It's finally here. My last week at Mindwalk! 

Cant help looking back at the eight odd years I spent here. A rag tag bunch of 6 artists got with two Expats from a telecommunications background to start a 'We will do whatever' studio way back in early 2004. The artists were what was left of another failed studio but they had tons of dedication and the will to work insane hours for incredible periods of time. Combined with some sound business acumen and customer management experience of the telecommunication expats, Mindwalk grew into what is now an 80 odd personnel company with an enviable client base.
Somehow things went into plateau mode ( at least according to me) and I found myself doing the same things over and over albeit at varying degrees of intensity with an income and a business model that had stagnated for 2-3 years (again according to me). So I finally decided to take the proverbial ship out of the harbor. 


Have another discussion come Monday next week and I will know what I will get to keep or take with me besides the experience and the expertise.  



Add Comment
 
 
Hopefully its more fun this time because Naomi and Mom in Law are also going. And my Mom is going to come back with us. Hopefully I will look back at this post one day after I am back and tell myself I needn't have worried too much about getting her Visa.

The we are flying down on the 14th of February and the return ticket has been set to March 9. 

Sare Jahan Se Achcha Hindusitan Hamara!
Add Comment
 
 
I remember looking out the window of my apartment back in 2003 in Huairou - a small town about 2 hours drive towards west from Beijing. I was on the 5th floor and I saw the entire skyline as far as I could see lit up with fireworks. It lasted hours. I had never seen anything like it. A constant barrage of all types of fiery flowers brightened up the night sky.

Little did I know I would be seeing it for another nine years. Each time, I still take the time to look out my window and marvel at the celebration of  bringing in a New Year or simply bringing in Hope.

Its the Chinese Year of the Dragon and I wish the world peace and continuing progress.  

Add Comment
 
 
So we need more space. Mom is coming from India and the other Mom and Dad are gonna retire soon and will be visiting or staying with us more often. Zeroed in on one apartment  last week. My first thought when I saw it was - I am not going anywhere near it, let alone rent it. It was in a dilapidated condition. Thankfully Naomi saw it better than I did - Its a duplex apartment - has six rooms + storage space with its own stairwell. So she is negotiating with the owner to make a few changes. New Kitchen, new bathroom fittings, cleaner walls. 
I think its going to work out well. I am eyeing one of the rooms for a private studio. Naomi wants one for her own DIY stuff. We could have a separate room for Avee. Although I am not a big fan of him having his own room too early. 

We will see!
Add Comment
 
Happy New Year! 01/08/2012
 
What an year it is going to be!

Almost cannot wait to get to the end of the chapter and see what happened to the characters. It would not be much fun even if I could now would it? So much is bound to happen in this New Year and I am excited, apprehensive and of course, a wee bit scared as well. One thing is for sure, there is no looking back. The process of reinvention now restarts. Dormant senses need to get sharper. I cannot complain about short lunch hours or lengthy commutes anymore ;)


Btw.. I also spent New Years Night working - covering video at the Atmosphere Bar at the China World Mall. Not that I am desperate for money - actually felt kind of proud that I did it. Only damper not being with family at the time. I made sure Naomi was the first person I SMS'd though. So that's something..I guess...
Add Comment
 
Challenges Ahead 12/28/2011
 
When the future is unknown, you trust in what you know.
Add Comment
 
True Happiness 12/16/2011
 
Have you ever felt true happiness? I mean the kind that exhilarates from within. The kind that is not some bullshit-made-up happiness that you force upon yourself. "Oh, I just read a self help book and it says you can be happy by simply smiling for no reason".

Not that kinda happiness. 

Not even the kind of happiness that you feel after a great meal, or after watching a nice movie, or taking a hot shower on a cold Beijing Morning. 

I am talking about the happiness you deserve. 

The happiness you deserve and it comes to you finally after years and years of frustrations, of hard work, of perseverance and patience. When others take easier routes and you stick to your shitty one because you believe in yourself. You know it's harder this way, sometimes your confidence is shaken, many times you stare at a wall without knowing what to do next but you stick to it, because you are responsible, because their are others looking up to you. 

Life is about to turn a new chapter, and I am truly happy.  
Add Comment
 
Mom in Beijing 12/11/2011
 
Talked to my Mom last week and she has more or less made up her mind to come live with us in Beijing. "So when you guys go back after visiting here in February, I will go with you". 
First thought when she said that was one of happiness. In someways, also a sense of pride and achievement. I was finally going to take care of my Mom. She was going to live with me and my family. If you ask me, I would consider it a milestone. 
The other feeling was one of sadness. That because Dad will not be accompanying her. Almost wish I could find him somewhere. Maybe go back in time, set things straight. Sometimes I just want to believe he is still there, and if I call home he will answer. Like he always did. 
Add Comment
 
 
I understand I sound very much like an Apple fanboy. And I know its just a freakin phone. However, for me it was about the waiting and being patient. Exhausting all possibilities and NOT jumping on to the bandwagon.I finally got it for a very reasonable price all things considered. 

And it's beautiful :)
Add Comment
 
The Shoot 12/11/2011
 
The Short film shoot on Saturday went well. I think. It was good to get back into the grind. We shot till 4 AM. Mike had some interesting gear. Also good to see Tony Ren again. The last time we worked together was six months ago.
Add Comment