The one where I played basketball again

Well 2007 will come to an end soon. Guess I should do a recap of the year post. But I'll do that tomorrow.
So today I went for a basketball game. Met some new friends last night and they invited me to join their basketball game in USJ. Damn, its been a long time since I played b-ball. Well the age group was all in their 20s. I joined the team consisting of those on the wrong side of 20. We played 4-on-4 half court. Good thing we played half court since my court awareness was still off.
Well I had a good game myself. But being the new game I had the element of surprise. They didn't know how I played, but managed to show flashes of brilliance for some highlight reel plays. Anyways, my offence pretty much sucked. Couldn't hit the open jumper and my points were mostly from sky hooks. Didn't know I still had that move. My passing game was great. Vision and court awareness still intact except I still wasn't familiar on how my teammates played so some of my passes caught them (and the opponents off-guard). Like when I play futsal, I'm a pass first player, and when it comes to b-ball I watch a lot of Steve Nash play making. Some of the players noticed that I'm a pass first player with the eye for the highlight pass, so they didn't expect me to shoot much, and judging how I was shooting I might as well set up plays.
The surprise of the day for me (and everyone) was my defense. I had 5 blocks. And never had I had 5 blocks in a single game. Some players after being blocked by me did not dare to shoot after that. And I thought my timing was off.
Anyways good game for me and I really missed playing basketball so that game was well needed.

The one with the dare

Something different and it all happen during my lunch break yesterday. Had lunch at Mickey Dees with my colleagues. As usual while eating we were checking out the scene for any CIOs.
Finally there was one worthy of our attention. Each came up with their own analysis on the CIO. She and her colleague order a large take away order. And we were all wondering why on earth didn't she just use the McDelivery service.
So we all made our own analysis on the CIO. My interpretation was she was very fashionable but could use a new watch. Another said she is the type that likes to please. But she was the focus of own attention for a good 15 minutes.
Then my colleague made a dare with me. He put RM 50 on the table, and wanted me to go up and offer my assistance in the heavy lifting. And did she need help in the heavy lifting. Seems like she was ordering for like 50 people. Hopefully it was to some orphanage of some sort. She did seem the Angelina Jolie humanitarian type.
They even offered me some lines to use (which worked for one of them). However, the Mickey Dees staff were all lining up to help. So in the end I didn't offer to help. There goes a good fifty bucks which could be put to good use by taking her out for some Starbucking experience.
Oh well, probably next time, hopefully my window of opportunity is still wide open.

The one with Farrish-Ida's engagement

First of all, Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha. Its pretty much a festive season and I believe no one is really up for work. Guess everyone is winding down and maybe start again come 2008.
Well as the title suggests, my best friend Farrish got engaged to his girlfriend Nurida Salwa, but we call her Ida for short. Actually it was more of a family gig, but Farrish did ask for me to be there and hang with him while the proceedings went on. So while the family discussed the details me and Farrish went to hang at a Starbucks. And it was a first for me, hanging at Starbucks in a full baju melayu outfit. So there you had two guys in full set baju melayu chilling. I bet those who were on IM had plenty to chat about.
We hang for about half-an-hour while waiting for the call from the family that all is well. So then we made our way there and Farrish was being introduced to the family, while I stuffed myself to the spread of food. I was very hungry and was saving my stomach since Farrish mention there was food. So was hanging, drinking teh tarik and making small talk with the other guests.
When the guests left, myself and Farrish and Ida and her friend Suraya was hanging around the hantarans. However, as they all found out my mind does not function after 11pm. So probably their discussions lost me at hello. So now that the engagement is all said and done, next thing for Farrish-Ida will be their nikah night, dated for triple 8.
Again, congrats to Farrish-Ida. All the best with the preparations and the entourage will probably plan the bachelor party (and I have some cool interesting ideas).

The one with the hundredth

Finally at post number 100. Been a long time coming, but made it. No need to pull out the bubbly yet, lets save it for another occasion.
Another futsal story, but had a great futsal Tuesday session. Our last couple of games was a tad over-crowded and I never found any groove. But today, we had just a nice number and with that a lot of open space for me to exploit. Tonight I played like the Steve Nash of futsal. Always looking to create havoc and getting my teammates open. Had 3 highlight reel worthy assists. First was a thread-through-the-needle-through-pass-past-3-defenders for my teammate Reza to make the easy tap in for the first goal of the night. Second assist was the cheeky-back heel-dumbfounding-2-defenders-clueless-on-where-the-ball-went for Asyraf to hammer home with his trademark lefty bullet. Third assist was probably play of the day. I was surrounded by two defenders, made a back heel flick to Choo, then we pulled of the blink-and-you-will-miss-it-one-two for Choo the finish with an angle shot. A great build up in a blink of an eye. Also had other assists but those three was the highlight. I for once didn't score myself, but for me creating is more fun than scoring. Keep the spirit of joga bonito alive.
Well that's post 100, here's to the next 100.

