The Pledge

Okay, so I have reached the other side of goodbye, and this is my first post from there. As anticipated, it is quite amazing out here in California, and though I miss India, I know I am going to have a blast here. It has been about two weeks since we moved, and we have already settled down quite a bit (the complete set up may take some more time, but the basic stuff is done.) We've got a nice apartment, the kitchen is all set, essential furniture has also been bought and assembled, we've got bikes for some mobility, have applied for SSN, and opened bank accounts. My husband has joined work and I am in the process of applying for my work permit. And we have started preparing for the driving license test. That was a quick update on where things are.

 

Now, everyone back home has been asking me how I am finding it here, since this is my first time in the US. Well, after having spent thirty one years in India, US is definitely a new world altogether. From assembling our own furniture to cooking and cleaning on our own instead of happily letting the maids take care of everything, lots of things have changed. Though the various equipments do make household chores more convenient, we are yet to get used to doing everything ourselves. And while I am enjoying learning new ways and eating food that I cook as of now, let's see how long that lasts. But that's not the only thing I have to get used to. The eerie quietness that surrounds me all day long gets to me sometimes, after the constant sound of life I was accustomed to in India. I suppose I will really start to like the silence in a few weeks, but as of now I whole heartedly welcome the sound of the Caltrain that passes by through one of the nearby tracks every few hours. Another thing that takes me totally by surprise even after two weeks here is when cars seem to stop miles away upon seeing me cross a road, unlike in India where at most places one has to brace oneself and bravely walk right in to the chaotic traffic. There are more cars than people to be seen on the roads here, and I almost squealed with delight when I saw a crowd at a farmer's market. My husband, who has been to the US several times in the past, seems to be quite amused by how I am adapting to this new life. It is all a lot of fun, and I am enjoying every bit of it. 

 

So that's the story so far. Now, I offer you a glimpse of what lies ahead. In an earlier post, I had talked about how my life was all set for a massive change. Well, the process has begun. As I wait for my work permit and my husband gets busy with his work, I will have ample time to do the things I have been longing to do for years. And if things go as per my plan, the work permit should only enable me to get paid for the things that I love doing. The next few months will be focused on finding some answers. And to ensure that I have some accountability, I would like to announce what I intend to accomplish in the next three months.

 

My Goals for the Next Three Months:

 

1. To take up and complete a course from Live Your Legend (more on this in a separate post)

2. To complete the first draft of a book I have been working on

3. To resume a regular habit of exercising – a combination of Zumba, walking, running, biking – one hour every day, 5 days a week

 

I have some smaller goals too, which I will talk about if the need arises. But for now, I take the pledge to stay true to the ones listed above. Wish me luck...I will need it on this new journey that I begin today!