Leaving Microsoft to change the world

This summer, the book titled 'Microsoft Dekhi Bahundanda Samma' seemed very prominent at the book stalls in New Road. I had heard a lot about the author John Wood mainly from my husband. John was a graduate of a Kellogg Business School, the same Business School my husband was going to be attending that fall of ‘08. However tempted I was to read the Nepali version, I resisted and decided to the read the original book. From my previous experience on the translated books, it felt like the messages were unintentionally diluted. Afraid, that was going to be a case for this one; I decided to wait to read the original version by John Wood himself.

Upon returning to the US, I was ecstatic to finally read the book. John Wood was going to be coming at Kellogg Business School in 2 weeks and I wanted to finish it prior his visit. I started reading the book and visualized the greenery expounded my John during his hike to Annapurna. Recently on our trip back home, we had managed to go to the Everest Base Camp. Topics such as poverty and illiteracy mentioned by John in the book were not by means any surprise to us as we had both witnessed during our Trek. For instance - One thing that John seemed to have taken by awe was the fact that children had to walk almost two -three miles to get to school. We had encountered bunch of little children during our trek who did not seem to mind to walk 2 hours every day to get the education. They struggle and yet, seem happy and here we are, with all the amenities and yet we complain! It had struck me then and the same feeling hit me again as I read the book.

This book was a mixture of emotional and inspirational journey for both my husband and I. Realizing how much struggle there is back home makes me feel sad. Unlike many girls from Nepal, I have been very lucky with the education. Having gotten a chance to study in an International School in Tokyo with students from 35 different nationalities has always taught me a lesson not to take things for granted. While children in the poverty stricken part are struggling with house chores and school work, I have been fortunate finish the studies without any struggle. The most striking part to me while reading this book was the effort put by John Wood. Then, John was simply a trekker who had taken some time off from his busy schedule and upon seeing the dire need of education in our poor villages, he had decided to help the kids. Led by the theme, “World’s change starts with educated children,” Room to Read has successfully celebrated its 10^th anniversary and recently opened a project in Bangladesh and Zambia and heading strong.

John is an American who decided to do so much for the country only after one visit. I felt ashamed to have lived and travelled abroad and not having being able to help the poor children who are in dire need of help. 2 years ago, my husband and I had donated 150 dollars to sponsor a study of a child in Dang and that is only thing we had done so far. For many Nepali living abroad, 150 in merely a lot of money. You go to a nice restaurant, have a good wine and voila, the bill could be potentially larger than this.

The most memorable part of this book is simply close the eyes and be able to empathize with the little children after opening a school in their villages. Upon finishing the book, I wrote to John Wood. I wanted to meet with him and talk to him personally. His talk at Kellogg was very vibrant and what an energetic person he was. During the Q and A session, I thanked him on behalf of Nepal and asked him what I, as a privileged woman could do to help spread the word of Room to Read. “Pass the words to as many people as possible" was his humble reply. Room to Read has recently started the project in Bangladesh and Zambia. I am currently involved with the Chicago Chapter to raise funds. Along with my husband and my brother in law we are also planning to raise money to get involved with a project in Humla.
I am in touch John and will be meeting him again in April. His words are inspiring and it has motivated me to get involved in this organization. It has made me focus on importance of education in our part of the world. It only takes 250 to fund a child for schooling and takes 10,000 to open a library. I would strongly urge everyone to Read John’s book and instill the value of education and make a difference in people’s life. Please plant the seed of education to our new generation who are going to be the next leaders

“To a world you maybe a person, but to a person, you may be their world"

Leaving Microsoft to Change the World

The title of this blog is the title of the book by John Wood. I had heard about this book a lot and always wanted to read it. When I was travelling back home this summer, I saw the 'Nepali' version of this book by Nepali, I mean, someone had translated this book into a Nepali book. The whole story but it was being narrated in Nepali. I wanted to buy it, then again, I did not.

I had read one Nepali book called ' Palpasa Cafe' which was translated into English and had lost the whole meaning of the story. The translation was very disappointing. In retrospect, I had wished that I had read the book in Nepali. Likewise, I did not buy the Nepali version of ' Leaving Microsoft to Change the World.' I waited and here I am finally reading it. I have heard a lot about this book. Mainly by my husband who talked a lot about this book while we were doing the Annapurna trekking.

