arfiman

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrghhhhhh

2007-01-10T11:42:00.000+04:00

Damn I wrote a whole bloody witty entry and it was all lost trying to do the bloody spell check... *grumble*rumble*aaaarrahghghsdfdasf**

Some more new toys!

2006-09-11T11:06:00.000+04:00

Remember that time I wrote about the PSP I got thanks to that freelance writing job of ours (or rather BPCs, as I write so little of it)?

Well, if you do, I have some more goodies to make you jealous and for those of you who didn't know about the writing thing then, ahhahaaa - I got a free PSP!! So what did we get this time? Well, one is just a silly toy which I would never buy and the other is something that I am already using on a daily basis!

LGs press conference got us this snazzy portable DVD player that is a little too small to to be of much value except for the ability to check those pira... ahem... duplicate DVDs that we buy so often. In fact, I doubt the battery life is too great, but that has to be checked out as well. A USD 230 value approximately!

Though I have to say, that it is reaaaally useful when BPC wants to watch her Indain series' and I just want to be lazy and watch a movie. But I just need to be a little careful, coz with the battery in, it can be a little bit fragile!

Ok, so moving on to goody number too. It's a phone I had got for review a while back and had liked actually, but alas it had to be returned... or so we thought! 6 months later we find that it is back for review according to our receptionist. What we realise is, that its the same phone which has been lying there for the last six months, and that the agency does not want it back. Sounds good to me! So I now have a Sony Ericsson W810i phone with all the bells and whistles (here's me stepping up from a 0.3 megapixel camera phone to a 2.0 one!). Not the latest phone by any means, but a functional AND fun one - excellent!

Now there is a third 'toy', but I think that's best left to another post, because that's one we actually paid for and got 'installed' yesterday! So after some pics tonight, I shall reveal all...

Thank God for Music!

2006-08-30T12:30:00.000+04:00

No, not because you can dance to it at clubs, and no, not because it is good background noise for when you want to get some work done.

It's becuase music, along with smell maybe, is one of those things that can ewoke such strong emotions and it can trasnport you different times and places. Stop scratching your head and asking yourself how music lets you time travel! I'll tell you.

The other day we watched Heat (first time for BPC) and after watching the movie, I decided to dust off my old copy of the soundtrack and play some tracks which I used to love. Every single piece of music had me breaking out in goosebumps, not because I remember what was happening many years ago when I first listened to this music, but because my subconscious remembers that those were happy times and they come flooding back in one big dollop - feels good!

Then there is the other kind of time travel where you can link particular pieces of music with actual times in your life, becuase they meant so much to you at the time - and no not just romantic periods! Listening to Extreme (remember them? No?! Oh well...) the other day (another dust off) I had the biggest smile on my face, because I remembered myself sitting on our corner sofa where I always sat, headphones and walkman (yes cassettes!) on listening to there music and looking through comic booc catalougues from the States as I had just discovered the wonderful world of mail order comics!

I guess the word best used is nostalgic (and in this I mean reflective not regretful). I am sure it is something different for everyone, and I am not discounting visiting old haunts, or watching old TV series etc. but for me music is just so much more than background noise - though unfortunately these days, that's usually all it is, with these slight exceptions of course!

Overview

2006-08-27T18:15:00.000+04:00

And here you were ready to give up on me - I say thee, nay! I have returned, thanks in small part to a new friend's blog that has made me revisit mine. It was interesting to see all the various subjects I have posted on in the past, and it really is so nice to be able to go back over the space of a few years to see exactly where you were at that time (not geographically!).

So here I am again to give this whole blog thing a shot in the arm.

Another great year of marriage has gone by with its share of trials and tribulations, which has made us an even closer couple than before (no, I am not going to go straight into a paragraph of how much I love my wife - I'll wait aleast a few more posts until I do that to you!)We have done many things this past year, including investing in some property and making more space for her shoes and my comics! In fact, more space needs to be made for both now!

With more plans ahead for us, the journey only gets more interesting with every passing day.

So let the word go out... let evil doers once again cower in fear... let the heavens shout out...

Arfiman is back... again.

2006-08-26T13:10:00.000+04:00

I really should update my blog...

It's been ages, almost a year now since I wrote anything on this weblog site of mine...

Yeah, I really should write something...

Wing Tsun

2005-12-21T10:09:00.000+04:00

Pronounced 'Wing Chun', it was a martial arts form I trained in for two years straight. It was an excellent time, where I felt more fir than I ever had in my life and got a chance to make some good friends as well. That was over three years ago...

