The one with the goal-scoring fun

Just got back from futsal. And boy did I really need a session like that. The setting was perfect. Just after the rain, sufficient number of players and wide open spaces for me to exploit. Plus the fact I scored a number of wonder goals.
As to why I needed this session, well besides the need to run is that the past few days have been a real downer for me. Things just not going right, everything that could go wrong, went wrong. I needed to just let it all out. Tried talking to someone about it, but who? So why not bang in goals left, right and centre. Had a number of highlight reel goals. My favourite was the back to the goal and defender and flick the ball over the defender for the bullet volley. That was pure class. Also proved to people that I can score with my left foot. Scored two crackers with it.
Oh well what else. Oh yeah, ShahFaizah had their housewarming last weekend. Pot-luck event, as usual I made my olio pasta. Not sure if it was a hit, since most of the guests arrive later when I was about to leave. But the early-bird dishes was my pasta, sate, some jelly like desert and chips. Only later did the chicken (uncle Sanders chicken) and some other dishes I can't recall since I was stuffed with pasta and sate by then. As for their crib, very nice place. Love the kitchen (and not because of the mirrors on the kitchen wall).
Okay, time to log off. Having a really bad headache.

The one with the 99

Actually I shorten the title since the original title was 'The one with the Heartbreak Kid, art exhibition, confirmation karaoke, ex-Affin Discount treasury gathering, sick me, Alvin & The Chipmunks and I am Legend'. Very long title and around a weeks worth of material.
So post-chemical-romanced I went to check Heartbreak Kid, very funny. Was laughing throughout the movie and being typical Ben Stiller comedy, it was worth the laughs. The movie also had an underlying message (okay, obvious message) which had me thinking (for a bit). Something for me to solve in 2008.
Got invited (last minute) to an art exhibition at the Petronas Gallery in KLCC. Think I was invited due to the fact that I was in a walking radius to KLCC and also the fact this circle of friends have not seen me in ages. Anyways small promo for the exhibition, its called 'The Independence Project' and will be in display till 10 February 2008. While you at it, check out the piece by Vincent Leong (the friend who helped me with my 5 seconds of fame). A very cleverly done piece. Anyways, the exhibition reacquainted me with some friends I haven't met in ages, including one who I cared for dearly. Anyways, didn't' expect to see her there (but glad I did) and think she was surprised (I hope in a good way) to see me there. Somehow it felt awkward and we ended up making small talk, the usual hows things/life/work? And to think at one time we could talk about anything spontaneously.
As posted earlier, I've finally got my confirmation status. And to celebrate (meaning buying the whole desk dinner) we went for karaoke. Rocking good session as this time the gloves were off and there was no holding back the rockstar. Didn't have much room though but made the most of it. Anyways good fun, and a colleague mention that my rendition of Bon Jovi's Always was well done. She mention that when I do rock numbers it works with my voice, but so much on the slow numbers. Well that was comforting to know, I was worried all this time I was making noise.
Last weekend, the ex-Affin Discount treasury department finally had their gathering at Kak Yam's place in Lavender Heights. Some sort of pot luck event, but this time I didn't have to make pasta. I was just needed to bring grapes. Since Kak Yam was preparing the main dish and Fatin was bringing the chicken. Usually I'm the first to arrive, but this time Fatin arrived before me. Kak Yam's son was at summer camp so no FIFA Street on Playstation friendly. Anyways it was nice to see everyone again. It was probably one of the best group of people one can start their career with. Very close-knit group and like my parents they also share my parents concerns and worries (not career wise).
After the gathering I drove like the wind to make it for futsal Saturday (and to think I got this far without mentioning futsal). Played a mediocre game, maybe due to all the food I ate, but still had glimpses on genius here and there. Was feeling sick after the game. Suffered diarrhea as well as puking my guts out. Didn't feel good at all the whole Sunday. Was in bed the whole day, but was up and about the next day. Which by the way I'm on leave and will be back at work on Flyday.
Went for a double feature today. Alvin and the Chipmunks and I am Legend. The Chipmunks was a fun flick, just to laugh and here them sing. Still preferred the cartoon tough. As for I am Legend, overall it was good but I felt the ending was kind of weak. Then again, it was kind of hard to come up with a stronger ending than that.
Now its time for my medication.

