Road To Mysore

It's Sunday afternoon and I'm at work sitting on my desk feeling tired and beat up. I haven't gotten much done today. I'm ready for tax season to be over. I've pushed myself more this year than I have in the past 4 years and I regret it. I really put myself on the spot when I committed to return to Mysore later this month...yes, I leave in 26 days. I'm feeling too crappy to be excited about that.

I was hoping I would find the balance between work and my practice and still make enough to make the trip. By the time tax season ends, I will have enough but my practice has gone south. I still have a semblance of a daily practice but I've missed a day or two here and there. I've also scaled back my practice so I would still have enough energy to get through the work day.

Knowing what I know now, I realize that commiting to return this early was stupid and arrogant. I must have been on a Mysore High when I committed last December to return this May. Yes, I will pull it off but it's been a high price to pay. Physically, mentally and emotionally, I'm so out of whack. It's going to take a while before I feel grounded again. If I could do things all over again, I probably would have committed to an October departure date instead. It's too late for that now but I know next time, I will work at least 8 months and actually have the money before I make any plans on leaving.

What's the buzz tell me whats a happenning? What's the buzz tell me whats a happening? (This song popped on my head when I decided on this title. It's from the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar".

I’m still feeling tired and beat up but I have a lot to be excited about. The past two weeks I’m been getting emails from friends who are going to be in Mysore the same time I’ll be there. Aside from Vincent and Shannon who are traveling with me, I’ve gotten emails from the D & A from Santa Barbara, Mary from London, Mark (London) & Catherine (Switzerland), Gabrielle from Rome, Rima (now living Goa) and maybe Natalie from Singapore. I’m looking forward to seeing all of them and continuing my Mysore journey…19 days to go…wooohooo!!!

Tax seasons officially ends on Monday, April 17. I have 8 days to go before I get back my life. Normally it would end on the 15th but since it’s a Saturday it’s moved to the 17th. This has been one of the most difficult tax season in a long time. Almost reminds me of my RBZ days when I actually work 60 hours a week and while the rest of my co-workers where working 65 hours or more. In those days, I couldn't help but feel like I was a slacker. Now a days, I still feel like a slacker but I’m at peace with it. I’ve given up competing.

Last week, one of the partners approached me and immediately started discussing a client with me. He caught me by surprise because normally all work is forwarded to the tax coordinator and then is assigned to be the staff depending on their load and experience. I then looked at him and said, “Why are you explaining this to me?� He calmly said, “I want you to prepare this.�

I had already told the tax coordinator that I’m no longer taking in more work since I have a back log enough to get me through the rest of the season. I was a little offended that he just assumed that I would work on this client without even asking what my backlog was like. I simply asked him if he expected this client to be extended because I had a lot on my plate. He said, “No, it’s not going to be extended but you can start it next week if you have to.� I said, “I’m sorry, I’m not taking anymore work. You’re going to have to find somebody else.� By the look on his face, I think he was offended that I turned him down. When I use to work full-time, I never had the guts to turn down work from a partner. You just suck it up and do the extra time. I guess that’s one the advantages of being an independent contractor. I can control my workload and while the rest of the fulltime staff have to pick up the work and suck it up.

The funny thing is that he approached a couple of my co-workers who sit close to me and asked them if they can do it. They all turned him down. Theoretically speaking, if work comes in after April 1, it’s supposed to be extended…with a few exceptions of course. I think he was pushing his luck when he tried to force the work on us.

Later today, I’m meeting up with some of my Indian friends to watch a show at the Shrine Auditorium featuring a two of my favorite Bollywood actresses… Preity Zinta and Susmita Sen…wooohooo!!! I don’t know what to expect but I’m excited. Hopefully my Indian friends understand Hindi because I don’t think there's going to be any subtitles. This is my pre-India treat. In the meantime, I have to get back to work…oh well, 8 days to go.

I got home last night at around 11:30PM. I was so tired but I had a blast. Needless to say, I missed practice this morning…oh well, it was worth it. The Bollywood show I attended was a lot of fun. I had very little expectations so all expectations were met.

