"Be the change you wish to see in the world!" --Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Let me clear something up before you start reading my post. I am not a pessimist. On the contrary, however, I may sound like one. It probably has to do with my stupid and naive beliefs based on observation. An observation that landed me to the conclusion that this world has unnecessary hopes and expectations with every new thing that arrives. Whether it is buying a new house or moving to a new place, starting a new academic semester or opening a new business log, meeting a new individual or becoming a part of a new family. Every time us humans start thinking that our world is about to see a change, a good change, a change long awaited. I ask you, for what? Just because the entire world is about to put a new calendar on their walls does not mean that the bad days are gone, it does not mean that nobody will cry anymore, it does not mean that the terrorist activities will stop, it does not mean that this world will come together as a global village and smile and laugh and dance together. It does not mean that! What we don't realize, or maybe don't want to realize, is that entering a new year is a clear indication that nothing will stop. The world will go on and all the miseries will continue. An end to this world is what will change everything.

I understand that hope is one of the building blocks of life. Without hope, life and this world will be pointless. There won't be anything to look forward to. But, just the hope for something better is not enough. We need to take actions to actually allow that hope to turn into reality.

Receiving multiple mails from family, friends, and acquaintances and reading the same stale sentences in all of them is really bothering me. I really do not appreciate the fact that everybody is wishing everyone they know an year of new found happiness, new adventures and new experiences, new hopes and new desires, and a whole new beginning. A whole new beginning? What is that supposed to mean? It's not like everything from the past has been erased or that on new year's eve one could decide everything all over again. Then why these false hopes? Why these ridiculous wishes?

The longing for the peace and happiness of all doesn't mean a thing if we ourselves don't try to accomplish what we want. Become active! Achieve goals as a result of hard work, don't expect it to happen just out of hope. Look forward to something different everyday, not because it's a new day, but because you are willing to make it a new day!

On this new year I do not wish you all false hopes, but I wish you the courage and the freedom to transform your hopes and desires into reality. You gotta change your world yourself! No body's gonna come help you out. Each individual is self-made and self-supported. Most of everything else is an illusion!

mujhe bhi... Doob Jaana Re!

Watched Main, Meri Patni aur Woh - a hindi movie starring Rajpal Yadav in a leading role. Not a commercial movie, I don't think a lot of people with like it. I, however, enjoyed watching it. I guess one could say that this movie was somewhat like Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, but I rate it much higher than the Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Madhuri Dixit starrer.

The concept was beautiful. Mithilesh's insecurity, possessiveness, and willingness of sacrifice... is justifiable. The songs from this movie are very good as well. "Doob Jaane Re" is not only my favorite song, but is nowdays played 5 out of 10 times on my iTunes.

Title: Doob Jaana Re
Singer: Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal
Music: Rajendra Shiv
Lyrics: Rocky Khanna

Male:
(aaj maine dilse
baadlo se milke) - 2
sapno ki baarish se kaliya sajake
mahki umango se khushbu churake
halki si boondo mein
lahro ki goonjo mein
gum ho jana re
(doob jaana re
mujhko doob jaana re
tere paas aana re
mujhko doob jaana re) - 2

Female:
(chalte chalte maine yun hi
jaane mere dil se aisa kya keh diya) - 2
(kyun ye mausam bhi hai lagta ab suhana re
dhadkane bhi saath mere gungunati re) - 2
khamosh aanho ke simte irade
masum palko pe sapne sajake
halki si boondo mein
lahro ki goonjo mein
gum ho jaana re
(doob jaana re
mujhko doob jaana re
tere paas aana re
mujhko doob jaana re) - 2

Male:
(badlo se dil ka rishta hai purana re
hai safar anjaan lekin aazmaana re) - 2
maine na socha na samjha na jaana
rukte kadam phir bhi aise kyun chaahe
halki si boondo mein
lehro ki goonjo mein
gum ho jaana re
(doob jaana re
mujhko doob jaana re
tere paas aana re
mujhko doob jaana re) - 2

Female:
aaj maine dilse
baadlo se milke
sapno ki baarish se kaliya sajake
mahki umango se khushbu churake

Male:
halki si boondo mein
lehro ki goonjo mein
gum ho jaana re

Male and Female:
(doob jaana re
mujhko doob jaana re
tere paas aana re
mujhko doob jaana re) - 2

B-E-A-utiful!! Of course, it's nothing unique, yet it has made a mark on me. Such songs, which are not out of the blue, but can still make one smile - not for just a moment but for hours at a time - are the ones that always take my heart away.

It may get added to my (um.. our) playlist titled "humtum ke hontho par".

Business Attire

Had the individual interview for Incept 2006. Of course, had to go in professional attire. Took this pic to upload on multiple profiles.

I don't know what I feel about my performance. In many instances, I don't think I gave an answer to the question they asked me. Haha, twice, in the middle of my answer, I forgot what the question was. God, I feel so stupid and funny about this whole interview thing. Don't know what the result will be like. Am not very positive about it. --Hilarious!

drinkin' coke like water

it got caffeine!

got an exam in 5 hours, then a paper due by midnight. have been studyin' for the exam and workin' on that paper since 10pm. did i sleep? no! ... do i wanna sleep? umm...i wanna see how long i can go. plus, i got my bud with me - caffeine!

god, i hope i analyze that excerpt from that book correctly. gotta make an A in phil. help me jesus, khuda, bhagwan, yahwee, vahe guru... and all the other names the aasman is known as.

I salute me!

Yesterday, I was reading my poems. I am impressed with myself. I don't like the good comments and praises get into my head, but I do feel proud of the fact that every single word writen on that page is composed by me, myself, and I. I am my own fan! All those phrases reflect some aspect of my life, the one's that I like the most are from a time left long behind. That lamha, that moment, will never enter my life again, I won't allow it. The memories, however, will remain in the form of the poems that changed my life, my writing style, and made me into what I am today.

this is college...

I cannot log onto our school's wireless through my laptop because supposedly a hacker has taken over my machine and it is now a threat. So, the Georgia State tech department blocked my log-in ID. In order to get it reactivated, I'd have to reformat my computer and tell them about it. Yeah, I am sad about this. I don't want to reformat, it's too much work. Can't avoid it, 'cause internet is my life. All this crap took about an hour because I had to contact the tech people, tell them what the problem was, then they looked up stuff, and informed me about it.

Had a film test at 11; I entered the class 10 minutes late, finished the test in 20 minutes. Was planning on attending the Indian Student Association (ISA) meeting at 12; but instead decided to reach work early; was inside the office by 12:05. Left work at 3 and was back at school by 3:30. Didn't take lunch to school today 'cause I didn't feel like packing anything in the morning. So, before my 4 O'clock class I had some fries at the University Center cafeteria. For some reason I was tired by the middle of the class. Today's lecture was very interesting though. For the first time in Critical Thinking, I actually understood what the teacher was talking about. It was pretty cool :). After class, I again went to the University Center and had a veggie burger. It was better than Burger King.

I was sitting with a classmate while having my late lunch. Discovered a few things about her and her girlfriend. This was the first time I actually talked to a person about their relationship with a person of the same sex. When she said that some girl standing in the line was hot, asked me not to turn 'cause it would seem too obvious that she was talking about her, and kept on staring at this person... I got a bit speculative. Then she told me about a girl from her high school and some sort of conversation they had about what's up with their dating lives. This classmate of mine (don't want to give out her identity) didn't really want to tell her high school friend about her status. This particular sentence increased my curiosity. I just straight up asked her who she was dating and she told me - "a girl." The question that she then asked me, which was a given I guess, was "Do you feel odd? I mean, are you like I'm never talking to this girl again!" To which I simply laughed and told her that I'm open to everything, I actually wrote a paper in favor of gay marriage. After that I asked her a couple of things about her past relationships with guys and her experiences with girls, what she liked/disliked in each, what she prefers and why etc. It was a new experience, talking about these things with someone who has had a first hand experience with this. I would like to conversate with her more often.

