Vernon
Originally published March 2007
After passing this a million times over, have finally picked up a copy of “Vernon God Little”. Can’t put it down. And the fact that I have to deal with Texans makes it that much more special.
Have been trying to figure out something:
Mood Indigo 2002 — after talking to a girl I knew from Pune for 15 minutes (must have been about 5 in the real world!):
Me: So… er.
Girl: So, what?
Me: … {paste usual ridiculous grin}
Girl: You don’t remember my name do you!?
Me: Well, I am pretty sure you don’t remember mine.
Girl: No Vinod, I do!
Me: So what is your name, anyway?
Girl: Swati Joshi… Damn!
Me: Usually when I am diplomatic, and {voice in my head says shut up} keep the conversation going, something comes up! Pronouns are very powerful things.
Girl: Ok. See you around. Nice meeting you again, bye… (dud dud dud..)!
Today in the morning:
Girl: Just got promoted.
Me: When are you buying me dinner … {paste usual ridiculous grin}?
Girl: We might be having a party tonight. What’s your number?
Me: Well.. 5318422. Give me a missed call.
Girl: OK. V-I-N-O-D… {does not notice that my jaw drops}. What does your name mean?
Me: It means a joke.
Girl: Laughs.
Me: No, I’m serious.
Girl: OK. I’ll give you a missed call.
Me: OK. Can you type out your name, please. I can’t spell it!
Girl: But do you remember my name?
Me: I can’t spell it. … {technically, if I don’t remember her name, I can’t spell it… mental glee}
Girl: What’s my name?
Me: Well, I don’t know!
Girl: {types I-H-U-A-T-A}.
Me: … {How the hell would I remember that!!}
Subsequent conversation suspended by the existence of 2 iPods.
Thing is, sometimes you think, things change. Then you turn 23. And realise they don’t.
How cool!
And yeah, am disappointed with India. Not for loosing. But for not trying. Nevermind.
But, I was telling Shashi, how I was proud that LTTE (even if only allegedly) bought Indian military technology. The ultimate test for technology is when an inexperienced, and underdog secessionist group adopts it. Has anybody heard of the Kaleshnikovs? Considering the plight of the Indian LCA project, it is a great achievement that someone would use our radar systems to even guide a paper plane.
Little things.
F#$%en little things!