2008: A year in review…

2008 hasn’t really been one of my best years. I’ve tried lots of things this year, gone for many competitions, won some and lost many. Still, as the memories fade away and I witness the last night of 2008 in another couple of days, just want to write about some the defining moments of this year before I crack up studying for the preboards:

1. Bad Quizzing

One of the worst quizzing seasons I’ve had. Its been a downhill ride since April when we won the quiz at Gyan Bharati (Anveshan). Since then the only good moments have been the Columban quarters and the CBSE Heritage quiz zonals – which we lost again. The japan quiz, LBR, TCS etc etc…the list could go on and on….Still, let history not repeat itself…2009, I’m waiting for you!

2. Visits to some computer symposiums

This year was my fist experience at Computer symposiums at DPS VK, RKP, MR. I loved the way the event functions – students running around all over the school, the whole school buzzing with activity and 4 guys from Amity Saket running from event to event in the pursuit of getting “Something” for our school. We did get some stuff in DJing, Gaming and made it to some quiz finals. Atleast I got some experience!

3. Bad exams

I have successfully messed up 3 sets of examinations, trying to resurface after each attempt. July test, 1st term, December test…..SSc has become my nemesis. And with the preboards on my head…SSc is the last thing I want to do. But the catch is that it is the first preboard.

Other subjects have been fine. English is going good and there has been improvement to a 94 in german. Am just about to touch perfect score in maths. Science is OK….apart from some silly errors here and there.

4. The FutureSchools FutureQuest ‘08

This is one ‘big’ event we won – big because it was a national event. We got both the 1st and the special awards in this computer event. It consisted of a quiz in the first round and a makeshift powerpoint presentation in the second round since the quiz couldn’t take place. We didn’t go to collect the prizes in Chennai since that would mean missing out 8 days of studies and a band competition.

5. The school band

Speaking of the band, we’ve made a start. Now, we are playing DreamTheater stuff although our inclination is more towards punk. We also got Rs. 3000 for qualifying at a RockFest organised by Ansal Plaza….we were the only school band, the others were college bands and professionals.

6. Missed classes

Among all the quizzes, IT comps, band etc etc saw me missing from fast paced action in class sometimes. The teachers took this as a chance to speed up studies – The course was wrapped up in November! I thought of putting up a notice on my usual, changing empty seat in class with my photo and the words ‘Missing, presumed fed’ written below it.

7. The Jack Kilby Quiz

Something I will surely miss from next year. This quiz has BIG prizes and a HUGE no. of teams. Shreyans and me finished 4th out of 500 odd teams by 5 points – heartbreaking.

8. IPL matches

We went, we sat and watched in awe… These matches were too good to be true. Thanks to Abheek and Akash for getting me tickets to these matches. Abheek’s leaving school and I’ll truly miss him – my best friend.

9. Grade 8!

Starting April, I’ll be doing Grade 8 for western classical piano from Trinity College, London. This is the final level and after this I’ll only have to do the diplomas. 

 

I’ve slept through the year and now is the time for the New Year Resolutions:

1. More of study – Status: URGENT

Why? Because I’ve missed so many classes that it is impossible to count the number of classes missed on both your fingers and toes.

2. Less of Sleep. Status: URGENT

See (1) for further explanations. Less Sleep -> more study

3. More winning. Status: Moderate

Come on. I’ve lost count of the no. of events I lost through this year!

4. Frequent updates on the blog. Status: Moderate

I’ll write more often than not on this online journal. I lose track of what to write and what not to….

 

Well that’s it, I guess. This may well be the last post for 2008.

Wishing you all a prosperous new year!!