Of the talkative kind

Its been a really really long time since I have had a conversation with someone. A meaningful conversation. Not just small talk. But good, really good conversation. Stimulating.

I have just realized it is so important to be able to communicate effectively. Not talk, but communicate. And that includes listening.

There are very few people I know with whom I can carry on a conversation. Probably 2 or 3.
Makes you wonder, life is nothing but a long, really long conversation with yourself. Others just jump in and out of it. Amazingly, if you do try to talk to yourself, it is extremely gratifying. It may seem strange, self-absorbed, inane, or just stupid. but nevertheless, doing it, introspecting, and just generally keeping in touch with "I" really helps. But thats just me. 

At least I know I can never be truly bored.

Of Nonsensical Adventures

For those of you who bother about my geographical whereabouts, I am now firmly planted in perhaps the most politically powerful and charged city - D.C. What's with me and capital cities - I seem to find them as a bee to honey. This city actually does exude power - those bespoke suits and Ray-Bans and leather briefcases holding papers that change the world's destiny, it isn't as exciting and fast-paced as NYC, but it has its own politicized charm which I am beginning to savor.

The only thing that irks me here is the utter lack of creativity in naming streets - this is the case in most US cities I guess, and being an outsider it seems to me that their forefathers couldn't be bothered to give creative (or atleast unique) names to streets. I am surprised they managed to come up with unique state names! 

I get that D.C. can have state names as street names, but why other cities? It really is a shame when you have to say that you live on Wisconsin Avenue in L.A.!

Before this post quickly turns into a full-fledged rant, I would like to mention that D.C. is super-cool. The clear lack of indians here (I come from Palo Alto - the indian techie haven) is surprisingly refreshing, the university population - young and vibrant, and in general, that eager, "I am here to make a difference in the future of this country by changing its policies" look on a lot of people (unlike the "I am here to make a lot of money" and later, "I make a lot of money" look on people from New York) is refreshing and strangely motivating. 

They say that by just being within sneezing distance to a politician, you could become one - all I have to say is - bless you. And I am buying a barge pole, just in case!

Word Play

New favorite word - symphony

I do lean towards words starting with 's' which have softer syllables. But thats just me.

Words I dislike immensly - medley, cadet, chicago, any word beginning with 'rh'. Yuk!

Alone

My first day living entirely on my own. Hurray!!

Technically, the day ain't over yet but I feel compelled to declare it as a success. My mum left yesterday. I am amazed at the detailed arrangements she had made before leaving for making my life easier and convenient post departure. You know, these are the kind of things that makes a mom a mom. The funny thing is I will notice most of these things only after she has left. Lots will unravel in the coming days.

I kinda feel strangely independent. I've lived away from my parents since after school. But there was always an element of security. Or something like that. This is my first living totally on my own. I don't know why I insisted on mom not sending her mom over to take care of me (like I needed "taking care"??) I just want to get by 2 weeks on my own. Its a mind thing. After that I really don't mind my grand mom coming over or anybody for that matter.

Two weeks baby, two weeks of unadulterated fun...hmmm....uhmmmm...yea....i think so.... (doubtful crease over my forehead)

Holler with me!

Its been a long wait! I know!

On the pretext of sounding mundane, I'd like to stay that nothing new has happened during the eternity-like phase that has elapsed. I did nothing adventurous, crazy or just plain Apeksha-like. Nothing at all.

Oh yea, I did graduate and got a job. But thats MUNDANE to the core. So again, nothing new.

I have a couple of really long posts coming soon, something I wrote while enduring endless lectures and seminars inflicted on us like goodbye wounds from college and welcome hits by the organization we were being oriented into. I am not much of a writer, but believe me, I could have become Kaavya Vishwanathan had they made me glue my posterier to that chair marked 1 (nice!) a day more!

So I wrote and I wrote till my hands were numb, not from the writing but from the 17 degree C ominously blinking from the a/c panel, and dropping. I wrote till my next seat neighbors started inquiring about my state of mind and well being. They probably thought I am one of those rare species of nerds who manage to absorb every word coming out of the presenter's mouth and encapsule it for life on paper! Their bad!

As for the content of the scribblings, it will come soon. Unedited (who will know?!). Right here.

I am back.