I like numbers. I like to quantify everything. I like to plan in terms of numbers. Even my thoughts are bullet points with numbers. One other thing I like to do with numbers is rate.
In this spirit how does one rate a person. How do I rate me. Besides what are the standards. If I am the standard maker most things around me would be sub par. Most people would be sub par. The same standards applied to me would make me subpar.
Then can the standards be rigged. Can I cheat or should I consider myself subpar. For example I consider the following qualities desirable or likable in my opinion:
1. Intelligence
2. Being articulate
3. Goal oriented
4. Charm
5. Cannot be stereotyped
6. Fit
7. Authoritative
8. Ambitious
9. Free of all complexes
10. Humorous
I have only 5 of these 10 qualities. Would this make me subpar in my own opinion or am I compromising when it comes to me.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Anti-Partner
Yesterday , Sunday was my second week of Salsa classes. It was fun. But it also made me extremely conscious of the fact that I am single, not part of couple. I want to learn the dance form but I think it is just going to get worse. Because we are made to practice in class with a partner. So I end up pairing with a total stranger and have to wait my turn because there always seem to be more single women then men. I wonder why??
But I am not going to let it stop me. There are three more classes to go. I am going to go to every single one of them and learn what I set out learn. If every single time I feel out of place or awkward, too bad. I have to learn and get used to this lifestyle sometime. Let this be the time.
But I am not going to let it stop me. There are three more classes to go. I am going to go to every single one of them and learn what I set out learn. If every single time I feel out of place or awkward, too bad. I have to learn and get used to this lifestyle sometime. Let this be the time.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Year that was, Year that will be
New things done this year past:
1. Started investing
2. Took belly dancing lessons
3. Joined WW (not doing too good with it)
4. Started volunteering
5. Started donating regularly
6. Won my first Karate trophy
7. Entry of an extremely irritating person, to be dealt with every single work day :-(
Things to do this year:
1. Earn my S Cert.
2. Learn Latin dance (probably Salsa)
3. Make a success of WW
4. Join Red Cross volunteers
5. Make a sizable donation to BMission
6. Earn my green belt
7. Learn to deal with and not be affected by the above mentioned irritating person :-)
Neat, no?
1. Started investing
2. Took belly dancing lessons
3. Joined WW (not doing too good with it)
4. Started volunteering
5. Started donating regularly
6. Won my first Karate trophy
7. Entry of an extremely irritating person, to be dealt with every single work day :-(
Things to do this year:
1. Earn my S Cert.
2. Learn Latin dance (probably Salsa)
3. Make a success of WW
4. Join Red Cross volunteers
5. Make a sizable donation to BMission
6. Earn my green belt
7. Learn to deal with and not be affected by the above mentioned irritating person :-)
Neat, no?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Flaws Galore
Everyone at some point in their life have slipped down a step or a patch of ice. That moment of time when you want to control, you know how to control, it just doesn't happen.
The past few months I have been feeling that way on several occasions. It is not like I am helpless but it is as if I choose to be helpless. You don't need enemies outside yourself if you yourself are your worst enemy. The list of things I dislike in myself just keeps growing and hence this rant. These are things I cannot tell anyone because no one is close enough. Its is just me and then there is me and so here I go.
Things I don't like about me:
1. Procrastination (simple plain old laziness)
2. Lack of Will power
3. Envy
4. Needing to be in control
5. Depression
6. Never following through with things I set out to do
7. Competitiveness without competence
8. Seeking acknowledgement and praise
9. Unhappiness
I can just go on. It is in such times that I miss Sid. If he were around maybe he would talk me into getting back on track, I liked that sense of accountability.
Now how do I deal with this, how can a patient deal with a disease when he/she is suffering from it.
The past few months I have been feeling that way on several occasions. It is not like I am helpless but it is as if I choose to be helpless. You don't need enemies outside yourself if you yourself are your worst enemy. The list of things I dislike in myself just keeps growing and hence this rant. These are things I cannot tell anyone because no one is close enough. Its is just me and then there is me and so here I go.
Things I don't like about me:
1. Procrastination (simple plain old laziness)
2. Lack of Will power
3. Envy
4. Needing to be in control
5. Depression
6. Never following through with things I set out to do
7. Competitiveness without competence
8. Seeking acknowledgement and praise
9. Unhappiness
I can just go on. It is in such times that I miss Sid. If he were around maybe he would talk me into getting back on track, I liked that sense of accountability.
Now how do I deal with this, how can a patient deal with a disease when he/she is suffering from it.
Monday, August 04, 2008
I Miss U!!!
I miss you both R and Sid. You will always have a special place in my heart. I am grateful for all things that were and I still am not over the things that arent.
I know I should call R, my best friend. But my heart always prays and wishes the best for her. She is a wonderful friend and will be a wonderful mom.
