Sunday, 27 January 2008
Friday, 25 January 2008
Halla Bol
Date Watched: 25th January 2008Venue Watched: Jade
Watched With: Preeti, Anju, Paru, Radhika and Mummy
Rating: 6/6
My 2- cents worth: Amazing movie with a brilliant cast. Love the way Ajay and Pankaj Kapoor spoke volumes with just their eyes and silence. Great story with a strong message for everyone.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
The Tree Will Always Fall
You don’t even need an axe or a chain saw; even winds can knock it down, despite its resistance, pride and willpower.
Once fallen its live is almost over, only hope being in the seeds it planted to leave its mark.
Hoping, wishing to grow back to its grandeur and statute.
Even if it does come back reborn, the attacks never stop and one day the tree must again fall. Only way for the tree never to fall is for the attacks to stop or support from others to keep it standing tall.
Monday, 21 January 2008
University life
Grades, grades, and more grades.. or in the case of my university the all dreaded GPA- Is that the one word that sums up a university education? 4 years spent slogging in the class, the library, at home, in the train or bus, for that elusive 4 on 4 GPA to land the dream job that holds the key to a “secure and safe future”.
I was told university is the best time of a person’s life. I whole-heartedly agree. I have loved the time I have spent in university till now. Out of my 8 semesters at university, I’m now in my 6th semester. Let me sum up my “achievements” in these 5 and the 6th ongoing semester.
- Passed all the 23 courses I’ve done
- 4 As out of the 23 courses I have done
- 13 performances, as choreographer and dancer in all 13 and as production manager in 1
- Was part of NDP 2006 as VVIP usher, interviewed by Tamil Murasu
- Being part of IMF/ World Bank meeting in 2006, I spent 2 weeks out of classes, met the PM personally, was interviewed by MediaCorp with the interview telecasted nationwide and had an awesome time.
- Made friends with 3 professors, become an Research Assistant for one and got recommended by another to a third professor for Teaching Assistant and got an excellent internship via the 3rd.
- Went on an overseas internship
- Taught dance in university and outside as a freelancer
- Served as Performance Director for a year and presently President of Indian Cultural Society
- Made friends who I know will stand by me in thick or thin and my fair share of “non-friends”
- Watched countless number of movies, many in between waiting for classes.
- Survived countless projects and project mates from hell, not to mention professors out to kill the students on 3-4 hours of sleep.
- Gone for countless parties
- Pursuing my 2nd internship and plan to do 1 more before I graduate next April.
- Oh and yes I learnt enough about accounting to make me hate it and declare a second major so far removed from it just for my sheer love for it, Corporate Communication
- Last but not least, a “below average” GPA compared to the perceived standard of 3.5-4 amongst my peers
Reading my “achievements” I personally feel fulfilled but I am aware of many who would frown upon my credentials just cause the all important GPA is not the best and simply one of my “achievements”. Do I care? Nope. Only because I have loved my university journey. Each event I’ve participated in, each friend I’ve made, each course I have studied and each moment I have simply chilled out has contributed to my life-long learning.
Stuck amongst the brains and the socially dead of Singapore’s best students I long back made peace with the miserable state of my GPA. Now I have to mention that I have been a good student all along and still am. I do my homework, my revision, read the textbook, understand the concepts and practise practise and practise. Only problem I don’t dedicate my life to reading the entire text and imprinting it in my head, doing past year papers for the past 7 years (SMU is 7 years old), ask the professors about the share market when the class is about research, memorise the ideal answers, cheat at every possible opportunity and rip off projects from seniors. Shocking but yes that’s the majority of the kind of SMUggers I’m up against. Unless I “stoop” to their levels I can never reach the all-important 3.5 and more GPA. The bell curve grading just cements the case against us socially alive creatures hell bent on having a life while getting our degree.
Everyday I have been bombarded by the stories of students having 4-5 job offers 2 semesters before they graduate, emails for internship opportunities with minimum GPA requirements, 5 figure starting salaries, 100% SMU graduate employment and of course personal goals haunting me in my sleep. In my years in university and my interaction with peers, seniors, professors, working professionals and happy retirees I realised there are 2 ways to land a decent job, the supposite key to your future of “joy and fulfilment”.
