Come Dec 28th, it will be two full years of my stay in USA. Yes Sir ! Any accomplishments ? Any new passions/habits ? You may ask. None that I can boast of, except for my inexplicable fatal attraction and addiction to Pizzas. Hardly a week goes by without visiting Dominos on Street-9, Mizzou. Pathetic, I know. But that's how it is !

Back home, Pizzas were a rage when they were introduced a decade ago. They were a rarity in my case but had to keep abreast with the concept. Soon the toss was between a Pizza and Veggie Burger. A battle of minds. Close calls, but burgers had my vote. I was a hardcore pani puri freak; burgers second in my list. I remember one bakery on Shivam road(Baker's- Q if am not wrong, beside Syndicate Bank), had this tricky poster of a burger eating itself. The caption read: "You are what you eat". Thats it ! There ended my brief romance with B-Ps.

My crave for pizzas though, re-ignited after landing in US. First few weeks were spent ignoring the 9th Street- owing to unemployment and then-existing philosophy -- every penny be spent judiciously. I promised myself to visit Dominos after my first pay cheque. Lived upto it [:D]. First one I still remember, was a small thin-crust with jalapeños toppings. All for $4. Buying your first lunch with hard earned money will remain a moment imprinted in memory till you perish, I bet. First flashes of independence and all that.

Anyways, Pizzas ever since have become customary. A weekly ritual. If you were me, it would be mentally taxing to avoid them. Mid-terms and Sem-ends often saw VT, PK and myself freak out.( now GPS and Co. being my associates ( changed times fellas ! )).

My graduation from small thin-crusts to medium thick-crusts still remains a rattling fact. A reason behind my (reportedly) gargantuan appearance. There is a whole desi angle too ! Like skipping tips, ordering garlic sauces after payment, etc. Stupid, silly gimmicks being the highlights of this monotonic affair.

'Yahaan besharmi ki koi hadh nahin hoti !

Personally I like Dominos. Shakespeare's, Papa John's and Cici's follow in order. Cici's being an optimal solution to my hunger spasms. Pizza Hut isn't exciting. Wise Guy's isn't worth a mention. Recently visited Gumby's. Quite tasty I must say. Dominos standing at a fore long distance from my dept. has been our 'Saviour' on numerous occasions. Hence this emotional bonding. Prices quite reasonable and prep time right on dot I must underline.

Pizzas are a way of life here. Burritos, noddles etc. being second next. Do no good though, except padding you with fat and hiking the calorie count. Needless to mention, burning them is another uphill task. Sedentary lifestyles add to these woes. My pot belly with surrounding two tyres are adequate proofs of these after effects.

For good, I keep promising myself and taking oaths in public to stop binging on them. It's tough man! avoiding the Pizza-Mazza.

Before I take leave, on a quick note ...Am seriously contemplating the idea of quitting Pizzas !

Bold statement !! Makes for a good new year resolution...eh ? ;)

If I were poet, I would have translated this morning into beautiful lyrics. If I were a painter, today would have been painted in serenity. A month from now sunny days will be a rare luxury.

Life threatens to come to a stand still...