"Graduate"

Introducing...

Amulya R., M.B.A.

☺

"Tripping"

And I'm back!! Forgive me father for it has been many days since my last post.

I had this long, earth shattering post all typed out and then the browser crashed. So sad for you all. ;)

So, I'm finally back on the blog circuit, posting my inner most thoughts for all of you. I'm sitting here in my home away from home, in India. Sweating it out in 100+ degree temps and loving it. My mom and I came here on a surprise visit to my family to celebrate some birthdays and anniversaries. They loved it, so all the heat and stress and money is so worth it. Even through all the family tension, drama, and whatnot it's all worth it. My family is not dysfunctional, it's just full of completely distinct characters...ones that don't always get along very well together. But are always good for some comic relief...just sitting and watching. Good times, good times.

I'll post more later. Just wanted to check back in and let you all know I'm still alive. And don't expect me to answer my phone if you call me...my roaming charges are $3/minute here...YIKES!

"The Long & Winding Road"

Well, still no luck so far on the big job. I'll just say that HR in general is a lazy bunch of individuals, pretty much wherever you go. So, we'll see about this job opp. As long as I've got a job by mid-summer I assume I won't go crazy. Although, I might get close.

So, I'm graduating in two weeks. Granted I still have to pass two final exams and two big projects/case reports, but if all goes well I will officially be a degreed MBA. I also recently earned a nomination to join the International Honor Society, but I'm too busy with group projects to go to the Induction ceremony. Go figure. After all is said and done, it's been a long road. I'm not quite to the end of it as yet, but it's fast approaching. Being in college teaches you more than just your trade or profession. More importantly, it teaches you about people. It opens your mind to so many things, good and bad. It's a struggle sometimes, but it's worth it, professionally and personally. Yet, it's still a long and sometimes frustrating road and I can't wait for the accomplishment to set in. If you want my graduation announcement send me your mailing address ;)

"This Devil's Workday"

The world is a very scary, very unpredictable, very nonsensical place. And it's days like Monday that make you not only thankful for the people you have, but thankful for the time you have had as well. In a world with the possibility of what happened yesterday, every moment seems priceless. There aren't many words to explain this event, so I won't even try. It makes no sense, and I hope it never will.

"Sitting, Waiting, Wishing"

I feel like I'm in some sort of purgatory right now. And no, not because at this moment I'm reluctantly watching American Idol. Sanjaya is just not good by the way. Is he for real?! I digress...
Yesterday, I met with the VP of a major national market research firm here in town. Seriously, the vice president. It was a huge deal. Not everyone gets the chance to sit down and chat about jobs with the corporate second in command. So, it went well, but of course he can't just offer me a job right on the spot. The current status is him sending my resume to HR with his comments and recommendation. That's all well and good, but it leaves me to my current state, which is of sheer anxiety. I feel like I'm stuck in a middle ground, waiting to either be pushed off into rejection or lifted up into total contentment. There is so much riding on this potential job, a position in which I can see myself thriving and growing and simply enjoying, and I can't imagine how I'll feel should it not go through. I can imagine, however, the grin on my face and spring in my step should it go through. So, I'm on shaky ground, so to speak, for the time being. I'm checking my email every 26 seconds and I'm running to the phone every time it rings hoping to hear an HR rep mispronounce my name on the other end. I don't think I will have ever been so happy to hear someone stutter through my name. ;)
Wish me luck...pray...say ten Hail Marys...rub a genie in a bottle! Or just cross your fingers for me!

"Funny How It Fades Away"

Here's a topic:

