Friday, February 29, 2008

Non stop studying !?!

I had an exam for my certification course today (3 more modules to go!). Nothing's changed! Same last minute cramming as I did in school, college etc. I then realized something! ---- I have never stopped studying since whenever it is I started (ages). Yes! right after my Bachelors in India. I did my fourth year Diploma in New Zealand, then Masters, my thesis dragged but well it was part time 2 years instead of full time 1 year, cos I was sitting in US and newly married. Then I started this certification course. In short I have never spent more than 6 months (just one semester I took off), or rather a year not working towards some degree or certificate! Well since then I have also had 2 years work experience within that same period, doing a full time job.

...... I guess it keeps me going!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

And the saga continues....

Its that time of the year again! H1B race - quotas- April 1st - Phew!

Its so unfair that some of the people already in the US cannot have a career cos their application dosent make through a lottery....

Baby boom?

Lot of couples are pregnant these days, either I have become more observant or its simply a baby boom!

Operations Management - redefined?

Once some one asked me my specialization at University (in Auckland) I usually would give a very general response Business studies and shut up, cos no one knew what Operations Management was. But most of the times I would say its Operations Management, part of Business studies. One day for some reason I stopped at Operations Management. And the response I got was this:

Wow! Is that a medical degree? Whats it like to manage and organize Operations and surgeries?

I stood there with an open mouth. Never in my life until that point of time had I thought my degree specialization sounded like a medical degree.

So now I make sure I say its Operations and supply chain management and if I still get that look part of Business management.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

I wonder

..deep down (if she is not open about it) does every woman want her husband to do better than her in terms of career and earn more money?

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

On and On and On and On......

Too many things going on as usual for me. I find it amusing sometimes how busy my life keeps me, never lets me get bored, always brings new circumstances (be it pleasant, unpleasant or simply challenging) to experience and keeps me on my toes.

Not a complaint, just a thought!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

To Canada and back!



Last week or so was so very hectic. We went to Canada for our visa stamping. We were suppose to go to India and get that done but circumstances changed and we went to Canada. And guess what we were amid one of the coldest Canadian winters. A winter even Canada had not seen for last 6 years, and we got to witness it. Continuous snow all days we were there. Our appointment was at the Ottawa visa office. I have concluded that I have had enough with the US visa process and people, hence not to complain. This experience did not make me change my opinion. The biggest relief were the Canadians, who are a friendly lot. The Canadian immigration officers, a total contrast to the US counterparts, simply make your day soon as you land in their country (reminds me of New Zealand actually, else they are usually hostile towards you, aren't they?).

I landed in Toronto, spent a day and took a greyhound bus to Ottawa to meet my husband. By that time the cold had taken over me and I had a fever and cough and cold. The US visa interview was routine, my husband was asked routine questions. I stood beside him, and the visa officer almost did not even look or ask me any questions. One exciting thing at Ottawa was the stay at the hostel, The Jail, they called it and it was an old jail converted to a hostel. Most of the things were intact including the jail doors (gates) and so on, interesting! The visa process apparently now has changed, in the sense they take 2 more extra days to return the passports, as they have added an extra step for fraud check, so my husband had to extend his stay and we headed back to Toronto ( 4 1/2 drive from Ottawa) to stay at a friend's. All I did was eat and sleep and recovered from my fever.

Finally we collected our passports again in Ottawa and we decided to take the bus to Boston. My husband had lost his return ticket, due to the extended stay and since he got his in a deal and this was the cheapest and quickest way to get back home. The bus journey was postponed by 12 hours again because of snow, our bus journey started from Ottawa and we landed in Montreal and took a break for the night there and then started for Boston the next day. And finally a trip planned for 6 days ended up being 9 days. On our way back from Montreal we saw some real scenic views all through Vermont. It was surprising how beautiful it actually was in winter.

Though the cold wasn't that great, Canada as a country seems to be a great place to live, at least my first impressions have been very good. People are friendly and warm.

Friday, February 1, 2008

New Zealand

I realized I did not create a travelogue from my New Zealand trip. I will probably attempt to recap the journey at some point of time. But I guess these pictures we took contribute towards it to a large extent and another word 'spellbinding'!

Our Photoblog

...and about the Indian consulate!

Its been a crazy busy and hectic week (which perhaps I will write about later in detail). Attending the very first suprise baby shower this weekend, friends are coming over. And then its super bowl Sunday! Last weekend helped a friend in painting their newly purchased apartment. Painting was fun and despite being first timers we did a decent job.

My husband was stranded in Indian consulate, NY last Friday. He had been there to get an attestation done. What we thought should be done in few minutes, they took a whole day to put the signature and a stamp on a piece of paper and charged $20. I was trying to call them, left messages to at least get some information on the "attestation process", at least 10 days in advance, they never ever answer or reply to any phone calls. Why do they do that? (The website is not as informative). At least the other consulates reply to emails or at least have a Receptionist answer a call (even if she is not of great help, some guidance on the process is given). I have dealt with Indian embassy in Wellington, New Zealand too and have had a similar experience and seen people being tormented by the consulate members for even basic services such as passport renewals. Its embarrassing and disappointing to admit how unprofessional they are. I really hope I don't have to deal with them ever again!

...And yes if some of you think I might be just a bit over reacting, its because I saw this happen 'live' in New Zealand:

Bizarre diplomatic row