Central New Jersey Heart Walk 2013

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Last night, I registered for Central Jersey 2013-2014 Heart Walk by the American Heart Association. I got involved last year and am so glad I did! I was able to raise $360 last year, so I am aiming a little higher and have set my goal for $400 this year.  

It's unfortunate that I won't be in New Jersey in October for the actual walk portion of it [my parents and I have made intention for Hajj, inshallah].

Will you help me help a great cause?

July 16, 2005 started off as any other summer day. Except for the fact that we were busy planning Faraz's high school graduation party to be held the following week on my birthday and we had family arriving from Canada that evening.

It all changed in an instant.

I remember exactly what I was doing in my room when I found out and most of the details of the crazy day that followed. I remember hearing the confirmation it was an indeed a heart attack that my dad just had. I remember calling my brother Ayaz at work to tell him. I remember the questions and the dreaded what-ifs. I remember the wait while my dad was in surgery. Most of all, I remember the long road he faced in the aftermath to recovery. I remember it all like it was yesterday.

I just can't recall any warning signs. Maybe they weren't there to begin with? That's the scary part. It can happen out of nowhere. It can and it does.

Just last year, for example, a cousin of mine in her twenties who lives in Europe had a cardiac arrest in the middle of the night! Her son was a toddler at that point, and to think if her husband hadn't woken up when he did and essentially helped saved her life... you don't even want to think of the possibilities.

In her twenties?! Things like that can happen to someone relatively healthy in their twenties?! It's just so unfathomable to even think about.

That, in part, is one of the major reasons I took up this great cause. Not just because it effected my family, but because of how dire the situation can become in an instant and its consequences are not so great. But we can change that. Who knows, maybe in our lifetime, we will make great strides in the cause.

But we have to come together for the cause first. Do our part. It cannot, and must not, be left on the back burner of issues. Each one of us, I'm sure, knows of multiple people effected by heart disease. The statistics are unnerving.

It's not just about donating towards such a wonderful cause, but also committing to making that lifestyle change. For ourselves, our well-being and health, and our family. Heart disease doesn't just effect the individual, it effects the whole family.

We need to start eating better, and living a healthier lifestyle ... and just generally taking better care of ourselves. What's the point of living if you are not going to live right? Some argue, what's the point of living if you can't "live a little". Well, we all could live a little and live a little longer if we just started taking better care of ourselves.

You know what else I remember? I remember the low sodium, bland boring no taste in any of the food diet that ensued following my dad's heart attack. I don't know how he ate it and for so long. Would you rather have to be on such a diet on a regular basis or would you rather eat healthy regularly but indulge once in a while? It's not only about the food we eat [although it's a large part], but is any food really worth failing health?

Central Jersey Heart Walk Follow Up

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In just under a month, I was able to raise $360 for the Central Jersey Heart Walk and I want to take a moment to thank everyone that generously donated towards this great cause.

It's been such a humbling experience. Everyone knows someone effected by heart disease, and it doesn't have to be as directly effected as we were as a family.

I'm glad I decided to participate, and I urge you to join in and take part in a similar one in your own community. It doesn't have to be a heart related charity that you get involved in, there are so many great causes out there! Choose one that is close to your heart (no pun intended). One that you are passionate about. You'll be glad you did.

Let me tell you, there is nothing more satisfying then giving back to the community. Individually, we may not be able to bring about much change... but collectively, it's a whole another story.

While the $360 I raised may not seem all that grand to some in the scheme of things (I am proud of it actually), the Central Jersey Heart Walk was able to fundraise over $95,000 collectively. That can and will change lives. More importantly, it will save lives.

The actual walk was today, but with a sudden trip to Canada, I had to unfortunately miss the walk portion of it. Next year, I'll be there for sure.

Central Jersey Heart Walk 2012

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I just registered for the Central Jersey Heart Walk on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at Johnson Park  in Piscataway, NJ, will you help fight the cause?

Seven years ago, back on July 16, 2005, my dad had a heart attack. That day is forever engraved in my mind and was the scariest day of my life.

Sure he changed his lifestyle and eating habits afterwards, but wouldn't it be nice to have prevented it from happening in the first place?

I'm walking for my dad, but more importantly I am walking with the hope that others won't have to go through what my dad [and our family] went through!

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of all Americans? And that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined? I would have never thought that heart disease would top [breast] cancer in women!

How many of us even know the symptoms of a heart attack? Or how much they differ in women [compared to the symptoms men feel]?

Click here to read a little more about the American Heart Association which is the largest voluntary health organization working to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.4 killers, claim more than 813,804 American lives a year.

