Friday, July 22, 2011

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.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

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.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

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.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

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.

Friday, July 8, 2011

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.

Friday, July 1, 2011

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.