Setback...

So I'm not entirely sure the India trip is going to work out as planned after all...this, of course, breaks my heart...

I had asked the High Commission to change my program because I had initially applied for a Masters-level course, or a 1-year Diploma. They gave me a 3-year Junior Diploma, which would be less than my Undergraduate Degree. Not to say that this would not be a challenging program, because of course it would be - I would be learning something totally new...However, I decided to just ask if they could change it.

Well the gentleman at the High Commission informed me that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations could absolutely not change my program and that they were just going to put things on hold until a Masters spot could open for me...this could potentially be in January, or, more likely, next July!!!

So at this point I have no idea what the situation is. I've tried to get in touch with some people at the University I was supposed to attend, but I haven't received a response. I'm not sure how I feel about all this. I mean, I'd started preparing for my trip: buying a new viola case, getting new strings, getting shots, buying a laptop, going to Brandon to say goodbye to people, mentally preparing, etc. And now I might not be going to study!

BUT...I still want to go...BADLY. It's been my dream for 4 years...so I might just be going in a month anyway to just travel. I'd have to start majorly getting ready, though...and get back to working so I actually have some moola to spend...

This last week has really been wonderful, though, because I've been done from work and have just been having fun. The trip to Brandon was totally fun - I had a great time seeing everyone. And now these last few days in Regina have just been spent chilling with people and enjoying the fantastic weather.

Ummm....I still feel like a sitting duck just waiting around for something to come my way...but at least I've been enjoying myself at the same time. I feel like this last week has been more of a summer than the months of May, June, July, and August all put together.

Anyway, I have no idea if I'm actually going to India to study after all. I may just go and try to get lessons from someone...I really wanted to make this work because I so badly want to do something DIFFERENT with my degree...I don't really want to play in an orchestra...I want to expand horizons and merge types of music however I can...something new, something different.

On the plus side, my delightful gentleman caller said that he would like to stay together if I left. So, that's a good thing! Honestly this guy is just...amazing...He just came out of the blue and hit me when I wasn't looking, but I seriously enjoy his company a tremendous amount :)

Well that's all I have to say right about now...things are still pending and I have no idea when they might be resolved...

I'm going to freaking India!!!

Well my long wait is over: I'M GOING TO INDIA!!!

For those of you who don't know, I had applied for a Commonwealth Scholarship through the Canadian government to study Indian Classical music on the Viola in India. I applied in October 2007. In February 2008 I found out that the Canadian government had approved my application and was sending my information to India to be approved by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). I was told that the results would be available in late-July/early-August.

So I had been waiting for quite some time to find out whether or not I was going to India. As of late I had been trying to contact the Canadian Bureau for International Education and the High Commission of India. However, no one could give me any information as to the status of my application...

Finally this morning I received a phone call that YES, my application has been approved at the Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi/Banaras.

Needless to say, I am ridiculously excited, yet deliriously terrified. I can honestly say that I was hoping my application would be rejected...however, now that I'm faced with this epic adventure I can't wipe the smile off of my face. Not only will this be an amazing musical challenge that will hopefully open up all kinds of interesting doors, but it will also be an adventure of self-discovery, independence and who-knows-what else!!

I'm not entirely sure when I'm leaving. The gentleman on the phone informed me that the University would like me to be there by September 12th...yes, that would be in one week. I'm not sure if I can get my life together that fast. I have asked for two weeks since they delayed their response SO long. But it is entirely possible that I will be gone by the 12th of September...

Things are even more bittersweet since one of my very best friends has just come home to Regina and it would have been nice to have spent more time with her. As it is, we now only have a short time to chill together before I take off!

And in addition to that...I have been seeing someone...someone wonderful and funny and smart and just...wonderful! He has restored my faith that there are good guys out there. Except now that I've found such a fantastic person, I have to leave him! I'm terrified to ask him to do long-distance since 1) we haven't been together long and 2) India to Canada is ridiculously long-distance. Still...you never know, I guess. I've known this guy for a few years and just now has he come into my life as the object of my desire so maybe it'll work out in time. For now, though, it honestly breaks my heart and makes me incredibly sad.

Well that's that for now. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this thing updated on a regular basis - wow, my first blog!! So exciting :D Feel free to leave comments, etc. as you desire. I look forward to reading them!

Shalom.