Curious romantic

curious (adj): 

1. eager to know or learn something.

2. strange; unusual.

I am a curious child. And my curiosity is curious too. I am keen about everything. This curiosity usually translates into a series of non-sequitur questions. I piece together this theoretically unrelated information into a wholesome thought and come up with bizarre insights for myself.

I am a romantic. I quote love songs reflexively to describe my relationship. However, said relationship is one that I have with my career. They say you've met your soul-mate when spending time with them is an amalgam of fun, challenge and intrigue. You continually cross paths and fate is emphasizing the inevitability of being together. So yes, BME is my soul-mate. 

There have been times, I'm so confused. 

All my roads, they lead to you. 

I just can't turn and walk away.

-All for you, Sister Hazel

My first encounter with BME was serendipitous. It was a cold January morning about a decade ago. Weeks away from turning 17, my naivete met my mother's wisdom. Few hours before my Camras interview, she convinced me to switch my major from Aerospace Engineering to Biomedical Engineering. (So much for wanting to be a neurosurgeon in space!) Thus began an epic love affair.

Sifting through hundreds of lines of code and waking up to nightmares about cortex surfaces and magnets, I sometimes wonder about my sanity and my willingness to submit to this non-being. Am I really in love with something that doesn't breathe? How could this intangible entity have a soul? 

BME takes me on incomparable adventures. We're dancing through this never ending quest. We laugh at our missteps and turn the music on louder. We whisper to each other about scientific revelations and declare our love in high impact journals. Sometimes it keeps me up all night, and I face the morning tired, but happy.

I am a curious romantic. I question my lovely soul-mate. In the process of unearthing the great mysteries of the brain, I'm sometimes teased and sometimes surprised. After weeks of mulling over a question, when the answer is finally revealed, for a few moments I'm both amazed and contented. And then a new question is formed. While I'm interested in the answers to most questions in this world, the ones that truly make me happy are the ones to questions that keep me up at night, that make me forget the lyrics to my morning-shower song, that I'm obsessed with, that I know I can solve. 

Engineers love to solve problems. It is the core of our being. Perhaps that is what pulls me back to this whimsical field. My curiosity and my romanticism are intertwined in BME. And once again, I stand at the crossroads, curious if the road less traveled will still lead me to my fate.

 (I accept. I'll never be able to answer any of these!)

Candy Crush

Candy Crush saga is a metaphor for my life. And maybe yours.

This highly addictive game is so for a reason, I believe. It parallels real life in the palm of your hand. Perhaps the developers didn't intentionally embed important life allegories in this game. However, I am an over-analytic and I have figured out why I love this game. In addition to distracting me from the pains of erupting wisdom teeth, this game has taught me more about my life than I thought a game was capable of.

1. It gets more difficult with each level
Sometimes they decrease your moves. Or they time you (Damn those levels). But regardless of how it happens, rest assured that the next level will kick your butt. As with life, it only gets more complicated. I mean, who knew that as an adult I'd have to worry about more than buying candy in a bulk. Apparently paying for health insurance, mortgages, and telephone bills is a lot harder than getting over a hangover after a Saturday night of binge drinking. No one ever tells you that it gets easier. If they do, they lie!

2. There is a fair bit of luck involved
Don't you hate it when you're just one move away from getting that last jelly and you run out of moves? Yes, it happens about 18 times until you finally get multiple striped candies in the beginning and voila, you have completed this level with 27 moves left. So, the game just proceeds to award you the maximum number of points you could get if you continued. The whole "right place at the right time" thing is a recurring theme in life as well. And if that's not luck, I don't know what is.

3. Combining two awesome things is multiplicative
Striped candy + sprinkled chocolate = 'nuff said. I will refer to happy hour for this. Half off appetizers AND beer is not just twice as better as drink deals; it's infinitely better. Also, if your best gal pal happens to join you at this booze fest, its awesomeness can only be compared to that of striped candy + sprinkled chocolate.

