Though I have been writing in English now for quite some period of time, yet after attending the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), I have realized that I have still a long way to go before I can be termed an expert user in English.

Yesterday I had a speaking test and today it was Listening, Reading and writing test. I started of my speaking test quite well however just when it was about to finish, I fumbled for answers. At the end of the test, I told my examiner that I was a bit nervous to which she replied that it was a bit unexpected. She said that probably I didn't acquaint myself well with the format. I was heart broken and a bit dejected. However I knew that there was still more hard work to be done. As I reached home, I started my intense preparation for the L/R/W test.

Today that preparation seems to have paid off. Listening test was a bit tough as the test came to a close, ditto with reading however the writing section was a pleasant surprise as I aced through it comfortably. The only worry is if I had written more than what was required. 13 days from now the test results will be out and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

One peculiar thing which happened and which usually happens in Indian test center's was a couple who were copying. Before the test, the invigilators had given clear instructions that should people be caught copying they would be disqualified. So blatant was the copying that the couple had to finally hand in their passport.

The good news is that summer is slowly giving way to the monsoon. That has brought down the temperature quite a bit. Now as for the not so good thing. The change in weather also means a change in our body temperature.

Now why I am saying this...coz the dreaded viral fever is back. For the past couple of days I am having running nose (it was pretty bad yesterday) and now it's headache and fever. Yesterday I went to the doctor and he prescribed me some medicines. The bill a whopping (INR 173) which includes the doctors consultation fee of Rs.70. Now that's pretty expensive to consult a doctor. I was thinking when I am feeling the pinch how will the poor patients pay.

I got up today morning and still have a singeing headache. I am thinking whether to attend office or not.

You have everything, a good job, 4 wheeler and a place to stay but then there is still a sense of emptiness. You don't know the reason but it's there. You're depressed but unable to fathom the reason for the depression. This is how I have been feeling for the past few days.

Now-a-days I have also realized that I have begun to pile-on weight especially in the mid-riff region. So I had two options...the 1st one is that you ignore it or the second that is to firm up an action plan. I chose the second one. I have started going for an hour's walk especially on the weekend. Today mom came along with me. It was a nice walk in the evening when the sun had gone down and there was a cool breeze. True, some things in life are priceless like the walk I had today with my mom. It's back to work tomorrow.