I have always thought of myself as a geek because I am socially uncomfortable, though talkative in nature, it’s always been difficult knowing people for the first time.
I should think ten times before I can leave my house and the very fact that I hate parties and hardly hang out with friends is a clear indication. I remember going to party last year and feeling completely out of place. Afterwards I never agreed to go to any parties because I realized that I don’t belong there.
Moreover my dress up is completely unfashionable, not that I haven’t tried but fashionable attire does not suit me. I have to admit there’s a geeky air about me and now I have given up trying to look stylish because all my effort goes in vain and it’s totally useless to pretend to be someone I’m not.
And when it comes to my thoughts I can be very conservative at times. I, for instance, think it’s not proper for couple to be living together before marriage and I am against gay marriages and infidelity or adultery.
I believe in one-man-one-woman relationships and against divorces and child born out of wedlock. So in nutshell I still think like how other people did in the sixties. I can’t do away with this ‘Victorian attitude’ which has been there with me ever since I can recall.
I know some people who look naturally sophisticated and stylish without any effort and some are pathetic like me, no amount of effort can change; neither their physical appearances nor their outlook towards life.
There are those tech-geeks who are geniuses but I can’t even be branded in that category because I have no brains but then I have learned to be happy and satisfied with what I have and sort of ceased to complain of things I lack. So I guess that makes me a dork. Well I am a dork and a proud one.
In a way there’s always a geeky side to all of us however otherwise we appear on the front-end (trying a technical term) so that makes everybody a geek, a doRK.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Gosh!! When do we stop studying?
When I was in school I thought I’d become a nun after class X if I didn’t qualify for government school in class XI. That ‘nun’ subject never surfaced again because I did qualify.
After ISC when I didn’t qualify for Sherubtse College I had to opt for diploma. Though the course really helped me a lot I wasn’t satisfied with my qualification. These days a bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification in the job market.
I remember my diploma days in RIM when I felt so small in presence of the post-graduate students down there. That was when I decided that I need a degree too if only to boost my ego.
Well now that I have it, I see most people going for masters. Many people I know are either in the US or Canada or Australia and yet again I am starting to feel small with those people with Masters onto their credentials.
One week in office and I am already longing to do masters but my chances this time is very slim since I am not a civil servant but a corporate employee. With the help of my dear sister I have already started enquiring about the IELTS exams which is one of the basic requirements for pursuing any master’s course.
If I ever get to do Masters would be I satisfied then? Or would I want to do PhD then? Are we ever satisfied with what we have?
After ISC when I didn’t qualify for Sherubtse College I had to opt for diploma. Though the course really helped me a lot I wasn’t satisfied with my qualification. These days a bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification in the job market.
I remember my diploma days in RIM when I felt so small in presence of the post-graduate students down there. That was when I decided that I need a degree too if only to boost my ego.
Well now that I have it, I see most people going for masters. Many people I know are either in the US or Canada or Australia and yet again I am starting to feel small with those people with Masters onto their credentials.
One week in office and I am already longing to do masters but my chances this time is very slim since I am not a civil servant but a corporate employee. With the help of my dear sister I have already started enquiring about the IELTS exams which is one of the basic requirements for pursuing any master’s course.
If I ever get to do Masters would be I satisfied then? Or would I want to do PhD then? Are we ever satisfied with what we have?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Dreaming of skyscrapers
It would be stupid of me if I said, ‘I wish to own a company’ because then you’d argue with me saying, ‘who doesn’t?’ but trust me, my reasons are very simple. It’s not because of the money it could fetch but because I like the idea of ‘logo’ and the caption that defines the services provided by the company.
I have always liked the idea of logo. Somehow it uniquely identifies you, the proprietor of that business, be it small or large. Many people today identify the products with logos that specify the brand. It’s like as soon as you see a logo you will know which brand and which company a particular product belongs to and that I should say is very interesting thing.
When you find a cricket field or football ground surrounded by those international brands you would wish you had a company too. I like the idea of companies sponsoring events for advertising.
In the hope of doing something in future I have taken one step ahead of others by designing a logo for myself too but that’s very lame thing to do because I have no idea what kind of business I’d be operating in future.