I met up with my Sugi my co-worker at the office at around 4:30PM. Shylesh (former co-worker) and his wife (Shalani) picked us up. We all headed to Culver City and had dinner at Annapurna which is a South Indian restaurant. Shylesh recommended this place because he knew the former owner and although his friend no longer owned the place, he said that the cooks were still the same. I was not very interest in having South Indian food or any type of Indian food for that matter because that’s what I’ll be eating every day for the next 3 months. Don’t get me wrong, I love Indian food; I just can’t do it everyday. We ended up there anyway. It felt appropriate to go there since we were going to a Bollywood show.

I was debating on whether I should get a dosa or a thali for dinner. I chose a thali. It was very strange to pay $10 for a thali when I normally pay $1 to $2. The food was great but it felt like a major rip-off. I think that’s why I tend to avoid Indian restaurants when I’m in the US. They’re not as good and it’s hard to shallow the food when you’re paying 5 to 8 times what you normally pay…oh well, there are worst things in life.

At around 6PM we headed for the Shrine Auditorium. We got there at around 6:20PM. The doors were not yet open and the show is suppose to start at 6:30PM. We were all waiting outside. Sugi said that the show will probably start around 8PM which is the equivalent to 6:30PM Indian time. I guess it’s similar to Filipino time which would be 7PM for an 8PM start. The door finally opened at around 7PM and we got to our seats at around 7:15PM. True to form, the show started a little past 8PM. For some reason, it didn’t really bother me since I was expecting it. I was just excited to be there and get a break from the monotony of work.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we had good seats. Shylesh and I agree that next time we would pay $20 or more for even better seats. They had a few opening acts before the headliners came out. The first one to perform was Saif Ali Khan. I was pretty disappointed with his performance since he basically walked around trying to look cool while his back-up dancers were dancing around him…what a rip-off. After his dance, he took the mike and apologized to the audience for his performance. He said that he had just had his appendix remove a few days ago and that he was not allow to dance for at least 10 days after the surgery. I guess that’s an acceptable excuse for his poor performance. I was a little disappointed because I was hoping to see Saif and Preity dance together since they appeared in a few movies together…oh well.

The next person who came out was Preity Zinta…wooohooo…!!! She did not disappoint. Although I think that Susmita is the most beautiful Indian lady there is, Preity is a much better actress and probably a better dancer. She did a few dances from the movie “Kal Ho Na Ho� and “Veer Zaara� which were great and what I was hoping for. I just wish that it was a little longer. The thing I liked about her number was it was more of a traditional Indian dance as opposed to some of the modern wannabe western techno tight leather pants productions they tend to come out with.

Susmita Sen came after Preity’s number. She did more of a modern dance number which I wasn’t too fond of. I was happy to see her on stage but was not too impressed with her first appearance. She later came back for a second appearance which was much better and I took back what I said to Shalani and Shylesh after that.

The last person to come out was Akshay Kumar. I have never since any of his movies so I had no expectations. I did not realize how popular his was until he came out on stage. The crowd went wild…especially the women. I’ve never seen India ladies in a sari/shalwar kameez go wild…amazing. I have to admit, he is an amazing dancer. He got the whole building rocking. He is without question a performer and knows how to get people on there feet. He came off stage and into the crowd a number of times and people from the back seats started running up front…unbelievable. It was fun watching Akshay interact with the audience and old Indian ladies go crazy.

There was a break after Akshay’s performance and a few opening acts before the headliners came out again in the same order. The show ended around 10:45PM and I didn’t get home until around 11:30PM…there goes practice. We all enjoyed the show and got our money’s worth. Now I’m excited and ready to start thinking about heading back to India…18 days to go and counting.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since I started this blog. It feels like it was only yesterday when I was planning my first trip to Mysore. Now here I am ready to embark on my third trip…unbelievable.

So many great things have happened these past two years and I’m glad I took the time to write about them. I sometimes read my old entries and just smile at all the moronic things I said or did. I’m glad I said or did all of them…maybe take a few of them back. It’s a part of me now and I’m hopefully a better person because of it.

