The one with the karaoke and graphic novels

Yesterday (Friday) I checked out the karaoke joint in OneUtama named Neway. Being a usual patron of RedBox, this was a different experience for me. Went there with Hafizah as one of those 'last-minute-spontaneous-decisions-in-need-to-unwind-after-long-day-at-the-office'. Yup, had a long day at work again and its something not within my control. More on this later.
When we arrived there was an available room ready. The place looked very posh and they had very nice giant screen tvs. The only problem was that the remote control and song selection was a task for rocket scientists. It took some time to figure out how the controls work (even after being taught how to use it). The system they used wasn't very much user friendly or am I too familiar with the remote at Redbox.
Once I got the hang of it, I sang my usual numbers and so did Hafizah. I was happy to find out that they had some songs which did not feature at RedBox. I finally managed to sing Radiohead's Creep, Goo Goo Dolls's Iris and Franz Ferdinand's Take Me Out. Felt pretty good after singing Creep even though had trouble hitting the high notes as usual. It was pretty much fun as we jump around the room with reckless abandon. Even sang Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and some Bee Gees tunes complete with their helium sounding voice. Elvis's Burning Love and Suspicious Minds were also rocked out by me. Even had time to go Grease, sang the duet Summer Nights.
As for work, lets just say the system f***ed up again. After doing whatever needs to be done, we could only access the system at 7.00PM. Which is ridicules. Can't believe in this IT age where everything is evolving everyday, there is still a system which got left behind. This particular system is not worthy enough to be used by professionals. Lets just say this is not the sytem let me down. Very, very unreliable.
Today's futsal session was an unbalanced game. We had 9 players today so we played 4-on-5. At least this week we had a camerawoman (Lan's partner) to take game footage. After initial review after the game, think there are some footage which is Youtube worthy. Will put it up on this blog once I'm done with the editing (but don't hold your breath). Watch this space.
Went to Border's at The Curve after that. Bought Nail Gaiman's Book of Magic. Which is where J.K. Rowling ripped the idea of Harry Potter from. On the subject of comics, I'm missing 4 titles from my collection. Batman's Hush volume 1 & 2 (art by JIm Lee) and Superman's Birthright and Secret Identity. Damn frustated since I wanted to read it again and it had a great storyline and also great art. Guess Nail Gaiman will have to do for now. Will continue search tomorrow.
Think I must use the force to locate my missing graphic novels.

The one where I met the Robinsons

Went for Meet The Robinsons today with Hafizah. Last minute spontaneous decision, since both of us had plans for the evening. Managed to get good seats, and the cinema was not even packed. In fact I don't think it filled quarter of its capacity.
Movie was enjoyable and its one of those feel good movies. Which was well needed as its been a ridiculously long day. Thank God tomorrow's Friday. I'm not going to spoil it for you by spilling the beans. I say go check it out. The storyline predictable but its a Disney movie. They gave us Bambi remember.
Earlier in the day I went to MickeyDees for breakfast. Tried their pancakes (finally!). It was nice and filling. I was still full at lunch that i just had a Magnum ice-cream. Spent most of the lunch break walking around in Low Yat. Checked out PC hardware prices as I plan to build another 'Ultimate-Gaming-Machine' by 2010 (or earlier, budget permitting). I know its a long way off, but just wanted to see the 'I-gotta-get-me-one-of-those' hardware. All i know its probably going to cost me an arm and a leg. Any donations are most welcome.
Also scouted PSP games, but nothing new or worth playing. The problem with PSP games (besides the price) is that variety and choice is limited. For me, I look for games which can help fill time, challenging and with high re-playability. Mostly games that fit those specifications are sports game in street mode like NBA Street and FIFA Street. You can actually learn some cool moves to pull off in real life. Some of which I manage to pull off, but most of the time it resulted into a turnover. Guess its signs of my diminishing athleticism (if I had any).
So i guess we can dwell in the past or keep moving forward.

