My Hobbies
I am extremely passionate about learning new things. Many times this eventually transitioned into a hobby. Sports being one of them. I was introduced to quite a few sports at an early age which turned into a passion. I like playing as well as watching a wide variety of sports. Well, what can be better than having workout, recreation, and relaxation - all at once!
Below are some of my past and current hobbies. If something excites you, feel free to contact me for possible connection/collaboration,
Collecting Stickers
Amazon Stickers!!
Started collecting Amazon stickers from second month of joining. The interest sparked out of nowhere. I think finding joy in little things helps.
Interestingly, I do not have a single sticker on my mac! With mostly remote work from March 2020 to May 2023, the collection has slowed during this period. However, with hybrid model of work now, the collection picked up a decent pace.
SpeedCubing and Puzzle Solving
Rubik's Cube and Similar 3D Puzzles
I always enjoyed solving puzzles and riddles from a young age. Started with Chess in primary school (1997). Took up Su-Do-Ku very seriously for a year in high school (2005-2006).
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Also, I could solve a Brainvita/Marble Solitaire (pre-youtube era). You can watch my video solution by clicking here.
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During my childhood, I had a Rubik's Cube at my home like most other contemporary kids. But could only solve one side of it. It became serious only around 2010-2011. What started as stubbornness to solve all the sides at least once, eventually turned into an obsession and passion. This transitioned into picking up other similar puzzles and getting competitive. I have a decent collection of these puzzles. I was also one of the finalists for Amazon's Got Talent in 2022 where I solved a couple of these puzzles along with Speed Stacking and Juggling.
Do you want to pick this up but do not know how to start?
Get in touch with me! I would be happy to recommend the right approach without getting puzzled.
Juggling
The Real Act of Multitasking
When I say I can Juggle various things at once, I literally mean it!
Juggling always appeared cool to me. Doing a two-object juggling came naturally to me due to a lot of catching practice in Cricket.
The way I started 3-ball juggling was interesting. One fine day, out of the blue, went to a stationary store - got some stumper cricket balls. Locked up myself in a room and practiced for couple of hours - with lot of initial failures. And then bamn!! Finally achievement unlocked! Thats how quick it was. This was definitely as satisfying as solving a Rubik's cube for the first time ever.
Currently I can Juggle in 6 different styles. Trying to move to 4-ball and 5-ball juggling for quite sometime with low success rate. Practice is the key though.
Playing Sports
Sports for Life
If not an Engineer, I would have definitely been a professional athlete. I feel it is very much in my blood. Playing a sport gives that extra boost and much needed energy. Most importantly sport builds character. There are so many life lessons which one can inherit from sports. Though I play just for fun, my intention would be to strive for the best.
I am currently into Curling, Figure Skating, Archery, Fencing, and Golf! This active list keeps on changing.
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I have played the following sports regularly (of course at amateur level) at different stages of my life:
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Cricket (club level)
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Squash
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Badminton
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Table Tennis
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Tennis
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Racquetball
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Bowling​
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Swimming
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Volleyball
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Basketball
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Kayaking
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Cycling
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Karate
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Horse Riding
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Rifle Shooting (10 meter Air Rifle)
Practicing the Art of Yoga
Union of Things
Practicing Yoga helps one relax from the stressful work life. This acts as a perfect interface for work life balance.
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Interestingly, if you think Yoga is just physical exercise, you are wrong! There are many aspects to it, while exercise being just one of the elements.
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I have a diploma certification in Yoga from Ramakrishna Mutt, Hyderabad. I was also a Yoga trainer at the University of Illinois, Chicago. This was also my first job in the US.
Currently, I practice "Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya" on a daily basis.
I completed the Inner Engineering program in Aug'2022 offered by the "Isha Institute of Inner Sciences" in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Traveling and Journaling
3 Countries across
3 Continents
I have been frequently traveling since 2014 either for work or for the love developed towards exploring new places. Since then it has been fun to meet new people, visit new places, know new cultures, and try new cuisines. So far, I have managed to explore 15 States each in India and the US.
I had visited Sydney (Australia) in Nov'22. It was for work but could explore the city during the free time and weekend.
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I also started crafting a travel journal (scrap book). This has been a very satisfying and fun experience.
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Music
Tabla and Drums
Music is one area which confused me from the very beginning. However, I was/am fascinated with percussion instruments in spite of my lack of knowledge towards this subject. I'm glad that this fascination and desire never diluted over time. I started learning "Tabla" at "Seattle Tabla Institute" from Fall'19. It's one of the best decisions I made for the fantastic journey it has been. I had to pause this in Q'4 of 2020. Plan to re-start from Q3 of 2023.
I also started to learn to play drums. It is at a very nascent stage though.
Astronomy
Explore the uncharted territories
Always loved the night skies. A big fan of planetariums!
With the amount of light pollution in present generation, venturing into a dark spot is the best way to observe stars. Since, this is relatively a new hobby into my bag, started reading more about astronomy.
So far I have done only moon watching with the telescope. It was a great experience!
