The one where I turn 29 on the 29th

Happy birthday to me!!! Well yesterday officially was my birthday. And as pointed out, I turn 29 on the 29th. Only happens once in a lifetime.
Anyways I didn't do anything. Mainly due to the weather where it rained the whole day. Just chilled at home surfing, PSP-ing, reading and sleeping.
Anyways, had dinner with Farrish the night before. We tried out one of my colleagues mum's restaurant in 32 Square in PJ opposite the Toyota showroom. The restaurant is named Tram Car and the food was quite good.
So Farrish explained to me how they planned it. Which was well thought off and really needed some element of luck. And also how to make me go to the Curve post-movie, especially when all the shops are closed. Besides I was dead beat and wanted to get my beauty sleep.
First of all they all, they wanted to change the venue to watching the movie at Cinepleasure. But since I'm more comfortable with GSC they had to think of plan B. I didn't suspect anything even after Friday prayers when I asked where to meet up for dinner pre-movie and all came up with 'something up' lines. So that meant I can kill time at the gym and get a shower at the same time. Apparently at that time they were buying cupcakes at the Curve.
Next up was after the movie, which was trying to get me to go to the Curve. That's where they suggested to meet at the teh tarik place. Now that they got me to go there, next was to get there before me. Knowing that I probably be there first, they needed to speed there first. They were lucky as I parked my car, I was held up for a while. I was sms-ing a friend who thought she saw me at the gym. So we were exchanging sms-es for a while. The rest is as the previous post. Again, thanks.
Now I'm definitely on the wrong side on 20.

The one with the suprise birthday karaoke

Another long week. Another tiring week. Another week where I want to go on killing rampage. As the Fraternity code says "kill one, save a thousand".
Well as the first paragraph suggests, I watched Wanted last night with the entourage. May I say it was an action packed film, with hints of the Matrix. I believe those who read the comics would be disappointed as a lot has been changed in order to make it Hollywood. Among them was the costumes, as the characters were all portrayed in daily attire. Would have love to see Angelina Jolie in the cat-suit like costume her character dons in the comics. Also the movie really defies the law of physics. Unless someone can prove to me 'curving the bullet' is possible.
After the movie, it was suggested we head to the teh tarik place for post-movie drinks. Upon arriving, we were all "invited" to karaoke by a friend was was already there. Opening the door "SURPRISE!!!" by everyone. Even my birthday cup-cakes were lit. Well my birthday isn't until Sunday, but they wanted to do an early bash. So to Farrish-Ida, Shah-Faizah, Shahreza and Suraya thank you very much. I didn't see that one coming. Well planned.
As for the karaoke, well it was us being us. Rocking the night (or is that morning) away.

The one with Beauty and the Beast

Went for the Beauty and the Beast musical last night. It was a great show full of song and dance. Based on the Disney cartoon from a few (???) years back. So most of the songs were familiar. Even wanted to sing-a-long but my colleagues warned me of I did, they wouldn't know me.
Before I go into the play, its very, very sad that my fellow countryman have poor theater etiquette. Mainly on punctuality. Then again its not just plays, but almost everything which regards time. The show was suppose to start at 8pm, but only to start at 8.30pm. I am one of those who prides myself with punctuality. I try my utmost best to be where I need to be earlier than expected. It was very annoying to see people take their own sweet time coming in. If I received a dollar for every person that came late, I would be rich.
Anyways, back to the play. Great show overall. The music, the dances and the colours. It was a joy to watch. The familiar tunes from the movie were in my mind. Just sang-a-long to it in my mind, while trying to keep still. Even the characters resembled the characters from the movie.
One song I enjoyed was 'Be Our Guest'. That was well done and lively. That was one song I was humming to before the play and after. Even carried on to this morning also.
Now, I'm going to youtube to watch that scene again.