The book is by John Wood. John Wood is an individual who chose to walk away at the prime of his corporate career as a Microsoft's Director of Business Development in order to found Room to Read Foundation. He dedicated his life for a social cause.

I have just started reading this book and I am very enjoying so far. The story takes place in Nepal. John decides to have to have a little escapade in a foothill of Himalayas doing the Annapurna Circuit trekking. While doing his trekking he comes across a man called Pashupathi, who reveals his sadness for not having being able to do anything for the children of Nepal. One of his main concern in the Lack of School for the future stars of Nepal. John, with the help of Pasupathi visits the school in a village called Bahundada and is shocked to find the situation of the school. At the School John discovers that the few books available were so precious that they were kept under lock and key - to protect them from the children! There are fewer than 20 books –mainly left by backpackers which the children can barely read—(Danielle Steel’s, the Lonely planet etc) for more than 450 students.

His journey then begins....

This is a firsthand perspective of how John launched a literacy organization for children in Asia after a life-changing three-week trek through the mountains of Nepal. Leveraging his business acumen and networks from his days at Microsoft, Wood turned Room to Read into a successful nonprofit organization with schools and libraries throughout Asia.

I have yet to finish the book which I just started. The exciting part is that John is actually come to Kellogg School of Management next week and I want to finish the book before that. He is a graduate of Kellogg.

For anyone, who is looking for a book to read, this one is definitely recommended. One of the many things learned from this book is following your Passion.

One thing that struck me while reading this book is that quote from Dalai Lama that is mentioned in this book. “When we give something away, we actually get something in return: Happiness.”

Happy New Year to everyone

As the new year rolls in I take some time to think on my resolutions. Honestly, I do not even feel like a new year, thus, I do not have any concrete resolution. Sounds bit ironic right.. I was going to write morbid, but I do not think i have reached that stage. Well my resolution this year is to get a job in this tough market.

It is going to be an exciting ride. Christmas break was good. Pras and I joined Shailendra dai in Bahamas. After getting stuck in North Carolina for one night, we made it to Nassau on Tuesday afternoon. We were both very annoyed for having missed the flight.. which by the way was no fault of ours. Because of the col weather - 35, our 6:00 am flight got delayed for 2 hours. The Air Valve of the plane was frozen and it took them 2 hours to de freeze it. As a result, we missed our connecting flight from North Carolina. To make the situation even better, all our luggages were gone. I did not even have have contact solution with me. They gave us a hotel and some coupons... which -- I guess was the least they could do. We were at the Charoltte Aiport for almost 4 hours... hoping to get our luggage but to our vain no luck whatsoever.

Since we had a long day-- we had been up since 3:00 am in the morning, we went to the hotel and took a nap. Then called Smita didi and the family. Smita didi is my first cousins. My mum's oldest sister's daughter. The last time I had seen her was back in 2004. Almost 5 years ago. Steve- my cousin in law came to pick us up and we spend our night at the Sawyers residence. It was really nice meeting with the boys and the dog :)

Luckily, the next morning, we were put in 9:00 flight and got to Nassau at 11:00. The weather was kinda chilli that day. According to Shailendra dai, the weather on Monday was really sunny and beautiful. Clear Clear sky, but on Tuesday it was bit cold. we went to the beach but could not enjoy the ocean as we were hit by the sand storm. The next day, got even worse. We decided to take a ferry and go to Rose Island. It rained and the weather got more crappy. Despite that, we did snorkeling.. It was our first snorkeling ever and it was Amazing. One of the must to do - in a life time. The snorkeling made our day.

The next day.. finally, the weather started getting clearer.. at least better than the first few days. We really enjoyed relaxing on the beach.. but it was still kinda chili to sun bathe. I had a little blanket over me.. Yup! Finally, the last day of our trip was THE best one. We got up at 5:00 in the morning and headed to downtown for the Junkanu festival. Junakanu is kind of the mix of Mardi Gras and Carnival. Parade one after another. The Bahamanian would start the parade at 12:00 at night and would continue till 12:00 in the morning. The whole city- nassau was wide awake and so were we. Upon watching the carnival, we returned to the hotel took a brief nap and headed to another exciting day.. The snorkeling Day. We were taken in a boat to three different places and were given 30 min to snorkel. The weather was great and the water was Blue... could not have been better. The salty water made the snorkel even more exciting.

