But hey, on my side of things, 2008 was one helluva year, and quite a busy one at that. Let me give you a brief update of what changed for the ammaro (in no particular order):
- After a long period of contemplation, decided to leave the job world for good! Yup, after 6 years of banking/finance jobs, I let it all go; time to go back to LIFE and do what I really want to do!
- Started up BahrainTalent, a much needed push for musicians in Bahrain, and word about it got around pretty quick, with tons of people sending me requests to be up on the site, and a ton more visitors checking it out..
- Switched to Apple! Yup, it was time for a new laptop, and I was DREADING the whole shift to Vista... Besides, Apple was doing really well, so I ended up getting a black Macbook! A very nice piece of hardware, but one which made my life hell for about two weeks (i've been using PC's since the days of C:/> ...), until I got used to the whole system. But hey, things are a lot smoother now!
- Started up HalaBahrain, an online magazine; within 6 issues it's gotten a readership of about 15,000ppl a month... So far so good!
- Got a crack, umm, I mean BlackBerry. Those things seriously take over your life. Started off with a Curve and now a Bold.. I am now technically online 24/7. I can't leave the internet even if I wanted to.
- Companies started asking to buy my photos, to which I happily obliged :p Some of them are on Flickr (see the link on the left)
- Tried Krispy Kreme for the first time. Oh man...
- Filmed 'The Package', which was a short 2 minute movie for MBC, and actually got it aired on TV for millions to see! Yuppeee (link for it on the left hand side)
- Completely shifted fields from Banking/Finance to entertainment! I've been working with musicians, events organizers, etc etc on so many things, and recently affiliated with a big music company that's opening here pretty soon. Will let you know more about this as it happens!
So yeah, that's pretty much the past year! The past few years were pretty much rubbish until 2008, which signaled amazing changes, and 2009 looks set to be even better! Yes I know the whole rest of the world is in a downturn, but I guess my success is negatively correlated to the global situation. Oh, and today is my birthday, yuppeeee. Not that I care. But hey, anyone considering getting me a gift ===> Buy Me THIS! If you don't like the idea of buying me expensive music making software, then you could always buy me this instead.
No? Then perhaps you should just get me the music software as a gift and quit complaining.
I promise to organize my time and post more guys! Stay tuned!
Let me be the first to wish you Happy Birthday ! Cheers, Shaun
ReplyDeletehappy birthday A.
ReplyDeleteim just wondering ... what about the income!?
You're forgetting your amazing contribution to ithnain.com
ReplyDeleteIt couldn't happen without you.
Wow ! Bahrainitalent blog is awesome ... i too have a http://indianrockmp3.wordpress.com/ blog on Indian Indie talent ... but i am too amatuee given lack of computer knowledge i have .. there is so much i can learn from your blog ! Thanks man ! God bless you ! keep up the good work !
ReplyDeleteGreY
Shaun; thanks!
ReplyDeleteLizardo; companies post ads in my magazine, I sell my photos to companies, the music company i'm affiliated with, it's a bunch of things! :)
Redbelt; Well technically that came out in 2009! :p
GreY; whoa dude, long time! Cool project you got going, will check it out! :)
Ammar Happy BDAY and anyway you need software for your Mac let me know, welcome my friend to the light.
ReplyDeleteI can show you good tricks for your Mac too.
Hi Ammaro,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday ( belated though ! )
Glad to hear all the good and wonderful news from your side.
Wish you all the very best for 2009. Have fun and enjoy whats on your plate ...!
Ammaro belated Happy Birthday that is a cool looking mac He!He!He!.Hope you having a good time. :) .
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.Wishing you all the best
Cheers, on the move to entertainment. That’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing. Telling my bosses goodbye and just do it. You’ll be successful and continue to do well, you got that drive.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have me thinking about my future now.
We need to be happy first and you seem to have that.
Krispy Kreme: Yes, they are freaking great. Esp freshly cooked, When they are a couple hours old, throw them in the mircowave for about 10 secs, almost as good.
ReplyDeleteDude, congrats on the transformation in 2008 and best wishes for 2009!
ReplyDeleteSana hilwa ya jameel - (belated :)
ReplyDeleteHappy to read you are "living" your life and dreams. Sincere prayers for continued success. Most folks reading your blog can tell there is a ton of talent. Mabrooks and the best forward.
Mashala. Many life-changing things happened to u in 2008. Hope its all for the best. As long as ur doing wat u like, wat more can one ask for, right? Good luck with 2009. :)
ReplyDeleteYou had never had Krispy Kreme before 2008? What kind of backwater do you live in?
ReplyDeletefantastic blog.
ReplyDeletejust stumbled across it and i love it; definitely makes me miss home.
keep up the good work!
a.m.
Reading about your achievements last year made me excited for you! Things are looking good your side and I hope it continues. I've missed reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and Happy Birthday.
PS: Expect that shiny red car from me....well, if you marry me...lol
Oi there, have a blast! Sounds like you've got it going on :)
ReplyDelete