Wanna go home!!!

Enough. Enough of being so good. I think I am not capable of achieving this. I am missing home like hell. I am not enjoying studies at all. My health is getting worse day by day. And frankly speaking I am not interested in studies at all.

I don’t know what made me think that I was capable of study more. Couldn’t I notice my efforts in 7th semester. I should have better looked at the efforts instead of looking at results. I suck. I suck big time. Life has become hell. I am dying at every second.\

I have some questions in my mind!! If I don’t like something and I stop doin it, does that mean I am running away from it? I mean I juz don’t like it!! It’s like if I can’t play football so why should I even try it. Does it mean I am running away from it? I just don’t like studies here and I don’t think I will be able to sustain this boredom for 2 full years. I guess I am not that ambitious.

Journey so far……

I have started to feel the pressure.. Assignments, projects, homeworks, summaries and what not. At the same time it’s all fun as I was always wanted to be busy. Life is getting better day by day. We are now more than adapted with the city, with the people, the language, taboos and of course school. Ya, I do miss home but that’s okay. I had to come this far as it was high time to do something.

I am flooded with an assignement which is due on 24th and 1 project which is due on 29th. This subject algorithm is full of math and jeez I hate Math. It’s still ok as it keeps me busy. This transition is helping me a lot in order to make me a better person. Currently, I am sitting in SDSU library and have time to type all this as one of my class was canceled due to some unknown reasons.

A dangerous game is about to begin!!!

Yep! Classes are starting tomorrow. I am excited. I am gonna attend Mary Roch’s first class of Advanced operating system. I love OS. I don’t know how is it gonna turn out for me. I wanted to prepare something before attending the first class but haven’t prepared anything yet!!

I have not been called for ISC web admin job. I am relying a lot on that. I guess I am suitable for the job! I hope they too think so! Life has changed drastically in last 20 days. I have started thinking a lot. I guess I used to do that when I was in India. I am thinking of classes, jobs, courses, grades and what not! San Diego State University is an awesome place. It is really an awesome place. Lots of amazing hot chicks, cool people and really really beautiful weather. Lot of students have returned to school. Parties, parties and parties everywhere!! I must say SDSU is HOT!!

Fremont to Sac and Sac to SD.. colors of life….

I left from Fremont on the very next day. I wanted to spend more time with Rishi and Shailee Pritesh. I guess in next long weekend or something I am gonna go to Fremont for sure. We drove on I-5 and crossed some famous bridge. We were driving on the streets of Sacramento. I loved the city. We stopped by a fabulous restaurant near Davis. Now Me and Darshak asked them to make it spicey and that one of the best Punjabi food I had ever had. Really Food in Bay Area rocks.

We reached Guli’s place at 9:30 or something like that. It is such a lavish and well adorned house. Next day, Mihir came to Guli’s place. Met him after 8 months.. Really had fun.. the only good thing about US is I get to talk to friends everyday!! So I really enjoyed at Gulis place. I had not actually met Darshak before but I must say that guy is awesome. We became good friends.

I left for my final destination on Saturday. It was an eight hour drive. Yeah it was really long. We reached LA in the night and we spent night at Guli’s friend’s place. LA seemed very crowded. Guli’s friend and her hubby were nice people. We left LA in the morning. Now the drive from LA to SD was awesome. You can sense San Diego by just opening the windows. I could feel that soothing cold flowing breeze. I was in love with the city at the first sight. Roads were adorned by Pine trees. I was really spellbound by the beauty and weather of the city. We reached 4981, Catoctin Drive. I was not that impressed by my community at the first site. As I had seen Mihir’s community in Sacramento and it was way better. I reached my place and I was looking for my apartment. I saw Amit and then we moved our luggage and saw the room. I found the room kinda okay. Then me, Guli and Darshak went for grossary. They bought me almost everything. Then we went to pick Mounben up. I met her after 8 years. It was really good to meet her. We went to a place called Little India Center in San Diego. Man, there was a shop called Surati Farsan House there and food was really delicious.

more laterz.. there is lot to write.. the story is getting gloomier as it goes on.. It was all good till this moment.. but then Started to feel the real stuff of student life at US universities.

