Monday, April the 23rd, 2007~

Dear Journal~

I sit here in my study at the hospital where I work, trying to get some 'down time' after a busy night.

It's quiet. The only sounds I hear at this moment are the sounds are the clock ticking rhythmically on the wall and the gentle bubbling of the built-in aquarium: both of these sounds are very soothing to the nerves.

My name is Dr. Venkatesh Arjuwal. I am a medical doctor, specialising in internal medicine. I am usually very busy; free time is a rare commodity; free time is precious to me.

I am married to my wife of 20 years, Lalita, and we have four daughters: Rita (19), Amina (17), Neela (15), and Sita (10). We also have two sons: Venkatesh, Jr. (8) and the baby, 2-year-old Harminder. It seems I hardly ever see my family because for one thing I am hardly ever home. I am mainly at the hospital: I work anywhere from 80 to 100 hours per week; this is not unusual for me.

When I AM home, I spend a lot of time trying to do one thing: trying to sleep.

When I am not at the hospital (or sleeping), I like to read, watch the National Geographic, Learning, Discovery, and Health Channels on television, golf, and work around the house or yard. I try to keep myself in top physical shape, and I try to have my family do the same. Health and well being are obviously top priority for me.

It has to be: I'm a doctor.

I was born in India; lived there most of my life until I graduated from secondary school. After I got out of sceondary school, I went into university in England, where I majored in medical studies. My heart was into medical studeis primarily because my father, Jatinder, was a physician. His being a doctor selaed my future: I wantted to become a doctor too, just like him.

I went to medical school for ten years. It was long and difficult, but in the end, it was all worth it. When I graduated from university and got my medical license to practise medicine,it was a defining moment in my life.

After I got my medical license, I moved to the United States to further my education (mainly in English; at the time, my English was still rather poor). By this time I was married and had three small daughters. My family came with me to America. Now we have all assimilated ourselves into American culture, and we proudly call ourselves 'Americans'. Now we may look different with our dark skin, eyes, and hair, or sound different, but we are legal American citizens. We vote, we pay taxes, we strive to make a better life for ourselves. We're no different than you.

Well, the phone is ringing again, so I must go. I will write in here at a future time. Until later, this is Dr. Venkatesh Arjuwal signing off. Until we meet again~

Sincerely, Venkatesh Bilal Arjuwal, M.D., Nashville, Tennessee~