Insane with Insanity Max Cardio workouts

What started as scary cautious journey in the last week of February has finally ended in the last week of April. After completion of my 30-week Turbofire journey, I embarked on a much tougher journey of insanity.
Insanity is a home-fitness video program put together by Shaun - Thompson (Shaun T) a trained choregrapher and fitness instructor. His earlier programs including Hip Hop Abs, Rockin Body, Get Real with Shaun T.

Insanity is based on the concept of Maximum interval training / Tabata, where the intervals are typically 3 minutes compared to 30sec of intervals of regular interval training. The program is a 40min duration for the first month and around 60 minutes for the last month.

I was very scared and skeptical of starting this program for its intensity and high-impact workout requiring rigiorous moments and thus risking injuries. Personally, back pain, neck pains and knee pain during the period was surreal. Post workout muscle soreness (POMS) was very high during the initial 2 weeks. I was unable to walk properly for the first two weeks my thighs and especially the calves where aching the entire time; I didn't mind the soreness.

Anyways I made the best of the time, followed a tight diet, I was consuming 200-300 calories more than I was while on Turbofire. At end of turbofire I weighed around 190 lbs (I started at 207 lbs), at the end of insanity I was close to 181 lbs (Loss of 9 lbs at 1lbs per week). The weight loss I feel is a healthy loss, my body fat fell from 26% to 21%, my pant size where definetly shrunk. All my earlier 36" are loose, while at a store the closest fit was 33", bad is I need to buy a whole new wardrobe to accommodate for the shrinkage. But I want to hold on to it so that I can come down further to around 30"-32". I have "Love Handles" or "Muffin Tops" to loose, basically the fat on lower back which look like tires round the stomach.
From what I have been seeing and heard they are hardest to loose. The love handles are still around even after one round of  insanity. May be another 10-15 lbs of weight loss would take it away but it still needs to be done to head towards the ideals I am targeting.
On a side note insanity gave me a lot knee pains. All the plyometrics does have a toll on the joints so maintaining form and having cushioning to minimize impact is important.
After insanity I decided to put an end to all the cardio stress that I have been sustaining and giving my body time to recover and rebuild while I move on to the strength / resistance training. I am currently planning to start with P90x the program of Tony Harton along with Tai Cheng (based on Tai Chi) to aid muscle growth, body alignments.

Body Types: Ayurvedic Prakruti vs Somatypes

Each of us is born with a genetically determined constitution, or prakruti(nature).
According to Ayurveda two conditions influence the development of the prakruti; the balance between the energies of 

• Vata(Space/emptiness & Air)
• Pitta(Fire & Water)
• Kapha(Water & Earth) 

and the prenatal conditions in the womb. The preponderance of one or another dosha(temperament) in our prakrti establishes our natural body type and determines our strengths and weaknesses.
It is said in Ayurveda that the established body types don't change after birth. Any imbalances in these three energies will destabilise the natural state, leading to bodily ailments.

Somatypes Body Types
In the 1940s, an American Physician Dr. William H. Sheldon introduced the theory of Somatypes by putting together the age-old insights of the relationship between body type and temperament on more secure foundations. His theory described three basic human body types:

• Endomorph, characterised by a preponderance of bodyfat;
• Mesomorph, marked by a well-developed musculature;
• Ectomorph, distinguished by a lack of either much fat or muscle tissue.

He also states that most people were a mixture of these types.

Ayurvedic

When Vata is out of balance, the metabolism will be disturbed, resulting in excess catabolism, which is the breakdown or deterioration process in the body. When anabolism is greater than catabolism, there is an increased rate of growth and repair of the organs and tissues. Excess Pitta disturbs metabolism, excess Kapha increases the rate of anabolism and excess Vata creates emaciation (catabolism)

Body Types Compared:

1. Endomorph / Large:
A mesomorph has a large bone structure, large muscles and a naturally athletic physique. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which is the perfect platform for building muscle.

 Kapha-Dominant Body

Kapha-dominant individuals have big bodies and big bones, thick hair, strong, big teeth, and large, attractive eyes. They move slowly and gracefully, and exhibit great endurance. They are similarly slow to anger, and their loyalty makes them valued friends. Physically, Kapha-dominant individuals tend toward obesity; mentally, they can be selfish, greedy, and easily offended.

