Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The one with Spurs and adidas

Recently read news of a potential deal regarding my favourite team and brand. Adidas is in talks with Spurs. Which is very good news for me, being an adidas guy.
Adidas did supply Spurs kit between 1999-2002. After that it was Kappa (who seem to make the jerseys body hugging) and the disastrous Puma. Adidas did provide some nice looking jerseys and it would be nice to actually wear a Spurs jersey which looks good.
Here are the previous adidas kit designs from the historical kits website.


Sunday, December 13, 2009

The one with my first month at my new gig

I've made it through my first month at my new gig. Honestly no such thing as grass being greener on the other side. Mainly due to the fact there isn't much grass around. But I'll take what I can get for now.
My new department is small and newly established. My job function itself is new. The system has been running since August. I'm in charge of operations and dealing. I'll spare the details.
Work-wise, I can do what is required. The dealing as well as maintaining the system. But the admin and paperwork and meetings are not my thing.
One of the things I like about the place is the in-house (or is it in-office) gym. Figure I try going during my lunch break. I know there isn't much you can do in an hour. Then again, its the quality of your work-out.
Another thing is they are quite active in sports. Our gym houses indoor courts. We have 2 squash courts. And the main hall serves as a multi-purpose hall. It houses futsal, badminton, netball and maybe volleyball. On Fridays we play football at the St John's field nearby. Where now I've banged in 4 goals in 3 appearances.
And tomorrow is Monday.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The one where I've become the villain

I realized I've changed a lot. I'm becoming the very evil I despise. Okay, the type of person I don't like. A kid who can no longer keep his word and no longer willing to help save the world (that was part was just for dramatics).
What do I mean? I've taken the dealer code to heart - my word is my bond. The code applies to work, but I try to keep it in real time also. For instance, lately I've been guilty for a lot of 'no-shows'. I've promised friends I will come and attend their events, only to miss out at the last minute. And I use to hate people who do that to me, and now I'm doing that to people.
In the past few weeks, I didn't show up to kenduris, weddings and games.
You may wonder how I ended up like this. Guess I'm beginning to sell fish and switch the focus to 'me'.
Guess I'm really turning into the bad clad in black.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The one with the new gig

Well, I do have loads to update here. But sadly another short post.
So I've finally left my previous bank. A relief to be free of the politics as well as the issues at the office. Will be sad to leave my close friends there.
Will be starting my new gig tomorrow. I know the grass is no longer greener on either side. But getting out was the main thing. Wonder how long it will take for me to make a mess at my new gig.
Lastly, Football Manager 2010 is out. So you know how that goes.

Monday, October 19, 2009

The one where I could be on the move again

Finally something popped up for me in the job market. Hopefully I can make an exit, not sure if it will lead to a mass exodus like the last time.
For one, I was recommended by a former boss and with other good words put in for me by others. The good words do help, but I feel that expectations are high as I come highly recommended.
Guess we will see how the next few days pan out.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The one where I'm still around

A short post saying I'm still around - larger, wider and uncut.

Monday, August 24, 2009

The one with the perfect start

Three wins in three league matches. A perfect start to my beloved Spurs. A 2-1 opening win against Liverpool, and the 5-1 demolition against Hull and a come-from-behind win against West Ham.
Jermain Defoe tops the goal scoring charts with 4 goals and we are on top of the league. I am so enjoying this, as it is a welcome change to all the red or blue colour teams.
Sadly, we don't get much publicity. Then again any other team doesn't get much print in the local media. They are more interested to talk about the red or blue colour teams. Maybe I should venture into sports journalism. I love sports and I can go on and on about it. All sports in fact, except cricket and baseball.
This perfect start by Spurs has ignited comparisons to the '61 double winning team. The last Spurs team to win the title and they start 3 for 3. But we can't compare the two teams. Both eras are so different in terms of sports science and development. Even the ball is lighter than it was in the 60s.
Anyways, I am not going to let this get to my head. Still a long way to go in the season and plus we haven't started our cup runs. Maybe missing out on the rebranded UEFA cup is a good thing. As to reach the final there are 19 games to play. Half the games we play in the league.
So here are some images from our perfect start.

