It has been almost 3 years since I graduated from MTU and about the same amount of time since I have played cricket. I was really excited after moving to Columbus since they have a cricket league here with about 9 teams in the league. Today was my first day of practice with my 'New Team' (has some of my old friends from Tech). It actually did not go that well I was really rusty and I pretty much figured that I need a lot of practice to get better at it again. But still have some more time before the actual games start.
Another thing we are both excited about is that my Dad finally got his visa and my parents are planning to visit us this summer. My sister hopefully will also be able to come to Columbus over the 4th of July weekend. Also, Mandy's parents will be visiting us sometime this summer. So should be a fun and busy summer.
-Abhay
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Unpacking, more leaks, and Bocce!
It's been another busy weekend...
Saturday we spent the grand majority of the day unpacking (again!) But we're almost done, only the spare room left to go. Our apartment is finally starting to feel more like home. We also took some time to relax...slept in, went out for lunch at an Indian restaurant, took a nap, and watched a movie.
We had another leak issue in our apartment. This time it was our hot water heater leaking into the apartment below us. The clueless maintenance guys didn't figure out it was the hot water heater until they ripped out walls, and part of the floor today. It was a bit of a frustrating morning and early afternoon. But we're happy it got figured out and it wasn't leaking into OUR apartment. But on the plus side, this week we get a new hot water heater and a dishwasher.
This afternoon we met up with some friends for an afternoon at Brown County State Park. Abhay went to Michigan Tech with these guys. It's nice to have some built-in friends. It was a beautiful afternoon, and a gorgeous park. It reminded Abhay and I so much of Itasca State Park back home. We had lots of good snacks, great conversation, and an awesome game of Bocce Ball. (which Abhay and I introduced to everyone. ) It was the best time we've had since moving here!
--Mandy
At Brown County State Park
Preeti, Param, Uncle, Auntie (Suresh's Parents), Suresh, Shailesh, Sangram, Abhay, ME :)
Saturday we spent the grand majority of the day unpacking (again!) But we're almost done, only the spare room left to go. Our apartment is finally starting to feel more like home. We also took some time to relax...slept in, went out for lunch at an Indian restaurant, took a nap, and watched a movie.
We had another leak issue in our apartment. This time it was our hot water heater leaking into the apartment below us. The clueless maintenance guys didn't figure out it was the hot water heater until they ripped out walls, and part of the floor today. It was a bit of a frustrating morning and early afternoon. But we're happy it got figured out and it wasn't leaking into OUR apartment. But on the plus side, this week we get a new hot water heater and a dishwasher.
This afternoon we met up with some friends for an afternoon at Brown County State Park. Abhay went to Michigan Tech with these guys. It's nice to have some built-in friends. It was a beautiful afternoon, and a gorgeous park. It reminded Abhay and I so much of Itasca State Park back home. We had lots of good snacks, great conversation, and an awesome game of Bocce Ball. (which Abhay and I introduced to everyone. ) It was the best time we've had since moving here!
--Mandy
At Brown County State ParkPreeti, Param, Uncle, Auntie (Suresh's Parents), Suresh, Shailesh, Sangram, Abhay, ME :)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
We're in the South....
Before moving to Indiana I don't think either of us realized we'd be living in the south. When I say south I mean southern living styles and customs. We both knew full well where Columbus was located, 90 miles from Louisville, Kentucky...but it just never connected to me. I assumed it would be like Ohio, or Michigan here. Not so much.
Everyone here speaks in southern drawls. Ones that have lived here their whole lives have even bigger accents. Everyone says yes hun, thanks hun. Every radio station, besides two, are country stations (one classic rock...and one top-40 80's mix...guess which one I listen to). The serve biscuits and sweet tea where you go. There are many bbq restaurants in this town of 40,000 people. Men open up doors for women. People shake hand with one another. There are "hick guys" with "hick trucks." I could go on and on...
The clincher happened last night while Abhay and I were out for dinner. All of a sudden, in the middle of a very busy Friday evening, the restaurant staff stopped what they were doing and started line dancing to a Terri Clark song. Right in the middle of the restaurant. And it was organized.