The one with the zombie

Short title today. Hope you enjoyed the video posted earlier. Took me some time to figure how to link the video, but managed alright in the end.
Yesterday I had penne carbonara for lunch. After lunch my whole body started to itch. Went to the gents to check and there were rashes all over my body. Went straight to the clinic after that. Doc suspected allergy, but I'm not really allergic to anything. I avoid seafood though because it causes shortness of breath. The doctor suggested an injection, but i figured I be okay with lotion. Then when the doctor mention that it has spread to my back then they had to resort to an injection.
After the injection, the need to scratch the itch was gone. However the side-effect of the injection in drowsiness. Once the dose kicked in, I really felt like nodding off. I still went for my futsal session later that night. Had an awful game. My mobility was like half speed. Managed a couple of goals and assists, but overall lousy performance. Figured it must have been one of those games.
Today at work until now I'm still feeling the effects of the dose. A lot of stories to tell about work today, but I'm saving it for a later date.
Played futsal just now also, and still moving at half speed. I'm beginning to wonder how strong was the dosage given. I know I'm suppose to like doze off but part of me doesn't want to sleep yet.
Speaking of sleep, had a weird dream couple of nights ago. I dreamt I was in an asylum. A friend of mine interpreted the dream for me. According to her review, I guess she was spot on (again I didn't elaborate). Something I'm saving for later. You are now probably wondering why I'm saving stories. Friends close to me would know, as for the rest of you, you'll find out soon enough. Even have a great title for it.
You would also be wondering about the zombie part. Well the way I've been these couple of days seems as if I was zombiefied. Is that even a word?

I Don't Love You by My Chemical Romance

The one where I just realized I've been blogging for a month

Time does fly doesn't it. I just realized that I've been blogging for a month already. I took some time to read my earlier posts. I realize that I've grown as a blogger, there is some form of evolution in my posts. From the 'one-liners' to some form of readable material. I myself couldn't believe I'm blogging. Maybe the bug caught on after reading some of my former SMTTDI classmates blogs and also Mark Cuban's blog (owner of NBA's Dallas Mavericks, check out his blog on one of my links). When I first started I had no idea what I be writing about. In the end as you all have read its just about me, myself and I. Which is pretty much the theme. And if you notice that the post titles are similar to the TV show Friends.
First of all, birthday shoutouts to Cher and Shane. At least this year I remembered your birthday this year Cher. And Shane, I just met you so I'll just believe the age written on your cake.
Today was at Ikea-Ikano-Curve-Cineleisure-Tesco. The walk was pretty good exercise. Helped out Hafizah with her Ikea shopping. Good thing we went early, as it was the Ikea sale. Some of the items on offer were tempting. But I resist the urge to shop, as I wouldn't have much use of the items anyways.
After Ikea, Hafizah went off to another appointment (vocal exercises). I went to Borders in search of reading material to read on the train tomorrow. Bought a book titled 'blink' by Malcolm Gladwell. Some friends were talking about it last night so I figure I might as well give it a read. Its about the power of thinking without thinking.
Then ended up at Cineleisure. A lot of events happening there. Outside Cineleisure they had the Champions League trophy on display. Manage to snap of photo of it (without me in it though). Inside Cineleisure I think the Cheerleading contest just finish and another event took place downstairs. They had a Panna-KO showcase going on. Would have loved to play but I did not have the proper footwear. Great skills on display, maybe can try pull it off during futsal Tuesday. A brief definition of Panna KO as follows :

• Players battle it out in a 6m x 6m football cage. Panna KO is a variation on football, invented in Holland, where the main aim of the three minute game is to beat your opponent by performing a nutmeg – kicking the ball between their legs (Panna) or by scoring more goals. It really gives a player the chance to show the flair and demonstrate the skills he picks up off the pitch. Panna KO is a great new variation of football - it really teaches the importance of close control and individual skill.

