Peeping out after a year
So, almost 10 months have passed by since my last post. I need to do some updating on the events that have unfolded over this period, and also make a strong resolution, to continue writing. Atleast one post per week, whatever the content maybe.
Well, the months of November & December were packed with my FYP. December was spent in Singapore, unlike my 5 weeks long holiday in India every year. With FYP & job hunt going on, there was little time for other activities.
Christmas was spent with Hazel and friends. Visited the Church of St Mary of the Angels with the group. Also, had a small nice dinner gathering at Hall 5, with Hazel and friends.
New Year’s eve at home has never been anything more than wishing friends at 12 midnight. This time, not too different, just cut a cake with a few friends from hall. Wanted to have the neat celebration on the bridge in Hall 16.
Sister left for US in January. She is working in Connecticut, for GE. Really happy for her, and think she is having a good time travelling there. I wish she can fly via Singapore on her way back to India, whenever that will be.
The dawn of February saw a very unfortunate incident in my family. Cheenu, our pet dog of almost 17 years passed away. And it was exactly on my mother’s birthday. A date that will never be erased from our memory. He is (yes, we are so emotionally close that we like think he is with us at all times) like a member of our family. His absence has left a void in the house, and my parents were saddened beyond words.
After a lot of hesitation, exactly one month later, parents brought home another Labrador puppy, and he was unanimously named Cheenu. He is about 6 months old now, very smart and a busy boy, never failing to bring joy to the house, and also extremely naughty. He has been praised by his trainer as very intelligent. Parents faced a tough time initially, bearing his urge to bite (during his teething stage) and his restless nature. Now they have come to love him like our first Cheenu.
And so things went on – the usual routine. I can’t recall anything significant. The FYP dry run presentation went off quite well. Exams were good, FYP got over. Job hunt was quite grim. Plans were being made for higher studies.
Within a day after FYP, I got my first job offer. Had to start within 2 weeks, and before I knew, I was taking a flight back to India for a week’s time. My shortest visit ever after a long time away from home. This is when I first met Cheenu Jr., an amazing guy, totally. (my dog)
Started work mid May. Has been good so far, good place, lots to learn, friendly colleagues. We have training going on until the end of September. Precision industry seems quite interesting.
We were asked to leave the lovely campus of NTU by June first week. Found a house nearby Pioneer MRT. Perfect location. Can’t get closer to my workplace. I have the Jurong Sports & Recreation Center right next door.
Well, it’s a long story about the house, but I don’t intend to go into the details. Currently, am living with a PhD student from NIE, and my friend from college. It’s been quite pleasant so far.
July and August, had an amazing time. Parents were here. Dad for 2 weeks and Mom for a whole 5 weeks!! I was touring the typical tourist places along with my parents. Spent one weekend in Bintan, which went by like a dream. Green & blue waters, white sands, my, I could just write another post on that. Dad and I went snorkelling, and I was so thrilled! Then I made up my mind – travel as much as possible, whenever possible.
July 30th was the convocation ceremony, and I slept through most of it. I was extremely happy to have my parents with me during convocation.
(Will write another story on Bintan and convocation)
Mom set up the kitchen for us, and since she left we have been cooking everyday, and have been managing quite well. Of course, nowhere close to her standard, but nevertheless, way better than eating food from canteens.
Have been OTing for the past couple of weeks, so haven’t had time for many things. Kind of out of touch with current affairs.
So there – that might have been a very average run of the mill story to most, but that’s most of what I can remember.
Though it’s a long after my usual sleep time, I’m quite glad I spent some time putting down some events in the past few months.
We are planning to watch The Cove tomorrow. I recently came to be aware of cruel Dolphin killing which happens in Faroe Islands and Japan, as far as my knowledge goes. It’s extremely saddening when we think of all the atrocities that man does out of selfishness. There is a mixed feeling of guilt and anger. The Cove is a documentary of how Ric O’Barry uncovers a shocking practice of dolphin killing in Japan.
Followed by meeting a friend in Kinokuniya, a large bookshop located in Orchard. I wish to spend sometime in the place, and maybe buy a book or two. I’ve been wanting to satiate my thirst for reading contemporary Indian authors. The last one I read was Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth. I somehow found myself being able to understand and relate to the stories of people who have moved away from home, making a home of a new place with new people.
A few more things are on the cards in the weeks to come, like a trip to Batam for a colleague’s wedding celebration, and plans to start learning Violin. Shall update this blog soon on that and other things that may cross my mind.
It’s 2.03 am when I reach this line. Not been awake so late into the night in a long time. Shall visit again later.
Leave a Reply