By saying all these things, I'm not saying they are all bad. Just different. Very different from what both of us are used to.
--Mandy
Everyone here speaks in southern drawls. Ones that have lived here their whole lives have even bigger accents. Everyone says yes hun, thanks hun. Every radio station, besides two, are country stations (one classic rock...and one top-40 80's mix...guess which one I listen to). The serve biscuits and sweet tea where you go. There are many bbq restaurants in this town of 40,000 people. Men open up doors for women. People shake hand with one another. There are "hick guys" with "hick trucks." I could go on and on...
The clincher happened last night while Abhay and I were out for dinner. All of a sudden, in the middle of a very busy Friday evening, the restaurant staff stopped what they were doing and started line dancing to a Terri Clark song. Right in the middle of the restaurant. And it was organized.
By saying all these things, I'm not saying they are all bad. Just different. Very different from what both of us are used to.
--Mandy
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
American Idol--Top 5
The American Idol top 5 finalist have been decided. Who are you rootin' for?
Since the very beginning I've been a huge fan of David Archuleta. That boy can s-i-n-g! And he's only 17, still a baby. Amazing voice.
David Cook has been creeping up to the top of my list too. I was taken when he did the cover of Lionel Richie's Hello. The guy can turn anything into a rock song... and make it sound like that the way the song was composed.
So basically, I will be thrilled if either David wins. :)
How about you??
(sorry to our readers in India and those not interested in AI)
--Mandy
Since the very beginning I've been a huge fan of David Archuleta. That boy can s-i-n-g! And he's only 17, still a baby. Amazing voice.
David Cook has been creeping up to the top of my list too. I was taken when he did the cover of Lionel Richie's Hello. The guy can turn anything into a rock song... and make it sound like that the way the song was composed.
So basically, I will be thrilled if either David wins. :)
How about you??
(sorry to our readers in India and those not interested in AI)
--Mandy
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Day after the disasters
As most of you know, we moved into our new apartment on Friday and after we had a disaster with our washer. We were delivered a new washer on Saturday morning and this time there were no leaks in the tub and the washer runs fine and has been running continuously today, so we can catch up with all the laundry that we have to do.
On Saturday we were also invited to one of my friends first wedding anniversary in Chicago. Since the had not had a wedding reception in the US (his wife's family is from Chicago). They decided to have a combined first anniversary and reception. Mandy got to meet some of my Michigan Tech friends for the first time. Here are some pictures from the party. It was a full blown Punjabi party and had all kinds of good food, dancing, music....basically all around fun.
On Saturday we were also invited to one of my friends first wedding anniversary in Chicago. Since the had not had a wedding reception in the US (his wife's family is from Chicago). They decided to have a combined first anniversary and reception. Mandy got to meet some of my Michigan Tech friends for the first time. Here are some pictures from the party. It was a full blown Punjabi party and had all kinds of good food, dancing, music....basically all around fun.
Venga & Me
Shetal, Shiva, Ajit, Venga, Me and Mandy
Friday, April 18, 2008
Two Natural Disasters in ONE day
Number 1: An Earthquake
It happened at about 5:30am this morning. But as per usual Abhay and I were both dead to the world sleeping and totally missed it. Bummer!! It was only a 5. something....so nothing TOO bad. But it was the "talk of the town" all day today. Apparently there was an aftershock as well at around 11am. I didn't feel that either. But then again, I was in a room with 8 infants. Hard to hear or feel anything other than them!
Number 2: A Flood
Abhay and I just purchased a new washer and dryer and it was delivered and hooked up today. We got home after having dinner and running a few errands, and I threw in a load of clothes. Much to my shock I looked down and there was water everywhere...and it kept on leaking for about a half hour. We are assuming there is a leak in the tub. DANDY. So tomorrow, at 8:30 am Menards will be delivering us a new washer.
A few of you may remember the huge flood we had when we moved into our townhouse in TRF. I guess wherever we go, we have problems with water leaking everywhere. Uffff!