4. It's not always as it seems
Remember when you thought chocolate was your solution to every problem? And then you came across Candy Crush which was evidence that it grows like a leech until it ruins your game. In real life, this is equivalent to getting addicted to a new TV show. You think it's not bad for you, but then you realize it is 4 am on a Tuesday and you still have 3 more episodes to close off this season of Game of thrones.

5. You don't know how it ends
I am on level 86 and I have been playing for about 4 months. It definitely goes beyond level 136. However, I have no idea how this will end. Maybe I will give up one day. Or my friends will stop helping me out with tickets. Or facebook will blow up. You know, like real life?

LeBron Who?

I hate LeBron James. And it's not just because I am bitter about the Bulls being out of the playoffs (which I totally am, btw). My hatred for LeBron is justified and I intend to explain why. 

1) Arrogance
“I’m in a different place than other people,” he says. “That’s O.K. I understand. I was chosen for this. It’s my gift. It’s my responsibility.” Funny, I don't recall J.K. Rowling writing about you, Mr. James. Nor do I remember you playing Neo in the Matrix. However, this is evidence of your arrogance. Note, if you have to keep emphasizing how humbled you are, it really isn't an expression of your humility.

Also, when asked why his Nike shoe was more expensive than Kobe's, he said, "Because it's LeBron's shoe. It is, it's got my name on it.'' And therefore, it's just supposed to be better. Simple logic, folks!

2) The Decision 
While this show raised millions for charity, it was a joke on pro-basketball. Since his arrival in the NBA, LeBron has allowed himself to play a pawn to media's shenanigans. This was another overly hyped display of his pompousness that was exploited by the media. At this point, I would also like to mention that LeBron James is an unreliable and selfish soul. "I don’t want to go "Ring - Chasing" as I call it, you know. Going to a team that’s already pretty established and trying to win a ring with them. I want to stay with the Cavs and build a champion." He said this shortly before switching to his hand-picked team with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. I wonder why the Big-3 mattered?

3) The Fans

I suppose the fans usually have little to do with the celebrity. However, James loves the attention and feeds this maniacal nonsense. I believe most Heat fans are band-wagoners. Were you all Heat fans before 2010? Also, I can't get the picture of the unnaturally orange Miami housewife flipping off Noah out of my head.

4) Sore loser
He stormed off the court in an epic gesture after a loss against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 playoffs. He made public statements regarding technical fouls and refused to shake hands with any of the players after the super-streak was halted by the Bulls this season. 

5) James vs. Jordan

He is NOT better than Michael Jordan. Stop making up statistics. End of discussion!

Despite of all this, the Bulls snapped the Heat's 27-game winning streak and won Game 1 of the playoffs with bench players. And that is why I will sleep soundly tonight.

Stand Tall

There are two major life lessons I've learned in grad school: Write with conviction and stand tall.

If you are a 20-something year old Indian girl, chances are you are married, engaged, in-a-committed relationship or on the search for "the one" with an online dating profile. Clearly, you just cannot move on in your life until you've found your better half.  Let's face it, without a man next to you, you’re pretty insignificant.

Oh, you just got your doctorate? Well, that's nice, but it ain't a diamond ring. You just went to Ireland?  Was it for your honeymoon? No? Well, it couldn't have been that exciting then. You just bought yourself a convertible?  Is it nicer than the Porsche my hubby got me last Christmas?  That's okay, someday, you too will find love.

I have an online dating profile. No, I'm not ashamed to admit that, because it's both an entertaining and a learning experience. And because I don't take myself (or anyone else for that matter) seriously, it's an intriguing experience. It's a rocky ride through cheesy pick-up lines and a myriad of 2-week text relationships. At some point, I intend on writing a book titled, Creepazoid Chronicles.

Normally, I don't attempt to acquaint myself with someone based on just their looks and profession. There is also the personality factor: comfort level, sense of humor, worldly knowledge, etc. However, in the digital dating world, this is secondary. First judgment call is made on a rather shallow basis. This has allowed me to peek into the lives of people that I do not understand and quite frankly, people who disgust me.