Went home after finding out tickets for Mr Bean' Holiday was fully booked for the day. Later at home, was IM with Farrish. We realized that its been ages since the original coffee hut gang hang out altogether at Coffee Hut. It's been a while since the 3 F's and 2 Shahs went out for drinks. Farrish and I suggested a get-together soon. Will shoot emails for that.
Well as you notice my elaborations skills are minimal. Think its the mood and mode I'm in. Oh yeah, one last thing, I went for a haircut today, just felt like chopping it off due to certain reasons which will not be elaborated for now.

The one where I couldn't come up with a title long enough

Yesterday I found a friend of mine who happens to be my futsal Saturday first choice goalkeeper needs to undergo sugery for an injury he had November last year. He landed akwardly and suffered a muscle tear. Surgery was needed as the tear could not be join together naturally. He mention drilling and stitches are the order of the day. Surgery scheduled for June.
Also a client of mine had a freak injury also. I still haven't figured the mechanics of it so nothing much to tell. Suddenly futsal has reached extreme hazardous sports status.
Finally manage to watch the Pirates 3 teaser. In the end downloaded it from office. Looks pretty cool. Movie will be released 24th May 2007. For the movie-gang (those whom rely on me to get blockbuster tickets), keep that weekend open, the rest of Malaysia, make yourself unavailable. You probably have a wedding or some other function to attend.
A shout out to Dillan's new born kid. Baby boy weighing 3.35kg. He came into the world on Tuesday night, after I posted Tuesday's edition. Guess a future basketballer in the making there.
These past couple of days My Chemical Romance's song I Don't Love You has been playing on loop in my head. Heres a line that keeps playing in my head (but with no significant relevence) :

When you go
Would you even turn to say
"I don't love you like I loved you yesterday"

The one where I'm posting this blog while waiting for Pirates 3 teaser to download

Whats with the long title? Actually I have a thing for long titles. Some songs actually have very long titles which somehow is pretty cool. For example Meatloaf's Objects In The Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are or Panic! At The Disco's Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off or Fall Out Boy's I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me. I can go on, but you get the idea.
Surprisingly the wait for the Pirates 3 teaser is damn long. Must be the traffic. It is expected to be one of the must-see movies of the year, mainly because the cliffhanging ending in Pirates 2. Speaking of must-sees I bet the number 1 must-see movie for 2007 is Spiderman 3. Anyways, the plot outline for Pirates 3 is easy to figure out (it's a Disney movie, how hard can it be). The gang looks for Captain Jack Sparrow, unite the Sparrows and Turners, meet Sao Feng, hunt down the bad guys (I forgot their names) and somehow deal with the Kraken. That should be about it.
I played futsal earlier with the Futsal Tuesday group. The sessions was one of those well-needed sessions for me. I had a rough day at work and playing futsal or basketball is like my refuge. It helps me block out issues in my head. I can just run wild and be in my element.
Today's game was one of those feel-good games. I didn't score which continues my goal-draught for Tuesday's game. But came up with a few assists. Which is more of my game. If you are open, I'll find you and give you the ball. I like to play in the position where I can orchestrate the game. Played as goalie for a while. Made a couple of good saves and also let in a few easy goals, my bad. Had my moments though. Display a lesson in beating your marker with some fancy footwork and well as some shots on goal. In the end it was fun-open-free-flowing-sexy-futsal.
Crap, the teaser has yet to finish downloading and I'm out of ideas. Time for sudoku then.

