Into the New

One month into the all-new job, and I am very happy and excited. There are a lot of stuff that I can be very satisfied with and that certainly enhances the self-esteem.

I can't stop comparing to the previous job, and if so, there are so many things that can make me say: Thank goodness I left. Then again, its not fair doing such comparison between two companies as they emerge and evolve into totally different ventures. But for myself, its a huge wonderful leap.

Of course in one month, it is also unfair to say everything is pleasant and all. However, the initial signs are good. Its nice to realize that I am into something that I have passion in.

In addition, I have colleagues and even bosses who takes sarcasm to the next level. A trait that is unlikely to be liked by some, but certainly suits me well.

Oh well, I am not going to jinx it further with galore of words and song praises. Just being very appreciative to be given the chance.

Work beckons. Will mumble some other time.

Multicultural Concept

So this is what I have observed in our multicultural society.

Malay boy talking to Chinese boy about joining their team for football.

Note the language they used.

M: (Mandarin) Can I join this team?

C: (English) Sorry I don't understand what you saying?

M: (English) I mean, can I join your football team?

C: (Malay). Bolehhh.....

I am not sure whether to see the Malay boy as an eager kid or the Chinese boy as embarrassing. Do advice.

I'm On Fiiiirre

Ok, first of all, this is the best video that the EPL has produced so far. Second, Kasabian rocks. And while going through the clip, it just makes me think of one thing. That is...

I WANT TO GO TO ENGLAND AGAIN!!

Its a little bit depressing and proud at the same time to say: " Hey, I've been there." Well, mostly.

So when am I going again? I don't wish to say someday. Because usually that means forever not (I stole this line from the movie Knight and Day, pardon). Oh well, if I worked hard enough, I might get the chance in a year. I don't care if its leisure or business, I just need to breathe the English air.

Ok, enough day dreaming. Back to work.

Cos-groove

So why isit Miranda Cosgrove so contagious eh? First its Despicable Me, which I watched tirelessly for 6 times, not mentioning the countless time of trailer-repeating. Then its Kissin' U. I hit repeat 10 times and still doesn't get tired of it.

Oh well, I guess she's just sweet-looking and adorable.

Feedback

I'm not sure whether its the meant-to-leave mentality that is influencing my concept regarding what's going on here.

But I have to say opting out is a good, if not wise, choice. There is chaos everywhere in executing stuff. While we expect improvement and advancement, certain individuals preach downgrade and upheaval. It might be expanding, but the expansion do not incorporate with a better advanced system. Adding in with irrational reckless decisions, illogical thinking and a little bit of political backstabbing...........implosion I say.

Yes we have deadlines to meet. But at least some of us deserve a little bit of acknowledgment and appreciation of what we did. Oh wait, we do, in the form more work and more grinding and irrational decisions.

So you ask why not do something about it then? Oh I did. And I am going to do more. I might be straight and harsh, but what I am going to present is for the better treatment of my colleagues and the team itself. I learned first hand that suppression ain't going to get you anywhere.

And here ends my tirade rant. Maybe more soon. Kthxbye.


Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Testing Beyond PC

So now I want to blog while on the road, just in case something interesting came up while traveling around. Often, the inspiration when poof by the time I reached home tired.

That's when Mail2Blog comes in. Its a very flexible application that enables you to blog on your email and post it onto your blog by setting up a "secret" email.

Testing it out now.

Update: It works! Check this link out for assistance.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

When It Goes Loud and Dark

This was suppose to be the thing that was centuries ago. But lately it goes hand-in-hand with my CD player in my car (read: Everyday). Since rediscovering the CD, it has been my wake-up call, breakfast, lunch and appetizer for dinner.

Catchy beats and strong expressive lyrics. That is what I need every morning. Works the sluggish morning brain. Occasionally and unbelievably, it beats coffee too.

Hope Mike and FM can petrify me with a new project.

Change I Believe In

Obama said it best during his presidential campaign. And now I am following "suit".

Changes to environment, challenges and career path are what I need. I have always been ambitious, and when I see no space for growth anymore, I moved on. I believe that being realistic is key to success. Although promises are being made of a pay rise, it will be a short-lived joy. In the long run, I don't see me enjoying job-satisfaction factors. Hence the change.

 Onto greener pastures I go.

 Nevertheless, I have endless gratitude to my current boss for taking me in during a depressing time, economically speaking. I would also do a 3-pages long thank you speech dedicated to my colleagues and my team for all they have done for me. In short, its been a pleasure.

For the next few months, I am going to prepare myself for the new challenge and also taking a much needed rest before being officially employed.

Hell, I am excited.

Getting Out and On

I just watched the film Cemetery Junction. Two hours of that show had me thinking about making big steps. I've pondered and talked about scouring for new job prospects during the weekend. The soul-searching and intellectual conversations with certain very philosophic individuals gave me some rude awakening. Last week, I got an advice from my friend's mom about getting too comfortable. I thought of what it meant, and I think I got it now.

Life here is getting way too comfortable. I need to find a new challenge. I gave a clock on the job and its almost there. A year. I've thought of prolonging it but I am starting to make sense of the phrase "getting too comfortable".

