Basketball in Indy - Pacers v/s Bucks

Just back from a fun basketball game at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where we watched the Indianapolis Pacers play the Milwaukee Bucks.

It was my first visit to an NBA game, and the Club level seats that we had ensured that I could enjoy every bit of the action. The atmosphere in the crowd was electric and I couldn't help but join the cheering fans. All my cheering resulted in a hoarse voice by the end of the game. As you can see it was a fast paced game - here you can see split second shots of the ball in the basket!

When the action on the court took a break, the cheerleaders and mascots ensured that the timeouts were entertaining.

The Pacers have two mascots - Boomer (a cat) and Bowser (a dog). In the picture you see Boomer making a basket after jumping off a trampoline. That explains the height he has when shooting.

These guys kept us entertained throughout by cheering from the sidelines and getting the crowd pumped up to cheer. An action-packed, entertaining evening!

Christmas in Portland

Early December - just as I was wondering what I should do over the holidays - I had a call from my uncle inviting me over to spend the last week of the year with all of them in Portland.

I gladly accepted the invite and eagerly looked forward to my trip to the West coast. Having visited Portland in the past, I quite knew what to expect - but this would be my first trip there in the winter.

A few days before my journey, a major snowstorm blew through the Pacific Northwest and most of Washington and Oregon received about 12+ inches of snow. Since these are places that don't usually get any snow - the airports and towns are not equipped to handle it. For 48 hours, Portland airport (PDX) was closed to all traffic. Hundreds of flights were cancelled. Amidst all my holiday excitement - I could only hope that my flight made it to Portland as scheduled. On my day of travel, the airport was functional, but there were severe weather delays. Thanks to the delays, the gate agent's holiday mood and my numerous flights on United Airlines for work - I was upgraded for free! Sitting up in First class - eating a good meal, watching the clouds and stars, made the 5 hrs whizz by... Definitely a great way to start the holiday...

Getting around Portland was a challenge, since the public transport system was hampered by the snow. Met up with my cousins at the train station and got home in time for a late dinner. Dinner ... phew - here's the spread ... raspberry salad, veg pulao, some amazing grilled Pacific salmon (yes, this tastes much better than the commonly available Atlantic variety), carrots & cranberries and some soba noodles in ginger soy sauce. Despite my meal on the flight - I tucked into the sumptuous dinner. As expected, this was the trend throughout the holiday ... delicious meals and relaxation ...

The next morning - was Christmas Day! After an awesome breakfast - we exchanged gifts amidst a lot of excitement. A truly memorable Christmas for me!

NY Wishes - 2009

The other day, we had a severe snowstorm. In the span of an hour – the weather worsened. The pathway below my apartment was invisible. Public transportation was paralyzed. Offices announced closures since no one could get to them. Airports were forced to cancel flights and shut down. TV channels flashed regular weather updates warning viewers to stay indoors to avoid danger of accidents and frostbite. As the day progressed, the snowflakes continued to fall until the entire landscape was covered in white. Unfortunately, as I discovered the next day, much to my chagrin – so was my car! But, for that day & night, as the snow fell in soft white flakes – it was blissfully calm and quiet. The scenery looked right out of a picture postcard. The weather gave everyone an opportunity to spend some good ol' family time, away from the rush of the ticking clock and endless to-do lists.

I think it was Mother Nature's way of granting us all, the gift of a much-needed break from the frenetic activity that goes on through the year. What gifts would I choose for all of us as we step into another trip around the sun?

1.Peace. Yes – that quiet feeling that creeps from within when your mind is not chasing strings of thoughts around. Not quite as encompassing as world peace, but as we all know – it can be just as elusive. May this be the year that you find peace within.

2.Health – Most of us are seriously work-life imbalanced. And as I navigate through each day, I find that the one thing that manages get lower down the priority list is my time to exercise and maintain my body to do all that I want to do. May this be the year that we spend more time being well, than worrying about it!

3.Discovery – We often walk the same path each day, without discovering and exploring the things and changes around. Seasons come and go, and another year rolls by. I've learnt that people also move in and out of our lives. It is up to us to discover them and make the connection. Exchange thoughts & ideas; explore the world. Who knows, that stranger today may happen to be your good friend tomorrow! May you have the chance to discover many such fulfilling relationships that enrich your life.

4.Time – The greatest gift of all. I've seen that it's not always about keeping schedules. Abandon that watch. Share your time with those you love. I was surprised how giving this to someone I cared about made a positive impact on my day. May you have and receive thisfrom those near and dear to you.

These I wish for all of us!