Welcome to the Real World

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I am spending a large portion of my free time at work trying to keep up with the US election. I read the global page of the Times of India and watch you-tube clips of the DNC. Tomorrow night, I'm attending a viewing of Barack's Acceptance speech at a sushi restuarant hosted by "Democrats Abroad." I think it should be interesting.
On other news, the mouse bit my toe the other night in my sleep. I woke up screaming and ran to the living room to jump on the couch in waiting. I threw on Maelle's shoes and ran upstairs to Ravi's place.
"He's back?" Ravi said laughing.
"Yes and this time he is hungry."
So we have a new account, Toyota. Surprisingly, I now have the opportunity to rehearse the Japanese I picked up during my spring break to Tokyo. The account has also piled on the pressure for all of us. It seems that this week is equivalent to hell week back in college - the week before finals that tested every level of our patience and concentration. We not only have this car launch next week, but also media one-on-one sessions for the laundry launch, and a webcasted press conference for an Indian policing website.
I am to catch the metro tomorrow morning to meet my boss at a new client's office. The new client deals in high-end French suiting and his competitors are the likes of Versache and Donna Karen. I fear I'll be badly underdressed. Unfortuntely, many of the clothes I traveled with have torn and fallen apart due to the beating they are getting from our new housekeeper. I mean, it's all right - I didn't travel with much - and as my trip is nearing to its final weeks, I don't need much.
Gemma left last night and we said goodbye over South Indian food in Hauz Khas Village. When I arrived home, our power was out so I took the autorickshaw over to Pauline's apartment where we watched The Devil Wears Prada and had a sleepover. Pauline will be here through Christmas and sometimes gets quiet when Maelle and I discuss our fairwell dinner. I think she's a bit afraid to be left alone without us, but India is such an easy place to make friends. I have found it to be very warm and inviting despite a few minor hassles I've encountered.
I heard from Prashant the other night as well. He informed me this Jyotsna is doing well in school and Heyma is spending a week in Agra on behalf of an NGO project. I can imagine her homesickness. Heyma used to tell me that once her friends wanted to depart on a weekend trip and she was missing her family most of the time. I believe Pauline and Maelle are leaving for Varanassi this weekend so it is probabaly a good time for me to stop by Prashant's home one last time and have some much missed Punjabi Macaronni.
There is no off this Saturday so I'll be here at the office preparing for the events. Then just two more weeks, and I'm home.

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Comments

[Jim Bright]

Your latest update
Glad you’re trying to keep up on the 2008 U.S. election campaign. Be glad you’re in India, trying to keep up with the U.S. campaign, instead of being here trying to keep up with what’s happening in India. As we both know, most U.S. media seem to “tune out” on the rest of the world. Glad to read that you’re able to practice your Japanese with your Toyota clients. Remember: “Ohio gozaimasu!” (Good morning!) “Konichiwa!” (Good afternoon.) “Konbonwah!” (Good evening) “Arigato!” (Thanks!) “Hajime mashite!” (Good to meet you) followed by “Dozo yoroshiu” (Please be nice to me. I’m glad you’re finding it easy to make friends in India. Of course, you make friends easily anywhere! Classes start here Sept. 2. Look forward to hearing more about your final days in India. - Jim P.S. -- Sounds like that mouse is one hungry sumb#$ch! (That's Texan talk!)