Last, but definitely not the least... I met Vivek Sah at the rec center today. He's a PhD student with a concentration in Business Administration, did his MBA in Finance from India, worked in Mumbai for 3yrs, is originally from Delhi, and came to US a few months ago. He was playing table tennis with some people when I entered. I sat in a chair and watched Larry play pool and these other people play table-tennis. After a while I decided to get a table-tennis racket myself. Played with some dude and had conversation about my accent with Vivek. He has some pretty intersting beliefs about some things. Some that I've thought about, but not in great detail. Others that I didn't really bother considering. We talked for about 2 hours, touching upon a whole lot of things. I certainly don't agree with all that he has to say, but I really liked listening to his opinions because as a youngster I haven't really come across a person who thinks the way Vivek does. Well, I guess he's not really so young after already having worked for 3yrs, after completing his MBA. But I like the fact that I got to meet and talk to him. Would definitely like to see more of him.

Diwali, Eid, Delhi Blasts, Bhopal...

School has been going just fine. I've started working at Siavage Law Group, LLC as a Clerical Assistant. The pay is really good and I really don't have to do any "hard work." Got my first paycheck yesterday - on the occasion of Deepavali. On that note, wishing everybody out there a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year! And yeah.. Eid Mubarak! ...I really like how these two are falling so close to each other this year. This leads to those Delhi blasts. What the hell is wrong with people? Two MAJOR festivals around the corner and these basters decide to blow up three market locations. 60 people killed! Imagine, they were happy, buying new stuff, shopping for their kids, and now... their family is in mourning, kissing good-bye to a couple of years of festivities. I hate terrorists! Anyways...

After starting work, I haven't had any time to hang out with my buds at the Rec Center. Got a chance to catch up with them this week though. Got my hands on pool after a long time; I need practice more often! Classes have been going okay, not too excited about any of them. English 1101 ended about 2-3 weeks ago, got an A in that. In Enlish 1102 we got to write a 12 page research paper on a topic of our choice. I'm writing on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, with a focus on the health effects on the survivors and the new borns. It's a very interesting subject, I think. So, far I've been able to find a whole lot of information. It is sad, what happened. When you read about it and imagine all these kids being born with deformities, women having miscarriages, people not being able to breath and see properly, all because of water - an essential source for survival - getting into a tank. What the hell did theses people do to go through all this? Huh!? A lot of companies know about this, specially those dealing with chemicals. But it is sad that the average public has no idea of what happened and what is going on. I had to make a presentation, explaining my topic etc. and students in my class (including Desis) had never heard of what was coming out of my mouth. I guess, I can't blame them. The only reason I know of this is because my parents mentioned it once in a while. I am very excited about the paper. It is a lot of work, and I HATE researching. However, my passion for learning something new should act as a driving force against my hatred for something I cannot escape (does this sentence make any sence?!).

I haven't been posting a lot of stuff here. Things happen, but I just don't get the time to write and whenever I do sit down, I write crap about school. I guess I need to find some things from whatever happens daily and elaborate upon that. Gotta improve my writing skills, like Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities, going on and on about a window for two f***ing pages!

catching up...

I've been spending a lot of time at the Student Recreation Center. Mostly playing pool and table tennis with Dinesh. Often times we are accompanied by Pavan, Divya, George, Joseph, and Willy. I'm getting better at pool. Used to play with Rinku mama and his friends whenever we visited Meerut. Huh, that was over 4 years ago. Now, Dinesh is working with me. He's pretty good; played for five years in Taiwan.

Neeraj Bhaiya came over from California the week before last. He had a conference to attend on weekdays and spent the weekend with us. Mausaji also came over from North Carolina - a) to attend a pravachan and b) to see Neeraj B. Nana-Nani picked Neeraj B up from Emory and brought him home on Sunday. We celebrated his 25th birthday 2 days late. Papa and MausaJi brought the cake and it was AWESOME! Nana-Nani gave him some insight into "the first 25 years of ones life being brahcharya and thinking about marriage (grihasth jeevan) once one turns 25" :)) hahaha!! I was feeling sorry for Neeraj B. For the rest of the day Neeraj B, Hansag, and I talked in my room while trying to assemble my study table. The task was too overwhelming and we decided to go to Fun Bowl to play some pool (yippy!!). There, again, we were talking about a lot of things. It was pretty good, it helped me decide about a lot of the things that I've been wanting to do and NEED to do since a long time. Later on we decided to the movies, reached the place, couldn't decide what we wanted to watch, and then realized that Hansag has a paper to write. Monday, all three of us - Neeraj B, Hansag, and I - went to my university. They sat through my Psychology class. Hansag found it boring, but Neeraj B enjoyed it. After the class we headed to Aderhold and looked at the restaurants to decide where we'd like to eat. I went to my Calculus class and we ate at Ali Baba around 1:30. After that we went to the Village and played FREE pool (again!). Nana picked up around 4 and we spent about 4+ hours at Nana-Nani's place. It was okay, I feel asleep in the middle of Nana's pravachan :D. Neeraj B's return flight was on Tuesday at 6 something. Nobody was at home on Tuesday so Papa dropped him at Nani's place in the morning. He took a cab from there to the airport. On Monday night, I transfered about 6+ hours of music on his new iPod Nano. We saw him after a long, long time and it was really worth it.

Everything has been going alright. I made my schedule for the spring semester. It's pretty heavy on Tuesdays and Thursday with the Incept training. I'll be doing a lot of work next semester (way more that this semester) with those 6 classes (18 credits), and hopefully getting trained to become an Inceptor and a CA. Whew! Got so many plans, so many dreams, so many ambitions... are they gonna come true?

win a FREE iPod... and help me win too!!

http://www.freephotoiPods.com/default.aspx?referer=geetsh@gmail.com

earliest memories

One my courses for this semester is "Introduction to General Psychology". We are learning about learning these days. While reading the book, I came across one of those boxes that have information about cultures and people and places. I don't usually read these boxes, not because they don't interest me, but because of time constraints. Today, however, I read the box titled "Cultural Differences in Early Memories". The paragraph suggests (or rather concludes on the basis of many researches) that "the age of earliest memory for Asian adults tends to be about six months later than for Americans. Another striking difference is that for Americans these memories are about self, for example being stung by a bee. Whereas for Asians these memories include groups, for example walking to school with friends. After reading this interesting piece of information, I got to thinking about my earliest memories.

I have a few early memories in mind. They are very clear, but I certainly don't know which particular order they lie in. I know the exact date of only one of these events. I was 3 yrs, 3 months, and 2-3 days old. My brother was born and I was in the hospital. Trying to climb up those huge beds. And I FELL! It really hurt, so I cried a lot and certainly felt very embarrassed. After all, I was a big kid by then - THREE YEARS OLD! AN OLDER SIBLING!

The other memory I remember is of walking back to Divya and Manna Masi's house from the market, holding Chiclets in my hands, shaking it, and making the sound "chhik-chhik-chhik", like in the advertisement. I also remember sitting in Divya Masi's Maruti 800 waiting for her and Bade Papa to return, and being EXTREMELY bored. Another memory involving the Sapra family is of brushing my teeth with my right index finger whenever I spent the night at Maa and Bade Papa's place. And the one involving Nani... how I used to run to her room, get underneath the sheets, wait for her to finish listening to her transistor radio, and then listed to her bedtime stories, often telling her which one I wanted to hear. And you know.. I used to be a character in a couple of her stories. Going to the zoo with my nursery class :) - wow! cute old days!

Now analyzing these memories I notice that although about self, I have other people in these memories as well. In the first one, I know mom was there and once I started crying she held me and made everything better. I also know there were other people and that's the reason why I was embarrassed. But the main character is me, myself, and I. In the second memory, I'm doing the "chhik-chhik-chhik" but Divya Masi and Manna masi are there, both on either side of me. In the one involving the car, I'm the only person in view, but in the back of my mind I know that Divya Masi and Bade Papa are somewhere around there. While brushing my teeth, again It's just me there but other people are also around. With Nani, well it's clear who's in the picture.

