End of the Semester

So, the semester has finally ended! And I must say it was a hell of a journey. From a new style of studies to cooking it was a struggle all the way. Though battered and bruised, I am happy that I have survived.

I remember when I was shifting schools in 6th grade. I used to be in a smallish school and was transferring to a bigger school and my Maths teacher said (the subject I used to top every time in those days!) that I would find it hard to survive in the new school with no spoon feeding and a higher level of competition. And I think what her reaction would be when I meet her today after not only surviving but topping that school in 12th boards and now studying here in UoA.

I think the one semester has taught me a lot (ok! gimme something new).One, I just can't get up early whether it's a early class or a RA meeting. Two, I can actually study the whole night. Furthermore, nothing can motivate me to work .. unless there's a deadline in a few days.

Hmm.. the third is somewhat surprising and unfortunate because I used to love programming. Well, to be frank I used to be geeky in school. So while a football match was going on in the school, I would use the "free time" to sharpen my C++ skills. But somehow I have lost it. And this was reflected in my project's performances this semester where my performances was certainly below par though I managed to scrape through both.

And I understand, though partially, the value of friends and in general people. I was
helped and cared for throughout this period by people. There were some I knew before coming here but most were complete strangers. I bombarded them with questions and I always got patient replies. And I can't thank them all enough. It's not about studies or survival but about their goodness that I want to thank them for. Just for being selfless.

P.S. Well, this post was a very random one and with the blog title "Musings of an Unsettled mind" what else can you expect.

All Souls procession day

The Procession had its beginnings in 1990 with a ritualistic performance piece created by local artist Susan Johnson, who was grieving the passing of her father. Inspired by Mexico's Dia de los Muertos holiday, Johnson felt she should honor her father in celebration and creativity. The performance was very well received and many artists were inspired to continue growing the Procession into its modern incarnation.

Details here

Pics from the event:

http://picasaweb.google.com/amit.amitwadhwa/AllSoulsProcessionDay

Things I should have brought to US

These are the things that I should have brought along:
1. Extra pillow cover
2. Some fiction books to read: For the flight.
3. Slippers
4. More clothes

Additions on 08/28
5. Scissors: Had a hard time finding it, the one I liked was $6!
6. Sunscreen: Its Arizona, need I say more!
7. Uno: A addicting card game.

Things I could have left home:
1. Maggi (You get decent cheap noodles here veg and non-veg)
2. Notebooks (You can find them at walmart at decent rates)

Additions on 08/28
3. All the pens and pencils: You get these Free!

Will keep adding as I go along and may be add different lists.

Tucson

Well, sometimes in life you end up in places where you never expected you would be. I am sitting in the Science and Engg. library of University of Arizona while writing this post.

I reached Tucson on 28th just before midnight. The Indian seniors here are just great, they took care of everything, pick up, temp acco, bank accounts .. they really made us feel comfortable :)

After that, it has been quite hectic. I have been apartment hunting, grocery buying and what not. I was really lucky to land up a really cool apartment while others had just started to look. So I moved in to my own place pretty quick. Couple of my flatmates have already moved in.

Grocery shopping has been quite an experience, we have loaded our fridge with stuff to eat and we are actually eating at home most times, a really nice accomplishment.

As far as how US is difference from India.. I might do a post later on that