Our last stop was at the Shark Cove. We were given 10 min. It was literally swimming with the sharks. Not everyone dared to go to the water as it was kinda risky. However, they ( the divers) assured us that they had been doing this for 11 years and never had the any incident. They asked us not to bring any fish food with us. Would you ever get to swim with Shark-- No!! I decided to plunge in the water. They had a rope for us. As oppose to wander around the ocean, they strictly told us to hold the rope and not to go anywhere. Both Pras and Shailendra joined me. Looking underwater, I could see 10 sharks swimming back and forth. Some of them were bigger than me- More than 10 feet.... After being in the water for 7 min I decided to head back.

Only after getting up on the dock, made me realise that these were the same sharks that would kill people and I had been swimming with them. This gave me a chill.. but now I can say-- I swam with the shark!!! This definitely is one of the main highlights of the trip!!!

Quick update

Further enfeebling the market, Dollar plunges in the wake of Fed move... Fed cuts rates near Zero.. Another highlight of the news today.. Goldman bonuses set to sink.... apparently, the CEO is not going to be taking any bonuses for 2008. Well I guess that is how the work gets done in the Wall Street. If the market is good.. then you are showered with all that money... and vice versa.. I guess, to Investment Banks, this year has been one of the worst years.

The bad news in the economy does not stop to make the headlines... During the Thanks Giving break the Mumbai terror had seemed to capture the audience... now again, back to the recession world. The whole case of Bernanrd Madoff.. the Ponzii scheme as they say. Apparently, the Spanish heiress is suferring one of the biggest losses through this. Alicia Koplowiz... I believe is her name and she has lost about $ 14.3 mill through her invesment firm. uh oh....

Aside from the market world nothing interesting has happened. I am slowly recovering from the flu. I went to downtown all bundled up on Monday. It was 8 degree which in celsius translantes to being -15 I think. very very cold... I had my thermal on, but, it did not help nontheless. I was still cold...

I have to do to downtown again and it is suppose to snow tomorrow.. we are expecing.. 5 to 6 inches... Glory Glory. Pras is in Cali busy with his VC trek. I am busy preparing for my visit to downtown tomorrow. the new year is almost here.....

The fridge at our apartment stopped working and unfortunately, we had just stocked on Sunday...I have put the frozen food, creamer, milk outside the window but how long can I do that for?

After long time

It is almost end of 2008 now. This has been a good year. Relaxing year. We did a whole lot of traveling..... this year was too short of a year. Now.. the new year of 2009 will be welcoming us in about couple of weeks.

Today is a cold Monday. I had to go to downtown Chicago to meet one individual from William and Blair Company but, i am sick. Hopefully not the flue but I feel weak. I have been drinking a lot but still feel tired and weak. It is cold outside--the ground is still white.. the snow has lies on the ground peacefully. About a year ago I had slipped and almost fractured my arm... This year I have been ultra careful. We still need to buy the winter attire. Boots and downs and what not...

Thanks Giving weekend was nice. We went to Louisiana and Mississippi. It was sort of a family gathering. We drove for almost 4 days back and forth but it was nice. I need to get into the habit of writing again.. and the reading one... I used to be a good reader and a writer...but now, I have not been doing so. I had started to study for my Series 7 exam... and now since I have been sick, I have not been able to focus. I need to tough...

This is a quick update...for now. I feel tired already!!

Our Journey

Rewind 5 months.... Back in February

Stunningly, lot did not seem too favorable about our trip to go back home in winter. No electricity, no water… strikes… and what not….Regardless of what everyone said, I decided to withhold my judgment, before I actually experienced myself. Both Pras and I were extremely excited to go home. Our mission was successful! Pras had gotten into a B school; I had just finished my B school. It was THE perfect timing. On the way home, we were going to make a brief stopover in Tokyo to visit my parents and little brother.

The hardest part for us was to get a tenant who was going to sublet our apartment. Pack and sell the furniture’s. After bidding farewell to all my colleagues at Merrill, I left the job from February. I was packing and selling…… At first, it seemed exciting but soon… it started getting stressful.