When I got the invitation from my old instructor and friend, to the opening of the brand new WT Gym, it was something I felt compelled to go to. It was great seeing old faces as well as some of the old photographs and training equipment... I so wanted to get back in there and start training again.

Easier said than done. That discipline seems to be lacking in me these days along with the determination and will to take that first step and join again. The good thing is, though that BPC is interested in it as well. So perhaps between the two of us, we can muster the will to get up of our collective backsides and get into shape. Classes start in January - so hopefully that will give me enough time to realise how out of shape I am and how much weight I actually have put on!

Happy Birthday my BPC

2005-12-01T15:39:00.000+04:00

Yes today is the day, the little one turns 25!

And since I am going crazy at work, trying to leave on time to get to her, I'll keep it short and sweet:

I LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Evolution - The Beginning

2005-11-24T09:27:00.000+04:00

It's been quite some time since I've written about my car (since I've just written even).

But a few days ago, I got a good reason to post, a really good reason. Remember a few months back I wrote about those really expensive rims? Yeah!? Well I didn't get them - and I am happy for it - yes I know what you're thinking- "aah, he's finally gone over the edge..."

But no! I actually got a deal on an amazing set, with some great tyres, for almost half the price (more if you take shipping and handling into account)! They are also perfect for the S (staggered fitment and all). They look the 'beez neez', 'dogs bollocks' and all the rest of it. But don't let me influence you - judge for yourself:

And the next one is my favourite - and off course all pics are courtesy of my gorgeous BPC!

More to come soon - lined up are some Mugen headers, a test pipe to replace the catayltic converter, am air intake snorkel, eye lids for a bit of aggressive styling and hopefully all this before Christmas - yeay!

Then next year we potentially have a set of lowering springs and the Mugen SS wing I have coveted for oh so long!

Mmmmmm, yummy!

Waiting

2005-11-16T16:48:00.000+04:00

Don't you just hate that you have finished everything you need to do apart from one thing that'll take you ten minutes? The only problem is, that you have to wait for someone else to finish up for you to finish.

So here I am waiting for the creative guys to finish up their part of the presentation so you can get the final bits done. No fault of theirs, but it is just annoying.

There is just so much you can continuously drool over the 'toys' you want to buy and wish you could buy. Oh well... another half and hour and hope that they got everything done and then back to my desk (which is another office altogether) to finish up.

*Sigh*

Doing a job you enjoy?!

2005-10-27T14:15:00.000+04:00

After two weeks, I think that I may be able to say that I am. I maybe being a little to optimistic a little too early, but I think I can safely say that this should be good.

It truly feels like it is my company, coz I am working on everything from company credentials to the yearly financial plan. I am actively going ahead and getting contacts for further business opportunities as well as making decisions on company operations. I know that if we do well, I WILL benefit, since my boss (old boss/friend) is a partner in the company and I am second in command.

I think this sort of opportunity is very rare, so I am gonna give it my 110%. And it doesn't bother me coz I am enjoying myself - as long as I do not have to do anymore godforsaken PR work. PR as is understood by messed up companies in this part of the world - if I was doing 'real' PR, I would be fine.

And best of all - we have the opportunity to be involved in the F1 - hope that works out, coz that would just be mind-blowing fantastic!

Just wanted to share my optimism - more soon.

Arfiman Returns!

2005-10-24T13:36:00.000+04:00

Yeah, I know not as powerful as 'Batman Returns' or 'Superman Returns' but whatever!

It's been almost a month since my last entry and it just seems like sooo much has happened since then. Most of that feeling is due, in so small part, to an awesome two week vacation in the UK. That was due to (also, in no small part) to great family and friends!

The awesome elements the vacation consisted of:

- Feeling cold outdoors, something I haven't felt for ages!
- Not having brought my watch or phone - first time for everything!
- A wedding with three functions
- Being in the UK with my brother again after, probably 15 years
- Being on a vacation with my brother
- Some new friends made in Vijay and Anu (even though Anu needed to injure my already wounded back in the process... j/k)
- The assumption that Vijay is actually a hit man as he was way to good and hospitable a person to be true
- Getting to spend time and acting the fool with my cousins Salma and Taiyeba - Jumana didn't have too much time as she was the one getting married!
- My very cool Khaala and Khaaloo (Aunt and Uncle) in who's house I feel completely at home
- The consequent madness that goes on in that house!
- Seeing and spending some time with Nani (Grandma) - love her smile!
- Visiting close friend D (and partner L) who, we calculated, I have know for 20 years now Visiting him always feels... for lack of a better word - right!
- Having D's home made Lasagna!
- Having PSP sorted by Dominic, L's son, so that it can play download games and emulators!
- Seeing Stonehenge - even though it is practically situated on the main road!
- The feeling of total mobility and not having to rely on anyone to take you around
- Meeting up with friends Shami and Joey and getting to see their gorgeous baby daughter for the first time! Luckily she has Joey's looks!
- All the comic book stores I got to visit
- The comic book convention I got to visit
- All the comics and toys I got to buy!
- All the DVDs I got to buy!
- Getting caught in the rain, buying a mag with a free umbrella in it - for the umbrella. Buying a London A-Z and running around in the rain looking for some thrift stores with BPC!
- Seeing some very cool artifacts at the British Museum (which is a collection of stuff from all around the globe - don't ask why it's the 'British' Museum!)
- All the comics I got to buy... wait I mentioned that one already didn't I?!
- BPCs and my first, proper vacation together (so called Homeland is not considered as a vacation!)

