Hmm… so this is the second time I am having to type up this post. The original post got wiped out while wordpress was saving. Great!

First up on the getting organised agenda is blogging. I absolutely love reading blogs, and ever since I have started writing, the enjoyment factor has increased substancially. However, of late, I am able to catchup on reading only at the weekends, by which time the number of posts in my reader are pushing 6-800 (I do have about a hundred people whose blogs I follow). I love spending time on a post and leaving comments and following up where I can, but obviously its almost damned impossible with this many posts. The solution to this? I have slashed off the number of posts which I am going to follow down to 55. Out go a lot of the inactive/low frequency bloggers, as well as the people who blog about what they are watching on TV or blog one line sentences 5 times a day. I have twitter for that! If I should be following you on twitter – then let me know! Hopefully, I can keep the number of blogs down to this number.

Next on the agenda – my Blackberry.

<Speaks to himself>

Dude! You got the BB to get organised! Sure you’re now on top of emails, and are actually getting back to people when you tell them you will – this is super; but how about using the calender, tasks and reminder facilites on the phone instead of scribling on your palm, arm and god knows where else?

</Speaks to himself>

I also need to get on top of my self study course. Of recently, I have been getting involved in blogging and tweeting and have been neglecting my studies. I think I will have to book an exam date to get myself focused and prepared for this exam. A time table would also be helpful.

Another thing which I want to do is catch up on other reading. I have started and stopped reading 3 books  in the last 2 months. I need to spend more time reading good and proper literature. You can track the books which I am/will be reading here.

Which also brings me to exercise. I havent played squash for a couple of weeks, and need to get back to a routine. I also havent worked on my situps program for a week, which would mean I will stuggle in my fourth week. Gotta get back to getting in shape. I wonder if I can make it this cricket season? I will lose half a season to Ramadan, and the other half – well who knows. My club plays their matches on the grounds on the Alexandra Palace in North London.

I also want to get involved in social networking events like Twestival – which is taking place worldwide on 12th of February 2009. Although I had tickets for the event, I wont be attending because of work commitments. Saying that, I am really considering attending the 20 something bloggers ultimate meetup in Chicago in June 2009. I think it would be pretty darn interesting, and I will get to visit the US of A.

Speaking of which – I need to figure out where I want to go on holiday. I went to Dubai last year, but it wasnt quite a holiday (sorry MaliZOMG), and more like a recovery from a bad personal event. My last propper break was in February 2007, when I went to Turkey, and I could really do with getting away from the daily grind. My choices for this year… well, it’s a poll! I have never been State-side and I would love to do a mini tour; the cities on my radar are Houston, NYC, DC, Chicago, Boston, and Toronto (I know thats in Canada!). The alternative is 2 weeks in Goa, India – with a couple of days in and around Mumbai. Orrrr…. I could go elsewhere… where would you suggest? I am looking to travel either late in June/ Early July, or sometime late in September.

[polldaddy poll=1352714]

As confident and assured I normally am, I am not sure what to expect from 2009. I spent some time thinking of things which I really would want  to do, gain and achieve in 2009….. and I came up with these…

1. Complain less about the work which other people do. I think I have had enough grief in the last year trying to stand up for other people, without them taking any responsibilities. I guess it’s time the men/women were seperated from the boys/girls.
2. Gain more composure in life… I think swinging over to the later half of my twenties should also mean that I am a little more ‘grown up’.
3. Make serious headway in my Islamic Finance course. I have kinda neglected this for the last 6 weeks, but a new study time table and routine begins tomorrow. I should sit atleast 2 of the 4 exams in 2009.
4. Lose the last 5kgs that I have been trying to lose in 2008 (I have already lost 5kgs in 2008).
5. Try and meet someone who I would want to settle down with. The last 6  months of 2008 were the first time since 2004 that I have not been in a ‘relationship’. It’s the lonliest, most difficult time that I have gone through…. and I don’t want this again…. ever!
6. Forge firm friendships… I have never had issues making friends…. but I have never had more than 2-3 firm friends throughout my life.
7. Try and give that second language learning another go….
8. Jump up another level at work… (this maybe asking for much… but if there is a hint of a challenge waiting to be taken on, I will be there!)
9. Read more… possibly more religious and spiritual books and material….
10. Visit the States…. with or without a travel buddy… (anyone want to join me?). My four fixed locations are – Houston, NY, DC and Toronto (I know it is in Canada!)

It’s not anything great, I know…. but it has been that sort of year for me…. dissapointing I guess. Let’s hope for a better 2009!