Sebastien Bassong celebrates his winner against Liverpool

Celebrating another Defoe goal against Hull

Aaron Lennon bags his late winner against West Ham

Sunday, August 23, 2009

The one with the best goal I've ever seen

This exceptional piece of skill was taken from early this year in the French Ligue 1. The match between FC Bordeaux and PSG. The goal by Yoann Gourcuff.



The one where Ramadhan begins

Hello again. Been some time since you've seen anything on this space. Anyways, with the fasting month just started, I do hope to blog more.
So today is the second day of the fasting month. Good thing this year it starts on a weekend. So I can just sleep in and play games.
Selamat berpuasa/berbuka/berterawikh/bersahur to fellow Muslims.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The one with the new Spurs signing

It is a dream for me to play for Spurs ever since I was a little boy growing up.

The one with the new Spurs kit range

Home kit as modeled by Jonathan Woodgate

Away kit as modeled by Luka Modric

Third kit as modeled by Michael Dawson

Goalkeeper kit as modeled by Heurelho Gomes

Thursday, July 9, 2009

The one with my nephew, Adam Asyraf

My sister just gave birth to her second child yesterday. A baby boy weighing 3kg. His name is Adam Asyraf. Most probably it will be Adam Ashraf, as my sister and brother-in-law want to maintain the AA initials (my niece is Aina Amira).
There was a time I suggested the name Adam Anakin. But it wasn't even considered. Hopefully one day I will sit down with Adam and show him Star Wars and how I figured it would be a cool name.
Still too early to tell what Adam will do, but my sister wants him to play tennis (must be Federer-mania).
Here are some pictures I took after 5 hours on this planet.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

The one with the short updates

Hello all. Been MIA again. Been occupied with a number of things. So just a short update.
One, things with Elina is great. Its nice to finally be with someone who feels the same way, without the cruel intentions. Been together for one and a half months. A very happy one and a half months. We've done the 'meet the parents' session but not the 'meet the fockers' yet.
Two, the passing of a musical legend, Michael Jackson. I am not really a fan, but I do his music does inspire. He made videos matter. He reached out to the less fortunate. I've done two mini-MJ karaoke tributes so far. Sadly they don't have a lot of his hits. And its also safe to say, I can't do the moonwalk anymore.
Three, the new Spurs kit range suck. So ugly that I wouldn't want to buy it. Besides they changed kits for the past four seasons and it keeps getting worse.
Four, my tennis has shown glimpses of brilliance. I have the winning shot intact. But I need to improve my footwork and also my serve. Can't seem to get that right.
Guess that's all I can think of for now.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The one with the tale of two futsal groups

In an attempt to exercise and find more playing time, I decided to make a U-turn on my decision to quit the futsal Tuesday group. Since I no longer organize, I informed my decision to the new joint-arrangers.
They seem to accept my decision as they don't have beef with me. But when the others found out, it was not well received. I even received a text from a friend advising me not to come. He said some malicious things were said about me in the emails. As a responsible person I inform the joint-organizers on my decision not to come. Wouldn't want to keep people waiting on me only for a no-show.
One of the organizers called me saying that he would love for me to return. He enjoys watching me play as I am the only player from the group who knows how to pass. Pass here meaning passing the ball around to keep the game flowing. The other players definition of pass is get rid of the ball in the last minute when they realize they can't do anything. I do make a lot of players look good as I can set them up for goalscoring opportunities.
I appreciated his call and the fact he wants me to return. I honestly want to return. But the others wouldn't embrace me (not like they ever did, since I do not come from the upper class like most of them). Seems my decision to return was not such a good idea. Besides, diplomatically, I shouldn't have left in the first place. Guess to these guys once you are out, you are out.
No worries as I do have other sessions which I can participate, like the Wednesday group. Earlier when I join the group it wasn't easy. Their level of play was on a higher level. They are a close knit group so to join them I had to prove myself. Not sure if I fully proved myself but I know they can accept my style of play, even at times I play too fast. Besides this group now is a beneficiary of my defence-splitting passes.
In the early days I deferred to them as all are better players than me. But they encouraged me to express myself. They know what I'm capable of which at times is breath-taking. The one thing I like about this group is team work. Which is way better than Tuesday.
The group itself loves to pass. The togetherness is there. They even have group on facebook. This is a group that really loves to play for fun. Unlike the Tuesday group which claim the same thing.
So now I have futsal Wednesday and Saturday as my favourite sessions.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The one where I need to be lighter