Some things that were a bit of a bummer during the vacation:

- Having to listen to 'Salaam Namaste' an inhuman amount of times
- My constant back pain
- News of the Pakistan natural disaster
- Heathrow Airport on the way back - they really like their lines over there, especially ones that move reeaaaally slow!

Then it was back to a new job (hmmm, 'back' to a 'new' job doesn't sound right does it!?) with my old boss, who is now my new boss (yeah guys, THAT again!).

Some highlights of the first week included:

- Driving my car again (come on, I had to mention her!)
- Seeing Mom, Papa, Khuram, Omair/Hina, Farukh and Lee again
- The look on O's face when I gave him the two comics which he had wanted for a long time!
- Unpacking all the comics, DVDs and toys which I had bought
- Being back in our home
- Having the first week of work go by so quick, and having fun at the same time
- Very flexible timings at new work place
- Watching the DVDs, reading some of the comics and setting up the toys!
- Seeing our little baby, Iman, again and hearing the new words she learned
- Sheesha!
- Seeing the doc to get my back sorted out once and for all (still ongoing)

Things that I am looking forward to over the the next few weeks:

- Ordering the stuff for the car!
- Reading more of the comics and seeing more of the DVDs (yes, I got tons!)
- Top down driving (the car, not me) as the weather gets better
- My back getting better!

So, I think that's us all caught up for the last month. Will try not to delay so much for the next installment, coz these lists can become quite ridiculous!

Tagged!

2005-09-26T10:18:00.000+04:00

OK so here we go...

5 Years Ago (I counted on my fingers so five years ago is 2001 for me): Leaving my first job at DHL and moving to a small ad agency which was paying me more money than I knew what to do with at the time. It wasn't to last and neither was the relationship I was in - good thing at the end of the day, coz I learnt a lot about myself from both experiences... damn that was a long time ago!

1 Year Ago: I was floating on a cloud of bliss, with a gorgeous wife, new job, new house (and thoughts of a new car!). Actually very similar to where I am now apart from the car and house - well house may be there in the future...

5 Songs I Know All the Words To: Hotel California - Eagles, Bohemian Rapsody - Queen, Drive - Incubus, Paper Cut - Linkin Park, and quite a lot more when I sing along!

5 Snacks I enjoy: Kebab Sandwich (I know, not a snack to most...), Mini Hob Nobs, London Dairy Vanilla Ice Cream, Nachos and Cheese (but too unhealthy), Chips Ahoy cookies.

5 Things I'd do with a Million Dollars: Buy two houses (one to live in, one to rent), give some pesos to charity, supercharge my S, buy BPC everything she has ever joked about buying (tablet laptop, Ipod, customised, pink pick up etc.), buy Hummer H3.

5 Places I would Run Away To: BPC's arms, any place with modified cars, comics and peace.

5 Things I would Never Wear: White socks, cowboy boots, suspenders/braces, anything pink, Speedos.

5 Favourite TV Shows: X-Files, Lost, Friends, Simpsons, Batman the Animated Series.

5 Greatest Joys: BPC, getting a new toy (whether for the car, PSP, comic etc.), seeing someone happy because of something I did, watching BPC when she talks to inanimate objects, driving on an open, twisty road.

5 Favourite Toys: BPC, S2000, PSP, PS2, Comics

The Enigmatic D... and other stuff

2005-09-22T12:10:00.000+04:00

Ummm, no, I am not going to dedicate a whole blog to D - I mean really!? That said, I guess that he is probably one of a handful of friends I have known sooo long, that it takes a while to actually calcultate how long I have know him!

