I am often asked this question, so I thought I would answer the question here.

When someone asks me whether i would like to have a drink, My short answer is that “I don’t feel like I need it.” That’s good enough for some!

But it’s not as haphazard as that simple explanation makes it sound. I have given it a lot of thought. I kinda see it as something I’d need a reason to start doing, rather than something I need a reason not to do. I sometimes ask people why they do drink. The usual responses are “to fit in,” “to be social,” and “to let loose.” I think I do all right covering all three of these on my own.

There are a couple of reasons I’ve come up with through my own observations, that people either aren’t aware of or can’t say aloud. I sometimes see people using alcohol as an excuse to act a little dumber. I don’t mean that in a bad way. Consider the man who can’t get on the dance floor until he’s had a few drinks, or the boy who can’t go up and talk to a girl without a little liquid courage. I am not those people. I’ll dance when I want to dance, and I’ll talk to the women I’m going to talk to without needing any form of crutch.

So fine, it’s not a necessity for me. But it’s fun, right? Why not give it a try?

So, i went on to give it a try during one of the tours with ma college buddies. Well, i dont know whether you can consider that as getting drunk. Because, we drank only Apple Cider, its just a beverage(like wine) made from juice pressed from apples and its alcoholic content is the least among all. Only 7%!

That was in Manali. Myself, Kanthimathinathan and Hariharan were determined to taste wine/beer or something during this tour! We wanted to know the Mystery behind getting drunk! We had purchased 2 bottles of Apple Cider from the Factory Outlet of a Apple Winery on our way to Manali! Before buying we checked out the alcoholic contect of all types of alcoholic beverages they had in stock. Beer, wine, heavy liquor or any other spirit. Apple Cider had the least, so we went on to buy it. We reached Manali, and went shopping. After returning to our rooms, we prepared ourselves to get drunk. It was all so funny. Hari had bought himself a small bottle of 8PM(it has a higher alcoholic content) and Kanthi and Myself had one bottle of cider each. We started drinking. Yuck! It’s taste was so awful. I was wondering, if this cider(with its least alcoholic content) itself was so horrible, how would the other alcoholic beverages taste! And after finishing off the bottle, I was expecting that something would happen! It didnt make me dumber or do weird things as i was expecting! lolz! I was as normal as before! So, we started to prepare our beds for sleeping. Within sometime, Kanthi started vomitting all over the room. And so, Myself and Hari, went to sleep in the next room with our other friends, while Kanthi c***** u* t** m***(words removed upon the request of my dear friend Kanthi, who doesnt want to get insulted further!!! He called me up after seeing this post and asked me to remove his name and put in Mr.X! On further negotiations, we agreed to remove these words instead of the name!) and slept in our room. We still have all those photos and videos. It was all very funny and hilarious. From then on he got the nickname WINE KANTHI!

Eventhough i drank that day, I never really enjoyed the taste. I’d have to hold my nose to drink that, much to the amusement of my friends.

And now finally i’ve made a decision! I don wanna drink. Unless, someone does something to improve the taste!

I listed down some reasons that i could think of for making this decision. They are:

1.Because it Tastes bad.

I can’t stand the smell and taste of alcohol, and don’t understand what is appealing about chugging down huge quantities of what is essentially poison, into my body. And if ever, I want a drink in my hand, nothing beats a Pepsi.

2. I enjoy being in control.

And being sober around drunk people, I see what stupid decisions and mistakes that drunk people make all the time. In fact, that’s the best thing about being sober - you get to laugh at everyone else, and still be able to remember it the next morning.

3.Because I like to drive.

I can take my own car anywhere, leave whenever I want to, and not have to shell out money for a taxi or bum a ride off somebody else.

4.Because I don’t need to be drunk to have fun.

I’m glad I have at least experienced a lot of stuff so far in my life that I don’t feel like I have missed out on anything so far.

Well, this is my Personal Decision. I’d not militantly say everyone should give it up, or that anyone should aspire to follow my lead. I just wish more people could acknowledge that it’s a reasonable conclusion to have reached for myself, and let me have it.

