The last few days

OK, so Day 1 I did cardio.....since then...squat.....sigh...but I'll do some today! Tuesday was the game so I couldn't. The Raptors won!!! Yes!!!! And then yesterday Anojan, Aamir, Jane, and I went out for Baskin Robbins ice cream and then to a Yemen restaurant (it was so good!) as Aamir heads back to Canada tomorrow. But today no excuse! I will excercise! Oh, I got Accepted! Yes, after 2 rejections finally! I got....a credit card :P hehe. A whole $300 limit too. haha, for those confused. US Credit card companies don't look at my Canadian credit history. So when I moved here I had zero credit history. So I applied for citibank cards a couple times (they have a good airmiles credit card) but got rejected because of the lack of credit history. But now, finally I got one....though with another company. I don't really need a credit card, but it should help establish more of a credit history. Which helps in other things like getting loans and even renting an apartment. Its a bit of a pain but its funny too. A $300 limit on a card? I had bigger limit on my canadian card in highschool. As for my mba applications.....I'm now 3 for 3 on being waitlisted, the latest wait list being USC. So...yeah, feeling a bit doubtful...though not down. InshaAllah it'll work out. I finally got all the Amazing Race pics...so I'll do a picture post soon enough....within the week hopefully. For now they are on facebook if ppl can't wait. Does this make sense to anyone? Janet and Zaina having a conversation J: Hey have you talked to Ahmed recently? Z: No, have you? J: Nope, its been quite awhile. Z: yeah, I know we haven't been online at all and have been really busy studying for finals but he's been a bit distant. J: yeah, and i know he's had a lot of visitors lately and been busy with them and with work as well....but he's acting weird. Z: you think he's mad at us? J: maybe....grr...how dare he be mad at us. Janet calls ahmed J: hey i got a bone to pick with you? A: huh?

Raptors, weight, visitors, & a contest

I went to the Raptors in New Jersey on Friday. The seats were great. And Bryan Colangelo said "Hey guys" to me and Noah. That was the highlight. As after that, when the game started.....the Nets killed us. Sunday was game 4. I watched from home....for 3 quarters. It was even worse than Friday. Hopefully things improve for game 5.... I bought a scale on Saturday. I'm hoping it will motivate me. I won't disclose my weight here. Its not that bad I suppose.......but its still the heaviest I've been in my life....sigh...I think I hide it quite well. As most people tell me I'm fine and don't need to lose anything. Some people even call me skinny (janet). but there are others that are evil who call me fat or tubby or something (darrin) and thats spreading to two other evil ppl (jenn and caitlin) grrr..... Jane will back in town tonight. My apartment really is like a revolving door with friends coming and going quite frequently the last month or two. I don't remember when I last deflated the air mattress. Its a lot fun though. And not at all a complaint. I just agreed to a contest with Ruby. 8 weeks (~June 24) to lose weight. We both have our own individual goals. But I always do better when there is a competitive factor involved. So my own goal is about 10pounds. So slight more than 1pound a week....shouldn't be too hard right?....Anyone else want to partake in this little contest? Oh and another thing. I'm going to try and spend less time online. I want to stop waisting time doing pointless stuff online. Maybe the time will be spent on better things like reading...or maybe not....I just think I spend too much time online. So I'm going to try and no longer use the internet after........12 (midnight)....and maybe work that done to 11. I may still be online.....or doing something on my computer.....so its somewhat of a loophole....as I could still chat if people message.....but....the main thing is to just not sit there and start conversations or randomly surf the web. Hopefully this wil lead to me reading more (I'm woefully behind on reading my ever increasing stack of books on my window sill) and going to bed early. And hopefully that will in turn lead to me actually waking up early enough to cardio in morning and eating breakfast.

Bunch of small changes

Ok, so I made a few changes. It probably doesn't seem like much....maybe it really isn't. But on the backend, with the new blogger code....well, its pretty different. It'll take me awhile to figure things out and decide how I want it. I finally liked about a bunch of blogs I read. Sorry, I didn't really ask most of you for permission. If you dont want it up just let me know (and sorry for doing first and asking later). If I somehow forgot to include you, sorry as well and just let me know. A few of the blogs are almost dead too....but I'll leave them up for now and clean house later. K, thats enough blogging for 1 day. 2 blogs, a template change, and all got up on my commenting...yeah definitely enough.

Yay.......boo.......interview tag.