I'm carrying to much weight. I need to be lighter, faster and more agile. A certain Mr Wayne once said this in the biggest movie of 2008. In his case it was his armour, in mine is body mass.
Been packing a lot of weight lately. Lack of exercise plus poor eating habits. Need more discipline. Most wouldn't notice as my height helps with the illusion. But once I rip off my shirt it is not a sight to set pulses racing. Besides, think it will tear my tights and spandex.
So now I'm in a serious relationship I need to start reducing the numbers. That was a promise I made to myself.
So what else is new? Well I joined the twitter bandwagon.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

The one where I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

The title says it all. I'm happy again.
I'm grateful for my close friends who told me someone has always been in front of me and I just didn't know it. I thought it would be wierd and akward, but somehow it feels right. 
The song Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat is a nice theme song.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The one with the fact that I can

This will be a very arrogant post. It will be about my (un)matched brilliance. This is about the star that I am.
The fact that I quit the futsal Tuesday group was not well received. Mainly my decision seem rash and over-reacting. Yet they do no know that I've been patient for a very long time.
First remark I receive is that I am not well liked because I 'dive' and retaliate against harmless challenges. Don't really see why though because the majority of the group are manyoo fans and worship some Portugeezer name Christiano. I admit in my early days in the group I retaliate and sulked and moped every time I feel I get treated harshly. These days I really tone down my game. I play a more calmer relaxed role and don't have the need to dribble pass half-a-dozen players and score another wonder goal for the highlight reel. Even though I know I can.
I do receive a major share of knocks compared to others. Mainly because I'm too good and too fast for the old geezers. And their defence for taking me out, "my timing is off and 'accidentally' came in too late". Like I don't know you have your own set of rules against me. I don't see anyone else receiving the same treatment as me. Every time I receive the ball half the opposition comes charging in without any intention of winning the ball.
I really changed my game in order to have fun. I realized at the end of the day its just a game we play for fun as well as for the exercise. I don't lash out after being tackled, I have the balance to stay on my feet and I have better game play vision and judgement.
But now its the same people who didn't like my attitude being the ones turning into me in my early days minus the skills and flair and vision and pace (I can go on but you know I am THAT good). They are the ones who lash out when I FAIRLY won the ball from them. They are the ones who no longer make the game fun.
And secondly some have a problem with my goal celebrations. Seriously I can't believe that. I don't know what they hate most the fact that I scored another highlight reel goal or the fact I made them look utterly stupid by scoring that goal. Its natural for footballers to reel off in delight when they score a goal. Its makes the game fun. I can even make up a catalogue or tutorial classes on how to celebrate a goal. So some of my celebrations display sheer arrogance. Well its mainly because I can. Look at the French dude who currently plays with Barcelona wearing that sacred no 14 jersey. His celebrations are of pure arrogance, but only because he scored a goal only he can score and because he can.
So at the end of the day, my style of play is not appreciated. My efforts for helping to organize are not appreciated. I get no protection and am not embraced as one of them. I'm still the outsider in the group. And you still want me to play come back?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The one with the futsal fracas