I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

Many times i’ve been asked this question, “What’s the Most Embarrassing Moment in your Life?!”

You want to know?! Read on…

I used to go to college by my College Bus from the Second Year to the Final Year. I stayed in the College Hostel in the First year just to experience Hostel Life!!

Myself, Srinivas, Vinoth, Surendar and a few other Guys and Gals used to board our College Bus at Thirumanglam. Me and Srinivas used to walk together to the Bus Stop, sometimes joined by Vinoth on the way. Others join us at the Bus Stop. The Bus Comes to the Stop at 7.40am; Well it is supposed to come at that time, sometimes it comes early or sometimes late. Every student who goes to college will know, the bus comes early when we go a little late and the vice versa! That always happens. SMSes starts flying right from 7.15am; Updating my friends on where i am what i am doing; I’m eating. Started from Home. I’m almost there. Itho vathuten;

Everyday, i get ready at the last minute… Not that i wake up late. We used to go to the Gym in the mornings during my second and third year. So, morning schedule will be kind of packed! After finishing the morning chores(that wud be around 7.20am), i wud hurry up and go to Srini’s Place. Shout Out his Name from the Road once and he’ll look down from his balcony and say “Wait, i’m just now eating! Taking Bath! etc!” Then i’ll wait and we walk together towards t’manglam. Not always walking, fast walking, slow runing, jogging, fast runing! Depends on the Time Remaining! One eye at the watch one eye on the road.

Sometimes we’ll find Vinoth on the way. He’ll also join and we all talk and walk together. There were many funny incidents related commuting to college. We’d reach the Bus Stop all sweating and grasping for breath. We always go exactly when the Bus reaches the Stop or when the Bus starts leaving the Stop. Many a times, we have missed the Bus. Then, we’ve to Govt Bus! (Gosh. So, irritating.) Or a Share Auto. Going by Share Auto that too in Chennai’s Roads is very Difficult. Especially Me and Srinivas, being Tall, had to undergo those difficulties toghether. Like for example, when we go on a Share Auto, i’ll here a Loud *Thud* and when i turn around to see what happened, that wud be Srini hitting the roof of the Auto! And as I look at him and laugh, again another *Thud*, that wud be me hitting the Roof!!!

Well coming to the Embarrassing Moment… I went to the Bus Stop alone one day, i.e, srini and vinoth didnt come that day. But Surendar and the Other Guys of my College were standing at the Bus Stop. Well, the place is usually crowded in the morning because almost all colleges in the city pick up their students from Thirumanglam. As always, i was late. Since the place was crowded, i didnt notice Surendar standing at the Bus Stop. I noticed a bus standing at my stop when i was nearing my stop. It looked exactly like one of my college Bus. So, i started running after the Bus. The Bus Left the Place. Seeing me running, Surendar started running after me thinking that that was our college bus. I somewhow managed to chase the bus and board it when it was running. When i enterd the Bus, I was Shocked!

No Face was familiar! Everyone looked at me! And i realized, that that was a Different College Bus!!!!!! I then went to the Bus Driver and explained him the things and requested him to stop the bus! Thank Goodness the Bus didnt go much distance from my stop. Surendar was waiting for me at halfway and then we walked back to our stop!

These days am spending my free time at home in understanding Ubuntu OS. I like Ubuntu better than Suse…

Both the Linux Platforms are like Greek and Latin for me after working in WIndows OS after all these years…!

Wish me luck in learning these open source platforms! he he!

This Trip to Mahabalipuram with ma frnds in Bike, was my first Road Trip out of City!

I had not informed my Parents abt the Plans, but eventually my mom found out abt it later!

It was during our Second Year in College… When we were sitting in the Workshop and chatting(as always), someone came up with this idea of Bunking College and going somewhere on a one day road trip in our bikes. We actually planned to go to Tada Falls… Initially, when we planned it in college, nearly 20-30 guys frm ma class agreed. But, after going back home, the guys started giving various reasons for not coming, one by one. The count went on decreasing. So, it was as good as cancelled!

