A L E E M 2.43

It’s funny that he is the only “real” person on my list…the only person I could potentially meet.

The only problem I have….Why do you only have men on your list?!? There are no amazing women you would like to meet?

Otherwise, I really appreciate the cheers he gives on my goals and I’m glad to have come across him.

I stumbled upon 43t a short while ago and was immediately inspired to revive the practice of writing in my journal, which had passed away some years ago. I’ve always found that my thoughts, fears, dreams, insecurities and aspirations became that much easier to understand once I wrote them out, thought them through. It’s as if I am able to step out of myself for that brief moment, while writing, and become my own psychotherapist, mentor and confidant, all at the same time. What does all this have to do with A L E E M 2.43 you may ask? Well, I’ll tell you. The beautiful thing about 43t is that it has allowed me to connect with others who, like me, are all just trying to make sense of the world around them, and help each other out in the process…to be each other’s psychotherapists, mentors and confidants. Aleem befriended me, no questions asked…and as I read his posts and comments, I learned that he was all of the above mentioned personas, giving advice and motivation to others when it was needed. Like a modern day superhero! lol So, that’s why I like A L E E M 2.43…because of that…and because I get a real kick out of the fact that we make fun of each other.

After witnessing the emotional farewell marking the end of the Agassi Era.. I feel obliged to share some of my thoughts regarding this great individual.

I have been a great fan of Andre the athlete for many a years and over the last few, I have come to know and admire more of “The Man”

His elite tennis record speaks for itself as his hall of fame career sets him apart as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

He was a distinguished ambassador for this great sport. I credit him for turning me into a casual follower…later to become an avid fan and eventually picking up the sport myself

His fitness level and prime conditioning, especially in the later part of his career truly was an inspiration .. A testimony to his hard word and dedication as part of his ever present passion for tennis

Over the barrage of tournaments/great matches and many vintage moments that I had the privilege to follow.. I will always remember his visits to Toronto @ the Canadian Open. Also, who can ever forget the thrillers we witnessed at the US Open over the decades..where the crowds in presence and following around the globe sensed something special at hand every time.

The little guy form Las Vegas..
A great player and a great man. his love of the game oozed in his magnificence.. His long and successful career , a proof of his vision and ability to adapt and execute. A true competitor and a fighter on and off the court. Know this much Sir.. Over the years.. No matter who the opponent was or how grim the situation seemed… I rooted for you till the end….always!

Mr. Agassi has come a long way from his brash beginnings as the long-haired prodigy of tennis ..the bold and colorful rebel with attitude in his wild-child retro days. Somewhere along the journey he matured into a humble soul and the elder statesman. One of the most likable personalities in all of sports. An active philanthropists and a great human being all around.

Truly, a man of great character if I ever knew one..

A gentleman on and off the court, he has left an everlasting impression on all that came to know him. Your fans will deeply miss you and this sport wont be the same without you.

We truly are in dept to you for all that you have done for tennis and all you have given of yourself as a member of the human race

Thank You, for all the the magical moments, those classic points and the precious memories all around

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!

He reminds me of what I want to do with my life. The list of places he wants to visit, and the fact that he does photography… And so on.

He’s thoughtful, interesting, and he takes good pictures. What’s not to like?

We seem to cheer in the same circles.

Cheers!

Why Am I writing this now… Well my new year starts in APRIL as I’m a procrastinator extraordinaire!

2005 can only be described as one of the most unhealthy / unproductive years of my life. Yet in some ways what followed was long time coming and really helped me SEE things and move forward……..

Q1
At the end of 2004 I finally swallowed my pride and decided to move back to T.O. This may as well have been the best/worst thing I could have ever done… of course I felt the same way when I moved out in ‘99.Goodbye independence!.. Countless real life experience and tragedies. of course I don’t regret a thing as things happen for a reason and I wouldn’t be the man that I am today had I not taken this road to begin with! :D Bummed around(Back in Toronto) for a while(what some may have described as an extended vacation) and drove some peoples patience. Led to that interesting meeting with my brother…huh..after all those years!

Left my first true HOME behind

Q2
Decided to gather every last penny I had and finally take off on a trip 15 yrs in the making. Since I was going to be overseas ..I decided to extend the voyage and take a 2 month Euro trip. This solo venture was a real soul searching mission! Leaving the comfort of familiarity behind and venturing off to experience adventures first hand was priceless..learned and experienced so much.

Loved every second of it!!!!!

Q3
Arrived back home…TIRED
The summer of 2005 can only be described as interesting!
The confrontation was unexpected. I saw the true colours of a few truly dear to me and my perspective changed forever!
Met some interesting people :)..

Said goodbye to some interesting individuals :(

Q4
The year winded down with my spiritual pilgrimage of sorts and finally making sense of a lot of matters that had been trivial in the past! firm focus and renewed ambition!

Rediscovered courage and unlimited confidence

ALAS..and started off from square one .. once again…

The last couple of years have been something else. Definitely underachieved in all areas of my life and NOW have a lot of catching up to do!

Presently striving to balance the Physical, Spiritual, Emotional and Mental aspects of myself as I finally begin to LIVE MY LIFE!

2006 and beyond…. Bring It ON ;)