I don't celebrate Easter, or even Christmas for that matter. So, I don't even pretend to know the true meaning and significance of the holidays. I am, however, quite perplexed as to what the Easter bunny and painting eggs has anything to do with the resurrection of Christ. Kids are often brought up to believe the Easter bunny is real. That, and he comes down the chimney just like Santa Claus?!?! What's that all about? I had a good discussion the other day with a friend, another non-Christian, where we contemplated the meaning of said Easter bunny and his/her place during the Easter holiday. I posed the thought that to most young people, the true significance and depth of a holiday like Easter, while not void of meaning, has no entertaining value. Only with some tangible means of celebration, i.e. sitting on the Easter bunny's lap or going on an egg hunt, can one make a connection and find gratifying meaning to the holiday. Eventually, the notion of that entity's existence fades away, and meaning of the holiday may or may not be found.
While I am not against the idea of the Easter bunny or festivities surrounding the holiday, I just don't quite get the concept. In the culture and religion in which I was raised, there are no conjured up representations of faith or spirituality that come anywhere close to Santa Claus or the Easter bunny. While I admit that the origins of Santa Claus and the Easter bunny are infact there, I suppose I just don't agree with how they have become tried and true representations of much deeper and meaningful spiritual occassions.

Discuss amongst yourselves...

"That's My Story"

If you ever want a glimpse into my life as a first generation Indian American, born to immigrant parents, then go see The Namesake. It's not a true story and while there are many differences in detail between the story and my life, it is still eerily telling of my life and my family. A lot of people I know will see the similarities and even see some differences, but I am convinced that this movie will shed light on where and how I stand in life, here in the United States. Not only my life but the lives of so many others born to immigrant parents. It's a great movie...one that had my eyes welling up with tears at times, and laughing out loud at others. So, if you've ever wondered what life looks like from my point of view, go see this movie. You'll enjoy it.

"Frankie Goes to Hollywood"

My latest TV obsessions, in no particular order…because I HAVE SENIORITIS! I find solace in television during this ulcer-inducing time in my life.


Scrubs - I do believe I could marry Zach Braff someday.

The Black Donnellys - These Irish are hot. Scary, but hot.

What About Brian - Not the best show and they have issues, but I still kinda wish I was one of them.

The Office - No explanation needed.

LOST - What does it all mean?!?!?!

Ugly Betty - Beyond all the hype, it truly is a smart show.

“Did I Shave My Legs For This?”

Don't believe all the hype...boys are stupid!! It's all or nothing, never anything in between. Sometimes you just live and learn the hard way, time and time again. L

“Headed for the Future”

I have senioritis in the worst possible way. It's my last semester of MBA and while my classes are nowhere close to cake, I have absolutely no motivation to put forth an ounce of effort. It's like senior year of high school all over again. Yet, unlike the lazy days of high school, the challenge now lies in securing a future before these school days come to an end. Graduating, or the thought of graduating I should say (I have yet to pass my classes after all), is bittersweet. What would make it easier would be knowing I have somewhere to go after it all, being able to give it some value. Everything will work out, I'm sure, but sometimes the anxiety weighs heavy. I feel almost as if my life is on hold until that day comes...That day when I can say I have arrived, I have reached that goal that I set for myself years ago before all the lectures, seminars, exams, and professors. Hopefully that day comes sooner than later. I have a big meeting with the VP of a dream company in two weeks...wish me luck!C

"Crazy"

So, I think, by no choice of my own, I am part of a slightly crazy and somewhat absurd love triangle. It's by no means a strap on a diaper and drive non-stop to Florida crazy and absurd love triangle, but it's raising eyebrows nonetheless. (If you don't quite get my diaper wearing quip then you are obviously not well versed in the latest ongoing at the mad scientist powerhouse that is NASA).

Well, the guy I am sort of seeing has a growing list of off balance female suitors knocking on his door. Or, in keeping up with the times, shall we say they are texting him day and night. He has apparently told them he is not interested, but they persist, as any off balance suitor would. Last night one of them waited and watched in her car, Magnum P.I. style, my "guy" and I as we talked outside our cars after class. As soon as we got in our cars and drove off, she followed while texting my guy about his time with me in the parking lot. Shall we say....creepy? It gets better...
She pulled out in front of me, I saw her, guessed she was stalking us, and brushed it off as her being nuts. She pulled ahead of me into the right turn lane, I drove forward in the left through lane and sped up. She, this slightly psychotic and apparently quite nosey UNLICENSED driver, proceeded to drive straight through into my lane and run me off the road. Apparently, it being a religious holiday for me that day, God spared me my life and decided Amulya shall beat the odds of being killed by a dangerously jealous woman behind the wheel. Thank God for small favors. And breathe...