The one where Lana finds out the truth and other short stories

Hola! (I went for Pan's Labyrinth, which would explain the Spanish intro). I don't know why I picked the title above, maybe just the first thing that pops to mind (mainly due to the fact that I'm posting this blog after watching the latest episode of Smallville).
The latest episode is the wedding between Lex Luthor and Lana Lang. Never really understood all the double-L's in the Superman universe. I won't explain in detail about the episode, just the one fact that Lana finally sees for herself Clark's powers as well as the torment that Clark's goes through when Lana says those two words at the altar (yes i know Clark will end up with Lois in the future, but that's television).
Seeing the role Lana plays in Clark's life (well in Smallville anyway), I somehow relate it to a friend of mine. Allow me to define, Lana being the one he cares for the most and would do anything to protect her but no matter how hard he tries its just not meant to be and he can't accept the fact and move on.
That's where friends come in **cue theme song of friends**. I lost count the number of times I told him to move on. I also told him if its meant to be she will come, but don't put your life on hold for her. I too suggested ways to keep his mind off her. My suggestions include getting involved in sports. It really a good outlet of anger-hate-frust-torment. Trust me, it does work and does the soul good.
Right, enough of playing the Dr. Phil role (which I played out for another friend last night, but thats another story).
Played futsal on Saturday (17 March 2007) and almost produce a moment of sheer brilliance and magic. I juggle the ball over one defender and volley the ball towards goal. Unlucky for me it hit the upright. If it went in it would have probably made ESPN's Top-Ten-Plays-of-the-Day and if my recorded the moment I would have posted it on youTube and adidas.com for their Predator vs F50 campaign. That moment of brilliance was stuff that usually works in my mind and dreams.
Another lazy Sunday, spent most of the daylight hours sleeping or as Hafizah would call it **doosh**. Actually was suppose to be on stand-by to go to office for some system upgrade, but the initial stage took longer than expected and there was no need for me to come. Which would only mean that Monday will be a very long day (can I call in sick tomorrow?). Never understood why we had to pick a lousy-unfriendly-inefficient-time consuming system. Everyday I feel like whipping put my light saber and hack and slash the system server and any piece of hardware related to it. Hold that thought, maybe I will.
Met up with Hafizah for drinks around 3.30ish in Plaza Damas. Then she headed to her salsa class and I headed to Taman Tun to jog. Only manage two laps today as it was freaking hot. Like they say, its global warming.
Almost forgot, I cooked myself a meal for lunch since I was home alone. I found sausages, macaroni and instant soup in the kitchen. I added all that with butter, cheese and olive oil (???). Guess its safe to say that celebrity chefs have nothing to worry about. I should just stick to what I do best which is...damn, haven't got a clue.

The one with the origami pix

Finally got the origami pictures. So now see how 5 friends filled their time while waiting for their food. Eke, thanks for the pix.

In case you are not sure what to look for its a heart, a shirt, a jet, a boat, a box (but not quiet visible) and something which I don't know what you call it.