I have 2 other blogs....but they are just for testing stuff out in blogger design and template stuff.....but I'll never get around to fixing this layout if I just leave it there. So I'm goign to slowly start moving stuff here and changing stuff even if it looks weird and is incomplete....at least it'll be some progress....hopefully....sometimes you need to step back before moving forward. First the good news. Raptors won!!!!!!! Yes! Parker with a big game! Bosh and TJ both played well. And we evened the series up at 1-1. Now we're off to NJ for game 3 on Friday where I will be attending! wooohooo! And props to Mitchell for winning coach of the year! Now the bad news.....aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh........sigh.....I'm waitlisted by both Texas and Toronto. Now Toronto I know my interview only went so so....but still....Texas I had a great interview so I'm more surprised.......but now I'm scared........while I still have 3 schools to hear from still.....I'm much more doubtful. I really feel that its because I applied in the later rounds.....darn my recommenders for not getting them in earlier......darn me for not finishing my essays and hounding my recommenders for getting it done faster....sigh. My gmat is good. The quality of my work experience is great. My essays I think were alright. My gpa sucks. My number of years of work experience just meets the minimum. So the fact that I'm at least waitlisted.....if I must look for positives.....is good. It means I just missed out....well waitlisted means theres a chance I'll still get in.......but really....I doubt it. Inshaallah I'll get into one of my remaining schools. But if not.....well working for another year is not the end of the world. I'll be able to save more for school and need less of a loan. And I'm absolutely positive that if I apply earlier next year I'll get in. I mean when I applied in later rounds the majority of the spots were taken. And I still almost got in. I can improve my essays and 1 more year of experience will help too. It sucks.......but I had evening of dismay last night and I must try to be positive again now....and hey. InshaAllah I'll still get into my other schools...its not over yet. On another note, Ruby had this game on her blog which I volunteered myself for....its basicaly a tag answer 5 questions type deal. Here we go. 1) The only chocolate left on the planet is one block of dark lindt. It's guarded by 10,000 hungry lions. I know you want it, what do you do to get past them? Hmm....it better be one big block....cause otherwise I'd make my own chocolate..but hmm...lets see. I think I'd draw them away with bait.....or maybe I can steal one a giant robot dinosaur from disney and scare them all away. 2) What was your favourite cartoon as a child? I can't pick one....but...I won't list all of them....to many........lets go with.....3. Gummi Bears, Thunder Cats, He-man. 3) You have the chance at an all expenses paid trip to anywhere on this planet. Where will you go? On a trip around the world! But if I had to choose a single place....thats tough....I'd like to say Turkey or Spain or Egypt.......but I think I have to go with Mecca b/c while inshaallah I'll have many oppurtunities to travel in the future but just in case....I should do this first. 4) Favourite meal? Shrimp! No wait....Lamp Chops....or Steak....can chocolate cake be a meal? ok...so many to choose from....lets go with... allo and fish pakora appetizers. rice and kebabs as the first course. prawns for the 2nd course. and 1 lamp chop in fried egg to top off the main courses. Then for dessert lets have a light fluffy chocolate layer cake with thin chocolate mousse layer. No icing. And maybe some double ka meeta as well (not sure about the correct spelling). And maybe the next day have good bbq with burgers, mcdonalds fries, and a sundae with chopped banana. :P 5) How do you feel about socks and sandals? I'm actually not big on sandals.....but then I spent a lot of time in India in the last 2 years (visiting, internship). And....I've changed my mind. Sandals are great. Now for socks.......I get cold easily.....and I don't like being cold. Give me the heat anytime. So socks with sandals....perfectly fine by me. The rules to pass along: - Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me!" - I will respond by emailing you five questions. - You will inclue this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. - When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

The week in review

Amazing Race NYC was just awesome! Everyone had a lot of fun. But I'll blog about that later when I get some pics from the other racers. So for now...lets just do a bit of a recap. Last Tuesday Darrin, Jenn, and Aamir were in the city from Mississauga. So Tuesday we met up and went for Indian food. I was so in the mood for Indian food. I even got subway at lunch b/c I knew I'd have Indian for dinner. But then.....this place always says its halal, but today when asked the waiter was unsure.....so I had to get shrimp....which was meh.... :( Wednesday, Zaina and Arefin dropped by and then they along with Darrin, Jenn, Anojan, and I all went for Lebonese food, Yum! Afterwards went to my apartment and played Wii....such an addictive lil console hehe Thursday Caitlin came down from Hartford and we went to Carmines (family style Italian restaurant). It was really good. It was rather late when we finished so we all just went home after that. Friday we went to Les Mis! Wow! It was awesome! So So So good. I'd definitely put it in my top 5 and probably top 3 shows. At least based on entertainment. On how good of a show it is....it vies for top spot. The performances were just incredible. Then we all (Anojan, Caitlin, Mike, Darrin, Jenn) all picked up some chinese food and went back to my apartment and played more Wii. Until 4am! Then we had to wake up at like 8 Saturday for the Amazing Race. But like I said, that will be a seperate post. So yeah, basically it was a very very fun (though expensive) week. Good fun with great friends, what more can I ask for. Oh....except for the raptors losing game 1.....still.....Raptors in 5 (well my gues is 6)! On an entirely other note. I found that during every year of university, sometimes every term, someone would really start getting on my nerves. And at no fault of their own. Its just.....ugh, I don't want to deal with them. They annoy me. And I hadn't felt that for the last 2 years....till now. Its back. I'm finding someone really annoying. And its not because I spend too much time with them. I'm not sure why it is. But....I take it as another sign I need vacation :P At first I was thinking maybe I'll take a weekend trip home. Or a weekend trip to LA to visit Omar. But...I think I'll take 4 days off and take a long trip home. The end of May inshaallah. Then hopefully I'll go visit Omar in May or June as well but that will only be a weekend trip. Of course if I inshaallah get into the schools I'm applying to......sigh still very worried about that...if only I had made it in time for the earlier rounds.....my plans my change. Dah well its out of my hands now.