I have thought of every business but the competition always seems so stiff and the market, especially in Bhutan always non-existent almost.
I know I’d not be working for others all my life because I think I am too valuable and that I should first serve myself rather than any organization and yet I have still not come up with any plans.
At first I thought I should go for media; newspaper but there are already 6 papers and now there’s hardly any market for an additional papers. And then I thought I should open a resort but then there are more hotels in town than the tourists and guests. Then there are already so many consultancy firms not doing so well here in Bhutan. Hardware shops are equally bad because Bhutanese people prefer to buy stuffs from India and abroad were things are cheaper.
I can only think of one business which is not there in Bhutan as of now. At least none that I am aware of. As a broker between house-owners and tenants. Except for few ads in ‘classified column’ I have not heard of any man operating in that area. I am not sure if we have real-state businesses in Bhutan even.
But then I am planning on business in the very faraway future so I guess I have time to come up with something new and hopefully by then I will know what kind of business I should opt for and which kind has market in here.
Or maybe I should become a BROKER and rent you apartments?
I have always liked the idea of logo. Somehow it uniquely identifies you, the proprietor of that business, be it small or large. Many people today identify the products with logos that specify the brand. It’s like as soon as you see a logo you will know which brand and which company a particular product belongs to and that I should say is very interesting thing.
When you find a cricket field or football ground surrounded by those international brands you would wish you had a company too. I like the idea of companies sponsoring events for advertising.
In the hope of doing something in future I have taken one step ahead of others by designing a logo for myself too but that’s very lame thing to do because I have no idea what kind of business I’d be operating in future.
I have thought of every business but the competition always seems so stiff and the market, especially in Bhutan always non-existent almost.
I know I’d not be working for others all my life because I think I am too valuable and that I should first serve myself rather than any organization and yet I have still not come up with any plans.
At first I thought I should go for media; newspaper but there are already 6 papers and now there’s hardly any market for an additional papers. And then I thought I should open a resort but then there are more hotels in town than the tourists and guests. Then there are already so many consultancy firms not doing so well here in Bhutan. Hardware shops are equally bad because Bhutanese people prefer to buy stuffs from India and abroad were things are cheaper.
I can only think of one business which is not there in Bhutan as of now. At least none that I am aware of. As a broker between house-owners and tenants. Except for few ads in ‘classified column’ I have not heard of any man operating in that area. I am not sure if we have real-state businesses in Bhutan even.
But then I am planning on business in the very faraway future so I guess I have time to come up with something new and hopefully by then I will know what kind of business I should opt for and which kind has market in here.
Or maybe I should become a BROKER and rent you apartments?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
No Work, All Play
My office being a financial institution is always buzzing with people. Sometimes it is difficult to identify your colleagues from customers and clients and yet I was there, on my desk doing nothing.
Is it always like this the first time? Nobody gives me anything to do; nobody even bothers where I went. When I ask for work my seniors don’t know what to do. I wish I had something to do, anything at all if only to pass time.
When I have nothing to do I still have to be there from 9 till 4 pm in the evening because I don’t want anybody to have bad impression regarding me but still I bunked several times out of boredom.
Is it always going to be like this? I hope not. I’d rather prefer a busy schedule to being idle all day long.
This boredom is killing me…
Is it always like this the first time? Nobody gives me anything to do; nobody even bothers where I went. When I ask for work my seniors don’t know what to do. I wish I had something to do, anything at all if only to pass time.
When I have nothing to do I still have to be there from 9 till 4 pm in the evening because I don’t want anybody to have bad impression regarding me but still I bunked several times out of boredom.
Is it always going to be like this? I hope not. I’d rather prefer a busy schedule to being idle all day long.
This boredom is killing me…
Monday, January 4, 2010
Writing the Ap Sara way
Bhutan witnessed its first snow on December 31, 2009 and I was too lazy to lift my head from the pillow to see out. By the time I did it all melted so I didn’t get to see the snow.
On the New Year’s Eve, my friends and I had a get-together party. I thought it was a success but some wanted to go to party and some didn’t and that ended with everybody going home by 9 o’clock sulking and angry with each other.