As distressing it sounds, somehow or other, we both did manage to get ready to leave on March 7^th.

So that is how our 5 month Journey began!!!!

New place -Chicago!!

We are back in the US. Chicago- Evanston to be exact. Pras has started his B School and I am busy arranging the apartment. The journey past 5 months has been one of the best ones in our lives.

I will be back with more detail about our trip. Till then... See you soon!

Going home

I will be going home next week!!! and will be in a hibernation mode until Aug. I will try to update however, cannot promise anything as of yet!!!

Too many exciting things going in my life :)

Second day!

Here I am, trying to gradually adapt into the blogging mode. However, the thing is nothing exciting happened today. Therefore, I do not know what to write.

Work was interesting-- Since I spend major part of my daily hours at work, it only makes sense for me to write about major part of my blog on the work! Anyways, work was fun. New stuff, new project. Today, I did a research on Merril Lynch's Private Equities Fund. I learned new names and new investment requirements. Work was busy. 8 hour just flew like that---

On the way back home, I continued with Kiran Desai's "Inheritence of Loss." Gyan and Sai's love story is interesting and Biju hardlife in the US is heartbreaking. For a second, I felt I was completely lost in that part of the world. I am enjoying the book. I already have the next book in my mind after I finish this one :)

Got home.. made dinner-- Baked Asparagus, Spinach and a Shrimp Curry and little bit of "masyaura" from yesterday. Dinner was satisfying!

Good way to end a day!!

slowly recuperating my blog strength!

So here I am... writing almost after one month. I am bit disappointed with myself for not being disciplined following this routine. blog. There used to days where I would regularly update my blog and I used to be very proud of it ( Would actually feel guilty if I did not write one).However, for past month or so, it has been a havoc. Rather than improving, I have gotten more worse. Somehow or another, I always seem to either forget it, procrastinate it or purposely ignore to try it. AND here I am, trying to follow the path again!!

It is a new month, new routine ( day light saving has been implemented), new begninging ( I have just entered a new age group!) and new life... almost ready to graduate. What better reasons could there for right.. :) I will try to be more focused on this blog world.

Lot has happened. Dashian, Tihar, Summer, Fall, Winter. Life has been good. Hopefully lots of good things lined up in next couple of months. Since I have not written for almost month, i am going to be bit sporadic in terms of jotting down my feelings/stories. I never have decent thoughts anywhere near any good place to write them down. so I don't write as often as I should write.

I need to update my blog with pictures. I have taken plenty but the wire you need to upload the picture is missing. With work and all-- I have not had chance to look at it. Correct, this indeed is a lame excuse, but, this really is the case.

Work is going on fine. Interesting news in the Financial world. The CEO was ousted-- which caused a pretty big dilemma in the financial world, then again, another CEO .. Mr. Prince steps down causing more conundrum. With the rising market volatility, it has been an interesting learn at work. To recap my day, I did a research on ML's Private Equity funds and Asset Allocation strategies.

Again, apologies for the sporadic seagway!

Weekend was good-- On Saturday, we went to see "American Gangster"--One of the best movies!!! Denzel deserves an Oscar!! If you have not seen this movie, it really is worth a watch. Saturday afternoon- we had a nice brunch at Sanjay's wedding. It was good time to catch up with old friends. Friday- laxmi pooja-Both P and I, we went to the temple and really enjoyed the ambiance--- very surreal and peaceful environment. Sunday,--- Called Nepal and talked with everyone back home. Then--- Brunch at Prativa di's place.We had a very good time and we really enjoyed. It was a good way to end the festival.and today-- back to work!!!

I have done a good job-- considering the fact I am writing after a month!

Good night!

I had the opportunity to hear Mrs. Susan Morelli speak this morning. Of course, another stellar speaker whom I enjoyed immensely. Ms. Morelli is a CEO of the famous Au Bon Pain. I had guessed "Au Bon Pain" being from New England, no where specific to be exact, however, today I learned that is a local cafe started right here in the Bean town! Ms. Morelli specifically emphasized the topic of "BRAND" and how Au Bon Pain has been successful in creating a good brand. Ms. Morelli, who graduated from Yale and HBS was an excellent speaker. She had her audience captured in a joyful and interesting ride of Au Bon Pain. Even though it was too early for me, 7:00 in the morning, I really am happy about the fact that I made it. Listening to these leaders inspires me and encourages me to become like them.