Funny times

I had my Toronto interview. It was ok. Only ok. I'm getting worried. Quite worried. I'm trying not to think about it too much. Another year of working wouldn't be the end of the world. But InshaAllah everything works out. Let do something more fun instead of thinking about that. Here are some conversations/events that took place sorta something maybe like this. hehe. 1) Ahmed on msn during lunch at work#1. Ahmed while thinking to himself about what he needs to get done today changes his msn display name to, "Tonights Plan: The Laundry Room". Shortly after, his mom messages him. Mom: Do you need to tell the whole world you're doing laundry? Ahmed: meh, what does it matter? Mom: No, its good. It tells the world you are still single. Ahmed: .......I have to go now. 2) Ahmed on msn during lunch at work#2. Ahmed opening up the dark lindt chocolate bar he just bought from the store. Takes a bite and thinks not bad but wishes it were a bit darker. He changes his msn name to "70 just doesn't cut it". Later in the day his mom messages. Mom: Did you get a raise? Why so small? You should ask for more. Ahmed: Huh? No...oh my name....I was just talking about chocolate. Mom: You and you're chocolate. Hurry up and make more money, I want to retire, I'm getting old. 3) Ahmed talking to Jane on msn. Jane: Hey, Ahmed I'm going down in April! We shoot meet up, can we all go to Serendipity again? Ahmed: Sure, though I know better chocolate places. J: oh cool, we should go. Do you want me to bring you or Anojan anything from Canada? Chocolate? A: haha, nah, thats ok thanks. J: hmmm....I'll bring you oranges! You never eat fruit! A: haha, thats ok. Theres a fruit section in my grocery store....I haven't really explored it.......but I think they have oranges. 4) Ahmed talking to his sister on msn. Ahmed is quietly doing some work at home (in Brooklyn, New York) when his sister messsages him (from Mississauga, Canada) Umber: BHAIYA! Ahmed: yep? Umber: I'm coughing, sneezing, I'm tired, my stomach hurts, I have a headache and I feel hot. Now Fix me! Ahmed: haha, what can I do from here? Ok, ask Nana (a doctor) to give you some medicine and then have mom take you to the doctor tomorrow if you still feel sick. And go to bed, its late. Umber: .....Fine........ 5) Ahmed and Darrin are playing Pool. Darrin has (somehow) won 3 games in row (somewhat convincingly). Darrin: haha, this is like one of my best pool days. This cue stick is great. The top of his cue stick then suddenly, without being touched, breaks off. Ahmed: lol, what you do? Darrin: Nothing, how'd you do that? Evil! Ahmed: haha, I didn't do anything. Grab another cue, I'm going to break. Ahmed does a poor break (for him) and much of the balls are still centered (probably a poor racking job by Darrin). Ahmed gets one ball goes in but then he misses his next shot. Darrin: blah, I'm just going to bust it open some more, everything is too bunched up. Darrin stikes the group of balls and....1, 2, 3, 4 balls go in! All belonging to Ahmed. Ahmed: LOL....omigosh....lol....i'm dying...hahaha. Darrin: WTH? Evil evil guy. 6) Ahmed, Jane, and Anojan are at the Chocolate room. Anojan: The waitress hasn't really been attentive. Jane: Yeah, where is she? I asked for milk and sugar like 10mins ago. Ahmed: It doesn't seem that busy in here, well I guess you can tip less. Jane: haha. At the end of the evening, Waitress: I'm sorry I half abondoned you guys, I've just been busy with this rude table. I overheard you guys talking about Visa's and Medical Jobs.....waitress proceeds to give a lot of info and tips for Jane on moving to NY, visa's, and job searching. Jane: Wow, you've been such a resource! Hmm....hey do you know any Sri Lankan girls for him (points to Anojan). Ahmed starts laughing. Anojan: Eyes bulge for a sec and then he lowers his head with hand to forehead (hiding) and goes quiet as he's completely embarassed. Waitress: haha, sorry can't help you there. After waitress leaves. Jane: I think I'll give her a good tip. 7) Janet and Ahmed playing wii before going to do cardio. Anojan gets home. Ahmed: Hey Anojan, come do cardio with us. Anojan: What now? Ahmed: Yeah, you've been saying for a couple weeks you were going to start doing more cardio and you always say you'll start on monday. Anojan: Oh...well...I would, but I need to work on planning this Amazing Race stuff on my computer. Janet: Oh can I help? Can I see what you have so far? Anojan: Yeah sure, but its all on paper at work. Ahmed: Its on paper at work? Anojan: Yeah....umm....ok, I'm lazy I just dont' want to do cardio ok.

Amazing Race NYC!!!!!!!!