I know I should not call Sid and I wont. But my heart always will mourn what could have been and isnt.
I know I should call R, my best friend. But my heart always prays and wishes the best for her. She is a wonderful friend and will be a wonderful mom.
I know I should not call Sid and I wont. But my heart always will mourn what could have been and isnt.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Does not feel right!!!
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gus crowned world's ugliest dog
By AP
Gus has three legs, one eye and no hair, except for a white tuft on the top of his head. But he's top dog.
The pedigree Chinese crested won the World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California.
His owner, Jeanenne Teed, brought Gus all the way from Florida, to compete for the dubious distinction
After the excitement of the moment, Teed characterised her dog's reaction: "Well, I think right now he's ready for a nap."
The Chinese crested breed is a popular choice in this annual contest. Last year's champ, Elwood, was a Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix.
Gus's owner won $500 and will be flown to New York to appear on "CBS This Morning." The event will be aired on the Animal Planet network in October.___________________________________________________________________________________
This piece of news just seems to be in poor taste. The world's ugliest dog is actually suffering from skin cancer, has lost a leg and is in its last stretch of life. This as told by the dogs owner on national TV. According to them it was their goal to have the dog live until this contest. As if it was all their choice. According to them the dog was so exhausted during the contest that it just stood up for a few mins for the judges and then dozed off.
Why is their no outrage at this. Why is the $500 prize so celebrated and celebrated on national TV. Would the ASPCA only care if the animal has beautiful fur and good to look at. Has this not disturbed anyone else.
What if it was the world's ugliest person contest and someone with Skin cancer is the winner? Would we still be so indifferent?
Gus crowned world's ugliest dog
By AP
Gus has three legs, one eye and no hair, except for a white tuft on the top of his head. But he's top dog.
The pedigree Chinese crested won the World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California.
His owner, Jeanenne Teed, brought Gus all the way from Florida, to compete for the dubious distinction
After the excitement of the moment, Teed characterised her dog's reaction: "Well, I think right now he's ready for a nap."
The Chinese crested breed is a popular choice in this annual contest. Last year's champ, Elwood, was a Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix.
Gus's owner won $500 and will be flown to New York to appear on "CBS This Morning." The event will be aired on the Animal Planet network in October.___________________________________________________________________________________
This piece of news just seems to be in poor taste. The world's ugliest dog is actually suffering from skin cancer, has lost a leg and is in its last stretch of life. This as told by the dogs owner on national TV. According to them it was their goal to have the dog live until this contest. As if it was all their choice. According to them the dog was so exhausted during the contest that it just stood up for a few mins for the judges and then dozed off.
Why is their no outrage at this. Why is the $500 prize so celebrated and celebrated on national TV. Would the ASPCA only care if the animal has beautiful fur and good to look at. Has this not disturbed anyone else.
What if it was the world's ugliest person contest and someone with Skin cancer is the winner? Would we still be so indifferent?
Thursday, June 05, 2008
In my neck of the woods.....
This blog is just about that.. things the way they are in my neck of the woods.
It was my birthday last Sunday, June 1st. Probably one of my best birthdays ever. Definitely the best birthday in recent past. No I did not have a celebration, because I dont believe in celebrating things we dint really have a say. No I did not have a flood of calls or flowers or gifts.
Still it was the best because it was a gift to myself. I planned to spend a peaceful day doing things I love. Being at peace with myself. The whole day not once did I think about past nor did I think about the future. I did not look back and regret nor look forward and hope. It was very liberating. I did not make resolutions. So what did I do?
1. On Saturday(the day before by Bday), I cleaned my home. Every nook and corner. At the end of it all it was smelling of flowers.
2. I bought myself flowers from the old lady at the farmers market. Also bought a lot for fresh vegetables.
3. Got me a cake, a small chocolate fudge cake.
4. Made myself a beautiful breakfast of pancakes, orange juice and eggs with veggies.
5. Washed my car, waxed it. My baby is shiny like a new penny.
6. Started two new memberships. I will talk about them when I get what I want out of them.
7. Ofcourse my parents called and wished. My dad said I was a sunday baby and this birthday falls on a sunday.
8. Finished a Elizabeth Lowell Novel
9. Watched the Sun set from my window overlooking the river
10. Read all the wishes left on my facebook and myspace by friends
That was my birthday, and I hope just be content the rest of the year whether or not things work out for me.
Apart from the birthday, Work is great. Enjoying it and it is nice to see people whom I work with appreciate it. People I work for appreciate it to and hand me oppurtubities to grow.
My company sponsered trip to Chicago over the memorial day weekend was a nice break. It was nice to meet my friends and enjoy their company. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence. It was nice to see people have faith in my and expecting bigger things from me. And I AM READY!!! BRING IT ON!!!!!
