The one with the karaoke

Karaoke night again. Couldn't think of a catchy title. Probably you'll see that title often. Tonight's performers include Farrish, Shahrizan, Faizah, Amryl and his wife Mimi. We had two who were unable to turn out due the health issues and or tied up with something. Farah and Shahreza were the absentees. Still the show must go on.
Tonight I didn't really belt out the usual. I was going for variety tonight and trying to find songs I have yet to sing. One song I really wanted to sing was Bad English's When I See You Smile. Well I heard it on the radio on my way for lunch with Farrish. Also it kind of fits my thing for girls with that 'killer' smile (you know what I mean).
I realized everyone went for something different tonight. Maybe due to the lack of new hits for example My Chemical Romance songs. Even Farrish for the first time didn't sing 'his' song. Which was a good thing though. We even went Godfather tonight, singing Andy Williams's Speak Softly Love, thanks to Amryl's selection there. To cap the night off, we went Grease, by singing Summer Nights.
Now the song 'When I See You Smile' is in my head.

The one where I got tagged

I got tagged by my rhumba addict friend. Good thing it movie-related. Should be fun to answer.

Name movies that you have seen more than 10 times

Ocean's 11
Star Wars Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode 5 The Empire Strikes Back
The Lake House
Wicker Park
Superman and Superman Returns
Batman Begins
Spiderman 1 & 2

Name a movie that you have seen multiple times in the theater
Batman Begins (4 times, first on opening day, 2nd with my little sister and 3rd the night before exams and 4th when GSC One Utama opened)
Superman Returns (twice, first during RHB's premiere and second the day after my birthday)

Name actors & actresses that would make you more inclined to see a movie
George Clooney
Natalie Portman

Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie
Ben Affleck

Name a movie that you can do a quote from
Godfather "Someday, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for me"
Superman "Even though you were raised as a human being, you're not one of them"
Also the classic Pulp Fiction scene with John Travolta and Samuel L.Jackson regarding fast food in Europe.

Name a movie musical that you know the lyrics to all songs featured
Well use to know the songs featured in Disney's Aladdin.

Name a movie that you would recommend everyone to see
Well for flicks released this year 300 and Wild Hogs, also soon-to-released Spiderman 3

Name a movie that you own
Quite a number actually

Name an actor that started in another medium but has surprised you with his/her performance
None that I can think of actually

Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, which one?
Wish I have, but we don't have that in these shores

Ever made out at a movie?
That's too much information.

Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just have not yet gotten around to it
Stranger Than Fiction (and the DVD is just in front of me)

Ever walked out from a movie?
Once during Christian Bale's The Machinist (can't recall why though)

Name a movie that made you cry in the theater
Me cry???

What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
Went for The Number 23 on Monday

What is your favourite/preferred genre of a movie?
Cartoons and comedy

What was the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
Can't remember (my childhood memory has been wiped out)

What movie do you wish you had never seen?
Gol & Gincu (was conned into watching it by my Futsal Tuesday gang)

What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?
Pan's Labyrinth

What is the scariest movie you have ever seen?
I'm afraid of horror flicks, don't watch them.

What is the funniest movie you have ever seen?
A lot to mention, but recently Wild Hogs, was laughing throughout the whole movie.

Hopefully I got everything, not as easy as I thought.

The one with 23

Went for the movie Number 23 starring Jim Carrey. A thriller flick. After watching the movie I started my own set of 23s. My birth date 29 June, 29-6=23. My time of birth was 1.10pm, convert to 24-hour clock is 1310, 13+10=23. The movie seats were B11 & B12, 11+12=23. The date I watched the movie, 23rd. The first visible plate number I saw at Coffee Hut is 977, 9+7+7 is 23. I counted the number of bracelets I own, I have 23. My car plate number has the numbers 2 and 3. Honestly I can go on but think you get the point. Don't want you all to think I have this obsessive compulsive behaviour.
Earlier in the day had lunch with Farrish and Hafizah. I figured since I'm on a long break might as well have lunch with friends who are not based around my office. We had chicken rice somewhere in Uptown. Then Hafizah showed me the koi fish pond behind her building. From my observation, the fish there are well fed.
Well I'm off to sleep now, hopefully no nightmares about 23.

