This....
This, after a long time. This, when I have a thousand other things to do, that anyone would put higher on the priority list ( and would definitely expect me to do the same). This, while I look with my big sad eyes like a puppy, at other bloggers blogging away to their heart's content. This, because my roomies would kill me if I used my vocal chords to give vent to my thoughts anymore. This, as a modern-day ( no poetry, so)ode to my life.
Ah! My life is horrid. Or rather was, until one month ago, when I decided to change the course of things. My first month in the US of A didnt help much in reducing the not-too-good-a-feeling I had about it to begin with. I lived, akin to an African slave of the 17th Century who wandered off into the promised land only to find himself hand-cuffed and put to work. Only those hand-cuffs in my case, were invisible, though just as strong. It used to be a constant stream of classes, research( oh yes, I know not too many of you can believe I can pronounce that word even, let alone be actually doing it), labs and what-not. This after that 4-year holiday in IIT, where you studied only hours before an exam, but were confident because you knew you neighbour hadnt done any better!!
When at India and trying to get my admission documents to reach me, I was both amazed and irritated that this whole country just stopped working through the weekends, that starting friday afternoon. I came here and found out that those who were assisting me in my paper-handling had actually been working part-weekends. For the weekend and all the partying that it is synonymous with, starts thursday afternoon! In the first month, thursday evenings would see well-dressed men and well-undressed women going to have fun, while I trudged back home after a long day and smelly grocery shopping. I used to smirk the smirk, telling myself that it was not my age or maturity any longer to lead that frivolous life.
And then came the day when I had to present all the research I had accomplished in one month,in front of my professor ( who I could call a lot more names, but refrain, lest he googles for my name). That evening after the presentation, I felt like the Greek guy who carrying that big boulder on his shoulders would have felt had it been taken away from him. I relaxed, I went out , that day and the next( it deserved a longer than normal celebration). Before I knew, I was back to living the life I was used to. Freaking out with friends, making merry, eating out, watching movies; until I forgot all about those classes and research. The guilt that had started to resurface had been put to rest yet again.
There is this slightly sick feeling that starts to build up a couple of days before each Saturday, which is when my weekly report is due. But then that is taken care of quickly enough( the sickness). What with the other million things on your mind about what clothes to wear and what earrings to go with them.
So this, because my life is not so bad after all. This, because I cant decide if 'this' is a pronoun, an adjective or an adverb!
Ah! My life is horrid. Or rather was, until one month ago, when I decided to change the course of things. My first month in the US of A didnt help much in reducing the not-too-good-a-feeling I had about it to begin with. I lived, akin to an African slave of the 17th Century who wandered off into the promised land only to find himself hand-cuffed and put to work. Only those hand-cuffs in my case, were invisible, though just as strong. It used to be a constant stream of classes, research( oh yes, I know not too many of you can believe I can pronounce that word even, let alone be actually doing it), labs and what-not. This after that 4-year holiday in IIT, where you studied only hours before an exam, but were confident because you knew you neighbour hadnt done any better!!
When at India and trying to get my admission documents to reach me, I was both amazed and irritated that this whole country just stopped working through the weekends, that starting friday afternoon. I came here and found out that those who were assisting me in my paper-handling had actually been working part-weekends. For the weekend and all the partying that it is synonymous with, starts thursday afternoon! In the first month, thursday evenings would see well-dressed men and well-undressed women going to have fun, while I trudged back home after a long day and smelly grocery shopping. I used to smirk the smirk, telling myself that it was not my age or maturity any longer to lead that frivolous life.
And then came the day when I had to present all the research I had accomplished in one month,in front of my professor ( who I could call a lot more names, but refrain, lest he googles for my name). That evening after the presentation, I felt like the Greek guy who carrying that big boulder on his shoulders would have felt had it been taken away from him. I relaxed, I went out , that day and the next( it deserved a longer than normal celebration). Before I knew, I was back to living the life I was used to. Freaking out with friends, making merry, eating out, watching movies; until I forgot all about those classes and research. The guilt that had started to resurface had been put to rest yet again.
There is this slightly sick feeling that starts to build up a couple of days before each Saturday, which is when my weekly report is due. But then that is taken care of quickly enough( the sickness). What with the other million things on your mind about what clothes to wear and what earrings to go with them.
So this, because my life is not so bad after all. This, because I cant decide if 'this' is a pronoun, an adjective or an adverb!
posted by Satyashree Srikanth at 6:44 AM
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