It's quite fun thinking about these things. Anyways, according to my text the average age for earliest memory was about 3.5 yrs for the US born adults and about 4 yrs for China-born adults. I wonder what it's like for India-born adults. According the results in front of me, I lie on the left hand side of the normal curve. Cool!

College blues...

Writing after almost a month! Well, life has been busy. The few days before school started were very uneventful. Spent all the entire month of August with Nana-Nani. They have dial up and pationately HATE dial up! Therefore, there was no way I was going to get online to update my dear blog. Once school started, everything started happening so quickly. "Buying" textbooks, getting used to classes, deciding whether or not the switch one of my sections etc. Am taking 6 courses... the most you can take in a semester. Two of them are minimester courses - English Composition 1 (Engl 1101, and English Composition 2 (Engl 1102). Usually a course is a semester long, and a semester is about four months long. Minimester courses are two months long. Engl 1101 is a prequisite to Engl 1102 and both of these courses are required for graduation. I did not want to spend an entire year over English, that's why took this route. It's not bad actually. We have 3 essays and 1 annotated bibliography... and that's it! The class is 2.5 hours long, which is a bit of a stretch... but most of the time it does not seem so bad. The teacher, Kerri Allen, is pretty young and motivated. Same is the case with my Critical Thinking (Phil 1010) professor - Tim Crews-Anderson. I like most of my teachers, except the Susan Ferguson, who teaches Calculus 1. She's old and she's irritating. Repeats the same damn words for 5 minutes straight!! Annoys the hell out of me. Have my first test in Calc tomorrow.. let's see how I do.

I've been looking for some on-campus jobs as well. Haven't been able to find any good one's, but did get one! I'm a Student Author, or note-taker, for Student Notes. My job is to go to my Film 2700 - A short History of Movies - class, take good notes, type 'em up, and email them to these people. They are gonna sell the notes. Give me 5% of the net profit and pay me based on how many pages of notes there are. I get the payment on the following Friday of each TEST. So, it's not that much... but something is better than nothing. I mean.. I'm getting paid to go to class and take notes, what could be better?

Well, gotta go... got Film in about 8 minutes.

wrapping up

We'll be leaving early morning tomorrow. 5 AM is the planned time, and we shall hit the road by 5:30 at the latest. All of out luggage is already in the car including some old suitcases that Nana and Nani had left here before. My back-pack and some food are the only things that will find space in the car tomorrow morning. Although at most times I hate Nana's lecturegiri, even today when he was doing all this packing hurridly I hated the way he was behaving, but the his dialogue that was said after everything was done was pretty solid - "Sone ke liye man ke chain ki zarurat hoti hai" (For a sound sleep, peace of mind is a must). And it makes sense! I ended up smiling at the end :)

Meeku mama and Sejal mamiji (she hates it when I call her that) came over after 2pm. It was okay, I didn't talk much. Sejal mamiji, for some reason, was very quite aswell. It seemed like she didn't want to be there. Hmmm. Took a few pictures, of course!

Meeku Mama, ME, and Sejal MamiJi (shall I call here didi?!)

Meeku Mama, Nani, Aunty, MamiJi, and Uncle

I watched a number of movies here... Sehar, Paheli, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun?, Aradhana... and maybe a few others. Also, ripped a number of the DVDs they have and bought a few DVDs from the Indian store here.

Looking forward to the drive tomorrow. This time I plan on driving for a longer duration than last time. Last time I went by Nana's wish, I didn't resist on giving him the wheel when he wanted it... this time I'm thinking otherwise ;)

Btw, Happy Pakistan Day!
and
Wish you a Very Happy Indian Independence Day!
Jai Hind!

NC to NJ

After dropping papa to the airport Nana-Nani and I left for Greensboro, NC around 4:30 PM on Wednesday - August 10th. We reached Dr. Gupta's house by 9:15 PM. Had some dinner and everybody talked for a long time. Nana-Nani and uncle-aunty went to bed around 12 or 12:30 AM. Ruchika and I, however, were up until around 4 AM. Ruchi is Sat uncle and Madhu aunty's daughter who will be leaving for medical school on 30th or 31st August. We were just chatting about a whole lot of things, no particular area but pretty much everything. She transfered a lot of Hindi MP3s on her flash drive. In the morning I got up before 8AM, got ready, had something to eat, and took a couple of pictures with everyone.

Nana, Sat Uncle, Madhu Aunty, and Nani

ME and Ruchi(ka)

We left for New Jersey around 9:30 and I drove for close to 6 hours on the highway. We took a break to eat something. Once Nana took over the wheels, I made myself comfortable in the back seat and slept for 3 hours straight. When I discovered that we were still driving on the highway around 5:45, I went back to sleep and woke up after an hour. We reached P. Sharma aunty's place within 15 minutes.

It has been alright spending these couple of days at their Edison home. I ripped a few DVDs and watched a couple of movie videos. Yesterday Nana-Nani, Aunty and I went to the mall but didn't really buy anything. In the evening some guests came over and we all had dinner together. The food, of course, was great! They don't have internet at home, as they are very busy with other stuff, but my laptop is catching somebody's wireless connection and they don't have a password on it... :D good for me!

Today, Nani, Aunty and I went to a different mall and did some shopping. I bought 3 jeans, 2 tops, and an earing set for myself. Nani and Aunty helped me out in picking out these things. Earlier today we went to a temple and bought some Hindi movie videos and sarees (No, not for the temple). Tomorrow, NJ and NY is having India Day Parade, in honor of India's Independence Day. When we were driving through the Indian marker here, I saw Indian and American flags flying on every single pole. Another thing, Aunty has Zee TV and New York Life's advertisement - aah! Gooddd!! - gave me that feeling of, I don't know how to put it in words... seeing that tiranga, that tricolor, that Indian flag, flying high and Indians - and I mean to true representation of India.. the village people of India, running with that tricolor in their hand, being proud of their heritage, the feeling of being an India, running with on sands of my country, being pround of it, rises inside of me every single time I see that advertisement. :) I love you India!

Travel on my mind...

Bibi, my paternal grandmother, expired on August 2nd. She was diagnosed with Cancer 20yrs, survived it, but did get very week. From the time I clearly remember her, she was probably between 60 to 65 yrs of age, but to me she looked like this really old and week lady who didn't even have any teeth. Papa hasn't been to India ever since we came here - 4yrs! This is definitely a reason. Can't say it's good what happened, but if this has not happened Papa wouldn't be in India. Atleast he'll get to meet Baba, my grandfather, and all his siblings. Papa's flight is today at 5:15 PM. Nana and I will drop him by 2. I hope he has a safe and a relaxing flight, as he was telling me that he wasn't feeling very well. It is his first time traveling such a big distance all by his own.

After dropping Papa, I'll reach Nana-Nani's place and we'll immediately leave for North Carolina. Spend a night there and then head to New Jersey on Thursday morning.

We haven't moved into the new house yet because of so many other things going on. Half of our stuff is there. In the past two days we had to take 4 trips to that house to get some stuff that either Hansag, Papa, or I needed.

Life's happening!

working = not getting bored

I didn't do anything worth spending time upon the entire day but the night has been worth living. Got up around 12 and went online right away. Was supposed to reply to a few emails but lazyness took over myself. Uploaded a few pictures here and there, browsed through random blogs, without making the effort of reading any. Dad asked me to pack a couple items for moving, but so half-heartedly. The house was very uneventful as well. I decided to take a nap around 6pm. Got up at 7:30 and helped Dad put the new battery in his Mazda MPV. Then we loaded some of the boxes in the car and took off. Borrowed a sweeper from a Gas Station owner. Dad sweeped the garage and the basement. I arranged my notebooks and folders from last year in my closet and threw some other crap away. We put the rest of the boxes in the garage. I drove on our way back. Driving that humongous thing after such a long time wasn't that bad. The beam, however, was continuously on for no reason at all. There's a technical problem with the thing. Returned the sweeper and got back about an hour ago. Took a quick shower and helped Dad in his kitchen adventure. Am about to go have dinner.