The past few months I’ve felt that this blog has served its purpose and it’s time to convert it to a private blog. I’ve realize though, this blog serves another purpose. It’s been a way for me to keep in touch with all the amazing people I’ve met on this journey and friends who I have known long before. Every now and then, I’d get an email or comment from a friend because of something I said or did. At the moment that seems to be my only incentive to keeping this blog public.

When I first embarked on this journey, I had no clue on what I was getting into and what might come about it. The weirdest thing is I still feel the same way…clueless. I did in the process though learn a lot of things about myself, this practice and life in general.

A friend of mine once said before I set out on this journey, “I wish you find what you’re looking for and get the answers to all your questions.� The truth is I didn’t find what I was looking for and didn’t get any of my questions answered. I’ve given up looking and asking. I’ve decided to live life instead.

For my friends who have been with me on this journey…Thank you:)

It’s slowed down substantially at work today. I have a couple of stragglers I need to prepare an extension for but other than that I should be cruising in the next few days. I’ll probably have to come in tomorrow for half a day just to help out. Monday should be my last day. The tax partner said that he may let me work for another week or until I leave. I’ll know for sure on Monday. As much as I would like to be unemployed and on vacation mode, I wouldn’t mind making the extra money. If I do continue to work, I expect the 24th be my last day. That will give me 3 days to get my shit together and close shop…I seriously need a vacation.

Today was first day back at the Silverlake shala. It was nice to see N & K. I had the best practice in a long time or since practicing in Brentwood. J at the Brentwood shala is a nice guy but the energy of both places is so different. It’s hard to explain, easier to experience. I’ve realized that people either understand what I’m talking about or think I’m a hallucinating fool…oh well.

I’ve been so busy the past 2 ½ months I haven’t had the chance to prepare my own tax return. I do it everyday, the last thing I want to do on my spare time is prepare one more. Part of my desire on not wanting to do it is I not only owe for 2005, I have to pay a much bigger amount for my 2006 first quarter estimate. The downside of being an independent contractor is I get these gross checks with no withholding taxes. Writing out those checks is a very painful experience. I either have today or tomorrow to do it…probably tomorrow.

Exactly two weeks to go…wooohooo!!! Now I have good reason to be excited.

Today is officially the end of tax season....wooohooo!!! I'm at home chilling and hanging out at the moment....yes, yes, yes!!! Life is good, I can't complain:) I'm glad it's officially over. At around 4:30PM, the office closes and we all head out to the party. This day though is one of the toughest time for the admin people. They're still waiting for checks and making sure there are extensions for all the client. All my other co-workers are in the office just chilling. I meet up with them around 3PM and we'll all car pool to the party.

Yesterday afternoon, I spent in the office finishing a return I promised one of the partners. After that, I had to do my own. My return is pretty simple but because I own a lot, I've been procrastinating. I finally finished it last night, wrote out the check....very, very painful and mailed it this morning.

I think my boss changed his mine about letting me work an extra week. When I talked to him last Saturday, he said he would get back to me today about that...oh well. I may be officially unemployed again...wooohooo!!! I guess I should focus all my energy on preparing for trip. I've gotten most of things I'm going to bring for this trip already so most of the things I need to do is pack up the little that I have and stick it into my storage unit. I don't have much to pack because I took out only the things I'll need. I should be able to do that in two days or less...OMG, what am I going to do with myself after that.

11 days to go and counting....wooohooo!!!!

The past week I been fighting caffiene withdrawals. I was drinking a cup of coffee every morning for about a month and a half just to help me get through the day at work. Last Saturday, I stopped since I no longer needed it to get me through the day. It had been slowing down at work so I wasn't working as late. Anyway the headaches I've been getting have been bothering me and I've been fighting it all week. I don't know how long it's going to take for it to completely go away but so far it's feeling better this morning. It's amazing...the things we do in the name of "work". Physically, I feel like a wreck. I'm struggling to get my health back. It sure feels good to stop working again. I left all the stress behind when I walked out that office last Monday. I seriously feel that being unemployed is better than being employed. That whole work concept is an overrated experience. I think my new goal in life is to stay unemployed as long as possible.

