Saturday, January 27, 2007

Xiao xiaxue

I can't understand how celebrity blogger XiaXue can get away with all that filth she puts on her blog. Where does Singapore's seditious act come in when we actually need it? She is racist, xenophobic and classless and what is even more shocking is how all these people leave comments on her blog supporting her mindless banter. I've just been reading her blog the last 2 weeks and few have managed to shock and outrage me like she has. Apparently she even has her own television show?!! Unbelievable...

Kartik

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Home Alone

My housemates flew off this morning. They are getting married in Assam, NE India and will not be back till early March. I had the honour of driving them to the airport at 5 in the morning (which happens to be the longest I've ever driven) and I'm still safe and alive..so thumbs up! Meanwhile, I'd like to seize this opportunity and extend an invitation to all my friends to spend some quality time with me in the Coast...I've got the whole house to myself!!! Free accommodation (and great company) in the Gold Coast...how can you resist?!

Major assignment due tomorrow worth 45%. Who expects a 45% assignment due in the 2nd week of uni?!..sometimes these people...grrr.


Kartik

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Over the hills...

I just got news from Saras yesterday night that she has been offered an unbelievably generous scholarship to do a PhD in New Zealand. Since it would be silly for her to not accept it (especially since this is something which she has always wanted to do) and being in a long distance relationship for at least another three years is out of the question for both of us, the only option I have is to...move. So I suppose I will be migrating (again) sometime this year.

While I am really proud of her and excited for both of us, I am already beginning to feel a sense of loss. I've built a life for myself from scratch here in Queensland over the last four years and with all these happenings, it seems like I've got to start all over again...make new friends again, find a new house again and get comfortable with a new government, economic, transportation and education system again...

The natural beauty and charm of this place, my lifestyle and comfort zone and the great people...I'm already missing them.

Nothing in life is permanent...I should already know that by now..but its still daunting. Oh well, I've just got to keep convincing myself that I've done it twice before and I can do it again. But it still does not stop me from wondering why can't life be simpler and and why cant God just let me have the best of all worlds...

Meanwhile, my heartiest congratulations to the following people:

1) Meera who is getting married next month! Wishing you a very blessed and fulfilling married life. I'm really sorry that I can't be there on your big day...but I know you'll understand. Maybe you can have a special party and reenact everthing for your friends in Australia in the future?

2) Priya THE Naidu who got a job as a lecturer in Singapore Poly. While I'm miserably sorry that I'm gonna miss your special sambar for a while and I feel even worse thinking about all those poor unsuspecting kids who are gonna be subjected to your tyranny, I'm really happy that you're doing so well...three cheers for the Naidu!!!

3) Pramod who has finally decided to make that big move...literally. Moving house!! I'm quite excited about checking out your chic bachelor's pad over the weekend. Finally, you have upped your potential of getting some action..hehe..

cheers,

Kartik

Friday, January 05, 2007

JOY

2005 was probably the worst year of my life. I fought with a lot of people; ruined good friendships; was perpetually stressed with juggling my honours thesis, work and ECAs; felt isolated from my family; lived in a place where I found no solace or comfort; was completely lost with where my life was heading or what my future plans were and as a whole, I felt miserably unaccomplished. Just when I thought my life was heading downhill, came 2006...

Which strangely turned out to be one of the best years in my life. I'm not sure if it was because of a conscious decision on my part to be happy and do things right or whether the forces were on my side, but things changed. It was a drama-free and issueless year. Even with distance working against me, I managed to strengthen my relationship with family and close friends; I managed to forgive and let go of the issues I had with people who I felt wronged me; I began to take ownership for mistakes I made; I've made great new friends; I've learnt how to let go and have fun again; I've rediscovered my passion for traveling, reading, acting and watching movies; I've re-learnt how to just let go and enjoy myself. 2006 was a year without regrets. It was a year where I used to wake up in the morning with a warm fuzzy feeling and feel overwhelmed by God's love and gratitude for the unwavering support and love of the people in my life.

Completing NS was a huge milestone for me. Unlike what a lot of people said, disrupting NS was not a bad decision. Although it seemed like a silly decision at that time, if I had not done it I would not have met some of my closest friends like Michelle and Pramod and I probably would not have met Saras either. I realise now it was all a part of God's bigger plan for me. However, the fact that I had to go back someday and complete it was always bothering me and just getting it out of the way this year was a huge relief. Uprooting to the Gold Coast was also a decision which unexpectedly turned out to be a good move. Can I just say it is one of the most beautiful and therapeutic cities in the world with perfect weather on 350 days a year. Although I did initially miss Brisbane and my comfort zone there, I now feel that this city is my new home.

All in all, it has been a great year. Which was why, I was getting quite upset when it was all ending. I started getting paranoid that there was some sort of a pattern in my life and the disasters of 2005 were gonna repeat themselves. Well, too early to tell now I suppose but the first week of 2007 has proven to be a really lucky period so far...Announcements time!

I Passed my Driving Today!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm hysterical. I've just been laughing to myself like a mad man the whole day and I've been searching for people to share the news with...but alas, it is a Saturday morning and everyone is still asleep. It took me a long long time but I've finally made it. May not be a big deal for many people...but for me it is a HUGE deal. I finally feel more like a validated adult...hehe


Driving test results!











And the second good news is...I got my results yesterday and I am delighted to say that I got High Distinctions in every single subject and I've been placed on the Vice-Chancellor's list again!! For the first time in my life, I've gotten perfect results and seeing a perfect GPA of 4.0 on my transcripts is just...BEAUTIFUL. I've just been thanking God non-stop since yesterday. Such things don't happen to me!!!

As you all can tell, I've not been this elated for such a long time. So many good things have not happened to me in such a long time. I'm truly truly thankful for the love, prayers and best wishes from all you guys. You make my life complete.

Off to celebrate in Brisbane!

cheers,

Kartik

More Sydney Fireworks






Thursday, January 04, 2007

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day - Days 8 and 9






New Year's Eve and New Year's Day - Days 8 and 9

Near Sydney Harbour Bridge - Milsons Point




Jervis Bay, Batesman Bay and other beaches in NSW (Days 6 and 7)











Jervis Bay, Batesman Bay and other beaches in NSW (Days 6 and 7)









Monday, January 01, 2007

New South Wales/Capital Territory Trip (Days 3 and 4)

Canberra - Days 3 and 4














Canberra (Days 3, 4 and 5)