2. Mesomorph / Muscular:

A mesomorph has a large bone structure, large muscles and a naturally athletic physique. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which is the perfect platform for building muscle.

 Pitta-Dominant Body

The Pitta-dominant body type typically manifests itself in a well-proportioned, muscular frame. Pitta-dominant types tend toward lighter, more sensitive skin, often overly sensitive. They are usually active, particularly in sports, where they can be fiercely competitive. They are passionate and dedicated, but can be overly competitive, intolerant, and irritable.

3. Ectomorph / Skinny:

An ectomorph is a typical skinny guy. Ecto’s have a light build with small joints and lean muscle. Usually ectomorph’s have long thin limbs with stringy muscles. Shoulders tend to be thin with little width.
 Vata-dominant Body
Individuals with a Vata-dominant body type tend to be thin and active, but lack the stamina for prolonged activity and therefore often depend on caffeine and sugar for stimulation. The dryness of the Vata constitution and the consequent creakiness of their joints make them seem almost brittle. Restlessness, hyperactivity, curiosity, and creativity mark the Vata-dominant personality, as do rapid, chaotic speech and frequent changes of mind.


Factors influencing the Body Natures / Types

Factors that increase vata (Ecto / Thin)

• Exposure to cold , no routine in life
• Eating to much dry, frozen or leftover food, or food with bitter, pungent or astringents taste.
• Fasting, lots of traveling, too much or inappropriate exercise, suppressing natural urges, abdominal surgery.

Factors that increase pitta (Meso / Muscular)

• Exposure to heat,
• Eating lots of proteins (red meat), salt, spicy or sour foods.
• Indigestion and irregularity of meals. Exercising at midday
• Useof antibiotic, alchol.
• Too much intellectual work/thinking. Fatigue.Anger,Hate fear, emotion.

Factors that increase kapha (Endo / Fat)

• Exposure to cold
• Eating lots of sugars, meat, fats ,cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt, fried food, excessive use of salt.
• Excessive intake of water , taking naps after meals.
• Sedatives usage.
• Doubts, greed, and possessiveness. Lack of compasion

Chalene Johnson's Turbofire Workout Review

I have started on a journey on improving my fitness levels in August 2011 with Chalene Johnson's Program called Turbofire. Chalene already had established cardio programs like Turbo Kick, Turbo Jam, Chalean Extreme, PiYo and Hip Hop Hustle. 

Turbo Fire is a complete body conditioning fitness program whose emphasis on High Intensity Interval Training. The upbeat music will motivate one to work harder and more intense. One will do kickboxing drills and aerobic exercises mixed with some dance moves. .

What's unique to TurboFire is that Chalene managed to incorporate a fusion of aerobic, dance and free flow martial arts forms with the concept of dedicated High Intensity Interval Training on few days for the schedule.

So How does it fair...

• The complexity of the program comes from the choreography of cardiosequences and the pace with which the transition of moves happen. It does take some patience and effort to getting used to. There is a new to class / break-down mode which can be referenced to understand the moves. Having said that, people who expect to master this quickly there is a bad news. It takes a bit of patience and effort to get into the groove.
• The program is a simple one and anyone from a beginner level can get into it. There is a easy-level modifier simplifying the moves for beginners or people with less flexibility. 
• There is an equal emphasis on lower body, upper body and core during this program.
• Muscle multi tasking is not my favourite concept. I believe in muscle focus and isolation to maximise results. But this is not a dedicated strength training program.  
• The time commitment for this program is in a range of 30 to 70 minutes. 45 minutes is a typical average which is a wonderful for time crunched people. 
• While this is positioned as HIIT based Intense Cardio training. I feel its rather a balanced program with equal emphasis on Cardio, Stretch, HIITs and strength for a serobic program.
• The energy of the cast is really high and keeps you to keep pushing without ever having to pause. The Cast are very well prepared and trained and do well in keeping up with everyone else and contribute to the overall energy level.
• Chalene does an excellent job of professional conducting, instructing with no BS. She not only is instructing and running the show but with her working out we get a feel like we are competing with her.

