I graduated

I have finally graduated, moved to Chicago and the last one week couldnt be more hectic. While i tried to finish off my papers, also worked and came home late at night to pack. Now, am unpacking. Never realised within the last two years actually have collected quite a lot of stuff.

Will post my graduation pics soon:) I already miss oklahoma and my friends I have left behind.

holidays

Its shiny and all white.........it is snow everywhere. it has been snowing for last 2 days continuosly, so much so that everything had to be closed for 2 days. i have been in captivity of the snow princess, walking around in my almost empty apartment trying to figure out something creative to do. life without TV and modernity is really not much to savor.

i have been bored, really bored so i ate, and ate some more till i was over fed and felt bloated and knew i had done the wrong thing. i watched the snow and saw it spread its eternal whiteness all over. yesterday morning, it was all sunny again and while the snow melted and created some more fuss over the black ice and sleet, warnings were high to not drive.
I sat in home, took some pics and saw kids build their snow man......today its cold, really cold but finally most of it have melted, the rest all piled up beside the road, took me one hour to have the snow in my car melt and then clean it so i could come in school to check my mail and do my homework.

sometimes its good to have the snow, to have some rest over the busy days and have nothing to do then enjoy the hot chocolate in home. I also watched this amazing film few days back called TEN- a must watch for everyone, specially if you are a woman. It is awesome........

sunday graffitti

It is almost time to graduate, and while am a little sentimental these days because am graduating and will leaving this lovely place called Oklahoma for Chicago- i am bored too. More so because am living on my couch these days. I mean it, all my stuff is sold and have nothing except my couch and few boxes overflowing with stuffs here and there.

So today i just baked, studies for a while and since Trang came for a visit, decided to try a few shots on her. It was hillarious and we both enjoyed.

The best thingI have done this week is watch this documentary called "CORPORATION". It is a must watch and i promise is facinating.

life- as it is

it's one of those moments in life when you have too many ideas and dont know what to do with them. i browse through all of them trying to fit the idea with my lifestyle and image of the future.

while i sip my coffee and think of taking a break, i have to admit i also enjoy the craziness of my life. if i have to describe everything i have done in the past few days- it just seems too unorganised. yet in the chaos lies the sanity. from browsing books to watching movies, to reading autobiograhies of writers to flipping through the menu of the restaurants and reading food network postings i have done it all.

the cold seems good for me, it makes me go numb, giving me the chance to settle in my couch and watch fashion house and drink apple juice while scribbling in my notebook. as i come here to work, its fascinating to see the people go by, to see them studying and laughing by themselves alone while reading something from their lighted computer screen, having their coffee and tossing it all over the place like it was a candy wrapper on a halloween night. they talk and write and drag their heavy backpacks all along, they dress to kill, new boots, some sloppy printed jackets, torn jeans and trying to catch up with life.

i can still hear myself talking, with friends, with co-workers, with some other people i dont know...... i laugh and joke and make some friends and some more. my dreams are like puzzle pieces i havent figured it out yet, i take life as it comes, with some plan, a pinch of determination and spoonfulls of spontaenity. people judge- they judge on how i spell "material", if i ever spoke english before i came, if i knew .................................... it never ends, i have learned to enjoy let myself go and reliaze that things have to be told. it is the art, the art of storytelling, the art to place words one by one till it makes sense and is called a sentence, the art of working hard and getting my grades and talk some more in class till everyone starts to realize that am not as dumb as i look like and my ideas are worthwhile.

it is somehow amazing to think of the change, the me that hid behind curtains even three years ago, the clouded brain who waited for a hand to clear off the fog..................life is fascinating, wonderful if we just knew what we are doing.............in the stage of life.

poker face

I have tried hard to keep a poker face after being advised, i dont show i am mad, i dont show am angry and to do it all i dont talk much. Most of the people around me are either taking advantage of people or situations or both.

It is funny to see how petty people become trying to accuse one another. Laughing along with them and the moment they turn behind- its is nothing but criticism. I have seen it, heard it and am trying to not get affected. So, where do you draw the line, where do you stop? Whom do you be truthful to? Is everyone the same?

It is another friday, just one of those fridays where i can do all i want to do. I am designing my coffee shop, floor plan and interiors and i can say , am going to enjoy every bit of it. Done with my class and eight hours of work today and have to run to the gym so I dont go to bed guilty every day.

graduation

I have been guilty of not writing for quite sometime, been busy just trying to fulfill my my commitment towards study. Two more months to graduate and I cant wait. I graduate on December 15!!!!