The film throws in an ancient Arab proverb that says: Throw your heart in front of you and run ahead to catch it. I am going to practice that.

Despicable..Not

When I decided to watch Despicable Me, it was only because its the only movie that was not watched by D. And oh boy, I did not expect it to be so entertaining.

And to be specific enough, the ultimate selling point of the movie is these guys.....






Oh yes, they are, personally, the perkiest thing ever made in CA movies yet. And those contagious laughs just gets to me every time. It would have been a pleasure to have these creatures as minions. But in real life, lets just say that a stuffie would be enough...heh.

And here is another one of them:

As for the movie, a recommendation.

That Place

The hectic buzzing streets. The Metro Bus conductor calls. The Two Jagungs. The distinct Roti Boy smell. The packed LRT. The Cantonese conversation. The place where (almost) everybody is working their ass off.

Hello KL! Its been a long time.

Boleh Settle Tak

They are supposed to elicit trust and respect. But instead, some of their behaviours are near disgusting. Not only are they rude, daring and inefficient, they are best at one thing.

I've heard many versions before, like "Boss, mau belanja?" "Jom, kita berbincang.." or just a simple tweak on the eyebrow signaling you to make the "right" moves. Ultimately, the most common and overused phrase is "Boss, cam ni boleh settle tak?"

*Shakes head*

Campeones 2010

Just two years after they were crowned as European champions, they proved that they are not just champions of a continent but the world.

My colleagues are, much to my amazement, dominantly joined Team Holland fan club. In fact, when we gathered around and watched the Iniesta stunner at 116th minute, I was the only soul who shouted "goal!" with both hands punching into the air. A little depressing to say the least.

Truthfully, I fancied the talented Dutch team, but I loved Spain more. The Germans impressed, but Spain is totally on another level of football. Although not as petrifying and inspiring in 2008, they duly did their job as a coherent team that played beautiful football.

Spain retained possession so much that I can emphatically feel the tell-tale anxiety of my colleagues every time Spain romped into the opposition half , which was like 65 percent of the time in the match. The Dutch threaten in counter-attacks, and Robben almost made me regret making a Japanese food bet in the 62nd minute. But St. Iker (yes the same guy which Miss D felt so disappointed with prior to that save) just, barely, diverted the ball out of danger.

Glory Robb-ed

Then after 14 yellow and 1 red card later, Iniesta swiftly got into the box and received the perfect pass from a perfect pass master in the form Xavi, to net the winner. Spain and their supporters just went into abrupt defining joy.

A compassionate Iniesta dedicating the goal to deceased friend/ footballer Dani Harque.

And so, the world champions celebrated. The World Cup came to an end. And everything have to go back to normal. Except maybe in Spain, where the celebration will go on and on.

Congrats to Spain and Viva Espana!

61st and 62nd Match

The Netherlands seemed to have the Midas touch. Peppered with shots and balls coming into the 6 yard box, they somehow got the lead, from 35 year old Giovanni Van Bronckhost. Probably a fitting farewell gift from the soon-to-be retired Holland star. Probably also the best goal of the tournament, a 35yard shot to the top right corner post where no keeper could have saved.

Diego Forlan managed to pull one back for the hardworking Uruguayans. But luck is on the Dutch side, with Sneijder and Robben's shots all struck the post and went in to claim victory.

Meanwhile, Spain made it into their first ever WC finals, beating the impressive Germans. As much as I liked this tournament's German team, the reigning champions of Europe looked the more skillful and cohesive side to go through. Carles Puyol's bullet header settled the game.

So far, a certain psychic octopus had been mysteriously accurate on its prediction. His "prophecy" says that Spain will win the WC. And I certainly hope that he is right. Viva Espana!

Quarter Final

Out of the four matches, I was looking forward to two: Brazil vs Netherlands & Argentina vs Germany. They didn't disappoint.

The unlimited flow of talents in South America put Brazil and Argentina as favourites. But in the case of BRA vs NED, Total Football reigns over Joga Bonito. 

The scoreline of 4-0 flattered the youthful Germans. Against Argentina, under eccentric coach Maradona, they took their chances despite not dominating the match. In the end, the defence just flat out after the second goal from zee Germans.

Hugs and urghs.

In the case of the dominating Latin America teams, they down to one from four. The unfancied Uruguayans survived the purge to reach the semi, beating the sole representative of Africa, Ghana, albeit in controversial and dramatic way. Spain killed  off the other Latin America team in the form of Paraguay, as expected.

P/S: Personally, national hero Luis Suarez should received a heavier penalty after his version of Hand of God.

Round of 16 Blabbings

When it comes to the 2nd round and the ball is round (in fact, rounder than most balls as claimed), we have fat chances to hold firm predictability of who's the victor and who's not. The last-16 was easier in predicting, with the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Netherlands fulfilling expectations. Personally,best match for that round goes to Germany vs. England, where the German tank flat-crushed the English lion. Although a supporter of English football, I have to admit that the Germans are way above class against their English counterpart. On a side note, Lampard can rightfully feel aggrieved that his "goal" was waved away, which is a pity and could be the turning point of the game.

