Tackle Football

      Yes it may seem weird, if not downright awkward, for tackle football to be one of the joys and dominating passions of my life. I began playing midway through high school. At first I was afraid, I was petrified; I kept thinking I couldn't survive in such a physical sport. When I started, flimsy arm-tackles were a way of life...our games looked like 14 young people stumbling through the uncoordinated physical period of adolescence (we were). It is interesting to note though that in all of our games spanning over 4 years, no one ever sustained serious injury.
      At the University of Florida, much with the same group of friends, we continued this longstanding South-Floridian pastime. While most students would dream and daydream about getting drunk or hooking up, I would fantasize, I mean fantasize, about all aspects of tackle football. This would often consume me. The best feeling I've ever felt in University was on Sunday mornings when I couldn't get out of bed. Saturday's football game would give me so many deep bruises and nicks that if I could move, it was very slowly and with an unmistakable limp. This was my nirvana.
      Forged through dozens of tough games and battles, I emerged as a premier middle-linebacker, widereceiver (hence the e-mail address), and running back. My speed, agility, tenacity, and newfound courage have propelled me to the top of this recreational sport. I can comfortably compete with players up to 6'4" and 240 lbs--quite the accomplishment for this 5'10", 165-pounder. I got only two word for potential challengers, "Bring it!"

Web Design

      In case it wasn't readily apparent, my love and passion for web design--as the ultimate form of self-expression--ranks above most other activities. Being able to engage an audience and provide meaningful information and thoughts at the same time is incredibly rewarding. As a die-hard introvert, nothing compares with boldly asserting myself and my beliefs in a non-threatening forum where I am the King and viewers my vassals. The power rush! Not without it's drawbacks of garnering unneeded attention, the forfeiture of my freedom is a small price to pay to be a Creator.
 

 Late-Night Discussions with Shameem & Elham

        The past year has seen me make dozens of trips to Shameem and Elham's apartment to engage in lengthy discussions, lasting well into the morning, concerning the progress of  The Faith in Ottawa. As an eager and enthusiastic Bahá'í, there has hitherto been few opportunities to intellectualize and analyze many of the processes and trends that were taking place in my area. Really discussing what can/should be done, instead of the loathsome but pervasive cultural habit of endlessly complaining, we would sincerely and tirelessly work toward solutions and fixes to many of the challenges we saw the community straddled with. A total break from the mundane and superficial that many people seemed gleefully content with, we would penetrate into the reality of existence and our role in the enfoldment of the Divine Plan and our special place at this unique point of religious history (The Cycle of Fulfillment). When I leave these congresses of the spirit I feel wholly detached from the dross of this world and connected to that source of bounty and grace that is 'closer to me than my life vein.' Through these, what I see as,  pure souls I feel spiritually enlightened, edified, illuminated, and consecrated. Words, however, lamentably fail to capture this ineffable transformation that has no peer, no comparison, and no equal.