The one with the wasted wednesday

Wednesday, usually the toughest day for me to get by. No idea why, just one of those days and don't get me started on Monday, thats a different post altogether.
Most people look forward to wednesday, mainly because it's mid-week and the weekend just around the corner. Seems like we got over the 'hump' for the week. Quiet true, but for me I don't see it that way. Can't explain and lets just leave it as one of those un-explainables, similar to the excuse "my dog ate my homework", I never got that one.
Well only two good things happen today, but allow me to explain the wasted part of my day.
Let's begin with my train ride this morning. I stand in the train since I know I have to give up my seat due to my youth. And if I'm unlucky (like today) there will be one guy who has the need to stand in front of me when there's plenty of space. The @$#0le was taking up my space just because he had the need to be air-conditioned. Well lets just say I'm not the only guy irritated by this guy and he blocks the whole air-cond pathway. It's kinda hard to explain the settings, but its just irritating because this guy only thinking about himself. People around him have to compromise their balance so he can rest his arms as if the train was his. One of the guys in my 'to-force-choke' list.
Work today relatively mundane. Market crash so no active trading by my colleagues in fix-income desk. As for money desk, it was routine a.k.a. altogether now 'BORING'. This could be the cause of frustations at work as of late.
Then the journey home. I arrived at Kelana Jaya at 6.60pm arrived home at 9.30pm. I was suppose to play futsal with futsal Wednesday group, but that went to hell. I was greeted by a massive crawl inside the car park and also on the LDP. I had no idea what happen. So decided to kill time at a mamak nearby. After finishing my snack I thought the traffic would clear, and boy was I wrong. Then figure it could take a couple of hours and with my PSP battery depleted I got back on the train and headed to Digimall at Section 14, Petaling Jaya. Just browse around for games and software. Then had honey lemon tea at a kopitiam in the building. Already deprieved of my futsal session I was stuffing myself with more food. Forget to mention it was raining and I was walking and singing in the rain. Read some PC mags at the kopitiam, and figure to upgrade my computer to the 'latest-ultimate-gaming-machine' would cost me an arm and a leg. Only got back on the train when I figure it should be clear in KJ by now.
Before reaching my car, traffic at the car park was held up for a while, a tow-truck had issues. I was too far to see what happened. I told myself if by the time I reach my car and traffic was held up I probably unleash my force-choke powers. Good thing it moved before I reach my car.
Got in my car, and headed home. Luckily nothing happen on the way back.
So you have to be asking yourself two things. One, whats the wasted part? Well to me it's just wasted, don't ask me to explain. Besides it goes well with the day. Two, why all the force-chokes? Well, if you haven't figured out who's the bad clad in black is then you would have trouble understanding why.
Oh yeah, the two good things that help improve my spirits. One exchanging smiles with one of my 'favourite-people-on-the-train-even-though-we-never-spoke' and e-mails received today from my favorite friend. Yeah, these small things mean a lot to me. So much for the bad clad in black.
If none of the above events make sense, my bad. My mind pretty not much focused when this post is posted.

The one with the origami and no voice

Well yesterday (Saturday 10 March 2007) was a long day for me. As posted earlier I went for 300 and also the drama at A&W. Then got home, posted the blog and only manage 2 hours of sleep. Woke up played with my niece for a while who has a penchant for playing with my clorets like a rattle. Then later help out parents in the garden by mowing the lawn.

Headed to Mid Valley for lunch and also to check out the MAPEX fair with my friend. She was intent to buy property as she longed for a place of her own. She had quite a number of pre-requisites for her crib. Since you going to be tied with the long-term commitment, you should find one that fits all to make the investment worth while. As for me, I too would love a pad of my own, only unable to afford it at the moment. Hopefully something will pop up in the distant future, insyaallah. Well hope my friend finds a place soon with everything she wants with cherry on top.
Later had lunch at Manhattan Fish Market, ordered the usual Manhattan Seafood Platter for 2. It's the only thing I know to order there. Then bump into a junior of mine from SMTTDI and honestly I can't remember him. But hey guess SMTTDI-lians would know a fellow SMTTDI-lians when they see one. He too went to the property fair. He too said something which best is only known to the people at the table.
Headed off for my futsal Saturday after lunch. Still pretty much full, but eager to run wild. Good game, good work out, very sexy football also.
After futsal headed to the Curve for dinner and karaoke. Both ideas were decided at the 11th hour. Had dinner at Fridays. Just ordered the appetizers as me and my friends were pretty much full. Then while waiting for our food, the 5 of us decided to fill the time with origami. My mobile battery was low so I couldn't take pictures of our work. A friend said she will email it to me soon. As she didn't have GPRS and I couldn't figure out her bluetooth options. Well Rafiq made a boat, Fidah made a jet, Eke made a 'don't-know-what-you-call-it-thing-but-remember-playing-it-in-school, Hafizah the creative one made the box tray and also a shirt and me just wanting to spread the love made a giant heart. Will post the picture once I get the email.
Then went for another vocal-exercise session. Me still suffering from sore throat still went all out to rock the joint. I sang my usual numbers as they still not updated on the latest hits and also they don't have my theme song, Radiohead's Creep. Well I was pretty much out of it in the after the first 2 hours. Was back-up for the rest of the session and my voice is lets just say 'talk show on mute'.
It all ended early Sunday morning. Well that sums up my Saturday and early Sunday. Did I mention I only had 2 hours of sleep?

