The one with Broadway Parodies Lah

After the events on Friday it left me pretty much drained and dazed as I couldn't get over the fact that 3 hours were wasted in that cinema hall. At least I had futsal Saturday and a play to look forward too.
I'm playing futsal again, as I'm beginning to enjoy the game again. Having fun and bringing sexy-futsal-back. Yesterday's game was very sexy. Nice fluid passing, movement and some brilliant goals and some Inzaghi-like flukes. I myself set the table by laying the assists and defense splitting passes. Didn't score though but had some misses which if went in would be on ESPN's Top Ten Plays of The Day. Was denied by the crossbar after some balancing the ball act. Great game overall and I hope everyone had fun themselves.
Later went for a play at Actors Studio Bangsar titled Broadway Parodies Lah with Hafizah and Jiji. Now that was a whole lot entertaining than that movie which shall not be named. Well its a parody of Broadway hits with a twist of Malaysia. Songs sung on Broadway with altered lyrics in Malaysian flavour. Also one of Hafizah and Jiji's friend was also in the play, Kyra Dani. The show was a barrel of laughs and good fun. The show ends next Sunday so for more info check out http://www.theactorsstudio.com.my/2007/04/18/broadway-prodies-lah/. Also check their blog on the link provided.
Anyways, despite the cultural influence (???) I've been exposed to (art shows, dances, theaters), I'm still the same rockstar.

The one where Pirates 3 was a complete waste of time

Hello all. Sorry for the spoiler note, but bet you will after you see it. Went yesterday as bank sponsored event. We booked one cinema at GSC Berjaya Times Square for treasury staff and our beloved clients. Due to bad traffic and all a lot arrived just in time for movie, but we had some food for everyone at 7pm (movie was at 9pm). Manage to bump into some familiar faces and it was good to see them again. Some ask why I made the jump and some even ask how could I leave Liz all alone. There was even Fantastic Four 2 poster and me and Haris took a shot with Silver Surfer.
Anyways, after work my boss booked a room at Pacific Regency for his unit. Just for us to freshen and chill before the movie. Heard rooms there go from RM400 a night, but my boss has a voucher and only got the room for RM50. He did offer the room to me after the movie but I didn't take it because everyone totally lost the mood after the movie and I don't want to sleep alone.
Back to the movie, I was in 'oh my God' mode from the first scene. Can't believe I waited a year for this. The story didn't really have a direction. Felt Johnny Depp tried a little too hard to save the movie, but it seemed like a lost cause. Orlando and Keira also seemed to not have any on-screen chemistry at all. Only guy who manage to brighten up my mood during the movie was Kieth Richards. He had a small cameo as Captain Teague and keeper of the pirate code (didn't know pirates were so organized). Other than that 'oh my God'.
Well you guys can still watch it just to finish watching the trilogy, but it will leave you very, very disappointed to the max. Last note, stay till after the credits, there's an extra meaningless scene.

The one where the fairy godmother tagged me

Got tagged by another schoolmate, Princess Jasmine's the fairy godmother and this looks like a tough one.

layer one: on the outside
name : the bad clad in black
birth date : 29 june 1979
current status : single
eye colour: brown
hair colour : black
righty or lefty : right handed but occasionally ambidextrous when playing tennis and badminton and a two-footed footballer/futsaler

layer two: on the inside
your heritage : malay but might have a hint of foreign origins
your fears : failure
your weakness : chocolates
your perfect pizza : lots of pineapple and chicken

layer three : yesterday, today, tomorrow
your thoughts first thing when I wake up : thank God i'm alive
your bedtime : inconsistent, depends on energy level
your most missed memory : my youth

layer four : your pick
pepsi or coke : coke
mcdonald’s or burger king : mickey dees, love le royale with cheese and le big mac
single or group dates : preferably the ratio of guy to girl is 1:3 (think hugh hefner mention that as one of the rules to a perfect party)
adidas or nike : adidas, impossible is nothing
tea or nestea : tea
chocolate or vanilla : how about chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream on top

layer five : do you..
smoke : nope
curse : its a human reflex
take a shower : of course, ever heard of global warming
have a crush : yeah, natalie portman in closer, scarlett johansson in lost in translation, keira knightley in love actually, diane kruger in wicker park
think you’ve been in love : yeah
go to school : the school was near my house, no excuse not to go
want to get married : hopefully one day
believe in yourself : yeah, the strength to do what is necessary
think you’re a health freak : yeah, but don't eat like one