The one where I'm enjoying my time off

Been some time since my last post (well seems like it). As you all know I'm on 'chilling leave' (gardening leave doesn't sound appropriate. Spent most of my time watching dvds, surfing, movies and playing with my niece who likes to bite me. Things I get for being her favourite uncle. She has a walker now and seems to be enjoying her new found mobility.
Futsal Tuesday was pretty much fun. Played goalie most of the time. Almost achieved the prestige. Wanted to play outfield, but my team was in rhythm so didn't want to spoil the rhythm and movement. Besides pulled off some spectacular saves. Still in need of a new pair of boots, not sure how many games i can get out of my current pair. Size still an issue and sometimes its the design. Yes, I'm particular about these things. I'm more comfortable with adidas Predators. Best pair of boots you can get. I use the leather material as its more comfy and allows better ball control (well for me anyway).
Went for karaoke lunch on Wednesday at RedBox Lowyat with some ex-colleagues and friends. Other performers include Fizan, Rubil, Rina, Bob and Mel. Realize that I forgot to tell Mel that I was leaving. But mention it was a move I had to make. One thing about Mel, shes the only one that calls me Clark at work. Long story cut short I went to a dinner dressed as Clark Kent, complete with the Superman t-shirt underneath and my glasses are similar to the mild-mannered reporter.
After the rock concert, went for a movie. Catch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It was a movie to fill time. Nothing to shout about. After movie went to Attic, Bangsar. A friend of a friends birthday party. It was a nice place to chill and relax and the cool thing is its a 'no-smoking' joint.
Yesterday had a barrel of laughs. Went for Wild Hogs. A movie about 4 men going through mid-life crisis and going on a road trip on their Harleys. Went with Fizah and we were both laughing non-stop the whole movie. Its one of those laugh-a-minute movies. Then had post-movie drinks at Coffee hut. Bump into Rizvi there also. Ended up talking about Harry Potter as Rizvi and myself haven't read the books just the movie and Fizah knows her Potter trivia.
Saw the new Spiderman 3 trailer. It was damn cool. Can't wait for it. The fun part is there's actually footage of Venom's transformation and Venom in action.
Something to look forward to next month, besides new job.

The one when I left the building

Finally my career with Affin is over. I clocked out as an Affin staff for the last time. This is the first time I'm leaving a job to start a new gig. Hopefully it will be a better adventure and get my stall career back on track. Take my place in the altar of greatness and rule the world (cue : evil laughter and eyes turn evil red).
Well before leaving I went to visit some friends and say my goodbyes. Even though I'm moving a couple of blocks away I figured I see people who have help me a lot during my formative career years. A lot of names to shout out too, but you all know who you are. Thanks for all the support.
As I made my exit, I text all my friends that like Elvis, I have left the building.

