Carol your heart out.

I haven't kept up with blogging (so sorry) but now that school is over and the only thing I have to do now is find a job--I have time.

With it being the last semester of college and all, the holidays culminated around graduation and not Christmas. But now the graduation hoopla is over with and I came back home to the age old tradition of caroling.

As far as I can remember, Christmas is probably the most celebrated holiday in Kerala. When I was 12, I'd stand at the gate with my family on Christmas Eve and wait for the carolers to come through in a parade with lighted torches singing carols and proclaiming the birth of Christ.

I'm guessing that's where the tradition of our modern day caroling in Texas came from. Our prayer group travels to each others' houses, bringing with them drums and Santa apparel. The family welcomes them with plenty of food and the carolers sing their hearts out.

We're not talking about Silent Night here.

Our Malayalam carols are upbeat, you-can't-help-but-start-dancing praise songs that go on and on and get faster with each verse until you can't possibly sing or clap any faster.

You may not understand the language but surely you can understand the happiness.

Texas winter isn't harsh enough, the lights on the tree aren't bright enough, but the voices of our families and dear ones are shouting our of pure joy and love. This is what makes Christmas feel like Christmas.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. 

God turned my blood from red to green.

My last Baylor Homecoming as a student just passed this weekend. It was more than I hoped for. Starting with Pigskin on Thursday and ending with the all-time best Baylor game on Saturday.

On Saturday, I witnessed the epitome of darn weather in Texas but the unity by alma mater has. What a way to cap my senior year! Now I have to save up for tickets to a bowl game! :)

Funky.

I announce that this blog is back to its true colors, only to present the public with views on little things and big things that may or may not have to do with journalism, college, current events and the like.

It's good to be back. Now that I have compartmentalized my blogs (find my PR blog at www.prequalsnincy.blogspot.com ), I can talk about this week.

Like many over-analyzers, I started this semester with a few goals in mind. Don't skip class, make a 4.0, spend time with the Lord everyday, find a job...I could keep going. Thing is, I've failed at all of these. This week is when it all came a tumblin' down.

I've been a funk. After analysis, it seems that its just the middle of the semester. THAT time of year. When a college student remembers that once must exhale to inhale again. Ha, and all this time I was holding my breath. Well, it's Thursday. Then the next day is Friday, and then Saturday.

Saturday. The day when I will take a big breath in, and out. Make sticky notes on my mirror that remind that I can't miss class, unless I want a B (boo) and remember to not to focus on the waves but the Man who walks on them. Amen.
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In other news, read this book. Practicing the Presence of God.

A simple read but intense. Pause between conversations and reflect on this one man's passion, child-like faith and servant attitude. It's not only saints that are called.

Post dedicated to Caroline

Equal in His eyes

The Muslim controversy happening right now can and will change history and the culture of America for a long time.

Though "Islamo-phobia" has been around for 10ish years, this is the most public and visual event where it is evident. 

Mosques have been burned and destroyed, rallies and protests against the construction of the mosque and even the people and religion itself is wrong. It's hatred. And when done in Christ's name, it is sin. 

Do we still believe every Muslim is a terrorist? An extremist?

This community center that may be built at Ground Zero should strengthen the people in that area and remind them that ISLAM is not the problem. 

It's poverty, lack of education and propaganda. 

Not allowing a mosque or religious center to be built will not stop terrorism. I believe it only adds fire to the flame. 

Where is our tolerance? Where is our love? 

We burn this bridge and it will be a long time before we can build one again. 

Outstretched.

Our church youth group outstretched our hands last Saturday to people who needed it.
At Solomon's Porch in South Dallas, we helped this center distribute clothes, food, love and God to the ones who longed for Him. To people who knew an emptiness that couldn't be filled by a meal.

This experience was so necessary. A lifecheck, really. Many of the people we encountered were humble,  sincere, hopeful, honest, and hard working. Their hearts were open toward Christ. The last picture reminded me of how we're all the same. I am no better than any one I met that day. No better or greater treasure is stored for me than for them.

We all deserve the same chance and Christ is the only one that gives it to us.
My hope is that I won't forget the people I met and they never think that they are forgotten.

(Manish John's photos are displayed above.)

The Wait

My extended family has now transitioned from weddings and finding their significant others to now having babies. I don’t mind either. The weddings reunite families that don’t see each other except…well, at weddings. A couple little ones have been born already, but I’m a bit anxious for the one that will live a little closer.

In a couple of weeks (or days), I’ll have a precious cousin in Texas to dote on (and to send Baylor gear). Instead of visiting friends out of town, I plan on going to Houston and Oklahoma on the weekends and giving these two ladies all the attention I can possibly give. I’m so anxious—can you imagine the parents?!

