IN SEARCH OF ARNOLD'S SPARK

Catching up

2010-03-15T18:51:00.002-05:00

I haven't written here i such a long time that I almost forgot the blog link.

There have been too many missed episodes here, am back in Chicago and getting married in April 11.

More coming later

SATC- finally

2008-07-13T02:36:00.002-05:00

This weekend has been really good.

I have recharged my soul, stayed indoors, cleaned up my apartment and watching the "sex and the city" movie finally. I have watched the series in TV, the release of the movie, the theatres everything happened and I just couldn't go see the damm movie.

Well, I am still in Calcutta (India) and wasn't sure how many people actually would go to the theatres to see the movie. As for me, I didnt find anyone who would accompany me- it's more like coming out in the open that you watch SATC!

Months later, todays is my day. So, while I lounge back in my chair and plan my week- I am watching the movie.

2008-07-04T21:38:00.006-05:00

There are moments when you take the time to refigure your priorities and bam comes the moment when things fall into places and everything is crystal clear.

My blogs, writing in general have taken a back seat for quite sometime, for me I write when I am inspired and stop when I don’t feel like. I gave up my writing for a local Chicago magazine because I was getting tied up in my job and somehow weekends didn’t inspire me to grab my laptop again. My blogs of course didn’t have new posts and my life was taking charge in it self.

Few books and discovering Google calendar desktop application later, I want to get back not only to writing but few more.

Here’s my to-do-list:

Clear my CAPM exam in August
Start writing my blog (personal) twice a month
Post on my fusion cooking blog once a month
Start a new blog on my journey into project management and professional world and post every week.

Last week was my week off and visited my parents. I reached Dhanbad on Sunday, slept most of the time (I never realized how much sleep I really needed!) and woke up to grab a meal and spent few hours catching up my parents after they came back from work. Thursday noon, I was off to my grandmas place and back to Calcutta on Saturday.

(Given is a pic of the flooded Calcutta taken from the car and a map of India, with Calcutta marked- where I am ).

Had you been a girl

2008-05-01T11:22:00.000-05:00

And not a guy would you still chide me on skype? Would you laugh at the man who wears too short a shorts and decide to stroll down the streets? Would the tiny keypads of your ever beeping cell phone squeak at the constant sms-ing? Would the smile still be a shade fader when you were caught in your own world and yet couldn’t bear to disappoint others?

Had it been easier to be friends, to share the secrets without test runs? To look at the stars, read the poems, wonder at words, the depth of songs, walk bare feet and share stories, real stories of life and beyond.

The days spent talking; with your head tilted on one side listening attentively and suddenly you brighten up, animated about that one incident that happened years ago. The roof seems quite, the noise of children playing in the summer evening floating by from somewhere far, the yellow and pink striped kite tangled in the coconut tree and a jug of lemonade at our feet. The soothing flavored water brimming in the white jug with pale blue starry prints crawling all over, the handle stretched and ice all clustered in the jug.

The aged door went back to and fro with the wind and downstairs the house over populated by guests and food, bustled with life. The black glittery sky with the pale round moon spread itself all over us. We talked and drank some lemonade and when the hunger couldn’t be replaced by lemonade any more, I ran downstairs to grab some food. The cement stairs still warm from the summer heat, my hand sliding along the railing, till I rushed in the house got the white china plates that were gifted last summer from my aunt with yellow cake like frosty piping on the edges. A few handfuls here and there and I ran upstairs skipping one stair at a time to get the plates on the white floor flooded with moonlight.

We laughed at the stories, the unreasonable arguments of moms, the desperateness to buy the black tank top with cropped white sleeves showcased at Allen Solly in Park Street. How life can change we thought, poems newly written were stacked in some corner, papers strewn all over, and the old leather bounded Tintern Abbey rested in the comfy chair used often as a tray for my tea cup in the morning.

We never had any excuses not to talk, not to walk past the coconut man, have dinner at the lit restaurant on the Ganges with Lobster and the over orangish flute of cosmopolitan while sailing away in the darkness. If it wasn’t for Conrad we would have never met, who would knew the power lied in the shelves of the library. Books dusty and spiders crawling, pictures sketched on half torn away pages. Crossroad came later, the swanky coffee shops and the palm pilot, the craze for flying away to other countries and drive cars with sun roofs.

The love of water, the sound of laughter, the cold touch of the steel scissor while the shabby parlor girl smelling of freshly applied cheap cream straightened the sprouting eyebrows enthralled us. The smaller things in life were happiness; like the paper windmill bought in the local train still stands faintly on my desk. I take it once in a while in the clouded summer storm and see that it can still turn and put it back for another year to stand among my books, pens, never sharpened pencils and the bright red lamp.

My diary has been scribbled all over, my fears, my losses, my first love, how I knew that I had the lucky stars in me and every time I was forced to study, I dreamt of me years later walking down some hall in stilettos and pencil skirt with arm full of files and papers and the crowd moving away as I walked through them.

You knew it all, what I thought when I looked away and had the distant look, how attached I was when I said I didn’t care, how I loved chocolates and McDonalds french fries and there would still be secrets I would perhaps never share.

Life would be a lot different only…only if you were a girl!

Knight Rider wins

2008-04-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

The Bengali New Year was on April 14, so while the entire city celebrated and households were over stuffed with sweets and cuisines, needless to say I was at work.

I want to be out; get a drink and shop around. I live a double life here- at one end I wear Indian dresses, talk in the local language (which also happens to be my mother tongue), wear the cotton night gowns instead of my shorts and t-shirt and become invisible in the crowd. On the other hand, I need a drink and occasionally end up having cheese and miss out on the anti pasta platter. I look at the discount emails from Barnes and Nobles and New York and Company and I know I missing out on seasons, the weather, the beach and the fun.

The moment I call up my friends in US, I slide back to the conversation like I had never left. I miss out on my life in Chicago; on my 4 month here getting used to the city. I love it-hate it at times, with questions popping if I should stay behind. New opportunities have grown all over India and my career wouldn’t stop if I decide to. It would make my family happy and to be honest I am lost at times. The necessity to choose one over the another bothers me.

The Bengali cultural hub is famous for its richness, the artistic intricacies and the richness of the language. So, watching a play few days ago was fabulous, reminded me of my years here. A student of literature, I yearned for musicals and plays. I miss out on the fact that I don’t get a lot of time to write these days, job is all consuming.

The summer here is crazy, the heat, the humidity is good enough reason to chase anyone out of the city. The strikes called by parties continue and tomorrow being one, I perhaps will work from home.

Cricket rules Calcutta now, the “Knight Riders” owned by the King of Bollywood, Sharukh Khan himself has won the match today. The famous Eden Garden Stadium was packed with 90, 000 people if I remember right. Cheers to the team!

In search of the "City of Joy" (Calcutta)

2008-03-29T22:27:00.005-05:00

Let's face it, a 16 hour work schedule can tone down your cooking inspiration.
I haven't been cooking a lot lately, except when i really need to eat something and nothings available in my refrigerator except raw vegies. Yesterday was different, very different- while i relaxed in my apartment i had the time to go through the cooking blogs once again.

The pancake recipe was more than inspiration, decided to go grocery shopping. Luckily, in Calcutta, India (where I am) you get everything. So, i did some really good shopping from mayonnaise, sandwich breads, almonds, mocha coffee, chicken, eggs, pizza base, cheddar, mushrooms, cheeseballs, chinese sauce all in good spirit to finish it off with a large pizza, coke, garlic bread with cheese dip and some good friends.

I have my refrigerator loaded with left over pizza, so the pancake has to wait. To top it off, we ended up in a quiet beautiful spot in "Princep Ghat". It's a perfect view with River Ganges flowing and the two prominent Calcutta bridges, boats can be seen now and then which includes a grand floating restaurant all lit up for the night.

I fell in love with Calcutta for the first time and it couldn't have been better. It's one of the places which can soothe you, comfort you, bring back the real you. It is a far cry from the sophistication of shopping malls and the pizza places, the restaurants and hustle of the city. The place has the power to bring back the poetic instincts, the sensibility and the affinity for life.
I am glad I found my own spot in Calcutta, like I have with most cities....something that makes you feel at home.

In the process, found friends, real friends for lifetime!

I promise to carry my camera next time I happen to stop by "Princep Ghat".
(pictures: Google images)

why am i not married?