I would then also have to dedicate a blog to O, and then Hinamommy would get upset that I haven't payed enough attention to her in my blog - and then BakPakChik would come along and wonder why I was devoting so much time to other without a mention of her in my entries - but then I am sure you all have realised that I try and squeeze her in to every entry no matter what the subject!

Still, I should be good to D, as he is at the moment shooing away other potential guests in the knowledge that we will be coming to stay with him when we visit the United Kingdom in the first two weeks of October. And this time to be driven around in a shiny new Megane CC - yeay! Last visit was a moped - which in its own way was very memorable!

Aaah, a holiday at last - it seems like ages - and never actually with BakPakChik (BPC). Yes we have gone back 'home', but I would not really call trips there a 'holiday'! So this is a first as a couple as far as I'm concerned. And something other than the hot, molten rays of the desert sun to experience, that will be a treat!

And then, something to look forward to when we get back - the order. No, not 'everything in its place' order, but the ordering of goods from abroad. Ah yes, the rims and some other goodies. As long as I manage not to spend all our money in the UK (where comics abound). My gratuity does not only need to cover my toys, but a new laptop for BPC as well - even though she would rather get an LCD TV... I know, no brainer, but she/we need a new laptop.

Ok, I've gone through this entire entry without mentioning another regular blogger in the group, soon-to-be-dad Smoky. Well, my head begins to hurt when I mention him coz I received a big bruise on my head on the day I met - but that is an entire other blog entry...

I am going to stop mentioning people now and go and have lunch...

New Toy

2005-09-12T17:24:00.000+04:00

It's great to be a journalist in this part of the world (though I do not have any global experience to compare that statement with).

You always get gifts at press conferences and events - some good, some crap. Until recently, I have only been on the giving end, organising these events where the journalists get the gifts. But with my gorgeous wife getting us a joint position writing a techno/gadget magazine, I have been introduced to the world of media gifts - and how!

The invitation was for a chance to check out the new PSP (PlayStation Portable for you all not in the know!) . This consisted of - a drive in a stretch Hummer, meeting the marketing manager for Sony Playstation and playing various games using the PSP's wireless capabilities and generally having a good time! So, nearing the end of our PSP experience, in a heated one-on-one battle of Wipeout Pure with aforementioned mktg. mgr., the gorgeous BakPakChik asks whether I get a PSP if I beat him in this race (hah, yeah right!) and he laughs as to imply - "hah, yeah right!"

I do beat him and the next thing I know - "So here's your PSP..." I think I might have blanked out for a split second coz not only were they giving us a PSP, they were giving us 6 games, 1 movie and 1 music concert video... 'Hmmmm, would it be weird if I gave him a big hug?!" Luckily I did not have time to consider those ridiculous surge of emotions, as the trip was over and we were saying goodbyes and thank yous - and a good thing too as I was skipping and jumping around like a little boy who just got his dream Christmas presents!

And what a present as well - I would never have gone out and bought it, but wow, what an amazing piece of hardware it is - mp3s, videos/movies, photographs and games - all in the palm of your hand! Fantastic quality of image, and games that would be worthy of the PS2!

I have been since enjoying looking for software and hardware for my new toy, physically and over the 'net. I found that there where dedicated websites for 'PSP magazines', made specifically for this little marvel, from 'Maxim' to 'Motortrend' you can find all sorts of genre of magazines!

So yes, this is how I have been spending my last week at the office (apart from the bits of intermittent work that crops up here and there!) searching and downloading - and you were wondering why I hadn't updated my blog...

Drive - An Ode to the S2000

2005-08-30T14:15:00.000+04:00

The last week to ten days saw me regularly travelling in the passenger seat of the lovely BakPakChik's red racer. Funny sensation, as I was used to driving her wherever we went. As most of you know, the reason for this was my unhealthy back.

I found that I am a pretty bad 'side seat' driver, though the situation bettered as the week progressed. Today I finally got a chance to get back behind the wheel of my dejected roadster, who had not see tarmac for too many days.

How could I have gone without this for almost ten days!? Those luscious roundabouts and the sultry, curved roads tempted once again - and who am I to resist their calls!? It felt right to be behind the wheel once again, hugging those corners with a little bit of tail sliding action with a well placed tap of the throttle... yes, she was reborn, her menacing glare ejecting any in her path, the smooth snikity, snikt of the close ratio, six speed gearbox...

And all this on the way to work!? Tempting roads!? In this car, yes!

And there's more - winter is near, and that means she runs around topless - yeeaaay baby!

I love my blue beau - and I can thanks to my true love - the aforementioned BakPakChik!

Disclaimer: No, I do not see my car as a real woman, and yes I can tell the difference between a car and a woman. Thank You.