The one with niece's brithday bash, her first adidas and Natalie Portman

My niece turn 1 on October 6, but we held her super-belated-birthday-bash yesterday (25th November). Reason being since her birthday fell during fasting month, then we had Eid and my little sister was going through her finals.

A small gathering of family and friends. I myself invited the entourage and some of my office colleagues (thanks for coming). It was a tea-time event so we had simple dishes and snacks. We also had door gifts, but you have to be a kid to get one. Her birthday cake had an icing of Elmo. Don't know how we are suppose to eat Elmo, but the cake was chocolaty good.

And what did I get my niece. After all the suggestions I received on my Facebook, I went with my original idea. A pair of adidas shoes (which I know she'll outgrow in 6 months). I didn't want to get her a toy because most of the toys are unsuitable for her age and most of them were made in China. Still it was cute, her first adidas.
Took the Monday off to send my car for servicing. Found out I need to change my timing belt, and that would cost me an arm and a leg. Good thing I (almost) cleared my credit card balance.
After that I went to catch a couple of movies. Went back-to-back today. Watched Hitman and Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium. Both were watchable and movies to just kill time. I don't recall ever finishing a Hitman game though. As for Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium, I just went for it for Natalie Portman. Its one of those movies you'll fall in love with Natalie (again). Yes, I'm a big Natalie Portman fan.
And I've just became Natalie Portman's fan in Facebook.

The one with the PPKM Annual Dinner

Last night was the Persatuan Pasaran Kewangan Malaysia annaul dinner. The event where everyone is dressed to kill and where the lucky prizes are worth winning (there were a couple of Ipod Touch but my lucky draw draught continues). Anyways I honestly believe the lucky draw is 'fixed' as most of the winners are the who's who.
The night started early for me, since I was there early anticipated a traffic jam that never came. Felt kinda lost earlier on, since I didn't even recognize half of the people there. Guess there are really a lot of fresh new faces in the market and being their first time, they were really dressed to kill.
The dinner theme was 'Bling, Glamour Bling'. Emceed by Nell Ng and guest appearance by Phua Chu Kang (again) and music performances by Azman Warren. The dinner was held at KL Hilton. After two straight years going as Clark Kent/Superman I decided to go for something different this year. People will get bored of the red and blue and I didn't want to be typecast. This wear I drew inspiration from one of the NBA's best dressed, Dwyane Wade. Something clean and simple. Managed to find my bling, a necklace chain thing with what Arnold Schwarzenegger calls 'just a leaf'. My additional prop was subject to a lot of people's toying. Since it spins, everyone wants to play with it. And for my efforts I (somehow?) won 3rd place for Best Dressed.
The food kind of sucked and they dragged the dinner too long to accommodate some fashion show by the sponsor who just want to promoted their bling. Everyone was really waiting for the lucky draws but again I didn't win.
As the night went on, I bump into a lot of familiar faces. It was nice to see everyone again even though most were them were pissed drunk. Anyways I left early as I didn't want to get caught in traffic of what seems to be a very small car park (for a 5-star hotel) and probably there be a lot of drunk drivers.
An eventful night but the event could use some tweaking for next year.

The one with the first day of Raya

First of all, Selamat Hari Raya to all. Hope you all had a pleasant raya and healthy raya. As for me, I'm still unwell, but still manage to go through the days events.
As usual, we headed to my grandma's crib in Kajang. This year around my whole family members had the company of three babies together. My niece Aina Amirah and my cousin's kids Kamelia Ayiesha and Alejandro Ishmael. The 'Triple-A' combo as I would call them. As well as all my cousins back in Kajang this time around. Its nice to finally meet up and catch up since its been awhile since we hang together. And also my uncle was around for a bit before duty calls. Apparently his job is one of those round-the-clock gigs. Anyways the rest of the day was spent by visiting my grandma's neighbours (which I know is somehow related) as well as entertaining guests. Well I didn't really play host, just spent most of the time in my uncle's room watching TV. However it was a rainy raya, since it rained most of the afternoon.
Went back home and embarked on a project to rebuild (more like upgrade) the computer I bought from my previous employer. Long story cut short, I was allowed to buy back the computer for RM 50. Pentium 4 PC, but still needed work RAM-wise, DVDROM wise and wi-fi-wise. All three which I just resolved. I transferred the DVDROM from my current PC to the new one and installed a new DVDROM and DVD burner in my current PC. As for RAM, I still had two 256MB sticks lying around which I now have a use for. Since I already have a router all I need was a USB wireless receiver for the internet connection. Yes, I do enjoy upgrading and rebuilding computers but being a gamer, the specs I need would cost an arm and a leg.
Finally, thanks to the fasting month I manage to trim down to my ideal weight at 175lbs. Now to see if I can maintain.