Gdnite.. yawn!

another pic for the profile

hearing vs. listening

Did some formal things at the new house, made halwa and ate it. Now, it's okay to start moving in. It's an Indian custom to eat something sweet whenever something good happens. Dad and I picked up Hansag from school and reached the house before 4pm. Mom arrived just a couple seconds before Nana-Nani did. Nani brought along something to eat as well. So, eating something sweet, having lunch and tea time was done there only.

Nana wrote Hansag a check for his B'day and did the same for Mom as well. He was writing me a check, but I asked him not to. Once money goes into my bank account, it hardly ever comes out. I need to buy some outfits for school, so I suggested that they can pay for those. I'm driving up to New York City with Nana and Nani on August 11th. I guess this birthday thing will be taken care of there.

We'll leave around four in the evening on August 11th and spend the night at someone's place in Greensboro, North Carolina. The next day we'll leave early and reach New Jersey in the evening. There, Nani has a friend at whose place we'll be staying. Nana has a conference in NYC and that's the entire purpose of this trip. After starting my week at their place, I thought that maybe I should spend more time with them. Meet the people they know and indulge myself in the sort of conversations they have. It's a learning experience. However, I don't always like the way both Nana and Nani keep on going about "Why parents do what they do?" and how "This is the time to study" and blah blah crap. It fuckin' gets on my nerves. Like today, for no particular reason Nana started saying, "It's your age. You just finished High School and will be starting college soon. Same was the case with your Mom when we moved to Trinidad. And well, she 'too' lived at her Nani's place." I really don't know what the hell is meant by that 'too' and why in the world he was telling me that crap so proudly and was laughing at the same time. I personaly hate the fact that my mother lived at her Nani's place during her college days while her parents were living off in Trini. It's disgusting! Why would you abandon your daughter like that? Maybe 'abandon' is too strong of a word, but man! If you are scared about the culture that your kids would have came in contact with then treat them the same. Not send your daughter somewhere and keep your son with you.

I try to hear these things from one ear and allow them to exit from the other. We should hear everything we are told, but of course listen to only the once we find useful and worth practicing. I hope I don't have to make the sound "umhmm" so many times on our way to NYC.

I can drive ALONE!

From this day on (August 2, 2005) till the day I turn 28 - April 22, 2015 - I hold a permanent driver's license. Got it today! Went to Macon, a city which is about 70 miles south from here. My appointment was at 12:20pm. We reached there 10mins early. The test went fine, I even parallel parked! It wasn't perfect, but was pretty decent. The rest of the driving was okay, of course! Got an 88/100. Passing grade is 75 or above.

The only thing I was worried about was parallel parking. I was too lazy all summer to practice and for the past couple of days Mom-Dad have been really busy with Mom's school starting and we getting ready to move into the new house. Went to Nana-Nani's yesterday to practice, but it didn't work out either. So, this morning I practiced in Save Rite's parking lot for about 45 minutes. Starting from not being able to back up straight, I went to being able to change directions quite easily while backing up. It was fun!

Now, I'm the only person in the family who holds a Driver's License with our new address :D ... I am the first!

Atlanta Blues...

A lot happened today, read the following three sections to find out how I grew in one single day. I should go to Nana-Nani's place more often :-?


"irrational", "impractical", and simply "wrong"

It's amazing how we judge people. Strangers as well as our family and friends. Many a times we become unsatisfied with our own parents or kids. Their decisions, attitudes, and practices start getting on our nerves. According to our set of beliefs and the way of mind, what they do is often "irrational", "impractical", and simply "wrong". But these views change, when we talk to others. It is easier to observe and learn about behavior from a third person's story, rather than our own because then our thinking is not biased.

Whenever I see Nani, she always asks me, "What is wrong? Why do you always look sad? Do smile. You should always he happy. When you share your happiness it doubles, and sharing your sorrows cut them into half." I'm not sad. At home I jump around, crack jokes, do all sort of crazy stuff. But at Nani's place, it's not that I just look at the floor without any curves on my lips, it's just that I don't say much, I'm a quite person around her place - don't know why. Nani always worries about us, all of her kids! That's human nature though. Taking care, doing everything you can do to make the lives of your loved one's easy, and of course worrying every single moment.

I have been told few chapters of Mom's life in bits and pieces by herself. Sometimes when she was mad and sometimes when she wanted Hansag and I to realize how easy our lives are. Hansag and I often share our unsatisfactions and unanswered queries regarding our parents with each other. In all times Hansag and I play the protagonists and our parents are the antagonists in our individual life's stories. Same is the case in Mom's stories, she plays the protagonist. Each time whenever such stories are being told and heard, no matter by who and where, the narrator is the victim of everyones attacks. In these short stories, life always takes a bad turn for the narrator and he/she faces it boldly. Today, for the first time in my life, I got to hear a small part of Nani's story. Of course the type from which she wants me to learn a few things and understand why adults are so controlling of their kids. Nani played the kid this time and told me a little about her upbringing. How she wasn't given much freedom, it was her friends who could come visit her at her house, but she couldn't because the people in the area she lived in knew at all times who was leaving when and who was coming back at what time. Her journey was from home to college and then back home. Even participating in extra-curricular activities was not a part of her life. But she did get compared to other kids like these days, "Look at him/her, he/she got a full scholarship and made a 5 on all of his/her AP exams, why can't you do that?!"

She had a friend who was given a lot of freedom and Nani often set her example in front of her Dad and asked, "Why can't I...?" To which her dad responded, "She is a good girl, but she is too naive." After graduating from High School when Nani was applying to Meerut University for her Bachelor's, her fried had decided to get married. This was a decision she made herself. When she attending Nani's wedding she cried a lot on her own situation, "what a big mistake it was, the guy seduced her, and now her life is hell." At last, with a little water in her eyes Nani said, "God knows where she's now." Just like myself Nani is also very emotional, or maybe I should say I'm exactly like my Nani when it comes to not being able to control my emotions.

In her younger years Nani was told by her parents, like many other, to pay attention to studies. There's a time for everything and this is the time to learn. She attended a co-ed University and majored in Political Science. Completed her Master's after marriage, while taking care of her two little daughters. Mom tells me that Nana and Nani used to go watch movies and often left the kids at home or at someone else's place. Kids get such things stuck in their heads, but if you take a rational view it's okay. They are married, they should get a little while to be alone. Also, after getting married was "the time" of living their (Nana-Nani's) life. Nana-Nani gave their kids a little more freedom compared to what they had as kids. Mom and Papa stepped up a notch with us. I'll do the same with my kids. But in any case, they too will find reasons to call my decisions "irrational", "impractical", and simply "wrong".

Times change and the culture becomes a little more mordernized. But from what I've been hearing, I can say that there is not much difference between yesterday and today. Climate changes on the surface, but deep down the earth's core still looks exactly like it did a thousand years ago.


Conflicting Decisions

Why in the world is life so damn complicated. Everybody does what he/she feels is right for himself/herself. Their souls get after them if they "don't do what they should have done." But what if these things that we feel are right to do, conflict with someone else's dharma? This question is what I've been thinking about from about 1:15pm this afternoon.


Is everyone's life a living hell?

Today I met Akhilesh Sharma, a very successful Ayurvedic Doctor from India. While I was in the kitched making some tea, he was telling Nana-Nani and Papa about a Sardar Ji who he met in New York. The surd was a limousine driver and asked Dr. Akhilesh Sharma whether he had ever rode in a limmo. Later, he offered Sharma a ride and started telling him his tragic story... He came to the US 18yrs ago. Never got a chance to go back because he's illegal. Saw his kids grow up through photographs. Now, his kids do not talk to him on the phone. He often earns $700 a day, but to him it's all waste since he has no one to spend it on. He goes back to an empty house with no-one to share his days happenings with.