The one with the 99

Actually I shorten the title since the original title was 'The one with the Heartbreak Kid, art exhibition, confirmation karaoke, ex-Affin Discount treasury gathering, sick me, Alvin & The Chipmunks and I am Legend'. Very long title and around a weeks worth of material.
So post-chemical-romanced I went to check Heartbreak Kid, very funny. Was laughing throughout the movie and being typical Ben Stiller comedy, it was worth the laughs. The movie also had an underlying message (okay, obvious message) which had me thinking (for a bit). Something for me to solve in 2008.
Got invited (last minute) to an art exhibition at the Petronas Gallery in KLCC. Think I was invited due to the fact that I was in a walking radius to KLCC and also the fact this circle of friends have not seen me in ages. Anyways small promo for the exhibition, its called 'The Independence Project' and will be in display till 10 February 2008. While you at it, check out the piece by Vincent Leong (the friend who helped me with my 5 seconds of fame). A very cleverly done piece. Anyways, the exhibition reacquainted me with some friends I haven't met in ages, including one who I cared for dearly. Anyways, didn't' expect to see her there (but glad I did) and think she was surprised (I hope in a good way) to see me there. Somehow it felt awkward and we ended up making small talk, the usual hows things/life/work? And to think at one time we could talk about anything spontaneously.
As posted earlier, I've finally got my confirmation status. And to celebrate (meaning buying the whole desk dinner) we went for karaoke. Rocking good session as this time the gloves were off and there was no holding back the rockstar. Didn't have much room though but made the most of it. Anyways good fun, and a colleague mention that my rendition of Bon Jovi's Always was well done. She mention that when I do rock numbers it works with my voice, but so much on the slow numbers. Well that was comforting to know, I was worried all this time I was making noise.
Last weekend, the ex-Affin Discount treasury department finally had their gathering at Kak Yam's place in Lavender Heights. Some sort of pot luck event, but this time I didn't have to make pasta. I was just needed to bring grapes. Since Kak Yam was preparing the main dish and Fatin was bringing the chicken. Usually I'm the first to arrive, but this time Fatin arrived before me. Kak Yam's son was at summer camp so no FIFA Street on Playstation friendly. Anyways it was nice to see everyone again. It was probably one of the best group of people one can start their career with. Very close-knit group and like my parents they also share my parents concerns and worries (not career wise).
After the gathering I drove like the wind to make it for futsal Saturday (and to think I got this far without mentioning futsal). Played a mediocre game, maybe due to all the food I ate, but still had glimpses on genius here and there. Was feeling sick after the game. Suffered diarrhea as well as puking my guts out. Didn't feel good at all the whole Sunday. Was in bed the whole day, but was up and about the next day. Which by the way I'm on leave and will be back at work on Flyday.
Went for a double feature today. Alvin and the Chipmunks and I am Legend. The Chipmunks was a fun flick, just to laugh and here them sing. Still preferred the cartoon tough. As for I am Legend, overall it was good but I felt the ending was kind of weak. Then again, it was kind of hard to come up with a stronger ending than that.
Now its time for my medication.

The one with the My Chemical Romance concert

My first concert for the year 2007 (my karaoke performances sadly do not count). Have to admit been a while since I attended a concert. Last show was INXS last year. When I heard MCR were coming I made the necessary arrangements for the entourage to rock. Same concert line-up as INXS with Farrish, Shahreza and yours truly.
We were a bit sceptical to go since it's been reported that they don't really sound good live. We saw some performances on YouTube and Gerard Way's voice seem to drown in the music. But we were all in need of a concert and since Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy and Daughtry only went to Singapore, My Chemical Romance will do. Don't get me wrong though, I am a big fan of MCR and really wish they have it at Red Box.
We arrived late (for the opening acts anyway) but no loss there as we were there for MCR. We missed One Buck Short's opening act but came in time for Pop Shuvit. I have to say Pop Shuvit is really a class act. Something for the Malaysian music scene and they are big in Japan.
Anyways, when MCR took centre stage, it was time to rock. They played most of their material from the Black Parade album. Some tunes I know, some I don't. They also played 2 songs from their Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge album including my favourite, Helena. But they didn't play Ghost of You. I was singing along to all the songs we know the lyrics too and was in full voice for I Don't Love You. I'm not familiar with their music from their first 2 albums but I think they played a couple of tunes. As for the performance, excellent. They seem to have improved their live performance a lot. Was overall impressed with the performance.
Good thing I applied leave for Monday. Don't think can work as I don't have any vocal range at the moment.

The one with Across The Universe

Managed to catch Across The Universe last night. It's great when the cinema is just a 5-minute walk from your office (GSC Pavilion). I can actually catch the 6pm-ish shows to kill time while traffic clears. Hang on, I don't even drive to work.
A great movie to begin with. Seriously, whats not to like. Beatles music throughout the film, set in the care free 60s and guest appearance by Bono and Salma Hayek. You'll definitely be singing along to the popular tunes and just feel the 60s. I myself after the film went to buy the soundtrack. It comes in 2 versions, normal and deluxe. I bought the deluxe edition which comes with two discs with the cast of the film on the soundtrack. Also listening to the soundtrack while I post this (current track Strawberry Fields Forever).
All you need is love.

The one with the karaoke and futsal

Finally the entourage managed to go for a karaoke gig. A long-awaited gig, which was held in Red Box Sogo, since Red Box Pavilion is way too pricey at night. We still rocked the joint no matter where its held.
Anyways last nights session was one of those sessions with minimal facilities. We only got a small room and it came with two mics. Not a good thing when the group consists of mic-hoggers. But we still manage to make do and have fun. As for me, I spent most of the night dancing, at least some form of body movement which isn't really called dancing. Still it was a good work out jumping around doing God knows what. Post karaoke we had drinks at Uptown. Just chill and chat till everyone was half awake.
As for futsal Saturday, it was a fun game. Good numbers as well as two balanced teams. Finally manage to find my groove but still had trouble finishing. But managed some hard earn goals as well as one gifted goal (thanks for the assist Farrish). Both teams played slick sexy-futsal but my team just kept hitting the post or missing by inches. A good enjoyable game.
Oh yeah, before I forget, my brother-in-law is down with chicken pox. So now he's at his mums in Klang to avoid my little niece catching the pox (does that sound right?). And also my little niece is also unwell.
I think tonight I might sleep early, since I slept at 4am and (somehow) woke up at 6am. Really lacking of sleep.