layer six : in the past month
drank alcohol : nope, clean living
gone to the mall : yeah
been on stage : not really but would love the opportunity
eaten sushi : not much of a sushi fan
dyed your hair : nope, my hair is still short

layer seven : have you ever..
played a stripping game : another one of those 'that's too much information'
changed who you were to fit in : yeah, but with disastrous results

layer eight : age
you’re hoping to be married : lets just say it has passed

layer nine : in a girl / guy
best eye colour : brown or hazel
best hair colour : don't really have a preference
short hair or long hair : depends on what suits her

layer ten : what were you doing
1 min ago : typing this post (this does require a fair amount of thinking)
1 hour ago : just got home
1 month ago : think i was celebrating my exit
1 year ago : haven't got a clue, let me know if you remember what you did 1 year ago

layer eleven : finish the sentence
i love : le familia and friends
i feel : ridiculously tired
i hate : being alone and left out
i hide : when being alone is the only thing i can do
i need : to get a life

The one where one weeks worth of material is cramped into one post

Been a while since my last blog. Been meaning to post something about events since Saturday but time has not permitted me the luxury of blogging. Among the reasons include 2 straight nights of blackout and post-work activities.
So lets begin from last Saturday, 12 May 2007. Went to Seremban in the morning to visit my former boss during my Affin Discount days. She invited all her ex-staff for lunch. I was first to arrive as I drove faster than a speeding bullet. She cooked some Indonesian dish called rawan. First time trying out that dish. It was nice to see everyone again as its been a while since we got together. We shared a bond in the department and there was a lot of love. Its where I started work and Kak Yam (as well as Mr Mokhtar) gave me the chance and opportunity to work. Among those who came was Yusof and family, Marziah and family, Hafizan and family as well as Liz with Aaron and her future in-laws. Also they wanted to know how I was doing at my new gig.
Later rushed off like a speeding bullet to Petaling Jaya for my futsal Saturday session. Tested out my new boots I bought on ebay which arrived earlier in the week. Managed a hat-trick but still haven't broken into the new pair.
Then at night join Hafizah, Jiji, Kevin and Vincent to Rimbun Dahan for an art exhibition. Went there for dinner, view artwork, hang and snap photos. I believe Kevin posted some pictures in his blog. We came in Vincent's car and I drove the car back as he had a little too much to drink. Then Jiji and Kevin suggested for karaoke at Bangsar and the time was already 1am! I was OK with going home but since the rocker in me had one more song to rock to I thought why not. Apparently everyone was tired so I spent most of the session hogging the mic. Finally manage to sing my theme song, Radiohead's Creep. Lenny joined us for karaoke also so had a buddy to help rock the joint.
Sunday I went for Spiderman 3 again. Hafizah had two free tickets from her office colleague. She tried to sell / give to her friends but no luck. So she decided to watch it again and I thought why not join. The tickets were free and I was really bored at home even though sleeping wouldn't have hurt. Then we had dinner with Farrish and Manhattan Fish Market.
Monday night had dinner at Coffee Hut with Farrish and Farah. Coincidently they both texted me at the same time. Pretty much hang and chill as well as Farrish missing his girlfriend who is currently on holiday in the States.
Tuesday night, the highlight of the week for me. Went to MPO for Tango Fire with Hafizah and Jiji. Actually they had an extra ticket since one of their friends couldn't make it. Since I'm on a break from futsal Tuesday I thought why not. It was a dance show, tango fired up with a more upbeat feel. The cast was from Argentina and after watching the show, felt like I wanted to learn how to dance. For more info check http://www.tango-fire.com/.
Wednesday went for My Fair Lady and this was an office event. They bought tickets and invited our valued customers. It was good show (think you all know the story) but it was long and it was a work night. Still an enjoyable experience. But think my mind was still on Tango Fire as the dances were still in my head. Help send a colleague back and reached home almost 1am. And boy did I really need sleep. I realized I went to two performing arts show and an art exhibition. Damn, from rock star to a more cultured rocker. Guess the variety is good.
Thursday was a struggle at work because I was really trying to stay awake. Met up with Liz and Shem for lunch. Later and night me and Hafizah made last minute decision to watch Blades of Glory. Another funny movie and we were laughing throughout the whole movie. Catch it if you need to have a barrel of laughs.
Well a lot had happen and I know I could have elaborated better. Realize a break from futsal so far has done me some good. I now have the opportunity to try new things and experiences as I've never been to MPO and Planery Hall at KL Convention Centre. So there's a first.