It was my birthday last Sunday, June 1st. Probably one of my best birthdays ever. Definitely the best birthday in recent past. No I did not have a celebration, because I dont believe in celebrating things we dint really have a say. No I did not have a flood of calls or flowers or gifts.
Still it was the best because it was a gift to myself. I planned to spend a peaceful day doing things I love. Being at peace with myself. The whole day not once did I think about past nor did I think about the future. I did not look back and regret nor look forward and hope. It was very liberating. I did not make resolutions. So what did I do?
1. On Saturday(the day before by Bday), I cleaned my home. Every nook and corner. At the end of it all it was smelling of flowers.
2. I bought myself flowers from the old lady at the farmers market. Also bought a lot for fresh vegetables.
3. Got me a cake, a small chocolate fudge cake.
4. Made myself a beautiful breakfast of pancakes, orange juice and eggs with veggies.
5. Washed my car, waxed it. My baby is shiny like a new penny.
6. Started two new memberships. I will talk about them when I get what I want out of them.
7. Ofcourse my parents called and wished. My dad said I was a sunday baby and this birthday falls on a sunday.
8. Finished a Elizabeth Lowell Novel
9. Watched the Sun set from my window overlooking the river
10. Read all the wishes left on my facebook and myspace by friends
That was my birthday, and I hope just be content the rest of the year whether or not things work out for me.
Apart from the birthday, Work is great. Enjoying it and it is nice to see people whom I work with appreciate it. People I work for appreciate it to and hand me oppurtubities to grow.
My company sponsered trip to Chicago over the memorial day weekend was a nice break. It was nice to meet my friends and enjoy their company. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence. It was nice to see people have faith in my and expecting bigger things from me. And I AM READY!!! BRING IT ON!!!!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Tragedy so close to home
"A man opened fire in a crowded lecture hall at Northern Illinois University on Thursday, killing four people and wounding a number of others before killing himself, media reports and authorities said"
This is not any other piece of everyday news. It is about my school, my home for the last few years. The place that made me an independent confident person. I have attended lectures and taken exams in the very same Cole Hall were the shooting took place. Seeing picture after of picture of my school plastered across news sites brought sadness and grief. Hurrying to catch the huskie line bus to get to a class, rushing to get there on time in the cold all bundeled up, is it supposed to cross ones mind that you might get shot. My thoughts are with the families of the kids who are dead today for no reason at all, just a random act of an unreasonable sick mind. My heart goes out to their roommates and friends who will never see them again. And my prayers to all who have to go back to school eventually, what would that first class be like, will they be able to pay attention or would they be constantly looking over their shoulder. What is it like to be in constant fear.
My first thought when I read about it was about my friends, my proteges. I met them at different stages in school. Some through the Peer mentor program, some randomly. I took great pride in being their mentor. Helping them know my school better, encouraging and motivating them to do good right from the beginning. Thank you God for keeping them all safe.
Inspite of this terrible tragedy I hope the students do not get consumed by fear. Fear is the most negative of emotions. We are living in times when fear seems to be the foremost of emotions. May this tragedy bring them closer to each other, bring kindness into their hearts and love for life with death being so unpredictable.
Here is a one of my favorite songs
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Why does no one trust anyone anymore?!
I am mad, sad and extremely frustrated at my family. They have become so distrustful, especially where my brother is concerned. They treat him as if he is a fragile flower whom they should protect from all harm real and imagined.
One of my collegues is from Bangladesh. His relatives are visiting my home town to write a exam and he requested if my brother can be of some assistance. Especially because they do not know hindi and it will be kind of difficult to get around. I did not think anything about helping him and confidently said that ofcourse my family will be more than happy to help out.
Well that cannot happen. My parents think it is not a good idea at all. Because they are from bangladesh, three young people are visiting and my brother is a young guy. You dont see the connection do you. I dint either until they explained. With the recent bomb blasts in my city and bangladeshi nationals being involved and we being muslims, and my brother being a young muslim guy all things can go wrong. And even if it doesnt owing to mere coincidence my brother can be in trouble. Whenever any thing remotely related to terrorist activity happens in my city young muslim guys are rounded uo even if they were just passing by.
We are supposed to be living in a secular, independent country. One of the most admirable things of Indian Culture is "Atthithi Devo Bhava", and yes let me clarify being a muslim does not make a indian muslim less of a Indian or less of a muslim.
I grew up in a predominantly non-muslim neighbourhood, went to school in a catholic convent school which was in a predominantly muslim area and so the majority of the students were muslims. Not once during my growing up years did it ever occur to me that my relegion had anything to do anything beyond the threshold of my home.
It is so very painful to think that one is subjected to so much suspicion based just upon religion which is such a personal and private matter. Why dont people understand that the problems in the middle east which spill over everywhere in the world are just that "the problem in the middle east". It is to do with reigon and not religion.