Last week on Saturday I decided to go to the gym and try a cycling class. It wasn't bad at all! I think I did alright. The only parts that really killed me were when you have to stand up and pedel. My legs were sore for a good 2-3 days afterwards though. Stairs became quite the challenge. But I think I'll try it again this saturday. I'm going to be committed to getting back in shape....at least in terms of excercising....at least 3 times a week. Diet.....thats another story. Currently, I'm trying to go by the rule that I'm only allowed junk if its free or if I go out for dessert with people. I've been good with it....but my boss brought in easter chocolates and I'm like the only major chocolate eater at work so I finished pretty much all of it singlehandly. And Jane has been visiting from Toronto. And she likes chocolate too so we've been goign to dessert places. And it was her bday this week too. And we're all (her, me, Anojan, her bf, some other friends) are all going out to dinner, a comedy club, and more dessert tomorrow! So yeah.....diet...oh well. Recent articles say dieting is bad for you anyways. So Jane is leaving on Saturday. But on Wednesday Darrin is coming down. And on the weekend his bf Jenn and her sister Caitlin are coming. And Aamir is coming down for 3 weeks on business as well around the same time. So.....more eating and more dessert! hehe But thats not the best part! We were all talking about things to do and we thought hey, lets rent bikes and go biking in central park and maybe the city a bit. And then from that...we came up with the idea of having.......Amazing Race (scavenger hunt style) NYC!!!!!!! Anojan is busy that day so he'll design the race for us. It'll be 6-8 tasks and we'll work in teams of 2 with a set budget. Tasks could be things like go to Serendipity and eat a chocolate sundae, go to the Park to rent a bike and go to Columbia and back, go take a picture with the NY Stock Exchange Bull statue, go to the state library and find X book, etc. Man, I'm so excited! And the trash talking has already begun! The sisters have decided they want to take on Darrin and I. Ooooh they are sooo going to lose. And several of my other friends in the city have also expressed interest. So we're up to about 8 or so people....roughly 4 teams so far and more people expressing interest each day! =) The race is set for the 21st. InshaAllah the weather will be good. hehe, I can't wait!

Interviews and Tag

So I had the Austin-Texas (McCombs) interview this past Monday.......it went really well! It was much longer than I expected, 1230pm - 210pm. But it was quite casual, the alumni interviewing me was very nice and gave me a really good impression of the school and the city. I was ready for all his questions and he liked my answers and said he would give me a favourable review. He did however temper it by saying that the interview is still only one aspect of the application and that everything will be reviewed once more before they give you a decision. While most ppl he has approved have been admitted there have been times when they have not, and there have been times when he's given bad reviews and they've still got in.....which seems odd to me.....but oh well. I feel good about it right now. Also, Toronto (Rotman) emailed me to setup a time for a phone interview! The guy said its only a 30min interview though. And from reading about it online its very casual and it makes me feel like its only a formality...as long as I don't screw it up. So yay! So ABCDlaw tagged me, from no tags ever to 2 in a week! Kinda cool. Anyhow, she has given me the task of listing 5 of my favourite things and why.....hmm....... 1. The first thing that immediately jumps to my mind is...CHOCOLATE! Milk, cake, ice cream, cup cakes, truffles, bars, whatever, chocolate is wonderful! 2. Stories. Whether its a book, a movie, a tv show, a story someone tells me, a broadway show, whatever it is, I really enjoy a good story. The feeling of a good book where the entire world around you disappears and you are full immersed in a story...I just love it. 3. Travelling! There are so many amazing places in this world. Things that just make you stop and stare and go WOW. And going new places, seeing new things, and even the trip itself...its a fun adventure that ends up giving you so many little stories...most of which you forget but the trips are just incredible experiences. 4. Ok, so bowling, pool, movies, trips, vacations, shopping, etc all that stuff is a lot of fun...but I really like just simply hanging out with people and talking too. A lot of times, the simple sitting around with family or friends talking and playing cards or boardgames are the nights where you have the most laughs and the most fun. 5. Hmm.....what else...I like competing. And of course winning. I dont' mind losing as long as I did well. If I won but didn't do as well as I know I can I'm disappointed. That said, there are some ppl I will not lose to if I can avoid it. I won't lose to my sister or my cousins, Anojan at video games, Darrin at Pool, Jessani at anything, Ben at squash, and I could go on. 6. I guess thats another thing (or 2). I'm a big Toronto Raptors fan! Lets go Raptors, Lets Go! Woo! Woo! (I only woo woo online I don't know why I don't in person...its just not me). And I really like playing squash. Hopefully, inshaallah I'll get into school and be able to start playing again. k, thats good enough. Lots of people have been tagged lately....I dont' want ppl to be sick of it....but if you haven't been tagged yet, consider yourself tagged! And list 5 of your favourite things and why. :)

Tag: 5 things (+some)