The one with the 'lost' and 'found' handphone

A very funny thing happened to me today. Seriously you be thinking whether I'm a genius worthy of the Noble prize or not.
This happened after work. As I got into my car when I reached Kelana Jaya station. When I got in my car I know I have my wallet and iPod with me. But didn't check my mobile as I keep in a small pouch on my bag.
As I exited the car park, I decided to check for me phone. It was not in the pouch!!! So I parked my car at the side and began searching. Looked everywhere, under the seats and all. First thing that came to mind was that it fell out as I was getting into the car. So i drove back to the car park and found nothing. Figured someone must have taken it. I searched again but to no avail.
Then made my way to Maxis Centre in TTDI. It was closed but they had a phone for customer service. Made the call to suspend the line. Then I was advised to get my new sim card at Maxis Centre in Sunway Pyramid, since they close at 10.00pm. Got my new sim card and they will bill me in my next statement.
So I was with a sim card without the phone. In my mind I was thinking of checking out the new models on the net. See what I can buy. Probably one of the latest toys. As for iPhone, I'm giving it a miss. It's a piece of crap. The iPod touch is way better.
So when I got home I decided to look one more time. Guess what? I found it under the carpet at the co-pilot side. And since I've already suspended the sim card, I lost all my contacts which are saved on the sim card.
You probably are wondering why on earth didn't I call my phone. Well as usual I was alone and didn't occur to me at that time. Come to think of it, a lot of things didn't come to mind.
At least now, it gives me a chance to spring clean my contacts list.

The one with another quiet weekend

I feel I must be on some losing streak here. Then again thats nothing new. So after my Lakers were defeated in the quest for the NBA title, my Dutch team bowed out of the Euros.
Guess the team faltered after all the hype, especially the way they dominated the group stages. Guess it just was not meant to be. Despite going a goal down, we pulled back to even the score with four minutes left. Then late in extra-time we conceded two goals and were sent packing. Not to mention the numerous sms-es I received especially from the Italian fans.
Before the game futsal Saturday was one of the great games. I wore my new Holland jersey and scored some great goals. Most of which are uncharacteristically me. Most of them were long range efforts. But since I couldn't find an open teammate due to good defending my the opposition I made use of the space given. And the guys are agreed they had a great game.
Managed a double feature at the cinemas this week. Get Smart and Made of Honor. Both were great entertainment and good for a barrel of laughs. Especially Made of Honor. Didn't expect to enjoy since to me it was My Best Friend's Wedding in reverse. It was also the typical, the right one is always right in front of you except you just don't know it until its too late story. As for Get Smart, they captured the essence of the TV series without trying to be the TV series. They made it fresh while staying true the what made the series a joy to watch. They even had those classic one liners.
Besides movies and futsal, my weekend was pretty much quiet.

The one where my Lakers lost

The NBA Finals is now said and done. The NBA season is now over. Next dose of basketballing action would be in the Olympics. The US of A will be favourites but defending champions Argentina are always dangerous as well as Euro powers Spain and Russia. Not forgetting the hosts China.
I didn't have the opportunity to watch the games, but managed to catch the highlights on youtube. So Lakers lost to the Celtics 4-2. I believe the collapse in game 4 where we were leading by double digits at halftime was the factor. If we had swept the home series, we would just need one win in Boston. But after starving off defeat in the last home game in LA in game 5, trying to win 2-in-a-row in Boston is no easy task.
What have we learned from the finals. Well Kevin Garnett finally wins a ring. He really deserves one after years and years of trying. One of the most exciting big men to play, for him to win is something fans want (even at the expense of the Lakers).
Also Kobe Bryant is still Kobe Bryant. His killer instinct, will to win is still one of the best. If only his teammates could have contributed. Especially on defense where the Celtics had many wide open looks. Anyways I'm backing Kobe to lead the team again next season. Then again, he will lead team USA in the Olympics first.
So with the NBA said and done, next up for sports fans will be the knockout phase of Euro 08 and the upcoming Wimbledon.