And I am very very upset with my family at being suspicious in return. Lets turn the tables, I am single muslim female living and working on my own in the US. I wear the head scarf and no one can have any doubts about my religion. What if I people get suspicious in the same manner, where would I live if people do not rent me an apartment based on my religion. What would I do if people do not hire me based on my religion. How would my family react then. Would they totally understand, would they be OK with that because they would have done the same right ?!
One of my collegues is from Bangladesh. His relatives are visiting my home town to write a exam and he requested if my brother can be of some assistance. Especially because they do not know hindi and it will be kind of difficult to get around. I did not think anything about helping him and confidently said that ofcourse my family will be more than happy to help out.
Well that cannot happen. My parents think it is not a good idea at all. Because they are from bangladesh, three young people are visiting and my brother is a young guy. You dont see the connection do you. I dint either until they explained. With the recent bomb blasts in my city and bangladeshi nationals being involved and we being muslims, and my brother being a young muslim guy all things can go wrong. And even if it doesnt owing to mere coincidence my brother can be in trouble. Whenever any thing remotely related to terrorist activity happens in my city young muslim guys are rounded uo even if they were just passing by.
We are supposed to be living in a secular, independent country. One of the most admirable things of Indian Culture is "Atthithi Devo Bhava", and yes let me clarify being a muslim does not make a indian muslim less of a Indian or less of a muslim.
I grew up in a predominantly non-muslim neighbourhood, went to school in a catholic convent school which was in a predominantly muslim area and so the majority of the students were muslims. Not once during my growing up years did it ever occur to me that my relegion had anything to do anything beyond the threshold of my home.
It is so very painful to think that one is subjected to so much suspicion based just upon religion which is such a personal and private matter. Why dont people understand that the problems in the middle east which spill over everywhere in the world are just that "the problem in the middle east". It is to do with reigon and not religion.
And I am very very upset with my family at being suspicious in return. Lets turn the tables, I am single muslim female living and working on my own in the US. I wear the head scarf and no one can have any doubts about my religion. What if I people get suspicious in the same manner, where would I live if people do not rent me an apartment based on my religion. What would I do if people do not hire me based on my religion. How would my family react then. Would they totally understand, would they be OK with that because they would have done the same right ?!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Say What !!!!!!
Last weekend I got my W-2 and decided to take a jab at my taxes. I am one of those who like doing their taxes themselves and doing them fast. Until last year I used to qualify for the free e-file thanks to my measly student income. Not this year. Fortunately as a State Farm customer I get to use Turbo Tax's deluxe edition ($29.95) for free. And my pleasure was so short lived. After plugging in all the numbers leave alone a refund, I owe a little more than a grand to Uncle Sam. I could not believe it and tried it out on many other tax softwares and tax calculators. What is to be will be.
After all these years of getting everything back this did not feel so good. Anyway being single and no mortgage seem to have its own disadvantages. Well the only disadvantage I can think of thus far.
I thought I will call my HR manager and ask her to maybe make some adjustments to how my taxes are being withheld. But decided against it. I would rather pay up than get a refund because the refund is after all "an interest free loan to Uncle Sam" (I have read this in everyone of the PF sites I visit).
All said and done a minor setback on my way to a positive networth.
After all these years of getting everything back this did not feel so good. Anyway being single and no mortgage seem to have its own disadvantages. Well the only disadvantage I can think of thus far.
I thought I will call my HR manager and ask her to maybe make some adjustments to how my taxes are being withheld. But decided against it. I would rather pay up than get a refund because the refund is after all "an interest free loan to Uncle Sam" (I have read this in everyone of the PF sites I visit).
All said and done a minor setback on my way to a positive networth.
Monday, January 07, 2008
When the going gets good ........
The past year was a blurr and so was my vacation that ended last week. It was good to back home after more than three years, It was good not to have to do my own cooking, laundry or pay rent.
The journey back and forth went without a hitch, got to travel business class a small portion of the journey (5 hrs) thanks to my dad being friends with the Air Traffic Controller. Other than that the journey was pretty uneventful.
Trip to Chennai and the whole VISA stamping process also went so smooth. All my research preparation, anxiety and planning seem so unnecessary in retrospect. Oh well all is well that ends well.
The surgery also went well. I have always believed and now have proof that I am a picture of good health. Perfect lab results, perfect healing and perfect recovery. I was out of bed and walking the very next day after surgery.
As far as family is concerned I realise I am gradually growing closer to my mom though I have always been daddy's girl and never gotten along with my mother. Still loggerheads with my brother. We seems to be good for each other only from a distance, I don't know why is it that we can never get along.
But thanks to my brother I saw many movies (Tare Zameen Par, OSO, Saawariya and many more) and read Angels and Demons(Dan Brown), The Client(John Grisham), Vector(Robin Cook) and loads of Amar Chitra Katha comics, my all time favourites.