We're headed to Chicago tomorrow afternoon for a anniversary party. Let's hope there's no major disasters...:)
It happened at about 5:30am this morning. But as per usual Abhay and I were both dead to the world sleeping and totally missed it. Bummer!! It was only a 5. something....so nothing TOO bad. But it was the "talk of the town" all day today. Apparently there was an aftershock as well at around 11am. I didn't feel that either. But then again, I was in a room with 8 infants. Hard to hear or feel anything other than them!
Number 2: A Flood
Abhay and I just purchased a new washer and dryer and it was delivered and hooked up today. We got home after having dinner and running a few errands, and I threw in a load of clothes. Much to my shock I looked down and there was water everywhere...and it kept on leaking for about a half hour. We are assuming there is a leak in the tub. DANDY. So tomorrow, at 8:30 am Menards will be delivering us a new washer.
(Here's Abhay with the mess)
A few of you may remember the huge flood we had when we moved into our townhouse in TRF. I guess wherever we go, we have problems with water leaking everywhere. Uffff!
We're headed to Chicago tomorrow afternoon for a anniversary party. Let's hope there's no major disasters...:)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Finally!
Today we signed a 6 month lease for our new apartment!
It's a nice place. Very nice. It's 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom. It's almost 1000 square feet. The best part about it is the gorgeous view we have from our patio. It overlooks a pond with a fountain in the middle. It's peaceful and serene.
All of our stuff will be delivered tomorrow (as will our first "new house" purchase a washer and dryer. woooooo!!!). We are both SO looking forward to having all of our stuff again. It will be interesting to see if it all fits in the apartment. EEEKK! Abhay has taken the day off to "officiate" everything. :)
This living situation is only short term. We are keeping our eyes and ears open for that perfect house to purchase. We wanted to get to know the area before jumping the gun and buying a place. We both think it's a smart move to hold off a bit. We've already met with a realtor to help us along... We'll see what happens.
--Mandy
It's a nice place. Very nice. It's 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom. It's almost 1000 square feet. The best part about it is the gorgeous view we have from our patio. It overlooks a pond with a fountain in the middle. It's peaceful and serene.
All of our stuff will be delivered tomorrow (as will our first "new house" purchase a washer and dryer. woooooo!!!). We are both SO looking forward to having all of our stuff again. It will be interesting to see if it all fits in the apartment. EEEKK! Abhay has taken the day off to "officiate" everything. :)
This living situation is only short term. We are keeping our eyes and ears open for that perfect house to purchase. We wanted to get to know the area before jumping the gun and buying a place. We both think it's a smart move to hold off a bit. We've already met with a realtor to help us along... We'll see what happens.
--Mandy
Monday, April 14, 2008
Deadliest Catch
Tomorrow night is the night we've been waiting months for.
The new season of DEADLIEST CATCH starts tomorrow night on the Discovery channel.
Anyone as obsessed with it like we are? Don't ask me why, but it's so darn addicting. Who would have thought guys on big boats catching things in pots and nets would be so interesting??
Can't wait!!!
The new season of DEADLIEST CATCH starts tomorrow night on the Discovery channel.
Anyone as obsessed with it like we are? Don't ask me why, but it's so darn addicting. Who would have thought guys on big boats catching things in pots and nets would be so interesting??
Can't wait!!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Weekend
This weekend we decided to go do some shopping. We drove to this huge outlet mall at Edinburgh, IN. Even though it is a different town it is only a 10 minute drive on the interstate for us. The outlet mall has about 80 different stores. Nike, Adidas, Bose, Coach (which Mandy drooled over), Nautica, Tommy Hillfiger, Gap, etc.., just to name a few. I think we spent the most time in a kitchen store called The Gourmet Chef. Probably one of the coolest kitchen store we have been to.
Saturday night we went to the movies to watch 21. It is a really cool movie and it is based on a true story. It is about these MIT kids who "CHEAT (Count Cards)" in Blackjack and win loads of money at various Vegas casinos. Check it out.