2008-03-23T08:42:00.004-05:00

I am used to constant honking by now and trust me the summer here is humbling. It's March and I wake up at the middle of the night sweating. I am still trying to live life in local terms, so i am yet to turn on my ac.

Amidst my crazy life and almost 16-18 hours of work schedule, I try to keep sane. Problems never stop and i do miss the spring breaks and the wonderful weather in Chicago now. Most of all the food with Easter coming along.

I have toned down my cooking expriments for the lack of time and the ingredients. So, most of the time it is all about doing it the local way. While my domestic help is completely ignorant of time and the fact that she gets paid to do the work, needs to show up at times. She has her own way of disappearing for days and I end up doing my work as well as hers.

The charm of the city lies in the people and the lifestyle. While you can step into local shops and then bargain for everything from grocery to clothes, you can get into the swanky newly popping all over the town huge shopping malls where every brand is available (local as well as international) and of course comes with a huge price tag.

Neverthless the people are friendly, some genuine some overly friendly (curious) trying to step into my life and finding out the nitty grities of my life in Chicago. Questions never cease- why I am still not married and when I intend to do so, takes over the conversation anytime. I am good at dodging questions these days, may be thats why i earn my living talking- talking to clients, talking to poeple, talking to the team......

Life goes on while I wait desperately to take a much awaited break. A beach, water and some peace!

life here in Calcutta (India)

2008-02-17T06:30:00.005-06:00

My life is pretty much the same everyday. I wake up at 7am, have a huge cup of tea and loiter around, prep a little for my forthcoming project management exam and supervise my domestic help (yay! its really nice having some one do your housework, while you use that extra bit of time to your advantage). While that gets done, am off to shower and get ready for work. My driver (another yay! but trust me its not a luxury, the roads are crazy and if it was for me , i would be dead by now driving in the Calcutta streets) arrives at 8.20am and am off to work. it would have taken 15 minutes had it been Chicago but with all the unruly traffic and no rules, it takes about 40 minutes to get through. Am usually the first one at work and I really enjoy the morning. It's 9am and I get to work, tea time is the best time- very refreshing and it got me into a habit of waiting for it these days.

Like all jobs it gets a bit insane, lunch is mostly working lunch where i get some time to watch some training videos or get some work going. My work hours seem to get stretched everyday, so i leave around 7pm if I am lucky and head home. On the way, i catch up on some latest music or even drop in to get some grocery. Now this is where it gets interesting- you can shop at open markets where you have vendors all lined up with their baskets of fresh produce and you haggle and shout but you get it fresh and not frozen by any means. Or you can always go for the small shops that are popping up these days like "spencer" where you get to do it the American way. Let me say, you will get everything here what you would in Chicago from the frozen french fries to the shrimp. Generally the local crowd prefer the local markets than these. They are still getting used to the concept of doing it all on their own.

Once all done, am at home. A cup of tea and some Tv, a couple of calls to friends and family and am ready for some work/study again. I glance through some magazine and usually after a early dinner head of to bed.

Weekends is the only time, i get to step out and go for some shopping and food. You get all kinds of food and can feast on anything you like, shopping gets a bit tricky. Either you go for the malls and get stuff a bit over priced or you head out for the markets and haggle for everthing from clothes to food to jewellery. It is always advisable to have some local with you, if you plan to taking this route. While jeans is what i mostly wear, cotton is the style of the day. I do indulge in salwar kameez and all the local flare to keep me going with the weather.

So, while you shiver in the cold, here it is rather warm though you will find people wrapped up in all their winter wear. Enjoy the post, while i get back to some local food tasting:)

In Calcutta

2008-01-20T04:08:00.000-06:00

I have been travelling and finally can sit down and squeeze in a few words. In India now and the new year was nothing but travel. I reached Delhi on the 31 night and the next week was a complete itenary of travels. Few days here and a few days there, I am finally in Calcutta, the city of joy!

I joined my work, the same office as in Chicago different location for a few months and works takes up my major chunk of the day. The apartment is nice, which was there but completely bare. So it took a while to set up, my basics and to settle in. While i rushed to and from work, my parents thankfully managed the rest of it.

Two weeks later, i am fine:) All, nestled up. Yes, it did feel different, the traffic and bursting city with people and energy but I am getting used to it, getting stuck in the jams and the constant honking on the streets. I am blessed with some great people I work with and that makes up for the rest.

My parents are back to their place and I am on my own. Yesterday, was my first weekend here after settling in. so, me and cousins went to some shopping malls, browsing new finds and trying to look for a pair of casual shoes. The best part about Calcutta is that you can find shops which cost you Rs. 890 ( saw one in Metra - a shoe store and fell in love with it) and also at the same time find at the street stores for Rs. 100. Of course needless to say, the quality is different but i did buy 2 of the, from the street side stores. They are adorable.

I will soon get back with some pics. For now, I am alive and kicking and meeting friends and family over the weekends while surfing the enw eateries. Lunch yesterday was yummy at Park Street's "PETER CAT", a good restaurant but a bit over priced.

Calcutta journal is on the way.............Enjoy guys!

Happy Holidays you all!

2007-11-24T14:54:00.000-06:00

How do you write? Me? Oversized shirts and a three quarter faded pants and the idea which can make me scribble for a while. I have loved scribbling all my life and frankly I do it quite often (Ah, used to).

It has been crazy settling from my life in Oklahoma to Chicago the transformation of being a student and walking along the magnificent mile in downtown Chicago. Also balancing a profession where I am learning something new everyday and endless worries about deadlines and the urge at the same time to keep up with my hobbies. A work break structure as they say in project management is the only way to survive. I realize that and yet I have so much to do it is difficult to manage your mood with your desire to do something specific.

So, this is what I have been doing all these months (excuse for not writing my blog if you may say)-

Started my other cooking blog, yeah I haven’t written that in a while too.

I am writing for a local Chicago magazine about fusion cooking (happened by chance).

Working my ass off (almost new job).

Balancing work and personal life (ooh so clichéd!!!)

Gym, joined to loose some- well you know what.

Planning other plans, my original idea for a book for school kids.

Working with an only girl’s school in a small village in west Bengal, India. A school run by a teacher in collaboration with the state government where they try to get them food, right education and talk about hygiene, give them hope about future and tell them it is possible even if you live in house made of mud and have thatched roof made out of leaves. You can fight even if you don’t get to eat twice a day and want to have a job someday. Everyday they fight harder and I learn more about life in being in touch with them.

Helping my aunts plan and develop an ethnic retail and accessory business (trust me its lot of work).

Trying to keep in touch with myself, so hard when everything else needs your attention.

Studying to keep up my job (too much to finish!).

Some shopping, yes (online, lack of time).

Enjoying the first snow of the season and some hot chocolate.

I am back! So, I will write more often now and try to utilize my calendar planning templates to organize. If I get exhausted and don’t feel like writing, leave me a comment or a call to remind me that I am running late in my schedule.

Enjoy the holidays!

life changing

2007-09-25T15:10:00.001-05:00

This changed my life and I know will affect yours.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=362421849901825950&hl=en

true story

2007-06-23T15:22:00.000-05:00

It's been an exciting month, almost stepping into a new life and basking in a new hope.

My mom and I were on the phone this morning and she narrated how so many children in india do not get the chance to study even after scoring more than average grades just because they can't afford it. Recently, she found an article in the newspaper about a village boy who wants to study English Literature. His family cant pay for his education because they are weavers by profession and so poor that the aspiring English Literature scholar is malnourished. My parents contacted them and hopefully he will get his degree. It's amazing how much people struggle to get their dreams.

Now, while surfing the internet, I got this video clip- see this and you will know the struggle and the effort so many people undergo and how fortunate the rest of us are who are sitting back at home enjoying weekends and watching this on the net.

http://videos.nighi.com/video/video/show?id=549954:Video:15842

my journey so far

2007-05-19T16:31:00.000-05:00

I'm not shying away from life as of yet, over the years I have fought for my rights- every single one of them and have harbored the right to remain free and live my life my way. From the day I decided to study literature instead of science, the day i wanted to free myself from my parent's identity, the moment when I took my own decison when the world was against it- I have lived every bit of it.

I have yet to give up because someone says I can't, my marksheet doesn't approve of my dream or tradition comes along the way. I have always been grounded who firmly believed and knew what she was made to do.

