I have been yearning to do this post, but kept pushing it off for a later. Trying to figure out what exactly do I want to include, itself was a taxing thought on my mind.
And then I realized, probably that was the result of availability of time - a luxury that got inflicted onto my dynamic mind, as soon as Neers and Varny went to India, for a quick 3 week trip.
The stage was not set in a timely manner, I should say. It all began on a casual 'over-the-coffee' conversation between Neers and me. And then she popped the question...doh! not that one you silly...remember? we've been married for 5 years now :D
She popped the question: "Hey, what if I go to India for few weeks, now that I am on the bench". At first I brushed it off...but it did tickle the thought in my head that probably it was practical afterall. And when things worked out in our stride during the next few hours, it was by evening that we finally digested the fact that yes, they will be going to India.
For the course of the next 3 weeks from then on, I went through a series of well calculated motions, in search of things that I missed out and in search of things that I want to do, I need to do and I wish to do. It turned out to be quite a soul searching experience, to gather a few thoughts...again, thanks to the time on hand. :)
I was finally able to get my act together and move on with my first IT certification ever (Yes, believe it!). I am finally a Sun Certified System Administrator now. These three weeks helped me bounce back and find my long lost Acad groove. We tend to get entangled so much into the corporate lifestyle that we tend to lose track of how well we can thrive with self-study etc. I've been a learn-at-the-job type guy for the most part, meaning anything that I would not use, I snooze on it :)
Apart from the crazy breezing of Volumes of Sun System Administration Manuals, I did get a chance to hang out, shoot some pool and actual go into NYC to meet Issac and Thy. The gracious couple were in NY for Stan's graduation week from CBS. Its been an amazing feeling to hang out with I and T. Just can't believe that Stan 'as graduated already... and infact is going on a road trip, moving for good to SFO !!
While in the city we ventured a couple of drinks at Joshua Tree and did a kretek too. Good to be back into the past for a few moments, especially recalling the glorious times we shared together in the past.
For the most part of first week, I was trying to fathom the sudden found independence. Between being swamped at work, cooking and checking out a few movies, It finally occurred to me how dearly I missed N and V. The rest of the time, was spent with the feeling that if I am deprived of their company, then I better put that time for a good cause ;-)
Nevertheless, it was time well spent to catch up with....well....me!