“New Year’s Day”

Today's brief Hinduism 101 lecture: Ugadi, or New Year's Day for those who follow the lunar calendar of Southern India. So first off, Happy New Year to me!

Ugadi is not only the start of the new year, it's the start of Spring, new life, and new beginning. It's literal translation is "beginning of new age". The onset of Spring brings a new beginning to plants as they acquire new life, shoots, and leaves. Thus, the start of the year or New Years Day. Flowers and fruits begin to bud signifying growth and prosperity. Entrances of houses are decorated with fresh mango leaves. Different foods are eaten to signify contrast the contrast of life, a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow, success and disappointment. The new year brings acceptance of the good and bad as being for one's own good. Ugadi, much like the Roman calendar's New Year's day, inspires resolve to change our way of life and give up bad qualities.

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“For Reasons Unknown”

So, I haven't been a regular fixture in the blogging world for the past few weeks. Lots of stuff going on…ya know classes, busy work, food, free liquor, TV, all the important things in life. I figured I should at least get a post up here and fill you all in on my life as of late.

First off, I think I've successfully avoided the flu bug. Good news there. Apart from a lingering fever and daily headaches I have come out unscathed. I think I am making myself sick over the fact that I am so close to graduating. On the one hand I am so very eager to be done with the stresses of being a student (forever I hope) but on the other hand I'm a bit frightened for what lies ahead. My one fear is that I will have to wake up the day after I graduate and realize I have no where to be, nothing to do. I'd like to have it all figured out right now, but I don't.

If you haven't read The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri, read it. It's one of the best books I have ever read. And it's not only because many of the thoughts and premises of the book parallel my own life. Creatively written and rich in emotionally genuine detail, I think it's a book anyone could draw parallels from. Then, after you have read it, go see the movie. That is, if you are lucky enough to live near any of its limited releases. I am not so lucky, but I know it has to be great. The reviews are amazing and the director is even better. So, I can't wait to see this one. And if I haven't convinced you so far, just know that the lead is played by Kumar, of Harold and Kumar fame! J

And on a completely unrelated note, is it bad that I can drink 4 grown men under the table?! å

"Read My Mind"

Amulya has a fever :(
Mother nature is teasing Amulya with sun shiny 70 degrees and snow in the coming days' forecast :) --> :(
Amulya did not fail her Corporate Finance exam :) Amulya was quite worried about this ;)
Amulya is loving that she got to drive with the sun roof open for the first time in 6 months :)
Amulya is scared she might have caught the flu :(
Graduation is less than two months away and Amulya thrives on that fact ;)

"Ironic"

So, I was at the grocery store today - my home away from home. By the way, how cool is the international aisle at Meijer?? I'll answer for you: very. I digress.
I was at the grocery store today, stocking up on the essentials, when I found myself contemplating buying a new lottery ticket. From time to time I play a set of numbers I chose based upon family birthdays. Coincidentally, from time to time, those numbers lose. Today, I thought long and hard about playing those numbers again. I was all but standing right at the lotto counter when I told myself that dollar in my pocket could instead buy me a pretty amazing Jamocha shake sometime. So, I didn't get a ticket. I didn't play my numbers tonight. And for that reason, and that reason only, I didn't win $1,500 tonight. All but one of the birthday numbers matched up and I'm not throwing myself through a window right now only because that sixth number didn't match. But hey, at least I can have a Jamocha shake tomorrow...if not 1,500 of them :(

"Eyes Open"

I love to people watch. I think it's my favorite past time, after eating of course. And people watching while eating = good times. Just imagine the entertainment derived from figuring out the relationship between the odd couple sitting next to you. Imagine the possibilities!
One time, at a coffee shop, I had my eyes and ears on a couple in the corner. The guy was crying about how his wife at home doesn't talk to him anymore, while the woman was crying because this same guy was breaking up with her. Oh yeah, just imagine all the analyzing that was going on in my head. Then I love seeing dads out and about with their little kids. It's possibly the cutest thing in the world. And I just can't keep my eyes off it. There are all sorts of little and normally mundane things that I notice...who opens the door for whom, how close people sit and talk to one another, body language, facial expressions.
Of course, nowadays, its fairly easy to learn a lot about a person just by the way they talk on their cell phones in public. The reserved ones won't even answer when the phone rings, or will keep their end of the conversation quiet and brief. The obnoxious ones will let "Sexy Back" play the full loop before answering. The self-concerned ones will continue a cell phone conversation while at the cash register or customer service counter.
Ahh, I just love people watching. You know you love it too...just keep your eyes open.