Huh... and we all think our lives aren't worth living. Well this is story to let you know that someone's living in even harsher conditions.


I should get started on some serious Networking

Nana and I went to the Global Mall to pick up Dr. Akhilesh Sharma. There I met Kavita Chhibber, one of the writers for Little India. She writes one of those cover page articles. Nana told her that I sometimes write and am a good writer (don't know why people think that, I certainly can't change their thinking). She gave me her card and asked me to email her and said she'll surely do something. She's launching a website - www.kavitachhibber.com - which will contain a special section for today's young writers. I'll send her a couple of my compositions tomorrow.

Another guy, I think his name is Raj. He's starting a non profit organization that will target corporations to help improve India's poverty rate. Also, he is trying to make a movie. He was really excited about it and told us that he had a "vision". So far, he's gonna name is I.N.R.I. These words are found on the cross and stand for Jesus's name. His title, however, will be "I, National Resident of India". The movie will have two parts... first part - "trust God"... second part - "love God"... and at the end it'll say - "God is in you." Mel Gibson is his first choice as the director. Hmm... he didn't impress me at all. To me this project does not seem possible or maybe he has too high expectations. I guess, I wish him luck :-?

cropped image for profile

What is life?

Was chatting with a fellow batchmate from Xavier's, when in the conversation I said... The present eventually becomes a memory and opens the doors to let the future become the present... that friends, is life! I wonder if this could become a quote, quoted by me of course!

Back to High School

I've been helping out mom setup her classroom for the past couple of days. She'll be teaching at Dutchtown High School, instead of North Atlanta High. NAHS was really far from our place and it took her almost an hour to reach her school and sometimes an hour and a half on her way back. Dutchtown is only 10mins drive from our house.

The school opened last year, with only 9th and 10th grade classes. By next year, they'll have all the rooms filled up. The building is very huge, with spacious hallways, and restrooms in EVERY connecting hall. Eagle's Landing HS is nothing compared to Dutchtown HS. We only had 6 restrooms in the entire school. Where as, I came across 4 during my short trip up and down the 200 Hall at Dutchtown, and that's a very small part of the school. I still have to tour the entire building.

To be honest, I'm a bit jealous. I force myself to feel better by repeating the words, "Lee, Shirley, Shook, Harrison, Cool, Kirk all teach at ELHS and they are AWESOME teachers!" :)

By the way, I met almost all of the above mentioned teachers yesterday at Hansag's Open-House. It felt good when all of his assigned teachers looked at myself, turned towards Hansag and said, "Oh! So you are Geetali's brother. So, are you as good as her?" haha!! I guess that's one of the great things of being a first child - your younger siblings being referred as such-n-such's bro/sis. I love it!

Brew gave me the Graduation gift that she was holding onto for more than 2 months now. I didn't get a chance to see her after the ceremony, that's when she wanted to give it to me. Oh, she'll be teaching C++ this year... I didn't know what to say after hearing her words! All I can probably say is - Lord have mercy! Both on Brew and the students.

School starts Monday - not for me, just for Hansag and Mom... so, life'll be at peace :D

Mac OS theme for Windows

For the past couple of days I was looking up Mac OS theme for Windows XP. After a good amount of googling and going through several websites I came across FlyakiteOSX Finally, I can say that I have succeeded in my long quest. The theme works great! Looks great! Also, I came across www.stardock.com, the site has some great add on's. Check 'em out for yourself.

Thought about uploading another pic on my profile ;)

Empire State Building, New York - Summer 2003

Geetali in Egyptian Hieroglyphs!

Try your name

Back in 9th grade, I did this by hand, without any computer/internet technology. It looked very much like this. From what I remember, these hieroglyphs are supposed to be based on the sound.
In my name gEEtalI - EE and I sound the same, therefore the sign . While looking at the HTML script, however, I noticed that this website has assigned specific characters for each alphabet. I doubt it's accuracy.
Ex: since both EE and I sound the same, I should have only one instead of two in the beginning. Anyways, it's supposed to be only for fun, so I guess I should say.. Enjoy!

All About ME!

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey
Name:	Geetali Sharma
Birthday:	April 22, 1987
Birthplace:	New Delhi, India
Current Location:	Georgia, United States
Eye Color:	Dark Brown
Hair Color:	Dark Brown/Black
Height:	5'3
Right Handed or Left Handed:	Right
Your Heritage:	Indian (NOT native American)
The Shoes You Wore Today:	Tennis
Your Weakness:	Being too emotional
Your Fears:	My secrets being stripped naked
Your Perfect Pizza:	Nirula's (in India)
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:	Maintain a high GPA
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	bole to (which means... "you mean to say")
Thoughts First Waking Up:	Hmm.. I'm not sleepy, Interesting!
Your Best Physical Feature:	Smile
Your Bedtime:	What does that mean? :P :))
Your Most Missed Memory:	Eating Indian junk food, with friends... back home in India :)
Pepsi or Coke:	I think.. Coke :-?
MacDonalds or Burger King:	Not sure
Single or Group Dates:	Undecided
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	Don't drink Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla:	Vanilla
Cappuccino or Coffee:	Not a Coffee person
Do you Smoke:	No
Do you Swear:	Sometimes
Do you Sing:	All the time!
Do you Shower Daily:	Maybe ;)
Have you Been in Love:	Oh yes!
Do you want to go to College:	I am in College
Do you want to get Married:	Yes please
Do you belive in yourself:	Yes, I do
Do you get Motion Sickness:	Huh?
Do you think you are Attractive:	Yes
Are you a Health Freak:	No man!
Do you get along with your Parents:	Every now and then
Do you like Thunderstorms:	umm...
Do you play an Instrument:	No :(
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	No
In the past month have you Smoked:	No
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	NO
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	Hmmm :-? ;)
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	No :O
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	Nopes
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	NO NO NO!!!
In the past month have you been on Stage:	NO
In the past month have you been Dumped:	Me? Haha!!
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	No
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	No
Ever been Drunk:	NO :(
Ever been called a Tease:	No
Ever been Beaten up:	No
Ever Shoplifted:	No
How do you want to Die:	I know I will someday :)
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	Rich ;)
What country would you most like to Visit:	Global Village - The Entire World!
In a Boy/Girl..
Favourite Eye Color:	Don't Care
Favourite Hair Color:	Don't Care
Short or Long Hair:	Short
Height:	Taller than myself
Weight:	Should be able to carry me ;)
Best Clothing Style:	Decent
Number of Drugs I have taken:	Zero
Number of CDs I own:	Should have enough music on the Laptop
Number of Piercings:	Zero
Number of Tattoos:	Zero
Number of things in my Past I Regret:	Don't care, Life is about learning from one's mistakes
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

100th post on Varnmala

Just posted a poem on Varnmala. It's in English, and my 100th post. Golden jublie, century. I wonder if it's a sign. Indicating what? That's what I'm trying to figure out.

it's raining water

I must have used an umbrella after an year or so. Walked upto the mailboxes to check if our Blockbuster movie had arrived. The sky was covered with dark clouds, so took mom's advice and carried an umbrella even though I hate umbrellas. But I knew it would start raining long before my return and I really didn't feel like getting wet today, not with my clothes on ;)

The water started pouring down soon after I stepped out. I decided on running. Used the stupid upside-down "U" on my way back. Umbrellas hardly help when it rains hard or even when it doesn't. One of the only two hands is always occupied when one tries to save themselves from the beautiful, refreshing rain using an - you know what. When you walk, your shoes and the pants/jeans/skirt get wet anyways. I prefer jackets with hoods. They are much more convinient. Especially when you have crap to carry like bag and books.

