The one with the EPL Supporters Club Futsal Tournament

Last Saturday 10th December 2011, was the EPL supporters club futsal tournament. I was selected to represent the Malaysia Spurs futsal team. This event is arranged by the EPL official supporters clubs in Malaysia. Five team participated in this event - Spurs, Newcastle, Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal. To my surprise, Chelsea, Man City and Blackburn were missing.
The Spurs contingent was merry as ever, similar to the Newcastle crowd. Arsenal were pretty much quiet while Liverpool and Man Utd as expected had a large following. All teams kept a friendly banter among each other, but it was nice to see Spurs and Newcastle getting along really well. I believe this is due to the fact we invited Newcastle fans to come watch the Newcastle-Spurs game at our home viewing joint a couple of months back. Safe to say we became good friends since then. Also due to the similarity that our fan-base is loyal unlike glory-hunters who support red teams or whoever is winning or whoever is richer.
The Spurs squad consisted mostly of experienced players, while other teams had youth on their side. We had Hisham VP as our goalkeeper, Craig our captain, Hisham Talib, Shahrul, Syazwan, Suria, Sharmel, Ean, Amir, Leonard and myself.
Our first game pitted Spurs against our arch-rivals Arsenal. We lost that game 0-1. Our second game was against Man Utd. Hisham Talib gave us a early lead. Suria scored the second goal which was assisted by me. The win came with a price, our youngest player Syazwan dislocated his shoulder in a collision with a Man Utd player. We lost our 3rd game to Liverpool 0-3. All their goals came in the 2nd half. We controlled the game in the first half. I hit the crossbar after some nice piece of skill and hit the post with a long-range blockbuster. We narrowly lost our last game against Newcastle 1-2. Leonard scored our goal from the penalty spot.
Overall group standings we were 4th, edging Man Utd on goal difference. We were pitted against Newcastle in a game for 3rd place.
The 3rd placing game was a tight affair. I for one had a chance to win. I received the ball in space and fired home a blockbuster which was inches over the bar. The game ended 0-0 and went to penalties. Leonard missed our first kick, which came off the bar. Hisham VP saved Newcastle's first spot attempt. Craig scored our 2nd kick and Newcastle scored theirs. Shahrul scored the 3rd. Newcastle missed their spot kick and we won the shootout 2-1. Good for 3rd place.
The final was between Liverpool and Arsenal, which Liverpool won 5-1.
A good outing for Spurs, being first timers playing in a tournament together.

standing L-R : Leonard, Craig, Hisham VP, Ean, Feiszal
sitting L-R : Suria, Syazwan, Amir, Shahrul, Hisham Talib

The one with the dead-end

Again, a long hiatus from the blogging. Mostly due to juggling my new role as a father as well as FM2012.
Anyways, lately I've been having a rough time with my career. Its not going anywhere and I fell stuck. Worst of all, I feel that this was a wasted year in my career. I didn't progress anywhere and failed to get any recognition for my efforts. Due to that, these past couple of months I admit I've been slacking at work. And till today, I regret my decision in The Decision.
As much as I want to blame the system and management, I know enough to know it is all my doing. I failed to establish contacts and expand my network as well as maintain the network I already have. With that, I feel truly alone in this organization. Even looking for a way out, I don't have any friends who can recommend me for gigs.
Sadly, all this eats me up everyday. I immediately switch to a miserable-emo-disturb mode when I step into the office. I am glad that I can turn it off when I'm at home with my wife and son. Though I am not sure how long I can keep doing this. Already last night I had trouble turning if off and probably my son sensed it and cried and didn't want to play with me.
I've come to terms that this is all my fault, but I want to blame the organization for one thing. It isn't very baby-friendly in terms of medical and health care. My colleague told me I can claim my son's portion of the hospital bill, only to be rejected on grounds which was not explained to me. Also, the monthly vaccinations for my son is NOT entitled for reimbursement.
Career wise, I've really hit a dead-end. To make things worst, the new leadership in my department has no direction on where he is taking us. Also, he stated my job is too easy which is why he went back on his word to promote me and give me a raise after I decided to stay after The Decision. And yet, the revenue is coming from what I do.
I guess I've reached the stage where I need a fresh start. I had one during The Decision but I stupidly turned it down. Sadly my skill sets are limited and the field where my skills seem fit do not want me back.
At the end of the day, as much as I want people to tell me it will be okay in the end, the realist in me knows, it will never be, besides who do I have that will tell me it will be alright in the end?

The one with my return to tennis Thursday

Last night, I made my return to tennis Thursday. After a long hiatus, which I just explained I have something to do. Though most of the guys believe I went for some secret training.

