24 years have gone by

On a mildly sticky Karachi night twenty four years ago today, I was born.The first grandson from the eldest son in the family. Needless to say, everyone rejoiced. I in particular was quite happy to rid myself of the confines of my mother's womb, because I'm not going to lie to you, it was hot in there. One qick shower later, I recieved my first kiss from a woman, a nurse who thought I was cute. Sadly, that scenario hasn't played itself out again.

Here I am, 24 years old and I figure its time to take stock of what has been and could have been,

- I could have been a girl. I have always been a fan of breats and the thought does occur to me once in a while that maybe I should go through a few sex change operation in order to have unrestricted access to boobs. The other option is becoming a pleasant person, not something I see myself adhering to.

- I could have been named something like Asim, or Ahmed or Hamid. But I was given my name. And I love it. Absolutely adore my name. And no, its not Uzi. (ps: nihau, remember when some dumbass asked us whether we'd like to be named something more common?)

- I could have attended a Pakistani school in Qatar, but I didn't. Instead I was sent to an Indian school, which at the time I looked upon as a travesty of justice, not to mention a deliberate attempt by my mother to exact revenge upon me for kicking her while in the womb. Well, I sit here today happy that I attended that school. I learnt Hindi, gained a perspective into an Indian's life and above all, grew to respect other cultures and be inquisitive about and open to new ideas. Thank you Mum and Dad.

- If I had stayed on in Doha rather than leave for Canada in Grade 9, I would have become captain of Red House. I was sure of it then, and I am sure of it now. I am not one to regret stuff, but this perhaps is one of the true regrets of my life. That i never got to accomplish what I believed was my destiny at IIS, well that and then going on to be Head Boy.

- I could have gone to Wilfrid Laurier for university, but I chose MAC just cuz I liked how it looked in the summer. Best decision I ever made. I loved it, it was a blast.. and it continues to be a blast because of all the people I know that are from there.

- I could have moved off campus after first year, but i didn't and instead became a CA. Possibly the second best decision I ever made.

- When moving off campus in my final year, I wanted to live in the westdale area but couldn't find a house. Instead fate placed me on other side of the campus, near a little known house on the corner of Brooklyn. The rest as they say is history.

- I could have said no that joint, but I said yes. Pass the dutchie..

This year, I have more to think about then ever before. I am alive today and for that I am thankful. That I got to see this birthday is a mini miracle and I am grateful to all those that prayed and to all those who believed.

Despite all the stuff that ticks me off everyday, life is good. I Just hope I can say that honestly when I'm 48 too.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes and the e-cards. You all made my day.