I started thinking about all the other things I’m anxious for: the beginning of school, the end of school, graduation, my first (real) job…big, scary and wonderful things.

I think of Philippians 4:6.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Just hoping the peace that is above all will come on the above situations.

And for the baby, I’ll try to be as patient. The mother is the prime example of that one. 

Le Poisson is dead.

Le Poisson was the greatest fish alive. I would know. I've had a pet aquarium since I was seven. Many fish have crossed my path. Some have stayed close to my heart. Like Platy.

She was a smart one. Followed my finger, knew when food was close and always kept to herself. I wonder if the red and black was a subconscious choice. 

Oh and Rainbow. The biggest freshwater fish I had. He had dominion over the whole tank back in the day. 

After I left for college though, my tank was no longer mine. My parents bought a bigger aquarium and made it the icon of the living room. And I no longer have much choice about the fish that live in it. So my bffer (pronounce it like you see it) bought Le Poisson sophomore year.

His life was like any other betta. The occasional taunting and "Hey, let's see how he'll react to THIS!" Then, there was the infamous rescue. One spring night, La Poisson should have died, would have died, if he was any ordinary fish. Aperson who had poor judgment of his own weight jumped on the table La Poisson sat on and it came a'tumbling down. I wasn't there to see it, but we ALL heard it.

"LA POISSSSOOONNN!!!!"

Somehow, he made it. And lived for more than a year after that. And though I wasn't near him when he said good bye, I know he was thankful for his life and the many women who looked after him. 

Well, so long La Poisson. Thanks for the memories. I know I never cleaned your tank, but you know I always loved you.

RIP.

Patriotic.

A month later I'm posting about my July 4th experience in the capital.
Oh well.

Friends could tell you that I anticipated this day. I even wore a red polka dotted dress to celebrate it. Honestly, there was this feeling in my heart that didn't go away. The whole country was celebrating its accomplishments, its hopes, and most of all, its blessings!

How blessed we are:
--to not have bombs dropped on us every day.
--to worship in a mostly free society.
--to say what's on your mind and not get killed for it.
--to live in a place where people can pursue their dreams and have a chance. A better chance than they would elsewhere.

I'm a patriotic Indian American which could come across weird. You just don't run into us everyday. But if anyone would know what the American dream was about, it may be my family. Only 30 something years ago, my aunts and uncles...and my dad came to America for a better life, NOT FOR THEM. No, they left everything they knew, to give me, my brother and my cousins a chance. And I am so ever grateful for that sacrifice.

So that's what I was thinking about when I watched the parade that serene morning. Or when I stood on the Capitol lawn and watched the most spectacular fireworks light up the sky that night.
My heart was full.

What is the world coming to!?

The classes that my friends and I are taking this summer have repeatedly told us how past generations have really screwed us and the American economy over and it's up to us, the up and comers, to pull us out of it.

The one thing that I keep passing by is how much technology has widened the gap between baby boomers and my generation. Moreover, how much it gives my generation a step up when entering the career world.

(Yes, my hours on Facebook are paying off!)

But, really. In the past couple work experiences, I've been working on Facebook and Twitter constantly and making social media work for my employers. I really believe this is what is going to pull us out of the water. This is our man on the moon. It's coming I tell you.

--Now I know you read for D.C updates.

For bad or for good, this city has become more like home. It may be the little community I have going on here. Or the fact that people here are doing things I care about.

Updates:

Taking an economics class from hell. Well, I'd probably feel this way about any econ class.

Cut off 12 inches of my hair.

Experienced Fourth of July in the capital. Blog post coming soon. The fireworks were spectacular. And in my most patriotic outfit, I saw President Obama pass by in his motorcade.

Channeled my inner journalist at the Newseum.

Reading C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity. Try reading Romans at the same time.

Mind stretching. Mind humbling.

We're down to two weeks and a couple days left in this town.

I rant a little.

My first post quoted Benedetto who believed D.C and the people here are disconnected with the rest of the country. This becomes more and more real as I live here.

The Capitol: before this field trip in the wee hours of the morning, I read about the detailed scaffolding of the dome and had a brief understanding of exactly where the House and Senate were located.

The trip was short but rare. I had the wonderful experience of sitting where mine and 435 other representatives --in no specific order-- sit and listen to Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NB) talk about what politics is really like, what politicians think of the media, the administration and his beginnings (all with his slant and agenda thrown in just like any other good politician).