Well, I made my return because the guys say they miss me. Our group of 'Whackers' (as Nasir calls us) consists of 6 players - Effi Federer, Nasir Nadal, Shahrin Lendl, Raez Becker, Azraai Djoovic and myself which somehow they call me Verdasco. Even since my absence the numbers have dwindled and sessions are less. For the past few sessions, its only been 3 players which is and odd number for tennis. The two guys who have been missing in action are because one has moved to the other side of town and other has other interests and activities since he bought a Harley - its seems to be a chick magnet for him.

So last night, we managed to play a set of doubles action. I was paired with Lendl while Djokovic and Federer were on the other side of the net. The matchup you could say was a pairing of Wilson and Prince rackets against each other.

I served to start the game which we won. The Djokovic's serve was broken and we had a 2-0 lead. Lendl's serve was off and we were broken and Federer served to tie the game at 2-a-piece.

I then served and won my service game. Djokovic then served some bullets to tie the game at 3-all. My partner Lendl won his service game and we went up 4-3. On Federer's serve, it went to a few deuces for finally we won the game.

Now we were up 5-3 and I was serving for the game. Which proved to be a nail-biter. We were down 03-40 before we forced deuce. Then began a rally of deuces as no of us could finish off the game. Then finally after gaining the advantage, I hit a backhand-slice which Djokovic misjudged to win the game. A thrilling and fun game of tennis.

The guys said it's been a while since they had so much fun playing and hoping for more of the same for next week, which will be the last game before the fasting month of Ramadhan.

I for one really enjoyed myself, especially with the week I was having. It felt good to be where I belong, on a court or field doing my thing.

The one with my new eye wear of choice

After 5 years, I finally had to make myself a new pair of glasses. The last time I changed my glasses was when Superman Returns came out. Couldn't make it last until the next Superman film due next year.
My optician showed me a lot of new designs. The modern 21st century designs which is pretty funky. However, I decided to just stick with the usual design I have.
Anyways, below is my new eye wear of choice.

The one with my first triple double

Nothing beats a game of basketball after a stressful emotional draining day at the office. It is also great when one records a very good stat line.
Recorded my first triple double last night. Going for 13 points, 30 boards and 15 assists (accumulated). We only had 6 players last night, so we played 3-on-3, best of seven series. Even added a block and 4 steals for good measure. My team were swept 0-4.
My team consisted fellow UUM alums Adi and Mark. Adi was my teammate back then and we still share the same telepathic link we once did. Some of the plays we pulled off were plays from back in the year 2000.
Some plays were highlight reel material. Which was our trademark back then. Despite my points, should have finished with more. A lot of my jumpers and hooks were not falling. Even attempted 3 layups and a hook with my off-hand, but to no avail.
Still a whole of fun and good exercise.

The one with The Decision

I started my working career in 2002. Since then, it has lead me to 4 corporations. The experiences, lessons and friendships forged were valuable. But in those years, I always and I mean always seem to make the wrong choice in career development. And recently I made another error in judgement.

A couple of weeks back, there was opening within the organization. This opening suited my talents and qualifications. Also it was an opportunity to return back to what I did before - dealing. I applied for the position, and discussion with the team there, they hinted that the post was already mine. As I had the background and also the license for the industry. One of two people in the building (the other is our CEO) with the dealing license.

Still I had to go through the formalities, as the job ad was opened to the whole organization. I'm not sure how many applied, but I still had to sit through the interview process. But what I found insulting was that I was asked to sit for the online-assessment test. I'm already in the employ of the organization, why should I sit for the exam. It is as if I applied as an outsider. Anyways, I half-heartedly did the exam, didn't bother reading the questions properly, just randomly answer.

Among the terms I stated was I wanted a raise from the current wages being paid to me as well as a promotion. This being the guy that is leaving is a senior post that what I am currently. Also, I figured that with my qualifications and background, it was merited and it was they who needed me.

In the end, what was offered was a lateral move. A move which I turned down. As the reason they gave was based on a wrong-fully judged performance last year. My big boss downgraded me to a 'below-average' performer when my boss gave me 'above-average'. My big boss stated that she has the final word and no discussions. Which is probably why I wasn't handsomely rewarded for doing the voodoo that I did so well on such unrealistic targets.

With that in mind, I knew that my future bosses will have my performance at the back of their head when judging me.

Seriously I wasn't thinking when I made the decision. I totally forgot the pros and cons list I made in my head when I applied for the post. I was only looking at the money on the table. Because I was thinking how am I to raise a family with my current salary and debts. I want to give my son everything I never had, but now I fear I can't. Yes, it is true that I am fueled by greed.

