(Jan 20, 5:33pm)

Finally, it's cold in Delhi.. and thick with mist... The sun's gone into a hiding, like never to return..

I'm enjoying this weather, though.. It gives me a feel as if I'm in some European country... memories of Cardiff come alive..

When I had depression, I'd hate this weather.. I find it beautiful, now.. it doesn't worry me.. In fact, I feel more keen to read, and write, and go out exploring the city..

XXX

January reminds me of new books.. we had January to December sessions in school till the 8th standard.. so, the new year begun with a visit to Pustakayan and later Vidyapeeth.. shops, where Mum would buy us the new books..

The week would follow putting brown paper on them, and on the notebooks.. arduous task.. but we'd do it together over tea in the evening.. we'd love it..

XXX

(Jan 18, 9:54pm)

I have discovered this music show, Memory Stick on MTV..

They play all the 90s songs from 9pm to ten.. and that's perfect time and perfect music..

I come back from office, change, do the room and then I can just tune in to the beautiful melodies..

I think 90s gave us some of the most soul stirring romantic numbers, and with a fresh feel.. No, it's not that I am obsessed with bygone eras..

But then 1990s is hardly bygone.., those numbers do not give any gloomy feel.. or force you to brood... They are fresh.. electrifying.. they are very positive..

XXX

(Jan 18, 9:49pm)

I'm seriously considering joining the gym, take some dance classes.. and also, get myself a voice coach..

No, no, Bollywood is not in my mind.. but I thought it's time I started this..

Gym, because I should be more in good frame than I currently am.. I am genetically in good shape always.. that's a gift.. but I thought I should be more sharp..

XXX

Dance would be a good art to learn.. and it helps you express yourself.. we all should make the best use of opportunities..

I am a city person, but I do not come from a metro.. so, learning dance was not possible.. why not make this happen now, when I am permanently based in Delhi?

XXX

And voice coach.. yes, I need that.. I speak well.. but I am a very conscious person also.. for me 7.5 or 8 have never been of attraction.. It should be always 9 on 10.. and above..

And then, I may make a transition to TV in a couple of years.. Nobody would say I lack any skills for TV.. but then, I always believe in having a polish..

So, may be a voice trainer or a presenter could bring that polish.. Ain't that a good idea?

XXX

(Jan 18, 9:42pm)

Having quite a new year... everything is turning up well at work and beyond..

Got a front page lead story this week, in The Sunday Guardian.. The space is usually reserved for the strategic affairs editor and the political editor..

But my follow up on the Malda violence, with ground inputs, was liked by the bosses.. and they asked me to develop it for page one... eventually I got the headlines credit.. which was gratifying..

XXX

Then I have saved some money.. and everyday after work, I sneak into some coffee shop at CP.. and have a quiet, good time..

This is important when you are on your own in a big city.. and also, our work as a journalist can be often taxing..

So, amusement is necessary..

XXX

I have noticed I have had little outdoors amusement.. or eating out.. No, Im not a miser.. but since the very start of my career, I have lived independently..

Sharing your flat with a few mates saves you a lot.. I end up paying 17-18K for the rent, as I am alone..

There's not much to spare for recreational activity..

Then? What do I do?

XXX

(Jan 2, 10:06pm)

Who wants to spend Day 2 of the new year at office? But then, Saturdays are production.. So had to come..

It's a totally indoors day.. First I was alseep till 12 noon, and then I'm locked in office... But I guess, it is suddenly colder again..

Last evening, we were strolling around the city in light blazers.. now back to fur coats and jumper jackets..

XXX

I spent the day replying to messages on Facebook, watsapp, and other sms messages.. And posting birthday pics on Instagram.. ha ha..

Hope to enjoy tomorrow again... I think I'd be going out to eat Chinese with some friends.. Let's see.. I'm broke already.. will go and count, may be few hundreds are left...

XXX

(Jan 1, 11:34pm)

Yes, I was suspecting right.... the colleagues had planned a small surprise for me.. They had ordered a delicious chocolate cake..

Bolivian evasion or something, I can't remember.. But it was mouth-watering...

XXX

I sneaked out of office at 6pm.. didn't even switch off the computer for fear of getting caught.. told a trusted colleague to do so later..

Not that it would be a problem if the boss saw me going.. but I wanted to avoid any kind of conversation..

XXX

Went to Big Chill, a popular Italian restaurant at Khan market.. It was a beautiful way to sign off the new year day, which also was my birthday,..

Had this salad called, Salad Nicoise.. It was basically Tuna fish on a bed of lettuce.. with French beans, onion rings, tomatoes, black olives and a hard boiled egg.. served with some creamy vinaigrette..

For the main course, I ordered Portuguese Puri Puri sauce... it was baked fish, with bread and steamed vegetables...

All was good today, beaming a beautiful embrace to 2016, which I hope brings all smiles and no sob to my life.

Happy New Year, again!

XXX

(Jan 1, 4:18pm)

Brim with joy forever... Happy New Year 2016..

Started the day with a jog.. there's this lush, green ground nearby.. this was the first time I visited it..

New year resolutions are meant to be broken.. But I lived up to it partly.. the jog, hence, happened.. but three hours behind the schedule, at 9...

XXX

This is one of those rare birthdays, I am not in hometown.. In fact, this is only the third time I am not in Patna on Jan 1st...

So, I miss doing the pooja, and getting up very early to arrange for the pooja and then have my staple breakfast of cheese sandwiches and a glass full of orange juice..

But I prayed, nevertheless...

I hope to go to some good restaurant at Green Park in the evening, and eat out...

XXX

Have come here to office for a couple of hours.. my colleagues know this is my birthday.. may be they are doing something..

XXX