Work was good.... Did Asset Allocation and Mutual fund comparison with all the S & P 500 indexes. Weather was gloomy. Happy that it did not rain.. I believe more rain is on the way.

Weekend was fun!! Foliage drive all the way up to the Vermont! Taken pics, I need to get my act together and update it!! :) will do!

Oh, I am very happy that "Kite Runner" is coming out in December. I cannot wait. Reading wise, these days, I have started reading some financial reports. Anita Roddick is done.. now, I need to finish, Kiran Desai at some point :)

the practical measures elude me.... and i need to write. i love it, i just dont do it as much as i should. i didnt even say anything tonight, like i love to think i do. I am not making any sense I am. It is almost 12:30 in the morning. Waiting for P who is doing something in his computer. My neck hurts agian.. maybe the way I sit at my office is not right.. It was a busy day today. I did an emerging market allocation for one client. He had almost 10 accounts and analysis each too me a little more than I had expected and a result, I had no time to eat my lunch or take a break.... the work however, was very interesting!!! The emerging market is slowly taking over.. it is really an interstig dynamic how much impact they have in the economy!!!

I am glad it is Friday tomorrow....The one thing that I really look forward to is the sleeping part!!! Good night!!!!

On the other note, I was really surprised about the news about those two firefighters today. It took me (like many others) by shock. cocaine and alcohol toxicated.... wow. I am also saddened by the Burma news.The retaliation between the Military junta and the monks is unfathomable!!

Another abrupt end .... Good night! P is coming!

New Month

Feel sick. real shallow, right down where the neck connects to the body, the soft spot between the first two bones in front. there's a knot.

I'm listening to what's turning out to be precisely the wrong music, more to turn myself a different direction than anything.

Dow Closes at Record Amid Hopes of Further Rate Cuts - Every one is happy at work.

Today is October 1st. New month and new beginning. Hopefully, I will be able to write more blogs. Good news- Got a loaner computer from the Best Buy. I have a company now. :)
Weekend was short as usual. Nothing unusual. Had an opporunity to see the indian show at Muna aunty's house. It was exciting.

titleless

Not much today except the fact that it was super duper HOT!! almost 92 I think. I am excited that it is Wednesday.. Mid week... 2 more days and then the weekend!
Work was fine...I enjoy listening to Mr. Jim Cramer these days.... I have kind of started listening to his stock picks. Today, I was listening a conference call for a Investing Fund called Davis Fund in NY, the investors had quite an analogy with volatile market and opportunities. The interesting example was that of a SUV and a subcompact car.

They were saying, if you are driving a SUV, because of the large size you are so confident that nothing can go wrong, you drive more aggressively and as a result get more exposed to the accident. However, on the other hand, people who drive sub compact car are very conscious about how they drive as they are a small car, they are more conservative drivers and because of that they get into less accident. I believe the whole point here was about "Risk" Vs " Perceived Risk." -- The same thing implies to the volatility and uncertainties in the market. Interesting notion I think....

I guess this much for a today. A little bit of the market world :)

P joined me on the bus ride today-- 't was nice.

Usual rambling..

I am trying to keep up with my writing...Enough of Procrastination..

So I call the Best Buy people on Friday. The guy whom I spoke to made me even more confused. I had called to ask about the update, but had to hangup the call as the conversation was getting no where. The guys was really nice, no doubt about that but, he just did not understand what I wanted to get out from him. I simply wanted to get the update, and he was basically empathizing with me for the loss of my hard disk..... One thing that I really hate about calling the so called - Geek Squad at Best Buy is that everytime I call, I have to repeat the whole scenario... even consistently asking them to update my information on their little box, they conveniently decide not to I suppose.... I do not know when I will get the computer at this point.

Weekend was nice. The weather was nice.. It felt like summer again.

I am yet not done with Anita's book..Everyone morning these days, somehow, I mange to take a quick nap in the train.... I get tired more easily these days... do not know why.. I get up.. reluctantly every morning wishing the fact that I had more time to Sleep and impatiently waiting for the weekend.