The Smithsonian: I WAS A KID AGAIN. There's nothing like learning all those facts you knew back in 5th grade. My favorite: the ocean exhibit and the COLOSSAL -yes, colossal- whale in the middle of the exhibit. I may not know how to swim but I will always love the water.

Live jazz band: Tuesday night on the town in Georgetown. Go to Saloun! Probably one of the most fun nights I've had so far but it had more to do about the company rather than the place. However, I can say I've never experienced more culture. From the museums to free music and festivals, I'm learning so much and constantly keeping my eyes and ears peeled for more.

Journalism:

DISCLAIMER: the fact that I'm spending my summer with a conservative program does influence the opinions and thoughts I hear. Nonetheless, tonight I heard from two conservative political commentators who adamantly believe that their open bias makes them a better journalist. It's upsetting to hear present and future journalists think that their job is to sell and entertain--give the public what they want.

WHAT HAPPENED TO GIVING THE PUBLIC WHAT THEY NEED?

What happened to informing? Reporting? SERVING the American citizen?

I am not naive. I believe journalism serves a higher purpose. It's about the truth and revealing it. Challenging the opposition...however, you can do this without GETTING INVOLVED.

A journalist is not a politician and should not try to be one.

As students walked out hearing these speakers, I heard discussions about how hard a political commentators job is. IT IS NOT A HARD JOB. It's a lucky job. Who wouldn't want to get paid for yammering about their opinions on air?

Try being a reporter and delivering the news and giving the public the RIGHT to make their own decisions.

I feel like I'm going against the grain here, but I hope I never lose sight of this.

सत्याग्रह

Satyagraha- the force of truth.

God, let it be bigger than the force of ignorance.

I'm not in Texas anymore.

Certain things that DO NOT remind me of home.

Humidity.

Traffic on Sundays.

Public transportation.

Walking.

Crossing state lines every day.

5 cent tax on plastic bags.

Trader Joe's.

Everyone's a tourist.

The lack of Mexican food.

The plethora of Thai food.

Townhomes.

Rats?

Things that don't remind me of home but are pretty cool.

The river.

Fireflies.

Yeah, the fireflies make it all the better.

Proud tourist.

I apologize for not writing!

Things have moved so fast in the past week and a routine is starting to set in. Even though, things have never been the same.

My first day at work was a little overwhelming but ended with me running into, yes, you heard me, running into the Lincoln Memorial. It was a beautiful sight, even on that muggy day. He's been my favorite president for a long time, but he is America's favorite isn't he?

My tour guide Ed, on Sunday (the third time I saw the memorial) had a great interpretation. Lincoln sits at his memorial, his size god like and his features somber, mostly because of the face. Lincoln never smiles, Ed says it's because he has 625,000 lives on his mind.

Heavy matters.

On a lighter note, slowly friendships are being formed. We all have to survive here, right?

The city really just never ge

ts old. And I hope it never does. There's so much to learn here and absorb.

Certain spots:

Korean War Memorial: there's no way you can walk through this and not feel like you're there.

The Old Post Office: has food from every continent and the Clock Tower is worth a tour.

Lincoln Memorial: make sure you stand from where MLK stood.

Vietnam Memorial: A 21 yr old Yale student designed it. There's so much significance in it, especially in the ability to see your reflection.

Washington Harbor: beautiful scenery. Tons of fancy restaurants and an ice cream place. See below.

DuPont: As the World Cup goes on, people gather at the square to watch the game from the big screens. Also, recent home to the gay parade.

--which reminds me, I saw a protest assembly. First one. It was for the deaths in Iran. Always good to remember and see the 1st Amendment at work at the place that it started.

Heidi's: yummy sandwiches.

Garrett's: we watched the USA v. England game there.

Gelato Dolce Vita-best red orange gelato EVER.

Need to still see: The White House, Capitol, Smithsonians, Spy Museum, Newseum, an Embassy? Let me know if you think of anything.

With everything, I still can't believe I'm here. To experience it all and figure out if life in politics is what I want--I hope these 2 months are all I need-- is a blessing in itself.

Surreal

There's a lot I could talk about and I've only been here for a day. The moment I landed and drove into D.C., I was mesmerized by the surroundings. So many trees! I know we have trees in TX, but the northeast and its landscape always gets me. Interesting takeaways:

The Metro: Several of us confronted the metro head on on the first day we were here. The trek to the stop was..long. Sure, it's not long for those Washingtoners (?) but I definitely missed my candy apple Corolla. --sigh-- However, i couldn't have asked for a more beautiful city to walk through.

