Yes, it's that time of the semester when you must say sympathetic things like "This too shall pass" and motivate me to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. Oh and what a dark and long tunnel this has been. No, this doesn't mean I've spotted the light yet. Unless one of you decides to hold a torch or something and guide me out. I'm still groping around in the dark. Spring is absolutely gorgeous. The birds, pink flowers, frequent thunderstorms, the first hint of green. I love it so much that I can't stop tearing up every time I step out. #allergies What would I do without my big bumblebee shades and a big roll of Kleenex that I carry everywhere!

Anyhow, this has clearly been my most challenging and demanding semester ever. Every time I breathe a sigh of relief, something else comes up to take its place. Every weekend is spent bringing things up to speed and I'd rather not talk much about my weekdays. I'm a proactive person and all these constantly changing schedules and deadlines are pushing me to my wits end. My planner has seen so many changes that it actually gave up on me. It is true, grad life really teaches you to handle pressure like nothing else in life. Only maybe next to parenthood - but it's too early to comment on that.

Excessive amounts of caffeine have been consumed over the last few weeks. My blood should be brown by now, I think. I also need to lose this habit of eating ice cream with cookies post 2AM. Oh and caramel pop corn - MUST STOP BUYING THEM AGAIN! Did you know "Naked" makes all these yummy gooey protein shakes with the weirdest of ingredients. They're so expensive, but they are fattening me up with some good stuff. Who said you eat less during summer? I seem to be hungry all the time. Oh wait, summer isn't here until end of June. Weird country, I tell you. 

Wait a minute, I didn't intend to talk about food ! Well, too late! I've clearly lost it or someone has spiked my morning coffee.

Yeah, you may pour sympathies now. OkThanksBye!

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April 2, 2011. A day that I personally will not forget and I join several other Indians in saying this. This is going to be a day I can remember and talk about with passion because I witnessed the making of this history. I really don't remember much about the previous world cups except for the fact that they always happened in between exams and I was never allowed to watch for longer than an hour. But this time, I was 9000 miles away from home sitting amongst half a dozen other Indian cricket fanatics, wearing the nation's tricolor and yelling our throats out and secretly hoping that the apartment management doesn't fine us for making so much noise.

I have never watched a game at the stadium. I have never watched a match with more than 3 people. I do not know the intricacies of the game. I cannot identify a Leg By or explain what a Dot ball is. I definitely cannot quote statistics. But, you cannot question my spirit for the game based on that. I can tell you that my spirit is no way lesser than the spirit with which every other Indian watching the game. I would keep my comments to myself, but I will swear when our wicket falls and cheer my voice hoarse for a four or a six. Heck, cricket is synonymous with patriotism.

I am not superstitious. But, I kept my legs crossed in a certain way because when I tried stretching them, Sachin got out. I did not pee until the drinks break. I shut my eyes and let my heart skip a beat whenever Gambhir swung his bat. I am ashamed to admit that I did not expect him to play that innings and every time he faced Malinga, I kept thinking that would be his final over. I expected too much out of Sachin & Sehwag and didn't have the courage to place my trust in Kohli or Gambhir. Respect to both you boys!

I don't want to get started on MS Dhoni. I will not stop. When he smashed that ball to a final six, I cried. I am not a very sentimental person and don't like to express my emotions much, but MS Dhoni, you made me cry that day and I am sure I will tell my children of your greatness.

But for now, I am going to join the revelry and wear this perpetual grin on my face. 

WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2011. Hell to the yeah.

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