As to why I wanted to leave my current post. Simple, I can't work with the new acting head. He calls for unnecessary and pointless meetings every 10 minutes and at odd hours (ie after office hours on a Friday). At the rate he calls for meetings which doesn't have to do with me, I can't get anything done in the office. His reason, you can do your work after office hours when the sun is down. Well, I'm guessing your wife and kids don't give a rats ass about you. My boss even though he reaches home late, he still makes time to teach his son maths. Also the new acting head's style is not going well with the rest of the department. Everyone is seeking an exit. And I had the easiest way out, only to stupidly turn it down.

As to why I stayed. I don't really know why. Maybe it was because I work well with my boss. Even during our telephone interview before the face-to-face interview, he already knew that I was one who can work with him. Maybe it was because this year I am exceeding the target set by the management by a country mile.

So instead of taking my talents to the 13th floor, I stayed put in the 9th floor. The job search continues as that is probably the only way for a pay rise.

This week was the first work week post decision. And everyday it tells me that I made a wrong choice to stay. If only I left, it would have started the mass exodus. A vote of no confidence in the acting head's style. I could have hammered the point.

As much as I regret the decision, life goes on. The problems and issues I had yesterday still need to be dealt with even though it will never end.

The one with The Dark Knight Rises teaser poster

The one with the disastrous futsal tournament

Last Saturday, 2 July 2011, we entered the 3rd KHRSC Futsal Tournament. This being our third time entering the tournament. After reaching the quarter-finals last year, we felt good about our chances.

We retain the team name 'I Love Papaya' and with one change to last year's line-up. Captain Farrish's brother-in-law came in to replace Meor. Our starting-5 looked good on paper (as always) - Shareza as our keeper, Shanaz, Yusuf, Badrul and Farris on the court. Me, Reza and Farrish were part of the bench mob.

Our first game was against Rentas FC. We led the game 1-0 at halftime. Then mid-way through the second half, I came in to spell Farris. After I came in, they scored 3 against us and we lost 1-4. The whole team collapsed and it was all my fault.

The second game we were up against AOFC, and got served 0-5. And with our exit confirmed, I started the last game against Salehin FC and we lost 0-3 in that one.

As for our reasons on why we fared so poorly. I guess there were a lot of factors. First was we were not use to the blue rubber court, our usual home court is grass. Second, we didn't have any training together. Even though we play on a weekly basis, the teams are mixed and the games were a whole lot casual.

A tournament to forget, which all started when I took the floor.

The one with the tennis Friday match

Just got back from tennis. Had great fun. And one of the rare occasions I get to play a full singles match. I feel I play better at singles than at doubles.
My opponent was Hafiz. Fellow basketball Wednesday teammate. It was a great game for our standards, which is miles away from the level of play of the Federers and Nadals. And to make it all so much fun was I won 6-3, 6-3.
I started off flying in the first set. Taking a 5-0 lead. Then Hafiz pulled back to 3-5. I usually have trouble closing out games where I have comfortable leads, and I fear this would be one of them. For once, I didn't get rattled. I still played the same steady game that got me the lead. Previously I would have switched tactics and play the powerful but erratic serves. In the end, I managed to close out the set on my serve.
The second set was a different story. We exchanged a break of serve each in the first 4 games. Then I managed to pull away with a 4-2 lead and then a 5-3 lead. And finally I managed to seal the game on Hafiz's serve after a few deuces.
Great game, great fun and a good win for me.

The one with the new Spurs kit for the 2011/12 season

Another season, another range of kits. I miss the days where kits would last for a couple of seasons or more. Now, we have new range of kits every season. All to generate income for teams.

At last, Spurs have come up with a decent home kit. I've missed every puma home jersey as it did not as I would say 'look great with jeans'. For me I prefer jerseys with collar as it looks more sophisticated.

This season will be our last range under puma before switching to Under Armour next season (why can't we get adidas?). Hopefully UA can come up with decent kits.

The home kit is a clean sleek classic white. And this will be the first home kit I will buy since we were with adidas (I skipped the kappa and previous puma home designs).

For Spurs fans in this part of the world, we have to get our kits online. As the soccer fan base here only know red teams and blue teams. So after calculating on the online store just now, the jersey is 39 pounds and shipping is 13 pounds, 52 pounds in total which roughly translates into RM 260.00. I haven't placed my order yet, as it will only be released in September. I will place my order later.

Heres to a great season ahead.

The one with the 20-20 game

I enjoyed a great game of basketball last night. Even though the numbers were way short. It was still good fun.

Only 5 players showed up to court - Mark, Lim, Andrew, Adi and myself. So we ended up playing 2-on-2 basketball for the entire hour. We rotated the match-ups to keep the game interesting.

