Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The one with the two-sides of me

I can't really think of a cool intro and don't really plan to waste my time on it. Not while my creative juices are flowing, before I hit the wall again.
Things as of late has been going well for me. I'm enjoying myself at work, having fun at futsal again and not really stuck at any boredom or life sucks point. Anyways before I continue, I know from experience life is never this kind to me.
Work so far has been an experience. Been at my new gig for one-and-a-half months. Think I got the hang of the system, although its not user-friendly. My fellow colleagues have been very helpful and all. And my boss has recommended some self-improvement books to me. Although I'm more the Gaiman or Greek epics type, I thought of seeing what his type of reading material has to offer. I feel I'm in and environment where greatness is within my grasp. Its no longer a question of 'if' but 'when'.
Futsal as of late has been a blast. Enjoying the Tuesday and Saturday sessions. Yesterday's game was a whole lot of fun. Another showcase of sexy-futsal at its best. An offensive juggernaut banging in goals left right and centre. Build-up play was an exhibition of grace and skill. And me, still manage to pull of some fancy moves while dancing the left wing. Its one of those games you don't want to end. I felt I can go on entertaining.
Now for the ugly part. Re-joined futsal Wednesday and in my current form, I thought I can continue and show the group I'm more than another tall nerd who doesn't belong in the court with them (some of them see me as that). Form-wise I continued where I left off from last night. Gliding my way around the court, creating space and scoring opportunities for my fellow team-mates. I figured my new creative control of the game pissed one of the guys off. He has a tendency off 'unintentionally' kicking people out of the game. Especially those who are in good flow. Maybe the sight of me having fun, running rings around his team made him forget that the group just wants to have fun.
First he deliberately kicked my leg after I made my shot on goal. Pretty obvious of his intentions as this was not the first time he done this. Well after that I kicked-in my arrogant mode. I could have retaliated as I know I am capable of dishing it back to him 10 times the pain. Since he likes to make malicious tackles I can just use my elbow and give him a shot in either his face or chest. However, I chose not too. Decided to respond with a solo run by beating him as the last man, as they say in basketball the killer crossover. Managed to pull it off, had him falling as I beat him with a new trick I pulled off from Tuesday's session and finished with the simple side foot shot. All this done with grace without using any form off brute force. I did not finish there. Flipped my jersey in his face twice, giving him the message "how do you want it". From there on, the arrogance was flowing in full force. Until he decided it was time to really kick me out of the game. I pretty much had him where I wanted, and was prepared to pull-off something from the Christiano Ronaldo book of tricks before he pulled a cheap shot on me. I left the court immediately as I know none of the other guys wouldn't dare stand up to him and lend me a hand.I figured they have been together for some time and there was a bond between them. And I was the guy that help make up the numbers.
I realize a difference between the groups I organize and the groups I join. For my sessions, I try to make sure the game is fun and if there is a new face to the team, we would all make him or her feel welcome. If anyone is hurt, I try to assist in anyway possible. I also try to help them get the 'debut goal' if possible. However for groups I don't organize, I get no love no matter how 'highlight-worthy' and 'team-first' I play. And because of that I couldn't give a rats ass if you are hurt and in pain in need of medical attention. I will enjoy the sight of him on the floor in pain and at my mercy and don't expect me to lift a finger to help.
Hopefully surfing penguins can help brighten up my mood or mode.

Friday, June 15, 2007

The one with the last-minute karaoke

Another karaoke session for yours truly. I bet you're all wondering how I really sing. Honestly I can sing to save my life, but I just enjoy being 'me' during karaoke. Also a way to 'de-stress' for me. It really does help get it out of the system.
It started as dinner at Ikea. The usual hot dog-chilli dog-drink combo for us. Dinner was with Farrish and the male half of ShahFaizah. We sat outside as my friends had the need to smoke. Outside sitting allows you to enjoy some light relaxing tunes while we eat or smoke for that matter. Then Shah uttered "how about karaoke?". I was having a sense of deja vu as the last time the three of us had Ikea hot dogs we ended up at Red Box , The Curve. I was pretty much game for it as I'm one of those ever-ready to perform players. However I was worried as the last time we karaoke after hot dogs I saw my dinner in reverse.
We went for a wide variety but still belted out the usual tunes. The choice of songs is still not up to date. So had to make do with what was available. Felt alive and rocking after what happen during last Friday's karaoke. It was nice to just jump around and dance without having anyone thinking if I was on something. Maybe I can only be myself rocking the joint with my friends but have to behave with office mates.
In case you are wondering if the three of us knows it was a work night, yes we do. And I have no voice and not sure how I'll be able to work tomorrow.