The one where I got sick of futsal

Been some time since my last post. Maybe still adjusting back to the working hours and early nights. As of today its been my first full week completed at my new gig (no cause for celebration though).
I bet most people wouldn't believe that I said what I posted as the title. Since most people know me as one who plays futsal religiously. This is not the first time its happen though. Last time it happen was a couple of years ago. But that was due to burnout. Took two weeks off then and came back better than ever and pretty much in the form of my life.
As for currently I can list it as a combination of burnout and off-form and maybe pretty much suck at the game. Maybe I can conclude it as I'm no longer enjoying the game. Its not as fun as it use to be. Sexy-futsal is now becoming a lost art. As a certain Micheal Jordan once said 'the moment I don't enjoy the game is the moment I walk away' or something along the lines. So am I really going to walk away. Don't bet on it. I just need a break from the game. Maybe cut the games I play a week by half.
I figured I need to do something different. Maybe pick up a different activity. Supposed to do diving but thats been on my 'to-do' list since forever. Rock-climbing was shortlived. Maybe I should give cycling a shot also. Can cycle in my free time around the neighbourhood. Maybe I should play racket sports like tennis or badminton or what the heck squash, seems to be doing Nicol David wonders. Racket sports sound fun and the availability is there. Just find one friend (or three if playing doubles) and a court as well as the necessary equipment.
Anyone up for a game and the opportunity to beat the crap out of me?

The one with That Was The Year

Bet you're all wondering about the title. Well its the title of a play I went for last night, OK more of a musical. Saw the play at KLPAC in Sentul West. My first visit there as I'm more familiar with Actorolympics and Comedy Week hosted at The Actors Studio.
Went there with Hafizah, Jiji and Eke. One of the performers Malik Taufiq is a friend of theirs. Who use to be with AM Merchant (banker-turn-actor....hmmm). No, don't worry I don't think I would go down that path. In fact haven't played on stage since college. Last role I played was J.W.W. Birch for some Merdeka play. Ok, back to the play, well the story is as follows (taken from the KLPAC website):

• That Was the Year is a provocative and mesmerising performance of musical theatre based on Beth Yahp's short story. That Was the Year is a love story set against the backdrop of a historical event, told from the perspective of a child who was born out of wedlock.

For me the was good. My favourite part is when the cast break into a song. Much of the serious dialogue lost me a bit. Probably needs getting use to as its the first serious play I seen. More use to the laugh-a-minute gigs or rock concerts. After the show ended up at Devi's Corner in Bangsar for drinks. But kept one eye on the TV to keep track on the football scores.
Next up for me is Broadway Parodies. Hopefully they can get tickets.