My schedule has been pretty tight, so by the time I am back home I even hate talking to people on the phone. I'm drowned in assignments.

I have skipped on all get togethers and been in home, soaking some time for me, if i have any left after millions of submission and some more. Last week had the law lab get together and it was fun. On one hand I cant wait to get over with my studies but on the other I know its time for a job.

It is just one of those stressful times when you dont know whats going on. I am trying to take control but i guess its good sometimes to let it go. I am not even sure if I'm going to stay in Oklahoma anymore, it is a small place but i like it so far. I might be moving to Chicago as well. So a few more months in Oklahoma with my old friends is all I get.

I am sure things will be fine, the stress will be over and I will be the goofy person again. It is all in the job i guess, a job and no more exams again for a while!!!

cafe do brasil

The lunch with my project group buddies went really well. To have an idea about coffee shop that has a influence of Brazil, we went to this new place called 'cafe do brasil' (Oklahoma City). I have to say i thought the building was really the best choice, so was the brasilian decor. While we chatted and tried some cuisines, we all enjoyed the place and the food.

(pics from the cafe and me in front of the business school- its my evening walk)

whew

It is my last semester and while I know I have to look for a job- I am tensed. I went shopping yesterday to get stuffs to do my portfolio and I bumped into craft materials in Michael's and how I loved them. Brought back some shimmers to do a handband for Trang- fridays her bday. I thought she would love it, since she is crazy about playing tennis.

I am hoping can do some more serious projects soon. These days its too much of work and no play. While i am hopping around trying to finish off stuffs, i am still exercising and being creative. Planning to do a small funny video on my life here in University and my friends. I actually started it today, and am sure can edit and put it together by December.

While i have been tensed for the past couple of days, not sure what to do..............am steady now and have never been more confident or happy. Time to study!

(pic of the newly made Trang's tennis accesory)

at kathys house

DSC00119
Originally uploaded by soma5086.

labor day party

www.flickr.com/photos/soma5086

agassi retires

It has been really crazy since school started, amidst the running around and buying textbooks and changing classes- the weather has drastically changed. No wonder it is Fall- its raining , plesant and makes you feel thoughful again.

Nothing is the same anymore, am enjoying the apartment, waking up early and trying to enjoy the last dregs of my last semester. It is tough, juggling classes, work, internship and looking for jobs- but it teaches you a lot.

I am still exercising with friends, met for a healthy brunch yesterday- actually in my place and hoping Agassi winning todays match , though i have to say how awesome the young 25 year old Becker is. He is definitely giving Agassi a tough time. I love watching matches of agaasi because i get a chance to see my all time favorite Steffi Graff:)

Oh, did I say have been watching a lot of films. i took a film class this semester and reading about auteur theory and watching some all time great films.

Films seen in las two weeks-

• thirteen
• boys dont cry
• citizen kane
• whale rider
• day for night
• lifeboat (will watch tonight)

Had a chance to see the new movie world trade center, but couldnt make it- too many assignments and a potluck multicultural party tomorrow (labor day).

ps- Agassi just lost, in tears as he bids farewell to tennis. loved his farewell speech.

(the pictures from our brunch and my new bedroom)

foodie

A perfect vietnamese spring roll, steamed and fried that my friend made for me with some spicy sauce coupled with cold green tea.

Of course the other is a NERD candy inherited from a friend who left Oklahoma and moved to Washington DC.

tackling men

I have hit a jackpot! Good news- and I am ready to share. If you are married, in a relationship, engaged or are trying to find out ways why the man yo love is so annoying and insensitive at times, heres the answer. you can still be happy and change him wthout nagging or bringing the house down.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/25/fashion/25love.html?ex=1155268800&en=929d5ce967c44678&ei=5087%0A

How easy men can be:)

decorate

My latest passion if I may say is definitely reading interior decoration sites and blogs. I love doing interiors and at one point also decided to do it for my career. It is refreshingly thrilling always.

So, i kind of have started collecting blog sites which are resourceful and gives you the latest update. It is not only a good read but comes free with all the latest information. If you love your space and like it pretty- you are in the right place.

Try this, it is just one of my favorites http://www.decor8.blogspot.com/.

community fair

Another lovely day, my first participation in a community fair from my intersnhip. We started at 7 am in the morning to and two and half hour of drive to Wagoner. First time in a public school for a community fair for kids.

Me, kathy, Kelly and Indira set up tables, flier and pin up buttons for kids. It was hit................fun and enjoyed every moment. Left in the evening with the perfect long drive and a ice cream treat from Kathy.