Balance

2005-08-28T15:45:00.000+04:00

There has to be balance in everything, right?

So is that why I have felt so unwell over the last few weeks? I have been very fortunate with a new job, motorsports sponsorship etc. off late, some may say it is too much good fortune in one go.

So is my unusually long bout of bad health a result of this? To balance out my life? From lower back pain to a very nasty sounding gastropheagal reflux whatchumacallit, I have been feeling pretty poorly. Not too complain too much as none of these are delibitating (Alhum-dulil-lah) and I am in no excrutiating pain - many people have it much, much, much worse. But in my own paranoid way, I cannot help but link the fortune with the misfortune.

That said, my fortunes have definitely out-weighed my misfortunes, so I really can't complain.

So this is really just a rant, until I am all better (inshallah soon!) and stop thinking so negatively. In the end, this is a self-defeating post isn't it?!

I always seem to do this...

When it rains, it pours...

2005-08-23T15:34:00.000+04:00

Good thing I enjoy the rain then!

Don't you just love those days that fill you with optimism, happiness and enthusiasm?! (That really is a rhetorical question, because if you don't, you really should get yourself professional help!)

Well, yesterday was one of those days for me - signed my contract and made it official. I get home with my lovely wife, still beaming from the new contract and realise there is a problem in my title - 'Group Account Director' WTF!?! Call my ex-boss (soon to be new boss - confusing I know!) to check on this change and realise that it had been eventually changed by the owner, and that this was probably a mistake. The thing is, that is what my 'soon to be new boss' wanted my title to be - damn, that really gave my confidence a boost!

So we carry on the conversation on a more friendly basis and he informs me that the sponsorship I wanted from his current company has come through - hot damn!! This means that for a little livery on my car, I get paid to do what I love – motor sports - with some cash leftover for modifications (read - USD 2,000 rims!).

It is days like this where you have to take a moment and give special thanks to God for all the blessings he (not meant to favour a gender) deems appropriate to bestow upon you. Coz if he didn't want you to have it - well... you wouldn't! But hey, at the same time I know that my hard work in the past has also played a factor!

So what did I do today at work? I used my limited skills on photoshop to brand up my car with my new sponsor’s logos - nothing professional just to make sure I can give them an idea of what I will allow. Great programme that photoshop!

Yeah, sometimes you just want to break out into song...

I'm siiiiinging in the rain, just siiiining in the rain, what a glorious feeling...

Change

2005-08-18T10:55:00.000+04:00

Change is good, right?

I've been in my current position for just over a year now and it's going along all right. I seem to be the second in 'command' as I very quickly seem to become where ever I have been over the last few years - this is definitely a good thing me thinks! Definitely not in disposable, but an asset nonetheless.

I've got some other things going on 'on the side' including freelance writing which keeps me excited in an otherwise boring job. But hey, I get paid good money, do my work and still have plenty of time on my hand to pursue other interests - such as updating my blog from time to time! But now, my ex-boss who developed in to a friend has signed on to head a company and explicitly explained to the investor that he wanted me 'onboard'.

After a few meetings with the aforementioned investor, he wants me to join 'as soon as possible' and is going to finalise the contract with my ex-boss. This will probably mean more money (hopefully), a boss that I am totally relaxed with, and still enough time to pursue those interests. It is an established company, which includes an advertising operation which has grown from 4 to 50 personnel in 4 years. Sounds like a no brainer, right?!

So why have I been so confused? I think I have come to an answer for that one - my sometimes blind sense of loyalty to my company and Clients. I know what I will do if the offer is right though - I may be blind, but not stupid! But it still makes me feel a little guilty.

The new job should also include a better 'title', which is always good. More opportunities abound as well, with a new idea on the horizon with said company involving motor sports! Another big step to make then...

Change is good, right?!

One Year Old

2005-08-16T11:37:00.000+04:00

No that's not how old I am, and no it's not my mental age either, though some may argue...

That's how long I've been married!

Unbelievable that it has actually been that long already - most of our friends didn't believe it at first, but then came to the realisation that time really does fly. I will try and not make this another blogging display of affection for my Wife, but hey, no promises.

In fact, I'll keep this short, they say that the first year is the hardest since you are adjusting etc. Well, if this year was the hardest, I cannot wait for the years to come!

Happy Anniversary my BakPakChik!

eBay

2005-08-09T16:54:00.000+04:00

So sitting at my desk, on another one of those rare highly uninspired days, I decided to look through the phenomenon known as eBay...

Son of a...