Last weekend, I received an email (Note, initial interest was sent by them):

"Thank you for accepting our interest.  However, after further evaluation, we believe you would be unsuitable for our son. As you are pursuing a PhD, you will be quite career focused. But we are looking for someone who would instead support our son in his career since he is a doctor."

I hope this email angers you.  But then pause for a moment and laugh with me at the absurdity of this note.  I was just rejected from the position of wife-of-doctor for being too ambitious. When I shared this with my mom, she rolled her eyes and said, “Maybe I did raise you with too much freedom."

But did she?  She raised me to be passionate. She raised me to be independent (that's right, I don't exactly NEED a man unless I'm attending some Indian event). She allowed me to pursue my dreams. She encouraged me to travel and read and experience the world; Not just the picture painted by our "community", but the real world without stereotypes and self-imposed limitations. She raised me to believe that I can change the world.

So, I start now.  I write with conviction.  I stand tall!

(Mom, clearly I've met the love of my life!)

My tryst with Milwaukee: A cheesy love affair!

Dear Chicago,

I have been cheating on you. It started unexpectedly with a one-night stand. But then, it kept calling me and I was drawn by its quaint charm. It doesn't mean I love you any less, but I am slowly falling for this city, Milwaukee.

I was in denial for a while. Especially because Milwaukee is unlike any other place I have called home. It's not a big city like you or a jungle like Ithaca. It's not all hustle-bustle like NYC or chic and political like DC. And yet, I have found unusual comfort here.

I visited you last weekend. I thought I was home. And I was. But a little part of me longed for the quiet of my lab and my annoyingly slow internet. I wondered what junk food dinner entree I was trading in for this lovely deep-dish. While the whole experience was exactly what I needed to exhilarate myself, it felt less than homely. I felt an unrelenting pull towards Milwaukee.

Perhaps it is the familiar lake front. Or the frozen custard at Leon's and cheap (yet amazing) beer at Hollander. Maybe it is the lack of traffic on I-94 and the ridiculously low sales tax. Or it could be the scenic drive next to Miller Park. Possibly, it is the creepy Russians at New Yorker. Or my recent obsession with home-brewing. But most of all, I am intrigued by the unpredictability of this state I once stereotyped. Did you know rednecks existed in the North? (Apparently, they live in the nooks of northern Wisconsin.) Or that the Walgreens I shop at is the oldest in the world?

I didn't realize how far this fling had come along. I was referred to as the "official Milwaukee google" by a friend yesterday. I don't think I'm google-worthy yet. However, this relationship definitely escalated beyond my expectations. My summer plans include Summerfest, Jazzfest and trips to Door county and Devil's lake. I convinced my buddy to have a meal of cheese curds and spotted cow. I bought an $11 block of chocolate fudge cheese just because I wanted to.

A few months ago, I wrote about some of the most influential songs in my life (Musical Reality). I credited Milwaukee for Home by Philip Phillips. I am intimate with the unfamiliar road. I hate this city usually. But sometimes I have bouts of love. It is rather unceremonious. But isn't that the epitome of a relationship after all?

Chicago, I am not breaking up with you. But let's just say we're on a break. You are my soulmate, yes. But Milwaukee is the hot guy that I want to seduce right now.

Love,
YP

I do

"I can't believe they're dating. Well, I'm really happy for them," I ended the conversation and turned off the landline as my mother walked into my room. She sat on my bed and stared at me as I continued working on my Physics problem set. "Who started dating?" she asked. "Oh, just two of my friends. I played soccer with them," I replied nonchalantly without even looking up. "You played soccer with both of them? They're both girls?" my mother gasped. "Yeah, so?" I asked rhetorically.

It was a rhetorical question ten years ago and it is rhetorical even now. Thankfully, my mother's views evolved. However, it seems that corners of our society have remained resolute in their ignorance. I must say that I am appalled by the incredible support of Proposition 8 and DOMA. I believe that everyone's opinions are respectable. However, I also recognize that the innate nature of rights makes them universal. They should not be voted upon just because some people cannot comprehend the happiness of others. 