The one where I will be leaving the building

Think this will be a long post. Have 4 days worth of stories to post besides the one I've been saving. As the title says, I've finally tendered my resignation and like Elvis, I will be leaving the building. A huge relief for me as a huge boulder has finally been lifted off my shoulders. Hopefully I can get my career back on track.
Well, where do I begin. Maybe I should go day-by-day from Thursday. So the 'sack-the-bank' story will be elaborated after the Thursday story.
On Thursday I met up with some friends at Bangsar Village. Met up with my friend Shakirah and two of her friends from Bank Negara, Julinda and Alma. They just join the market and we just chill and had coffee at Starbuccaneers...I mean Starbucks. For those wondering Starbuccaneers is from one of my favourite games, Monkey Island. Well the 3 ladies have to sit for an exam. The 'Persatuan Kewangan Malaysia Certificate' exams for dealing license. I passed the exams already and they were asking for any tips. I told them honestly that my passes were all flukes and if you ask me to do the exam again most probably flunk in flying colours. Honestly I have no idea how I passed. As for the company Julinda also a sporty girl. She plays tennis, futsal and also basketball. Not many girls I know shoot hoops (meaning basketball not netball). Later that night I began to draft my exit letter and plot the exit.
Friday morning which coincidentally is Friday the 13Th I tendered my resignation with my boss. He asked where I was headed, just told him I be around the area. Then I went off for breakfast. Around 0930 he called me in and ask when I want to leave. I told him I wanted to leave immediately. The nature of my job allows me to leave on 24-notice as once I tender I am no longer authorize to transact any deals for the bank. Then went to Human Resources and filled in the 'exit interview form'. Among the questions asked was if there was any condition I would stay, I filled in 'none'. Then HRD mention Monday 16 April would be my last day with the bank. Finally I would make my exit. Even got my acceptance of resignation letter. Hopefully my new gig will help put my career back on track. Speaking of which, I will start on 3 May 2007 at my new gig.
Later that evening, join for futsal Friday since my ankle was feeling fine after Wednesday. Had fun and banged in 5 goals for good measure and to make up for Wednesday.
Then Shahfaizah called me up and join them for a movie. Went to watch Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg. Cool movie about sniper action.
After movie I join Hafizah and friends at Somo for a friends birthday party. I believe the birthday girl's name was Joyce. Met up with Hafizah's friends (let me see if I can remember all of them) Eke, Nana, Jijie, Nadia and Amu. Found out Nana and Jijie share the same birthday as me. Probably should start a club as I also know some other friends who share the same birthday. Spent most of the night on the comfy chairs with Hafizah and Jijie chatting away since most of the crowd was drunk. Filled them in on my resignation from the bank. Jijie also planning to resign and Hafizah mention one of her staff just tendered. Guess the season where everyone wants to change office address.
Saturday's futsal was fun also. It was raining cats and dogs which created a cooling atmosphere at the futsal court. It allowed me to run like a headless chicken without getting tired. My team made a comeback from being God knows how many goals down.
Then had dinner with Lai Leng. She wanted to buy me a farewell dinner at Chilli's. But something is wrong with me. For the first time I was unable to finish my food. I was shocked when I couldn't finish the remaining quarter of my dish. I take pride in finishing my meals as I don't like to waste food as I know there are people around the world who need food, so we should be grateful for the meal presented to us and finish it. For the past few days I've been suffering an upset stomach resulting a sudden loss of appetite. Very unlike me, but hopefully its not permanent.
After dinner met up with Farah for Starbucking. Yes suddenly it became a verb. Just chat the night away and filled her in on my exit.
Finally Sunday was chilling at home. Watch dvds the whole day. Met up with Hafizah for another Starbucking session in the evening.
Well a long post and a lot of friends mention. Finally tomorrow I will be leaving the building.

The one with the short-lived futsal wednesday

Honestly as of late I've been way too lazy to post anything. Maybe the blogging fire is gone or maybe I have nothing interesting to post. It seems most of my posts are about futsal or friends. Nothing inspirational or anything of moral value or at least my fan-base (???) think and reflect on life. Maybe one day my posts would evolve into something that would hit you like cans of sardines.
As for now, just stick to the usual. Futsal Wednesday earlier was short-lived. Only managed roughly 5 minutes of playing time before getting whacked at the ankle. And it happen after i scored a fluke goal. My intention was to intercept a pass, but my first touch was way off and it ended up in the back of the net. They all count so I'll take it. Back to the injury, well me and the opposing goalie went for the same ball, we both missed it and his follow through got me at my right ankle. If you have to know it was very painful, knowing my ankle injuries history. The injury seemed minor though so I should be able to return to action for Friday's and Saturday's session. Just apply ice and I should be back better than ever.
Think I should apply bionics to my ankles. At least I be more durable.

