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Friday, December 24, 2010

From a year to another...

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Come end of December and everybody is in a mood to celebrate. The end of a year and the beginning of a new year could mean different things to different people. For some, it is a reason to celebrate the events of the year that went by and hope for a better year ahead. Few others, would consider it as an opportunity to start afresh, learning from the mistakes of the past, or dealing with a tragedy and taking this as an opportunity to move ahead with life. Or you could be one who wants to have a good time as this is the season when the best parties ensue and of course, there has to be the set of people for whom it is, “just another day”.

The run up to the new year is inundated with stereotypical events which haven't changed much since 1956. Magazines run a recap of the year’s major events, TV channels line up specials, marathon super hit movies, Victoria secret’s fashion show and so much more. How much do you think one can take in at one time? I can’t even enjoy a single program without wondering if I’m missing out something better.

Resolutions are made (and broken within 48 hours), drinks are drunk, dances are danced and everybody is happy and gay. However, how often do we look back at the year and think, “Okay, these are the important things that happened to me this year and will leave a lasting impression in my life”? I don’t know about you but I haven’t so far, so I’m going to do it this year and I am going to share it with you. I invite you to do the same. Let’s all see, if we do have a life after all.

My year in 2010:


  • The year started off on quite an exciting note. I had my first job interview ever on 4th January.


  • Got my first job.


  • FINALLY, after numerous extensions, gave my GRE (graduate record examinations) and was all set to go to the United States for my masters.


  • Decided not to go for my masters and take up the job.


  • Changed the plan. Masters was on again.


  • Nope! Job it was.


  • Finally put my foot down. Planned to take up the job and apply for my masters for the Spring of 2011. Everybody is happy.


  • Had the longest break of my life since I was 4, for almost 3 and half months, during which I played so much of so many different sports and more than made up for the lack of it during college.


  • In this time, I also tried my hand at blogging. Mom was so surprised initially, she actually thought I had stolen somebody else’s article from the internet. Got a great initial response and here I am, still going strong, thanks to your support and encouragement.


  • Realized I enjoyed writing, something I had never imagined.


  • Took up the job and threw the masters plan out of the window for a while.


  • Got my first salary. Experienced the feeling of financial independence for the first time. Went to Mahabalipuram with friends to celebrate.

  • Took parents out to dinner and also got mom something. I assure you, my dad will get his due really soon.

  • Been at work ever since.


Ehh...the end! Holy shit! (Actually stuck here for 15 minutes)


That’s it? Well, my life isn’t as boring as the list makes it sound. I did have a crazy amount of fun in the meanwhile and did awful lot of other things too but nothing really important or new, which deserves a mention in this list.

A whole year of my life and to think that this is all I have done, doesn’t feel right. You know that feeling, when you stand in line for 20 minutes to buy a cup of coffee, finally get it, take a sip (feels like heaven), walk a couple steps away and drop it. That’s how I feel right now, except that it’s a million times more severe. At least, I can get back in the line for coffee but who is going to give me these days back. I’m never going to be 21 again.

No point crying over spilt milk, coffee in this case. So instead of being upset, I have made up my mind, that this new year, 2011, I am going to try lots of new things and make the most of my time to ensure that by December 2011, I have a list so long, that it gives anaconda a run for its money.

I wonder how many such years have I let go of. What started off as a casual blog post has got me into some serious thinking. I urge you to take up a sheet of paper, or open a word processor on your computer and make a similar list and see if you face a similar shock or have actually had a genuinely good year, one that you would be proud of. You could even share the list with me and the world to see and discuss the year gone by.

I don’t want this post to sound gloomy or play party pooper in this joyous season of celebration. I am happy to have at least realized what went wrong and realization is half the battle won. Now that half the battle is won, it calls for a celebration. Wooohooo party time!!!

This is Ashish Kalsi aka Gogo, wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a very happy and “eventful” new year.

21 comments:

TinTo said...

Well, u shud have elaborated those 3 and a half months dude... am sure, it shud have turned out to be eventful...

Happy New Year to u too...

Deepika Yegireddi said...

First thing in the morning today was to read your blog post loud so that even my husband could hear.
We were so impressed by your thought process.
And the best part is...you inspired us to make our own lists.

Ashish Kalsi said...

@TinTo --- It was a really fun year man. But the usual kind with friends doing the same old things...that's why I didn't put it up. I had a good, happy year but not a very productive one. Hopefully, that will change :)

Have a great 2011

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Deepika akka --- That really means a lot to me. I wasn't expecting even a single person to actually take up a sheet and make a list. I guess the whole purpose of my blog is fulfilled now. Thank you so much :)

Sidly said...

great post Mr. Kalsi. I second your opinion that realization is half the battle won. Hope you have a great year ahead ( the next 6 days that is)and the next year as well! :D

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Sidly--- thank you so much :D Heartiest wishes for the new year...cheers!!

A said...

i tuk a pen, a paper and am sill sitting and thinking wut have i been doin in d las 360 days.. well by ur word of inspiration i started painting and dat makes my list 4 d year..:D i dont rembr doing anything els, even a lil close 2 "productive"..:P
i guess my time will circuit 2 awesome in d coming year and looking 4ward 2 a new start..
good luck to you gogo,, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.. wish u get d best of evrything and all d happiness in d world..

Unknown said...

Dear Gogo.Wish you also a very happy new year and by the way Where are our gifts and Dinner Treats Still Waiting to hear from you and also ur treats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. Have a gr8 year ahead.

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Abi--- WOW that's really sweet of you Abi :) I'm glad you started painting...you are really awesome. Well I hope you have a great great year ahead :)

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Mammiji--- Your gifts and treat are right on top of my list. Can't wait to meet you all, will plan a trip to Bangalore as soon as possible.

Hope you have a great year too. Cheers!!

Shanky said...

Its a pleasure reading your posts bro. Feels great going through it... I'm afraid I'll soon start thinking liking you now! Creepy? :)

DS said...

:)

happy new year!

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Shanky-- Thank you so much bro...coming for you, I know that I am on the right track :D

That is REALLY creepy macha...but flattering too :D :D

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Dharu aka Desi Gal --- a very happy new year to you too :)

Irfanuddin said...

WISH U A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR AHEAD...

"NAYE SAAL HUMKO YEH UMMID DE-DE
TU SAPNE DE NA DE ..PER NEEND DE-DE"

read more at my Blog.....

IRFANUDDIN said...

WISH U A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR AHEAD...

"NAYE SAAL HUMKO YEH UMMID DE-DE
TU SAPNE DE NA DE ..PER NEEND DE-DE"

read more at my Blog.....

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Deepika akka --- That really means a lot to me. I wasn't expecting even a single person to actually take up a sheet and make a list. I guess the whole purpose of my blog is fulfilled now. Thank you so much :)

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Mammiji--- Your gifts and treat are right on top of my list. Can't wait to meet you all, will plan a trip to Bangalore as soon as possible.

Hope you have a great year too. Cheers!!

shashi said...

Dear Gogo.Wish you also a very happy new year and by the way Where are our gifts and Dinner Treats Still Waiting to hear from you and also ur treats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. Have a gr8 year ahead.

Ashish Kalsi said...

@Sidly--- thank you so much :D Heartiest wishes for the new year...cheers!!

TinTo said...

Well, u shud have elaborated those 3 and a half months dude... am sure, it shud have turned out to be eventful...

Happy New Year to u too...