I just registered, will you help fight the cause with me by donating?

Halal Food Festival

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Yesterday (Sunday) marked the first annual Halal Food Festival here locally in Central New Jersey.

Did it run smoothly without any hitches? No. But you know what? An event at that scale almost never does. And for all those complaining (there seems to be quite a few of them), how about appreciating the event, and the time and effort the organizers put towards it... and if you must be a complainer -- this one's for you: how about some constructive criticism that the organizers are welcoming and actually REQUESTING. Or how about pitching in? They did ask for volunteers and such, did they not? It always surprises me that the first to complain are the last to pitch in.

I think the idea of the Halal Food Festival was brilliant, and I'm sure the organizers have learned a lot from this year for future such events. At the end of the day, there is no better way to learn than through experience.

Basically local halal restaurants set up shop, providing samples (some for free, others for $1 or $2)  and selling meals ($5-$7). The cuisines present were diverse -- Mexican, Chinese, Afghani, Pakistani/Indian, and Italian to name a few. While some of the restaurants present I had been to previously, there were a few that I hadn't heard of/been to before.

I actually ended up going twice: the first time, near the start time of the event, with my brothers and than once more several hours later with my dad and one of my brothers. The first time, it was a lot less crowded, everything seemed to be running smoothly, and I was able to walk around and see what restaurants were participating, and sample from several different places without a problem or much chaos.

When I went back later, it must have finally been DST -- that's Desi Standard Time (late to everything but expect everything) because there was a line of people waiting outside to get in. I overheard a bunch of these people complaining of the craziness inside, the lack of organization, and how most places inside were running out of food. I'm sorry but if you are showing up at an event that was expecting around 1000 people but 4000+ people actually showed up around (or past) 4:30 PM which was scheduled to run from 12 to 5 PM, you shouldn't be complaining about any of this.

And you know what? I'm sorry, but I'd rather they run out of food than have an abundant supply of leftover that is gone to waste!

Another major complaint I heard? Parking. Tell me where parking wouldn't be an issue for such a huge crowd? Let's say if they do decide to rent a hall for next year, like the Expo Hall where we have had Eid prayers many times, I am sure not many would be happy to help contribute towards the rent cost.

At the end of the day, I think people need to stop complaining and learn to enjoy things. Life happens. It was a great event, and unless you are giving 100% of yourself in to the event and helping out, don't just sit there and complain... help!

Photographer's Assistant

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So remember, when I wrote about my cousin's photography business here? This past Sunday I got to assist her.

She had the same client for the wedding and the valima (a reception), and since the valima was in New Jersey (and very close to where I live), she asked me to go as her assistant.

It was a great experience overall (minus having to wait THREE HOURS for the bride and groom to show up for the reception). Not to mention, I had the easy job -- helping in setting up, giving my cousin the alternating lens when she needed it, looking out for photographic moments, helping with poses, etc.

I'm not sure I could deal with the stress that comes with the responsibility of being the official photographer for someone's wedding! We all know how much I stress right?

While the bride had originally told my cousin in their meeting that she didn't want pictures taken with the extended family, we ended up spending about two hours doing just that -- where each one was claimed to be "the last one, I promise".

Being on the other side of the lens (so to speak) for the first time at an event also gave me a new sense of appreciation for professional photographers (especially at weddings -- and particularly desi ones while we are it). As annoying as photographers may seem at weddings, there's a valid reason behind it. Desi weddings, especially, usually involve A LOT of people.

Oh, and when the professional photographer tells other people to stop taking pictures, just listen! I wasn't even the one taking pictures, but it was annoying to me when the bride or the groom (or a extended family member) would look at someone else's camera when my cousin asked them to look at hers. I mean, come on, you are PAYING her! Wouldn't you want to make sure those pictures came out perfect?

My cousin recently created a blog for her business as well, where she plans to write about the events she does. You can check that out by clicking here. She's just starting the blog out, but it should be up and running in no time.

P.S. Don't forget to leave me a comment below on your thoughts! As always, I'd love to hear from you.

Parent's 25th Wedding Anniversary Party

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This past Saturday night, my brothers and I had invited some family over (around 60 people came) for a dinner party to celebrate our parent's silver jubilee (which is actually today).

My goodness, planning a party is sooo much work, but so worth it - mostly everything turned out great and everyone had a lot of fun. The food was great, and so was the cake! The whole weekend turned out to be a family filled weekend and I love when that happens!

Congratulations Abu and Ami on your 25th Wedding Anniversary! Inshallah, you are blessed with MANY more. I pray for a long, happy, and blessed life together for the both of you.

Love you lots,