The one with the Merdeka karaoke

My home nation celebrates its 50th year of independence. A lot has been said and mention about our nation progress and development since then.
I'm not going to go on about the Merdeka celebrations. Had a karaoke session of a different sort last night. Well it began with Shahreza's mum birthday gig at their crib in Glenmarie. Then later the whole family and friends went for a karaoke session at the Glenmarie golf club. ShahFaizah joined us also as well as friends of Shahreza's sister and also the drummer from Shah's band, Matthew and his Korean girlfriend Sona.
Since this is a different group and Shah's parents were there, I tried to make a point to BEHAVE. Since me and the usual karaoke gang arrived later Shah's sister and friends got things started. And they were all sitting down and not feeling it. I really tried to behave but lets just say I had to do something to get the party started. So when my songs started, I rose to the front and took the stage like our normal karaoke sessions. Oddly enough we started out with boyband numbers, before my rocks numbers allowed me to really start jumping around. Well I know I had great fun and hope I didn't leave any members of the audience with a traumatic experience. Besides, Shah's parents were glad that we were enjoying.
Well, with Farrish missing from the lineup we sang a tribute song for him, his favourite song, Careless Whisper (don't ask). While rocking the joint I didn't realize we passed the Merdeka countdown. Oh well, rock on!

The one with the blackout

Somehow the title sounds so damn familiar. Hang on a tick, its from Friends Season 1. One of the titles. Where Chandler was stuck in am ATM hall with a hot model and the rest of the friends telling each other stories in a candlelit room.
Been some time since my last post. Been busy playing Madden 08. Just finish my first season with the New York Giants. Led them to the Superbowl. Figured in American football you need a good quarterback, a very speedy-Gonzalez like running back (two of them would be better) and also speedy like defenders.
This morning part of Kuala Lumpur was hit with a blackout. Apparently some generator failure nearby. Good thing it happen after I step into the office and not when I was in the lift. Well, since this blackout happen at work there were no candlelit room stories to tell. Which would have been cool. Mostly it was who has to report to disaster recovery site and who has to stay back. I apparently had to stay back. We had power back after 2 hours and resume work as usual.
Well had a few interesting moments here and there during the week. Among them was chatting up with this chick at Starbucks whose name I forgot. When my boss ask who she was, I totally forgot (and I thought I was good with names). Also two days in a row I bump into 'you-know-who' friends. Seems been some time since they hang together, due to timing and workload. I myself mention I have not seen 'you-know-who' in ages. Suddenly flashbacks came into mind. Maybe I did have a chance, only (as always) I let it slip through my hands.
Well had an interesting discussion about friends with a friend of mine. We both have different views but I conclude its due to the schools we came from. Like I came from a normal neighbourly regular school where we all live within a mile radius within each other as well as growing up together going through the 'best days of our lives'. For others maybe because they went to boarding schools the bond is different. I have experienced both, and I have to say going to normal schools is a whole lot of fun.
Today when I meet up my schoolmates the togetherness is still there. For my boarding school mates, we have yet to cross paths (which is a good thing) because they all want to compare who is the high-flyer and most successful (being a rockstar doesn't count to them). The way they compare paths is one thing I don't want to face.
Most of my schoolmates have now moved all over the place, but somehow we all still keep in touch thanks to the wonder that is the Internet.

The one with Ratatouille and my health

Finally caught Ratatouille on Wednesday with my office colleagues (whose names will be altered later to protect privacy). Anyways I'm a big fan of cartoons both big screen and small screen. I find it both entertaining and funny and also the technology of animation has come a long way since Walt Disney introduced a mouse into the world. I'll spare you with the movie details as I believe most has seen it or will soon.
However pre-movie was one of those 'bonding' moments with my colleagues. Went with my colleagues from work Jeniffer, Hillary, Winona and Gareth. Movie was at 6:45pm at TGV KLCC and we left office at 6.00pm. We decided to go in Jennifer's car even though I suggested walking was a better option. Turned out we were stuck in traffic for an hour, when we could have taken a 15 minute walk. And it was the longest 1 hour traffic jam I ever been caught in.
Well we did keep ourselves occupied, well the three ladies did by using me as the human target. They had a lot to say among them was my karaoke showmanship. Well they were honest enough to tell me that I 'overdid' it. (Mental note to self : when karaoke with office mates I must BEHAVE). Also somehow I was the victim for almost everything. It was 3 against 1 and my friend Gareth wasn't of much help. But somehow it helped me in bonding with my colleagues. So now they see me as a funny-blur-geek. Maybe that's what they saw when I first joined, maybe they expected another side of me. Well the other side of me is karaoke.
And today, I was struck down with the flu. Didn't feel good the whole day and didn't get a chance to see the doctor. Not to say I was tied with work, but there were certain things that required my attention. In the end I went straight home after work and made myself some soup. And I know I should be getting some sleep soon.
Finally, a sad story. To keep it short, two friends and a joke went wrong. To my friends, I hope you can work things out and be friends again. Its sad that a mis-understanding has led to this. I for one am not one for confrontation or taking sides, but in the name of friendship I hope you can work things out again, we've all been through a lot to let this be the end.
Now I should really wrap myself in a blanket and hope I feel better in the morning.