Realized I haven't posted anything in May. A lot has happened in between. And as my last post stated my injury, the latest update is I'm fully healed and back on the courts.
But there will be one futsal session I will no longer grace with my flair and flamboyance. I've decided to call my time on the Tuesday session. The first session I join when I started my futsal career in 2002. We've been playing for 7 years together but one moment of madness made me realize that my time with the group is up. Farrish quit the group way earlier, Shareza quit the group last week and his brother Shanaz will join suit as he will only play if I play.
As to what happened. Well it has been boiling for quite some time. The games getting way to physical and also a whole less fun. No longer the embodiment of joga bonito. Flair players such as myself are victims to malicious tackles. Cronyism is obvious. I've been playing with them for seven years, even took it upon myself to organize and try to recruit players to make up the numbers when short, but still they haven't embraced me as one of them (not that I want to anyway). 
Even lately the weekly lineup is those who are loyal to me against them. As usual, my group ran rings around them with our sexy-football play, and for them to counter our threat (which is a joy to watch by the public) they use physical force which results to injuries. I for one want to fight back, as they all been through multiple surgeries and I know I can send them back to the hospital if I want to.
As for the events of last weeks session. As usual the game got physical. I was off-form and played a more defensive role. I made one defensive clearance. One guy got hit via my follow through and another teammate of mine got him too, which was the cause of his outrage. And me being the outsider, half the opponents came charging to me wanting a piece of me. I did not appreciate this at all, as I won the ball first and the ball was one the other side of the field when the incident happened. After that, no one had the mood to play. Seven years came down to this.
After the game, I mention my intention to leave the team to those close to me. They too share the same view. I've been patient too long. I continue playing because I need the exercise and I don't know what else to do with my time. But my time with the Tuesday group has ended now.
What now? Well trying to get the tennis Thursday guys to play tennis Tuesday now. And maybe I can refocus on the Wednesday group. As I have been relegated to reserve team now, so I want to fight back for my place. And my Saturday group pretty much intact and that's always a fun session.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The one where I hate being injured

After last weekend's tournament, I had to endure a stinging pain on my left heel. I could not land my left heel and had to walk on one leg.
After a couple days rest, I can walk normally. But still I could not participate in any sporting activities.  And I hate it! 
For one who is so use to play futsal or tennis after work, suddenly I have no idea what to do with my time. 
I'm bored.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

The one with the ill-fated futsal tournament

Good day people. Took part in a futsal tournament organized by KHR (some audit firm) at Sportsplanet Ampang.
For one we had the quality to go far. Two friends from my Saturday group joined the team. Badrul as our goalkeeper and Reza as our striker. The others are from the KAG tournament team - Aizat, Farrish, Shahril, Shareza, Wira and myself. Sadly we were ousted in the group stages with only one draw and two losses. We scored a total of two goals (courtesy of Reza and myself) and conceded 4 goals. Games were tight, but we should have taken the first two games.
Prior to the tourney, our team was already kinda depleted. I was still sick. Farrish had an injured arm. Aizat and Shareza had stomach problems. Not a good sign.
For the first game, we played the host team. I played an unfamiliar deep role again. I had space to fire a shot, and it left my foot like a bullet. The keeper did well the stop it but it spilled to Reza for our first goal of the tourney. We pulled off our newly rehearsed goal celebration after that. Later they equalized, it was a cheap goal to give away. A defensive error on my end led to the goal. After that goal, as I was making a defensive header I got kicked/whacked on the stomach. I had to withdraw from the game after that. We held on for the draw, but we knew we should have taken the game.
The second game didn't really go according to plan as well. Another defensive error by me led to the goal. We were unlucky to hit the post once and unlucky when Reza had a clear shot, only for the keeper to stick out his hand and save it.
Our final game was against the eventual group champions. We changed our strategy for the game. Fielding the 5 from Saturday's group. Shareza played in goal this time, Farrish and Badrul at defence, Reza as striker and me in my favoured position in the 'hole'. It worked well. I was feeding passes to Reza just like Tuesday and Saturday's sessions. Only this time his finishing touch deserted him. Then the turning point, Shareza was red carded for reasons I still wasn't clear of. They scored from the resulting free kick. They scored again and we were 2 down. I finally had a goal in the end. A goalmouth scramble fell the ball to me. And i just rammed it home. My goal celebration said it all, as it was a frustrating tourney for me. We lost in the end 1-2 and were sent packing.
A lot of 'what ifs' in the tourney.