Monday, June 11, 2007

The one with the long Monday

As a fat tabby cat once said 'I hate Mondays'. I believe I too have said that more times than the population of Kazakhstan. I endured another long Monday for the third straight week. What a way to start the week.
Today at work there was a lot of contract maturities and we were shorthanded. I knew this was going to be another Monday without lunch. The lines were all ringing at once, and we can only attend to one call at a time. Some of my clients mention they had a hard time getting through and some of them even called my handphone. Which I couldn't even attend to as I had my hands full with the phones. Clients instructions was one thing. Entering it in the system was another. As certain entries are just way too damn complicated. Not just clients calling, I had the operations side calling to inform on certain mistakes and errors. But to me the system just pretty much sucks. Just doesn't fully cater to the needs. Yes, I know I'm making this statement after one month. But I believe the system can be better and friendlier. I do have some ideas and suggestions but I'll save them and post it later, if ever.
After work met up with Hafiz, one of my schoolmates whom I haven't seen in a long time. His sister is getting married this weekend and he wanted to pass the wedding invitation, which he forgot to bring. Then met up with Hafizah for a late post-work drink.
And now I beginning to get sleepy and lazy to elaborate any further. Good night and good luck.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

The one with the Melaka trip

Just got back from Melaka. Went with Farrish-Ida and Shah-Faizah. Planned as a bachelor gig for Shah ended up as a get together. Ended up as tour de Melaka and seafood dinner and a Starbucking experience in Melaka.
We all went in one car, Farrish's mums car. For me, it felt good being co-pilot even though I offered to help out with the driving duties. Along the way Faizah pulled out a sudoku puzzle dated 26 January 2007 which she still has yet to solve. I offered to help finish it. Completing a sudoku puzzle in the co-pilot seat isn't as easy as I thought. But I manage to focus and finish the puzzle in half an hour. Arrived in Melaka town and went around to see the sites. Just walked around looking for photo opportunities and such. The Farrish had to make a pit stop to meet his brother and pass some items. After that we began the trip for dinner. I was very hungry already as I didn't have lunch, then again everyone in the car was already hungry by the the we headed for food. Dinner was at Medan Ikan Bakar, Muara Sungai Duyung. I'm not much of a seafood expert, so I left it to Shah to order. We had a variety of food as you can see in the pictures below. The meal overall was an experience itself. The food was damn good. Been some time since I last enjoyed seafood. I myself can't really take seafood, but as long as I lay off the prawns I should be fine.

The Ikan Bakar place

The appetizers

The main dish

The after shot
After the meal, we were all stuffed and I think I could be used for a human sacrifice. As we got into the car we decided to wrap it up with some coffee at Starbucks in Mahkota Parade. Had the usual Caramel Macchiato. Coffee was needed to keep everyone awake in the car for the ride home. One thing we all did when we were in the car was sing. Sing to whatever was playing on the radio. Just to keep everyone lively and active. But once we hit the highway Ida, Faizah and Shah fell asleep. So I had to keep Farrish company as he broke every land speed record there is. Didn't even realize we were going that fast, must be the V-TEC. Guess we all had a long day and the next thing we need is sleep. Which seems right about now for me.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

The one with the mixed-week

This whole week has been very mixed for me. There are days where things just 'clicked' into place and days where they 'clucked'. As of my last post, the only fun part of the week was futsal Tuesday.
Well it was only a matter of time before work gets to me. Mostly small stuff, so I'm trying to not let it get me. Issues with difficult customers and operations unit. I seriously believe my customer expects me to read her mind because she seems to have limits on words spoken per day and somewhat demanding just because she works with the big boys and has loads of funds which somehow still can't do deposits on clean basis. I make it a point to pick-out her contracts in the morning so when she calls I'm ready. But yesterday she was covering for her colleague and she didn't mention which was the accounts because she already confirmed earlier. Spent a good 5 minutes trying to find what I missed out. Well in the end a colleague of mine bailed me out.
Anyways not sure if any of you understood paragraph above. Honestly I do have trouble explaining what I do.
As for operations unit, well I don't mind if they pick on me for my mistakes, but if the contracts were not raised by me don't look for me. I believe the printouts do state contracted raised by whom. I know small stuff, but it does frustrate you especially when you need to get things done.
Last night join my new colleagues for a farewell gig. He's from the fixed-income desk so I figured I might as well join since I believe people are till wondering 'who the hell is that kid'. They organized a karaoke session at Neway, Berjaya Times Square. Solidified my reputation as a mic-hogger and they had to take the mic away from me. Honestly I did promise myself to behave and play nice, but it seems they were so passive. I tried to rock the joint but to no avail. So pretty much I made a fool of myself. And they didn't keep the play list moving. Wasted like a good ten minutes because people were still trying to pick a song. And there I was screaming in my head "oh my God!!!'. Didn't stay till the end as made last minute arrangements to meet a friend for drinks at Coffee Hut.
I believe the Coffee Hut session really saved the week. At least it ended on a positive note.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