The day i decided to move on to Delhi and live on my own, I knew i was ready. I wanted a break and the money to live on my own. Working in a call centre was not something my parents expected, but against the common belief it is a lot of hard work. The pressure of working almost on a perfect scale and achieving by talking over the phone is an art in itself. I have made some friends there who will live more than a lifetime. It was the easiest way to get a job in Delhi, a city where I knew no one.

A small town girl in a huge city, the switch was tremendous, almost like moving to New York from Oklahoma. It took me a while to get used to the culture, the huge city and living alone all by myself on my self earned money. Dont get me wrong, I'm used to staying on my own since I was 15, I moved out for further studies. But I wasnt used to living in a place where my parents couldnt travel in a single day and I paid my own rent. I've learnt my most valuable lessons in life from there, the patience to fight and never give up. I wouldnt be in USA today, had I not been in Delhi alone.

I'm not the rich kid who lives around the block, but i have fought every bit for my dreams. Sometimes, when life gets stubborn on you it's human nature to complaint and God i have done that so many times. When i look backwards i know i have done something , most people will not do. I havent given up yet, I still think, scribble and dream of writing a novel one day.

I would be selfish, if am saying that i did all of this on my own. I have acheived nothing, nothing to brag about nor do i earn in six figures- I'm still struggling every bit if it......

Today, I watched this amazing film DOR and I prize every bit of my life and am so thank ful for all my friends who have believed in me when I have given up. Thank you to all of you ( in no particular order)....

Soumitra- for teaching me to be comfortable in my own skin and loosening up -from the 'no-fun- serious' kid i used to be. For providing me with everything I need to keep my dreams flowing.

Joy- he is a pillar of strength and so creative. My guru of life, I talk to him mostly when i have no hope left. Joy and preeti will remain the most treasured people of my life.

Win- she is one of those persons, am glad i met. Our calls are mostly about everything. she sees me going places and dong my things. i miss the dorm room late nights that we enjoyed over marshmellows and wine and all the emotions that you dont allow yourself to see.

Naparat- my first friend in USA, she gave me company when i was alone and scared to be 'me'. we shared classes to notes, to giggly laughters for nothing.

Indira- we started running together and talking about making our own film, about boy friends and silly things.

Clint- My boss in University, I worked for him. The most amazing guy and full of energy, he broadened my vision and someone I'm very comfortable talking to.

Abhijit- we share the passion for cooking and food and can talk endlessly about it.

Pulin- we fight everytime we talk, yet he wishes me nothing but the best.

Sumana- in whom i found my best friend. never though we would click, her depth, her philosophy is spell binding- she can give a lessor or two about love to anyone.

Titu- my sister and yet i like to think of her more as a friend. we have pulled each others hair and fought like there's no tomorrow and now with the years added, we understand without talking and respect each others space.

Mom- she has been there when no one was. believed even when she knew i was wrong, trusted my independence and my knack of doing things very differently. one of the best role models a daughter can have.

Tinni- supposed to be my cousin, but we have met just twice. distance has always been the common factor between us and yet the 'email' turned us into friends. she is a self made strong woman and an inspiration for anyone.

Moose- my prof, who changed my way of thinking and life. she is strong and creative as you would want to be.

Sneha- we were ackward, alienated and finding her was knowing the strong fire within.

Sean- hes funny and good to talk to. a lawyer in making with a hunger for knowledge and life.

Akshat- who was always there, bought me medicines when i sick and took care of things when i was too messed up.

Soumen- he taught me to live in a city and use ATM and my first ever credit card.

Amartya- a friend in making, a good laughter and some crazy talk.

Trang- we baked together and discussed our dreams.

Fome-my cousin back in India, she is unpredictable and we huddle together to talk about everything.

There are people more than I can pen down to thank and am so grateful for all of that.

Things will happen i know and like everyone else i want them fast. The only update is that i have been munching packs of Doritos and gulping down Coke with much anger but I have not yet given up on my fitness ritual of walking and jogging and I intend to keep it that way.

updates

2007-05-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

I'm finally ready to trim off the fat:).
Exercising everyday, rather trying to jog- end result a sprain that kills.
Weight- 115 pounds.
Inspiration- none whatsoever, except my growing waistline.
New Reads- Dorris Lessing's- Golden Notebook.
May Special- Writing lifestyle columns for a local Chicago magazine.
Cigars smoked- none
Happy- sort of. My new blog- Ginger n Garlic is doing good.
Movies- some, watching Bridget Jones for the 100th time.
Wishlist- new spring hair cut with a red highlight may be .

LG Fusic

2007-05-02T08:37:00.000-05:00

My new LG fusic looks fabulous, has great features, inbuilt mp3 player and everything one needs to say its the right phone at the right time. An upgrade on my sprint phone and a liberal discount, which meant ended up paying just eighty bucks for the $299 phone.

My cell phone history goes a long way, my first when I was a student in Santiniketan, my fascination with gadgets and curiosity to see it for myself had me tutoring a bunch of kids (well just three) when i wasnt studying myself. The money went for my second hand cell phone that I got from Kolkata (India) courtesy my cousin who found me one that fitted my budget.

I was the first among students then and a handful of others in the campus to have one and lord, it was big and heavy and looked almost like a cordless phone. I treasured it night and day and my parents allowed it because I was 22 and was easier for them to get in touch than wait forever to get through the dorm phones.

It was a tight secret that me and my roomies kept, didn't want to be the snob who carried around a cell phone in her purse to show off. A year later, sold off my phone for a decent cell that my dad gave.

When I moved to US, money was tight and I figured out just getting a phone would be enough as long as I can communicate. So got the free basic phone that came with my Sprint service. My first camera phone for sure and a good one, I liked it till i saw everyone around flipping phone's like candy wrappers. I wished I could change mine...............probably would have but then whats the point in wasting money, that I could save for some trip or have some extra grocery.

Yesterday, I knew it was time. I have learnt bargain shopping from Indira (friend from Indonesia) who looks like a million buck but never spend more than a few. So I waited for the right time and chose my LG instead of the Upstage - the new phone that comes with the flip service. A cell on one side and mp3player on the other. Looks great but its so sleek and pretty I almost fainted. Same price but after some consideration I went with the LG. Have learnt the craft of chatting up with the customer service rep and he was more partial towards my LG and also ended up giving me a $ 50 discount which the upstage didnt have. What else could I have asked for?

Pocketed a new good looking phone and have been toying with it ever since.....need to download some music and am all ready.

Story of Ram Charan

2007-04-25T14:43:00.000-05:00

Lots of people have inspired me in some way or the other but nothing of this calibre has ever happened before. I am amazed by this man's story and proud to be an Indian. All you have to do is read the link below.........

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/04/30/8405482/index.htm

Now you know what I was talking about.

spring bursts

2007-04-21T17:36:00.000-05:00

I don't get a lot of time these days to read. However, I came across this wonderful article and thought it would be nice to share. Not having adequate time , is nothing more than an excuse.

http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200704/20070403/slide_20070403_284_104.jhtml

It's a common saying, when you are stuck in an elevator with another being and have mothing
else to talk about- you mull about the weather. I say, weather is a good discussion when after months of snow and cleaning your car in the dark gloomy morning, you wake up with a clear shimmering sky and the roads are flooded with people who have dumped their dark long coats and are dressed in tank tops and high heels and try to find an excuse to walk out.

The park smells spring and is packed with people enjoying their family time, playing ball and running around with their pets. I am on.....ready to keep my promise to walk for 30 minutes everyday.

spring

2007-04-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

From the snowy evenings to a perfect spring:) The Sunday asparagus, zucchini and olive pasta brunch to my bday cake (which was yesterday!!!)

food heaven:)

2007-03-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, that i almost forgot my password. Now, thats when you know that you better write down something.

Things have been going pretty fast, so let's talk something casual and my latest passion these days. I have been cooking, oh yes let me tell you this sometimes things dont work they way you want to. Last weekend i wanted to make croissant and ended up making really bad pretzels.

Along with baking, I tried some great food and God i love Chicago for that. From pita sandwich to amazing dumplings, lip smacking biryani and a great cosy little tiny bar that has some amazing food as well as drinks. Thats Louise, I am not a big fan of going to bars- i would rather stay in home and enjoy a glass of wine or a vodka mixed with seven up with three olives. Louise just made me feel right at home, the big tip is to go on weekdays if you are not a big fan of over crowded places.

