Looking back at the year as it draws to a close, I notice that I have churned out 44 posts (including this one) in 2011. "Help-less" was perhaps the most popular, but "Free Will" gave me the greatest amount of personal satisfaction, mainly because it was about me changing my mind. As someone said, "What is the point of having a mind if you don't change it?" but I see the irony in how that statement contradicts what I was trying to convey in "Free Will" (about the absence thereof).
The Grim Reaper has been noticeably active this year, having targeted several high-profile celebrities including those whose departure was (in my opinion) regretted (Steve Jobs, Shammi Kapoor, Bhupen Hazarika, Dev Anand, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Christopher Hitchens) and not regretted (Osama Bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi, Kim Jong Il). On the personal front, I lost a highly respected mentor who was one of the best bosses I have ever had. Two good friends lost their loved ones.
On a more heartening note, at least three individuals whose well-being I care a lot about have demonstrated exemplary courage, determination and good cheer in facing the most serious challenges to their health. They have all made great progress and here's wishing each of them a full and speedy recovery.
I wish I could be optimistic about 2012 but I have to admit that things look very bleak. The cumulative bungling of the governments of several leading countries in the world has brought the global economy to the brink of disaster as each nation vies with the other in populist profligacy leading to inevitable bankruptcy. As a colleague of mine quipped, "We have gone from an environment of risk-free rates to one of rate-free risks".
But that's not within my control. I can only focus on what is in my hands and acknowledge whatever good luck I have at present. Take things one step at a time and keep Plans B, C and D vaguely in mind as I deal with things day to day.
Right now, I am on vacation for two weeks. Yay! I have no plans to travel anywhere as my son who is in university will be coming back for the winter holidays. The half-empty nest will be full again for a brief while. I now realize the difference between having a child who normally lives with you come back from a journey outside, and having one who ordinarily lives away from you come back for a short stay! We may make a short two- or three-day trip somewhere nearby but it is mainly going to be a 'stay-cation'.
On the immediate horizon, is the Boxing Day test match. The plan is clear. Watch the toss tomorrow. If Australia bat, head straight off to the golf course. If India bat, watch TV as long as either Virender Sehwag or Sachin Tendulkar is at the crease. If both of them get out, head for the golf course. It's always nice to keep things simple.
Getting some regular exercise, eating sensibly and sleeping a lot are the main items on the agenda for now.
And, finally, today is the 25th of December. Let me conclude by paying tribute to a man who was born on this day - one of the greatest human beings to have ever lived, who revealed the most wondrous truths to mankind and changed the world forever.
Happy Birthday, Isaac Newton.*
*(Newton was born on the 4th of January according to the Gregorian calendar which was implemented after his death. Under the Julian calendar that was followed during his lifetime, he would only have recognized December 25th as his birthday)
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