The one with Oceans 13

Just got back from watching Oceans 13. A last minute thing for me as I have no idea what to do after work. Arrived at the usual cinema just in time for the movie. Didn't really get my usual spot but got the side seats for easy entry and exit.
The show overall was just plain fun. To me it was better than Oceans 12, but not Oceans 11. The usual cast was there minus Julia and Catherine. After 12, I don't blame them for not wanting any part of 13. As for the heist, well lets just say everybody wins except Al Pacino's character (somehow Godfather music playing in the background).
Earlier in the week played futsal on Tuesday. That game was one of those memorable games. The numbers were just nice, not too crowded. I felt I was unleashed into the wild again. Able to dance and glide my way down the left wing. Pulling off fancy flicks and passes but finishing was a bit off. Its been a while since I got into the groove able to run at defenders trying to entertain (not that there was a crowd anyway).
Now if only I can get paid to play in the premiership.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

The one with the French film

First of all you may have notice the colour change. As much as it means to keep in in black, a friend mention that he had trouble reading my posts. Not sure if anyone else has trouble but for the sake of everyone's eyes I decided to revert to normal colours.
Decided to catch a French film yesterday, since its French Film Festival at GSC. Watched the film Priceless starring some skinny dude Gad Elmaleh and some an extremely skinny chick Audrey Tautou. You might remember her from The Da Vinci Code. And she really needs to eat, there wasn't much meat on her. The film overall was good fun, since it was a comedy. The overall plot was about gold-diggers. Audrey Tautou character is a gold-digger who mistakes a bartender for some rich suitor. Once she finds out, she hunts the old and wealthy again and the bartender also gets into the act by being with some rich widow. From there, Audrey Tautou teaches Gad Elmaleh the tricks of the trade. In the end, think you can find out for yourself by watching the film.
Now if you would excuse me, I have to get back to my DVDs.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

The one with the inactive week, Shrek 3 and DVDs

Damn, its been awhile since my last post. Can't really put a finger on why though, but will be explained in this post. If it doesn't make sense then I must be on something.
Well this past week has been uneventful and inactive for me. Didn't really do much. The only piece of sporting action was futsal Tuesday. Had a great game, but got injured towards the end. With that injury I have to lay off for some time to heal. Guess my healing factor powers are beginning to fade.
Also my road tax is due, so I had to get that settled. At least that went through without any hassles, which reminds me I have to put it up later.
Since my salary finally came in from AM and my last half-month pay from Affin, went on DVD spree. Don't know why and whether I have time to catch it but something to fill in the hours. For those for think I have money this month I don't. I have to pay car insurance and road tax.
As for DVDs my purchases include the long-awaited Aquaman..I mean Entourage Season 3 Part 1. Apparently season 3 isn't over yet, so they decided to release the first half of the season on DVD, which ended in Ari's sacking. Also bought PrisonBreak Seasons 1 & 2, Arrested Development Seasons 1, 2 & 3 and NBA Street Series Volume 4 : Class of 03. I know that's a lot spent on DVDs. Forgive me for I've sinned.
Shrek 3 was fun to watch. The spoofs and all were all a barrel of laughs. For the year of the trilogy only Spidey and Shreky were enjoyable (the other trilogy is that movie which shall not be named). So whats next to watch on the movie list? Well Oceans 13 is around the corner as well as Potter 5 and some movie about robots who went for Pimp My Ride. Also some movie which somehow casts Jessica Alba as the Invisible Girl and also one of the most watch cartoons make it into the silver screen.
Back to the inactive week. To me, this has been a slow week. I've actually been going to sleep early this whole week around 10ish. Post-work activities nothing much, didn't even visit the gym at all this week. I don't know what is wrong (if any) but felt like one of those weeks where you don't really want to do anything. A week where I just wasn't in the mood to do anything and wasn't up for anything.
Anyways it's probably one of those weeks (or phases). Hopefully things will pick up again.