Its my parents resolution and mission this year to find me a husband. And I am not make it any easy for them. Why am I so particular about somethings I don't know but I just cant seem to compromise. Case in point, I want to marry someone who earns more than me. Before you jump to conclusions no I am not a gold digger. I earn a very comfortable living, but somehow I don't want a husband lesser than me in terms of piety, education, career or money. I maybe be wrong but it doesn't feel wrong. And to make matters worse my salary is going up about 15% every six months. Now that's no problem is it ...
The journey back and forth went without a hitch, got to travel business class a small portion of the journey (5 hrs) thanks to my dad being friends with the Air Traffic Controller. Other than that the journey was pretty uneventful.
Trip to Chennai and the whole VISA stamping process also went so smooth. All my research preparation, anxiety and planning seem so unnecessary in retrospect. Oh well all is well that ends well.
The surgery also went well. I have always believed and now have proof that I am a picture of good health. Perfect lab results, perfect healing and perfect recovery. I was out of bed and walking the very next day after surgery.
As far as family is concerned I realise I am gradually growing closer to my mom though I have always been daddy's girl and never gotten along with my mother. Still loggerheads with my brother. We seems to be good for each other only from a distance, I don't know why is it that we can never get along.
But thanks to my brother I saw many movies (Tare Zameen Par, OSO, Saawariya and many more) and read Angels and Demons(Dan Brown), The Client(John Grisham), Vector(Robin Cook) and loads of Amar Chitra Katha comics, my all time favourites.
Its my parents resolution and mission this year to find me a husband. And I am not make it any easy for them. Why am I so particular about somethings I don't know but I just cant seem to compromise. Case in point, I want to marry someone who earns more than me. Before you jump to conclusions no I am not a gold digger. I earn a very comfortable living, but somehow I don't want a husband lesser than me in terms of piety, education, career or money. I maybe be wrong but it doesn't feel wrong. And to make matters worse my salary is going up about 15% every six months. Now that's no problem is it ...
Thursday, November 01, 2007
I UN-HEART (HATE) UPS - Update
A few weeks ago I vented my frustration with UPS here. Here is an update.
Two weeks ago I got through to a customer service rep. Even on that day I was passed around quite a bit before I got to this lady. To my surprise she actually spoke to me instead of putting on hold, she actually listened. Finally someone asked me about the suitcase I had lost. She asked me to fax her an invoice of suitcase contents. I sent one immediately. A week later she called me back saying they found it in some warehouse somewhere and yesterday I got it. When I opened it last night I realised there was more than just clothes in there. I got an award in grad school that was in there, gifts from my friends was in there. I am glad I got it back. Thanks nice customer lady, I applaud you, cannot say the same about your colleagues. But then you were just doing your job, its just that your colleagues have set the standard so low.
Anyway I am going to call her tomorrow and ask her if she could refund the shipping charges. I don't think I have to pay for something which was delivered 21 days too late and after 10 hours of phone calls. If anything I will have to bill them back at my current billing rate which would cost them 10 times the shipping I paid them. If only this were a perfect world. I am going to ask for at least the shipping charges back.
As far as my relationship with UPS goes, I break up. Never ever will I use your service. I will boycott all online business that use UPS. I know it is a drop in the ocean and I exercise my right to hold my drop from reaching the ocean.
Two weeks ago I got through to a customer service rep. Even on that day I was passed around quite a bit before I got to this lady. To my surprise she actually spoke to me instead of putting on hold, she actually listened. Finally someone asked me about the suitcase I had lost. She asked me to fax her an invoice of suitcase contents. I sent one immediately. A week later she called me back saying they found it in some warehouse somewhere and yesterday I got it. When I opened it last night I realised there was more than just clothes in there. I got an award in grad school that was in there, gifts from my friends was in there. I am glad I got it back. Thanks nice customer lady, I applaud you, cannot say the same about your colleagues. But then you were just doing your job, its just that your colleagues have set the standard so low.
Anyway I am going to call her tomorrow and ask her if she could refund the shipping charges. I don't think I have to pay for something which was delivered 21 days too late and after 10 hours of phone calls. If anything I will have to bill them back at my current billing rate which would cost them 10 times the shipping I paid them. If only this were a perfect world. I am going to ask for at least the shipping charges back.
As far as my relationship with UPS goes, I break up. Never ever will I use your service. I will boycott all online business that use UPS. I know it is a drop in the ocean and I exercise my right to hold my drop from reaching the ocean.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
How Clever !
Four college friends were so confident that the weekend before finals, they decided to go up to Dallas and party with some friends up there. They had a great time. However, after all the partying, they slept all day Sunday and didn't make it back to Austin until early Monday morning.
Rather than taking the final then, they decided to find their professor after the final and explain to him why they missed it.
