Teaching parents tech

Ever since I remember my dad, a public sector employee too busy in his job would try to give maximum possible time to the family. Even after working long hours at office and site-field, once he would at home he would try to concern on us, especially my sis and me. I remember him trying to solve my mathematics and physics problems to help me in my homework. I quite admired his patience when I queried a lot during that period. When we visit our village he will show us around the place. My curious nature will force him to answer my millions questions all through the way. Most of them were replied with satisfied answers. Wow!! My dad is almost an omniscient I was felt too proud of it.

After marriage I got another dad, my pops (my f-i-l, father in law). I feel I was lucky enough to get love and affection from both my dad and pops. My pops act like a catalyst to my curiosity. The truth is pops is even more curious about new things than me. When our home need a new gadget pops will just dig deep to know all about it, its features, he will try to figure out all possible usage and lacking if any before settling. Loved it that way.

Recently I got a chance to show off my computer knowledge to both men. As we live in Chennai and my parents and parents-in-law stay at my hometown Sambalpur, all were connected through phone. But in this tech-era if we are going to move on like this it would we so dull. So, we decided to connect through skype or oovoo. And here we go!!

KT (knowledge transfer) session starts now. We (more of me) started with turning on the computer, moving to use of MS word, copying – pasting files, transferring files, etc. They religiously followed it and took notes. Best part was yet to come; they need to show me that all in practical. Mistakes, learning and relearning, all in phases…

Finally they mastered almost all basic computer knowledge and created their own inbox, opened unread mails, drafted new mails, sent mails, uploaded attachments, and many on.
In the end, both can connect audio and video instant messaging through oovoo.

Almost every weekend we can connect through technology. Its something I can boast to all I (we, including my hubby) taught parent tech.

P.S.: The idea for this write up was always there but it got a push from the recent twitter trend – teach parent tech.

Road to discover me

Ever since I decided to be a homemaker, quitting my job. My friends and family keeps inquiring why I took such steps. Well had obviously more than one reason to do so. I was working in an IT firm. My day started as early as 5:45am (too much for me). Then rush for daily chores, run for company transport and reach office by 8:30 pushing away traffic as much as possible. Phew! Finally I reach office. Office day starts with meetings, presentations or running through N number of lines of codes. Many of those lines were written years back and are needed to update with current scenario. Still I loved it at that time. Life tried to move fast and I leaped faster. Trying to assure client work done on schedule and pull up my sleeves to perform each time better. Meanwhile I extended my family, now my free bird life was gone; still it was nice to have someone help you at household chores and ask about the day as I say off now.
I can’t remember when but I guess it was a slow process when I realized I was no more passionate about my work. When I discussed with co-workers and friends of same field many felt same as me, most excused it as a monotonous job. But I was not ready to accept the fact that the work, which I used to adore, can become dull soon. My anxiety aroused more when I discovered I haven’t seen and felt sunset for a long time. In weekends day starts late, by the time it’s evening on Saturdays either its a party or dinner pre-planned or friends reunion and on Sundays my long face expresses good time over now work, work, work! Even though I was literally independent but I felt chained. I wanted back my feel and thirst to achieve a dream, to try my best to get the reward and now my dreams has fainted.
It was time to paint a new dream, but even after thinking really hard and long my canvas was untouched. So, now I want to introspect why can’t I get a clear thought? The conclusion was pretty shocking for me. I came across a fact that I haven’t done many things I always loved to do for a long time. I have converted from a dreamer and achiever to some to can’t dream and try, who just want to wait stupidly for Friday evening, who now want to shop unwanted items to create a fake me. I was not real anymore. I lost me while trying to earn respect in others eyes and slipped out of my own glass world.

It’s always better to try then regret at deathbed for never trying. And I quit my job to re-discover me.

It might feel weird to most of readers, but I want to give me one more chance, am recreating the magic of life with the power of now.

Renaissance

The feel of cloud nine is just too good. The reason behind this unstoppable smile is I restarted my work of art. After 11 years of hide and seek with colors and brushes I finally painted back in canvas. Even tough it’s not a masterpiece to boast but it’s my rebirth, as I can still do it.

My painting ‘Life’.

Life is like a tree. We start from nothing like seed. We are nourished, taken care and loved. Then we must stand on our own and try to overcome all stones, huddles. Then our hard work and persistence will bear multi color flowers. We need to face all weathers to reach the spring.

I would like to express my gratitude to my husband Shibasis and my sister Swapna for their support and motivation.