Sunday was spent relaxing at home and getting ready for the next week. We are both excited to get all of our stuff back and setup our new apartment next weekend.
--Abhay
Saturday night we went to the movies to watch 21. It is a really cool movie and it is based on a true story. It is about these MIT kids who "CHEAT (Count Cards)" in Blackjack and win loads of money at various Vegas casinos. Check it out.
Sunday was spent relaxing at home and getting ready for the next week. We are both excited to get all of our stuff back and setup our new apartment next weekend.
--Abhay
Friday, April 11, 2008
A peek at Columbus
Here are a few pictures from Columbus....
North Christian Church (gorgeous inside and out)
Daffodils and Magnolia Trees in full bloom
The bridge into downtown
County Courthouse
North Christian Church (gorgeous inside and out)
Daffodils and Magnolia Trees in full bloom
The bridge into downtown
County CourthouseThursday, April 10, 2008
Subscribe to us
Oh, and I forgot to mention something in my previous post...
I've added a little thing that allows you to subscribe to our blog. (Thanks for the idea Brad and Michelle) You will be emailed when we post a new blog. Subscribe if you'd like! Make sure you respond to the email that will be sent to you to confirm your subscription.
Toodles.
I've added a little thing that allows you to subscribe to our blog. (Thanks for the idea Brad and Michelle) You will be emailed when we post a new blog. Subscribe if you'd like! Make sure you respond to the email that will be sent to you to confirm your subscription.
Toodles.
Our trip to the Asian store...
We made a little trip to the Asian store tonight so Abhay could check out what types of Indian things they carry. It may sound odd to some of you, but most Asian stores carry products from India as well. We're used to a store in Grand Forks, with 2 dinky aisles of Indian stuff.
We were both very surprised to see that the Asian store here in Columbus carries mostly Indian stuff. (And a lot of it at that) Well, not a HUGE surprise because there is a quite large Indian population here. Abhay was in heaven, he got tuns of stuff. I found all the yummy treats that I like from India (chocolate biscuits, all sorts of cookies, kulfi, and Thumbs Up cola) . We also bought some Chinese coffee wafers, that are totally delish!
The coolest thing is that the lady that owns this store has a large collection of Hindi and Bollywood movies that she lends out to customers for free. FRRRREEEE!!You don't find that kind of trust and kindness very often. We were both shocked and appreciative. We, of course, selected a movie to watch over the weekend.
It just goes to show, kindness of strangers is so nice to experience. And finding yummy Indian food is good too. :)
--Mandy
We were both very surprised to see that the Asian store here in Columbus carries mostly Indian stuff. (And a lot of it at that) Well, not a HUGE surprise because there is a quite large Indian population here. Abhay was in heaven, he got tuns of stuff. I found all the yummy treats that I like from India (chocolate biscuits, all sorts of cookies, kulfi, and Thumbs Up cola) . We also bought some Chinese coffee wafers, that are totally delish!
The coolest thing is that the lady that owns this store has a large collection of Hindi and Bollywood movies that she lends out to customers for free. FRRRREEEE!!You don't find that kind of trust and kindness very often. We were both shocked and appreciative. We, of course, selected a movie to watch over the weekend.
It just goes to show, kindness of strangers is so nice to experience. And finding yummy Indian food is good too. :)
--Mandy
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Minnesoooooota.
It cracks me up when people here say to me, "Oh I can tell you are from Minnesota from your accent" in their southern drawl. I don't have an accent, Indiana people do!! Geez Louise.
--Mandy
--Mandy
Monday, April 7, 2008
First day at work
So, as most of you know that both I and Mandy started our new jobs today. For me it wasn't that eventful. Met a lot of people in the morning (forgot most of the names but it takes time). My boss also took me around and we do have some really cool stuff. The afternoon was like a typical first day and didn't have much. At least I know what my first project will be and it starts on Thursday. Another surprise was people here know about Arctic Cat and I met three who own Arctic Cat ATV's
For Mandy it was the same thing she had a lot of reading to do, movies to watch etc... Typical first day. But she gets to be with the kids from tomorrow.