They explained that they had gone to Dallas for the weekend with the plan to come back and study but, unfortunately, they had a flat tire on the way back, didn't have a spare, and couldn't get help for a long time. As a result, they missed the final.
The Professor thought it over and then agreed they could make up the final the following day. The guys were elated and relieved.
They studied that night and went in the next day at the time the professor had told them. He placed them in separate rooms and handed each of them a test booklet, and told them to begin.
They looked at the first problem, worth 5 points. It was something simple about free radical formation. "Cool," they thought at the same time, each one in his separate room. "This is going to be easy."
Each finished the problem and then turned the page. On the second page was written:
(For 95 points): Which tire?
- Source (Forward from a Co-Worker)
Rather than taking the final then, they decided to find their professor after the final and explain to him why they missed it.
They explained that they had gone to Dallas for the weekend with the plan to come back and study but, unfortunately, they had a flat tire on the way back, didn't have a spare, and couldn't get help for a long time. As a result, they missed the final.
The Professor thought it over and then agreed they could make up the final the following day. The guys were elated and relieved.
They studied that night and went in the next day at the time the professor had told them. He placed them in separate rooms and handed each of them a test booklet, and told them to begin.
They looked at the first problem, worth 5 points. It was something simple about free radical formation. "Cool," they thought at the same time, each one in his separate room. "This is going to be easy."
Each finished the problem and then turned the page. On the second page was written:
(For 95 points): Which tire?
- Source (Forward from a Co-Worker)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I UN-HEART (HATE) UPS --- U SUCK!!!!!!!!
I am very very frustrated. I have no place or non one to vent it but here. I am frustrated with myself, with N and UPS. Yes you heard me right UPS.
For almost a year a large suitcase full of my cloths has been sitting at N's place. I was going to visit her and pick it up. That dint happen so I decided I will have it shipped. Somehow UPS ground service came to mind and I did not look at any other options.
I am Frustrated with UPS because: The delivered someone else's carton to my place which the lady at the front desk signed for and received. Well the shipping label that I had sent N and she had printed out and stuck to the suitcase, it came off. And that was stuck back on the carton that was delivered, not only the carton has two scanned labels one for the original destination of the carton and one for my suitcase both stuck one on top of another. So now my suitcase is sitting somewhere orphaned with no to and from address. What sucks worse is UPS's customer service, I call them explain my situation and they are more interested in having the carton that was dropped than finding my suitcase. I have to remind them that my suitcase is missing too. I may not even be able to claim the insurance because I don't have receipts for the clothes in the suitcase, heck they were sent to me from home(INDIA) a couple of years ago. The have filed a damage claim report( I still don't understand why there is no separate lost claim report, they sat damage claim and lost claim reports are one and the same). They must know better English, because to me they are two different things. The whole thing SUCKS*@#!!! big time.
I am frustrated with N because the printed label clearly said "Affix the folded label using clear plastic shipping tape over the entire label". Well she didn't. If I were ti ship something I would have even if I am only doing someone else a favor. I guess it doesn't work the other way around.
I am frustrated because I put my self in a position where I have to depend on someone else. I hate doing that and avoid it as much as I can but the few times when I seek someone elses favor this is what happens. And this not the first time. Besides that I dint check any other delivery service. I should have checked put USPS and DHL. I did not read reviews. Now I did and found out that Fedex and UPS are not reliable and DHL is and another punch in the stomach is they cost less. I would kick my self if I could. Bottom line I SUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For almost a year a large suitcase full of my cloths has been sitting at N's place. I was going to visit her and pick it up. That dint happen so I decided I will have it shipped. Somehow UPS ground service came to mind and I did not look at any other options.
I am Frustrated with UPS because: The delivered someone else's carton to my place which the lady at the front desk signed for and received. Well the shipping label that I had sent N and she had printed out and stuck to the suitcase, it came off. And that was stuck back on the carton that was delivered, not only the carton has two scanned labels one for the original destination of the carton and one for my suitcase both stuck one on top of another. So now my suitcase is sitting somewhere orphaned with no to and from address. What sucks worse is UPS's customer service, I call them explain my situation and they are more interested in having the carton that was dropped than finding my suitcase. I have to remind them that my suitcase is missing too. I may not even be able to claim the insurance because I don't have receipts for the clothes in the suitcase, heck they were sent to me from home(INDIA) a couple of years ago. The have filed a damage claim report( I still don't understand why there is no separate lost claim report, they sat damage claim and lost claim reports are one and the same). They must know better English, because to me they are two different things. The whole thing SUCKS*@#!!! big time.
I am frustrated with N because the printed label clearly said "Affix the folded label using clear plastic shipping tape over the entire label". Well she didn't. If I were ti ship something I would have even if I am only doing someone else a favor. I guess it doesn't work the other way around.