On the first day in office, my boss said I made a wrong choice. He said I should have chosen government job instead of corporate.
After getting tender for a huge amount, my team mates got greedy and we started having differences and the team is on the verge of breaking up.
On the New Year’s Eve, my friends and I had a get-together party. I thought it was a success but some wanted to go to party and some didn’t and that ended with everybody going home by 9 o’clock sulking and angry with each other.
On the first day in office, my boss said I made a wrong choice. He said I should have chosen government job instead of corporate.
After getting tender for a huge amount, my team mates got greedy and we started having differences and the team is on the verge of breaking up.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Am I really lucky with interviews?
I have seen people complaining about the lack of job availability in Bhutan, but what we are not aware of is going prepared for the interviews.
I think the case is not really with the shortage of jobs. It’s just that people are not competent enough. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Competition is expected. I can’t expect myself to be the only person in the interview because the guy-next-to-me needs the job as much as I do.
The only thing to crack interviews is to keep yourself updated on the current affairs, general knowledge and almost everything that ever happened. It’s also important that you keep revising your subjects. In nutshell never stop studying!
My first interview in Bhutan was after diploma. I was interviewed for BNBL and I got the post. After I resigned and went to pursue degree, I had no reason to undergo any interviews for the next 3 years.
So my second interview was after completion of my degree three years later, was for BoB (Bank of Bhutan), just before the RCSC exams.
I got selected in the top 5 among the 52 candidates that sat for written test. After VIVA though I couldn’t make it I got the second place and unfortunately they had only one vacancy. Anyways all’s well that ends well.
My third interview was RCSC but the result took too long in coming that I felt so restless and I had to do something. So my fourth interview was once again for BNBL. Despite many people’s protest that I cannot apply there again, I went ahead with my instinct which said otherwise. I got short listed in the top 7 among the hundreds those who applied there. After VIVA, I got selected for the only post of system administrator.
Just then, BBS interview was announced on the evening news. I went for the written test only to experience something different from the IT interviews. So instead of archieve officer (which required IT knowledge), I appeared for the post of producer. To my utter disappointment the post was for radio and not for TV as I have hoped.
Well BBS informed us that the written test result is going to take sometime in coming. But of course for me, there was no hurry at all. I just used the whole procedure as guinea pig.
Then on 24th December RCSC result was declared there and I got through. Although only 6 vacancies were announced for 122 IT–3 years Technical graduates, I still could get the third best option since I secured the 3rd position.
Just after RCSC results BBS interview results were announced and I got short listed for the post of producer, current affairs (English). I was quite surprised because I never thought I could do any interview apart from the IT interviews.
That was the only 5 interviews I ever attended in my life till now and I am glad that I could do well in all those interviews. Well I think it’s time I stop underestimating my abilities and start believing in myself that I am no less than others.
I think the case is not really with the shortage of jobs. It’s just that people are not competent enough. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Competition is expected. I can’t expect myself to be the only person in the interview because the guy-next-to-me needs the job as much as I do.
The only thing to crack interviews is to keep yourself updated on the current affairs, general knowledge and almost everything that ever happened. It’s also important that you keep revising your subjects. In nutshell never stop studying!
My first interview in Bhutan was after diploma. I was interviewed for BNBL and I got the post. After I resigned and went to pursue degree, I had no reason to undergo any interviews for the next 3 years.
So my second interview was after completion of my degree three years later, was for BoB (Bank of Bhutan), just before the RCSC exams.
I got selected in the top 5 among the 52 candidates that sat for written test. After VIVA though I couldn’t make it I got the second place and unfortunately they had only one vacancy. Anyways all’s well that ends well.
My third interview was RCSC but the result took too long in coming that I felt so restless and I had to do something. So my fourth interview was once again for BNBL. Despite many people’s protest that I cannot apply there again, I went ahead with my instinct which said otherwise. I got short listed in the top 7 among the hundreds those who applied there. After VIVA, I got selected for the only post of system administrator.
Just then, BBS interview was announced on the evening news. I went for the written test only to experience something different from the IT interviews. So instead of archieve officer (which required IT knowledge), I appeared for the post of producer. To my utter disappointment the post was for radio and not for TV as I have hoped.