So, these days when am in mood for something special, I search for it on the internet find out a place which is affordable and head towards it. Ah and i have to mention I am driving in Chicago finally!!!!! Three cheers for that :)

I am in heaven every time i go to a real good grocery store, so this week my special was asparagus, zucchini and blue cheese. Perfect for a good sunday bruch of pasta and here's a little secret, blue cheese is really salty and is very tasty even when u want it like a snack, so to take off the salt I use some apple juice. A sip of juice and a bite of the cheese while you are busy working:)

So, I promise even if i dont open up a small cafe, you are invited to come over for some fusion food my style:) Will post some sunday pasta for sure:)

pizza time

2007-02-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

for me food and advertising goes hand in hand. here's my first trial for a home made pizza right from the scratch. the advantage is that you can keep a count on the calorie and go lighter on cheese, mine is a veg pizza with portobello mushrooms, bell pepper, tomatoe, onions, mozarella and parmesean. it was awesome to finally taste it and be assured it was really good:)

oh and did i mention the advantage of maintaining a blog- it even helped me to nab my credit card confusion, i realised that an amount was charged to my account and was sure it wasnt mine. checked all my statements and finally my last resort was my blog. well, it usually has most of the things i do or helps me remmber the rest. it worked this time and finally after the reading the postings for that month i remembered the expense. saved me more worries and some calls to the bank.

its nice to stay warm in home, avoid the flurries and enjoy your own home made pizza!

mind blowing

2007-01-23T17:39:00.000-06:00

It is amazing .............while I research some ad agencies and send my resumes, it is stunning to see that I am sending resumes to places whose ads i adore. It's like a dream- the ads are mind blowing and I have enjoyed them.

http://www.element79.com/facts/work_tv.php

Check this out and see the ads. It is a funny feeling to see that finally i am applying to real places, real agencies. Though not very sure how the entry level hiring works, specially for me without any inner contacts and no consultancy.

The snow covered Chicago is really cold, but yes i did meet my school friend after twelve years right here this weekend. It was fun:)

(Pic of me and Urbi, my friend from Carmel in an Indian Restaurant in Chicago).

post all the fun

2007-01-16T00:47:00.000-06:00

I dont have much to say these days.havent done much. It has just started snowing here in Chicago, its freaking cold, so i dont even go out for my walk these days. I have been watching a lot of TV and cooking (i love experimenting) and finally have woken up and realised -its time to get the job.

So,am studying trying to brush up on excel which i havent done in the last....well....cant even remember..so yes doing that and my portfolio almost done. looks good but may be will do a few spec ads.

Watched the movie DEPARTED today, it is one hell of a movie. The media is welcoming diversity- shows in the ads- the new vaselin ad (its really good if you ahve seen with lots of hands in the black background) has Indian music in the background- an indian classical dance music score, the new phone ad where the guy juggles all the phone has a sitar rendition in the background. It is nice because it brings in a fresh appraoch to the ads.

The one I hate- the office depot- hand ad- how many people actually like it? It is spooky, a slice of hand coming out of the box helping you getting organized. Am not sure if i would be too comfortable with that.

Am not sure if am using my time rightly, may be i should work more and sleep less:) I think I work better in deadlines. How i miss oklahoma...... and the fooling around with my friends and the life in school.

2007

2007-01-02T12:42:00.000-06:00

New year and 2007 is on..................it is perhaps one of the most important year of my life..............there is so much to happen and get going.

I moved to Chicago in december, graduted and had a lovely christmas and new year- its time to spread my wings and do what i love doing the best...........................

Happy New Year everyone and let this year rock everyone's world.

I graduated

2006-12-18T08:45:00.000-06:00

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

2006-12-02T14:37:00.000-06:00

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

2006-11-19T23:14:00.000-06:00

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

2006-11-01T17:03:00.000-06:00

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

2006-10-20T19:47:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-13T18:20:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-26T18:46:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-18T22:50:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

DSC00119
Originally uploaded by soma5086.

labor day party

www.flickr.com/photos/soma5086

agassi retires

2006-09-03T13:16:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-19T22:42:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-06T15:59:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-04T19:08:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-03T12:59:00.000-05:00

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

2006-07-21T04:59:00.000-05:00

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

2006-07-14T12:19:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-25T23:48:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-18T12:13:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-14T11:14:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-10T12:37:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-31T20:09:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2006-05-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-22T20:05:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-18T23:53:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-17T08:19:00.000-05:00

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!)

Yes, I commit.

2006-05-14T19:37:00.000-05:00

I COMMIT

1. To loose 10 pounds by this summer-90 minutes/6 days a week.
2. Meditate everyday- to keep me calm
3. Liberate myself- open up and be more free.
4. Take care of my body.
5. Read more
6. Practise composure- to be calm even in the toughest moment.
7. Learn something new
8. Be more social- meet new people and new ideas
9. Get my license
10. Change my tone.

"You can choose to settle for mediocrity, never venturing forth much effort or feeling very much. Or you can commit. If you commit, i gurantee you that, for very pain, you will experience an equal or surpassing pleasure".- Patt Summit.

ramblings

2006-05-13T18:43:00.000-05:00

How important is solitude? Do we want it and when do we avoid it?

Sitting almost alone this weekend in my apartment, with friends touring the world and the states- i'm looking for the answer. The few minutes in the car wash and back and forth journey made me realise I want to go back to my life that i enjoyed. My life of solitude.

I want to get back to the world of poetry, to books and writing. I want to know myself better. Everytime we hide behind the crowd avoiding the loneliness, jump into another invitation for the party- I think it is time to know are we doing it just because we want to be in that party or are we scared of being ourselves?

I have always treasured my moments alone and am ready again to bond with real friends, talk with real people and spend some quality time with my self. Travel alone, do my things on my own and explore life.

Who thought i would miss my friends in msn messenger so much? Who knew that friendship is not about time, it is about reaching the point- the point where you can be you. My search still continues- of that friend i'm looking for. Last night it was nice talking toWin, knowing that everyone has their own story, it was a relief to talk.

Life can only be better with summer:)

happy crew

2006-05-10T21:14:00.000-05:00

The law lab semester ending lunch was today. After eating out almost once every weekend now and last night including in an unplanned Red lobster dinner, i thought i just couldn't eat anymore.

It was fun, we and our bosses and their bosses ended up in the Gopuram- an Indian restaurant lunch buffet. It was fun, the food, talking to my Boss and ofcourse he finally eating the 'dosa' with hands:)

Thank you for the lovely lunch and the great working atmosphere!!!!

grad nite out

2006-05-06T16:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a special day. It was raining and we had to go out to celebrate Naparat's graduation. We decided to go for a good meal and then just hang around.

The dinner was good but the sudden quietness was bothering me. After dinner, we all went to to have ice cream in the shivering cold......it was raining and Andrew was walking around everywhere while I ended up getting wet.

The funny thing was, we splashed water everywhere, six of us squeezed into Andrew's car and realised that we didnt want ice cream............finally starbucks. Hot chocolate and coffees later, we played games and was ready to go home.

I miss my internet, i miss our nightly chats and my net surfing and reading blogs. I am suddenly cut off from the entire world and I hate being home and not being able to communicate and read my morning news.

Things have been good, my interview in Oklahoman went on pretty well. I am not sure if I can do the voluntary thing, coz it has lot of immigration laws involved in it, so I don't think i am doing that. My new friend Sean is funny and nice. He is the easiest person to talk to without getting judged. I guess it helps me also because i don't have to think about some other friend getting involved in it or something.

It's summer now, and i have to work. I just wish if I could leave everything and be in chicago. Doesn't solve anything coz will go in July may be.It's time I take responsibility for myself.

can u see?

2006-04-30T19:27:00.001-05:00

I do not why I cannot write poetry any more. I do not know why everytime unknowingly I have to look for someone else's approval of my choice. I never needed one before and i dont need one now.

I have forgotten how it feels to touch leaves, how it feels like, all I know is the rattle of the key board, the competition and the fast track life.

The blankness of not doing something worthwhile, something to bring on a smile. What do people think, what are they really? What do they want, just squeezing out oppurtunites from one another or is it just more than that? Is it good to have money or is it worthwhile to think of how life would be if you had a bagfull hidden in the backyard?