I am frustrated because I put my self in a position where I have to depend on someone else. I hate doing that and avoid it as much as I can but the few times when I seek someone elses favor this is what happens. And this not the first time. Besides that I dint check any other delivery service. I should have checked put USPS and DHL. I did not read reviews. Now I did and found out that Fedex and UPS are not reliable and DHL is and another punch in the stomach is they cost less. I would kick my self if I could. Bottom line I SUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Measuring Up
I go through phases of interests. Until recently I was obsessed with health and fitness. I would read everything I can lay my hands on. These days it is personal finance. I spend hours reading about how people manage their money. How they dig themselves into debt and then dig out of it too. Where do I stand.
I don't think I have ever lived outrageously beyond my means and now I live much below my means. The one financially not so sound decision I had ever taken was buying the car. It was an impulsive buy. But I don't regret it. I enjoy it everyday so maybe it is worth it. I have been careful enough since then and will be in future too. Still my "Net Worth" is in the negative. Since getting hooked to Yodlee I can see in plain numbers how negative. And most of it is my car loan. Other than that I am fine. My resolution for 2008 is to get my net worth to positive. I have a strong feeling I can do it. Hopefully I will get another raise next month. That will help. Thanks to PF bloggers like Jonathan and Cap. Their blogs are informational, inspirational, motivating and fun. I hope to learn and gain a lot from it. They both are in their 20s and I am a little younger than Jonathan and a little older than Cap. And I am not even in the vicinity of the financial security they have achieved. Well it is just time then to pull up my socks and start the marathon.
I don't think I have ever lived outrageously beyond my means and now I live much below my means. The one financially not so sound decision I had ever taken was buying the car. It was an impulsive buy. But I don't regret it. I enjoy it everyday so maybe it is worth it. I have been careful enough since then and will be in future too. Still my "Net Worth" is in the negative. Since getting hooked to Yodlee I can see in plain numbers how negative. And most of it is my car loan. Other than that I am fine. My resolution for 2008 is to get my net worth to positive. I have a strong feeling I can do it. Hopefully I will get another raise next month. That will help. Thanks to PF bloggers like Jonathan and Cap. Their blogs are informational, inspirational, motivating and fun. I hope to learn and gain a lot from it. They both are in their 20s and I am a little younger than Jonathan and a little older than Cap. And I am not even in the vicinity of the financial security they have achieved. Well it is just time then to pull up my socks and start the marathon.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Yodlee Yodlee Yooo
It has been over a month since my last post. It was not because of lack of time or events to blog but my conscience. Yes my conscience. The past few weeks my mind has been occupied with someone elses life and problems. I have a lot to say about it but will restrain myself, because it does not feel right.
Among other things I have taken up Martial Arts, a Japanese style called Kagedo. My group exercise instructor is a seventh level black belt, whatever that means. I guess seven levels above the black belt. He is a good teacher and has been doing this for more than three decades now. So my Tue-wed-Thurs one hour routine has increased to two hours now. By the end of the karate lesson I am somehow revved up for the aerobics class. Endorphins I believe. Me fasting this month has added to the challenge. My level of fitness has definitely increased though I am sure no one can tell by looking at me :-) We did a little bit of sparing yesterday and I was kicked and punched. After a long time I felt physical pain. I guess I will have to kick, punch and defend better to avoid getting kicked and punched.
Another thing taking up my mental time and energy is this whole VISA stamping process. I have filled out the online forms to book the appointment, but the forms get deleted after 7 days, if I don't get the appointment by then I will have to fill them out again. What a pain and what a ridiculous system. Too much to do, too many things to organise before I leave. Because I have to be prepared never to come back with no guarantees whether or not I will get it.
I discovered somethings interesting yesterday and have been hooked since. It is Yodlee. If you don't know about it may be it is a good time to check it out and see what you think.......
Among other things I have taken up Martial Arts, a Japanese style called Kagedo. My group exercise instructor is a seventh level black belt, whatever that means. I guess seven levels above the black belt. He is a good teacher and has been doing this for more than three decades now. So my Tue-wed-Thurs one hour routine has increased to two hours now. By the end of the karate lesson I am somehow revved up for the aerobics class. Endorphins I believe. Me fasting this month has added to the challenge. My level of fitness has definitely increased though I am sure no one can tell by looking at me :-) We did a little bit of sparing yesterday and I was kicked and punched. After a long time I felt physical pain. I guess I will have to kick, punch and defend better to avoid getting kicked and punched.
Another thing taking up my mental time and energy is this whole VISA stamping process. I have filled out the online forms to book the appointment, but the forms get deleted after 7 days, if I don't get the appointment by then I will have to fill them out again. What a pain and what a ridiculous system. Too much to do, too many things to organise before I leave. Because I have to be prepared never to come back with no guarantees whether or not I will get it.