You can get all sorts of shit on there. I decided to do a search on Marvel comic books and boom - pages and pages of comics. Set's of fifty and a hundred comics selling for peanuts. And though you can by anything over the internet, it is no use for me, sitting here, since most sellers do not ship out of the U.S. (very possible that a lot of the shippers do not know that there is something else outside of the U.S.).

I feel like taking a trip to the States so that I can take advantage of this great, great thing known as eBay...

Eh, I'd rather save the money and get my rims.

Spared

2005-08-01T11:38:00.000+04:00

I hope all you readers appreciate the fact that I have spared you from a week full of whining and musings on how lonely I am and how much I adore my wife!

Though the good thing is, these days at home have given me time to do some chores around the house, that were being otherwise put of for no particular reason. Not only that, it has given me a greater appreciation off my lovely wife. From little things like throwing (or pulling, depending) me out of bed in the morning to her constant, sometimes infectious energy.

In many ways, she makes me a much better person, whether it is those aforementioned little things like getting out of bed on time, or getting me to get off my lazy ass and go out and do something different. I have definitely been more inclined to write more because of her too (as you can clearly see). A bit more reading as well!

Many were quite disgusted at my overt show of affection in an earlier post, but I think the only reason that is, is because they feel that it is not 'manly' (yes they were all guys!) to admit this - and on a public forum at that! But I think being comfortable with who and what you are and accepting the truth is so much more important than putting up a front that is the societal and accepted norm of 'I don't need her' or 'finally some time for myself'.

The truth is, I have grown a lot as a person since she has come into my life, I continue to and hope to for a long time in our life together - and I hope that I have done the same for her. I fear that this is not the case for most couples - or at least that is what we are lead to believe - I feel quite sad for those people actually.

Hmmmm, after re-reading the above post, I didn't really spare you people anything, did I!? Muhahahahhahaaaahha (laughs a hearty laugh, with a hint of maniacal hysteria!)

I need a vacation...

2005-08-01T11:19:00.000+04:00

Yup, I've figured it out.

That's why I can't get into my work. That's why there is a distinct lack of motivation to complete my daily, menial tasks. That's why I feel exhausted and unwilling to do anything but surf around on the net without being too productive.

I think back and try to recall when I had a 'real' vacation. The last three years I haven't, a. gone anywhere and b. switched off in regards to work and everyday thoughts. 'Home' is really not a vacation for me - it is fun to an extent, but does not fulfil the aforementioned criteria. Amsterdam was fun for three days, after a work trip, and before going directly back to work - that was with my then boss. Great guy, good friend now, but again the criteria...

Then there was the wedding a year back - that was most definitely not a vacation! Why the hell does it have to be such a pain in our culture anyway?! Off course everything following the wedding has been great.

So yeah, getting back to the matter at hand - I need a vacation. Hopefully, that will come in the form of a trip to Italy in October. Very much looking forward to a bit of down time that fits the criteria... then back to work - writing releases; sending them to the press; organising an event or two; trying to be creative in a field where your clients are, more often than not, very uneducated to the PR field...

Actually, maybe I just need to get a job in a field I enjoy more...

Aaah shit, back to the drawing board!

Polishing Eyeballs

2005-07-25T15:12:00.000+04:00

Well, something like that anyway - it's laser eye corrective surgery (or something like that as well).

Spoke with my better half this afternoon and I am so happy I have twenty-twenty in both eyes! They gave her some drops that numb her eyes and then poked and prodded her eyes to determine the thickness etc. I cannot imagine someone even trying to poke something into my eye, let alone actually pierce it *shiver* no matter how numb my eye is and how painless it may be.

If I was wearing a hat, I'd take it off. She's a tough cookie. No one I'd rather have as my life partner either!

First evening without her tonight - have to fend for myself in that place where the food is made, what's it called... oh yeah, the kitchen! Shouldn't find it too difficult. She is practically spoon feeding me while she is away. Things have been cooked and frozen and are ready to heat and eat. The only thing is that it will be alone, in front of the tele. Sheesha by myself's not going to be much fun either, and the bamboo plant's aren't much conversation...

One day at a time I guess.

Warning

2005-07-24T15:28:00.000+04:00

For those of you who take it upon yourselves to visit my blog regularly (yeah I know, wishful thinking) I thought it would only be fair to let you know that the next couple of weeks worth of blogging from me, will probably consist of how miserable and lonely I will be for the two weeks my beautiful wife is away for her laser eye correction surgery.

And yes, I actually wrote and said that whole sentence in one breath - so don't hate!