The buildings on campus all have a cathedral like feel. Tall, tall buildings. The brick and steeples reminded me of Baylor but Georgetown is older. The catholic tone is also interesting. There is a crucifix in every classroom and statues of Jesus, Mary and the saints scattered throughout, standing guard at all the dormitories. Made the campus almost seem foreign.

In D.C itself, I don't know to explain it. The city just has such personality. Boutiques everywhere. It really is NYC but clean! And people are nicer.

I had my first day of class today. Ethics for Journalism blah blah blah. The professor is charming. Looks and talks just like a professor of Georgetown should. Even has the Yankee background (brought up in the projects of NY) to add some color. The class was heated and discussions were saturated with outspoken thoughts. It should be an interesting 11 sessions.

One thing I was told that I don't want to forget: "Don't forget where you come from. D.C. is not the real world. The pulse of the people in Washington are often not like the pulse of the people of the rest of the country. That's why the American people are losing trust in the capital."

So I guess as long as I stay Texan, I'll be in pretty good shape.

Tidbits:

-If you're buying stuff from stores, you have to pay 5 cents for every plastic bag you use!

-Recycling is the law.

-Most people you meet on the street are not from here. They are tourists.

-Everything is more expensive here.

More tomorrow.

Distractions from the North

For the last week, I was given the awesome opportunity to push back my anxieties about D.C and take a trip to Canada for my cousin's wedding reception.

For four and half days, all I did was catch up with long lost cousins and have a BLAST doing it. My cousins and I were born in the span of 7 years and with the drinking age in Canada being only 19, we were able to enjoy mature fun though we aren't that mature.

Ontario was beautiful, reminded me of the Bay Area. Though I was disappointed that I didn't run into one person with a Canadian accent. No eh. No weird "about". I did become a fan of Tim Horton's though I was skeptical.

Coming back to Dallas with only 3 days left until D.C is difficult to say the least. The days cannot pass by fast/slow enough. I'm halfway packed though I feel like I'm forgetting a lot.

Good news: with NY only 4 hours away from D.C., visits will be often. I also found a friend from TX that is in D.C for an internship as well! She lives minutes a way and will make this transition much easier. I've also been learning the metro route maps and I'm pretty sure I know how to get home and to work.

Great news: I've upgraded my wardrobe from scrubby college student to becoming intern in the city. I have the right shoes, slacks, tops, and my first skirt. Shocking, I know. I'm ready to take over I tell you!

Side note: Lucy had her puppies. All two of them. And very fitting, she had them the day I left for Canada. Oh, she was waiting. I wasn't as depressed as I thought I would be and they were still puppies when I came back.

Here's to the next few days. I'll be investing in (another) camera and trying to absorb as much of Dallas as I can--whatever that means.

Another note: I will not miss the intermittent internet at home or the scalding 100 degree weather.

Things I'll miss.

D.C. is now two weeks away and while much will happen in these fourteen days (including an unplanned trip to Canada), I've had the time to reflect on what I'll be missing here in TX.

--my parent's cooking. Really, nothing compares. For the most part, I don't have to help in cooking. Meaning a free meal. I just sit when they call e and pick from the display. Whatever my heart desires. I never take this for granted.

--Lucy's pups. Lucy, my dog, is pregnant. She shouldn't be. The dog was a stray chihuahua that somehow crawled through our fence, knocked up my precious min pin and then left. She's expecting anytime now, but realistically, I'm sure the pups will only be born after two weeks.

--my cousins' baby showers. After five years of weddings, the wedded couples are now having families. Both are having baby girls and sadly, I won't be here to celebrate over onesies, baby bibs, and those cute dresses they have for baby girls now.

Family is important to me, and being so far away is going to be hard.

Maybe the sights and sounds of D.C will make it easier to deal? Maybe.

Naivete

Currently, I'm compartmentalizing my life and trying to ignore and deny the fact that I will be in a different state, scratch that, district of the United States.

I'm far from ready or prepared for the trip or the internship that awaits me. The gracious Nancy Bocskor hired me to do her marketing for her this summer as well as feed me lunch, give me opportunities to learn about internet activism and attend networking events. Which makes me think: should I make business cards? All the while, I'll be living and taking classes at Georgetown University and will have free weekends to explore the city that only comes second to the arts, theatre and nightlife of NYC.

And in those 2 months, I plan on doing the inevitable. (If you know me, this isn't surprising.) Find Obama. He's a man I admire. With him being so close, I cannot avoid the great chance I have of actually seeing and meeting the President face to face!

I'm excited. But first, I have to get through two more finals, packing, cleaning, and saying goodbyes.

Here it goes.