The one with Madden 08 and barbecue at Rafiq's

Last weekend was me back in my element. Its the season where a lot of new games will be released soon. Games which I am a fan of. Mostly sport games and racing games. After all the RPGs and adventure games I've been playing, its back to the sports. Especially with the NFL and NBA season around the corner.
Bought Madden 08 on Flyday. Which means I get the whole weekend to play Madden. As much as I enjoy Madden, I'm still not ready to enter the Madden Challenge. Still need to get used to the playbook and also need to learn how to read plays like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. I play on the fly, just call a pass play or running play without seeing what the defence is giving me. But think got the hang of defence, since all I know is to blitz the opposing quarterback all game long. Anyways started a franchise in the franchise mode. Took charge of the New York Giants and after 3 games I'm unbeaten. Good start.
Saturday night we had a barbecue for Wak. Small gathering of friends and a mini-bachelor party minus the strippers. The bbq was held at Rafiq's crib in Puchong (which is very far) and other carnivores included Farrish, Shahreza and Amryl. The only thing not meat was the pasta I brought and the drinks. The rest was a raptors delight. It was good to just hang with the guys and chill. Also heard the fireworks from Putrajaya, sadly we couldn't see the lights.
Other than that, it was pretty much gaming weekend for me.

The one with The Simpsons Movie and fruits

Went for the Simpsons movie last night. Something different from the new-age 3D animation flicks. The movie remains true to their 2D roots which we all are very familiar to. The movie was a barrel of laughs and good fun. The length of the movie surprised me. It was roughly about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After all the 2 hours or 3 hours flicks, it was a nice change as my attention span isn't really that long. Overall a good fun movie which doesn't drag meaninglessly.
Todays events was more of returning to nature and revisiting the village roots. My boss had a local fruit fest at his house. When I arrived there was only durians though. He mention that the rambutans, mangosteen and pulasan had to be plucked from his in-laws house. Now that was the fun part. I was expecting tall trees for me to climb, but the trees weren't that tall and the fruits can be easily plucked from ground level. We had a good harvest of fruits and I think I ate way too much. Hopefully I don't fall sick and heaty.
Went for futsal Saturday after that. Still manage to run after all that food. Had a good workout and great sexy-futsal fun with the guys.
Short post this time around as I'm keeping it short and simple. Got some gaming to do after this.

The one with the Melaka trip

Just got back from Melaka. Went with Farrish-Ida and Shah-Faizah. Planned as a bachelor gig for Shah ended up as a get together. Ended up as tour de Melaka and seafood dinner and a Starbucking experience in Melaka.

We all went in one car, Farrish's mums car. For me, it felt good being co-pilot even though I offered to help out with the driving duties. Along the way Faizah pulled out a sudoku puzzle dated 26 January 2007 which she still has yet to solve. I offered to help finish it. Completing a sudoku puzzle in the co-pilot seat isn't as easy as I thought. But I manage to focus and finish the puzzle in half an hour. Arrived in Melaka town and went around to see the sites. Just walked around looking for photo opportunities and such. The Farrish had to make a pit stop to meet his brother and pass some items. After that we began the trip for dinner. I was very hungry already as I didn't have lunch, then again everyone in the car was already hungry by the the we headed for food. Dinner was at Medan Ikan Bakar, Muara Sungai Duyung. I'm not much of a seafood expert, so I left it to Shah to order. We had a variety of food as you can see in the pictures below. The meal overall was an experience itself. The food was damn good. Been some time since I last enjoyed seafood. I myself can't really take seafood, but as long as I lay off the prawns I should be fine.