Aditya urf Addi or Aadi

Talked to Aditya after a SUCH a looong time! It must have been more than 2yrs. Whenever we talk on a one-on-one basis it starts from "Aur kya chal raha hai?" and starts narrowing down to that one thing. We talk in code language, isharo mein... and then the talk starts to spread out again. It was a lot of fun talking to him though. Chatted for maybe an hour and a half online, and then talked on the phone for an hour. Both, his voice and style has changed. He has sort of a Punjabi accent. And janab itne religious hain (and I emphasize on the word "itne") mujhe to ehsaas hi nahi tha. Jeete raho bachcha!!

I need to start calling India often. Start earning a little money and setting aside some for these calling cards. Catching up with close friends is always fun, you always find something to talk about if both the speakers are open... and TALKATIVE!!

This song (altered frm the original "mere sapno ki raani") is dedicated to Aditya Singh urf Addi

tere sapno ki raani zaroor aayegi
shayad college mein koi doctarni mil jaayegi
swimming aur bball khel mr. padhaku
phir to kisi na kisi ko surat zarur bhaayegi ;)

Wish you luck!

Busy? You MUST think NOT!!

I think it's lazyness that keeps this blog from updating regularly. I mean, I love blogging... It's fun! Although, there may not be a lot of people - strangers or the known ones - who read whatever words I put together, but I do read them and man! am I a fan :D .....On that note, I also need to write a poem sometime soon. Have two lines in mind, but dunno where to go from there.

Apne badan ki khushbu ko meri pehchaan bana do
Chutki mein bhare sindoor se meri maang saja do

Heavy? Oh I know... VERY, VERY heavy!! But I want to go somewhere from here, I wanna add on to this and create something unusual, unique, out of the box! Like Gulzaar and Akhtar :)

I Tutor!!

Whome: Tyler Thorne
What: 4th Grade Multiplication
Where: Cochran Public Library
When: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

I'll probably get another student. A 9th grader for Algebra I. Have my fingures crossed.

I got a Job!

Where: Days Inn
Position: Front Desk Personnel
Timings: 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Once training is over my timings will change.

Got Dell !!

DELL Inspiron 700m

Intel Centrino M 1.8 Ghz
80 GB Hardrive
512 MB RAM
Internal Wireless Card
Windows XP Home
DVD RW
12" Wide Screen
Dell Media Experience with REMOTE CONTROL!!

Btw.. I love it!! It's sooo small, very mobile!

Observations

Nana Talks Sense
I'm sure this title "Nana Talks Sense" looks stupid because adults do talk sense, but you must re-read it after realizing the fact that I'm his granddaughter and a teenager. Looks different, doesn't it?

Well, I was at Nana-Nani's place yesterday (for my non-desi friends Nana and Nani are the words used for maternal grandfather and grandmother, respectively). He was talking about a lot of things that I think about myself. I always wonder why Papa never says those things out loud, things that are important for everybody's growth. But when Nana was making a similar statement, it made me feel good.

We saw Humdum at their place. It's ratings were pretty high, but it wasn't a type of movie that you would watch with your gradparents. The first half an hour made me wonder why viewers gave it over 7 points out of 10 on average, but after seeing the "The End" on the screen even I was in appreciation.

Road Names
All american streets have names, unlike India where it's a bit hard to find streets that do have names. Well today I amazed to see two street names...
1) McAfee Road - like that virus scanner
2)4705-334##-### - Yes! all numbers! no alphabets!

Happy 4th of July!

I like the way America celebrates it's Independence Day. Not talking about the present, but when they actualy declared their Independence on July 4th, 1776. Unlike India, they said that we are independent from this day on and fought the revolutionary war only after that day. Whereas Indians waited on the British to leave and looked upto them to tell them the exact day they would become independent. Not saying that what India did was wrong or stupid or anything, just liking the fact that America took the decision on it's own!

The state of Georgia has legalized burning firecrackers, but one can only purchase Georgia firecrackers, not any other state. I'm not looking forward to burning any, just watching some on TV.

Went to the movies yesterday. Watched four movies during a timespan of nine and a half hours. Didn't really like any of them. On a 1 to 10 scale I would rate them as follows...
War of the World 6/10
Batman Begins 8/10
Bewitched 7/10 (Not worth watching on the big screen - of course!)
Madagascar 5.5/10

Going to Nana-Nani's place tomorrow. Leaving early in the morning and will be coming back late at night. We'll probably go to the Lenox Mall... have something in mind, but let's see how that goes. Day before yesterday, after probably a month they both asked me what I want for my birthday (again). I thought the matter was over since they didn't bring it up for a long, long time after I resistant on asking for anything. The rest... is a mystery! ;)

I'm the Guest!

The laptop that once belonged to Nana and then myself is no Hansag's. Yesderday we re-formatted it, installed Windows XP Professional (again).. and were excited to see how empty it was. I had a lot of things on it, so first of all transferred all of it on the 250GB external hardrive that we purchased recently.

Until yesterday their were two sign in names that you could see one the screen - Geetali and Guest. Now, again there are two.. Hansag and Guest. I'm using the Guest sign in :D ..hehe!! So different. Love it!

crazy graduate - ME

Yesterday I just got tired of these stupid holidays. This is what always happens... when school's on, I wish we had holidays... when holidays are on, I don't know what to do. I should be reading a lot of books, and I mean A LOT of books! But TV and Internet are really, really bad! They don't let me do anything that I SHOULD do. There's not schedule... I just get up in the morning, do random things, get bored, tired, annoyed, frustrated, happy, excited, everything, and then go to sleep. It has been almost a month since the summer break started, and I have done NOTHING so far. Man, I waiste so much time. I don't even do anything online. Just stare at the stupid screen.

Okay, am gonna go read a novella now. I am gonna do it!!

life and "awe"

Wrote my last post almost a month ago. Nothing has gone wrong, only I was taken over by laziness. Am still under the lazy dose, but somehow I convinced myself to write a blog... have no idea how I succeeded in doing that. I must be good! :D

In a way a lot has happened since my last post and in a way nothing much has happened. I've finally completed a very important part of my life - k12 education. I now hold a High School diploma in my hand. The graduation ceremony was good. Not too long, heard some good speeches, saw a lot of faces probably for the very last time and realized, for the very first time in my life that I may actually miss Eagle's Landing High. Not all of it, not the complete picture, but surely some parts of it, some people, a couple rooms, a few corners. I remember the very first day when we drove to the school. Sitting in the car, I was eagerly looking at the surrounding areas. That sign at the beginning of Tunis Road pointing towards the school. 2001 Open House. Then came the first day, the first week, the first month, the first year... and now... four years have passed. Wow! I very clearly remember that first day... and now the LAST. Life's amazing. Constantly changing. One day you are someone, the next day somebody else. Today you have onething, the next day something else. I like it!

Anuj Bhai and MausaJi came over from NC for the Graduation. We had fun for the next 2 days. Nothing much has happened since then. I've been watching a lot of movies though. Don't even remember all the names! Went to GSU campus twice. Am going again this Thursday. Have been thinking a lot about the classes I should take this semester. Am really, very excited about college. New horizons, new freedoms, new opportunities, new limits. Ghosh, am I looking forward to it.

Am tired of chatting. Like the old way better - emailing. Kochhar and I have been exchanging a lot of mails and it's actually fun. It's amazing to see how much friends grow together. Kids se adults, doodh peene ki problems se lekar relationship ki problems, teachers ke baare mein baat karne se lekar philosophy ki baatein karne tak... it's just amazing! Love that sort of thing, when you've known a person for so long. Seems there really is a bond... like, you have known this person even before either of you tried to find yourself, your identity. That journey is so meaningful and being next to them before, during, and after that process gives the feeling of awe.

finally....... FREEEEEEE

I have broke FREEEEEE from the shackles of an American Public High School system.... damn! it feels good!!!

Yesterday was the last (unofficial) day of school. Had the last set of final exams and went to the senior picnic. They had Subway for grass-eaters... and I love subway... so I guess, I like this school now. Started roaming around the school once we got done eating and signing each others yearbooks. Went to many teachers and asked them to sign the yrbook as well.

Nothing much really, but finally... I realized one thing. I'm gonna miss some of the teachers and people here.