The one with the Dutch like futsal

With the final group games of the Euros around the corner, some teams have confirmed their berth in the quarter finals (or Elite 8 as the Americans would call it). One team has captured the imagination with their brand of football. I'm talking about Holland.
They dismantled the Italians and French in breathtaking fashion. Their goals, teamwork and style has been a joy to watch. With everyone embodied in the 'total-football' concept you can see everyone doing their part.
So its no surprise I drew inspiration from the Dutch in our futsal session yesterday. Didn't have the usual large numbers, but we had sufficient numbers.You can see everyone was in the groove. We played with flair and finesse. Goals were scored by great team play build-up. We all moved in a fluidity no seen for some time in the group. Even our passing was so imaginative. Overall it was a great game.
Hopefully the Dutch can go all the way. I picked them in the office pool.

The one with the incredible movie

It's a great time to be at the pictures again. After the Kung-Fu Panda flick last week, we are treated to another movie of incredible proportions. Yes, finally The Incredible Hulk is here. One way, way better than the Ang Lee crap a few years ago.
This movie is another one of those reboots. Similar to what Batman Begins was doing. Making you forget about the previous film. Eric Banner as Bruce Banner was good, but with a script that sucked, he couldn't save the movie. So enter Louis Leterrier and Edward Norton in attempt to reboot the franchise. And may I say they did one hell of a job. Ed Norton always seems to bring in something extra to all the roles he has played. So when I heard he was casted as Bruce Banner, it seem like a perfect fit for me. Liv Tyler makes a return after I last saw her in the Lord of The Rings trilogy. Now it seems like being in comics film adaptation is the 'in-thing' dude to the relatively large fan-base.
Go catch the Incredible Hulk and you will finally enjoy an overdue Hulk movie. And also, there is also a special cameo appearance. No, not Stan Lee, you know he is always in these Marvel movies. And no its not Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury either. Go find it out for yourself.
Next up for the month of June, Get Smart next week and Wanted the following week. And another month before the one we have been waiting for (I know I am), The Dark Knight.

The one with the induction

After a year plus with AM they finally decided to send me for an induction course. Which to me is probably a waste of my wasted time. Besides I wasn't too thrilled about it. Makes you feel back at school or college.
It was 3 day event with the first 2 days in Ilham Resort, Port Dickson. The third day (which is tomorrow will be at my building). Its suppose to be one of those 'team-building' activities. And most of the time in my head I was saying "do I look like I give a damn". Seriously most of the events really bored me.
However there were moments which I enjoyed. Mainly the last event where the team had to act out a scene involving names or occupations we picked. My group had a really diverse group of selections and putting it together was a headache. Even I couldn't think of a script. But my role was easy and all I had to do was play my part. Getting the other parts to connect with my character was not easy. Despite the setbacks, we somehow won the best performance. And my part, was to play a local politician. My act, sleep while standing, announce fuel price hike and get the reporters to revert questions to my son-in-law. Think you can figure that one out.
Also made a number of new friends. Which was practically the whole idea for me. Me and my roommates had great fun. Especially while we were watching the Holland-Italy game. The whole room were rooting for the Dutch and only one guy supporting the Italians. And it was a good game overall, very end-to-end stuff.
So tomorrow will be back in my building. Back to work as usual.

The one with the karaoke

I'm beginning to run out superlatives for karaoke-based titles. So just figure I'll leave it as plain karaoke title. And yes, no more fuel-related posts.
So a dinner-karaoke-birthday bash for Suraya. Which was with her sisters, close friends, Farrish-Ida and somehow I was dragged along. We had dinner at the restaurant in town, Bubba Gump. Well you figure with the hype and all the food would be good. For me, it totally sucked! Didn't really enjoy the food. Or maybe I was just more excited about karaoke I didn't really bother about food.
Next up, another rocking out session. With this being a totally new group one would figure I will try to behave. Haha, sadly that did not happen and with Farrish leading the way, we both rocked out the crowd to a karaoke performance for the ages. We practically killed ourselves early by starting the night with two Bon Jovi numbers (You Give Love A Bad Name and Born To Be My Baby) and a Backstreet Boys number (Drowning). Knowing us, we still kept going. And really killed off the night with a more and more hit performances. With so many hits I totally forgot what we sang. And with my rocking it out, I was sweating till my shirt was wet. Mental note to self, bring small towel for next karaoke.
Besides the rockstars, the others got in on the act. We had songs which requires group participation where everyone had to get up and dance and sing. That was well choreographed. There were some photos taken, not sure if it will make Facebook, but we should have put in on video. We could be youtube sensations overnight.
Now for me to drink lots of water and get back my voice.

