Author: Rachit

  • Keep on Keeping on

    I remember watching the movie Finding Nemo a few years ago and something from the movie stuck with me.

    Dory one of the key characters said a phrase so powerful, “Just keep swimming”. I thought it was a good idea then but little did I realize how profound it is.

    When we are on the cusp of something we should just keep going. If you don’t see the light at the end is the tunnel just keep going.

    In our present times, most of us are going to get vaccines soon. We just have to hold on. When we are going through challenges in our lives and we question giving up, keep the faith and carry onwards.

    Hold steady, keep the calm, and press onwards. You will get through this.

  • Car Technology

    In my previous post, I talked about cars and how I am interested in their technology.

    There is ongoing innovation in the car and energy industry. A trend towards electrification. There are now more and more states/countries outright banning gas vehicle sales in the next few decades.

    As we know that energy can not be created or destroyed, it can only change form. There is disruption at the car level with three forms of propulsion technology, gas, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell.

    Then there are new sources of energy, hydrogen and geothermal that are getting more attention at the grid level. Society benefits from more choices and increased infrastructure investment.

    Twenty years ago a hybrid car was a novel idea, now here we are with fuel cell and electric battery cars entering the mainstream consciousness.

    It is exciting to see and understand the new changes coming. The next time we go to a gas station we might not be filling be gas in our cars.

  • Cars

    I am passionate about cars. Every since I was a kid I remember playing with toy cars, then remote control cars, and then actual cars.

    I couldn’t wait to get my license and remember how excited I was. It was such a thrill, I soon learned more advanced driving techniques which helped me become a safer driver.

    I know most makes and models. I feel each car is an expression of its owner. It’s not just about what car they drive but how they treat their car.

    I feel my passion for my cars has expanded into various categories:

    • Driving techniques
    • Car ownership and maintenance
    • The cars themselves
    • The technology behind cars and car production
    • Cars as an expression of ourselves (car culture)

    What’s missing above is car racing/motorsports. Although initially, I used to watch rallying a lot. It is fun to watch occasionally but it is not my main interest any more.

    My interest grows each year as I understand more and more each year. Now when I drive the car I think about all the effort that goes into making the car, making the road, and all the other hidden things we forget.

    From that initial smile of driving a car the first time to now, it is good to be passionate about something.

  • WFH

    These past few months I have been working from home like everyone else. It’ll soon be a year of remote work.

    My desk setup has received a lot more attention and there have been improvements throughout the last year.

    Good ergonomics help and have been a key focus of my setup. However, I also aim for flexibility and ease in working from different places.

    Here are the things I added to my setup:

    • A laptop stand so I can use my laptop screen at the same height as my monitor
    • A webcam so I can look straight forward and not sideways at the laptop
    • A good ergonomic chair and keyboard/mouse
    • A lamp with adjustable light temperatures to create different moods
    • A USB C hub so I can quickly disconnect my laptop and work from different places

    Some of the observations from working at home are that I noticed that having natural light and a plant on my desk uplifts the space.

    Overhead light from the ceiling light is not the best for zoom calls, diffused light at the desk level works best.

    Just because of the nice desk setup doesn’t mean you have to work at it all the time. With the flexibility of the USB C dock with one cable, you can unplug and work from a different space.

    Overall these constant improvements made me appreciate all the effort offices make to plan their workspaces.

  • 2021

    The new year is here!

    Let’s take some time today to reflect on the past year and then release the past. This could be a symbolic gesture to write out our thoughts and burn the paper or to meditate to let it go.

    It’s time now to embrace the new and improve ourselves slowly but surely. Maybe there are some thought patterns that no longer serve us or some habits that can be replaced with better ones.

    Think about the person you are becoming and how you have evolved these past few years. Now envision the life you want in the upcoming years and this year take the action required to set yourself up for success.

    When we have a vision for ourself it often propels us forward. Each challenge forges our character for the better. This new year is a time for self-evaluation at a high level to ensure we are on the best path.

    My recommendation this year is to bring more joy to your life in the ordinary moments of life. I am talking about those simple pleasures, calling a loved one, spending time in nature, laughing more, eating your favourites snack, etc. The big happy events do happen but not as often and during those times in between, we should try to have more simple happy moments consistently.

    I wish you all a Happy New Year! 🎉

  • 2020

    Here we are at the end of a turbulent 2020. There is light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine.

    Throughout the year there have been so many changes, at some moments it is hard to believe this is reality.

    This year has made all of us more resilient, stronger, and more open to embracing change than ever before.

    As we enter the new decade, there will be tremendous change and possibilities ahead. We started the 2010’s with the beginning of smartphones. Now in the 2020’s I predict our lives and dependence on the Internet will be greater than ever.

    It is often said we overestimate the change that happens in a few years and underestimate the change that happens in a decade. This is certainly the case with me. In all areas of my life, I am committed to improvement.

    In this moment of reflection, I want to thank everyone from the front line workers, medical professionals, essential businesses, and government workers for their hard work during this year. You have helped our society in countless ways.

    I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Thank you for your checking out my site as I continue to share my thoughts and reflections.

  • Reconnecting with Nature

    Spending time in nature is one of my favourite activities. The fresh air, the greenery, walking, hiking, and the feeling you get is amazing.

    Reconnecting with nature is a serene experience. Nature visits should be scheduled as part of a weekly or monthly routine. I find I am much more content, rejuvenated, and optimistic when out there.

    I like feeling the pulse of the city too but being in nature is just something else. Every vacation I get, I try to visit a new park.

    During this pandemic, staying at home for a long time, it is good to step out and breathe in that fresh air.

    Taking a moment to observe the trees swaying in the wind, letting our 5 senses feel, and centring ourselves at the moment, and just appreciating it all feels good.