Hey so this has been a good week so far. Lets see, I finally finally got a hold of a Texas alumni so my interview will be on Monday! InshaAllah it'll go well. Toronto finally has all my stuff so it'll take 4-6 weeks to process but hey, at least I know its moving forward now. The weather is warming up! I got a gift on facebook from one of my friends! My first facebook gift hehe, cool :) I got a Nintendo Wii! Anddddddd its more fun than I thought! hehe I was joking around with my housemate Anojan though. Together in my we have an xbox360, a PS3, and now a Wii...all plugged into my lil 10-15year old maybe 20inch crt tv :P hehe, oh well. can't complain too much. we still have fun playing. I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff, but other cool thing was that I was tagged by AKA. Thats the first time I've been tagged. K, so I'm suppose to list 5 things you don't know about me.....hmmm....thats kind of tough since some know me very well and others barely anything. But lets see.... 1) When I was small I use think clouds were kind of solid. Like you could walk on them and touch them. I think this came from watching the movie The Boy Who Could Fly and the Superman movies. When my family went to Pakistan one year and visited Meri(sp?) a few hours away from Islamabad and went high into the mountains surrounded by clouds when you go up the sky lifts and cable cars I was quite disappointed when I couldn't touch them :( 2) I use to have what I'd have to describe as a phobia of dogs. I would cross the road and walk on the other side if there was a dog walker coming towards me on my side. I've improved tremendously since then. I had an internship in Chennai, India and there were stray dogs lying in the streets/sidewalks fairly regularly and I'd have to walk between them with them less than a foot away on either side. But they were rather docile and I got use to it. I can now have dogs come up to me or stand in an elevator while they are beside me and stuff. I may be quite uncomfortable and stiff at the time but I can do it. And I can walk by them on the sidewalk with no problem either, I don't even think about that now. Although...don't be fool'd I still am perfectly aware that there is a dog there. :P 3) I've never been in a real fight in my life. Certainly plenty of play fights, pillow fights, water fights, etc. But never a real fight. I've always wondered how I'd do. Though lets hope I never have to find out. 4) I may have mentioned this in a pervious blog. I have always felt I am capable of absolutely anything. Of course its too late for a few things now. And somethings I have zero interest in. But I felt I could do anything. I could be a hockey player if I wanted (even though I don't know how to skate right now). I could be an astronaut. A great lawyer. A doctor. An actor. Singer, etc. Whatever I wanted. It just takes hard work, dedication, sacrifice. But I could do anything I wanted....I'm very blessed to have the life that I do so that I can grow up believing (and still believing) such things. 5) I haven't drank pop (or anything carbonated) in....I'm not sure....10-15years. I just don't like the feeling/fizzle of carbonation. I don't think I've drank the equivalent of entire can of pop in my life. I also haven't had gum in maybe 6-7 years. I just always pass on gum.....and then go get chocolate! Bonus 6) Other random stuff: I shook hands with Chretien(sp?), I was hit by a motorcyle, I slept on floor of the train station in florence infront of the newstand (only for 40mins!...we couldn't find an open hostel), chinese underground purse counterfeitors wanted me to go shopping for them, I can't swim, my friends nicknamed me Evil Guy (no idea why...doesn't make sense to me). My first name is actually Mohammed, my full name being Mohammed Ahmedullah Siddiqui. Ok, so I think just about everyone has been tagged already. But if you haven't....consider yourself tagged!

Food! 2 years and going strong.

Just as I open this up and am about to start typing....I recognize the irony of what this post will be compared to how my last post opened. haha, oh well. Roughly 2 years ago I started eating only halal food. It was about graduation time. I was studying for finals with a friend and we were talking about life after school. I mentioned how one thing I want to work on is learning more about Islam, being a better muslim, eating halal food, etc. And of course he gives me the simpliest of questions. What are you waiting for? And so I was like you're right. And then we went to lunch and from that lunch forward, I have only been eating halal food. Its been hard sometimes. I miss pho and korean bbq and some other things. But really, overall I've been lucky to find a good deal of places I can eat. And its not that hard overall. Anyways, here some pictures of food that I love. It may perhaps be a bit heavy on the chocolate and dessert side...hehe. For those of you on my facebook, there are more pics in an album I put up a couple days ago. Bruschetta - Florence, Italy Chicken Chow Mein - Chennai, India Steak & Fries - Paris, France Nachos - Weavers maybe....Waterloo, Canada Yay, chcolate cake Fresh Bread, Croissants - Paris, France BBQ - Scarborough, Canada Pineapple rice - KittiChai Restaurant, NYC I forget, but the sauce was good. KittiChai again. Um....don't recall, but it looks nice. Salmon Steak. mmm....shrimp... Panang Curry with Shrimp, are you hungry yet? Some strangers on a train in India shared their food with me. :) ok, I'm starting to get hungry myself. Cookies! I made this one. Dessert! Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity Chocolate Sundae We finished it all! Chocolate from Brussels Chocolate shells So many choices...where to start... I miss Brussels Ok, screw the diet, I'm taking some.

Random Tuesday Blogging

I think I'll start a diet soon. Sort of. I'll eat whatever junk I have at home right now. But after that, no more bad stuff for 1 month. Unless its free or I go out with friends somewhere and everyone is having dessert. I did manage to make myself go to the gym on both Saturday and Sunday so that was good. For cardio I did some jump rope! Its been ages since I did that. It was fun! Though I got winded very quickly. Why is it so much easier to do weights than cardio? Cardio just takes so much more work. But anyhow, jump rope was fun, I'm still able to do the double jump and forward cross (where you cross your arms and hence the rope while you jump and then uncross your arms later). Haven't pulled off the backwards version of the alternating of feet yet....but in due time. I actually did a lot this weekend. Aside from the gym, I did the grocery shopping, regular household item shopping, got a haircut, did some cleaning, and I cooked. A ton! Like 4 lbls of keema (ground beef) and pasta for the week. I actually have cooked in ages but it turned out well and its so much easier to cook for a few days than everyday....theres really just no time to cook everyday. I also finished The Penelopaid by Margaret Atwood. I picked it up b/c it was Atwood and the story (the story of Penelope while her husband Odessey...sp?....was away sounded interesting). But I actually found it quite meh. I think I'll start the namesake now. I just watched the movie last night. I liked it! A bit slow at times....seemingly not really having a focus or direction...but overall I enjoyed it. I'm still waiting to hear for the 2nd Texas alumni I contacted....nothing so far...sigh....I wonder if I'll be forced to go to Texas for the interview....that could be fun...I have a friend in Austin....but it would still be a hassle...and not cheap.... TMNT comes out this Friday! I'm not sure how good it will be.....but its the Ninja Turtles! I have to go see it. I think my favourite turtle is now Raphael. When I was younger it alternated between Leonardo and Michaelangelo. My friends are doing the CN Tower Stair Climb again this year and have told me I should do it too. I've done it before. Twice. Its fun and for a good cause. Though each time I do it I'm like oh man, I'm never doing this again. And yet here I am, tempted to subject myself to the pain again. I don't know if I want to pay for the trip home in order to to climb stairs though...we'll see.