Last Wednesday, I finally moved my things from a 5 by 10 foot storage unit to a 5 by 5 foot storage unit. The past two months I've spent getting rid of my junk. It's amazing how much junk we hold on too. The weirdest thing is that deep down inside, I know I can easily live with less thannhalf of what I currently have. I don't know why I all tend to hold on too so much junk in all levels. This journey has been a lot about letting go of all the junk I've been carrying. There never seems to be an end of this letting go thing or should I say the amount of junk I carry. The coolest thing about letting go and facing the fear of letting go is that when you actually let something go, you don't lose anything. In fact you really gain something even bigger... the freedom of knowing that you apparently didn't need that after all. I always end up asking myself, "Why did I need that shit in the first place?" I love this practice...

Last night I stayed over my brother's house in Orange County. He's been wanting me to watch this DVD he borrowed from a friend. He recently bought a small apartment unit in Scottsdale, Arizona and set it up as an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation). The DVD was about "Asset Protection". The speaker who is a lawyer talks about Trusts, Probate, Family Limited Partnership and all those things you need to know on how to protect you assets. I'm not a lawyer but I do understand about flow through entities, it's taxability and it's limited liability. I explained some of these concepts to him. I thought it was ironic for me to be discussing all these things with him when here I am doing exactly the opposite of what he is doing. I'm getting rid of all my assets and he's protecting his...what a strange world, figure that out.

The telephone lines to India have been so busy the past few days. I finally got a hold of Shiva yesterday. I asked Shiva to arrange a car to pick us up at the Bangalore Airport. He was more than happy to do that. More importantly, I asked him to reserve a Honda Activa for me. He said, "Yes sir, no problem". He always says that but he doesn't necessarily do it. I think I have a good chance though of getting one from him since I've been a good repeat customer. Last year, Rebecca and I asked him to hold on to our Activas while we were in Varanasi. I was able to get mine back but he gave Rebecca's to one of the older students. I hope somebody more senior doesn't get my scooter. Yeah this is what happens when your unemployed, scooter reservations are a big thing...ha ha ha!!!

7 days and counting...wooohooo!!! Can't wait to get out of here and leave my caffiene withdrawals behind.

I had my last practice at the Silverlake shala this morning. I was tired but I gave it everything I had. Tax season has taken away much of my stamina and working back to where I once was is going to be another long journey. I'm still trying to figure out how to maintain my practice and work at the same time. Something always has to give...that elusive balance.

I said goodbye to N this morning but missed K. She had left the shala early. I'm going to miss both of them. The good thing is that James will take over the shala for good. I like the idea of having a permanent teacher who is traditional like N & K. I'm not big in trying to recreate the practice. I like it the way it is.

I am in the process of packing the last box which goes into storage. I don't know what it is about packing and leaving. It always stirs up emotions to the surface. I've done this many times, but I don't think I will ever get use to it. I'm excited about leaving but concerned with what is in store for me. I feel it both ways...leaving LA or leaving Mysore. There is always apprehension, doubt, fear (not as much), instability, uncertainty and concern before any departure. Another chapter is going to be closed and another one is about to begin. This type of transition can be very ungrounding but we do it anyway.

Tomorrow, I leave this room I've rented for the past 3 months. It has been a learning experience being someone's roommate. She has been a sweet lady but very grouchie. Life has dealt difficult cards and she hasn't handled it well. I wish I could have helped her but I didn't know how. She looks at everything negatively. Maybe some yoga would have help but I've given up trying to convince others to try it. They will figure it out on there own...hopefully or not.

Two days to go and counting....

I am making a habit of being homeless. I left the room I rented this morning. I said goodbye to my landlady, she gave me a hug and I walked out the door. I was ready to go. I don't think I will be looking for a roommate when I return to LA 3 months from now. I will probably end up living back in the Silverlake area and maybe find a cheap studio or one bedroom...we'll see.

