Onine Map Directions

I have used Google Maps/Yahoo Maps extensively while in the US and has been really amazed at how detailed they are and how useful they have been. At the same time, I have never felt that this would be effective in India where it is fairly common to have one-ways come up where there were none, other one-ways change directions, roads closed for a variety of reasons and in some cases are just plain un-motorable. However, I had a very pleasant surprise yesterday. I was traveling from Bangalore to Tirupathi and the usual route we take is through NH4. But because of road works here, this road is a little painful and slow. So, we decided to try out alternatives and Google map showed me the alternative through Chithoor - Gudiyatham and NH46. I was really amazed. I never knew the existence of this Chithoor - Guidyatham state highway and even if I did, I would not have thought of this route. This route was about 40Km longer, but much more comfortable and faster. Yet again, the online revolution is making changes to our lives in more ways than we imagine.

Breaking out of the rut

I have always felt that total abstinence is much easier than compared to moderation. For example, it is easy to stay off chips completely than to say I will only have a handful. I was hoping that the reverse is also true for things that I want to do. Like going to gym. I thought that after a break, you just need to go to gym for a couple of days to break your laziness and set up your rhythm, but alas it does not appear so. After having finally broken the jinx and waking up with the alarm for a couple of days, I thought I was all set for the good routine. Unfortunately, waking up with alarm every morning seems to be getting more and more difficult. And the first two days that I actually did get up seems more like an aberration. And of all things, running and going to gym are actually things that I always liked to do !! Need to somehow break out of this rut and get to more active and enjoyable routine...