A travelling story

Typically I fly direct. Typically I fly Southwest. Neither of those happened this last trip. I took US Airways and had a layover in LaGuardia. I like traveling and none of this phases me. For some reason, I decided to check a bag. My flight from BWI to LGA was simple and uneventful. My trip from there to Providence was a bit more interesting...

18:45 - arrive at LGA with little fanfare. As I get into the terminal, I check the boards to find my next flight, headed to PVD, set to depart from gate 10, on-time (19:59). So I wander a bit past gate 10 and review the stores/food court. No interest.

19:05 - return to gate 10 with yogurt parfait and water in hand. Find a seat and enjoy my food. I notice that there is no airline personnel at the desk nor is the flight monitor active. About a dozen passengers are around. After eating, I pull out a book to read.

19:35 - a passenger wanders by looking for a seat and asks the general area whether this is the right gate for PVD and why hasn't boarding started. It does seem strange. I notice my phone is dying and I should find a receptacle. An airline person walks to the counter.

19:40 - I move across the way close to the door near a power receptacle and plug in my phone. I reopen the book and wait to see what happens. The woman takes the mike and announces, 'the plane outside has been sitting there for two days for mechanical issues. They are still working on it. We will let you know.'

19:45 - second announcement. 'Flight is not taking off. Passengers can hurry and take an US Airways Express flight to DC and then back up to Providence. There are no other flights to Providence. The DC flight is at gate 18 and boards real soon now.' She told some people that they should rush over to the gate.

19:55 - I don't panic even when 12-15 ppl rush away from the gate. I ask about any flights to Boston. There is a 9pm flight. I decide to take that info and think about my options. I try reach my friends in Boston (voicemail) and then call my friend in Providence. Mike suggests that maybe the airline would compensate a train ticket to PVD from NYC or from Boston. Also, he could just come to Logan. I check back with the airline person and they don't know if I could get a voucher for a train. When I am ready, I should head to Special Services.

20:10 - I head to Special Services and ask to transfer to the Boston flight. I also ask to have my checked bag transferred because otherwise it would stay in LaGuardia (I assume). I ask the manager about getting free access to WiFi (it costs money) to search for travel options or train vouchers. No dice. She says I can send an email to US Airways and mention the situation to get reimbursements.

20:30 - I head over to gate 19 (other side of airport). I notice that the 9pm Boston flight is listed as delayed until 9:30pm. Ugh! I ask at the desk and find that the plane is enroute and arrives by 8:50pm.

20:45 - After settling in to wait, I see the departure boards and notice a PVD flight listed to depart at 9pm. I didn't note the gate number, but the flight number was my old one. I ask the desk near me and they are confused. Asked me who said that the flight was cancelled. They call Special Services and find out yes, mechanical delays and it will be listed as cancelled. Local manager confirms. I return to my seat and ignore the board.

20:50 - I spend some time researching how to get from BOS to PVD. Maybe Amtrak, maybe rental car. Talked with my friends in Boston. Mike planned to call me back.

20:59 - I packed up my bag and was planning on asking the desk about the Boston plane. I hear an announcement stating last call for Providence flight at gate 8! What? I rush to the desk and ask this guy about the announcement. He comes out of a daze and says he didn't hear it. I ask to check for the PVD flight and gate 8. A woman looks and says that it still shows maintenance issues. The guys says that no one is answering at 8. I decided to rush back over.

21:10 - I arrive at gate 8. I ask the woman about a flight to Providence. She (Lucy) says that it is ready to leave and I missed the flight. I quickly explain and she calls on the radio down to the tarmac and asks to hold the plane. She finds out that I can board but my bag is not going to make it back to this flight. Tarmac radios that some bags bound from Providence have just arrived. Lucy and I rush down to the plane and she takes my claim ticket to see if my bag is on the cart before they load it. Nope. But I can still go to Providence if I want. (The plane destined for Boston is now at its gate and prepping for travel, with my bag).

21:30 - I am the sole passenger on a small prop jet headed to PVD. Just me, two pilots, and a flight attendant. I actually have to sit in the back for weight balance. Kinda fun.

And that's how I arrive in Providence and my bag heads to Logan. Fortunately, I am not on some crazy high-level business trip. Fortunately, Boston is a short one hour trip away. Fortunately, I have some good friends in Boston to meet up with for dinner.

It is often said that how you react to circumstances is the key. Like water off a duck's back. Take every situation as a blessing in disguise. One I like is that the size of a man is equivalent to the size of the thing that pisses him off. Worst case scenario - buy new clothes. Best case - a day in Boston. And that is what I had.