(Pictures are from the community fair and dont miss the kid's tatoos:) They are the cutest)

merry merry

It has been a couple of days since I came back to Oklahoma after a long vacation. Nontheless it has been very busy. Stared my work but not to mention that my car wasnt starting and as I parked in my friends place, commuting to the place was a trouble in itself.

Finally yesterday, after emptying my little pockets my car got a new alternator to boast of, till i realised late at night at the car wash that the tape i used to stick my loosened left headlight, is coming off too. Merry sight!!! So, today after work, another ripping of my pocket and hopefully a better looking car.

Home was fun and food, so shedding off the pounds wouldn't be easier too. Am walking everyday and have bought my own digicam finally- SONY W70. Its awesome i promise.

back with a jolt

Was supposed to hang on for 15 hours for 50,000 feet in average above the ground, with -50 degree centigrade as outside tempertaure and ground speed of 80km/hour.

After the comfortable stay back home and indulging in nothing but the best food and hours of sleep, it was jolt out of the blue to know that the Chicago international airport, my port of entry had closed the terminal due to severe bad weather. Finally, we had to land in far away Mineapolis. Tired, all I could hope was that the plane would take us back to Chicago after the refuelling was over. It finally did after an hour long wait. the weather was too bad and after some bumps in the air- we finally managed to land in Chicago. Alas, because of the lightning and rain, we had to be in the plane for another hour, coz the plane could not go towards the gate.

Finally, after the weather calmed down , the doors were opened- a relief! Total 6 hours of delay and am glad am back.

The jetlags still there, so am up around 4 this morning:) all i hate is to go back to dishes again and do everything on my own.

home

Everything has been wonderful.................except that my home pc hard disk crashed last nite and I lost all the pictures along with it. So mad!!!!

I have gained weight..............of course I have, given that i do nothing except , eat and sleep and eat more:)

I leave on Tuesday........back to my normal life after a short stay in Chicago.

(a gallery of pictures.........of me and my family, of someone who works in our home, to the view from the balcony-my favorite)

In India

I reached India on 21 June. The flight has been pleasant with a lot to eat. Reaching New Delhi and the smell of it was exciting. One day later i was in home. It never felt that i have been away for so long. It was a casual transition, from the language to the time zone.

These days I eat and sleep, though the internet has been pretty slow and Thats the only thing i dnt like. The weathers hot and i will be travelling next week a lot. Its good to be in home, the comfort, the cooked food, the fun of meeting the people you know.

Have taken some pics, but will post them later.......I miss my friends in Oklahoma, a few weeks later will meet them for sure.

night out

Yesterday was my first night out in Chicago. After doing some chocolate shopping to take home, we decided to hit the pub at almost mid night. After travelling around for the next one hour in vain trying to find a parking space, we finally had Dinesh drop us . It is MOTHERS in dowmtown, where at 2 in the morning we had to wait in the que to get in for at least 15 minutes.

Finally inside...it was nice.After vodka and seven up.....nothing could be bad. Am not much of a party girl, but I had to see the night life here.......so after initial hesitations I slowly started enjoying the music and the people.

After 3 vodkas, i was still not ready to dance.......the 4 one defeated me. Left the place at 4am and hit home. It was nice- a sure place to drop in to see the crowd and Chicago! A biryani and sleep was all I needed. Just woke up and i guess expected hangovers, because I don't drink, but alas, there is none!

chicago- here i am

Yesterday reached Chicago- it is always nice to be here. Since I was coming almost after six months here, it was a little surprising, the heavy traffic and the noise in comparison to the serene Oklahoma. May be am getting used to the small city life:)

The best part is finally, I am not working any more. Its all my time!!!! At times it is fun to be doing just normal household work, making breakfast for my bf and trying not to have him smoke.

Waiting to go back home (India).........might go for a short nap now.......sleepy:)

(Pictures- me excited as my vacation begins in pink shirt and tired after reaching chicago and going to red lobsters for dinner in black)

its on

One more day and I am leaving Oklahoma for Chicago and finally India. Will be back by the end of July.

Things have been good. My little plan of helping the children and women in India, has been going good. Me and Kathy have put together 50 dollars and another friend Andrew is contributing too:) Lots of plans going on and though we want to help the people, we also want to make sure that the money just does not come as a temporary relief but a permanent one. Lots of plans on the way.........so any of you reading this, if you hve some ideas or just want to share any thought, please feel free to email me.