The Next Morning i woke up to Tune of my N-Gage QD Ringing! It was my frnd Raja over the phone, who told me his new plans(Mahabalipuram)! I told him i’ll call him back after ascertaining the situation at my place. I had to check whether the atmosphere is conducive for Bunking or not! Thankfully, we had guests at home that day and mom was quite busy with them. So, after some time i informed ma frnds that i would be coming. And then, i got ready as usual and left home at around 7am.

Srinivas and Myself stayed in the Same Apartments. So, i went to the ground and waited for him. All the other guys were to come to our Apartments. We were 6 in all. Srinivas and Me. Naren and Hem Kumar. Raja and Senthil Kumar. So, we started from our Apartments which was in Anna Nagar and went via Maduavoyal to the By-Pass(200ft) Road. This 200ft Road was almost empty and we zoomed away to GST Road in No time. As the saying goes, Journey is more important than the destination. We enjoyed the Travelling part, which was the most exciting. Coming back to the journey, We took a left turn near Crescent Engineering College and went on till the end of that road. We were a bit hungry by then and had some snacks and water at a nearby Bakery Shop. Then, we went on to Mahabalipuram. On the way we had to pay at some Toll Gate in OMR. I paid for the three of us and kept the tickets in my pocket and forgot about it!!! On our way, Raja tried doing some stunts. He was so busy showing off that he drove over a fresh cowdung and it splashed all over his pant! And there were a lot of funny moments that day.

At Mahabalipuram, we parked our Bikes and walked to the beach! The beach was nearly empty as it was very hot! We roamed around the place. Climbed the Rocks. Caught some crabs. Played in the Water

It was almost 2pm by then. We took our bikes and started back home. Before leaving Mahabalipuram, we finished our lunch at a roadside dhabba. While returning we took the ECR route. Again while coming back we raced each other.

I enjoy driving fast, but thats only when i am in the Driver’s Seat!!!

Hmmm… When we were almost near Muttukadu, Naren’s Bike’s Engine got heated up and it stopped. So, we towed his bike along with us to the Muttukadu Boat House and parked our vehicles there. We had to wait till his bike gets naturally cooled down. We went to the Boat house and lazed around at that place. After some time, we were back on track and reached home in the evening.

I didnt say anything at home and was back doing things as i always do after going back home from college.

I went back to Routine and forgot about that incident. But, i had a surprise waiting for me! After a few days, my mom asked me how was the Mahabalipuram Trip? I was really surprised, how she got to know the place and all?! I asked ‘What Mahabalipuram?’ Like if i didnt know anything. But, am not that good at telling lies, and after some time i let it out, said sorry and asked her how she found that out?! Then, my brother showed me the Toll Gate Ticket! It was clearly written in the Ticket as “Mahabalipuram”! I forgot about the tickets entirely, and my mom found those papers while washing my pants.

Well, my mom didnt say anything, coz am back home safe and sound(the reason she wud not let me out, is reg my safety), and maybe also that what has happened has happened. My folks are not that strict. But still, i didnt tell them because, my mom is usually afraid of the speed at which i drive and if i had told them i would be going to Mahabalipuram she would definitely not have let me go, then!

Anyways, it was a wonderful trip that day. The Bike Journey was the most exciting maybe coz it was my first time! It also taught me a lesson in life(which is the Moral of the Story). You gotta experience anything to understand it! And i learnt from my experience that day! Innime, alert ah irupom la! lolz

Moral of the Story:

It’s Only Wrong if You Get Caught!

Thappu Senja Thadayam Illaama Seiyanum!

We came to Chennai in the Summer of 2000. I had finished ma 8th Std and had to join 9th Std here in Chennai. We were trying to get admission in KV, Ashok Nagar thro’ some MP Quota. So, till then, i was staying at home doing nothing! Yea… Nothing! Our things had not yet arrived frm Delhi, so i didnt even have TV to watch then! I was new to the Place and wanted to Explore… And so I decided to learn Cycling!