Work was fine.. doing more research on the Morning Star review. So Microsoft might potentially invest on Face book.. yup!! that so-called networking site has managed to drag inside their loop.. I am addicted ... :) I was listening to Ben Bernanke's speech on Education today.. for some reason, with his beard, I had different opinion about him, however, upon hearing his speech, I am totally impressed. His voice has a power... Despite all the criticism he has been facing regarding the discount rate and the sub prime loan, he has portrayed himself as a calm and good leader. Anyways, I was happy to listen to him on the Bloomberg TV today!

Gotta go.. sorry for the abrupt ending.. and typos :)

regular snippets!

September 20, nothing has significantly changed in the past few days. Still without a computer. However, I did manage to call the people at Best Buy only to get informed that the computer was not yet sent to the service center. Hopefully, it finally has at this point. I would need to make a phone call to get the status. The sad part is my harddisk is completely corruputed and as a result, all of my data is completely gone. All my MBA stuff and everything.... They were suppose to backup the data for 9 gig which was going to cost about 90$, but since the harddrive is corrupted, they said, to retrieve the data it would cost anywhere between $250-$1500....... no point in paying that much I think...

Somehow, I feel that laptop and I, we do not get along. This is a second laptop in 2 years that has been wrecked by my use. Well, this was was already dead and we managed to retrieve it after being in a coma for almost a year, but still, it died. My other computer's harddrive went off as well.That was barely a year old.. Such is life.. At least I am grateful for the fact that it nothing major happened ( lots did happen)when I was at school..

Nothing much is going on..Work is fine.. I am learning a lot. Today, I was doing an asset allocation for an International fund. It was an interesting analysis. Fed cuts down the discount rate again... news all over the place. This move is supposedly going to help the economy everyone says. Funny thing is I have not had chance to hear Bernanke speak. Just the other day I watched Alan Greenspan's interview. I am very eager to see Ben Bernanke's speech. Hopefully, in next couple of days.

I have got this ugly thingie inside my mout...mouth ulcer it is called and it hurts like hell.. I cannot eat properly and I cannot talk properly, it hurts so very much...

Reading wise, still reading Anita's Book!! half way done... That women was Amazing. My uncle had written me a mail the other day. He told me that Anita had visited our factory 8 times. I was small when she came to our house in Nepal and I had already left for Japan when she came the other times. I talk about Anita a lot with P. Anita Roddick and Carlos Ghosn are two people that I talk quite frequently.... Ireally wish I had chance to meet and talk with Anita... Her stories are truely inspiring and I am thorougly enjoying it!

S0 I am still without a Computer but making a good effort to keep up the blogs...which is bit hard to keep up to once, you have procrastinated for so long.

What happened to Mr. Abe... Why is he resigning...... ? Sometimes, in the morning you are bombarded with the news that you never expected to happen...

Happy Teej to everyone :)

My head is not thinking right, therefore, I do not even know what to write. All I can think of is good food :) and cashews for no particular reasons.

I went to the library and checked out Anita Roddick's book about her experience of opening the Body Shop.... The old book that I had read about 11 years ago. In the book, she talks about my uncle and her first experience travelling Nepal and our factory... it really took me back to my memory lane.

Book wise---I was suppose to read the book... "Random walk down the Wall Street".. which I have not even touch. Then my boss has given me 3 extra ones which I need to finish soon.. however, now that I have gotten Anita's book.. that is going to take all my time for next couple of days.

I am waiting for P to leave his work so that I could take the bus with him. He is busy at his work. I am tierd. I guess I will take a Nap or discreetly stare at certain people from across the room.

Back again

I actually managed to take some time off from my busy schedule to write my Blogs. My computer died.. AGAIN!! second one this time.. and I have literary been computer less. Actually, I am in the library and going through my emails and replying a long overdue ones. At work, everything is blocked so I cannot check anything. The only thing that I am really geared towards is the CNBC and the BLoomberg news. Now, that I have been doing my intern for month and a half, I have started to live a usual life without getting obsessed to Facebook and hi5. ( I know it is crazyy....)!!!!

