Hard

 Why does it have to be so hard?

2024

 Another year comes to a close. 2023 gives way to 2024. 

It has been a different kind of year. Health issues have been a recurring theme all year. But, through all of that I hope I gained something. 

Work wise it was a tough one in some ways. But again there were some positives. My student got a faculty job. I am proud of the student's achievement. It has been a year of learning even after several years of experience as a Prof. I don't know what I learned and what I can change but I just hope to do the best I can. 

Personally, our family unit is doing ok. I slip up many a time but it's still ok because of what my other half does. She has been supportive in dealing with health issues in India. I couldn't have been a responsible son without her carrying the load at home. I owe that to her (among several other things). Kids are getting older with their own personalities. It's mostly enjoyable but with some significant challenges. Again, not all of them are simple or easy to address but we will keep trying.

Slowly but surely my intentions to settle in India are weakening. It's not a easy decision but it's very hard to re-establish life back home. That's something I am realizing with all the challenges we face here. Having my sister in US is also making me analyze my decision. Let's see..

On other mundane stuff, we updated our car to an Odyssey and I am happy we did it. It makes the drives to visit family easier.

One good thing that I started in 2023 is to get back to swimming. I hope I can continue this well in 2024.

Wishing any readers a happy new year and hopefully you and your family will have a prosperous new year.

Hoping for a good year of doing my best (and our best as a unit). 

Broad retires

 Humble man

I know I am not the most skilful player that's played. I know I need every inch of my competitive spirit and my drive and my effort to get anything out of my ability. And I would say every day I've pulled on a Nottinghamshire shirt or an England shirt, I've given my heart and soul.

I can't think that there would be too many cricket fans out there that would think I've slacked off for a moment.

I was not a fan of his cricket but I agree that he gave his everything. May be thats we can do - if only we can focus on that part and not on results!

Anyway, I hope he enjoys his retirement! 

Nice article

 A quote from LiveMint Vivek Kaul

As and when this happens, I will be simply happy because there will be fewer entitled individuals going around, giving us gyan on LinkedIn in bad English about everything that happens around us. With due apologies to the great Sahir Ludhianvi: “Wo subah kabhi to aayegi (That morning will come some day!).”

Superbowl and Pujara

 Superbowl - Patrick Mahomes is good; comes across as a very humble person too - nice role model.

Another person I have always liked Pujara - an old school test batsman. Glad he will get to 100 tests for India. An amazing feat for a guy who had to justify his place every match. He has some amazing accomplishments in Australia (and elsewhere too!) - nice piece by Ashwin his team mate here. Well done Mirugam :P

Note

 One of those notes prepared by our older one at school. His dream "to be nicer to his family". To say it brought us to tears is an understatement. We are fortunate to have him - even with all our struggles. 

Pride

Hmmm.. it can creep into your person. May be this is what makes me take criticism so seriously. May be I should lighten up and continue. If this is what I can implement because of what happened in the meeting, it may be is worth the struggle and mental anguish.

I need to remind myself why I do what I do. The joy is in the work not what people think about it. I hope I can remember this always.