The reason behind the then sudden attraction to the Cycle was

1. I hated travelling by Bus.
2. I was too lazy to Walk.
3. I didnt know to ride a Motorcycle/Car/Train/Plane or for that matter any Vehicle! Cycle was the first step that cud lead to others!

My mom agreed to teach me Cycling!
She bought me a Lady Bird Cycle (I was Ok with it initially, but later when i joined school, it was so so embarassing to take it to school!) coz she felt it would be better for me to learn cycling in a Lady Bird, than with other cycles having a bar, which would be difficult to mount! I agreed to it(i always do, being a nice boy!)

I then pledged to save earth by

1. not polluting the environment with smoke
2. conserving fuel usage by not using Motorcycles
3. making the earth greener.

My first Cycling Lesson:

I learnt cycling in just 1 hour! The first time i cycled was around 1st Sector KK Nagar. Ma mom held the cycle for me and then i climbed into it. And then kept ma hands in the handle bar. And started pedalling. Wow! It was so easy. I started pedalling and the cycle started moving. Ma mom came running along with me for a few feet. And then she removed her hands. I was cycling all alone. It was so cool. The streets were almost empty. So, no worry abt others! I came around the 1st sector. I turned left right again left. It was all so easy. Suddenly, one old man came in front of me out of nowhere!!!
I didnt expect him at all. So, inorder to avoid him, i turned the handle bar. I didnt know how to brake! I remembered mom saying that where the brakes were, i looked at the brakes. But, I was too frightened to remove ma fingers frm the handle bar and press the brake. I hit a stationary car standing in a corner of the street, and fell down. Thank God, the owner of that car was nowhere nearby. I took the cycle and ran back home, pulling the cycle along with me.

And from then on i got the hang of it. I would take the cycle, wherever i was asked to go. Even to the shop in front our house!! I was more than willing to run errands for ma mom(that is, for the first few months!)

And soon i joined school. And after a few months, me and my brother fought over the ownership of the cycle. So, ma parents decided to buy us another cycle. This time around, i wanted to buy a Gents Cycle! Coz i was by then experienced and had a little bit better knowledge of cycles. I settled for a Blue Colored Hercules AXN for somwhere around Rs. 2000/-.

This Hercules AXN was for me and i gave the Lady Bird to ma Brother, citing the reason that i was more experienced than ma bother in cycling(atleast by a few days!)
And, thus, Hercules AXN became the first ever Vehicle i owned. That Lady Bird was not mine! Ma parents had bought it saying that me and my bother both should share it. So, officially, Hercules AXN is ma first ever Vehicle!
It holds lotsa memories and fun i had with it along with ma School friends. I used it till ma 12th std!

I started Blogging, more than year before! One of the reason for me starting a Blog is ma Brother… Ma Brother and lots of these other NIT-ians n IIT-ians and many other supposed to be intelligent(are they really?!!) people, i know of are heavily into Blogs! So, i thought why dont i too Try ma hand at Blogging! I am not that Stupid, either!!!

I usually start something with a whole lot of excitement and enthusiasm and that will fizzle out after some time! I never had time to (or was interested to) keep posting something in my Blogs over a long period of time! (But, i hope that this time, its not so!) The first blog i created was in Blogspot. It was www.rvivekshanmugam.blogspot.com! Most of the posts in my Blogspot Blog were copied frm other websites. I was told by many to stop this cut-copy-paste thing and start posting something on my own. And so i created another blog in wordpress recently, it was www.rvivekshanmugam.wordpress.com! It was kinda successful! And so it boosted my morale!

I had always wanted to create my own website, instead of posting in a free blogging site! I also came to know about various advantages of having one’s own Blog Site, through my friend Gowtham. And Thanks to him, now I’ve finally created my own website! Yea!

I would like to start this Blog with a Thank You note to Gowtham!

Gowthaman helped me create this domain, host this website and for a lot more things. Thank you Gowtham for everything. Keep Helping da!

And a huge Thank You and Welcome to new readers! Please take a look around, make yourself comfortable, and join in by leaving a comment if you wish. I’m happy you’re here!