The one with the 4Fs and coffee

Went for another karaoke session on Thursday night. Small group as it was a last minute arrangement. Went to RedBox at The Curve. Rockstars for the night include Farrish, Farah, Fizah and yours truly. Pretty much summed up as the 4Fs.
Started the night going 80s and boybands, which was something different for me. As usual the songs collection hasn't been up to date. But still had fun and well needed 'blow-off-steam' session for all of us. Besides the singing we were jumping around and dancing. Guess the showmanship in all of us just wanted to come out. Shows how stressed out we all were. As for the small group, lets just say its a lot easier to manage as all of us are 'mic-hoggers'.
The following night, the 'original Coffee Hut gang' met up at Coffee Hut for dinner and drinks. Its been a while since we all hang out together and we were missing one friend as he was tied up with something, Shahreza. The others Farah, Farrish and Shahrizan were present and Shahrizan brought along his fiance Faizah (I know you wondering why I hang with Fs and Shahs, but it just a coincidence). Spent most of the night just chatting and catching up on whats new and such. Shahfaizah (going Hollywood couples here) updated us on their wedding arrangements. Their wedding is scheduled for the triple-7s, the same date as Toneva (Tony Parker & Eva Longoria). Speaking of wedding dates, I believe that triple-8s next year will also be popular.
As for Saturday, played futsal in the afternoon. Good game, good workout and good fun. Guess I made a real intense week of futsal. Had 3 intense all-out games in one week. And proffesional footballers complain they play too many games (then again I don't get paid mega bucks to play). Met up with Hafizah later at night. She just came back from some eco-extreme challenge in Kuala Kubu Baru. She was one the the race marshall as a niggling ankle injury prevented her from participating. She mention she would have loved to be part of the challenge as it was fun and challenging. As for me, if I do ever participate I probably be the most out of shape participant.
As for Sunday, lets just say it was lazy Sunday for me. Slept the whole afternoon and it was F1 Race Day. It was well needed rest and an oppurtunity to recharge. One last thing, bought some new graphic novels on Saturday, Superman For Tomorrow Volume 1 & 2 and Batman Year 1.
Now to continue with some reading.

What I've Done by Linkin Park

The one where I judged a book by its cover

Bought another graphic novel yesterday entitled Batman : Face The Face. It's about Batman, Robin and Nightwing taking time off for God knows what and Batman left everything to the new Harvey Dent. Yes, Two-Face went for cosmetic surgery and is fully cured from split personality. I myself have been away from comics that I lost track of the Batman (and Superman) universe. Apparently a lot of people died.
Well the reason I bought it was it was the next best thing I could find. I was actually looking for Superman : For Tomorrow Volumes 1 & 2. Only found volume 2, so didn't feel like buying it. Alternatively I was looking for Justice Volume 3, Batman Year 1, The Killing Joke, The Long Halloween and 300 (which is sold out). In the end I found this cool cover with Batman and one of his 'batarangs' and blood. The colours used really reflected the Batman world, dark and gloomy.
After flipping through the contents at home, the art sucked. I haven't been drawing for a long time and I know I can draw illustrate better than that. The story was there, but the art wasn't. Found out the art and cover were done by different people. You can say I am very unhappy with the purchase. Maybe I can sell it on ebay.
Just got back from futsal. A very good game. Had lots of fun (winning does help). Manage to score some masterclass goals. It was suppose to be another Manyoo vs The rest game. In the end we played according to colours and mix the players around, since we had the Manyoo vs The rest theme for like 3 weeks already. So the teams were the same and it was getting boring anyway. I ended up in the side with the most Mancunian fans. It was a fun game and open flowing sexy futsal. Even Eke (sole female representative this week) came up with a new goal celebration which caught on to some of the guys.
Guess I need to create a new goal celebration myself. Beginning to run out of ideas.

The one with the found graphic novels

A lazy Sunday for me. Was in my room the whole time alternating between youtube-ing, sleeping and reading. It rained the whole morning also.
As posted yesterday I was looking for my graphic novels. In the end I found out it was with Farrish the whole time. A huge relief there as I was running out of ideas of where to look in my room. At least I know its in good hands.
As I'm posting this blog I just got back from dim sum with Hafizah. She was on one of her 'driving-around' modes and ended up in around my area. Even though the dim sum joint is near my crib, Farrish introduced it to me. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't know where to find good, reasonably priced dim sum. I don't go out around my neighbourhood. Still unfamiliar with the surroundings and I think I've lived here for 6 years. Make that 5, minus my final year in college.
Tomorrow is Monday. The toughest day to go through (for me and Garfield anyway). I just hope the system at work doesn't do anything funny. If it does, its going to be another long week (until Friday comes along). Then again its always the case, isn't it?