back (l-r) - badrul, shareza, farrish, reza, faisal
front (l-r) aizat, wira, shahril

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The one where I need a new hobby

Just got back from another great game of futsal. But before the game, had a chat with Shareza. We both agree that the numbers for the Tuesday session is way out of hand.
There are times where I feel I don't want to play as the numbers doesn't allow me to play my usual game. Lately for the Tuesday sessions I find myself sacrificing my offensive game and talents for a defensive role. Mainly to protect myself from malicious tackles since whoever gets the ball, will be surrounded have 3 or 4 defenders. Still I dictate the game by reinventing myself for the game.
Anyways, that wasn't really the idea for this post. As I mention, sometimes I don't feel like playing as the court is overcrowded. But I need to play, mainly because I have nothing else better to do after work. If not, I would be at home playing with my niece, online on facebook and gtalk or watch some dvds.
So Shareza suggested I pick up a new hobby. Something which will help fill the hours. Then I thought photography would be an interesting idea. It is something I do have an interest in. An idea and interest I should explore.
Well my brother-in-law suggested I join him in the toys scene. Collect action figures or build toys from model kits. Not sure if I have the patience to build one. It requires a high level of concentration and patience. Something I don't really have, which is why I don't play golf.
Anyways, any ideas?

Thursday, April 16, 2009

The one with the returns

An active sporting week for me. Besides the usual futsal gigs, I've made my return to the courts of the sport I once graced and another which I plan to exhibit some exquisite shots.
Made my return to the basketball court last Tuesday. Yes, after my futsal Tuesday gig. I pulled off both futsal and basketball back-to-back. Well my game is off, but defensive awareness is still there. Even managed a block in the game. And hit the game winning basket in my last game (we played first team to reach 15 points wins).
And as I post this, I just came back from tennis. The group has been in hiatus, due to either rain or unable to book the courts. Now we are switching our venue to Monterez Golf Club. And the court is beside the pool. Very tempted to just jump into the pool after playing. Had a great game. Most of us were trying to find our shots, and it felt great when it came.
A great sporting week.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The one with my Brazilian name

Got this link from Peep. So if I were ever to be called up by Dunga to represent Brazil, this would be my name on my jersey.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

The one with a great show

I believe the me who karaokes with a reckless abandon is back. Participated in a performance for the ages. One which had me sweating till my shirt soaked.
Pulled off a variety of genres. Pulled off a series of dance moves. I do hope everyone enjoyed the show. But I'm not a one-man show. The whole group made it fun. And with some newcomers, we showed them our brand of entertainment. Proved our versatility with rock and pop numbers especially boyband numbers. Since we had to dance along to it.
Wondered how to play futsal after that, but still had a great game. Wide open game, free-flowing futsal with a whole lot of goals.
Also managed to catch He's Just Not That Into You. An enjoyable movie for me. Some lessons learnt and I should really put them to practice.
So how was your weekend?


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The one where I believe my future lies elsewhere

I know I've said it many times before. But I really should do something about it. I need an exit.
I have no motivation to work. I can't work with the team. I've turn into something so not promising anymore. I don't see a future there anymore.
So, any vacancies, let me know.