Is it enough going to Dallas or just sit in front of the lake and trying to find ourselves? Who wants what, what do i want? Is happiness not in the water splashing, is it in the diamonds, is it in the fancy restaurant or in finding out your true friend.

Do I know?

2006-04-29T23:31:00.000-05:00

Were you named after anyone: Not that I know of
Do you wish on stars: Yes, all the time
When did you last cry- After a fight with my bf, am too emotional
Do you like your handwriting- Yes
What is your favorite lunch meat- Chicken
What is your birth date: April 2.
What is your most embarrassing CD- Don’t know
If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you- Oh yesssss.
Are you a daredevil- not always.
Have you ever told a secret you swore not to tell- Never
Do looks matter- Sometimes
How do you release anger- Talk to my friends, calling my bf, meditation.
Where is your second home- Law school library
What is your favorite game- Talking.
What was your favorite toy as a child- Bike, running around
What class in high school do you think was totally useless- Everything was ok.
Do you have a journal- Lots in every form and size.
Do you use sarcasm a lot- Not really.
Favorite movies- Fairytales, action and good scripts.
What are your nicknames- Soma/mome
Would you bungee jump- HELL NO
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off- Mostly, unless am too tired or feeling lazy or house is on fire.
Do you think that you are strong- I am a strong- mentally.
What's you favorite ice cream flavor- Vanilla and chocolate
What are your favorite colors- White, black, maroon, silver gray………….
What is your least favorite thing about yourself- I think too much
What color pants are you wearing- Black
What are you listening to right now-- The humming of some machine running somewhere (am in job)
If you were a crayon, what color would you be- peach
What is the weather like right now- Chilly
Last person you talked to on the phone at home- Mom
The first thing you notice about the opposite sex- Attitude
Do you like the person who sent this to you- No one sent this to me.
How are you today- I'm cool.... a little bored.
Favorite drink- water, coke, green tea
Favorite sport- basketball and tennis
Hair color- Black
Eye color-Black
Do you wear contacts- Nope
Favorite Food- Chocolate, ice cream and sea food.
Last movie you watched- She is the man.
Favorite day of the year- Days I can stay in home and read.
Scary movies or happy endings- Happy endings
Summer or winter- Both.
Hugs or kisses- Hugs, I looove them.
What is your favorite dessert- ice cream
Living arrangements- Apartment (share)
What books are you reading- Finals are on……….
What is on your mouse pad- I don’t use a mouse.
What did you watch last night on TV- Oprah.
Favorite smells- Flowers, post rain weather.
What is the furthest you've been from home- Right now in USA

eat up

2006-04-25T21:04:00.000-05:00

Have finals going on, no time to blog.

The pictures are of me and friends in Ihop last Sunday post a 9 mile walk and in Olive garden tonight for a class dinner.

drama

2006-04-19T22:33:00.000-05:00

One dramatic day- I was nominated for the post of the President for the Multicultural Students Association. It was amazing, but more I thought I realized i will not be able to cope up with time time and dedication needed. Fall will be pretty busy for me. Have classes everyday, have job to keep to pay my bills and if things go well will do an internship also. Could not have taken more. Rest of it for me.

Post Chicken salad for dinner with lots of spinach and brocolli, it is time to get back for exams. It is final weeks and need too much to finish.

film and dreams

2006-04-16T15:47:00.000-05:00

Watched Mira Nairs " Salam Bombay" last night. It left a deep impact in me as never before, I woke up several times at night thinking about that innocent boy and how life can become.

Just because I was luckily born in a proper family I was saved. I could have been one of them. It made me think what I can do to help them, how I can work towards it.

As for my friends we are trying to open a discussion group, a real one, where we can come and talk. Not the superficial girl talk or the get togethers but the real one and have host discussion, Could be from dreams to fears to anything.

Never thought how tough it can be, how much people protect their real selves actually and pretend to be what they are not. The fear of not letting out the real fears and problem. I have been there once and i know how we fear to be judged. I have a feeling it is not going to work out and am out of it. Dissapointing but that how it is i guess.

Fun day

2006-04-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

It has been a great day, so hectic but i enjoyed every moment of it.

It started with my radio recording for the commercial for the final project. Me and Cludia are in the team but we have been joined by the production team for the shooting of commercials. Samantha (sam) is our team. An amazingly pretty and cheerful girl, prefect in skills and loves her work. Just what we needed. Our ad planners are Haggai and Angela and Sam is also repsosible for our editing.

We have a wonderful cast, not are they good actors, they are amazing persons, cheerful, ready to wrok hard and we all are bonding well.

After the radio recording which went well, we came back for the TV commercial shooting at noon. Nora , the main cast is so pretty and nice. We shot our office scenes in Mooses office (our mass comm professor) because I like her room, its cosy yet proffesional.

After the office shots, we went for the graduation ceremony shot and Chris ( prof of mass comm of broadcasting) was so helpful and nice. It was great work with running around for silly things like a coffee mug to make the table for the shoot look good and then for ribbons to tie the diploma. I had a great time. I love advertising, no other proffesion is perhaps as creative and practical at the same time. It is so good to see your own ideas coming to life.

It's one good time for me, would love to post my story board here but probably would be better that i do it, once the assignment is over. Things have been working really well for me. Touchwood.

I have to say, that I guess i should be working for an NGO in summer:) Wuhoo!!! Thank you God.

(All angels.....Nora is the one in everchanging dresses- in suits and graduation robe. Sam is the prettiest cameraperson to be seen, Claudia the one in blue.The pic in between is me and Sam trying to create the perfect light in the room. Swiched off main lights and used the table lamps only, Nora wasnt getting the right light on her face , so finally i was holding another lamp on her face.lol.)

awesome

2006-04-11T11:33:00.000-05:00

I am so happy. Touchwood.

Will be shooting for my first TV commercial for my class assignment and also the radio commercial. Learned garage band today, was awesome!

Last week has been too much fun with the casting call, it was so awesome. Interviewing people and talking to them, getting the right person to choose- hard work and homework to do but a great feeling.

Castings final, met everyone today. Awesome:) Will be shooting this week for the commercial. Also will be covering a film on cricket based in Chicago for an Indian newspaper:)

creative den

2006-04-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

It has been an amazing month for me, not because it was my bday, but lot of things have changed for good.

Good news is I have my digi cam now, so can post as many pictures i want. My bday was spent well, with lots of fun. Shopped quite a little bit and have changed my lifestyle again, but this time hoping to maintain.

Yesterday was another day, we went shopping for 5 hours.................till i could not walk in my shoes anymore. Painful..ahhh! Came back home with dicount deals in foleys and blah blah blah! The best thing I bought was the bamboo steamer from the Cao Guyen market, the one i saw in Martha Stewart show. Will cook my dinner in that hopefully today. Spicing up with lots of exercise and proper meal. My lunch today was tomatoe spinach salad, with some olive oil, nuts and jalepeno:). Liked it actually.

For now back to studies and the treadmill at 5.30pm.

(The pictures are of me and my creative little messy den, looking for a name, will let you know when i get it)

I am guilty

2006-03-31T13:05:00.000-06:00

I am guilty, of taking it loose for the last two days on my exercise regime, eating chips again, having a scratch in my car,falling asleep and missing my PR class and watching the movie.

Have been too lazy, did not post the pics of my pre-birthday party, did not write to the companies yet for my summer internship and did not get my tickets yet to go back home in Summer.

Bought a lovely tshirt and finally the jeans from gap day before (gift from my Bf), my friends gave me a striking tshirt and strap top and will get a sandal i guess :) everything seems nice, except that i am one year older on sunday (april 2). Not bad though, I am enjoying what I am doing and have great friends and family and working towards getting my dream fulfilled.

Todays my last day of work and have taken an off on Saturday , coz my boy friends here and moreover i over worked in the spring break, couldnt be more eligible for a off. Three days of off and planning for the next year to come. It is an important year for me, will grdaute , need a job and lots of other stuff.

As of now, am excited to do new stuffs, like doing a real commercial for TV and radio for my advertising class. Will be awesome, has lots of work, scary but i guess it means loads of fun. Cant wait for it.............Wish me luck!!!

(The first pic, is Andrew from England, a graphic designer my proffession and who is pursuing another degree for his own interest. Hope you like the Cheese cake!