300 and the aftermath

Went to watch 300 12.00 am show at GSC OU. It was pretty good. I've read some books about Spartans. So the beginning of the show wasn't all that Greek to me. The special effects and graphics were top-notch. The movie was based on Frank Miller's graphic novel on Battle of Thermopylae. I haven't read it yet, but if the directors kept in line with Mr Miller's writing, then they shouldn't go wrong.
The movie was about how 300 Spartans defended their country against 1million Persians. Pretty much a battle of tactical wits and blood, gore and violence. Lead by King Leonidas the Spartans manage to hold their own against whatever the Persians threw at them. The strategy was quite simple. Draw the large Persian armies to a narrow canyon where they can't take advantage of their numbers.
Overall it's a great movie and i highly recommend it to anyone in search of an entertaining history lesson.
After the movie, on our way to pay for parking, one of my friends got hit by a car. My friend unhappy that the driver was un-pedestrian-friendly gave the passengers a piece of her mind. Then again guess they don't take bruised ego's well and retaliated with words I don't think I want to write here (my blog is PG rated..I think). Another friend came in, and brought my friend away from the scene to prevent from matters getting worse.
After all that, we all decided to meet up at the 24-hour A&W in Petaling Jaya. Me and my friend were first to arrive, so we ordered first. At one counter two men were arguing about God knows what, and suddenly began throwing punches. Since no one was doing anything about it, I decided to intervene (which sadly I regret so doing) to calm things down. One of the guys had a cut at his lip and pushed me away with blood on his hands. Let's just say it was a bad day to be wearing white. Then one of the men left, so everybody went on their business. I went back to queuing to order my drink. Suddenly the man with the cut lip came charging in again after the other man. I intervened again (stupid) but at least a big guy came in to help calm the situation. That's when I decided I should just walk out and leave. Apparently one of the guys was drunk. I then called my friends and suggest change of plan. A&W was not safe. Then went to my car, change my t-shirt and wore back my office shirt from earlier in the day. We ended up going to Maju Curry House for drinks.
The sad part of this whole thing is that no one from A&W management or staff did anything to help. At least call the cops or something. They decided to ignore the safety of their patrons. Unless they call the cops later I wouldn't know. It's safe to say I wouldn't be dining there for a period of time.
Lesson learnt today, I now know the meaning of innocent bystander.

The one with moving earth

I recall during EURO 2004, a certain David Beckham missed a penalty which lead to his nations exit from the tournament. He blamed the miss on moving earth. The excuses people come up with nowadays.

Recently I too felt moving earth. I felt as if my building was shaking. At first I thought it was me, but when my other colleagues felt it. Which was a good thing, didn't know weather if it was my lunch making me feel wasted (but I am sleepy now). We didn't evacuate the building (don't know why) but carried on with our business. But if something were to happen just now, it would be a great time to find out if man can actually fly. Its the first time I felt this sort of thing. And my head is still spinning here. I have no idea how I manage to write this blog.

According to a colleague what we felt was the second wave, reported 6.1 on the rector scale. Previously during lunch it was 6.3. Here we thought Malaysia was outside the earthquake zone. Guess this is what they say 'a sign from God'. Suddenly I'm feeling very religious today.

Doc, I think something is broken

Last week I played futsal with my futsal friday group. Barely 15 minutes in the game, one of my friends got injured. He was going for a 50-50 ball, and the impact of the collision threw him and he landed akwardly. When he said he can't lift his arm, I knew something was wrong. We suspected a dislocated shoulder. So me and another friend sent him to the hospital. He went for an x-ray, and it appeared his collarbone was broken. The doctor showed us the x-ray, and lets just say, it was pretty much graphic. The doctor injected him with painkillers and such, to ease the pain. He was scheduled to see an orthopedic for further treatment. He will be out for 3-6 weeks, and has pondered retirement from futsal. Even the doctor that treated him mention he gets at least one futsal injury related patient a week.