It has been a while since I have updated my well being. Not much is going on except the fact that I do not have to go to the school anymore.. My studying part is done.. no more weekend cramming and late night studying and stressful life. So far, life has been a breeze.. well kind of. Not having to study every night indeed is a big relief.

Working at ML has been a good experience. Watching cnbc news almost 8 hours a day has been a good exposure to the money world. I have also developed some real interest in the stock market world and I actually enjoy watching the tickers going up and down and have managed to learn a good amount of symbols... and yes, amongst all, I was heavily following the Ben Bernanke's act on cutting the Discount rate... All these(bonds, t-bills, yield, tax, allocation....) words that I once used to hate has now become my best friend.. (ALMOST)

Dame Anita Roddick, the great entrepenuer and a great leader passed away yesterday. I was shocked. It really was an unexpected news. She has been a true role model for many... including me. My parents used to tell us her story about how her family had migrated from Italy and had really worked hard to lead a good life in England. Anita and her husband Gordan, prior to starting their well renowned "Body Shop International" actually used to sell their product on the streets of England. Following her dream passionately, she came this far. Since my uncles back home are involved with the Body Shop, Anita herself had visited our factory in Nepal 7 times and had also come to our house in Nepal. I also remember my mum making me read one of her books which was truely inspirational. And now, knowing she is gone is hard to believe..... She will truly be remembered for her effort and her passion! Passion for helping the people with AIDS, supporting charity events, getting involved in domestic violence causes and so on.....

Though too short, and though we miss her, her’s was a life well lived. The world really needs people like Anita to encourage all the women around the world!!

The church bell is ringing.. I think it is time to say Adieu. I guess this one is going to be an abrupt ending!!!

last minute

One more day to go, then I am done with my School. However, rather than jumping up and down with joy... I am sad. I don't know why, but I am sad......... Life has taken some good turns, yet, I do not some how seem to be appreciating the fact. AND I have been reminded more than few times about this nature of mine.... Not a nice feeling when things do not get appreciated right.. :)

Anyways, I am in the library at the moment. Trying so very hard to study for the exam tomorrow... Regression Analysis, Chi square.. what not... and also writing a paper and studying for Marketing exam ..... and doing lot more other things as well..

I am tired. DEAD tired... I have already fallen asleep numerous times. However hard I try to keep myself awake, it does not work....I can only see nine lights from where I'm sitting. the computer in the next room is reflecting all over the ceiling and the door frame. the new call light is flashing red on the phone. it's amazing to me.

Now that the school is over, hopefully, I will be able to write more on this blog.

night..

almost done..

Do you know how high I'm feeling right now? in fact, I don't think my body can take it. I can feel the heat creeping up my spinal column into the medulla. i can feel my medulla… and I do not even know what it means!!!!.

Is that strange?

No drugs.Just the amount of coffee I have consumed in past couple of hours is innumerable. It seems non-stop… I need to revitalize by body which unfortunately, is so lethargic and energy less.

I am in the library and doing a research for the International Marketing Project which is due next week. I have two exams and on top of that, this 15 page paper. It is hard to foocus. It has been a long day. Tomorrow, we have a presentation in International Marketing class. Then, the Marketing Research assignment on Regression… which seems so difficult. Since, it is one of the important classes to have in future, I really wish , this class was offered during the fall or spring semester. I have learned a lot about SPSS, however, I wish I still had more itme to digest the information. The information keeps on accumulating in the brain and unfortunately, some of 'em don't even get time to get digested. Summer is simply too brutal.. It is non stop marathon and poor little brain can only take so much..Correct…

I was just thinking.. as I wanted to take a break from studies.. that :

The easiest people to love are the ones you've never met. They are without flaws, the embodiment of all that you find wonderful. Usually movie stars or musicians. at least in my experiences, anyway. the musicians are the best because you don't fall in love with the image of them. You fall for what they sing, how they do it, the idea of them. This sounds quite crazy does not it?!

That being said.. I am almost done with my school part of the MBA. Next week is the last week of school. Thursday, I have 2 finals, then I am doneeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Internship is going well. I am learning a lot.. Lots of S & P index and hedge funds. I even borrowed the book, “ A random walk down wall street…” let’s see where it will take me….

Better get back to studying!

Can't believe that it is already August now... I am been lagging behind a lottttt