The one where I made my return and Spiderman 3

Finally I've rejoin the workforce on Thursday. Back to waking up early in the morning and trips on the train. Back to wearing formal clothing and a tie. Back to be clean-shaven most of the time. Then again, back to a whole lot of things. However I am looking forward to the new experiences and exposure as well as a whole lot of money (I wish, yes I'm still fueled by greed).
So Thursday morning I woke up and headed to work. Left earlier as I had to report to Human Resources. I wasn't the only one reporting for duty. Three other people were also reporting for day 1. Zulhemi and two fresh grads Kamariah and Sue May. I welcome the two new ladies to the workforce. Didn't really impart any words of wisdom as I'm still a kid in the workforce myself.
Then made my long-awaiting debut to the treasury. First time for me in a large treasury. A whole lot of people and I know I will have trouble remembering everyone in the department. I admit I do have trouble at time remembering people and names (but seldom happens with the ladies). Figured one day I'll draw the seating arrangements in the department and try to place everyone. I was introduced to my teammates as well as the rest of the department by my new boss, Huzir. Also had a discussion with him on what he expects from me and how things are done.
After 2 days, I know I can do what I'm supposed to do. But I will take time to master the treasury system. Pretty confusing and complicated. At least I know my colleagues are all willing to help. I can see they are trying to help me settle in and make me feel welcome. Its nice to know that, unlike where I use to be. For now my focus is mastering the system. Dealing with the clients is the same as I've done before and since I'm already familiar with some of them, I should be able to get the hang of it.
My fellow teammates are a nice bunch of people everyone has each other's back. Hopefully it will be similar to environment as my first gig in Affin Discount. After the merger it was different and difficult. Even your own supervisor doesn't back you up. During that period me and Liz covered for each other. And since I left Liz is left alone. I know she's having a tough time doing it alone. I just hope something pans out for her soon.
Also I have limited net access at my new place. Since I'm too busy with calls and such don't really check mail much. Hell, I don't even have time to read mail sent to my office address. Only time I can check is lunch and after work.
Well enough about work. Went for Spiderman 3 last night. Movie line-up consists (as of seating arrangement) Hafizah, Ida, Farrish, Farah, Shahreza, Shahrizan and Faezah. We went for the midnight show. The movie for me was ok, but they cramped too many stories in it. Loved the fact they had Venom in it, but everytime I see Topher Grace I still see Eric Forman from That 70s Show. Cool movie and well worth the wait for me.
Now wonder if they are going to do Spiderman 4? Since the movie franchise is rolling the mega bucks similar to Batman. Both (Spidey and Bats) have enormous potential on the silver screen as there is a lot to explore and with today's technology impossible is nothing (sorry, had to do shout out for my sponsors there, hehe). Both Spidey and Bats have a rogues gallery which is potential for story telling and movies. Sadly for Superman, his whole movie franchise is limited to Lex Luthor. The only chance they get to explore the character is via TV like Smallville.
Well, I'll just wait for the next Batman film next year, The Dark Knight.

The one with the Chilling Waterfall

Today is my final day of 'gardening leave' before I commence work tomorrow. To cap it off I went to Chilling Waterfall in Kuala Kubu Bahru. You could say it was my day with nature and water. One last activity to end my leave with a bang...I mean splash.
My tour guide was Hafizah as she is very familiar with the area and also a regular there (she knows the tour guides there). It is a very nice place to get away from the hassles of city life. I have to admit once I was there, all my problems were a light years away. To make things more fun it wasn't crowded, only two groups today. So there was plenty of water to play with for everyone. When we reach a place to swim I was like a kid unleashed into the biggest toy store.
On our way up we stop at two places to swim, first a the mid-point and then at the waterfall. There was a lot of fishes in the water as the place was under the Fishery Department jurisdiction. They are fine with people coming to visit as long as they don't make a mess. The water was chilling (hence the name) and clear. Felt like I could just swim all day and also wish the day didn't have to end. Yes, I have this thing for the water especially beaches and waterfalls. I just like being in the water. I also tried one of the jumps from one of the jump-off points. Just jump into the middle of the pool and let the current push you to the pool. The adrenaline rush was like wow. On our way down had another swim at the mid-point. You could say I just didn't have enough of the water.
It was one of the most fun experiences I've had in a while. Maybe its been a long time since I got in touch with nature. The whole experience is really hard for me to put into words. So I'll post some pictures for you all to see.

The one with another karaoke session

A long day today. As my break nears its end, I realized I had lots to do (and tax returns was not one of them, settled that last week). More in the lines of shopping for particular items.
Well purchased new office wear in shirts, socks and belt. Had no luck with ties though, since couldn't find a particular design I like. Also bought some new reading material, a novel titled This Book Will Save Your Life by A.M. Homes. I figured I needed something to read on the train once I rejoin the workforce.
Later that night I join Hafizah, Rafiq, Lenny and KA for karaoke. Yes, my second performance in three days. Talk about an encore. Even the staff at Red Box Sogo still recognized me (I should get loyalty discounts or privileges). Pretty much a last minute gig, as no one had any idea what to do. Manage to get reservations despite the fact it was the eve of a public holiday.
This time the session I let the others take over as I couldn't think of what song to sing. The playlist of this group varies from the 4Fs and 2Shahs playlist as their song selection is from 80s. Most of them I have not heard before but still provide backup vocals without missing a beat. Suddenly I felt karaoke is like futsal, the more groups you join the more exposure you get. The only similarity, everyone jumps around and dance. Hafizah had much of the dance space to herself though while the others manage with the limited area. Lenny and myself even jumped on the couch and Lenny was suppose to be the sick one. Hope all the jumping and dancing did him some good.
As I left the Red Box staff asked if I be returning anytime soon. Told them I need to rest my voice but who knows, anyone up for vocal exercises?