In the second pic, it is Padma from India in red salwar- my roomie, me, Win from Burma who baked two cakes for me....cheese and chocolate, Indira from Indonesia who is helping learn shopping and dress better;) she is an amazing shopper, Trang from Vietnam in glasses- my latest addition in the friend circle, Claudia from Taiwan, her dog Pagu scares me to death..he is cute and nice andwhile everyone playes with him, i sit frozen in the chair, Sucheen from Malaysia, the cutest of all.

The third pic has the same people except Naparat in left in blue, she is my first friend in USA, oh have to say, she forgets everything you tell her and will ask you the same question over and over again till you get mad. If you want to keep something secret like your bf coming over, by the next day, the whole school knows it...lol. Nevertheless she is nice, very nice and agreat friend;).....)

Finally

2006-03-19T16:32:00.000-06:00

This what i have been doing all morning. Had to publish it and am done. The last day of spring break and its back to school again with my ad campaign still not done. Hope you all like the site.

http://internationallyyours.blogspot.com/

map of the future

2006-03-17T15:54:00.000-06:00

More I know the world, more confused I am.

Is this what i am meant to be? I wanted more creativity, I joined Mass Communication, but am i more fit to be an scholar of English literature (my first love).........i do not know. I love creativity as much as i love research. Very oxymornic i would say, yet its so true.

The desire to make a difference , to make it big, to write a book.............

countdown

2006-03-15T09:34:00.002-06:00

Till i meet my boy friend

dinner

2006-03-14T21:52:00.000-06:00

Our spring break dinner........My friends all from a different country and yet bonded by friendship.

spring break

2006-03-11T13:14:00.000-06:00

Its spring break, cant be more happy!!! Yesterday started my break with filing out the tax and then some shopping (loved the bags in ross) , followed by a gala buffet dinner at Chens 12 of us and getting high just on food.

All done at 9, we headed to Wins apartment, played uno and charade and cards with some green tea and snacking (again!) and headed back home finally. A 12 hours sleep was necessary to welcome the spring and once done am at work now.

Yesterday was a good day for sure, the fun we had and the good news I got. One of my friends, Sutapa got a job in Ac Nielsen in India, another a painter (Shipu) got the national award and his painting will have an exhibition in Mumbai National Art Gallery and Tarun made it to the job of his dreams, an assistant mangaer training with loads of money as his salary. Now that is called your dreams coming true. But the best part is I think, they all had to work hard, be patient and fight with dissapointments a lot. When they were loosing all the hope...boom it came and they were all happy!!!

Today, is my clean up day, hopefully my car will look cleaner and so will my apartment. A spring clean up is coming!!!!

oscars

2006-03-05T23:29:00.000-06:00

One great day! Got up this morning to go out for a walk. Have not been in the gym for a long time and I hate doing indoor stuff, so decided will start to walk outdoors again, since the weathers becoming good.

Lesson learnt, never be too friendly with your room mate. Oh yes, had a bad argument and it actually made me think a big deal. Well, I should not have lost my temper no matter what...may be a good idea to leave the room right then. Learnt my lesson, more straight forward and to the point.

The oscar evening was well spent. We all gathered in Wins apartment to watch it together and have dinner. It was one gala affair and had lots of fun.

cup cakes

2006-03-04T15:38:00.000-06:00

New things and new experineces, some are good and some are awful. Driving is fun and comfortable but it includes lot more work that i though of.a first time driver, apart from the insurance it taught me that to enjoy the comfort you need to work hard. make the car look good, so for my spirng break for 10 days, am going to hand polish my car with wax.

Also not to mention the two days of problems that i faced. At 11pm while going home, realised that my car wasnt starting. confused, scared and puzzled at what to do, called up my friend Win (from Burma). Seems my battery was dead. tired with whole days of work, all i wanted was to go back home and eat and my car wouldnt budge.

Later, realised my car headlight was on, forgot to switch it off. Since it was raining and cloudy when i came in the evening had to use my headlight and while parking forgot to switch it off.

Jump start- a new jargon for me in driving, heard that a thousand times but didnt know what it was. Wasnt sure if keeping the car in the school parking all night was safe idea. Couldnt afford to buy another car, if this was gone by the time i came back in the morning with help. Finally was directed to call the school security. They saved my life, they came to rescue within 2 minutes of calling. The smiling officer was all there to help. Finally my car was working and after thanking him profusely, i went back home.

With mid terms over, all i wanted was some fun. Yesterday we all went shopping, a few dollars in my purse, it was the fun i craved for. We went around the mall and came back late at night. Got a sporty shoe. Plans for going to a one day trip might also be there........to Dallas. I have never been there. Not sure if am going.....have to work in the break too......

If you are still reading this..........well i made dosa today. Getting good at baking cakes, might do another tomorrow. Got a vanilla flavored cake mix this time. Next venture cup cakes and muffins.

joys of life

2006-02-27T22:59:00.000-06:00

Life can be tough at times, but trying to design my own course that i will teach during summer in India, taught me a lot.

I have learnt to experience the smaller joys of life, being grateful with whatever I have and most of all knowing how to keep myself calm.

I really hope the senior students in my alma mater (Mount Carmel) will like it as much as i am enjoying trying to develop it.

Got a cool website from one of my friends Partha and it can really soothe you down. So, when i am angry or upset, I make sure to listen to it.

http://dailymotivator.com/memberflash/rightnow.html

I believe in meditation, not that i do it everyday, but have tried it in the toughest moments of life and it had worked like a miracle. It is tough to concentrate, but I liked these from Oprahs website.

http://www2.oprah.com/spiritself/insp/med/ss_insp_med_audiomeditation.jhtml

I turn back to these when I am most upset with life or me personally. It becomes esaier to concentrate when trying to listen to someone. Probably will include meditation in my course as well.

study? what?

2006-02-25T15:11:00.000-06:00

Life is interesting- who wants to study?

Suddenly am having the greatest time , making new friends in life and spending some good times with them. Situation can be funny, so funny. Ronisha is a good friend of mine, we end up talking a lot though all through the facebook. Every plan we make to get together somehow or the other doesnt work. How cool is that becoming friends on the facebook.

Indira and I ended up chatting the entire morning. She has always been one fo my favorites, it was fun talking so much with her.

Am back in work and Saturdays are not much work really. Oh , did i say my chocolate cake turned out superb and my friends liked it. Next week, am going to shop!!!

hornets

2006-02-22T22:41:00.000-06:00

Went to a NBA basketball match today.a free ticket from school made it possible, tickets otherwise costs around $50.

Five friends packed in a car and enjoyed a lot..................the stadium is huge and was amazing. We were given out cheering stuff and funky necklaces.all geared up, we cheered for the Oklahoma Hornets.......was against the Utah Jazz.

As i munched on nachos,I wondered how things come true. Played for my class in school and though got selected for the district level........dropped out. It meant going for practise every Saturday and i preferred my dance class than sweating in the sun for hours. Finally, here I am enjoying a NBA game. I have watched them in ESPN in India and here on weekends in TV. nNthing could beat the thrill here........

Though Hornets lost, it was an experience i will never forget.The fans cheering, the cheerleaders , the thrill of being there.

snowy morning

2006-02-18T11:01:00.000-06:00

Have not written in a while. It has snowed today, and is so cold.

I am happy, surprisingly happy without too many reasons to site for it. I am driving these days and the fun part being I go to pick up my friends now. Making some good friends too, have added Indira in the list. The tough part is keeping the same intensity and maintaining it.

A saturday morning and while the radio blares in the background and the cup of coffee is steaming i have nothing else to complaint about. It is perfect.

Will be going to have sushi tomorrow me and Win, cant wait for it. It is my second trip, the first a few months back was full of anticipation, the fear of not liking what I was to have. But I liked it and want it more frequently now. California rolls is fine for me, but I might try something else this time.

olympics

2006-02-12T23:31:00.000-06:00

Winter Olympics and am sad Michelle Kwan had to go back. I bet it was the toughest decision she had to take. She is amazing.

Congratulations to Sean white he was just amazing to watch.

Amidst all this, am here doing my assignment and watching Olympics. Today took Su Cheen to do her grocery, am finally driving, couldnt be happier. Tomorrows my roomied bday, got a small cake for her. Hope she likes the surprise, could not give her a better gift,i drove to get it :) The reason being that she would accompany me in my driving lessons.

Time to get back to work, oh did i say how surprised i was to see my plump cheeks. When on earth did I become so fat???????

reach your goals

2006-02-10T13:16:00.000-06:00

I could not be happier!!!! It is the perfect epitome of success for me. I am going to take an orientation program when i go to India in summer in my own school.