I discovered somethings interesting yesterday and have been hooked since. It is Yodlee. If you don't know about it may be it is a good time to check it out and see what you think.......
Friday, August 17, 2007
Material Girl in a Material World
A few days ago M asked me if she can visit. I did not say no but neither did I say yes. The reason, my dwelling. M is in India, if she were to visit she would be here for atleast a month. And I am ashamed to have here living in an apartment with me. I have always felt I have fallen behind on the journey of my life. I feel M should come and visit only when I am settled. My present idea of being settled ain't marriage but a home. A house I can call me own. Why would I want her to come all the way here and live in a small apartment.
Is my thinking wrong. Should I not care about such things. I don't know. Maybe I am wrong. But that's the way I think.
Is my thinking wrong. Should I not care about such things. I don't know. Maybe I am wrong. But that's the way I think.
Friday, August 10, 2007
VISA, no not the plastic kind
A visa (short for the Latin carta visa, lit. "the document having been seen") is a document issued by a country giving an individual permission to formally request entrance to the country during a given period of time and for certain purposes and usually stamped or glued inside of a passport, or sometimes issued as separate pieces of paper. - source wikipedia
Well I am waiting for that piece of paper. My application has been approved and I am waiting for the hard copy. In December this year I plan to visit India, my visit is long overdue and get my visa stamped. I visit an immigration forum regularly just to get a feel of how things go. Well they don't go so good. People get stuck thanks to the excessive security clearance and name checks. I wont complain, security cannot be compromised right and until a better system is developed one cannot expect anything but chaos.
In all this I was looking back at the last six years and beyond. I don't think I ever had lofty "dollar dreams". I dint have to come here just because my brother, cousin or cousin's cousin was studying here and I have to meets some distant relation's expectation. I dont have a boyfriend whom I wanted to marry and if I stayed back I would have married of to someone else. I don't have a family depending on me. Then what is it? My depression, my low self-esteem. I think that's what drove me.
I desperately wanted to get away from life as it was. All my childhood I was pampered, not by my parents but by my teachers and all grown ups other than my parents. And then when things dint so good in college I was extremely unhappy with myself. I wanted to get away. Maybe that's the reason why I did better than even the best students in my class in GRE and TOFEL. It was a desperate attempt to get away. Of course my stay here did not start on a high note, but the past two years has put me once again in that sweet spot of approval. Where people look up to you, admire you. I like that.
I wonder when I go for the VISA and say I am subject to one of the many security clearances how would I feel. Would I feel trapped even after all these years and want to get away or would this time be different. I dont think my name is a common enough "MUSLIM NAME". Yep that's one of the criteria to require additional security checks.
Well I am waiting for that piece of paper. My application has been approved and I am waiting for the hard copy. In December this year I plan to visit India, my visit is long overdue and get my visa stamped. I visit an immigration forum regularly just to get a feel of how things go. Well they don't go so good. People get stuck thanks to the excessive security clearance and name checks. I wont complain, security cannot be compromised right and until a better system is developed one cannot expect anything but chaos.
In all this I was looking back at the last six years and beyond. I don't think I ever had lofty "dollar dreams". I dint have to come here just because my brother, cousin or cousin's cousin was studying here and I have to meets some distant relation's expectation. I dont have a boyfriend whom I wanted to marry and if I stayed back I would have married of to someone else. I don't have a family depending on me. Then what is it? My depression, my low self-esteem. I think that's what drove me.
I desperately wanted to get away from life as it was. All my childhood I was pampered, not by my parents but by my teachers and all grown ups other than my parents. And then when things dint so good in college I was extremely unhappy with myself. I wanted to get away. Maybe that's the reason why I did better than even the best students in my class in GRE and TOFEL. It was a desperate attempt to get away. Of course my stay here did not start on a high note, but the past two years has put me once again in that sweet spot of approval. Where people look up to you, admire you. I like that.
I wonder when I go for the VISA and say I am subject to one of the many security clearances how would I feel. Would I feel trapped even after all these years and want to get away or would this time be different. I dont think my name is a common enough "MUSLIM NAME". Yep that's one of the criteria to require additional security checks.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Missing the ride
Huddled in a corner of the busy station she could do nothing but wonder about her day. It started out quite well, bright and sunny. But a little under half way through everything changed. Everything was happening on schedule until the delays added up. Here she was sitting at the platform a good three days late. She wonders with a bit panic if she would be stranded on the platform forever. She distracts herself with the goings on of things and people around her. But the distraction does not last. It is getting darker by the hour and her despair grows by the minute. Every train that passes by without her makes her a little more anxious. What should she do. As time goes by her hope of reaching her intended destination gets bleaker. She has no choice but to wait it out. If she finds herself at the same place for two more days. She would leave for a totally different destination. One no one including herself had intended.
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