01/01/2007: Stop, Plan, Execute.

Goals for the new year:

- Focus on Health. Eat healthy and workout consistently. I have developed a plan for myself that I plan to follow throughout the year. I will do a first review of how this is working out in April 2007. At that time I will disclose the details and any associated measurable progress.

- Try out a new (to me) way to make money doing something I enjoy. Or learn a new skill that is in high international demand today.

- Increase net worth by $50,000

- Rebuild my motorcycle (Yamaha XV650) to ride able condition.

2006 Reflections.

Here is a recap of some of the most significant events as they occurred in my life, during the past 12 months:

- Completed my Masters Degree (Engineering w/ focus on Alternative Energy)

- Got accepted to Business School at Johns Hopkins University

- Increased net worth by $30k (includes individual stock trading, money market returns, employers 401k match…etc)

- Labor Certification Application (part of US Immigration) got approved.

- I-140, Petition for Immigrant Worker (part of US Immigration) got approved.

- Gained experience with 2 investment vehicles, which were completely new to me. These included Apartment Rentals and a Seed-stage start-up technology venture.

I am excited about what 2007 has to offer. I think it will be another fun ride!

The Martini

Its been a great Christmas weekend. Figured I would write a few lines on my newest drink of choice - the Martini.

The Classic is always a hit: chilled Absolut vodka in a cocktail glass which was rinsed with dry Vermouth. An olive or two as garnish and it makes for a great drink.

Here are some variations of the Martini I consumed this weekend and must say that I was impressed with.

The Sour Apple Martini:
1 part Absolut Vodka
1/4 part Sour Apple Pucker Schnapps
1/4 part Cointreau
1/2 part fresh lemon juice

The Lemon Drop Martini:
1 part Absolut Citron vodka
1 tsp sugar
1/4 lemon cut in wedges
(shake all ingredients in an ice filled shaker)


The Apple Martini:
1 part Absolut Vodka
1 part Sour Apple Pucker Schnapps
1 part Apple Juice
garnish with slice of green apple

Accepted at JHU

Yes! Got my offical admissions acceptance letter from Johns Hopkins Univesity in the mail today!

That means a few things:
-> I can finally clear all the admissions related pile from my desk.

-> I get to start classes on January 22nd, 2007. It is kind of late to register and the classes I really want are closed, but I am on the wait list. There is still hope.

-> I need to get my Educational Assistance application in to my employer, so I can get reimbursed for my upcoming expenses.

->Last but not least - access to University resources. This means excellent libraries + recreational facilities along with the endless networking possibilities.

Overall I am excited. This one summer + fall away from school has left me feeling out-of-touch......

NIS90 Reunion, 2006

So in my Thanksgiving Day post I had mentioned how streamlined the Digital Network and Communications that we have seen mushroom in our lifetime, has made my life. One of the benefits of this has been keeping in touch with old friends.

The kids I went to highschool with (in Kuwait) have this site where we keep in touch with each other. We try to have a reunion in North America at least every 2 years. The last one was over Thanksgiving break and was held in Edison, NJ - which kind of is the Desi capital of the US! And of course we are all "brown" kids so it works out perfect......

It was great. Got to catch up on everyones life + network and exchange view points and ideas. Turns out that each one of us has agressive plans for their and their family's lives. Must be something about being a first generation immigrant to North America. I figure we are trying to use all the resources, opportunities available here - something we know first hand about not being available in our home countires. Party on!

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. Nov 2006

Our 10 day trip to Hawaii was a blast. Was at the Fuel Cell Seminar from 8AM to 4PM, but was able to experience a lot of what the Island of O'Hau had to offer, during the times around that.

We stayed at the Hilton Hawaii Village Beack Resort at Waikiki Beach.

http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/

Cost around $200 a night + tax, but it was well worth it.

This is a view of Downtown Honolulu, taken from the balcony of our room, on the 25th floor of the Tapa Tower. I stayed up quite late during several nights, sitting at this baloncy and catching up on reading.

Got to see some beautiful natural beaches, along with awesome lava formations. The pictures don't do the scenery any justice, but give some idea of the grandeur of these sites.


The picture to the Left was taken at Makapuu Point - a serene natural beach.

The one below is at the Halona Blowhole.



Overall it was a fun trip - took care of business + was able to catch up on R&R. We did not rent a car, but walked or used public transportation to get to where we wanted. Which truned out to be a great decision.



On the Right is a picture of the Waikiki beack costline as seen from one of our sailboat tours.

Someday we will go back. Maybe when we make our first million - will be a good way to celebrate!!!