1. Get the best grades, be on the deans list, be a valedictorian and get the $12 000 per month job
2. Have an excellent CV filled with experience to get the $2-3 000 per month job
Both ways lead to a job, though with a different price tag. However from what I’ve learnt and seen and heard, the second way will be an easier way to climb up the corporate ladder. It’s a realisation I’ve been thrilled by. Hence I have chosen my choice of weapon for landing the first job (not that I have much choice). Armed with this decision I concentrate on landing internships and projects that add to my CV in the area I want to head towards.
People say I’m mad to forgo my grades by being involved in so many things other than studies; I say I am living my life. I don’t know what the future hold, all I know is I won’t get these 4 years back. So I plan to live the next 2 semesters and the remaining of the present one as I have been for the past 5 semesters. The next time you hear I’m involved in an event don’t ask me where I get the time.
**Everything written in this entry is my opinion and my thinking. I don’t believe in imposing my thoughts on others hence if you have a problem accepting my point of view you are free to disagree. However I hope you can respect my expression and not impose your views on me.**
27 Dresses
Date Watched: 20th January 2008Van Wiler- Party Liason
Date Watched: 18th January 2008Johnny Gaddaar
Date Watched: 18th January 2008Sunday, 13 January 2008
Vivah
Date Watched: 13th January 2007
Venue Watched: My room
Watched With: Alone
Rating: 4.5/6
My 2-cents worth: sweet, innocent and unassuming arranged-marriage-love story.. however too sweet at times and gets kinda unrealistic. shahid looks yummy in the scene with the waterfall.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
National Treasure- Book of Secrets
Date Watched: 3rd January 2008
Venue Watched: GV Plaza
Watched With: Darren
Rating: 5/6
Lust Caution
Date Watched: 1st January 2008Year That was 2007
Hours flew and they met, on the sly away from prying eyes. She waited for the spark but all in vain. They felt like two strangers not even friends. As she realised this, she pulled back scared and lost. It felt surreal happening. Searching for hope she found none. What she stumbled upon was truth, brutal and bitter.
It hurt so bad she wanted to cry. To stop the hurting she had but one choice. Emotionally tough but practically wise, she cut him off from her life. It was a night before a day so special to her and the world alike, 14th February 2007. A chapter completed in her life. It ended sad and ugly yet taught her many, of which she was glad.
The rays of the sun marked a new day. For her it was the morning of her birthday. She was an adult, all of 21years. An important day for the child in her, birthdays were special and she loved them so. Yet today it didn’t feel just as so. She had the smile and felt the joy. But the events of last night played on her mind. Pushing them far she tried her best to enjoy.
Being a fighter she lifted herself.
“Time to move on”, bravely she said. She moved on with life, not knowing what to expect. She just wished for love and hope.
Came the time for her party, one she was planning with so much glory. She was determined to have her dream party. Banished by friends from the party venue, she played dress up in her room. Her parents beamed proud of their daughter so grown, seeing the pride in their eyes gave her the strength to carry on. Feeling happy, flanked with her sister and best friend, she made her appearance at her party. Her eyes glistered with tears of joy, here were the people who truly loved. Through the night the surprises came, making her eyes tear and removing the pain. A special friend sitting so far in his quiet manner touched her heart. He sent a taped message and gift so sweet.
“Was this true?” she couldn’t believe.
Her family and friends made her birthday so special, made her feel like a princess. God bless all who love her so, she just knew she cherished them more and more.
Came departing once again, little sister spread her wings. Off to discover herself, away in Kangaroo land. When did she become so big? Living by herself, so far from me. She felt her heart break as she stood at the airport, there was her baby waving her bye- bye. She cried and cried yet felt some joy. Her baby had embarked on a new life. She was proud and tried to smile for her sister who was her life.
Yet each time she heard her sister’s voice, her eyes filled with unshed tears and her heart felt heavy with loneliness. What could she do, she missed her so. Separated by miles that just won’t go. For her mother’s sake she pulled herself together, wore a smile and worked with renewed vigour. But nothing to look forward to, life left empty. She longed for something to make her happy.
Soon she noticed, opportunities here and there.
