Exams

Today I gave my last paper of this semister, technically I still have another exam in next few weeks. Last night was a precarious one, I slept at 12 am and wanted to wakeup by 3.30 am to complete last leg of revision. More so just wanted the clock to strike 12.30 pm so that it will be over once and for all. This exam was different from so many exams I have appeared for since childhood.

Importantly I am studying after a gap of alomost 8 years. Wonder how does it feel to give exams and work on assignments after so many years? Must admit never studied so hard for any of my earlier exams - not even board and universityexams. I am a early morning person and could never study at night, never mind how important the exam is. Here I was studying till 12 am - 2 am reading the marketing concepts and market research applications. Studying after 10 pm was a task for me in school and college. The first person to deter me from studying at night was my grand mother. Gosh I miss her so much!! My early morning studies during exams were always accompanied by hot cup of tea served by my grand mother. Never mind if it was 5 or 6 am,'a cup of tea makes you fresh', she would say.

I must be a lucky one - here in London too i am pampered the same way. Not allowed to do house chores, 'lower the music volume Tejal is studying' someone will scream. Really lucky to have such friends. Had the pleasure of enjoying spicy bhel on a rainy day while studying, all thanks to my lovely rommies - they rock! The first thing I did today - crashed, that is what I will do soon - see you later

Recap 2010

My first and last post was in April 2008, that's a bad bad record considering the blogging sphere. But of late the writing bug has again begun to bit me, and what could be a better start than the new year. Hopefully i will maintain this resolution.

Aptly i decided to recap 2010. On first thought i never realised when 2010 ended, till new year eve it was not sinking that a new decade is starting. When I look back, i see some immense happy moments in 2010. Last year started with my best friend giving birth to two beautiful twins. And i realised we have had a long journey from school friends to one of us now a mother, the other preparing to go abroad for further studies. Very few people get a second chance in life and 2010 gave me this precious opportunity. After working for 3-4 years i finally found my calling of studying further and decided to come to London. Never in my dreams had i thought that I will leave Bombay to study abroad, but such is life. I like this constant change in life, it is the best teacher. I am reliving the student life here in Kingston, with new university,new friends, new subjects and yes a new perspective of life. And must say am liking it!!
Looking back I think one of the lovely moments of 2010 was my trip to Nainital with my mother. This also made me realise that we have grown up and time has come to look after our parents. Give them that small joy, some happy moments to cherish. It really feels proud when when you can give them exactly what they want on your own. The week of travel was an excellent break from hectic work life and some precious time spend with my mother. And Pappa - it was the memorable sunday of 5th Sept when we celebrated his 60th birthday. I can still remember happiness on my parent's face. It was also my farewell as I was leaving for London on 13th Sept.
How can i forget Abhi's call to ask if things were fine with me here and now his concern now how am I managing here and curiosity to see my pics :)
Lat but not the least the immense satisfaction I felt when clients appreciated my work while quitting and my treasures - friends that I have left behind in Mumbai. I miss them all but can be in touch with them thanks to FB and Internet. World is indeed a small place. No wonder my parents are liking the new toy - Skype- and want me to come online almost daily :))

Shall take leave on this sweet note , more updates later

Online Friends

A few days ago I was talking to a friend about which movie to watch the next- choice was between Ajay Devgan & Kajol's U Me Aur Hum or Akki's Tashan. " I have heard that U Me Aur Hum is depressing. I want to check out Tashan. You can always watch U ME with your 'Orkut' friends,"said she.

This friend of my mine particularly averse to my online activities (read friends). Apparently I freak out more with them. Many amongst us would by now had two sets of friends- online and offline. And in many cases the distinction between online and offline must have already faded away.
But my friend's remark did made me ponder for a while, prompting me to remember my 'online' phase of life. My online friendships started during college days. The concept was not so prevelent then and did have different connotation. Remeber those tonnes of friendship sites that popped up during the dotcom era?? I met my first online friend through one of such sites, though not for the same reasons that they were popular for.

I was in my senior college when I met my first online friend working with an IT firm. We hit off well and did meet 'offline' as well. Today its more than 5 years and he is one of my very good friends. Jokingly I tell him 'see I have also started working now". As for him, he has just been blessed with a dotting daughter.

Then came the 'chatting phase' wherein Yahoo and MSN was a staple food for youngsters and olddies alike. I stumbled upon another friend in one of these chat rooms. We did start chatting and as it happens so many times, did not meet him online for quite a few years. Barely a year ago, somebody pings me on yahoo messenger. The mail id sounds familiar and then rings the bell. Its my other online friend from a different town, whom I had lost contact since ages.

It did not take time to catch up with him and now I bug him quite regularly. The phone calls and gmail chats have helped us to become good friends. The online friendship assumed a different dimension since the orkut came on the scene. How can I forget my 'orkut gang'......there is a loong list to mention. What brought us together was an online caste community, which merely acted as medium to get in touch with such happening people.

More so when our parents are curious to know of our activities. Apart from the caste bonding, what has brought us close is the energy and enthusiasm to do something better. Of course we had our offline meets over mouth watering non-veg food and countless coffee shop outings. But somewhere there is an urge to work constructively for a good cause.

Here is when the boundries between online and offline friends disappear in the horizon. Looking back I feel really greatful to meet such 'online friends'.