Stress Release

The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster ride, to use a well- worn cliché. OED’s definition of stress as a state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy was put to shame. It usually is this way when it’s magazine release time, but this time it just seemed never-ending. Twelve-14 hour work schedules aren’t exactly normal, and do disturb the normal physical and mental cycle of any individual, thereby proving detrimental to the overall health. (Not that my mental condition is any better without the stress, but that's a given) However, those in the media, will scoff at me for even uttering this, leave alone sympathise with me, as we can’t complain of such pitfalls of the profession. After all, we’re in it just for the love of it. Not cause it's the world's most prestigious profession, or cause I didn't get a job anywhere else, or cause it was the best way to get a quick divorce, and definitely not cause it pays to be in it (although GeNext tells me the money’s now tempting. Wish someone showed me the colour of money, too). Hence, I’ve been seeking out ways and means to relieve stress off and on and some of the proof’s been put up for public consumption as below.

Now that the magazine’s out and looking good and I have just about enough time to breathe in and breathe out while the boss breathes down my neck for the next issue already, I want to take a few minutes of your time.

Since no one acknowledges or recognises the backbreaking effort that goes in, just thought I’d give myself an Oscar for it, this time. And in true Oscar style, I’ll take this opportunity to thank a few people who have actually helped me tide through the 13 continuous days of slogging, which included fewer and fewer breaks to eat, sleep, smoke and, of course, be with my wonderful family. Oh, I promise to keep this really short.

Ok here goes. The biggest thanks to A’da for his outasight company replete with enlightening trivia, stress buster therapies, loads of fun, and, of course, for being my Shift+F7, whenever I needed help;). Sure did help me work better and more effectively. Thanks old man.

Thanks G, for being the most amazing three-yr old. She found the most innovative stress buster for me. (Digression:G stays awake for N and me to return home from our respective work places, whatever time of the night that may be. The elation on seeing us - priceless) Whenever I got home, she’d say: ” Mamma, come, sit on the floor. Play with me.” And playing meant doing the jigsaw puzzles with her, puzzles that she knows by heart and can do in less than 30 seconds sometimes! Words fail me to describe the joy it gave both of us.

And no thanks to God for helping me survive another issue, thanklessly. (I want a job that at least pays, dammit)

Oh, and U, u know, thanks just isn’t enough for u.

And life goes on...