Ohhh!! before I forget. For all those people who got snow. I and Mandy went for a walk today around the apartment complex and it was a wonderful 70F.
-Abhay
For Mandy it was the same thing she had a lot of reading to do, movies to watch etc... Typical first day. But she gets to be with the kids from tomorrow.
Ohhh!! before I forget. For all those people who got snow. I and Mandy went for a walk today around the apartment complex and it was a wonderful 70F.
-Abhay
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Why Indiana?
Some of you may be asking, Why Indiana?? Well, here's why!
Abhay and I moved to Columbus, Indiana this past week. We moved for a great new job opportunity for Abhay. He will be starting his new position as Project Engineer at Emcon Technologies tomorrow. He will be doing NVH work like he was at Arctic Cat, just this time around he will be working on cars, vans, trucks, SUV. This new job is a GREAT opportunity for him. I'm so thrilled for him. He's mighty excited too
Last Wednesday, the day after we arrived here in Columbus ,I interviewed for a teaching position at Cummin's Child Development Center. (The head-quarters for Cummin's Diesel is located here in Columbus)I was offered a job on the spot. :) I will be starting my position as an infant teacher tomorrow. I am so very excited to be working with little ones again.
We are enjoying Columbus so far. It's a very city, with lots of things to do. Columbus is 50 south of Indianapolis...and is within 90 miles of Louisville, Ky and Cincinnati, OH. Columbus is a city of about 40,000 people. It has very decent shopping and lots of restaurants. The thing we fell in love with about this city is the architecture. I've never seen such beautiful buildings. This city is ranked 6th in the US for architecture. Cool, huh?
We are currently living in a temporary apartment provided by Emcon. We love the area and apartment so much, we are staying! We signed a lease for 6 months. That will give us plenty of time to look around and find the perfect house to buy.
The weather is gorgeous here. Sunny and 70. Nothing like it is in Minnesota right now! Sorry guys. ;)
Happy trails to you.
--Mandy :)
Abhay and I moved to Columbus, Indiana this past week. We moved for a great new job opportunity for Abhay. He will be starting his new position as Project Engineer at Emcon Technologies tomorrow. He will be doing NVH work like he was at Arctic Cat, just this time around he will be working on cars, vans, trucks, SUV. This new job is a GREAT opportunity for him. I'm so thrilled for him. He's mighty excited too
Last Wednesday, the day after we arrived here in Columbus ,I interviewed for a teaching position at Cummin's Child Development Center. (The head-quarters for Cummin's Diesel is located here in Columbus)I was offered a job on the spot. :) I will be starting my position as an infant teacher tomorrow. I am so very excited to be working with little ones again.
We are enjoying Columbus so far. It's a very city, with lots of things to do. Columbus is 50 south of Indianapolis...and is within 90 miles of Louisville, Ky and Cincinnati, OH. Columbus is a city of about 40,000 people. It has very decent shopping and lots of restaurants. The thing we fell in love with about this city is the architecture. I've never seen such beautiful buildings. This city is ranked 6th in the US for architecture. Cool, huh?
We are currently living in a temporary apartment provided by Emcon. We love the area and apartment so much, we are staying! We signed a lease for 6 months. That will give us plenty of time to look around and find the perfect house to buy.
The weather is gorgeous here. Sunny and 70. Nothing like it is in Minnesota right now! Sorry guys. ;)
Happy trails to you.
--Mandy :)
So it begins...
Many of you may remember that a few years ago, I had a blogspot blog. But then the trendy world of myspace came around, and I dropped it for that. Now, I'm back. Actually I should say...we're back. Abhay and I will both be writing entries on this blog (I have a sneaking feeling that most entries will be done by me though. Sorry to disappoint). By using this blogsopt blog everyone that wants to, can read it and they won't need a myspace account to do so. We will be sharing about our new adventure together in Indiana, and in life.
Check back for updates. :) We plan to update often!!!!!
--Mandy
Check back for updates. :) We plan to update often!!!!!
--Mandy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)