Well BBS informed us that the written test result is going to take sometime in coming. But of course for me, there was no hurry at all. I just used the whole procedure as guinea pig.
Then on 24th December RCSC result was declared there and I got through. Although only 6 vacancies were announced for 122 IT–3 years Technical graduates, I still could get the third best option since I secured the 3rd position.
Just after RCSC results BBS interview results were announced and I got short listed for the post of producer, current affairs (English). I was quite surprised because I never thought I could do any interview apart from the IT interviews.
That was the only 5 interviews I ever attended in my life till now and I am glad that I could do well in all those interviews. Well I think it’s time I stop underestimating my abilities and start believing in myself that I am no less than others.
Ranked 3rd in Technical Category (IT-3 yrs) – RCSC
Some say that college is good and some say this is good but I personally felt no threat from any college be it Sherubtse or VIT because we are all university graduates and we all have the same potential in us.
It’s not the college or lecturers that determine our knowledge or capability. It’s basically ourselves that matters. If you are not hardworking or if you have no faith in yourself no amount of lecturing could do you any good.
I was shocked when I ranked 3rd among the technical graduates in IT-3 years among 122 graduates but I guess my hard work is finally being paid of and rewarded for.
But it’s sad that we receive no recognition from anybody. For people it’s as if only the general graduates have done RCSC and not the technical ones. It’s not like we can’t sit for general category but that’s not appropriate for us. Is it a case of ‘majority wins’? With more grads appearing for the general category it’s always been them who received people’s appreciation but I am happy that we don’t need to undergo one more year in RIM pursuing Diploma.
It’s not the college or lecturers that determine our knowledge or capability. It’s basically ourselves that matters. If you are not hardworking or if you have no faith in yourself no amount of lecturing could do you any good.
I was shocked when I ranked 3rd among the technical graduates in IT-3 years among 122 graduates but I guess my hard work is finally being paid of and rewarded for.
But it’s sad that we receive no recognition from anybody. For people it’s as if only the general graduates have done RCSC and not the technical ones. It’s not like we can’t sit for general category but that’s not appropriate for us. Is it a case of ‘majority wins’? With more grads appearing for the general category it’s always been them who received people’s appreciation but I am happy that we don’t need to undergo one more year in RIM pursuing Diploma.
Which is best: BNBL or RCSC?
Sometimes having options is not totally cool because it creates confusion in us. At this point I am totally confused whether to opt for BNBL or go for government job.
Some say BNBL pays more and there are loan advantages and that I should go for BNBL. On the other hand, there’s RCSC and job security and my folks wants me to opt for government job.
I wish I knew what’s best for me so I could get in with clear conscience but nobody can predict the future and I am left in dilemma whether to remain with BNBL or to join the civil service.
I personally was never in favor of the government jobs but with 2 more banks coming up in Bhutan I can’t even say if I have a future in BNBL and also I am not so familiar with the BNBL service rules so I can’t be sure when I might get fired.
I guess it all boils down to making the right choice in life and I am not even sure which is the right job for me. Since the RCSC results my mind was never settled and people make me more confused.
What should I do? Which job is better for me? I wish somebody could list all the pros and cons of my options so that I could opt for the best one.
Some say BNBL pays more and there are loan advantages and that I should go for BNBL. On the other hand, there’s RCSC and job security and my folks wants me to opt for government job.
I wish I knew what’s best for me so I could get in with clear conscience but nobody can predict the future and I am left in dilemma whether to remain with BNBL or to join the civil service.
I personally was never in favor of the government jobs but with 2 more banks coming up in Bhutan I can’t even say if I have a future in BNBL and also I am not so familiar with the BNBL service rules so I can’t be sure when I might get fired.
I guess it all boils down to making the right choice in life and I am not even sure which is the right job for me. Since the RCSC results my mind was never settled and people make me more confused.
What should I do? Which job is better for me? I wish somebody could list all the pros and cons of my options so that I could opt for the best one.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Who’s Gonna Be Next: DPT (itself) or PDP?