Yeah.. me back again.. Guli and Mounben dropped me at my apartment and went back.. i was kinda ok initially. I started missing home after a day or two. I was not getting the desired classes.. I had to take a pre-requisite course due to my undergrad curriculam. I was not good. Gradually I started getting settled with the things. Now it has been two weeks in San Diego and I am trying to be an SDian.

First time flying experience, Reched USA

Ok first things first.. i dont wanna write about the feeling when I entered Ahmedabad Domestic Airport and what I am gonna miss now on. I guess I can write a whole book about that..

So, Being a first time flier I was quite nervous and totally confused.. I didn’t know.. I think they should appoint some people only to help first time fliers. Anyways, As I entered the terminal I had to go to Jet Airways Counter. I went to take my boarding pass. They weighed my luggage and gave me a pass. Luggage was a bit excessive but they allowed that. Then they gave me some tags and I was totally oblivious about the use of that. I then went for security check. They checked my hand baggage and they let me in. I waited in the lounge and waited for departure call. They took me to the aircraft by bus. Aircraft was really good. I found the seats quite spacious. Still I didn’t know how to interpret some signs and I couldn’t hear properly inside the flight. I really enjoyed that thrust. We were afloat in a moment. Luckily I got a window seat so I couldn’t stop myself to see my city from Aircraft. It was lovely, truly awesome.

Breakfast on domestic flight was kinda delicious.. Upma and all.. Reached Mumbai in just 40 to 45 minutes. It was raining cats and dogs in Mumbai. I didn’t have to step out at all and I was transfered to terminal in a bus. I got my coach ticket and then waited in waiting lounge. Finally I got coach at 9:45. They made me reach there at 10:15 or something. Then they checked some immigration thing and then I had to go to gate no 16 and it was very very far. My jeans was too loose and my T-Shirt was kinda short, so I was feeling quite embarrassing while walking. I had to rush to gate 16, where they checked my passport and boarding pass. I boarded the international aircraft. First, what I saw was business class seats. I though they were mine but they were not. When I finally found 31K, it was the same routine seats with pathetic legroom. Now the boring part starts. I was goddamn tired and I was like a bit confused about everything going around me. They gave lunch, and that was tasteless. I tried to sleep after lunch but of no use. I tried to listen to some songs but again I got bored. Actually I was quite stressed out so I was not liking anything around. We reached Shanghai at 6:30 PM, Indian time. Shanghai waiting area was cool. I was observing people, I was trying to find someone to talk to, but I didn’t find any interesting looking person. I just sat back and relaxed.

We left Shanghai after an hour or so. I returned to my seat. Actually my hand luggage was damn heavy so I was pretty annoyed with that. Now I badly wanted to sleep. My fasttreak Neon Disk was showing 8:30 IST. So, I was mentally prepared for sleeping. I was watching some idiotic movies and some other programs on screen in-front of me. Finally they brought dinner. I ate some of it and I was like partially satisfied with that. Then I slept and slept like anything. I slept until the aunty besides me woke me up for breakfast. It was 6 AM IST. I was pretty fresh by then with most of my annoyance gone. It was a sound sleep. So, i opened my window cover and I saw beautiful blue sky and yes, we were hovering over America. Loved it at first sight. And they brought breakfast. It was as good as it was on domestic flight. I ate a lot. We landed at SFO half an hour late than scheduled time.