The Break-up
The Cardio's

Fire 30 – Basic and shortest among the Cardio workouts. 5 min of Warmup, 4 min cool down. 2 HIITs

Fire 45 EZ - This is workout one does for max amount of time. Easily the most intense in terms of Heart rate zone and hence calorie burn. Though there are no HIITs in this workout one stays in the upper zone for the max amount of time. This is my favourite among the three

Fire 45 – This is perhaps the most complex in terms of the choreography. Needless to stay I miss my moves and eventually never liked it. Fortunately we don't get to do this many times. Has got 4 HIITs in this 45 minute workout.

Fire 55 EZ – Lasting for about 53 minutes and with 2 HIIT's this is the second longest cardio in the whole program. This is a relatively simple routine in line with 45 EZ and Fire 30

Fire 60 – (in advanced) - This is the longest among all the Turbofire workouts lasting about 57 minutes with 4 HIITs coupled in. The moves are not as complex as Fire 45, but surely will take some time to catching up.

The HIITs

HIIT 15 – The shortest and perhaps the most hippiest HIIT. It has 3, 35 Second Fire Drills which are repeated thrice

HIIT 20 – Perhaps the easiest of all the HIITs. The intensity is the least 7(3 Drills - 2 are repeated twice and last one thrice) Fire Drills of 55 seconds each. Not my favourite for lack of intensity in this moves

HIIT 25 – This HIIT routine has the most Plyo-metric jumps in all of Turbofire. First time I tried I finished with a really really bad back. Each of the 4 70 second HIIT is done twice in this. This is the hardest of HIITs and my favourite.

HIIT 30 – The longest HIIT routine, has 5 drills of around 60 sec each which are repeated twice, while the last one is done thrice.

The Strengths

Apart from the HIIT and Cardio, Turbo fire throws in few strength, stretch and core exercises in the program.

Sculpt 30/Tone 30 – These are two 30 minute sculpting workouts done with bands. Mostly combination moves where upper and lower body worked at the same time - Chalene calls it muscle multi-tasking, and I hated it as focusing on mutliple muscle groups at a time is not something I was able to achieve. I had to take rests and the resistance bands where very uncomfortable pulling the hair and skin. 

Upper 20/Lower 20 - These are part of the advanced workouts basically toning up either the upper body or lower body. I feel this is much better in terms of muscle isolation than the muscle multi-tasking workouts. Lower 20 uses the lower body bands and they give an extreme extreme burn on the bums and outer thighs. 

Stretch 10/Stretch 40 – Stretch workouts which are typically done at the end of every workout during cool

down. Stretch 40 borrows the entire set if Yoga moves (Surya Namaskara / Sun Salutations) and almost a dozen Yoga poses for stretch. I love this day of stretching.

The Core

Core 20 –This workouts is all about the core work, with little or no crunches. This program uses a lot of  normal ab exercises but uses the resistance band to add extra resistance. 

Abs 10 – This 10 minute Ab only workout is one of the toughest 10 minute ab-workout ever. Immense immense muscle activation. You can almost feel the 6-pack underneath the sheath of skin and fat. 

My Results
Started at 207 lbs went on till 213 lbs after completing the workout am at 189 lbs

Significance & Tradition of Sankranti

 Ariselu, Pongal, Boorelu, flying kites, playing cards and hanging out with family and friends as you watch Bogi mantalu… That’s what many of us look forward to

For the western society in simple terms it resembles the harvest festival like Thanksgiving sans the gift. Many of us have forgotten or not aware of what the significance, true meaning and purpose this festival serves. It’s my effort to unearth the significance of this important festival

Sankranti is termed one of the biggest rural/pro-agro festivals. It’s a three day festival comprising of Bhogi, Makara Sankranti and Kanuma
Astrological Significance:



Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti is transition. There is a sankranti every month when the sun passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. There are twelve signs of the zodiac, and hence twelve sankranti's as well. Each of these sankranti's has its own relative importance but two of these are more important - the Mesh (Aries) Sankranti and the most important, the Makar (Capricorn) Sankranti. Transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is known as Makar Sankranti. From this day begins the six-month long Uttarayana(northern migration of sun), considered very auspicious for attaining higher worlds hereafter. It is believed that a person who dies during the Uttarayana has a better chance of reaching heavens than during the winter solstice.
Scientifically, the shortest day of the year is around December 21 & 22 after which the days begin to get longer, hence actual Winter Solstice begins on December 21 or December 22 when the tropical sun enters Makara rashi. Hence actual Uttarayana is December 21. This was the actual date of Makar Sakranti too. But because of the Earth's tilt of 23.45 degrees and sliding of equinoxes, Ayanamsa occurs. This has caused Makara Sankranti to slide further over the ages. A thousand years ago, Makar Sankranti was on December 31 and is now on January 14. Five thousand years later, it shall be by the end of February, while in 9,000 years it shall come in June.
While the traditional Indian Calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. So while dates of all Hindu festivals keep changing as per the Gregorian calendar, the date of Makar Sankranti remains constant over a long term, 14 or 15 January. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu Calendar month of Magha. There is another significance of this day, after this day the days start becoming longer & warmer, and thus the chill of winter in on decline. 

The Mahabharata Reference:
Bhishma, on this day declared his intent to leave his mortal body. He had the boon of "Ichha-Mrityu" (choose when to die) from his father, so he kept lying on the bed of arrows till this day and then left body on Makar Sankranti day. It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana, becomes free from transmigration. So this day was seen as a sure-shot Good Luck day to start your journey or endeavors to the higher realms beyond.

Cultural Significance:
The purpose of human is beyond just birth, eating, reproduction and death. Human's are the supreme most beings on this plan and for a reason.Humans are unique from others for the very reason that they have elevated intelligence allowing them to purify their souls and proceed towards greater austerity and eventually nirvana(path towards the supreme soul). But with all the routine and materialistic needs, human’s need to break from these and start concentrating on larger purpose of life - attaining spiritual wisdom to understand the meaning/purpose of life and move towards divinity.

The Dhanur-masam month (as per the Indian Lunar calendar / typically mid Dec to mid Jan) is called as Shoonyamasam (null/void/nill month). This month has been named so because this is the duration where humanity doesn’t have the benefit of the guidance from the Sapta-rishis (7 masters who administer the entire creation on God’s behalf and guide all life) as they sit for meditations throughout this month, after handing over the charge of administration to another batch of Rishis. This is the month where the Saptarishis give all their focus and attention to spiritual activities, hence since time immemorial, humans also kept aside all material pursuits and focused on spiritual pursuits throughout this month.These new Rishis bring with them very special energies, new knowledge and also educate humanity on newer ways of living, at a different level. All these factors provide major opportunities for spiritual growth, which when properly utilised can help us make faster progress. 

This was the reason why no auspicious activities like house warming, marriages or business ventures were taken up in this period, thus allowing the individuals to focus on their spiritual growth. Everyone starts to prepare for upcoming events and auspicious time during this month. During this month people are expected to wake up at 3am have a complete head-to-toe bath and dress up traditionally. Women clean up the front-yard with cow-dung water, prepare Rangoli with small cow dung balls(Gobeamma) placed in the rangoli. One is think of divinity and have devotional thoughts while engaging in this activities.

Unique People Visiting homes 
1. Hari-Dasu (Servant of Lord Hari/Vishnu)

Specialty of this season are Hari-dasu. They are considered as representation of Naradha-rishi swaroopam. Uniquely Hari-dasu comes in the early hours of the morning unlike the beggars, nor he begs “Biksham dehi”. He rather sings devotional songs and praising Gods while trying to awakening the spirituality within us by reciting the Hari kertana. This helps us to set the tune for rest of the day remembering God and songs dedicated to almighty. This indirectly supports us being engaged in our spiritual journey for the rest of the year. Hari-dasu carries a rounded pot/bucket (bindhe) on his head where grains are offered there. The rounded pot represents earth where one plants seeds which get multiplied once the crop is harvested. Hari-dasu while accepting symbolizes that Hari-dasu was born to accept alms because he has in past rejected offering the same. Symbolically it means that as long as one donates in this life they will always be in a position to donate rather than seek alms in their next lives. Hence the Telugu saying “Enadoo peti putaadu” translated as “He is one who donated benevolently earlier that he born prosperously”