Done with APs!

and life seems to be b-e-a-utiful once again!

exams really sucks out all the enthusiasm frm one's body. oh well, atleast after exams we get the feeling of achieving something, otherwise what's the point of studying anyways.

got the final exams in exactly 12 days, on the 23rd and 24th of May.. after that - hip hip hoorah!

180 degrees around...

Changes are taking place faster than I expected. I sound different, feel different. My priotities have changed and so has my attitude. I'm planning of doing things that I have not done before. Not only planning, new and unique things are taking place already!

Had the AP Statistics exam today, which went well. Dad dropped me, Mom was going to pick me up around 4:30 but was caught in traffic. While handing me her cell to call Mom, Kavita asked me if I need a ride home. Didn't ever imagine that she would ask me something like that (no particular reason), on top of that I didn't think my parents would start taking risks this soon. Told Mom that Kavita lives close by and has no problem dropping me. She asked me questions due to concern, but at the end her answer was "yes". I rode home with a classmate of mine, who's the same age (well, a couple of months younger) as me. New, very new!

After school on Tuesday, I'm going to Andree's house to study for AP Government exam, which is next Wednesday. Haven't participated in this "study group" thing before, but I gotta start somewhere at some time. Marcel and Paula will be joining us as well.

The Government exam is in the morning and A LOT of seniors are taking it. So, maybe after wards we may hit Fun Bowl and use those 2-free Bowling game coupons we got. Told/Asked Mom about it. She asked me some question.. who's going? who'll be driving? etc. etc. Haven't heard a yes from her side yet, but trust me.. I AM GOING!

Small changes, big impact. Life's taking a turn; a turn... I'm liking already!

Rebirth

Prom was a success. I didn't go just reporting what I learned from eye witnesses. Reading some blogs and talking to some folks, I learned that many GHPers went to their prom with other GHPers (not someone from their school). I could have done that, it would have been perfect! Only downfall... it took me a while to realize this and well, I had already decided not to go. To state the bare truth, I regret my decision. Now that I think about it, I wish I were in that picture... prom dates walking down the red carpet, being captured by Shirley's camera, looking amazing in those elegant dresses, dancing, singing, laughing... **a deep, deep sigh** !

One mere decision can sometimes change how we see the world. People learn from their mistakes, a trout phrase but true! I guess, I've finally learned. It doesn't matter where you are, what surrounds you, or the era you are in. What matters is that you enjoy and participate in the activities and adventure and the practices of that place. Yes, they are traditions, they take place every year, but these annual events are the lasting memories of a period well lived and
experienced.

Why did I enjoy GHP so much? Because I let myself loose! I was myself, but at the same time I was truly a GHPer. I didn't refuse to go to the Saturday night dances, I didn't sit in my room when the she-women-man-haters-club crowded in Jakina and Megan's room to share the day's stories. I didn't limit myself or create a boundary around me. And that's why I enjoyed!

Huh.. well, High School is over! So, I guess no memories here, but I got years and years ahead of
me...!

An Announcement:
Thursday is Senior Skip Day. We are the class of '05 and the date on Thursday is 05-05-05. It's this years last, but my FIRST skip day. Didn't participate in any others, but am starting now. At least I could say, "Although I hated living in America because I felt that four years of my teenage life were wasted, I learned that surroundings have little to do with what mind is in control of." I'm beginning to live in High School itself, so I guess it didn't take me all that long. I got brains in K-12 itself :)

21st Wedding Anniversary

According to today's date - April 28, 2005 - Mom-Dad have been married for 21 years.

WOW!!

I've been alive for only 18 years and they have been living together for 21 years!! Just amazing how two individuals from separate familes, brought-up amongst different people, different surroundings, get to be spouses and spend years and years and years together. A time comes when the years spent with the spouse exceeds the number of years spent with parents. At one time the parents knew everything about their child, but then it's not the parents anymore. It's the husband or the wife who knows the person way, way better than anybody had ever known or would know.

Heh... life's a funny little tale.

Senioritus

What's up with lazy students? Josh always looks over my hw, cw, tests in Gov/Econ class. I didn't really care in the beginning but his attitude got annoying around mid second semester. He didn't bother studying at all!! Today was too much though. These days we are preparing for the Nationwide AP Government exam. Dees has been asking us to do Sample Tests from the book he handed us a few weeks ago. Josh was busy doing his Algebra III homework and as soon as it was close to the time when Dees would go over the answers, Josh started jotting down the alphabets (multiple choice) from my paper. I told him straight up, "It doesn't really matter Josh!" We are doing that crap for practice and Dees is not giving us a grade for it! Hope he starts putting in some effort.



another pic frm yday's rain

What the hell is wrong with me? I failed the last Trig test pretty badly. The stuff was easy, really, really easy... yet, I just didn't get it. Not only that I don't even feel like actually trying and studying. Have I caught "Senioritus"? Or has "Senioritus" finally got me? I really don't want to be at this point at this time. Got so many exams coming up :( But I just don't feel like studying. Am tired of it! Any suggestions?

barse baadal...!

Water drops poured down all thoughout the day, but I didn't get a chance to witness its beauty until after stepping down at the bus stop. At first I walked briskly in order to avoid getting wet. Soon, however, I let myself loose and started walking in a much slower pace. Got quite wet by the time I reached home. Asked Hansag to take a few pictures and went outside to feel the sky's tears on my warm face!


rain, rain, oh sweet rain!

I'm very confused about college. Struggling to figure out which subject area I should focus on. Today only I was looking at Georgia State's Philosophy program. Would love to learn about that, but becoming a Philosopher and focusing only in Philosophy will not suffice. I need something else besides it. Up until yesterday I had two courses in mind - Computer Information Systems and Finance. Both come under the Business program. Now I'm thinking about getting two degrees from separate schools. Possiblities include Business and Liberal Arts.

I am much of a thinker, an observer, a rationalist. So, majors like Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology are obvious choices. But where will these take me?? I am interested in Business and Computers (technical stuff) as well. The only major that combines both of these interests together is Computer (or Management) Information Systems. Getting two degrees that circle around the same area (CIS and Finance) will be too specific and will not leave me with many choices. Choosing two different paths however will widen the career possibilities even further.

My interests do cover a wide range and I am interested in learning about new things be it Astronomy, Geology, or Anthropology. It's taking me longer than expected to decide on what will be the right choice for me. The most a student can do is a double major. For me, however, that's the least I can do!

finally.. b'day over!

Birthday bash finally came to an end tonight. Watched The Interpreter a pretty good movie and later had dinner with Nana-Nani. I drove all the way!

A day in History!

Best birthday ever? --I would definetly say so!!

As written in my last blog it all started a day before my birthday and believe it or not will end a day after! But here's what happened today... I recieved even more ecards and wishes from friends and family. People at school wished me in the morning and recieved calls once I got back home. Enjoyed the entire day with James and Pavan at six-flags. More people would have been great but limit was 3 people per group and everybody got a different ride to work on. In case you are confused, we went to six-flags to work on our Physics semester project. We got the easy one - huhuhahaha! Rained really hard for about an hour and that's when we did all our calculations, before that we were busy getting the measurements. Played a little basketball after coming back to school. Got busy checking and replying to mails once I got home.

Ooooooh... a WONDERFUL thing happend at six-flags... I saw Maggie and Tiffany!! Maggie was on my hall at GHP and Tiffany in my major. Awsome, won't you say? You have to agree with me that this birthday was truely TERRIFIC!

Got a cake are around 10pm. Was very tired so the pictures don't look so good. Here's the cake though...


Kishu's my nick name at home (family and Delhite - non school - friends included), some Xaverians also call me that

So far so good. In the future getting an iBook??? Possibly! Let's wait and see. I'm also gonna need it for college, and as a discount I don't mind it being a combo gift - birthday and graduation... what ya say peeps?

on the way...

