If only life were a Jib-Jab video! But it is not, and as a result, the break-dancing moves are on hold for now. A little over a month has passed since my health-related hiccup — not a long time, but long enough to allow me to recover some of my strength and bring some semblance of normalcy to my life.
OpenRoad.TV, hosted by Doug McConnell of Bay Area Backroads recently talked to me for their “Life Outside the Box” series, and here we talk about my recovery and changes I have had to make in recent months. I though it would be easier for you to just watch the video rather than me write about it all.
But before I get into the details of some minor changes that are coming, I want to take a moment to thank all of my friends who rallied and contributed to keep the site going while I was away: Alec, Allan, Andy, Brian, Chetan, Cynthia, Dan, Jim, Martin, Sramana and Thomas Howe. Thank you guys for all your support, not to mention the great content you contributed to my little blog.
While resting over the past few days, I have been re-reading one of my favorite writers, Peter Mayle. In his most excellent “Tonjours Provence,” Mayle channels Flaubert, quipping, “Writing is a dog’s life, but the only one worth living.” Mayle calls it:
…solitary, monotonous business…a thousand words a day, or nothing; it makes no difference to anyone else but you…what makes it worth living…is the happy shock of discovery that you have managed to give a few hours of entertainment to people you’ve never met.
I discovered that very thing during my time of trial and tribulation, as thousands of your wrote in and left kind words of encouragement. And that’s all (along with the doctor’s permission) that I need to return to active duty.
The doctors have given me the go-ahead to do some light work, everyday. Essentially what that means is that while I am going to spend a lot of time focusing on health-related issues, starting this Monday, I will return to contributing to the blog on a more regular basis, focusing mostly on the big stories of the day.
The prolific Stacey Higginbotham will be the site’s staff writer, helping us track everything from web startups to the semiconductor business. Ohter significant contributors will be Carleen Hawn and Alistair Croll. Their presence allows me to make an even-paced and unhurried return to full strength.
Since I am checking email only once a day, PR folks looking to get in touch with me shouldn’t send pitch emails directly to me. Email our general submission email address instead (info at giga om dot com), as it will route queries to the appropriate writers. Please also contact the writers for one-on-one meetings, as I won’t be taking any until March.
That said, it feels good to be back!
Glad to have you back in the saddle even part time, Om. Take care of yourself, buddy.
Great to have you back OM. It’s not the same without you.
Hi Om,
Nice to see u back in action. how about starting a health blog for techies. 🙂
Welcome back! Glad to see you’re feeling better and taking your health seriously, Om. You’re looking great!
Om; the plan of action that you’ve taken to get back into the swing of things is encouraging and influencing. I’ll be looking forward to reports of your continued solid recovery, and your insights into the tech sector. Thanks for your influence on me as a writer and analyst, I’m glad you’re back.
Om – I’m glad to hear you’re back! And thrilled that Stacey has joined the team, one of my favorite Austin journalists!
Welcome back! If you can, try to ease back into the grind (and stay away from coffee). Let me know when you’re ready for a run along the Embarcadero! 🙂
Welcome back Om!
Welcome back OM, glad to see you’re on the road to recovery
Om – Will you be at the World Congress in Barcelona ? (apparently its not 3GSM anymore!)
glad to see you well on the path of recovery. happy trails
As I just stumbled upon you and your great network, I wasnt aware of your heartattack, but I am glad you are recoviering fine. Take your time and have a great future!
your new fan
Teymur
What a wonderful interview Om! I remember Doug from so many years on Bay Area Backroads.
Your calm and focus on your health is so good to see.
When you get your strength back, I highly recommend that you walk around Phoenix Lake in San Anselmo. It is tucked away right on the border of Ross, and was a place that I used to go as a little girl on my bike (those were before the days of creepy kidnappers, when a kid could actually go somewhere by herself!). It is an amazing, rejuvenating and dare I say magical place that will truly invigorate your body and spirit.
Whenever I come to visit the Bay Area from Arizona, I always make a stop there. It is a great place to take a solo hike, and is also a good family walk, since it is not too long.
Good luck with your recovery, and I hope you can maintain your turtle pace once your health bounds back.
All the best,
-Pam