Monday, April 6, 2009

The one with the return of the rockgod

A lot of things have been going on lately. Mostly things that result a moody-dark-self. It has effected a lot on how I enjoy the things I enjoy doing.
My futsal performances are pretty much crap. True I still score and odd goal here and there, I do make so nice assists, but I commit of errors that outweigh the good. My karaoke performances have been totally sub-par. And this time it isn't because the pressure of entertaining. This is due to loss of mojo. Haven't been performing at my lofty standards for the last few sessions. Good thing the rest of the entourage managed to keep the audience entertained.
Oh well, manage to return to my old self last weekend. Needed two sessions in one day to pull it off. The first was to get rocking. Pulled of the JT and Bon Jovi numbers. Then later that night, an impromptu decision might I add, the dance moves were back. If I could act, I'll be a triple threat. Even managed to pull off the three Bon Jovi's numbers which will kill you, back-to-back-to-back. Did the Bad Medicine + Living On A Prayer + You Give Love A Bad Name.
Felt great to be back in the groove. To all who were there, I hope you were entertained.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

The one where I was happy even for a while

Still in the 'should I move on or keep trying phase'. Though it would be easy to move, since it's a familiar process for me. Maybe because this time around I was really 'lovestoned' and happy.
Well one memory in that short period of time still sticks. The night where I picked her up from the airport. Probably that week sticks out for me too.
She had to go to Kota Bahru some an event. She left on a Tuesday. Had dinner with her on Monday night. She was suppose to come back on Friday, but managed to get an earlier flight back on Thursday.
That period while she was away, I felt what it was like to miss someone (okay I know it was only 2 days). I felt what is was like when the one you cared about was not within the radius. I made full use of the communication tools available. I tried my best to keep her company while she was alone in her hotel room. I stayed awake with her until she wanted to sleep.
The night I picked her up at the airport, I just couldn't wait for work to end. I knew I had time (her ETA was 2100 hours), went to pick up some cupcakes for her.
While waiting in the arrival hall, the last scene from Wicker Park was in my head. Even though it didn't really have any relation, but the setting was similar. Don't know how many times my heart skipped beats waiting for her to come out.
When she finally came out, it must have been the happiest I felt in ages. We hugged and felt the warmth of each other's embrace. We both knew then how much we missed each other.
That period with her, was the happiest I've been in ages. At least I knew what it was like to be normal. Being able to feel love.
Okay, I'm kinda sleepy now. Till next time.

Broken Strings by James Morrison featuring Nelly Furtado

Sunday, March 29, 2009

The one with the Gtalk status

Short post this. Someone on my gtalk friend list recently updated her status message. It reads "how to lose a girl in 10 days". Who wrote it, well bet you can guess. Still need a clue, the subject for my last 3 posts.
Not sure if it was intended for me, but sounds like it. And yes we still have each other on gtalk and facebook.


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The one where it's been a while

Greetings. Again another long absence.
I was on leave for the past couple of days. A well needed break, but I reverted back to my solemn moody self once I stepped back into the office today.
Well as posted earlier my happiness was short-lived. And I still don't know what I did wrong. But I believe it must have been something I said and slash or done. I sought advice from close friends. Those who understand the torment of whatever hint of humanity left in me.
Only one colleague told me to pursue the matter. She mention she saw a different glow (???) before all this happened. Don't let the flicker of fire fade away. She still insists I call/sms/buzz but little do some people realize is that the telephone needs to work both ways.
The majority told me to move on. No point pursuing something which probably wasn't there in the first place. And maybe now I might have to follow the majority. No point listening to my heart as even I can't hear it anymore.
This setback has resulted to a sudden loss of mojo for me. Attended a friend's birthday bash last weekend. The usual dinner and karaoke bash was planned. I didn't even eat anything for dinner, but that was due to the fact I came from futsal and tennis back-to-back. Then the karaoke session. And to the disappointment of many I was unable to entertain the crowd with my high energy performances. Good thing there was a large crowd (14 people I think) so my participation wasn't really required.
So now, I have to reconstruct myself. And hopefully figure out my purpose in life.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The one where I spoiled it all by doing and or saying something stupid

Again, another long absence. Life and work has been crazy with a capital Y.
Just to keep things short, my happiness was short lived. Didn't take long, did it? Not sure what really happened, but guess I must have spoiled it all by saying and or doing something stupid.
Don't worry, I'll live.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The one with where the hell have I been