This is what i have wanted to do for years and am grateful I finally got the chance. It is going to be fun and a big learning experience for me.

It is amazing more so because i am going to talk about what i have feared in my life and how I over came it. It is to emphasize how special everyone is and not to be defeated by smaller failures in life. Hold on to your dreams is what i belive in. If you want it, you will get it.

Funny times

2006-02-04T10:19:00.000-06:00

I have been driving around a little more:) It is such a relief because I do not have to walk in the winter.

These days keeping busy, yet trying to find out a new dimension to myself. The 'reach the goals' class is amazing. Something i have done all through these years, it is fun and relaxing! It made me think, what i want and how i am going about it.

My advertising class is fun as always, very creative and the presenataion in class are hillarious. The next project is all outdoors almost, very different. Have to find out locations for brands, which i have no clue how i am going to do. Also, find out appropriate songs for a brand. This is driving me crazy, I do listen to songs but I am not a pro to have millions of song in my mind from which i can grab one and say, 'this is the one!'

Work's fine, trying to make it a little more fun so that i can enjoy at it more.

Oh, I need a digital camera.Now i do not have one, confused whether i should get one right now or not? While i am trying to save a little for my ticket back home in summer, why did this have to come in handy right now? No clue..............

I am mad.

2006-01-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

Lots of things going on at the same time. I am trying to write the article for the Telegraph, getting back to my website and also doing my own stuff.

Things have been ok but silly things just snaps me. Like people coming over trying to preach about their religion. Who wants that? I dont at least. If i dont go over trying to preach you about mine, I do not want you to come over at my desk and speak for hours trying to get me into things just because i am not rude with you.

Next time i swear, i am going to talk back.

car head ache

2006-01-21T15:02:00.000-06:00

I am tired of being scared and not driving.

Few days back went out to the main street at night, was scary. But, this time i am determined, i have to learn it up. At any cost.

This morning i drove to school for work. The moment i decided i would, i wasnt hungry anymore and was walking up and down the apartment. Felt like a school kid. That made me more frustrated, how long can i be scared? Someday or the other I have to drive, so why not today?

It was my first morning drive alone. It went ok, but my parkings still not good. But have found a friend who has a permanent license and will take me out. Am so glad and relieved. I need to drive perfectly before March. How important small things can be in life.

Hurrah

2006-01-18T23:07:00.000-06:00

Scary. I took a big step today. I have been scared to drive and telling friends to company me while I go around in my car.

Today had to go to school around 10 pm to take a print out for my submission tomorrow. So, i drove alone. Wasnt even sure if i could make it but decided to do it, facing my fear instead of being scared always. Seems i have to get over this, so that I can freely drive. I couldnt park properly but anyways it did make me happy.

Lots of assignment to do and oh did i say, am back to the gym again. Hurrah!

Italian

2006-01-15T18:34:00.000-06:00

A new hobby! Yessssssssssssss!!!

Have been thinking for few days, need something interesting to learn up and do it too. Guess what, will try Italian cooking! I love watching cooking shows and food tv is one of my favs. I love experimenting too, so paired both of them and thought to try my hand at something new.

Went out for the grocery today and went into isles I have never went before, seeing all the kind of vinegars, seasonings and loaves from rosemary to thymes and couldnt recognise the Italian basil.

My Kitchens cleaned and organised and am ready to go. Hopefully can cook for my friends tomorrow something interesting. no wonder i got tired the same things, tring to mix and match and have no excitement about it.

So, here i go. Hopefully can post later how i am doing with some pics! Cant wait to get started.

the other family

2006-01-14T15:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was so much fun, not that i went out somewhere but just simple things in life can mean so much to you.

After going back from work was having lazy time, till i decided to go online. Had a chat with Swarup and the entire family (my bf's larger family). It was really nice, seeing them all in the webcam and talking to my little friend- Swarup!!!! He is damm cute!

Never did i know, how another family can mean so much to you. It made me so happy to talk to all of them and knowing that i was being accepted in the larger family in a very casual way. It was good.

This morning got to talk to Manoj (bf's cousin), who came to Florida and now is in Chicago over the weekend. It was so nice. We chatted for hours never feeling it was the first introduction. while they drive through downtown and enjoy buffets, i am here at work. It is Saturday and very few people in the lab.

Waiting for my car to be brought back, left it with a friend in the break. Hopefully will drive around with Win, till i get the hang of it:)

Who knew it?

2006-01-12T16:29:00.000-06:00

Who knew it? I went back to my apartment, it was spotlessly clean. Oh , how i love my new owners of the apartment.

The mess was gone and they even cleaned my bathroom and put a new shower curtain! How i wish they told me they had this solution to clean off the greases, which i tried to do the day before to clean up my place. Never mind, its much better.

I am horrible at work today. There are so many problems in the beginning of the semester, and i felt so stupid in not being able to find the right driver for the laptop. I learn it everytime and i forget to use up a little more of my common sense. Feeling horrible, not a big deal but dont know it still makes me feel bad.

As for my classes, they are going on fine at least for now. I hope i can get to manage to get better!!!

oh my god

2006-01-11T12:19:00.000-06:00

I am a disaster.

my apartment lokks like a muddy one. My showers finally working but took me 2 hours to clean it up before i could step in it.

I hated myself as i walked in a mismatched shoe and funny red bag, just because it could hold my laptop. Complete fashion disaster. Not that i am a diva, i just prefer not turning into a disaster!

Mess

2006-01-10T10:35:00.000-06:00

Mess in my apartment and am stuck. Guess what, problem with my bath tub and they couldnt find the line. So, its a mess for the last two days.

They are finally digging up my kitchen floor today and hopefully things get solved today.

Went to school and as always it scares me. I pick up as it seems later but for now am frozen. i love advertising but the anticipation of whats going to happen is just too much. I hope I can do ok.

Cant wait to go back to the rest of the classes. It is scary but then I better face it! What say?

new start

2006-01-08T13:42:00.000-06:00

Sunday and am working.

Thats because the schedules are not done yet and also i have to complete my hours. But since it is late afternoon i dont mind. Somehow no matter how hard i try i cant get up early. I get up almost around noon and after my quick cup of coffee and a bad sandwich I rushed to work.

The apartment has been having a little trouble with the water problem. My roomie hasnt moved in yet. The school reopens tomorrow and am trying on a new schedule. A year of fitness and lots of change. But need to get up a little early for that.

My car is still with Arun and as it seems he's stuck so cannot get it before a few more days. I am sad thought can drive around with Win, which i now know is not possible.

My parents and sister is in Bangalore, shes doing her training there for the next 6 month in BHEL. Am sure it will go on fine with her. Shes smart.

Am going home in June and so excited. I have to save money for my ticket which i told i will do and also get gifts for everyone. A tough job to save around $1500 minimum.

Manoj is here in florida, Soumitra's cousin. The best part have a good friendship with Swarup and will send him a gift. Perhaps a watch.

will put some pics here too, my christmas in Chicago.. the christmas tree in daley plaza, the downtown and few more.

Saturday

2006-01-07T18:46:00.000-06:00

Last night was fun, me and Win (my friend from Burma) has a good new year dinner. Since we were not together during the vacation, we had to celebrate. So we had a good time in my apartment. I cooked dinner while Win came back with cake and drink!

We talked a lot till almost 2 at night. It was good time. This morning i woke up late and watched a good basketball game in TV Conneticut vs Tenesse. It was great.

Back to work and having a fun time here. Pulin's working too. We were hungry and had chips now coke. All seems nice. Having a good time. Wuhoo!!!!

Wuhoo

2006-01-04T19:57:00.000-06:00

I am happy. My home is perfect.

Got a roomie and shes nice. We share the same hobbies, so hopefully things will be fine. Best part we both want our privacy. so, we split the apartment trying to find our space. Shes moving in tonight after her work.

As for me, I am enjoying the space that i have carved for my self. Its compact and ME! Now cant wait for my classes to start. I am excited.

Hungry and got to eat!!!!!!!! I am happy, very happy and hope this year i can stay as i am right now.

2006

2006-01-03T18:36:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

I am back in my place and my city Oklahoma. With all the vacation over now, it was good. All the fights and disagreements seems so silly now. No matter what I know love is perhpaps the greatset emotion ever thought of.