Muller celebrates before even the ball hits the net.

David Villa showed that he is the right man for Spain and soon-to-be club Barcelona. Being the man almost single-handedly led Spain to progress.

Meanwhile, our ever sulking hero CR7, being the egoistic sore loser, just hate the camera for this time.






Guess the Nike version  of Ronaldo ain't gonna materialize after all, as most have predicted.

As it is, Ghana, the sole representative of Continent Africa, showed that they have the grit and strength to outplay US of A. Korea Rp and Japan unfortunately falter at this stage, but produced a competitive football against better opponents. Something Asians can be proud of.

Stay tuned for Quarter Finals.....

2010 WC Update

The group phase is over and the elimination process begins. So far the matches were mostly boring, sadly. I fell asleep halfway through England vs Algeria and Portugal vs Brazil. Thankfully, Italy vs Slovakia initiates the adrenaline flow, especially the final fifteen minutes and personally favouring the Slovaks.

Slovakia players celebrate after thumping the Italians.

As I mentioned on the previous post, I always loved to see the underdogs pawning (or at least frustrating) the favourites. Algerians holding England to draw. New Zealand keeping Italians out of bay. Swiss shocked the mighty Spaniards. I also liked to see Christiano Ronaldo falter. Too bad he got it right in the 7-0 thrashing of North Korea.

This World Cup also showed that with the globalization of football, the traditional powers of football are not guaranteed their place through. Read: Italy and the utterly disgraceful fiasco-ridden France. Finalists in 2006, they traveled back with much grimace. And while the Africans did not live up to the Waka Waka hype, they (mostly) showed that they live to fight. Thankfully, Ghana is still flying the flag for them in the knockout stages. Asians meanwhile made themselves proud, with South Korea and Japan into the last 16.

PJS lead the line for South Korea.

And then there were the frequent complains of the vuvuzela and Jabulani, especially from the European so-called big stars. They should save their breath in whining about disruptive noises and unpredictable ball flight and focus on playing.  And personally I liked the vuvuzela.

 




Jabulani ball and vuvuzela

As the competition progresses into the knockout stages, the excitement heightens to a new level. Off to watch England vs Germany.

D-Day

It was serene as usual. Little or close to no small talk or chit chats. Never mind heated discussion or debates. He and I just spend the day as usual, doing the usual stuff. In the morning, he went for his usual jogging, I was still lazing in bed. In the afternoon, he was taking his usual afternoon nap. I was surfing the internet. We had lunch together. No conversation. Then we had our durian session, with a few comments on the tastiness of the king of the fruit. In the evening, he watched the TV, I played football. We had dinner, commented on the taste of the chicken chop. The trip to and fro from Jalan Tengah was also a quiet one. Then we watched the World Cup together. Had a in sync shout of goal. Two times. Paraguay 2 Slovakia 0.

I gave him a McD glass cup as a present. Happy Father's Day, I said. Thank you, he said. That's all. Despite the sombre portrayal of our relationship, we had the deepest utmost respect for each other. Probably of this fact, we see no need of having too much conversation. Heh.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Cup Fever

Friggin' four years. And now time for the kick-off.

We the fans are of course thrilled. During my college years, there were two groups of people that watches the World Cup: The fanatic gender (read: Boys) and the you-make-me-go-OMG gender (read: Girls). The boys were in for the thrill (though the less fanatic ones just tag along) while the girls were there to bitch around which team has the most charming line-up.

Thanks to the abundant media coverage and promotion, there are always much hype. Its of course a different set of culture for fans from countries that do not (and don't even dare to dream to) participate in the World Cup. For us, we can simply choose to fancy a team and switch alliances when the favourite team did not go through. Which is so much unlike inhabitants in those participating nations. Imagine a German fan walking into an English pub for that matter.

And apart from the real showpiece, we have the sideline desserts to savior. The English media always like to focus on the footballer WAGs.  I still prefer the Latin America fans.

Sorry for digressing. Now come the big question: Who will you support in the World Cup?

Traditionally, I have always fancy England. This time is no exception. Yea they are overrated and all, but still. Teams that I would prefer to see winning (or at least go further than group stages) are Spain, Holland and Brazil. Meanwhile, I have always like watching David slaying Goliath, and I am expecting some surprises from the underdogs. So go North Korea! XD

And um, enjoy the football month!

Quiet Drive

I almost hate driving since working. I was largely clueless as to how contradicting it is to my previous nature of being a kaki kereta. Not until an hour ago that I realize that why it is as such.

Since taking up the job, I have been driving with purpose, destination and deadlines. The bright shiny helluva huge ass ball of fire adds in as the kick-in-the-teeth factor.

An unusual urge ushered me out tonight to JUST drive my car. And the long-gone familiar joy of driving started to reemerge. Instead of the boisterous need to rush, I am driving at the pace of my own liking. Instead of trying to reach a place safe and sound, I have no aims to achieved. Sounds very zen-ish eh?

So I also realize that although the joys of life can be easily murdered by the hectic and chaotic world of work, it can also be rediscovered. As long as we find the initiative to do so. Hmm. Ok, end of reflection period. Ciao.