The one with Madden 08 and barbecue at Rafiq's

Last weekend was me back in my element. Its the season where a lot of new games will be released soon. Games which I am a fan of. Mostly sport games and racing games. After all the RPGs and adventure games I've been playing, its back to the sports. Especially with the NFL and NBA season around the corner.
Bought Madden 08 on Flyday. Which means I get the whole weekend to play Madden. As much as I enjoy Madden, I'm still not ready to enter the Madden Challenge. Still need to get used to the playbook and also need to learn how to read plays like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. I play on the fly, just call a pass play or running play without seeing what the defence is giving me. But think got the hang of defence, since all I know is to blitz the opposing quarterback all game long. Anyways started a franchise in the franchise mode. Took charge of the New York Giants and after 3 games I'm unbeaten. Good start.
Saturday night we had a barbecue for Wak. Small gathering of friends and a mini-bachelor party minus the strippers. The bbq was held at Rafiq's crib in Puchong (which is very far) and other carnivores included Farrish, Shahreza and Amryl. The only thing not meat was the pasta I brought and the drinks. The rest was a raptors delight. It was good to just hang with the guys and chill. Also heard the fireworks from Putrajaya, sadly we couldn't see the lights.
Other than that, it was pretty much gaming weekend for me.

The one with ergonomics

After the last post which could have been mistaken for an episode of Smallville, I should have put disclaimer which is better said in the Malaysian language 'kisah ini tiada kaitan dengan yang hidup ataupun yang mati' or the term 'bukan nama sebenar'.
Anyways back to the topic at hand. I am not going to go detail or scientific here. Just a general explanation. I admit I spend way too much time in front of my computer or which I once dubbed 'the ultimate gaming machine'. Not anymore dude to hardware advances and no significant upgrades.
I have been having this nagging 'discomfort' on my right wrist since like forever. Only recently the discomfort is beginning to get to me. It is said its the way one positions his hand when using ones mouse and keyboard. In my case its always been about the mouse. I believe my mouse at home is ergonomically correct, but the same can't be said for the one in the office. Then again office equipment is very much standard and I don't think they would want to cater to individual needs.
Well its a good thing I'm no longer active in basketball as I want to. If not, my shooting would be way off and I more likely to make a lefty-scoop-layup then the usual money shots I used to make (keyword USED TO).
And why am I posting about my wrist pains I have no idea. By the way, football update, Becks scores his first goal for LA Galaxy, makes his first assist and picks up his first yellow card earlier today. And last I check, my beloved Spurs still suck with a capital S.
Almost forgot, last night had drinks with Amryl, Farrish and Rafiq (semua nama sebenar). Amryl left early to pick up his wife from the airport. Then the three of us began doing flashbacks of our carefree time back after we finish school. Don't know how we suddenly got to talking about that, but it was nice to reminisce about the good old days. Come to think about it, it was ten years ago. Events that shaped what we became today.
Well I don't plan to go flashback here, but one thing I know has change is now I'm relatively larger than life (and not in a good way).