2.Gangi-re-edhu Varu (People of Holy Vehicle of Shiva Ganga - Ox)

Gangiredhu, the holy OX is another unique way of respecting the animals in this festival. The names means vehicle of Ganges river which also is a vehicle of Parvathi Parameshwarulu. Ox is born out of the holy Cow and thus consider equally holy. The cow is revered for its peaceful and austere nature, while feeding us with its own milk and help us grow. All of the cow’s excreta is either used as fertilizer and pesticide, while the cow was the centre of all farming (it’s the one which helped plough the land, carrying loads, pounding and extracting grains, milled seeds to oil etc. For all this reasons the Ox is equally revered in our agrarian society and brought home while the harvest season is complete. Families give it back old clothes in the house while aarti is offered to it.

3. Sooth sayers and Fortune tellers
Also unique to this time are Budubukala varu (folk fortuneteller/Oracles) and Sodhi chepevaru (folk soothsayer) visit the houses offering advice on future events and how the rest of the year is going to be like.

Unique Practices during the month

1. Rangoli / Muggu (Decorative artwork on the floor at the entrance of the house)

Rangoli is a timeless tradition that is followed all over India. Rangoli is also known as alpana, aripoma, or kolam. Rangoli patterns are usually made using coloured chalk, rice powder, and crushed limestone. A rangoli is always made by hand and all designs are carved out using the fingers. A line is usually drawn using a single finger, like a pencil. In some cases, a pattern may be outlined using dotted movements, which are joined together at the end. Once a pattern is formed, the desired colours are filled in.

Scientific Significance: The powder used in making rangolis attracts many insects and bacteria like ants and keeps them outside instead of entering the house. Additionally the limestone in the powder can kill many of the organisms which consume this. Additionally the turmeric being applied on the lower door frame acts as a disinfectant/anti-bacterial agent and helps keeping potential harmful insects and microorganisms from entering the house

Health Significance: It takes a lot of stamina, flexibility, endurance and concentration to create a design. During the process the women are almost most of the time kneeling down while artistically shuffling the colours and powder to create the pattern. This process is supposed to improve the flexibility, endurance and concentration levels after few weeks of this practice everyday. It also promotes concentration, focus and dedication to the task at hand.

Themes and Learning: The bare minimal rangoli which every girl starts off is a nine box rangoli which signifies the nine planets and with sun placed in the middle signified by bright flower, turmeric and kumkum. This is to showcase the importance of sun and the central life giver of life and dependency of other planets on the Sun. There are lots of themes with certain meanings while creating these designs.

Personality Assessment: The rangoli patterns same as an artwork speaks volumes about the personality of the woman who has created it. A rangoli which uses thin lines (careful not to over use the powder) signifies a person who is modest and realistic and doesn’t overspend. A person who completes her task fast and in a neat fashion has an excellent awareness of significance of time and is dedicated as well skilled in her art. A very well made and intrinsic patter signifies that the person loves decorations and an admirer of beauty. A person who overspends time and redoes is considered either a novice or lacks the patience or concentration levels to achieve the task at hand.

2. Gobbemaa (Cow dung balls) on the Rangoli

This is tradition of remembering Goda Devi / Andal (Only 15year old girl Alvar of the 12 Alvar saints in India) and Shri Krishna’s Gopikas. As per the mythology Gopa Devi refused to marry any earthly man and accepted that Lord Krishna was her husband. She lead a life similar to Gopika of Krishna who accepted him as their saviour and husband and dedicated their lives to him. During this month the Gobbemma balls are made of cow dung are made reflecting the holiness, purity and sacredness of these women and equally them to the holy cow. To these cow dung balls turmeric, kumkum and other seasonal flowers are offered to reflect that these women are recognized as married and whose husbands are with them thus elevating there austerity.

Scientific significance: The cowdung balls after a full day use are not discarded off; instead these are saved and dried to be burnt later. The ashes arising out of this is mixed with herbs like basil or neem to be used for various skin ailments against fungal and bacterial conditions.

