Dependence on Technology

Our lives are so dependent on technology and yet we are not aware of it. We find out when something is missing or stops working. Case in point, a few days back, the Navigation system in my van started giving an error about unable to read the DVD. But then it would reboot the system and start working. Then within a day or two, it stopped working completely. I tried my best (pushing buttons here and there to make the system start responding) but similar to a donkey, once it made up its mind it just wouldn't work.

Now, the implications of this error.

- Navigation system does not work.
- Radio, DVD entertainment system is all interlinked and therefore does not work
- Bluetooth does not work (so no more calls when driving)
- Cannot listen to my podcasts while driving
- Motor keeps making an irritating noise (constantly)

Now, I realize that even though I did not have any particular favorite radio station, I miss the radio now and the blue tooth and the fact that podcasts are off-limit.

Needless to say, repairs are scheduled for Wednesday. Till then, quietly suffer the stop-n-go traffic to work and back.

Tax Time

All these years, I have always done my own taxes (barring one or two years) and usually I finish it off in a single day. This time I was double minded what to do - given that the taxes this year will be a bit more complicated (given our new investments). Anyway, started doing them yesterday and half way through I am ready to give up. Booked an appointment with H&R Block for tomorrow. Let's see how that goes...

Plenty of rains this year which is quite welcome after several years of continuous droughts. While the rains have been plentiful, the changing weather from day to day has meant lot of sick people around. :(

1.5 years into the new house/city and I have yet to sign up with a PCP. Just too damn busy to find one.

Last note for this post, talked to a couple of CFPs over the past few months and got completely opposite advice. Can't trust anyone these days. :( I guess no substitute for doing your own homework.

Catching up....

Been a long time....

- Moved to SR from SJ back in Jun 2015. It was a weird feeling initially that having lived in SJ for 21 years, I would not be living there any more. Also, spent the last 12 years in the SJ house and now new house.... mixed feelings.

- Nov 2015: changed my job after 3+ years and joined JN. More on the JN experience in subsequent posts.

- At this time (Oct'15) onwards dad was not keeping good health. He had congestive heart failure and he refused surgery option for so long that the consequences of that decision were catching up now. He suddenly couldn't walk as much any more. Several trips to the emergency room in Oct, Nov, Dec... ) :( Dec end, visited his doctor in a desperate attempt to do something for him and was told bluntly he had maybe a month to live. :( Anyway, mid to late Jan, Dad ended up in the ER once again and this time the docs told us bluntly that he would not be leaving the hospital alive. All 3 of his kids were with him and went through a harrowing time, living by the min, day by day and finally on Feb 8th 2016, he left us. What a fighter all his life and even in his last moments, no regrets in his voice, his face or his attitude for anything. No fear. #Respect and #Love for dad. May his soul rest in peace along with Mom in heaven.

- Made a quick trip to India for Asthi Visarjan at Haridwar and his chautha in Karnal, Haryana.

- Once back, the american life took over again. No mercy from work... very cold and businesslike: get down to business. Hardly any mourning time. Lots of urgency at work to move projects along (ironically they took another 6+ months to get approvals).

- Till this day, my parents come in my thoughts, day and night, waking hours and in my dreams... as if they are still near me, around me, interacting with me. There is this huge void and sadness, which I try not to show in my behavior or face but it is so hard. Life feels so meaningless now. More later on this...

- Sold the SJ house finally in Mar'17. Needed the cash for a franchise business we are starting. More later on this...

- Kids growing up fast. Only a few more years before they fly off in search of their dreams, just like my siblings and I left our home in search of ours.

Gotta go... but will be writing again soon.

Ciao