Bonjour fellow readers. I apologize for the disappearance. Been a month since my last posting. Been too active as of late.
Well active in the sense I have games 5 nights a week and sometimes 6 days a week. Well besides futsal, I've really gotten into tennis. Finally bought my own racket (remind me to post a picture of it). Been showing signs of improvement, but I know I can get better. Still need to improve on my serve despite the fluke aces. Need consistency there.
I've also rejoined the badminton scene. Join a session organized by a client of mine. Realize its not a good idea to play tennis and badminton back-to-back nights. Doesn't do the arm good, but still a good workout.
Besides sports, I've recently made a new friend. She brings a whole new meaning. in my life I have an extra spring in my step. I'm more happier and livelier (except at work). As to who she is, well I'll introduce her one day. Still early stages and the possibility of me doing something stupid is still there.
Okays, I guess a brief update for now.


Thursday, January 15, 2009

The one with my forehand

I have no idea for a title again. But just came back from tennis.
Been making regular appearances and hope to keep it going. I myself is considering buying my own racket. Probably I would have a better feel for the game when I am one with my racket. Well that is the advise I get from my fellow tennis buddies.
As for the game earlier, getting into the flow of things. My forehand feels great. Hit a lot of winners and superb Federer-esque shots. However my glaring weakness is still my serve and backhand. I can't seem to control my backhand swing. My backhand shots keep flying all over the court. My serve needs a whole lot of improvement. Not using my height to my advantage. Something to keep working on.
As for the upcoming Australian Open, I will be supporting my favourites. Roger Federer and Ana Ivanovic. Both are up against it though and inconsistent as of late, but hoping they will find their form.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

The one where 2009 begins

A great start to the year. I'm on a roll. But being 'Mr-the-glass-is-half-empty', I will be brought back down to earth with a loud thud tomorrow. Reason being, my first working day for 2009. Now to continue where I left off after tennis.
So went for my first movie for 2009. Went for Bedtime Stories. A movie which I enjoyed and even though it was a typical feel good Disney movie. Loved the humour and jokes both Adam Sandler and Russell Brand brought to the show. And I never thought I see Russell Brand starring in a Disney movie.
After tennis kicked off the year for me, futsal resumed as usual. The Saturday group started what would be the 7th year (I think) of the group. Can't believe we've been playing that long. Had a great game, and was in full flow, especially when you have teammates who are in the same wavelength. Banged in a number of goals for good measure, mostly finishing after some a breathtaking buildup.
The highlight of the weekend for me was Mamma Mia! Finally managed to catch the show. Actually, my friend Elina had a spare ticket and asked if I wanted to go. Well somethings you don't need to ask twice. So her friends loss was my gain. Since I myself couldn't get tickets. The show itself was a joy to behold. And at times (okay, all the time) I was singing along to songs. The audience itself enjoyed themselves as well as the cast. But who wouldn't, the energy was contagious.
Finally for my 2009 resolutions. Not that I made any, but for arguments sake I did. Mainly to be more of a 'yes man' and go out and try new experiences. And also, I want to try and settle down with someone. Or at least be in a steady relationship. Which itself could be a challenge for any other year.
Well lets see how the year pans out.

Friday, January 2, 2009

The one with the first day of 2009

Happy New Year to all. How was your new year's eve and new year. As for me, I stayed indoors where it was safe, playing Football Manager. Not the one for all these as I hate the post-celebration jams.
Anyways, had new year's lunch at my cousin's new crib in Bangi. He just moved to a newly developed area which is near my aunt's house. As for his place, it was very nicely done. They even had a room for their 3 year old kid, but no bed yet as she is still sleeping with the parents. That room was full of toys.
Had a great start in the sports scene as well. Made my debut (or return) to the tennis courts. Haven't played in like 3 years. Was never really good at it, even though potential was there, just never worked on it.
Game play wise was terrible. My serves were out, double faulted most of the time. Backhand was totally off and my forehand had occasions of Federer-esque fluidity. Still had great fun and hope to make a regular appearance to the scene.
And with that, I had a great start to the year.