The one Clark and Chloe's discussion (summarized version)

Once upon a time, OK just a couple of hours ago two friends were having dinner while catching up on each others happenings. Lets just name them Clark and Chloe, two best friends from Smallville.
Clark and Chloe were having dinner at a Swedish furniture store's hot dog cafe. Its been some time since they both hang out so it was a good opportunity to catch up on each others lives. Chloe highlighted why Clark always seems to be in relationships which are doom to fail. An interesting thought, which probably requires Clark to do some soul-searching. But Clark had a rough day at the Daily Planet, so wasn't really in the think deep mode. But Chloe insists on an explanation.
So sadly one common reason was Clark gets bored easily. Chloe notices this disturbing trend which makes Clark dangerous and fragile at the same time. Every time Clark meets someone, the rush and excitement is there. After a while, the 'fire' begins to fade away. Maybe after realizing that somehow it would not work or both don't feel the same way or one doesn't dig the other. Then again Clark is tired to really think deep on the whys.
Chloe also notices that recently Clark was very happy with Lois. She asked what happened there? Then Clark begins to display one of his special talents, which is the art of changing the subject stealthily.
Clark realizes he was happy then and wonders what happened? If anything did happen.

The one where the new EPL season begins and I watched in disgust as my Spurs leave me frustrated (again)

A new season begins. Its back to watching football games on Saturday night. So tonight my favourite team Spurs had the honour of playing the first game to kick-off the season. We were away to newly-promoted Sunderland.
Too frustrated to go into the details, but I couldn't believe what I saw. I seriously believe my futsal groups can play a whole lot better and entertaining. Martin Jol still hasn't learn from his two full seasons with the team. He continues to play 4 central midfielders while sacrificing width on the process. And why on earth does he pin the team creative genius to some Jermaine Jenas is beyond me. I for one know I am way better in being the creative-attacking-midfield-genius than Jenas.
Overall everyone was at fault. The defence couldn't keep things simple. Instead of making the defensive clearance, they want to show off ball control techniques while losing possession in the process. The midfield was non-existent. Even our strikers couldn't even find a shot. The Berbatov-Keane combo wasn't working, newly bought and overpriced and now complete waste of money Darren Bent showed his 'quality' and Defoe couldn't provide the offensive spark.
I for one had hope that this will be the season where Spurs fans finally have something to cheer about. But like every season, they disappoint me. Oh well, now I'll just wait for the NFL and NBA season to start.

The one where I think I should really shave (and maybe a haircut)

Long time since I had a long title for a post. As it suggests, currently I look like a mess. Self image as of late has really taken a backseat. Mostly due to work and personal issues surrounding yours truly.
Since a lot has been happening I decided to grow it out and change to a more scruffier messy look. A far cry from the clean-cut boy band image. A lot of people have noticed and all have been asking whats the story. Just told them going through one of those phases.
I guess I finally realized that maybe its starting to look ridiculous. And probably wouldn't project a good image with my clients. So I've decided tomorrow morning I will revert back to the clean-cut image. Which probably is a good idea before people think I've joint a cult or something.
About the haircut, we'll see tomorrow if I have time. Usually go to those 10-minute RM12 places. Very convenient as I can go during my lunch break.
Before I forget, had a great futsal game last night. It was like infinity on a high.

The one with the Japanese buffet and karaoke

Well last Friday was one of those days I really need. Just hanging, chilling and joking around with my friends. Due to every ones suddenly busy schedule, we all don't really hang as much as we use too.
The newly weds ShahFaizah suggested a get-together dinner. I thought they wanted to show their wedding photos, but it still wasn't ready. So in the end we went for a Japanese buffet dinner at Shogun, One Utama. Farrish-Ida also join for dinner and I came after a short futsal Friday game. Short because they had more than enough players and my presence wouldn't be missed.
So five of us had a good dinner with a wide variety of Japanese food. But we were missing two other friends in Shah (performing at some gig) and Farah (other dinner plans). Still food awaits. I think I sampled most of the meats on display. Was in carnivorous mood similar to a raptor.
Since its been a while since we hanged together, everyone was wondering whats up with the new look. I told them I'm going for the messy scruffy look. Realize the clean cut good boy image was beginning to get boring and was losing its appeal anyway.
During the dinner, the subject of karaoke came about. Since it has been a while also we all decided to go for it. Ended up in Red Box Sogo and we were joined later by Farah and a friend of Ida's, Suraya. The staff at Red Box still recognize me and asked how come I haven't been around. Its been a month since we last rocked the joint. Anyways my performance that night was pretty much of a letdown. Wasn't really energetic as I used too. Still manage to perform at a standard level, but guess it was either the heavy dinner or my mind was partially elsewhere. But figured it was both. Still managed to have great fun and that's what is important.
Well the weekend went by so fast and another rough week awaits.