1. The birds and the bees. Need I say more? This is the single biggest reason for India's huge population.
2. The fact that I can speak freely to girls whom I don't know, or any girl for that matter, without stammereing or simply passing out in front of them. This was a great boost to my self-esteem. Having studied in a boys' school, my contact with the fairer sex was minimal before joining college.
3. Computer Engineers are not the only people in the world who have a bright future. If anything, most of them don't do anything significant at all. When I was in Class 6 or so, everyone wanted to be a Computer Engineer, left, right and centre. Thankfully, I came to my senses well in time. (My friends in CSE, don't take it otherwise. I have nothing against CSE as such, just that I am not suited for it.)
4. Something which is disconcerting when you are using a western style latrine - 'It is not possible to shit without pissing too.' (True for most healthy males. Too shy to get the female version on the issue.)
5. All Rajasthanis are not Marwaris, something I had a misconception about in primary school. On a related issue, my friends in college will do well to realize that not everyone who lives in Bengal is a Bengali. Avi a.k.a. 'Bangali' will vouch for it.
6. There are people in this world who have never eaten and probably never will eat chicken. They have missed out on one of the most wonderful joys life on Earth has to offer.
7. I can write decently, although this blog isn't a very good representation of the fact.
8. Skill and abilities won't get you anywhere if you can't think straight and work towards success. Learnt it the hard way.
9. Friends are the most valuable asset anyone can have. At the same time, you need to learn to say "no" sometimes.
10. The fact that the easiest part of life is the one that I have just lived. The actual challenges lie ahead.
Early in this millenium was when I had just entered my teenage, which is considered the time when you learn the most about the nuances of lifes and is generally the age when you tend to get into the most amount of trouble, some childish, others foolish. These days will never come back but the memories will remain forever. As we step into the new decade, there are some things I look forward to:
1. As Murgi pointed out very correctly, this is the decade which could see me find love and perhaps get married too. You never know, stranger things have happened in the past.
2. I would also like to think that in a couple of years, I shall be earning my livelihood too and basically taking control of my life. That would be interesting.
3. I hope to travel to new locations and view various cultures first hand. However, I am positive about returning to India no matter what.
4. I shall need to be a lot more expressive and show more emotions. Otherwise people will continue perceiving me as someone who doesn't care for them or about anything. This is going to be a major challenge.
5. A major aim is to learn how to cook especially how to cook chicken.
So as the clock ticks over to about 11:30 p.m. (there is still half an hour to go before 2010 starts), I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and a fun-filled decade ahead.
