Christmas at XL

It was a different Christmas this year. On the 24th found myself in Rourkela where I discovered the makings of a consultant in me. Stayed as OCL's guest and went around RSP asking uncomfortable questions. The good part of the whole thing was that I got to visit another steel plant. There is something fascinating about steel plants, or rather huge machinery anywhere. Makes you feel so small, at the same time makes you wonder at the human intellect that has developed and designed these huge giants to do their bidding. Another good part, found that though I was a bit rusty, my knowledge of metallurgical processes has been retained.

So coming back to the good parts, spent the Christmas sleeping in late. Doing nothing interesting apart from worrying about the upcoming OCD term paper submission. 6th term and still worrying....well you need to in order to avoid an I. An I means an end to all your dreams and aspirations, you are deemed not to have completed the course.

Today Mercer has come down to campus for the Laterals. I miss out by a few days. Should have left in the first week of June, would have made 18 months. Always happens with me......anyway no point crying over what has happened....keeping a stiff upper lip and waiting and hoping for the best....

HRIS paper is on 9th Jan, damned....was planning to go to Bangalore for Celia's wedding and return on the 8th.....there should be a law against exams at the wrong time....

ya I am going around in circles again, was talking about Christmas, a long drive to V's place brought the Christmas spirit home. Good food, good time.....came back to a sumptuous spread in the mess....

Actually have been thinking a lot....about what MBA means to me.....what have I gained....actually MBA has helped me discover myself.....I know what I will bring to any organization.....I know the real person behind the mask that I project to be me....I know though my achievements have been modest, behind that there always has been me...the under confident lazy dreamer........but I know that more than anything else....as I stand at the threshold of life....I take greater pleasure in being the Kingmaker than be the King....that is my confession for the year....wishing you all a Merry Christmas and an even better and Happier New Year....

Movie I watched

Caught up with some great movies over the break. The last long break that I shall have. Loved the scent of a woman the most. It stars Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Al Pacino won the won the Academy Award for Best Actor and the movie was nominated for Best Director, Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. It deserved to be. And Al Pacino has woven his magic in his style and brought out some fundamental questions on ones principles, on integrity, on courage, on leadership. Wonder how many of us will measure up to that standard of leadership and integrity that Charlie Simms set.