I will try and vary the posts, but I cannot promise anything. It's funny a lot of men think of it as freedom, but there is nothing I cannot do when she is around - whether it is playing PS2, watching anime, scratching, burping and whatever other stereotypical stuff us guys do. I am completely one hundred percent myself with her. I enjoy spending time with her. She is not only my wife (and my cook!) but my friend. I can be dumb and act like a fool, I can talk about the day’s happenings, my thoughts - anything.

How is this supposed to be freedom then? On the contrary, I feel as if I'm being thrown into solitary confinement.

Let's hope the next two weeks aren't as dramatic as my overactive imagination!

Old Friends

2005-07-24T13:46:00.000+04:00

Isn't it amazing to be in touch with friends you have known for sixteen years or more?!

If you can't answer that question, the answer is an indisputable YES! I often think back fifteen, even twenty years (from what I can recall) and remember the attitudes and thoughts that were so prevalent back then. Who would've thought we would be where we are today? To still be in touch with your friends from primary school - who you can still call good friends, is a gift.

The funniest thing, I feel, is that you find yourself saying things that you, not only never thought you'd say, but swore to yourself that you would never 'become like that'. One phrase being, "You've really grown up" and the like.

I think we say it not to that person, but to ourselves more than anything.

My old classmates' little brothers or sisters who used to be an annoyance when I was young are starting to graduate and get jobs... hold on dammit, it wasn't so long ago that I just graduated uni... now that I think about it, I have been telling people that I graduated five to six years ago for the last two years. In fact, it has been over seven years since I was pushed crying and screaming into the 'real world'. SEVEN years, that's almost a decade... a DECADE!? Woah, hey, that word just sounds too big... note to self - don't use that word in this context again.

I am blessed to have friends that have stuck with me since as long as I can remember… that doesn't help that fact that we are getting older and balder... no wait... on second thoughts, it's one of those things that still makes you feel as young as when you first met them. Yeah, here's one to old friends. Thanks guys!

London - supposition vs. fact Part 2

2005-07-24T13:44:00.000+04:00

To reiterate my loathing for BBC's eye witnesses, it turns out the guys was Brazilian - nice.

London - supposition vs. fact

2005-07-24T10:06:00.000+04:00

"He looked Pakistani, and he was wearing a large, thick coat in which he could have been concealing something."

Wow, BBC's hard hitting eye witness reports are... let's see how can we put it, oh yes - ridiculous! Do they not screen their witnesses? How vague could this man have been?! What references does this man have to be able to make very pointed comments like those?! Hell, even I can't tell apart Indian and Pakistani at times... aaaaarghhh!! The media's complete lack of objectivity is outrageous...

And is there a new, 'shoot-to-kill' policy over there. From the 'reports' on the major news channels (and I use the term loosely) the guy was just running - he didn't act violent or have a weapon - and he got five shots in the head - FIVE! And that too in a busy underground station, in front of commuters minding their own business.

To make matters even more worrying, Scotland Yard announced that the man wasn't even a terrorist. Oh, ok I can see how the speculation that he may have done something warranted five shots to the head! And best of all was the opening line of their statement last night, "We are now satisfied that he was not connected with the incidents of Thursday 21st July 2005..."

Nothing to fear then everyone, if you are not involved they will make sure to clear you of any charges and speculation from the media... just one thing though - they may have already killed you when they come to this conclusion...

... I don't hear any sighs of relief then!?

Rant over.

Hiatus

2005-07-24T09:57:00.001+04:00

Into the office, trying to shake the sleep from my eyes, I sit down and try and see what is on the cards for today...

Not much! Ok, so let's get started. First we go through the usual set of websites and forums, not to forget my blog… has it been that long since I've written?!

Hmmm, time to get my ass in to gear and do something constructive with my time at work... update my blog!

Found

2005-07-19T12:14:00.000+04:00

Well, Lee came through. Fixed his computer and burned the episodes 12-16 on to CD.

As I saw him with the discs in his hand there seemed to be a feint glow around the discs and I could have sworn that I could here a choir chanting in the background - you know, that whole revelation kind of chanting? Right...

And then i found out that my PS2 has been repaired and I can actually play some of the hundred games I have lying around! Woohoo! If that isn't a reason to make up a story and leave work early, I don't know what is!

I wonder if the shop's got any new games...

Stupid Language

2005-07-17T16:18:00.000+04:00

Among other things, one of my key job functions is writing. Good thing too, since I do enjoy writing.

That said, I can't often help but think how stupid a language English is. I mean, how over complicated can you make a language?! Why is it that 'to' and 'go' are not pronounced the same way!?