Les Miserables

For those that have been following, 2 days have past since my last post. I should have some information. I do not!!!!! Argh!!!!!!! Apparently, due to a technicality I was 1 day late for the early decision deadline and as such I have to wait. And not only that but they (I'm talking about University of Toronto btw) have not received my transcripts! I sent that back in December....grrr....They said they sent me an email, but trust me I would have noticed. I look in my junk mail folder too! sigh.....So I told them to double check and in the meantime I contacted Waterloo (my undergrad university) and told them to courier over another copy of my transcripts. Now Toronto said they'll try to expediate the processing but also that it takes 4-6 weeks usually to process an application. Ok so does that mean from when I sent my stuff in (like a month ago) or 4-6 more weeks from when they get my transcripts? Man....this processing is killing me.......its like co-op ranking days x1000 (ok, only waterloo ppl will understand.....oh well). Its nerve racking nevertheless! On the plus side, Austin-Texas contacted me telling me to arrange an interview either on or off campus. I think thats a good sign. They gave me a list of alumni in New York. I contacted 1 guy.....so far no response....I'm suppose to give 3 business days for a response before trying someone else.....but I have 2 weeks to book the interview (interview itself can be later)....so far no response....I have to wait til monday to try someone else.....man....please just let all this stuff work out. Inshaallah. Another plus, I'm going to go see Les Mis in April. I have some friends visiting and we bought our tickets for the show today! I've heard great things about it so I'm excited! And I think I'm going to go see another show next weekend with some friends too. And tonight I'm going to go catch The Namesake. I hope its as good as the trailers make it seem. Um........what else.......I don't feel like blogging more.....I feel like cake.......anyone have some cake? Want to share?........fine. Oh yes, whats with this weather? It was so nice for a few days and now? Now we're back to snow and slush? blah....

Be grateful and do not be ungrateful

Sometimes I, like everyone else, feel the need to complain. I have my days where I am a rockstar, I feel brilliant and look at my reflection and see an incredibly handsom me man. And of couse there are the days where I should have stayed in bed. I feel like I make 1 stupid mistake after another and that I look like an ugly slob....hmm...where am I going with this.....I don't really like to edit these much.....just type away....so I ramble at times. Ok, so I have my worries. And my problems. I was having coffee with a friend last week and we touched on the subject and I thought to myself you know, I'm not perfect. But I definitely like who I am and I don't feel like I have any issues or that I'm on bad terms with anyone. Which is great. :) So while I have worries and problems (I'll touch on that later as I like to talk about them even if they aren't important) you need to keep perspective on what really matters. And truly I have been blessed with so much. I talk to others or see things (tv, movies, news, in person, etc) and there are real problems. People that are dealing with disease, and murder, rape, abuse, true financial difficulties, depression, and so many real issues. That really matter. Basically, there was a good speech by an Imam awhile back that I heard and I like to keep it mind, which I do. But once in awhile you really have to think about it. About what really matters in life. Be Grateful AND do not be Ungrateful. Ok, so on to my petty problems now. Well actually its more of an annoyance and worry. 2 DAYS!!! Well thats when I'm suppose to hear from Toronto. USC and Texas I think I'll hear by the end of the month but they don't say percisely when. And then UCLA and Michigan I won't hear til nearly the end of May!!! So far.....argh. What if I get into Toronto and I need to respond before I hear from the others? Right now I think the others are higher on my list. I could put a deposit.......but I hear that could be 2-5k? Thats not chump change....... :S And what if I don't get in at all? Interviews are not required. My friend got requested an interview by Toronto. What does that mean? Well.....basically they aren't in for sure, but they haven't been rejected. So basically.....not that much. I've heard nothing. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing.......waiting sucks. Ok, there was something else...but I just went for lunch and now I cant remember...goes to show how important that must have been. On an entirely other note, did anyone see the last episode of Little Mosque on the Prarie? Ep 8 that is. Its on youtube if you care to search. I thought it was hilarious! Babar is too funny A scene from little mosque on the prarie. Theres a strict muslim single father babar, with a young teenage daughter we shall call L Scene: L is studying at home with a boy Babar comes home Babar: Salaam! L turns to boy: packup! L: Salaam dad, you're home early Babar: Is that a boy? Astagfurallah, alone with a boy! L: Well if I'm with a boy then technically I'm not alone.... Babar: Boy (with the paki not black accent), go home. And never speak to my daughter again (in the whiny oh god voice) L: Dad, he's my study partner, we're studying biology Babar: Not until you're married

