Back from exile...

I've been on a self imposed exile for over 5 months now. Its one of those things where you actually have no excuse...just needed a break, needed to take care of some commitments and just unwind. Everyone is busy, and I am not lame enough to use that as an excuse. I've had my share of free time, just been using it to read, listen to music, travel.

Anyways, just wanted to appease those screaming, frustrated fans (all 2 of you). Me back.

-------------

Virginia Tech.

What a horrible horrible tragedy. I was a little early into my office and was drinking some coffee and perusing CNN when I saw the breaking news. I tried to dig up some additional information, but everything was sketchy at best. I left for a couple of meetings, then came back and was totally shocked to see the count at 32.

The last few days have seen the news channels here cover the event from every possible angle. What has stayed with me, and what will stay with me for a long time, is the spirit with which students from VT and others around the country have rallied around the families of the victims. I think the problem with occurences such as this is that you have no outlet for your anger. Who do you vent on? The killer - Cho Seung Hui - is dead, and had been diagnosed as mentally ill. His family is suffering as much, if not more, than the families of the victims. Some people in the media were wondering about the grieving that is happening for these 32 victims, and asking why that is not happening for the soldiers and civilians dying in Iraq everyday. I guess the only explanation I have is that a school campus is a sanctuary, not a battlefield like Iraq is today. Its just not right to hear about shootings and killings on a campus, where young minds go seeking knowledge.

The students and professors gunned down were at VT hoping to make an impact in the world in some way. We can all think about them, include their families in our prayers, and hope that their short life is turned into a testament of something beautiful and meaningful in some way.

-------------

On a personal note, I've moved into a beautiful - and small - house by the beach in sunny San Diego. I still need to get the house set up, but I'm getting there slowly. My parents are frustrated that I'm living alone and keep advising me to get some roomate till they find me another kind of mate :). Their argument is that having someone else ensures that one way or the other I get to eat and do not sit at home hungry. All you guys living in the US, you know how that works. Other than the obvious advantage of being able to run around the house naked, being alone is kinda nice. Have my space, can set it up anyway I please and have total control of everything. Also helps to have a place on your own if friends or family visit - which I expect to happen pretty regularly.

-------------

I've been travelling a bit. Other than being in India in Novemeber to attend my sister's (cousin) wedding, I was again in India over the last 3 weeks on business. Had a great trip, work was good, and also got to spend some time with my folks in Mumbai. My grandpa was visiting, so we had three generations of Vadivelu's in the house. My parents live in a gated community at Grant Road in Mumbai. The place is really nice, and my grandpa goes for regular walks in the garden we have inside. In the morning, he goes to a small but really nice temple within the complex and the 5 days I was there, I accompanied him. Also, after dinner, he is outside for around 30-45 minutes and it was really enjoyable walking with him, talking, getting advice, hearing about his thoughts on so many issues and just basically enjoying being around him. You rock grandpa! Also visiting were my brothers from Chennai. We had our usual arguments every now and then, but I miss them a lot and was happy to be with them. Love you Guru and Amu! Obviously my mom was going all out to ensure that her poor, starving son living alone in the barren US was well fed. I played it up for all it was worth, believe me!

-------------

On a sidebar, I've bought a new car - Corolla S. I've named her Sneha (don't ask).

All right people, I'll sign off and will try to be back to my regular self. Hope all of you are doing good at home and at work. Keep the faith.

PS. Special thanks to Srijith, Ponnarasi, Hastobeme and all of you who touched base with me when I dropped off the face of the earth. Very impolite of me, I apologize guys. Life's good with you guys around!