Recently, my mind has been on a roller coaster ride of memories. The 90s are hitting me hard and not sure why is that the case. from my time of street cricket in Islamabad to the first snow in the USA to the welcoming of the new Millenium on the streets of DC. there is sometimes too much flowing through the brain and the ability to capture and write is not possible. Life has been a journey. I am a nomad than a resident. Maybe a world citizen. looking past…read more
I wrote this last year but never posted it. today is the 73rd year of the independence of Pakistan. The country I left as 19 years old looking for a better future. I did find religion and a future but being away from Pakistan left a gaping hole in my personality. this will be something I need to come to terms with but alhamdulillah I was born in Pakistan and lived as a Pakistani and still love Pakistan. what religion gave me was a sense of no nationalism. Islam doesn’t…read more
While watching The Crown, there is a scene where Margaret Thatcher (played by Gillian Anderson) reads a poem to the Queen. It was delivered soo beautifully that it left an everlasting impression. this Poem is befitting to my current professional career. i would do a full Tashreeh like i used to in FSc but it is not the time. No Enemiesby Charles MackayYou have no enemies, you say?Alas! my friend, the boast is poor;He who has mingled in the frayOf duty, that the brave endure,Must have made foes! If you…read more
The time is 1997 and I am preparing for my FSc. I would stay up all night and study and sleep during the day. this kept on happening for months before the actual exams. I had the rangeela songs for my entertainment. it was winter in Islamabad and was cold at night. but hoping to score the best results for FSc kept me going. there are moments when you hear or smell something and it brings back a lot of memories. It could be the smell of flowers while walking…read more
Last year at this time I was in the UK doing my wood badge training. it was a beautiful time and I wish I would have spent more time there but couldn’t. It was my first time spending 6 days camping without family. The course title was N5-802-19 Met amazing friends and being part of the Trans Atlantic Council exposed me to a lot new and people from all over the world. Also, Gilwell Park holds an important place in Scouting. this is where the initial leadership training was held…read more
I have become obsessed with the trek to K2 base camp. it seems that it has come to the point where I am not able to see beyond it. I even dreamt about it. I have imagined standing at Concordia and looking at the majestic view of the 4 eight-thousanders and being in awe of it. My interest in hiking and exploring has peaked since I got more involved in Boy Scouts of America. Last year at this point was completing my Woodbadge training at Gilwell in UK. So off…read more
Moving to USA in 98 had put me in a unique position to jump on the bandwagon of the Internet Era. I was young and full of plans and idea. There were opportunities. Heck I saw the movement from dialup to broadband, I lived through the Napster era, I had an account on AOL, I was lucky to get an invite to Gmail early. I had my first mobile phone and did not have to pay for caller ID. the current generation cannot even imagine what life changing events we…read more
I have just hit 40 and it has made me realize about life. I am confused and somewhat clear also. maybe a midlife crisis is about to set in and make me more miserable but I am not sure. remembering a lot of people today. a lot of places also. missing Islamabad also today. the Islamabad from the 90s. the time period is beyond me but it is hard to let go. maybe it is hard to let go of anything that was good. Am I the only one who…read more
So the layoffs news has been hot for a week, then it actually happened. The day is a heavy day. it feels like a horrible accident has happened and news of casualties is trickling in. The morning starts with “Is it happening today” the mid of the day is a tally of up to this many people have been laid off. The Day ends with “It’s a depressing day” The irony in all this is that fact I cannot see the logic behind it. There is the reason of budget cuts but…read more
My father is amazing guy. Even in his old age he inspires me. It is sad that i couldnt turn out to be the stronger and better version of what he wanted but i pray i still am able to make him proud.