All in all, I played 5 games, and accumulated 21 points, 21 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block and 2 steals.

Since it was 2-on-2, I saw the session as an opportunity to find some offence which is long gone since my college days. Also, with the others tiring down, I put it on myself to just score. Manage to score with a vast array of moves; a left layup, skyhooks, up-and-under moves, jab-steps-in-your-face-jumpers, runners in traffic, tear-drops, put-backs, finger-rolls and off balance jumpers. Was really pleased with the performance and felt good about it. Found confidence in my game again.

Now, lets see if I can keep this going.

The one where I'm still here

How do midgard-ians. Its been 4 months since my last post. A lot has happen, see if I can remember all there is.

After my last post, my wife went for fibroid removal surgery. Upon a post-surgery check-up in March, we found out she was pregnant and just went through her first tri-mester. And nobody knew. Now she is 5 months pregnant and so far it seems OK.

My sister got married last weekend, to a dude who now joins my basketball Wednesday sessions. Well, he is making his return tonight after a layoff before the wedding.

I (sadly) am still stuck in the same place at work. The rewards for last years efforts sucked. My plotting an exit scheme doesn't seem to be going well.

Okay, that's a brief update. Need to post more regularly.

The one with another emo-sith rant

I work on Sundays. I work on public holidays. I cover day plus night shifts. Even when I'm leave work comes a calling. Even when I'm at a weekend getaway with my wife, work calls. And I'm not even fairly compensated.

I don't even have time to spend with my wife or even get proper rest. Any break I get to recharge is a joke as someone from the office will call. 24 days into 2011, and I'm already going through my annual mid-year burnout.

I'm stuck in a place where work owns you. So my next move? To plot another exit.

The one with my first basketball game in 2011

My first basketball game for 2011 didn't really go too well. Not much improvement from last year. Still in need of better shot selection and consistency. As well as off-the-ball movement.

At least I had a couple of moments of sheer Jordan-esque. A cross-over drive to the hoop and a spin move for the game winner.

From 4 half-court games, i accumulated 7 points 7 boards 8 assists and 1 block.

The one with the stats

Here is something to keep my mind going while playing. Keep in mind the stats of my games. See how long I can keep it going. Plan to do this for all the games I play.

So last night was my first futsal game for 2011. Didn't score any goals but still managed 1 assist. I had a lot of shots on goal, but none went in.

Tonight is basketball, now that is a whole lot of stats to keep track of.

The one with the year that was 2010

Happy New Year to all. Three days in, only now i plan to post my story in 2010.

Well the highlight of the year was of course, me getting married. I got married on 10 July 2010. It was a simple occasion with close relatives and friends. It did felt strange that the cameras were on me. The whole event itself was a whole lot of work but I believe the hardest is for the groom. He must show up and say the right name.

On a serious note, my relatives and close friends helped make the occasion memorable. They put a lot of work as well as sleepless nights trying to get the whole thing together.

My wife herself, is a very Lois Lane type. Which kind of fits my Clark Kent-ness. A strong determined woman with a tall bumbling nerd.

If I were to ever do a 'How I Met Your Mother' if i have kids, it will be ' there a two big days to my love story - the day I met your mother and the day I married her. (cue theme song HIMYM).

The year 2010 was also the year I played basketball again. I joined a weekly half-court session in the middle of the year. It was nice to just be on the court and play the game which I love. The game is still fun although I feel out of place at times as most of the group are regular ballers who play in social leagues. They are players who have solid fundamentals. Unlike me, who did not have any formal training, only relied on my talent, height and videos. I myself have been out of the game for so long, trying to get into rhythm took some time. Still, I always look forwards to Wednesday 9pm to just shoot hoops.

Also 2010, was a great year for my Spurs. And I still have trouble trying to pick out my favourite moment for 2010. Believe me, its been a while that Spurs fans have anything to celebrate. Definitely makes a change from all the red teams and a blue team making noise on the social networks. The champions league qualification does take centre-stage in our favourite Spurs moment, but I would also like to add the emergence of a young athlete who I knew would be great when he first joined. He was unlucky with injuries and trying to get consistent playing time, but once he started turning on the afterburners, there was no looking back. That young man's name, is Gareth Bale.

On a sad note, 2010 was the year which I have attended more funerals and burials than I have had my entire life. And probably it hit my dad the hardest. He lost one brother and 2 sisters in the space of 5 months. Siblings who took care of him when their parents passed when my dad was still a baby. Also a close friend of mine lost his father on the 2nd day of the Islamic calender. And I realize that I am a 'crier'. I cry with people who are crying at funerals.

Well that was 2010 for me. Here's to a better 2011.