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Monday, December 28, 2009

Winter Break: the unhurried life

It's a testimony to the pace at which life goes on here, that its been only two weeks into the winter break even though I feel like I've been vacationing forever. It's a welcome change. In some sense, a throwback to my days in Bangalore, where the mornings were unhurried (yes, office started at 11 AM) and started with sipping chai in the balcony, turning on the TV and reading the Times of India. And that's why, yesterday in particular, reminded me of life before B-School. The Wall Street Journal has replaced the Times of India and it's a little too cold to actually stand in the balcony. The number of roommates has reduced from 3 to 1 and no longer is there a cook to make tea. But the sun rays streaming down the sliding glass door, and the the satisfaction of dipping the biscuit in the cup of tea was good enough.

Charlottesville is pretty empty now. It's a little too quiet for me. A week ago, I was having this big city, small city conversation with a friend in New York and how the people around you become so much more important in smaller cities. I totally get it now. Fortunately, there are a bunch of us here and so in between watching movies, killing time, going out to eat and preparing for the interviews (the time devoted to each decreasing in the order in which listed); we've managed to keep ourselves busy. Somewhat.

Another 3 weeks before the break gets over. And on the 1st day of 2010, I leave for San Francisco. In India, we say that the entire year mimics whatever you do on the first day of the year. 1st Jan, 2008 - I flew from Singapore to Bangalore. There were around 12-15 more flights during the rest of the year. 1st Jan, 2009 - Minneapolis. I woke up at around 12 in the noon, after a long night of drinking and partying in sub zero temperatures and worked the whole day on the Darden essays (they were due on the 4th).

Will 2010's first day have any bearing on the rest of the year? It's anybody's guess.

5 comments:

MechaniGal said...

Atish, great post, and I share your sentiments! Funny how we give in to such little beliefs (that have no scientific backing whatsoever!) - Jan 1 2008 I was getting ready to fly to the US, Jan 1 2009 I was touring Washington DC, Jan 1 2010? I don't know - probably packing for my flight to the Bay Area!

Anonymous said...

well I disagree with you on one aspect, Indian work life isn't all that spaced out and relaxed, infact for me the day starts very early and ends later than mid night.Its great to know that you had the previlege to walk into office at 11am.
But i like your posts, nice and interesting.

Atish said...

@anonymous: never meant to generalize! in fact, one of my roommates worked twice as much as I did :).. just that my life was not so hectic...

zubin said...

stud hai yaar tu :). Amazing post. Pushan still there in SF?

Anonymous said...

oh that's ok Atish, i guess it is not so important to live a hectic life but it is more important to live it intensely, where every moment brings in something interesting, to learn or to feel that moment deep.
One of the many reason why i like your posts is the way you feel those moments in life intensely and express it.
I do not know how the rest of the class is like, I am an applicant, and right now editing and re drafting essays for your school. I do not know how much Darden values intensity verses superficial accolades. I hope to experience the process and the result will answer that question.