3. Bhogi Pallu / Regi Pallu shower (Goosberries)

Another tradition is to show the kids at home with Bhogi pallu (gooseberries) by the community /family/neighbours. The kids receive blessings of health and prosperity during this occasion. Regi pandu(gooseberries) is called arka phalam (Sun’s Fruit), during this occasion we are reminded ourselves of the significance of Sun as a provider or health and life. Thus symbolically we are seeking blessings from the Sun God for the young kid.

4. Bhogi Fire (Bonfire)

The practice of setting up community bonfire in the middle of the street has got a lot of health significance. On one day and one time all of the community sets to set ablaze a fire with old clothes, rugs, furniture and any unusable material in the houses. Thus, with the fire trying to destroy any accumulated bacterial, fungal, microbial infestations carried over from the cold and wet months. Also the warmth of the fire and smoke helps clear the atmosphere of harmful organisms by the heat and fire. This helps the whole community in cleansing their areas of potential sickness borne of viruses and bacteria.

5. Bride Selection/shortlisting during the festival season

During this season the parents of grooms scour for brides for their sons. The festival throws an opportunity for the parents to see, understand, assess and even compare the young women and pick one as per the aspirations. The rangoli personality, the enthusiasm with which they participate in the functions, the way they address there friends, elders and strangers is well observed and projects a decent amount of personality profile for the parents to make choices. These age-old practices of personality profiling based on cultural and tradition is in one way more successful than the present day practices of choosing partners based solely around the education, job and salary earned, while ignoring the personality aspects

6. Village Sports

Though these hold no cultural significance, these events showcase the valor and traditional (brutal) ways of having fun. Bull fighting, bull riding, bull races are common violent sports that dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation. Jallikattu is a form of bull wrestling that is celebrated in the villages of Tamil Nadu on Mattu Pongal (the third day of Pongal). The villages of Palamedu and Alanganallur near Madurai are renowned to host the bloodiest jallikattu.
For people in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Sankranti is incomplete without cockfights and, like in the past, a ban could not prevent them from betting millions of rupees on it this time either.
Leading the violation of the ban were powerful politicians of all hues, who consider cockfights a part of the culture of the coastal Andhra region. The participants included film personalities and businessmen. An estimated Rs5 billion ($340 million) change hands as thousands of people watch & bet during the cockfights.

Roundup 2011

The year 2011 has been one of the most happening on a personal front. This year I was successful in breaking a few hangover issues and few jinxes.

I was being plagued if not seriously addicted to a online strategy game called Travian for close to two years. This severely impacted my social, professional, personal and negligence towards health. Towards the mid of the year when the last of the game servers was upgraded I refused to upgrade and relearn the game. Atleast this prevented me from getting back to the addiction. After done away with this most of the stagnation in life seems to be a passé on multiple fronts

Biggest movers

• Quitting from my Vertical practice and moving out to a different vertical at work
• Let go off the Travian game’s addition
• Move from east coast to the mid-west
• Discovering that my BP levels are on a high

Biggest Learnings

• Do something for yourself and keep engaged to improve self
• Keep pushing and pursuing a series of set targets
• Divinity and spirituality is never to be ignored
• Keep faith and keep working on. Learn from experiences and not to let loose

Best for the year

Top Albums/Songs
1. Jaane Tu Jaane Naa - Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
2. Bachana Ae Haseno - Khuda Jaane Kyu

Fav Movies
Harry Potter (1-8) Series

Fav Quotes -
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II'

Harry Potter: We have to go there, now.

Hermione Granger: What? We cant do that! We've got to plan! We've got to figure out -Harry: Hermione! When have any of our plans ever worked? We plan, we get there, all hell breaks loose!

Fav Holiday/Travel
- Washington DC
Fav Food
- Pizzaa
Fav Shopping Spot
- Premium Outlet, Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

Fav TV Channel
- The Food Network

- NTV

Fav TV Shows

- Ancient Aliens (History)

- Chopped (Food)

- Restaurant Impossible (Food)

- Evadi gola Vadidi (TV9 / TV1)

- Na Varthalu Na Estam (NTV)