I guess Oscar Wilde (or was it G.B. Shaw?) said it best when he explained that according to the English language fish should be spelt 'ghoti'. Why? Well if you use the common English words enough, women and attention and put the pronunciation of some of those letters together, namely gh=f, o=i and ti=sh, you get 'fish'.

Very frustrating at times but we can't do a thing about it now, just keep on riteing.

Lost

2005-07-17T10:36:00.000+04:00

No, not geographically. No, not even metaphysically.

I'm talking about the new TV show from the ABC network. Not an entirely new concept, but put together very thoughtfully - well as thoughtful as TV serials get! A bunch of people find themselves the victims of a plane crash, stranded on an island with very little hope of rescue - oh yeah, and they are 'not alone'. The difference being there is a very interesting element of character development in each episode. This is done through the use of strategically placed flash backs that gives us a glimpse of what the character was like in 'real life'. This goes a long way in developing a bond with the audience and actually making you 'care' about the character.

Thanks to our good friend Lee, we have watched to episode 11 - a very thrilling episode indeed. Unfortunately, Lee hasn't had a chance to download the next couple of episodes. So we must wait - but we need to know what happens to Lock and the metal covering he has found in the dirt - dammit!

What do we do when we go home?! We need to see what happens next - it seems like we are lost without it...

wait a minute...

It's a small world after all... come on everybody...

2005-07-14T16:23:00.000+04:00

I'm sure we all remember that song from when we where young. But wow, it's amazing how small it really has become, just look outside, the roads are packed... but that's not what I mean.

Recently, my sister-in-law was talking about my brother and I to a friend of hers in Pakistan. This friend in turn recalled our names from his past, when he was in Dubai - 'some family friends who used to come over often'. Do I remember them? Yeah I do, we used to go over and play with his sisters when we were little pups - you know, dark room, hide n seek - all the games that were the rage at the time! But Asad, I don't remember him - he must have been a baby. Funny, coz I remember myself as the baby back then. Things like this always puts your life in to perspective.

Then this afternoon I was visiting a neighbouring company upstairs for some potential work and it turns out one of the partners is a veteran media man I used to bother a few years ago for PR coverage in Khaleej times. We had become friends until he left the publication and we lost touch.

While sitting and chatting with them in their window-side office looking across at building 9 opposite, I notice a really cute little thing sitting at her desk in her window-side office. My lovely wife. Isn't that a coincidence - this office is right across from hers! 'Hi Baby'!

The world get's smaller - across nation's borders, across building floors and across offices - it's all relative.

Funny

2005-07-12T12:25:00.000+04:00

On my way back from a meeting this afternoon, I was navigating my way through the inner roads of Media City, which nowadays has some sort of construction going on every hundred metres.

Ahead of me I saw a a bunch of labourers (as they are 'affectionately' referred to) preparing to cross the road. So I stop for them. It takes them almost the whole of fifteen seconds to realise that I won't run them over and am actually 'allowing' them to pass. Some looked confused, while others actually looked afraid! Goes to show how rare an occurence this is - they are the bottom of the food chain here.

What most people don't realise is that without them, we probably wouldn't have much of an infrastructure to speak off. A little respect isn't that hard to give, is it?

Funny, though not funny 'Ha,ha'

Split Decisions

2005-07-11T14:26:00.000+04:00

Well, this day hasn't moved along as fast as I'd hoped.

Getting fidgity now. I am not too interested in work today, nothing too exciting happening. Not that it is ever that 'exciting'.

So once I exhaust all the sites in my 'favourites' list, I go back to that one image that I have been drooling over for the last few weeks. No it's not that kind of site. So here it is - and this will give you an insight in to my personality:

Volk limited edition g-black LE37t for the Honda S2000

Ah yes, rims for my pride and joy. But at USD 2000+, my mind is wrought with constant turmoil...

That is too much to spend on rims, for a car?!... Yes, but they are 'limited edition', made specifically for the car and look so damn good!... But is it fair to spend that kind of money on just rims, it is just a CAR!... Yeah, but that money will be spent anyway. Isn't it better I spend it on something I really want?!...

Oh yes, my mind can be a confusing and scary place to be sometimes. I guess there is an 'Incredible Hulk' in all of us. You know, multiple personalities, fighting with his own fears/desires... eh, if you don't get it go and enrich your minds and read some comic books - they're not 'just for kids' you know.

Wait, I was just talking about car rims, where did comic books come from?!

Yup, a scary place indeed...

Curious

2005-07-11T04:18:00.000+04:00

So this is what a blog is all about, huh?!

Well, let's see what the coming months bring shall we?

This should be interesting...