I'm sorry I’ve been such a delinquent blogger! I apologize for the lack of posts; I’ve been busy over the last couple weeks with, get this, work. But I promise you posts – quality posts, even! – Very soon.
My emotions have been all over the place lately. I’m not really sure why, though I think it’s probably due to a lot of different factors I’m also sure I’ve been worrying about my life lately – about this seeming lack of control I have over its direction. Now when I look back ,I believe this one year has given enough foundations to make a strong building upon ...One thing is sure

That time will tell,
If I fail,
The brightest ring around the moon
Will darken, when I die :)

The last two birthdays I have spent without my parents. I was consumed by an overwhelming fear that I didn’t know how to be an adult. I was turning 22, and though my life appeared grown-up , on the inside I felt like a trembling, terrified child unsure how to do even the most basic things on his own: manage life, make important choices such was my grooming.

I was petrified that I would never learn how to do these things, how to really depend on no one else but me. But the mere thought of figuring it all out had me frozen. I didn't even know where to begin. I thought that living in DC would automatically "grow me up", and in many respects it did -- I learned to trust myself more, became more self-assured, how to be a productive person, as well as the art of assertiveness -- but in many other arenas, I was still very much the same little boy who turned to his family for everything.

I panicked at the very notion of losing my parents because of how agonizing I felt life would prove without them -- two of my best friends and most loving, unconditional support systems -- but also because without them, I feared I would be rendered helpless. Who, besides me, would take care of me? Have my best interest at heart? Want what’s best for me? Because, let’s face it: everyone’s out for themselves. And our parents really are the only people in the world who are willing, happy even, to put our needs before their own. And I have very much seen this in this short time in DC.

I'm not quite sure where all the years have gone – I truly feel like I blinked my eyes and ten years passed – or that I've officially entered the defining phase of my life-- early years of my 20's, but with each passing birthday I find that life, even with its hardships, keeps getting sweeter. It also makes me take stock of my wonderful family and friends, and I feel incredibly blessed to have you all in my life even though they are far away from me right now.

Thank you, all for the wonderful birthday wishes! I appreciate them with all my heart. I had a really great birthday weekend. It's that time of year again...time to consume mass quantities of alcohol in a desperate attempt to forget I'm turning another year older. Or, maybe just to have fun and celebrate.

Thursday, the sweetest moment came from my fellow friends here in DC as they had planned a surprise birthday bonanza for me. And how can someone miss the innings played by Yuvraaj against England on the very same day, it was a treat to watch. Me being such a big cricket lover, I think God had planned this out for me. But it was on the cards as he was not even picked up for the test squad against Australia. Friday, my actual birthday, I woke up bright and early no sooner than 1.00PM from the nights hang over and there were other surprises in the pipeline. Celebrations of my birthday back in my home land …that to via video conferencing and also the small Padh Family residing in DC throwing a great party the next day by inviting everyone.It was that time of the day I missed my dear ones the most. I had never expected such a big enthusiasm. I would like to thank --Bansari for lending her laptop,Padh's@ GWU Alumni for the post birthday surprise and making these days a more memorable ones.

As in my 22nd and all those that came before, during my 23rd year, there will be changes. I know this. Some will be small, others large, but the various facets of my life - career, love, friendship, home, family, hobby, health, etc. - will undoubtedly shift. And with that will come deeper understanding of self in relation to myself, you and the world that surrounds me.

So, as I begin yet another dynamic year in this world. Everything is up in the air for me right now, and I have a feeling both the anxiety and thrill of being at such a juncture of my life. I am anxious because not only am I not certain which paths I should follow, I don't even know what the paths are - what they look like, where they lead, whether they're long or short, bumpy or smooth. But at the same time, I find this exhilarating. I am ready to hop on a trail and choose my adventure.