Hope to post some pictures from India and keep you all posted about the work. Thank you kathy and Andrew:)

summer sizzlers

It is a new passion and am up for it. Ten years after I have not been running or for that matter being actively involved in anything except my books, am back.

Jessica inspired me and though I always wanted to get back to rigorous fitness regime, I wasn't sure if i had the tenacity to begin from the scratch again. I enjoy walking and running outdoors more than I do indoors, but anything to be back.

So I facebooked Jessica and got this website which I think is great.
http://www.halhigdon.com/index.html

It is good to have new hobbies and get involved in new things and this summer am doing a lot. Can't wait to meet my boy friend next week and then go home..........Did I say my plans for the organisation is going great. I just thought would be nice if I could help some women and children back home, people who are in poverty, who cannnot afford to buy stationeries for their children or even clothes. Kathy heard my idea and she triggered the whole thing, I hope her and my little money put together can go a long way if planned properly. Kathy is wonderful to talk to and am so grateful that i met her. We share the same passion and it is always nice being around her.

Also cannot wait for my orientation program in my school- Carmel. I am so excited and happy. I love my world!!!!!

binging- guilt free

I ate today- a lot. I mean it.

Summer has been good, with lots of work and exercising everyday and counscious eating. So, today while at work, all i could think of was dumplings that i saw in the vietnamese store. I wanted baked potatoes with sour cream and chips.

I did go to the vietnemese market and came back with 2 packets of dumplings and 1 pack of buns, got potatoes.........came back home and had them with equal ease:)

It was good to eat all that I wanted, a bowl of soup, dumplings and baked potatoes. Yippy!!!

(Pictures of one of our dinners at Indi's place)

issues

It is not easy to be in a long distant relationship, specially if the other person is not as expressive as needed. What becomes a crazy is that communications can break down creating confusions.

Sometimes I do get lost.............I'm sad and I do not know how to figure it out. I just hope , i am strong and i know what to do at the right time.

So, am finally going home on June 20 and I leave for Chicago on June 12....................hoping to bridge some of the distance. It is always nice to go for a walk or a drive around the magnificent mile.

The pic is me at work in school, trying to figure out how to get cables working............lol.

that was fun!!!

What makes a good writer and what makes one a dreamer? Are good writers good dreamers?

I am walking everyday now and it is the only moment for me to think so sparklingly clear, to meander on my thoughts and write through my mind. It is the best moment of the day for me- its is my time for me, an uncompromised time to think about my wants, inspirations and just be happy knowing I do not give myself up according to peopl'e demand. I live by my own rules and know my ordinary life will one day becomes more than ordinary. I can help people to have what they did not, i can just be more than me. I wish i could walk and write at the same time.

My work, which i joined recently is going great- it is integrated marketing and communication, with public relation and advertisement all rolled into one. I enjoy the atmosphere, my work and the fun that goes with it.

Since am working every single day now, it is tiring but i have to say how enjoyable it becomes when you choose a proffesion you love. Tonight after a massive house cleaning, will do some reading.

Here are some pictures froma few months back......a school bricktown event and an international students day in the state capitol.

we speak your names

It was touching to see Oprah's legend ball tonight- somewhere deep within i could listen to myself speaking to me. I could feel me being more strong than ever, knowing that i wouldn't give up my dream ever.

I will not let others let me down again, tell me that i'm unworthy, mock me or ignore me. I am strong as I have never been before. I have the power, the courage, the dream in my eyes to just let it go.

I will be me, i will work harder and be more patient- the reality and the truth does not have to be told right now. It will come, come- slow and for sure. I will wait as i have waited always.

I will smile more, work crazier, read all over, be smarter and I will make it happen. I will because I can!

kandahar

Kandahar- the journey into the heart of Afghanistan- is a movie you have to watch.

It is amazing, touches your soul and you will know how lucky you are when you see what is it to yearn- for money, for food, for love and for freedom.

So mad

Yes, I woke up at 7 this morning, after sleeping at 4!!!!!

I have decided not to be mad and so am trying not to be. My room mate woke me up, coz after sleeping the whole day yesterday she decided to cook at 7 with lots of additional noises. The last thing i want right now is to share my apartment, it definitely saves me money. But i have started to seriously consider things.

Yesterday was nice, after days work, ended up in dinner with Win, some shopping at Ross, coz am going home and then back home for a strawberrery shake till me and Win decided to go to ihop for some more eating and chit chat.

I am so mad right now, but with a cup of green tea trying to keep it calm.

(The pics are my sister and one of her friends in Bangalore , India, next she her boy friend and another friend and the rest me and Win and my new bag for my grandma, coz am going home!)