Thursday, September 10, 2009

The best laid plans go often astray

In the last decade, I have learnt that Murphy's law is not just confined to joke books. You will be surprised how often Murphy's law comes into the picture. Just as Jaya and I sit before the P.C. some interruptions will happen - someone will call Jaya, power will go, physiotherapist will come, guests will come etc. Jaya will have to attend some marriages or have some other outside work. It is uncanny how often Jaya will get a phone call just as she is about to shift me from the bed to the wheelchair. Sujit might ask some doubts related to his school work which might take some time to clarify. So what I think will take one hour will take five days (like this post).

Earlier, I used to expend a lot of emotional energy glaring at the screen savers when Jaya left for some reason. Now I am more patient and relaxed. (According to The Devil's Dictionary, PATIENCE, n. A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.) This has been aided by the fact that the nurse has learnt to move the cursor around the screen and click at the required place following the cues from my head and eye movements. So I can read my favourite blogs during Jaya's absence.

Delays could also happen because of my physical problems. I might get a coughing fit which will take some time to subside. I might suddenly feel like passing motion and will have to be shifted to the bed. It might be an hour or two before I am back in front of the PC. So I am reluctant to accept any deadlines. Any number of known and unknown events could disrupt my schedule.

Then there is my laziness. It is fun to think of what to write but not so much fun to dictate letter by letter. But I cannot have one without the other. If there is a choice between dictation and watching a Federer-Nadal match, there are no points for guessing which one I will choose.

That completes the list of excuses for my erratic postings. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. It was also the reason why I was hesitant to start blogging.

3 comments:

  1. Just wanted to say "Hi!".... I've been reading since almost the beginning, glad you got over that hesitation. Don't even recall how I ended up here, maybe via a friend who researches cognitive science stuff... my focus is mostly on autism. My autistic son did not speak until he was 6 but started typing at 3. Even now, at 21, he chooses to express little and, like you, along with his "can't"s he's "otherwise fine". His communication takes work and is open to much misinterpretation, just in a different way. Unlike you, what he excels at is running.

    I look forward to your erratic postings and also the comments from those who know you, they help flesh out your personality & your situation. (I expect their excuses for not offering many comments aren't as good as yours....)

    Wishing you & yours all the best

    -jypsy
    in Prince Edward Island, Canada

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  2. Hello Kesu
    I have been making futile attempts to comment on your postings. I am yet to figure-out the reason for the comments not getting posted. Hopefully, it does not ditch this time, atleast.
    Your postings have been, to say the least, fantastic.
    I have been reading it ever since my cousin Gopi (erstwhile colleague of yours in Indbank merchant banking services) told me and vividly following your posts. You have an exemplary flair for words, not to forget the expanse knowledge that you have. Hats off to you and your family for enabling this blog happen.
    Keep posting. (Am kannan cousin of Gopal)

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  3. Hello,

    I know I'm a bit late to the party, but I just wanted to say I am so glad you started blogging. I was researching Julie Tavalaro and stumbled upon your blog. I am quite moved by your and Jaya's perseverence. I wish you all the best and look forward to continuing reading.

    Ramona
    Los Angeles

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