New Year's Resolution (...a month later)

Hi

Oh crap. No one mentioned that 2007 has already started. How could I NOT list my New Year's Resolutions?

1) Getting into shape. Really, I'm adding this one more so out of tradition and only partially out of necessity. Here are some motivating factors for why I need to get into shape:
a) Psychological damage caused by the following people:
- The momz: I don't like her grabbing my stomach instead of my ears when she wants to discipline me...
- Zareen: Her IM message to me of "How do you stay in such good shape, Imran?" And she claims to be oh-so-nice...
- Taha: His innumerable comments like, "You're such a lovable teddy bear, Imran. Never lose any weight."
- Prince Hassan: His innumerable comments, too. Chief among them are, "You're the world's greatest pillow."
- Harris: We see each other maybe once a month (if that) and each time before saying salaam he'll say, "Oh wow. You've gained some weight again, huh?" (I would think to myself, Damn, I just lost a couple pounds, too...)
- My brothers: Let's not forget these punks. Umar calling me "Mad Handles" on the basketball court. Yeah, I was as surprised as you, too! He doesn't call me that because of my sick crossover either. Ali's constant reminding of, "Man, your soph yr in college you were in such good shape. You used to have to muscle on you. Remember that? Do you? Well, do you?! What happened?"

b) Girls. Okay, I was going to try to not put this on here, but let's face it. Girls don't want a teddy bear as a man, Taha. They want teddy bears as a Valentine's gift with chocolate and lingerie.

c) Health. I guess for personal longevity, happiness, etc. I should, shouldn't I? Sure, this should've been the primary reason, but I told you...I've got some psychological damage here now! Some major insecurities.

d) Nights with the fellas. Okay, so I have this bad habit. It's like my version of being a drug junkie or an alcoholic. When I'm with AJ, Taha, Hassan, Farooq, Viray, [insert all friends' names] I have a bad of habit of show casing myself. I can't stop it either. It's an uncontrollable impule. You see, when people least expect it, I'll enter the room without my shirt on. TMI? Well, I love doing it. I feel great and I'll do it for a good 10 minutes (until someone tries to take a picture), but all I hear during those ten minutes is laughter. Like LOL-ing to the max. I don't get it! Thoughts?

e) Eh, why not?

2) Write an ode to Jonelle. This will come in 2007, "Empress J." I can feel it...

3) Go back to school. InshaAllah. Make dua.

4) Beat AJ in Madden. InshaAllah, this is the year. Da brotha has been on a tear as of late...

5) Beat Taha one-on-one. InshaAllah, this is the year. I can feel it. The last time we played, I almost had him.

6) Get promoted. CPM (clinical project manager) Level II. Please make dua. I'll then finally achieve my dream of making $250,000 before turning 28. The $175k right now is pretty good, but not good enough. I've got a lot of baby mommaz to take care of, player...

7) Start a business. Okay, if you believe the cash flow amounts in number 6 above, you're pretty dumb and live in a nice fantasy world where I wish I could join you. Dude, if I was a baller like that (inshaAllah, I will be), I'd have a personal assistant writing these blogs. Anyway, the ultimate goal is to have your own business. This is more so a long-term resolution, but an important one to set nonetheless.

8) Work less hoursGet into work earlierSleep earlier on weeknights. What's sad is that even if I get into work earlier, I know that I'll just be used to working late anyway. Also, the amount of work I have wouldn't allow me to leave much earlier anyway. But, regardless, I need to learn when to quit. Being a workaholic is in a twisted way enjoyable, but not healthy in many ways either. I guess "time management" is probably a better buzz phrase I could use for this resolution. (AJ, how much do we talk about this?!)

9) Pursue my singing dreams. Yep, it's a very little known fact, but I'm now airing it out there: I can actually sing, people. Only my brothers Ali and Umar know this. Unfortunately, it's not rap or r&b like I'd want it to be, but alternative. But, according to my bros, I've got the talent for it. I really think that this is the year that I should go all out and do what it take to get my name out there. It'll definitely add some interesting stories to the blog.

10) Islam. Don't get me wrong here, folks. I've saved the best, or I guess most needed, for last. Being an interested observer of what people go through in life and trying to figure out an answer for it all (my own actions included), I inevitably come to the decisive conclusion that Islam truly has the answers to life. To how we should live and get through all our troubles. It's there for the taking; Allah's Mercy and Forgiveness is available should our hearts not be callous enough to prevent it from penetrating. Walking the blessed path of The Beloved (sallallahu alayhi was sallam) is an honor not to be taken lightly or compromised for ultimately meaningless whims and misplaced desires. May Allah guide me and us all. Allah huma sali Allah Muhammad. Ameen.

Well, that's pretty much it, guys. On a serious note, please wish me luck in all this and remember me & my family in your prayers.

Oh, and on a less serious note, if you were convinced by number nine above, then you're still in that crazy fantasy world I was talking about earlier. So gullible, aren't we?! :)

Cheers, mate