Thanks for reading,
~J^3

Share and Care Foundation (SCF)

A few weeks back, one of my uncles included me on an email which included a link to a few YouTube videos covering a TV interview he gave. The TV show is called 'The Leading Force'. From their own write up:

THE LEADING FORCE is a weekly show focusing on pioneering South Asian organizations of international repute based in North America, who have worked relentlessly to serve the mankind and foster goodwill between Asian Indians in the US and the mainstream population. This includes organizations serving in various fields ranging from spiritual, professional and the world of Arts, Entertainment & Media, to humane services, medicine, science & technology and the political arena.

The reason that my uncle, Jayant Shroff, was on the show was to discuss an organization in which he is a founding member - the Share and Care Foundation. I was amazed to learn that he and the group have been providing assistance to people in India for over 28 years now. The foundation's website is here: http://www.shareandcare.org. Here's an excerpt from the website:

Share and Care, the brainchild of a small group of Indian-Americans, was born in 1982 in New Jersey. Currently the core group is comprised of some 40 active volunteers with different backgrounds and disciplines. This includes professionals in the fields of medicine, administration, finance, business and engineering. The core group and the Foundation enjoy the support, enthusiasm and dedication of the community at large.

The Foundation began with a very simple idea to convert what is considered "waste" in the western world into much needed help in the East. The idea became reality when good quality used clothes were collected and sent to orphanages and women's home in rural India. Medical supplies and equipment that were considered "obsolete" in the west but were a leap forward in remote areas were soon included in the shipments. These supplies dramatically improved the quality of care in charitable hospitals there.

From its infancy, the group realized the benefits of volunteerism and self-help. Share and Care volunteers see themselves as catalysts, promoting low cost, high return programs at grass root levels. Our 100% volunteer organization maximizes the utilization of funds for a deserving cause. The most exciting aspect of our work is that in twenty seven years of Foundation's existence, the programs have grown over a hundred - fold.

The interview on The Leading Force spanned 45 minutes. There are three videos comprising this interview which are shown below. Feel free to watch and listen to what they have been able to accomplish:

Episode 4, Part 1 of 3

Episode 4, Part 2 of 3


Episode 4, Part 3 of 3


Listening to my uncle speak and understanding with the foundation does make me proud. Too many times we are bombarded with news about how people take and take without giving back. Yet that is just the 'news'. In reality, this country is filled with people who give - not only money, but their time, their minds, and their hearts. Kudos to Share and Care Foundation! I look forward to finding ways to help them do what they do.

Thanks for reading and watching,
~J^3

Words of encouragement & words of comfort

Last night I stopped by one of my favorite bars in Hampden, Golden West. It was a night like any other with a buzz in the bar. The bartenders and servers were whipping around serving patrons various elixirs. I did start to notice however a solemness about the bartenders. I asked and was presented with shocking information - one of their good friends and co-workers had suddenly passed away the night before.

Over the past year, I have come to know many of the employees and friends of GW. It is not hard since they are a welcoming bunch. Sit at the bar long enough or play pinball, you pick out who is GW staff and who is not. Being who I am, I tend to build relationships. There was occasionally this tall, broad shouldered guy. He seemed to be a quiet, reserved guy who worked as a server. His name was Mike. With his tattoos, height, and pleasant demeanor, Mike was hard to miss. I recall a smile or a nod every time we would see each other. And those will remain my memories of Mike.

A little after I heard the news, I was in conversation with a couple discussing Dali, Gaudi, art, Internet, and youth with cell phones. About this time a gentlemen saddled up to the bar between us to get a drink. He wasn't getting noticed, so I attempted to signal one of the bartenders. He quickly told me not to worry - they were having a rough night. I realized he knew and could tell it hurt him too.

What would you do? Do you say 'Sorry' or 'Feel better', and walk away? My reaction was to offer comfort, encouragement, humor, and when they are ready - topic change. Over about 30min, I learned a lot about David and was happy to hear that our conversation eased his thoughts and mind. He told me that his day was hard and he expected to have a rough night. Fortunately, we met, talked and he felt better.

I wrote this post not to brag about me. The events of last night remind me that we don't choose what happens around us - we only choose how react. David told me that news of Mike's death caused him to contact his loved ones and let them know how much he cared for them.

In today's age of 'connection', do you really know what is going on in your friends' lives? Do you care enough to ask, to help, to encourage, to comfort? I know that I will try better to do so.

I also want to express my condolences for Mike's friends and family. May you find the peace you are looking for.

Thanks for reading,
~J^3

** UPDATE **

Mike's Viewing and Funeral Service will be Wednesday, 09.07.11 and Thursday, 09.08.11 from 3 - 5 pm and 7 - 9 pm at Peaceful Alternatives, 2325 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093. Friday, 09.09.11, the Funeral will begin at 11 am at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made in order to help others suffering from addiction.
Please send pictures ...to siska.miller@gmail.com.
...
He will be wearing his dancing shoes.

Independence Day!