I did some errands this morning and am presently having my car oil change. I love this Honda dealer because it's nice, posh and has WIFI. Waiting for my car is no longer a painful experience. The last time I was hear, I wasn't even finished blogging when they called for me. I ignored it and finished my entry. I doubt that will happen today since I don't have much to say.

After this I head to my friend's house in Bellflower. This is where I will crash for the night and leave my car. I spoke to Vincent earlier and he confirmed that his father will drop us at the airport tomorrow. Shannon should be back in Silverlake today and she'll meet us in the airport. She's been in San Diego for the past few months.

I'm excited about travelling with Vincent and Shannon. As far as I can remember I've always travelled to that side of the world alone except for one time. I was 21 years old and I went to the US for the first time with my parents. There is something romantic about going on a journey alone. It's hard to explain why I consider it romantic but it is.

They just called me...gotta to go.

One more day and counting...

Last Friday was a blur. There were too many things to do in such a short period of time. I woke at 4:15AM and headed to Long Beach at around 5AM to practice with Vincent. I was staying in a friend’s house in Bellflower so going to Silverlake was not an option. I got home around 8AM and started with my last load of laundry…I hate traveling with dirty clothes, returned phone calls, last minute errands and did my final packing. I don’t know why but I had so much in my mind that at one point my friend talked to me and I just looked at her and continued walking. I couldn’t believe I just ignored my host. I later apologized. By 11AM I was all packed and waiting for Vincent to pick me up. His father was taking us to the airport that morning.

They arrived around 11:30 and we heading straight to the airport. We met up with Shannon at the airport and checked in together. In the airport we grabbed lunch and I returned a few more phone calls. I had so much in my mind that day I felt emotional and mentally drained by the time we got seated on the plane. Since the plane was not full, I grabbed 3 seats for myself. If your going to fly for 17 hours, (11 hours to Narita, 6.5 hours to Singapore) you better be as comfortable as possible. I’ve done these long flights at least 7 times (both ways) in my life and nothing can prepare you for it. At the end of the trip, you feel all beat up.

The first leg of the flight (LA to Narita) was the most difficult leg. We left at 2:30PM and I tried to sleep on this leg but just couldn’t. Even with 3 chairs at my disposal and laying down horizontality I couldn’t sleep. I tried hard to shorten the flight. It didn’t happen. Most of these flight leave after 10PM, which works out better because you tired after a long day, it’s easier to sleep. Note to self…make sure you take a late evening flight next time.

We had an hour and a half layover at Narita Airport, which was great. I think we all felt sick on the first leg. I was fighting a headache (caffeine withdrawals still), sore throat, a sore neck and muscle atrophy. I walked around the airport as much as I could to get some blood circulation. It felt so much by the time we board for the second leg to Singapore. By the time we board, it was around 3AM LA time. This time the plane was full and I only one seat…damn it. We were all so tired that I finally got some decent sleep on this leg. Shannon slept throughout this leg and even skipped dinner. I feel much better on this leg because I got some sleep.

We arrived in Changi International Airport (Singapore) on Sunday at around 1:30AM Singapore time. We arrived at our hotel around 3AM after clearing immigration and arranging for a shuttle to our hotel. The food on the airport was crappy so we were so hungry once we arrived. Most of the restaurants around were closed so we order some room service. We all took showers while waiting for our food to arrive. It felt so good to get all cleaned up after such a long flight. We were so hungry and tired we just gobbled the food and went to bed around 4AM.

We were supposed to practice with Stanley Lim in Singapore at 8AM this morning. That did not happen. We were too tired to get up that early. Instead, Vincent and I had breakfast this morning around 9AM. Shannon made it clear she wanted to sleep in. So we’re presently waiting for Shannon to get up (it’s around 11AM here) and I’m also waiting for Natalie (from Singapore) to call. I have planned to have either breakfast or lunch with Natalie today. Our flight doesn’t leave until 8:25 tonight so we’re going to checkout Singapore today. We should arrive in Bangalore at 10 tonight and be in Mysore around 2AM tomorrow.