2 more weeks

So as may have been gathered from my previous post, I was feeling quite down. And while I'm not 100% up, I'm heading in that direction and thats good. On the plus side, I am finally done my applications! Yes, to know freedom again feels great! Well technically, I still have my last application to do, Western Ontario. But Western is lower on my list (no offense to anyone who went there). Its a 1 year program, and I feel like I want to do a 2 year program. There are definitely some disadvantages of 2yrs. 1 it takes twice as long :P and it'll cost more. But, I think I'll get more out of 2years. Learn more. And I'll be able to do a summer internship and inshaallah an exchange term. I want to go somewhere. hehe, I'll have to move somewhere for school too, but still I want more. Maybe London or HK or something. That would be cool. Just for a term. For some reason, I'm feeling confident about getting into Toronto. I shouldn't. I really have no idea what will happen. I want to just get in anywhere hopefully....well. I hope I get in anywhere. Would I be happy if I just got in at 1 place, no I'd be disappointed. But meh, hope for the best. Take what life gives you. So yeah, I'm starting to feel confident about Toronto, despite nothing having changed to make me feel that way. I'll find out about Toronto in like 2 weeks. 2 Weeks! InshaAllah. So with my new found free time, I figure I want to do something. What is it I want to do? I'm not sure. For sure I'll make myself go to the gym more. But what else? I thought about this before and never did anything but hopefully I will now. So what to do? I thought about fencing, or cooking, dance (hiphop or tap), or an instrument, or some art thing, but I haven't quite decided. Money is still a factor since I need to save for school. Speaking of money. I find when I'm not in a good mood I tend to spend more. I'm lazy and I'll buy food. And I want to cheer myself so I buy nice food and chocolate of course. hehe, nothing wrong with that. I probably don't eat enough regularly anyways. I only had 1 meal today actually. But then, I spend money on other stuff too. Not too big on cloth shopping...though thats fun once in awhile. I like toys :P . I want a new tv. A nice big flat screen tv. BUT yeah....that would not be good. But I did buy a nba2k7 for my xbox360 =) ....and after playing it...I want a bigger tv even more! haha....one day. I found a lot of ppl on facebook lately. Stewart, Masashi, Dina, Jane, Victor, etc. Someone posted an old grade 4 class picture. I'm such a geek in it. What I find cool though is, I can remember so many people in it! And talking to many of them, albeit short exchangs, is quite nice. Some of them remembered EVERY single person in the pic. Thats very impressive. I think I got about 60% of them which I thought was fairly good. Anyhow, I have some pictures I want to put up. Actually lots of pictures. Food, visiting alia, silly things, and amazing things, oh and various things. So wow, 5 picture posts coming up. I'll decide which one first later unless someone actually requests something in particular. laters.

another big blah

Sometimes life sucks. I want to go back to being 5 or 8. Lets go with 5 I think that was fun. From the eye of the hurricane, you still all the danger and damage around you. And you can try to help from within. But mostly all you can do is watch and listen. Sadly, the eye is not safe and soon you too are in trouble. And I don't feel like typing more.

Conan - Bread Expert

I came across this on youtube and thought it was hilarious.

a little bit of bleh

Today is Friday. And I am glad. Its been a long week. In more ways than one. I haven't been sleeping much lately. Both because I've been busy and because I just haven't been able to. I feel cold right now. I had some very good chats with some people yesterday, it was very nice. I also didn't have some good chats with people...which is too bad. UCLA application is finally done and overwith thankfully. I'll have to start on Michigan this weekened and maybe Western next weekend and then I'll be done and truly free...I can hardly wait.....inshaAllah I get in somewhere.... Sometimes confidence leaves and confusion clouds....sometimes I can look and see the sky and just start to smile. I want to sleep this weekend. I don't feel like doing much else. I got 3 movies from netflix so I'll be watching those :P You know what, sometimes I tire of peoples immaturity. Stop acting like you're 13 people. Not everything I say has to relate to you or me. And I can just imagine that some people might still take this post literally if they so happen to read it. Buts its in general. Can I not discuss things without it being taken so personally. I feel like this post is downer....I dont like that...maybe it seems like that b/c I'm actually feeling a bit down at the moment.....but give me an hr.....heck let me hear a joke or a song i like and i'm sure my mood will change soon enough :P snap crackle pop i don't know it just came to mind i'm weird like that. I'm also annoyed with people not knowing at what volume to speak...indoor voices people....

Can you take me higher?