Art Work
Oil Painting, Oil Pastels, & DIY Crafts
This is a late addition to my hobbies. In a way, the legendary 'Bob Ross' could be my inspiration for taking this up. I could never think I'm capable of painting. Even though this hobby is a work in progress I am flabbergasted with some early inroads. Nature and night skies are some subjects which inspire me. I am also into building DIY (Do It Yourself) crafts.
Writing
Share Content with the World
Writing is a newer entrant into the list. After a sudden surge in people reaching out to me on LinkedIn during the pandemic, I have decided to write and share helpful content online. This could be one of the way's to have better reach and help people in my own way. Although I am not very active on social media, I am super active in this domain at my workplace. I have facilitated quite a few writing sessions as well. There are also plans to author a book. Let's see if that happens anytime soon.
Aqua Hobbyist
Planted Aquarium
Got into growing aquarium plants between 2009-2014. It is fun as one can get involved with nature in a unique way. Advancing in this hobby may require dedicating lot of time, effort, and sometimes money. It is definitely worth it for the experience and knowledge one gains.
This is no longer an active hobby of mine. But would not hesitate to get back. I feel going with mini aquariums or terrariums is easier to start with.
Geography
Capitals, Currencies, Flags
As mentioned in "Fun Facts About Me" page, I was passionate about learning capitals of different states and countries at a very young age. Later in school it became a hobby to gather stats about various countries which includes capitals, currencies, flags, etc. This was a time taking process when access to internet was not quite common. Over time, I knew capitals of all the UN nations. Thereby, I naturally developed interest in "quizzing" and got decent success.
The stamp/coin collection which I mentioned above also helped me strengthen knowledge in this area and also developed interest in traveling.
Interests
Below are some of the things which I have tried and want to pursue further. Please feel free to contact me for any recommendations/collaborations in and around Seattle. Thank You!
Ice Skating
Based on my personal opinion, basic Ice Skating is easier than what it appears to be. Experience in roller skates/blades does help but is not required. I wish to practice it frequently and improve my crossovers.
Currently taking lessons at Kraken Community Iceplex! Really an interesting experience and great learning!
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Completed level 1, 2, and 3! Advanced to level 4! I am pretty decent in forward and backward skating. However, need few more lessons and plenty of practice to perform advanced tricks. Especially when it comes to sport, I am never complacent.
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Skiing
On contrary to Ice Skating, this is a lot difficult than what it appears! I definitely need more lessons to get going. I have been on ski's only three times.
Looking to collaborate with folks!
Curling
The first time I watched Curling on TV was during 2002 Winter Olympics. It immediately caught my attention and ever since I wanted to try it. Took me almost 18 years to head to one of the clubs which offers this unique sport. Up for partnering with folks.
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Curling is so much fun. Appears to be a laid back sport but has a lot of science behind it!
Signed up for Fall session from Sep'22-May'23. Been a great experience!
Surfing
Tried only once in a theme park (artificial environment). I never swam in deep waters or in currents outside of a swimming pool. That's the only reason stopping me from trying in a beach. If you can help me get through this phase, and gain some experience, please reach out to me with your tips.
Hot Air Ballooning
Got a glimpse of Hot Air Ballooning during 2015 Hyderabad Balloon Fest. Looking to experience a full ride.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
I would prefer gaining some experience indoors before doing it outdoors.
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Thanks to my University's REC for having an amazing climbing wall which got me started. Shortlisted a few gyms (in Seattle) to get a hang of it. As always looking for partners for extra fun.
Been to momentum indoor climbing club (bouldering) in Seattle few times. Great experience. Like any other skill, this needs a lot of practice and training to advance.
Art of Bonsai and Indoor Gardening
Always in love with nature and greenery.
Would like to grow my knowledge in designing a Bonsai.
With hybrid work culture, looking to have more and more indoor plants. Feel free to reach out to me if you share a similar interest.
Card Tricks and Shuffling Tricks
Interest towards card tricks was developed only after watching random magic acts on TV. Upon learning few card magic tricks (performed only to myself), I switched to card shuffling tricks which was more fun to me personally. Occasionally, I try to add some tricks into the bag.
Yo-Yo Tricks
Very much a BEGINNER in both responsive and un-responsive yo-yo's from few years! Although, I never spent much time into this, I feel these tricks are difficult to accomplish.
Archery
My love for target sports persisted over the years. Be it Darts, Shooting, or Archery, getting "Bulls-Eye" is the most satisfying feeling one can get.
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I have done Archery introductory lessons few times, Completed A101 and A102 courses in Seattle.
Rowing
Completed "Learn to Row" classes at "Lake Union Crew" boathouse in Seattle back in 2019. Rain or shine, Rowing continues! Apart from fun, this sport is definitely a lot of workout. Planning on advancing to intermediate classes.
Sailing & Other Water Sports
Event though my experience is very limited, I would admit that Sailing (laser) is one of the complex things/sports I have tried. It requires both mental and physical elements to apply and maneuver through waters. Definitely want to develop more skills.
Have experienced "Hobie Wave Sailing" at Sail Sand Point in Seattle in summer of 23. It was absolute fun! Would love to take the skills test.
I have also taken "Intro to Windsurfing" classes (summer'23) at Sail Sand Point. I found this extremely challenging. Even lost my glasses on first day. This is some complex stuff and definitely needs time on water (more importantly finding comfort while being in water) to advance.
