shiv.me

Have I mentioned the long-standing obsession with stationery, especially, fountain pens? Well, it is a bit of problem, really. In the last few months, I have started hoarding them. It started with one– a Lamy. Once I discovered how one can procure junk on eBay for very little money, I quickly ended up with a selection. As these things go, I suddenly had the increased “need” for inks that are not blue, or black. Nay, simple colours won’t do for the truly obsessed.

Here is the result of the latest rotation of inks and pens.

Ink Rotation – May 12th

Reclining airplane seats!! I shake my fist at thee. This one feature on airplanes has caused me untold miseries. Ok! I exaggerate .. a little. I live Vancouver, which is one the other side of the planet with respect to my hometown. As a result, I spend at least 30 hours on an plane, once a year. To compound, my 6′ 5″ (196 cm) frame does not mix well with cramped spaces.

Dan Kois on Slate, says

everyone on the plane would be better off if no one reclined; the minor gain in comfort when you tilt your seat back 5 degrees is certainly offset by the discomfort when the person in front of you does the same. But of course someone always will recline her seat, like the people in the first row, or the woman in front of me, whom I hate. (At least we’re not in the middle seat. People who recline middle seats are history’s greatest monsters.)

Macro and Merlin agree.

Usually the conversation goes like this:

Me: “Sir/Ma’am, would you mind letting me know before you recline? My legs are up against the back of your seat, and if you do, my knees will be crushed.”
Potential Recliner: “Sure!”
…
…
*[2 hours later]: The seat reclines *
Me: “Gaaaa!!!”

In the four legs of the journey, if I get one “recliner” in the seat in front of me, I usually spend about 10 hours standing. Yes, I used to pay for my seat, and stand all the way through.

For the love of god, next time, maybe a quick check might be a good idea before you decide to recline. This way, you will help save crushed knees of some poor-souls.

Note: Cathay Pacific has an interesting solution. Their shell seats mean no reclining!.

Later: I spoke too soon! Cathay has reverted to their reclining seats. Who cares about numb butts. Just get up and walk!

The great G.B Shaw, in “Man and Superman” (not that Superman), quipped, “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” I had a weekend, that reminded me how much I love being fed. It also, reminded me of my wayward ways, in keeping the waistline in check, but I diverge. For this Christmas, I got the most amazing gift — the gift of an evening out trying out food that tasted, as good as it sounds and looks. Without much ado, here is the spread:

Thanks to all the hobby chefs for the wonderful delights, and the hospitality. I aspire to such skills in the kitchen, and perhaps I shall be able to pay it forward. Thanks to Christina for the most-awesomest gift ever (yes, we invent words here), and Sophie for “subbing” for the sick Tina (I owe you one, Sophie!)

If you want to know more about Social Bites (and you should), get in touch with the wonderful bundle of energy that is Annika! (@socialbites, Social bites on FB)

And the chefs: @wontongirljojo, @jonesboy

BMI, is not the best measure of health, or fitness, but >30 is a definite indicator of lack of care about one’s health. After several years of exactly that, I’m finally within reasonable limits. My BMI is 24.0; It’s official, I’m not obese anymore.

In the last 4 years, I have seen my weight go from 230 lbs to 266 lbs, and back to 202 lbs, as of today.

It’s a good day!