But let's play their game for now and allow them to present their arguments logically. Every point is eventually backed up by science or by religion. I am ready to fight them on both of those counts. And unlike Paul Clement, I'll try not to circumvent what was laid out in 1996.

Let's tackle science first. One major argument from the supporters has been that it is "unnatural" since sex between two individuals of the same gender is not a tool for procreation. However, science argues that sex (gay or straight) has other advantages. According to zoologists, over 1500 mammalian species engage in homosexual behavior. In some species, sex is used to resolve violent conflicts. Imagine that! It's like the entire animal kingdom is still enjoying the freedom of the sixties era and yet we have chosen to regress and deem this behavior bizarre. 

Next up, religion. Yes, this began as a moral argument. 

“It is inherently wrong and harmful individual’s families and societies,” former Rep. David Funderburk 

“An attack on God’s principles,” former Rep. Steve Buyer

“The flames of self-centered morality are licking at the very foundations of our society—the family unit,” former Rep. Bob Barr

It is apparent that the supporters of DOMA are mainly using the religious shield. So I quote, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."- Corinthians 4:5, King James Bible. 

I think it is pretty clearly stated in here to NOT judge as this is an action reserved for God. So really, even from a religious point of view, bigotry is untolerated. Religion is for the people; People are NOT for the religion. Let the thoughts of religion make you more compassionate and loving instead of hateful and dogmatic. 

My two friends from high-school are now engaged to each other. While many relationships fizzled away when factors like long-distance were introduced, theirs passed the test of time and stood strong. That is true love.

samo 'ham sarva-bhutesu 

na me dvesyo 'sti na priyah 

ye bhajanti tu mam bhaktya 

mayi te tesu capy aham

I am the same to all creatures; I know not hatred nor favor; but those who serve me with love dwell in me and I in them. (Bhagvad Gita, Ch. 9, verse 32)

Montreal Diaries

Day 1: Sunday, Feb 17th

I never thought I would chronicle my Montreal adventures. Visiting a new city has become routine for me and usually the pictures speak for themselves. However, being in Montreal is like being in a foreign country. Oh wait, it is a foreign country. While I've considered Canada to be an extension of the United States with people that use the metric system and pronounce their z's as zed, Montreal has been evidence of how different this country really is. Also, my hands would rather stay in the warmth of my mittens than take photos of this picturesque city. It's really cold. The temperatures aren't unfamiliar for a Chicagoan, but something about the air makes the cold wind pierce through your skin like tiny daggers.

Now that I've established my rationale, (Damn PhD, what are you doing to me?) I can report the happenings of my first day here. I landed in Montreal around 3:30 pm local time. Immediately, I was greeted  by this amusing fixture (see below) in the ladies washroom at the airport.

Next, I tried to decipher the broken English+French directions to take the 747 express to my B&B. The lady said it was a 10-minute walk. She couldn't be more wrong. With my backpack+laptop+carry-on, it took me about 25 minutes uphill to get to my temporary abode. All my anger for the inaccurate airport lady and the numerous rude strangers who refused to give me directions vanished when I saw the cozy little place I am staying at. Yes folks, it is a castle. And my room has a balcony. If I still had long hair, I'd totally play Rapunzel.

I dropped off my stuff and changed out of my travel clothes for a quick walk around the neighborhood. I must admit, the McGill campus is beautiful. When I returned, I got some more information from the concierge on nearby attractions and Montreal must-sees. Apparently, public transit is a fairly convenient way to explore the city. I boarded the 24 to meet up with a friend for dinner at 3 amigos on St. Catherine. The bus driver, Fablese, spoke only French. However, he was extremely helpful and patiently waited as I sabotaged the street names to describe exactly where I wanted to go. Lucky for me, while returning later in the night, he was making his rounds back!

At 3 amigos, there was a huge line. When our food and drinks came, we knew exactly why. The strawberry-mango margarita was amazing (and ginormous). After an hour of binge eating and gossiping, we called it a night.

Thus ended Day 1. But the adventures are just beginning. Stay tuned for Day 2...

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