My birthday has not even started yet (since I'm in US) but the celebrations have already begun! It all started this morning, when my bestest friends for the past 13yrs(!!) gave me a call from my sweet sweet India. We talked for about 20min. Felt so good after hearing their voice! Got up singing and dancing, and was excited all throughout the day. They usually call on the day of the Birthday, but Kanika's going to her Nani's place tomorrow in Rajasthan. It's a good thing they called early, now I'd remain happy longer ;)

Got back home, checked my inbox and aha! mails from all over. Thanks to all you guys!!

Tomorrow, I am going to six flags (amusement park)... woohoo!! It's a Physics trip from school, we have a project to work on. That's not the fun part! Fun comes when the words "Six Flags" are heard in a sentence. Am very excited!

Going out for lunch with Nana-Nani on Saturday.

Hmmm... 18th birthday is different that all the others... I'm an adult guys!! Yippi!

important dates

April 21 - Economics EOCT (end of course test)
April 22 - Physics trip to 6 Flags (semester project)... also, 18th birthday!
May 4 - AP Statistics EXAM
May 9 - AP Physics EXAM
May 11 - AP Government EXAM
May 12 - Recieve Cap and Gown
May 22 - Baccalaureate at 2pm
May 23 - Final exams for Statistics(?!), Physics (?!), and Programming
May 24 - Final exams for English and Trigonometry, SENIOR PICNIC later in the day
May 26 - Grandparent's breakfast at 9:30am, and SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT at 7pm
May 27 - SENIOR WALK in the morning, class picture in cap and gown, graduation rehearsal in the morning and finally GRADUATION at 7pm

aching hearts

Am I learning a lot about life lately? The peaks, recessions, troughs, and expansions (to present in economic terms since to exam is coming up) of life? I know that I really like Socrates' quote, "The unexperienced life is not worth living" and would rather learn from my own experiences than somebody else's. I actually want to feel the emotions rather than just imagine them. But you know, sometimes it's a whole lot better to be a spectator or a listener compared to actually being one of the characters on stage.

Life is unpredictable, uneven, unfair. A smile can turn into a tear within a second, a laughter into a cry, joy into sorrow, and celebrations into mournings. It is noticible in my writing that I'm converting all happy moments into sad ones, but aren't these the moments when we say, "life sucks!" There are a limited number of people who remember God or thank anyone for bringing joys into their life. Whereas, almost everyone ridicuels life if something goes wrong.

I don't know where to start or when or how to end. Don't know what all the things, feelings, emotions, experiences and/or details I should write, discuss, record in the middle. I'm not sure what names I should mention or the true stories I should spread light upon. There's one thing I do know though - everything that I'm about to write is not limited to myself or the people these are about; this is universal. Character's change, settings change, dialogues somewhat vary, but the theme remains. I'm not going to write a very long blog on this subject because it depresses me, but if for some reason this ends up taking a lot of your time, I ask for your forgiveness.

People are dying, everyday. Either due to accidents, diseases, or natural causes. Their friends and relatives are mourning on the loss of someone who left memories behind, but the memories will fade away with time. What hits hard is when we know the one who has lost someone. Even though we may have not known the person, still the human heart aches and pain brings tears to the eyes. Thinking about the situation a brother, a sister, a mother, a father may be in.

Andree' didn't know Marcel's brother, yet she was crying in class thinking about how much the 8th grader is going to be missed. He had cancer. Marcel was very close to him, often talked about his actions. I too was sad to hear the news, but for some reason didn't show many emotions. Didn't even feel much. Maybe, I've realized this truth and coping with somebody else's pains has become easier upon myself. All I pray for now is... help them God!

Regina going to GHP

Regina Addo was nominated for GHP in the field of Biology. and guess what?? Yup! SHE GOT IT!! Ghosh! I'm so happy! When she said, "yes!" to my question, "did you get it?" I started jumping and screaming and gave her a tight hug! Man-o-man... I've so glad! She's gonna have sooooooo much fun. I miss GHP!!

REGINA... CONGRATULATIONS!!!

A total number of 6 ppl got it, the other 5 are...

Logan for Math (they learn how to juggle, wow na?)
John for Physics (don't know much)
Zack for Agri-Science (they go on all sort of trips)
Scott for Saxophone (amazing, ppl go crazy!)
Brionna for Spanish (que pasa, what?)

All are 11th graders except Logan, who's in 10th.

Multicultural Fair 2005

The multicultural fair was today only. I know I didn't mention it before, but that's because I didn't participate this year. Last year I did India with Himali and Pavan. There were two other boards for India. One done by Amish, Arun, and Nemish, the other done by Anchita, Hasita and Kavita. Pavan made samosas last year and we (the Indians working at the fair) ate them all, leaving nothing for the visitors :) Couldn't help, they were soo good!


Mary-Ann (left) and Sonia (right)

Anyways, this year Mary-Ann and Sonia worked on the India board. The other board on India was put together by Anchita and Hasita. The fair was the same as last years - okay. Almost the same type of boards, absolutely the same dances (with very few variations) and the same attitude - excited and hyper at first, but as time passed watching the same thing and answering the same questions becomes tiring and a huge burden. Therefore, I enjoyed this year's better. After all I was just a visitor, saying hey talking to people and cursing them out for not having any food left (haha! just kiddin'). The best part of the fair was when I saw Miles playing his Viola. Ghosh! I just started cracking up. I don't know what was so funny about it, but it was pretty damn funny!! I didn't disturb him and went on with the fair. I was at the Trinidad and Tobago booth when he came over and said, "Yeah! don't even say a hi."


Trinidad and Tobago

So, I went to his "orchestra corner" and checked out the string intruments he had back there. Started arguing with him how his instrument is a Violin and not a Viola. After all it's played the same way! He explained the difference, "You need to be tall and have gorrilla arms to be able to play Viola." This sentence was aimed towards not letting me play the Viola. Then he actually showed me the two instruments and that's when I finally believed him. He did let me try to play it though. I'm telling ya, you really need to have gorrilla arms to play that thing (yup, exaggerating here)! My arms were not long enough (or so I felt). He was trying to put my fingers at the correct places, but again my pinky (smallest) finger wasn't long enough. I moved that stick thing up and down in an effort to make music, but whatever came out of it was something that you won't ever call music. After making me happy as anything, he played the Viola just for me... awww! Miles is GREAT!!


playing viola

Other than all the fun described above, I had a test in Stats that I did not study for while sleeping at home. Yeah, I got sleepy while trying to read the chapter, slept from from around 8:30pm till 5:54am. Started studying as soon as I got up. Isolated myself from everybody at school to understand this last chapter. I had to go over because I didn't do any of the hw assigned or even read the chapter. Due to the fair not a lot of people came to class. They were either helping at the fair or took an early break (next week is off, it's our spring break). I think I did fine at the test after all. It was not hard at all. Surprizingly, I knew what I was doing.

This six weeks I have all A's and B's, including Physics. It's that amazing? An A in Trig, woohoo! A cursin' B in English, can you believe that? B in Schernekau's?? Hate me, don't you? If you don't then I'm gonna hate you, so you better start hatin' :)

Okay listen, got a haircut today. Had been wanting to get one since forever! Short hair are SO MUCH better to take care of. In India, I had boycutt. After moving to US though, I decided on "becoming" a girl. Change is a part of life I guess. I like long hair too, but :(( you have to care so much! Plus, windy air tangles it up so bad! Anyways, this is how I look now...

breaking mom's car :D


self taken close-up. isn't that the most stupid smile ever!?

Okie dokes (and I like saying "dokes" instead of "dokie") about the Spring Break. Am not doing anything, not going anywhere, don't have any plans, will sit at home all week long and actually study for the AP exams this time. I borrowed Barron's AP Government and AP Physics books from Dees and Lee, respectively. Mom brought Amsco's AP Statistics from her school. All these books are really good. I know I can pass the Gov exam, Stats would take some work, but it's not impossible either. Physics... hahaha... let's not go there, but I'll see where I stand.

Wish me luck people!