When dreaming I'm guided through another world Time and time again At sunrise I fight to stay asleep 'Cause I don't want to leave the comfort of this place 'Cause there's a hunger, a longing to escape From the life I live when I'm awake So let's go there Let's make our escape Come on, let's go there Let's ask can we stay? Can you take me higher? To the place where blind men see Can you take me higher? To the place with golden streets Although I would like our world to change It helps me to appreciate Those nights and those dreams But, my friend, I'd sacrifice all those nights If I could make the Earth and my dreams the same The only difference is To let love replace all our hate So let's go there Let's make our escape Come on, let's go there Let's ask can we stay? Up high I feel like I'm alive for the very first time Up high I'm strong enough to take these dreams And make them mine

Happy Valentines Day....meh

Although I'm not a big fan of Valentines day....at least not yet. I do like this story/exchange I read. I've probably posted or shared this before but dah well I'll do so again. It's Wednesday the 12th of February. It's early evening. Margret and I are sitting in the living room. Margret has asked me to do something the following day. Mil: 'I can't, I'm afraid. I'm going into town.' Margret: 'Why? What do you need to go to town for?' Mil: 'Oh, I have to get some stuff. Margret: 'What stuff?' Mil: 'Just some stuff... things.' Margret: 'What things?' Mil: 'Various things.' Margret: 'What things?' Mil: 'What does it matter?' Margret: 'What things?' Mil: 'It's not important what specific things, is it? I have to get things or I wouldn't be cycling into town, would I? All that's relevant here is that I have to go, not the details of the individual items I need to get - there's no point wasting time giving you a big list, when the only significant point is that I need to go to town.' Margret: 'What things?' Mil: 'Oh, for Christ's sake... Pizzas. I need to buy some pizzas, OK?' Margret: 'We've got pizzas.' Mil: 'We've got a pizza.' Margret: 'So? How many do you need?' Mil: 'Several. I want to have several in the fridge.' Margret: 'Why?' Mil: 'So that we have a stock of them.' Margret: 'Why?' Mil: 'So that we don't run out, obviously.' Margret: 'What would happen if we ran out?' Mil: 'I'd have to go to town.' This flings itself out of my mouth while my higher brain is still racing along behind it frantically waving its arms and shouting, 'Wait! Wait!' Margret responds with just the tiniest movement of her eyebrows. Absolutely minuscule. Sufficient in size, however, to make me wonder if I could get a UN resolution to have her bombed. Mil: 'I have to get other things too.' Margret: 'What things?' Mil: 'What the bloody hell does it matter? Why can't I go to town if I want to, for God's sake?' Margret: 'Why are you being secretive? What are you up to?' Mil: 'I'm not up to anything.' Margret: 'Yes you are.' Mil: 'Like what?' Margret: 'I don't know.' Mil: 'Because there isn't anything.' Margret: 'Yes there is - I can tell.' Mil: 'There isn't.' Margret: 'You bloody liar.' Mil: 'You bloody mad woman.' Margret: 'Tell me.' Mil: 'Stop talking now.' Margret: 'Tell me.' Mil: 'I...' Margret: 'Tell me.' I think we've both risen to our feet by this point (it allows for better voice projection). Mil: 'OK! OK! You want to know why I need to go up town, you relentless harridan?!' Margret: ''Yes! You lying swine!' Mil: 'So I can get your Valentine's Day card! So I can get your bloody Valentine's Day card and post it to here - so it'll arrive as a nice surprise through the post!' A tiny flicker. It's the merest stutter of hesitation, though, then she's back on track before the beat is really lost. Margret: 'You don't need to get me a bloody Valentine's Day card!' (I can't imagine what makes her think she's going to get away with this move - she must be getting old.) Mil: 'Too bad! Because I'm getting you a Valentine's Day card! And I'm posting it to you! Tomorrow! When I go to town!' Margret: 'THERE'S NO BLOODY NEED!' Mil: 'WELL IT'S GOING TO BLOODY HAPPEN - GET USED TO IT!' And, indeed, I do go to town, buy her a card, and post it. Inside I write, 'Surprise!' She gets it on Valentine's Day and says, 'Thank you,' to me, through gritted teeth. (She gets me one too, by the way - it reads, "I'm not interested in a nice, normal relationship... I like ours better.") Odysseus and Penelope? Pah - lightweights.

Still frames in your mind...

I've been meaning to post for awhile now. Just haven't had my computer around when ideas come to me. And when I finally do sit down, such as now, I find the thoughts that had been pre-occupying my mind are not nearly as focused as before. Let me just go on about some random things then and perhaps another day I'll follow up with greater depth. I need to care less about what other people that don't matter think. Like they don't really matter, and I shouldn't let little things upset me. I've been finding a lot of old friends on facebook. Friends from highschool, junior high, and as far back as grade 2. Its quite nice. Now, I don't become big friends with them. Its really not much more than a Hey! haven't seen in you ages, what are you up to now?. A couple more messages like that and well, thats about it. But I do enjoy it nevertheless. And its interesting the memories we have of people. And that they have of us. This one friend remembers that I use to help her learn her provinces hehe. I remember another time, during recess my one friend was upset because she was scared of dogs. So I sat down and talked to her about it. And told her how I was afraid of dogs too. (Man, so scared it must have been a phobia...I'm so so so much better than I use to be). And I remember after recess I got teased by some other friends about me liking her and her being my girlfriend....grrr...bugged me so much....hehe but I guess thats grade 2 for ya :) I wanted to talk about faces. The sides we show to different people. But my inspiration for what I wanted to say....perhaps another time. I'm feeling tired now too. Ohh, I finally excercised today! wooo.....I'm out of shape. But at least I've started again, hopefully I'll continue. btw, Heroes is such an awesome show! Sadly there was no prison break today though. Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go So make the best of this test, and don't ask why It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your life. So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial For what it's worth it was worth all the while It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your life.