There are people who are not at all into politics but I guess I am not one of them. As of now, no I don’t want to get into politics because I don’t have the experience or people’s support but I have dreamed of being a MP one day 8 – 10 years down the line.
For now I don’t care much about who’s ruling and who’s opposition in the parliament but there are people who says the DPT government will not get his/her vote the next election. Maybe for him the DPT government isn’t living up to the expectations of the people. And yet there’s another group of people who says the DPT government hasn’t got the luck because of the earthquake and the floods we experienced in the past year. Now the question is can we really blame the government for natural calamities and disasters? I guess the Buddhism in us is to be blamed. Maybe we are being hysterical because natural calamity is because of scientific reasons and not because of the ruling government.
Whatever the reason maybe the next election in 2013 is going to be tough one since the ruling party is losing the trust of the people. I have heard of many people who wants vote in favor of the opposition party the next election. Some people say our opposition leader resembles the US President, Barack Obama and they think just like Obama we can expect young and dynamic leadership from the OL Tshering Tobgay.
I believe only time can tell whether it’s going to be the opposition party or the DPT government itself which would be winning the next election. And whoever is ruling next time I hope there will be some women ministers because I need the encouragement if I am going to be contesting one day from Paro.
The DPT government is doing all it can and we find many times the ruling and the opposition party agreeing except for few cases like CDG (Constitution Development Grant), which is being opposed by the OL and the government still went ahead despite the protest from NC and opposition.
CDG is not supposed to be spend on recurring expenses but some MPs spent on boating facilities in the south (newspapers reported) and other stuffs. The opposition’s reason must be because if the government impress people with the CDG then there’s chances that they win the next election as well but I personally don’t take to CDG because it might function in the first few years then it could go to the MPs’ pocket.
And yet CDG has one advantage: it means equal development of all dzongkhags. As of now the development work is only being carried out in the east because government considers that part as under-developed. Dzongkhags like Paro has nothing being done. Is it bad that people there are already doing well? There’s nothing in the 10th FYP for Paro and being a parop I am really worried.
Well back to the topic. Who’s going to rule next? Is it going to be the DPT (itself) or PDP? Whom would you vote for?
For now I don’t care much about who’s ruling and who’s opposition in the parliament but there are people who says the DPT government will not get his/her vote the next election. Maybe for him the DPT government isn’t living up to the expectations of the people. And yet there’s another group of people who says the DPT government hasn’t got the luck because of the earthquake and the floods we experienced in the past year. Now the question is can we really blame the government for natural calamities and disasters? I guess the Buddhism in us is to be blamed. Maybe we are being hysterical because natural calamity is because of scientific reasons and not because of the ruling government.
Whatever the reason maybe the next election in 2013 is going to be tough one since the ruling party is losing the trust of the people. I have heard of many people who wants vote in favor of the opposition party the next election. Some people say our opposition leader resembles the US President, Barack Obama and they think just like Obama we can expect young and dynamic leadership from the OL Tshering Tobgay.
I believe only time can tell whether it’s going to be the opposition party or the DPT government itself which would be winning the next election. And whoever is ruling next time I hope there will be some women ministers because I need the encouragement if I am going to be contesting one day from Paro.
The DPT government is doing all it can and we find many times the ruling and the opposition party agreeing except for few cases like CDG (Constitution Development Grant), which is being opposed by the OL and the government still went ahead despite the protest from NC and opposition.
CDG is not supposed to be spend on recurring expenses but some MPs spent on boating facilities in the south (newspapers reported) and other stuffs. The opposition’s reason must be because if the government impress people with the CDG then there’s chances that they win the next election as well but I personally don’t take to CDG because it might function in the first few years then it could go to the MPs’ pocket.
And yet CDG has one advantage: it means equal development of all dzongkhags. As of now the development work is only being carried out in the east because government considers that part as under-developed. Dzongkhags like Paro has nothing being done. Is it bad that people there are already doing well? There’s nothing in the 10th FYP for Paro and being a parop I am really worried.