“Would I get lucky and land one of them?” Filled with renewed zest, she pursued faith. God relented, smiled and blessed. She danced for joy, singing and dancing. Something good, yes life was changing. All excited she planned and planned, wanting to experience and live like she never had. She felt alive and felt hope.
Soon the day came, with her bags packed and a little scared, she waved bye and took to the sky. She had embarked on an adventure and to explore. She knew she was on her own and that filled her with zest. Zest to succeed and zest to achieve.
First she travelled, Chennai and Bangalore. Saw the places without any strings. Partied hard, she had her fun. Did many things for the first time, getting drunk and kissing a random guy. Might be wrong but its all part of life. No harm in knowing and trying once. She met family and friends as well as stayed with them. It was all so different yet it was the best.
Time came for her to move on, Mumbai was the next stop. A stop quite permanent, for the next 3 months. Excited she was to set up a house, begin an internship and explore it all. She met family and made a few friends. She was happy; she was content. Little did she know, life was to change. In the guise of a friend, love came knocking. She never knew, she never guessed. He was the friend who went the extra mile. He was the one whose message and gift were part of her 21st birthday.
It seemed unbelievable yet it was there. He stood in all glory in front of her. He reached out and touched her heart. He did something no one had, breaking the wall she used to shield from the evils of life and setbacks of destiny. He found the true her and brought her alive. He taught her to smile and filled her with joy. He gave her so much love, swept her off her feet. Before she knew she was in love, head over heels with the man of her dreams. She couldn’t believe her faith, that he was hers. They didn’t make them like him of that she was sure. She didn’t complain she was in love.
The days flew and came a news. Her cousin had found her man, her love. Didi was going to enter holy matrimony, Didi was going to be the first and it felt so funny. They had grown up together and it was weird to think Didi was getting married; she had become big! She flew in for the wedding and had a blast. Seeing Didi married and happy, it was great. The family rejoiced, sang and danced till the sun came up. There was happiness and laughter in the air.
However something was missing in her heart “With such joy and merry making what could it be?” Then she knew she was missing her honey. She flew back to him and their reunion was overwhelming. They fell on each other, eyes never wandering. What will happen when the 3 months are over? They had aught to wonder but chose not to. It was too painful to think of that, instead they basked in their joy that was there.
But the months flew and it was time to decide. They thought and thought and could not decide. She was at the airport when he called, “I can’t live without you” they both said. Let us continue this, they both felt. It was going to be hard they knew. As she made her way back home distance between them grew. Soon they were in separate countries, yet their love remained strong.
Through voice and video chat they kept the relation alive, through dreams they wove their future alike. It seemed almost impossible, but they kept working. They wanted to be reunited and that kept them haunting. They had fights a plenty, through each they emerged stronger. Then came a day they almost didn’t make it. Like a phoenix emerging from the ashes, their love was renewed with bonds much stronger. They vowed to make it, he promised to work at it. Two more years of separation they gave, “We’ll be together after that,” he promised.
With work and college, the year too flew. Missing him each day she kept working hard. She broke down in his absence when it got too hard.
Things progressed in her college club. She staged a drama, production manager, choreographer and dancer she was. It was trying; it pushed her to the extreme. She fought hard; putting all in. Giving her 100% she kept pushing. The show day came, and simply went. She felt thrilled yet she felt she had failed. It wasn’t the best she could do; her relief was cause she at least pulled through.
Throughout she was emotionally and mentally drained, only pulling through cause he was there. He stood by her, her pillar of support. Spoke encouragingly to her, telling her not to loose hope. Seeing his faith and love, she fought on till the end. Her love for him just grew and grew. She never knew she could love someone so.
Soon came another news. She was to be the new president for the club. She felt amazed, happy and on top of the world. More than her he rejoiced. His girlfriend was president, he was so proud. He was excited; his love for her grew even more. He appreciated everything about her. Her faults and drawbacks he never saw. For him she was the best, she was god.
Time flew and so did the year that was 2007. It brought its share of tears and smiles. Looking back, the year taught her a lot. She is thankful for the love that she found.
Together they enter the New Year as We.
They enter the New Year with their love riding high and strong.
They enter the New Year hoping for the best, waiting for much to happen.