So, I stepped USA for the first time and I was thrilled about that. Now Americans left nothing for me to get confused. Everything properly marked and I could find my way to immigration officers. So, I went to the chinese looking officer. He was cool. He was pretty vivacious and quite helpful. He asked me to show my I-94 which was given to me on board. Then he asked routine questions. He asked me about the mascot of SDSU. I was taken aback but i guessed it was Aztecs and It actually was. He said I was absolutely right about that. He then wished me luck and asked me to study as hard as I could. My immigration was done and it was nothing but cakewalk. I then moved to conveyor belt. I was waiting for my luggage. All three bags reached pretty earlier then I anticipated. Another good experience. I went to custom checking. I must say officers were pretty good. There was an Indian officer standing there and he asked me where was I from. I replied and he came with “Jeeru chhe”? I didn’t understand so he again asked an I said no. I didn’t know whether I had jeera or not. He also asked me about Pickle and fresh fruits and all but I replied negatively. So after getting x-rays they said they had to open my one bag and handbag. I was scared now as I had pickle in that. But the chinese officer didn’t recognize Pickle and he found Jeera. Still he told me with the smile that he had to check that Jeera. I said OK. He came and said My Jeera was ok and I could carry that on. I was really relieved.

I moved to arrivals lobby and I was pleased to see my cousin (Pritesh) and Darshak (my bro-in-law) waiting for me. I couldn’t have received a warmer welcome. I was pretty pleased. We parked our luggage into my cousin’s car and now we were running on the streets of California. Awesome. I must say It was awesome. We drove through Silicon Valley, We drove on awesome bridges and finally we reached his home. When I came out of car I was greeted by Rishi. My cute, lil nephew. He was so cute and his precious smile removed my stress if any of it was remaining. Then Guli and Shailee (my bhabhi) were waiting for me. I was really pleased to see them and It was really great to have someone my own, so far from my home. My cousin’s home was really good. Very lavish. They offered me lotsa things to eat but as I had breakfast I just ate a bit of kheechu. Rishi was making everyone laugh. Then we all went upstairs and I just took a bath and finally moved to a room and sat on computer and wrote half of this post. Again I went to sleep, and woke up at 6 o clock. Ya, it was kinda cold in Fremont. Now, everyone else is sleeping and I am writing this..

Doodles..

Earthquake hits South California!! Gearing up for me???

An earthquake hits California. LA to San Diego!! I think they will have to be ready for more serious troubles as I am going there!!!

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hmDhV6gNDMPIL69KOso6hTUWKORw

Tribute to Paresh Karsandas Panchal

26th July 2008. 20 blasts rattled the city of Ahmedabad but not the spirit of Amdavadis. At 6:45 PM every news channel came with their breaking news!! I came home and saw the news on TV. I was a little worried and I just decided to go out. I just thought that this was the time to act when your city or the country needs you. I just thought but someone actually acted!! Someone rushed to Civil Hospital and offered any possible help to the victims, oblivious of the fact that he would be one of the victims soon. After hearing the news Paresh Panchal, an Amdavadi, Whom can any Amdavadi be proud of, rushed to Civil hospital. He wanted to help, he wanted to give back to nation. But those brainwashed, blood-sucking terrorists didn’t even leave the trauma center. That was the most pathetic act. Even at the times of war, they leave the place with red cross. Paresh, who wanted to help got badly hurt by the blast at civil hospital and lost his life.

I really salute him and his parents who had brought such a brave man to our city. Paresh, Amdavad is proud of you. May god bless his family and provide enough power to endure this tregedy. May his soul rest in peace.

My visa experience – go get it!!!!

So, finally a long-awaited post!!