The one with another short fuel post

I was suppose to post something else last night, but decided to go with the fuel post. And I was hoping of posting that today. But I'll save that for some other time.
Anyways, barely a day has gone and there are Facebook groups regarding the matter. Some even suggested how to save costs. Even had stories where some of my friends lined up for God knows how long just because they really needed to refuel. I had one friend who took pictures while waiting and posted it on his Facebook. Yes, he did have a lot of free time.
So what can we do to save costs? Well I guess its how we readjust our lifestyle. For me, I will still take the train to work. I you can tell when there are new faces to the train. As for flying to work, surprisingly I can't fly.
As for my futsal and karaoke. Well I think I still be actively involved in both, just depends whether my friends are still keen. And my gym membership, well don't have to worry about that, as I bought the gym for life.
What I believe I need to change (or cut down) is the money I spend on food. I admit I do enjoy my food and seem to not mind spending on it (which probably explains the sudden mass increase). So that means cutting down on dining in posh places and try to find economical places. Even though the local mamak restaurant will probably have increased their prices already.
Another thing I plan to do, is try to get things done in one place. Meaning if I do have to go out on weekends, just make sure I can a lot of things in one place. For example, if I do visit One Utama I can go to the gym, cinema, bookstore, eat and have coffee there. That should cover my weekend activities. Except futsal and karaoke we might need to start car pooling. And on workdays, just make sure I get everything done before going back.
Okay, time to get some sleep. Not sure if what I've been posting makes any sense.

The one with the short fuel post

Just got home and saw a common sight. A petrol stations were packed and jammed heading to it. So with fuel prices going up, guess there will be more faces on the train. Good thing I have my iPod to keep me company.
First of all, a shout out to Liz. She finally manage to leave the same building I left a year ago. Its been a long time coming, but I for one am happy that she manage to break out. All the best at your new gig. Maybe I too should start looking for a new gig myself.
So fuel prices are going up and everyone makes a dash to petrol stations and refuel. Honestly I don't see the point as we still have to refuel anyways with the new price. I for one did my refueling last night as my tank was almost empty.
A chain-reaction will soon begin from this price hike. One, I think trains will be packed again. Probably see a lot of new faces. Two, maybe people will quit smoking in order to save money. Also prices everywhere will start to skyrocket. I probably might have to change my rock-god lifestyle.
Anyways, I do believe there should be a give-and-take between the people and the people running the nation. But all I've seen so far is take, take and more taking. You want to reduce fuel subsidy is fine. But why does everything have to keep going up. The only thing going down is salary increments. There is no indication of trying to help the burden on our shoulders. And having a better public transportation system would be an added bonus.
A large number of people will be hit badly including yours truly. But judging from past experiences, we just have to deal with it. As if anyone gives a damn, right.
Guess its time for me to just use my superpowers and fly to work. So much for trying to fit in and be normal.

The one where everything was due

What was due you should ask? Well just realized that my road tax was due today and my driver's license has been expired since last week.
I only realized this morning. I thought my road tax was due at the end of the week. So I can plan the renewal process and not rush it. Good thing it was still valid for today and I had time to settle it. Well with the help of my insurance agent. Could have been settled earlier in the day if not for the downpour during lunch.
As for my driver's license I remember it was due come my mum's birthday (24th May). I guess it totally slipped my mind. At least everything was settled today.
What a Monday to start the week.