This is not the first injury i witness. Last year another friend broke his arm due to a malicious tackle and a bad fall. And the state of Florida would probably need to re-count the number of ankle related injuries I've witness. There's too many, and even I myself am a victim of multiple ankle injuries. I have been lucky, as none of my injuries are major. Usually ice and a night off, and I be back on the field, as good as Windows Vista.

Which brings me to realize, how much longer can I play futsal or basketball for that matter. The flagging sense of immortality is waning. Gone are the days when as a kid I would be unleash into the parks without fear of pain. The rush of nothing can hurt me was what drove me. To play every game like its your last.

Now, I play at a much careful pace. I avoid rushing in 50-50 balls. I seldom tackle the ball now, only shadow my defender and go for loose balls. But as they say, you can only be too careful. Somehow, someday someone will just come and whack you till kingdom come.

Previously I was damn competitive. I wanted to win every game. If my team was down, I wanted to carry the team to victory. Inspire to perform above ourselves until the Gods have no choice but to grant us victory. I realize I've never made friends when I was in my 'doing-everything-to-win-by-losing-myself-in-the-game' mode. But like everything in life, winning comes with a price.

So now, I play for the love of the game. Because i still want to play tomorrow, next week, next month and so on. And hopefully, I be able to teach my kid the game. Maybe challenge my kid to a game of one-on-one basketball. Wonder who will win that one?

Am I Really Blogging About Shoes?

One of the toughest things for me and one I don't really enjoy doing is buying shoes. Shoes for all occasions. Its tough because my size is not widely sold in our shores. It's not my fault, I woke up in the morning like this.

My shoe size is 12. Probably in most foriegn lands I can find my size easily. Here, lets just say manufacturers have yet realized that the 21st century Malaysian had grown. Thanks to a steady diet of uncle Sanders chicken and cousin Ronald's burgers and fries, Malaysians these days are a growing bunch. Its not uncomman these days to find kids still in school already at my height. The scary thing is that they are still growing.

Recently I purchased a new pair of shoes for work. My office shoes don't really last, due to the wear and tear. I walk a lot and i commute to work via train. Had to find shoes which were designed using a larger cutting. So now in order to ensure the longevity of my shoes, I wear my joggin shoes to work, and leave my office shoes at the office. At least walking the distance is more comfortable now.

I'm now in the midst of buying a new pair of football boots and basketball shoes. However, so far I have not found my size. Probably have to buy them online as I did my last pair. Thank God for e-bay.

To Plot An Exit

Yesterday I received a job offer from a 'rival'. Not to say I'm joining the dark side or anything (I'm already in it). But those close to me have known of my unhappy 'situation' at my current employment since being absorbed on the merger last year. They have heard my rumblings and grumblings since last year (thanks for listening, you knoe who you are). I am happy to have finally found an opportunity to pursue my career in a larger organization.

However, comes the 'To Plot An Exit'. My line of work allows me to leave on 24-hour notice. As we are no longer authorized to transact any dealings once we tender. But there are cases where they would still want you to serve the 2-month notice period, just to make life difficult for you. My relation with my superiors also pretty much cold. Not someone you can approach. Submitting that letter to him would be another story. The only time he is approached for is to approve leave. Also bonus season is coming, and i feel I should be rewarded for my efforts last year. The bonus was suppose to come before the Chinese New Year break, but it was postponed (or as I would say it, they just don't feel like paying us when they should). So now I have no idea when it's being paid out.

What's going thru my head now. Sign and leave immediately, or stall till bonus and hope my new employers can wait. I think I can only come up with a decision tomorrow, when a close friend who recommended me for the gig comes back (yup, headhunting for a 'rival'). This friend would have the inner-workings on what i should do. If only bonus was paid out earlier, I would have sign the offer letter yesterday and tender my resignation today.

Push comes to shove it, if I can't have both (bonus + new gig) , I would take the new offer and leave. Oh yeah, I'm blogging from the office.