(Originally written around the 4^th of July)

For the first time in a long time, I did something non-traditional for Independence Day. By traditional, I generally attend a local parade – waving, clapping, and cheering as floats pass by. That is typically followed up by a fireworks display in the evening, either sitting on the lawn or watching on TV.

This year was different. I broke my ‘tradition’ and joined my good friends, Dave & Lori and their family, at Hershey Park. That’s right, I celebrated my independence day by riding roller coasters. It was a blast. Whatever discounts we obtained buying the tickets at Giant were given back at the highly priced food venues. Since I sat next to Dave on the first ride, I am sure he’d be happy to relay the contorted facial expression I had while experiencing those gravitational shifts. Just mention ‘Pirate Ship’. It was fun to also witness the park partly through the eyes of a child… no, not Dave! His niece was there and she rode probably every kid’s ride possible. And she was excited through the end.

We didn’t stay for the fireworks because we all had to get back. I actually drove from Hershey to Queens, NY (about 3 hours). It was neat to watch the near and far fireworks displays as the sun went down. Some of the fireworks were probably public (official) ones while others were obviously private ones. The ride across PA, NJ, and into NYC was pretty. It was cool watching moments of each of those shows. I rolled into NYC just after the main Manhattan display, so I missed that one, but there were still little ones going off.

Did I miss the parade with politicians and fire engines? Yes. Did I miss the crazy close fireworks? Yes. Would I have traded my day at Hershey Park? No way! It is good to break routine; to try something new; to create new traditions.

As a side note, Independence Day can be celebrated any day. I am often thankful for the blessings and opportunities I have because of this country, our soldiers, and my parents. I hope you all enjoyed your independence day.

Thanks for reading!

~J^3

Cafe surfing

Happy Easter folks! And if you don't celebrate Easter, happy first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox!

Earlier I was enjoying a mimosa at what was a relatively quiet cafe in Astoria, NY. That same location has turned a bit busier as the lunch/brunch crowd has appeared. Mind you, I am not leaving; it is just a change in atmosphere. And that is really the reason for my post.

I am the only one here alone (well, except the guy at the bar) and the only one with a laptop on the table. I am sure that plenty of the patrons have their favorite smart phone with them. I brought said laptop because I plan to do some office work here in the comfort of WiFi, coffee, and the busy NY streets. It is not that exciting to sit in my hotel room when the weather is THIS nice.

Before I start said office work, I find myself exploring the web, checking email, reviewing links sent by friends. In this environment, there is little to no privacy. Anyone could easily look over my shoulder and judge what I am doing. Then again, I might think too highly of what people focus on. I digress. While checking my email and performing some surfing, I suddenly got conscious of what I was looking at. Before you jump to conclusions, I am not looking at THOSE type of sites! A link I was recently sent a link with a video comparing old Britney to new Britney. Spears, that is. I have my sound off and click the play. The video shows vintage clips of Britney "dancing" and I am sure eventually this will be compared to newer clips. I stopped after less than a minute. Watching a female artist dance around without sound is a little strange, no matter where you are.

So the question I pose to you is if you find yourself in similar situations, are there sites you look at and don't look at? Do you try to appear more learned by reading the NYT or WSJ? I guess one of the obvious choices I have is to ignore such emails and links. Who really cares if old Britney and new Britney dance differently? (Popdust.com, that's who.)

Enjoy your day and thanks for reading!
~J^3

Making a difference

When's the last time you made a difference in someone's life? It might be more recent than you think.

The past three days I was fortunate to witness the culmination of a season of robotics at a regional competition. For the past few months, I have been mentoring and helping a group of high school students build and program a robot. It has been awesome experiencing how they work together and the leaders that emerge.

Through this experience I have had now two years in a row, I know that I am having an impact on those kids lives. I hope that I am making a difference. But I also know that I make an impact almost every day in the smallest ways.

The other night, I watched a short talk by Mark Bezos, a volunteer firefighter. The talk is one of the many on TED.com. If you have never heard of that site, I encourage you to check it out. Below is a link to Mark's 5-minute talk. Watch it and the rest of this blog will make more sense:

TED talks - Mark Bezos
http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_bezos_a_life_lesson_from_a_volunteer_firefighter.html

We can make a difference everyday by looking up while running around and being busy. It can be the smile you give a stranger or the door you hold open for someone entering or leaving the place you are at. Sure, you might not ever see that person again or even know their name, but that act of kindness may make a difference in how they react the next moment.

Often though, we can make an even greater difference by choosing to 'teach' rather than 'tell'. I have been there; it is easier to tell someone to do something new and hope they get it right rather than show and teach them how to do it the first time. These others can be kids, co-workers, friends, acquaintances. The more we give of ourselves, the more impact we can make.

Thanks for reading and have fun making a difference,
~J^3