We left for Mumbai on Wednesday morning. Journey was quite comfortable and I killed my time reading a novel called The Kite Runner. I am surely gonna post a more elaborate review about that book when I finish it. Still 30 pages to go.. We reached Dadar at 5 o clock or so. We reached that Swaminarayan temple where we booked the room.. It was okay.. room was good, on 9th floor.. and kool.. Went to SiddhiVinayak Temple in the evening.. and i came to know about the spirit and faith about it.. truly awesome.. I had a sound sleep of 9 hours on the eve of my visa interview.. We all went to Mahalakshmi temple and then came back to VFS. We were taken inside at 9:45 or so.. After an hour so I was taken to consulate. They gave me token no 191, took my finger prints and then asked me to sit. I was sitting. That wait seemed endless. The silence was defening. The announcements for token numbers were hardly audible. It was a stressful hour. I could see the tension and agony on people’s faces. Some lady was waiting for approval to meet her husband and some child was waiting for approval to meet his daughter. Everyone had a little sign of tension on his face. Then announcement came.. token no 191, 193, and some others, please come to window no 14. We almost kinda rushed there.. There was sitting a white, young guy and looked quite decent from his first appearence. We were standing in a queue. I was third. The first one went in and he immediately came out with his passport in his hand. We were shocked. The second guy went in.  He talked to him for a while and finally came out with smiling face. Then it was me. I went in. I felt quite relaxed. He started with why USA? I answered him. Then why computer science? That was an easy ride till this. Now he asked why do you want to go to Northridge? I was like what? I replied that I didn’t want to go to to Northridge. I am going to SDSU. He said that I could not change the university there. I said I wasn’t changing it there i already had put note on my application regarding that. And he was like okay okay! Then he asked why did i have to change the school. I told him about the problem. He asked why did you write Northridge if I didn’t wanna go to Northridge. I replied I wanted to go to Northridge but when I received I20 from San Diego I changed my mind as SDSU is a better school. “Okay”, he said. Then he asked how was I gonna pay the fees. I said my family had enough finances for paying the fees as if I had millions in my bank account. ROFL!! He said who, in your family? I replied. He asked about my dad’s Job and all. And finally the words came out “I am issuing you a visa”!!!

I thanked him and I asked him about a piece of wood i was given by security that what i was supposed to with it. He almost laughed and said it was for security purpose!!

More on Mumbai trip, laterz…

OMG!! I was almost screwed!!

Phew** I never thought it wud turn out so freaking horrible. I had to submit my documents at VFS 4 working day prior to my visa call. Now I planned very neatly but how the freaking hell I forgot American Independence day. So I planned in a way that I could receive my I20 from SDSU by Thursday and I would make all the papers reach on Friday. But wait.. it wasn’t that smooth ride.. Due to American Independance day I had to submit my papers before 3rd July and that’s today!! So, in the morning I went to VFS. Neither did I have any documents nor I had my I20 from SDSU. First, I asked the lady at VFS that whether could I submit my papers on Monday or not. In came the reply and that was big NO.

I was like its okay there is always a plan B. I rushed to fedex office to enquire about my I20 shipment. Waited there for almost 2 hours and finally picked it up from there. I thought now everything’s gonna be fine. Then came home and opened my vfs application to modify the details in forms according to new I20. But what freakig hell do I see there? YOU CAN NOT MODIFY YOUR APPLICATION LESS THAN 5 DAYS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. I was like OMG! I almost ran to that angelic lady at VFS again. I told her that I managed to get that I20 but now there’s a new problem. I mentally preapared to take new date and all. But this time it was the most unexpected reply and she said “no worries, you bring both the I20s and filled up forms I will put proper note on it.” I was like thank god!! So I rushed to nearest cyber cafe, paid the sevis fee got the documents printed out. Stick the photograph, singed the docs, arranged them in order and submitted them.

It was really really hectic but somehow I managed to submitt them.

That was it.. Now let’s see what happens on 10th…

Confused!! I am!!!

Ok first some news to share!! I have been admitted to SDSU. Yeah it’s San Diego, noobs!!! Ok, I haven’t got I20 yet but my status of admission has been updated on portal. So now what to do? SDSU is a bit costlier than CSUN.

San Diego is an awesome city to live. University is also good. There are some catches as well…

I don’t know anyone in whole San Diego region. The fees are a bit more. My parents want me to go to SJSU. I just can’t understand how to make them convince for SDSU.

CSUN is also good university with reasonable costs. I know lot of people in LA as well. One of my classmates is also going to CSUN this fall. I just can’t decide. San Diego is awesome. Uni is good too. Let’s see what’s in store!! Yeah my Visa date is on 10th July. I need to receive I20 as soon as possible.