Well back to the topic. Who’s going to rule next? Is it going to be the DPT (itself) or PDP? Whom would you vote for?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Stalkers behind me…
At 9 pm I was still in the office (correction, my brother’s office), browsing and chatting. It was really late and I knew I had to leave but my legs won’t oblige. Finally with a heavy heart I rose to leave all the temptations behind me.
I knew I should have left by 8 instead of being an hour late. As I climbed down the endless spiral staircase my heart started hammering against my chest. There were few youngsters smoking on the corridor but I tried not to show my fear, walking as fast as my legs could manage.
When I reached the ground floor those youngsters started descending the stairs too. Fear gripped my heart. I looked around but the street was completely deserted except for few stray dogs loitering.
I started increasing my pace my walking faster but I didn’t want those kids to think I was afraid and they were fast catching up on me. I couldn’t think of running with those high hills on and if I didn’t I was in danger. What was I to do? There was not a soul in sight and I knew I was in trouble but I couldn’t give up then. I had to do everything I could to rescue myself from the gangsters.
I was almost running now but those punks were not so far behind me. In fact the distance became even lesser between us. I knew I needed help but I didn’t even know if 911 worked in Bhutan as well. I have always had that fantasy of being kidnapped by a gangster and falling in love but reality seemed much harder than that. Maybe Korean movies have inculcated that fantasy in me but then I realized I no longer wanted to be kidnapped by any gangsters, not even by a millionaire for that matter.
I had to keep my sanity if I had to fight those punks so I pretended not to be scared but I was shaking. Those punks seemed drunk and were arguing on something I couldn’t comprehend then. Finally the clock tower came in sight and I was relieved to find few people there. The youngsters behind me started walking leisurely maybe they didn’t want trouble too but I could sense them behind me still.
When I reached near those people I literally ran. I couldn’t dare look behind me for the fear that they might run too but I just ran and ran until I reached the footsteps of my house. There I kept buzzing the doorbell until it was opened by my brother. As soon as the door opened I jumped inside and banged the door behind me and latched it. It was only then I could release my pent up breath. I was so relieved to be in the confine of my house and for the first time in my life I thanked god for having a premises of my own.
I was so grateful to those people at the clock tower. It was only because of those people I didn’t become one of the rape victims today. Sometimes even strangers can touch your life unknowingly….
I knew I should have left by 8 instead of being an hour late. As I climbed down the endless spiral staircase my heart started hammering against my chest. There were few youngsters smoking on the corridor but I tried not to show my fear, walking as fast as my legs could manage.
When I reached the ground floor those youngsters started descending the stairs too. Fear gripped my heart. I looked around but the street was completely deserted except for few stray dogs loitering.
I started increasing my pace my walking faster but I didn’t want those kids to think I was afraid and they were fast catching up on me. I couldn’t think of running with those high hills on and if I didn’t I was in danger. What was I to do? There was not a soul in sight and I knew I was in trouble but I couldn’t give up then. I had to do everything I could to rescue myself from the gangsters.
I was almost running now but those punks were not so far behind me. In fact the distance became even lesser between us. I knew I needed help but I didn’t even know if 911 worked in Bhutan as well. I have always had that fantasy of being kidnapped by a gangster and falling in love but reality seemed much harder than that. Maybe Korean movies have inculcated that fantasy in me but then I realized I no longer wanted to be kidnapped by any gangsters, not even by a millionaire for that matter.
I had to keep my sanity if I had to fight those punks so I pretended not to be scared but I was shaking. Those punks seemed drunk and were arguing on something I couldn’t comprehend then. Finally the clock tower came in sight and I was relieved to find few people there. The youngsters behind me started walking leisurely maybe they didn’t want trouble too but I could sense them behind me still.
When I reached near those people I literally ran. I couldn’t dare look behind me for the fear that they might run too but I just ran and ran until I reached the footsteps of my house. There I kept buzzing the doorbell until it was opened by my brother. As soon as the door opened I jumped inside and banged the door behind me and latched it. It was only then I could release my pent up breath. I was so relieved to be in the confine of my house and for the first time in my life I thanked god for having a premises of my own.
I was so grateful to those people at the clock tower. It was only because of those people I didn’t become one of the rape victims today. Sometimes even strangers can touch your life unknowingly….
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