author of the Wheel of Time fantasy series, is dead. He had been suffering from amyloidosis, a blood disorder, for a while and us fans have been aware of it. Although he came under some flak for stretching the series t__h__i__n, I for one have enjoyed the Wheel of Time series and even re-read the entire thing this summer in anticipation of the last book (which, sadly, will never come now).

Here is the link to the NY Times article.

I am a big enough fan of Jordan that I mention him on my blog often, and not just on fantasy reviews, but even on other random ones.

Peace favour your sword.

Prashanth.

Friday, September 07, 2007

Stepping out....

When I landed back in the US last month, I thought it would take a few days for me to get my affairs in order.

A few days passed and as I got a better idea of what I was facing, I began to think it would probably take a few weeks.

Now it has been almost three weeks and I have come to realize the full extent of what I can only describe as self-sabotage, committed in a period when I was depressed and distracted, and simply not myself. And I know it is not a matter of days or weeks but months before I can fix everything that is broken. It takes far longer to rebuild than it takes to ruin something.

I am going to throw myself into work for a few months, and will not be much hanging around any blogs during that time. I do hope to get a short story or two in. Please keep in touch by email / chat / phone in the meantime!

Cheers,
Prashanth.