Closely followed issues

- Casey Anthony Trial

- Sakala Janula Samey in Telangana region

Chronological Milestones

January - Uncertainty
I had been waiting for some time to settle and stabilize myself in the USA. What I was looking was some bit of support and a long term assignment. My assignment in Delaware started to look questionable with potential delay / postponement of the project due to factors not in my control. By the end of the month it was inevitable and orders for my release where issued. Issues and competition between the client and our company coupled with delays in the current solution shifted focus and put my role in a fix.
Time flew at home with stagnant work and snow on the streets alike. I wanted to move out of my company and start looking for more stable opportunities, floated my CV and was trying to secure a moment.
February / March / April – Uncertainty Intensifies
Come mid of February, I bid good bye to the account team as I started searching for new avenues within and outside my company. Things didn’t seem to move much. I was also planning to purchase a car at this time as it was already becoming difficult depending on others. But the next assignments or lack of it put me in a fix.
As expected the issues at work during initial days of settling has become a reality in 2011. My ratings got hit and was not able to secure a promotion nor any salary hike.
The lack of future or direction seems to pinching me a lot by now. I tried spending most of the time at home (since Jan) photographing squirrels, doves, and rabbits through my apartment window to pass time. I challenged myself to get a few shots of jumping squirrels which I of course failed. I did buy a DSLR camera of
May
The momentums of things were not encouraging at professional front. I have not been billed to a client till now and with the apprehension and un-certainty I was more bent upon to return back to India and probably return back if there is a correct fitment of profile for me.
Also by this time my brother’s marriage was soon approaching and my wish to return back to be part of this last main family occasion added to me preference to return back. I was totally dissatisfied by the interest taken by my practice to send me back home. The see-sawed back and forth quite frequently on this adding to my woos. Most of the things have been packed and ready to be moved by never knew where the move is going to be.
In the mean while one of the long standing interview calls converted and the new team expressed to take me in to their new practice. Having just a couple of weeks to report I decided to make the best of these few days. While one of my closest buddies came down with his family we went on a trip to Washington D.C and Maryland. I personally liked the D.C trip the most. Though a short one it was well worth a look because of historical importance.
June/July/August
These are the times for settling down in the new place and new environment. Summer is here and I suppose this is the best season to be in this part of the world. I purchased a car (2002 Elantra) now that I knew I was going to be here for sometime and also the geography of the place with limited public transport ensured that I move in quickly for the purchase. Within the first couple of weeks it was a car and a new rental apartment to set in. Then soon enough the work, knowledge of the domain and building the relationship with the clients followed in.
All more excitement of working in a full fledge program with me being a focal point of all action was tremendous. But as days progressed the jinxes of previous project seemed to have followed me into this year as well. The eminent delays in projects ensured my waiting in the docks longer. While I started doing certain related activities nothing truly moved from a true true project sense.
While personally my wifey was back in India to appear for her final Master’s examination and also fill in the place for my brothers wedding. While I ate and spent time discovering the new village I moved into. The activities and happening life ensured that all of my weekends where busy.
While this move also ensured that I now formally stopped playing Travian, I quickly reconnected with trying to improve my health and bring down my BP levels. I initially started with Manthena’s tips and natural raw food. Then got into a bit of evening jogging and yoga. I was also actively getting into sports activities being organized by my company. Towards the mid of August I moved into Turbofire workouts and I never looked back. As of this year workouts are my new addiction. I workout close to 5 hours a week now, and its supported by modified diet and lifestyle. Much of the laziness, dizziness and fatigue slowly started to wane out but the process of self-improvement has truly started.
September/October/November
My gals back home from India and we continued to put back the lives together in the new place. Roaming a bit, shopping a bit while work moved at snails pace with lack of synergies at the clients organization. But working on few small things ensured that I was occupied and grew in my experience.
Also in October was when I joined Facebook. Yes finally am on facebook. I can recall my early social networking journey starting on Hi-5(2004), Orkut(2005), Linkedin(2006), Geni(2008) and now Facebook(2011).
My fitness journey did keep growing in knowledge and application with new gizmos and trackers being added on a continual basis. I feel am well educated enough to understand a few things to which I had no visibility to.
This period also meant it was the shopping season for me. Though not worth a mention the prices this thanksgiving seemed to be comparatively on a higher end than the last year.
December
This is the official holiday season in the US. That being said we have more than 4 official holidays in this month alone and possibly the least working hours. My assignments are seriously restricted or tapered as of this month. Being end of the year things have slowed down to gather steam in the new year.
At the end of the year we went on a drive to Chicago and returned back by the night. The chill and lack of parking space didn’t help me in any way. Probably the next time I plan I need to plan carefully and be choosy. End of year gift for my gal is a new Sony Vaio laptop which dark pink/magenta coloured one.