"Giving Me A Bad Name"

Is it just me or does Kelly from The Office make you a bit uncomfortable? Don't get me wrong, it's hilarious how dumb she is, but man she is oddly obssessed with Ryan. Enough so that I'm embarrased for him. She is like a train wreck that I have to avert my eyes from everytime she pops up on screen.
Sadly, she sort of gives us Hindus a bad name. Case in point:

Kelly: Um, Diwali is awesome. And there's food, and there's gonna be dancing. And, oh, I got the raddest outfit. It has, um, sparkles
Michael: Kelly? Um, why don't you tell us a little bit about the origins of the holiday?
Kelly: Oh, um, I don't know. It's really old, I think.
Angela: How many gods do you have?
Kelly: Like hundreds, I think. Maybe more than that.

Yeah, it's like that.

"Small World"

What's the deal with local news stations? I'm sure whatever city you are in it's all the same. What's the deal with them turning the most mundane story into an earth shattering event? Or then they go and find the local connection to the story out of Topeka where the cat was rescued from a tree.
There was once a fire at a building in NYC. The local news here wasted no time. They rolled up their sleeves, went out and found some local guy whose wife's cousin's dentist's masseuse used to rent an apartment in the building next door. Or something like that. They asked questions like what's it like to have at one time rented an apartment in a building next to the building that is now on fire. Confused? I was. Enlightened? Hardly.
And there's nothing like watching the 11 o'clock news and seeing an exclusive interview with the local native who is now a Laker girl. That's hard hitting journalism right there.

"Educated Guess"

In honor of Oscar night - and because I am the biggest procrastinator in the world - I give you a movie quote quiz. These are some classics in my book. Can you match the movie with the quote? Give it a whirl...or just enjoy the list of a few of my favs

• Life is Beautiful
• Sound of Music
• Rainman
• Shawshank Redemption
• Schindler's List
• Office Space
• Forrest Gump
• Silence of the Lambs
• Field of Dreams
• Pretty Woman

1. "The Von Trapp children don't play. They march."
2. "This is the sacrifice my father made for me."
3. "Good evening, Clarice"
4. "Good evening Sir, my name is Steve. I come from a rough area. I used to be addicted to crack but now I am off it and trying to stay clean. That is why I am selling magazine subscriptions."
5. "Ten minutes to Wapner"
6. "Get busy living, or get busy dying."
7. "In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight"
8. "If you build it, he will come"
9. "My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
10. "The truth, Helen, is always the right answer"

"Heavy"

Yesterday was a grueling day. Enough so that I can feel it in every muscle in my body. I spent the entire day lifting and carrying hundreds of pounds of boxes and furniture up and down staircases. At one point I was even in on an unintended recreation of the "Pivot" scene from the fifth season of Friends. Gotta say, not so fun when not on the viewing end. I was helping a friend move into his new apartment and today my body hates me for it. I woke up today feeling like I had been trampled on by ten thousand NASCAR fans on their way to a free Budweiser tent. At the risk of smelling like a walking nursing home in human form, I might just have to layer myself with Tiger balm.
Not to say that yesterday wasn't time well spent. There is something about overexerting yourself for friends or family that is completely gratifying to oneself...at least the way I see it. When I'm doing things for myself, I complain to no end, but when it comes to helping others out I turn into a machine. What is up with that? Sometimes it drives me crazy, but its like I can't help myself.
Whatever it is I'm a little slow and 'a lot' sore today. It took my a very long time to lift a gallon of milk to make a bowl of cereal this morning. Not good, not good at all.