But it is good to be back home, to your own place, sit on the couch and sip the coffee. Nothing could be better. Back to my life. The tough one but it keeps me happy!

Rest later, just came in and couldnt wait to write.

all new

2005-12-31T01:10:00.000-06:00

I do not know what life is all about. There are certain moments, when you sit back and think about life. What is it all about?

My uncle expired and it was a big shock. Am paranoid about cetain things in life and loosing peole who i have been close to is one of them. It scares me to death. Within the last few moths , i have lost 2 very close persons in my life, Naresh my friend and Chatni mesho, family friend of ours, but he is more close to me than most of my relatives. It was a big loss. Since then each and everyday i have thought about them. It makes me go crazy. With this now, i cant think how with time all i will do is think of people who are leaving me.

With so many people in the house during Christmas time, I did it well, perhaps for the first time. i didnt go mad. I tried hard to be the epitome of an hostess, so i went along well and had fun eventually. There are things that i have learnt here, and treating strangers is one of them. I mean those i am not friends with but are of my bf's or family. My role has changed, from the girl to the woman who is in charge of the house.

One thing is for sure, I have learnt to appreciate my mom more than ever, realising how tough it had been on her to take care of the family and do her job and then have millions other requests to do. I have never turned around and thanked her, thinking it was all my due. Times i have realised but expressing is so important.

January is not only the beginning of a new ear for me , it is one of the vital years where you do not want things to go wrong. My last year in school and very important. By the time I graduate in December, would need a job. So keeping my fingers crossed. Need lots of luck!

Winter blast!

2005-12-27T22:30:00.000-06:00

One long day well spent. Went out all day seeing the glamor of the big city, all of us. It is almost eight of us and we had a blast.

Back home at last, and realised havent written for a while. So, here it goes, am fine and enjoyed watching the skating ringwith kids and adults full of spirit. It was a good day.

Tired and need to go to bed.

Jingle bells

2005-12-25T14:48:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Whats more important in life, a job and self independence or a love life? I always thought people whom I love were my priority. I never took my career as seriously as perhaps I should have.

But, now i will. Have suddenly realised that this is what i am meant to do. Everyone has their own parameters. There are things you might want to do, the essence of love might be diffrerent, the moments spend together might have different values. It is not the same for all.

When is the time to call it quits? How long do you hold on to? Does the man of your dreams never exist? Are they all the same?

I do not have answers to it. Perhaps i never can think the way the other person does. Cannot understand why he cannot be straightforward about his feelings, dont know why he cannot express his emotions, why his friends are his life? Is he not ready to take on a new life, a different set of emotions and make it his own? Why does he have to cling to his past?

A pattern that I will never understand. Women are more opionated and true in terms of what they want. Whatever they do, they are more attached to it than anyone. No wonder they make better workers and relationship builders.

But, i cant let go my dream and fall into the pattern of life. I cannot be someone who will disappear with time. I am not routine. I will not ever be.

Its my wish!

2005-12-24T18:33:00.000-06:00

I love advertisements and when people usually try to change channels or get their cup of coffe, i actually stay glued to the TV. The latest, baileys, caught my attention. It is so good. Funny, good to watch and the right stuff for the product and goes well with the tag line.

Decided to have a little fun on the eve of christmas. Might do up a wishlist and the resolution for fun. My bf things that silly and he has his own ideas of fun. So, am going to do it alone.

I have learnt one thing in the due course, that if you are happy doing it, just go ahead with it. If others are not, just dont give it up, because it seems silly. There are so many things, the reality of life that i have seen in the last one year. Reality of a realtionship. So, am going to enjoy my own way.

There are times I wonder, why people have to put up their lives in the blog, so public. Do we want people to read it and confirm to it? Or let others know whats going on in my life? Or is it just we are in an age, a situation where nothing matters. When neighbors do not know neighbors, do we need to hide facts about life? Who cares if someone knows my reality?

What are we running after........what do we want? Who decides what is right and what is wrong?

wow

2005-12-24T01:03:00.000-06:00

I am addicted and its been a long time. The first time I saw it, I was digusted with the lifestyle, the one night stands eveything.

Now, I have to watch it. Sex and the city, is what I am talking about. I like the fashion, the bonding of the friends and the independence. I try my best never to miss the show.

Vacations and with snow all around, cant go out for my walks. Have added the dreaded pounds. Need to get them off. but then have decided to take care of myself, the right care i mean.

Inspiration, well the show i just saw in the style channel about sex and the city fashion. It is time, time to give me the right care.

Finished of the novel by Sidney Sheldon, honestly I do not read much of best sellers, but liked it. Have another to go. So, will wash my face, moisturise and put my eye cream!!! Yeaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Ideas?

2005-12-22T02:37:00.000-06:00

Not sleepy and crawled out of bed to hide behind my laptop.

Did I mention that me and Joy did this yahoo group for the sudents from santiniketan. It is just doing so well. Actually we talked about it, me in work just talking about our old friends. Joy, did the whole thing and voila, it is just spilling over with members.

Need to write , an article for Telegraph but cant make up my mind to write on what. watched two movies today, Swades and Bad girls, very different from each other.

Reading blogs, seems have become one of my favorite past times. Also for my other blog it makes me mad how people do not keep their promises. So bad.

Guess, will start exercising from tomorrow agan. After the drive through downtown today realised that cold does not matter. If so many people can still walk or jog in it, so can I. So, tomorrow is the day. Do not want to add up the 15 pounds I have lost. Have already added three, too much of chocolate and coke i guess. Oh, also the burgers during exams.

Need to sleep. good night for now.

Dashing through the snow

2005-12-21T15:17:00.000-06:00

In Chicago, it is all white covered in snow and too cold. But i love the place, more so because of the zest of life here.

While I try to catch up on my self in the vacation and spend some quality time with my boy friend. While I cook and go for long drives in the new BMW, it is fabulous! I love the heated leather seats.

Yesterday was my day, my turn to make him feel special. So, though I had to get my nail polish, got one from Revlon, made sure my best friend got his day out too! I have always been pampered, taken out for shopping, my wishes fulfilled. So, hopefully, he got his due too.

I love candles, and got a huge one!

Hopefully will be a good vacation with the good and bad....all the fights and blah blah blah.

Oh, just to mention that the long 12 hour drive from Oklahoma to Chicago was fine but the last few hours got too tiring. A snowy christmas and lovely seeing the decorated christmas trees peeking from all the windows.

Dashing through the snow........................................

Oh my God!

2005-12-16T13:07:00.000-06:00

Embarrased but happy, how i turn into this fool everytime. The trip i was supposed to make in a friends car to Chicago was actually a bluff.

Turned out that my bf orderd pizza for me to be delivered at my apartment at midnight, after i was going back home after all my long hours of work. So, happy enough i waited for my pizza. to hear thta knock on the door finally made ma happy. Was hungry and not in a mood to cook. Opened the door to find my Bf standing with the pizza.

That was crazy, never expected him. Never even could think that he would come. He asked day before yesterday, what were my plans after work? So as suaul i said, after work will go back home and have to pack.

All said, we had fun, all of us had the pizza, chicken wings and coke.

Reena left today morning, bad feeling. Went to drop her at the airport. The apartment's an entire mess, will take me a day to clean it up. She left too many stuffs, making me wary that i better keep a count on what I buy, do not want to leave so much when i leave, just because i cant take them along with me.

Might leave tonight for Chicago.

driving to chicago!

2005-12-15T19:46:00.000-06:00

Working like mad, almost 10 hours a day, before i can leave. Am going tomorrow most probably, have my flight ticket. But since someones driving to chicago, am going with them. A friend not directly related to me. Have to say that i prefer road than flight, so am going to have a blast.

Wish, I did not waste the money getting the ticket. Anyways thats ok, reaching two days ago.

Have a head ache, too much of work i guess, need to go home and pack and clean up. Also Reena's leaving tomorrow for Boston. Shes graduating.

New room mate and new life, don't have one yet but will have after I come back.

OVER!!

2005-12-14T14:03:00.000-06:00

Done with my semester. Not sure really how my last exam went.

Now that it is over, I am enjoying my break. To start with made dinner for Win last night. Missed out her bday on monday due to exam reasons.

Watched a movie and slept late. Have to work today and the next few days before I leave for Chicago, making sure that i do my hours.