Am looking forward towards chopping if not dissolving my financial liabilities in the new-year. I think Rupee depreciating in value and rising interest rates back home should help me reach this goal. All together I am looking forward for a healthy, happening, and happening year and also be blessed with kids and promotions at work which are in my opinion long over due.

Health living driven by the 5 Elements

Prelude: "Panchabutala sammohanamee Manava Shareram" - Human body is an manifestation of the five elements. Diseases and ailments are nothing but imbalances in these five elements.
Ok; What are these Five elements(pancha mahabhutas) we are referring to
As per Ayurveda...

• Akasha (ether/Space)
• Vayu (air)
• Teja (fire)
• Aap (water) 
• Prithvi (earth)

The five elements can be seen to exist in the material universe at all scales of life and in both organic and inorganic things.
In biological system, such as humans, elements are coded into three forces, which govern all life processes. These three forces (kapha, pitta and vata) are known as the three doshas or simply the tridosha. Each of the doshas is composed of one or two elements.

• Vata dosha is composed of space and air; It is the impulse principle necessary to mobilize the function of the nervous system. It affects the windy humour, flatulence, gout, rheumatism, etc
• Pitta dosha of fire; It is the energy principle which uses bile to direct digestion and hence metabolism into the venous system
• Kapha of water and earth. It is the body fluid principle which relates to mucous, lubrication and the carrier of nutrients into the arterial system..

The tridosha regulates every physiological and psychological process in the living organism. The interplay among them determines the qualities and conditions of the individual. A harmonious state of the three doshas creates balance and health; an imbalance, which might be an excess (vriddhi) or deficiency (kshaya), manifests as a sign or symptom of disease

Incorporating this balance is everyday living serves two purposes; one to stay healthy and two to treat the ailments by correctly identifying and filling in the gaps.

Importance of these 5 elements in daily life.
1. Need of  Akasha (Space) - We need to create space in the body to allow the body to take-in additional quantities of other elements. If there is no space what happens is we can't supply additional nutrients required to it. Body is filled with toxins that the body either slowly succumbs to it or tries to create more space, but creating more cells and trying to adopt. Thus it stores what it can't dispose off. Thus leading to obesity.
2. Need of Prithvi (Earth / Matter) - A human body required sufficient amount of nutrients supplied in form of solid food. The presence of solid earthly food which is nutritious and  high in fiber helps the body in two-fold; It supplies the necessary nutrients and as well as aids in cleaning the system.
3. Need of Agni (Fire / Energy) - A human body being a warm blooded being requires sufficient amount of calories to produce heat and maintain the energy levels. Any lapses in the body temperature means the bodies vital organs will eventually be unsustainable and collapse. Hence body needs sufficient amount of calories and energy to sustain.
4. Need of Aap (Water) - It's ironic that we resemble to mother nature in terms of water composition. Both the human body and mother earth are composed of 70% of water. Water is a vital part of life for any living being. We can sustain life without eating anything for 7-8 weeks, but without hydration the bodies vital organs will shut down within 4 days if not being hydrated. Blood constitutes of 92% water and is the carrier of oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. No wonder water and water borne diseases are the biggest killers.
5. Need of Vayu(Air) - While food and water are quite necessary for a healthy living, if supply of oxygen is cut off the human body wouldn't even last a few minutes. Such is the importance of air and air quality on longevity and health. Intake of fresh and clean air and distancing ourselves from smoking and pollution is perhaps the most important duty we can ever offer to our body.


In a nut shell. It's our duty to create enough space by proper expulsion and accumulation of other four elements. The body should have a continuous energy source  to sustain vital systems, supplied with vital nutrients and oxygen to be carried through the water-based blood though-out the body. Any shortfalls and imbalances would lead to a bodily trigger of readjustments and leading to ailments.

Credits: http://heymonicab.com/2009/06/seasonal-dosha-chart/