The Ikan Bakar place

The appetizers

The main dish

The after shot

After the meal, we were all stuffed and I think I could be used for a human sacrifice. As we got into the car we decided to wrap it up with some coffee at Starbucks in Mahkota Parade. Had the usual Caramel Macchiato. Coffee was needed to keep everyone awake in the car for the ride home. One thing we all did when we were in the car was sing. Sing to whatever was playing on the radio. Just to keep everyone lively and active. But once we hit the highway Ida, Faizah and Shah fell asleep. So I had to keep Farrish company as he broke every land speed record there is. Didn't even realize we were going that fast, must be the V-TEC. Guess we all had a long day and the next thing we need is sleep. Which seems right about now for me.

The one where one weeks worth of material is cramped into one post

Been a while since my last blog. Been meaning to post something about events since Saturday but time has not permitted me the luxury of blogging. Among the reasons include 2 straight nights of blackout and post-work activities.
So lets begin from last Saturday, 12 May 2007. Went to Seremban in the morning to visit my former boss during my Affin Discount days. She invited all her ex-staff for lunch. I was first to arrive as I drove faster than a speeding bullet. She cooked some Indonesian dish called rawan. First time trying out that dish. It was nice to see everyone again as its been a while since we got together. We shared a bond in the department and there was a lot of love. Its where I started work and Kak Yam (as well as Mr Mokhtar) gave me the chance and opportunity to work. Among those who came was Yusof and family, Marziah and family, Hafizan and family as well as Liz with Aaron and her future in-laws. Also they wanted to know how I was doing at my new gig.
Later rushed off like a speeding bullet to Petaling Jaya for my futsal Saturday session. Tested out my new boots I bought on ebay which arrived earlier in the week. Managed a hat-trick but still haven't broken into the new pair.
Then at night join Hafizah, Jiji, Kevin and Vincent to Rimbun Dahan for an art exhibition. Went there for dinner, view artwork, hang and snap photos. I believe Kevin posted some pictures in his blog. We came in Vincent's car and I drove the car back as he had a little too much to drink. Then Jiji and Kevin suggested for karaoke at Bangsar and the time was already 1am! I was OK with going home but since the rocker in me had one more song to rock to I thought why not. Apparently everyone was tired so I spent most of the session hogging the mic. Finally manage to sing my theme song, Radiohead's Creep. Lenny joined us for karaoke also so had a buddy to help rock the joint.
Sunday I went for Spiderman 3 again. Hafizah had two free tickets from her office colleague. She tried to sell / give to her friends but no luck. So she decided to watch it again and I thought why not join. The tickets were free and I was really bored at home even though sleeping wouldn't have hurt. Then we had dinner with Farrish and Manhattan Fish Market.
Monday night had dinner at Coffee Hut with Farrish and Farah. Coincidently they both texted me at the same time. Pretty much hang and chill as well as Farrish missing his girlfriend who is currently on holiday in the States.
Tuesday night, the highlight of the week for me. Went to MPO for Tango Fire with Hafizah and Jiji. Actually they had an extra ticket since one of their friends couldn't make it. Since I'm on a break from futsal Tuesday I thought why not. It was a dance show, tango fired up with a more upbeat feel. The cast was from Argentina and after watching the show, felt like I wanted to learn how to dance. For more info check http://www.tango-fire.com/.
Wednesday went for My Fair Lady and this was an office event. They bought tickets and invited our valued customers. It was good show (think you all know the story) but it was long and it was a work night. Still an enjoyable experience. But think my mind was still on Tango Fire as the dances were still in my head. Help send a colleague back and reached home almost 1am. And boy did I really need sleep. I realized I went to two performing arts show and an art exhibition. Damn, from rock star to a more cultured rocker. Guess the variety is good.
Thursday was a struggle at work because I was really trying to stay awake. Met up with Liz and Shem for lunch. Later and night me and Hafizah made last minute decision to watch Blades of Glory. Another funny movie and we were laughing throughout the whole movie. Catch it if you need to have a barrel of laughs.
Well a lot had happen and I know I could have elaborated better. Realize a break from futsal so far has done me some good. I now have the opportunity to try new things and experiences as I've never been to MPO and Planery Hall at KL Convention Centre. So there's a first.

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 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.