15 years is a long time and saying goodbye is the hardest thing. Looking back through the years that we have spent together, the good and bad times, I can’t imagine myself going through life without this old friend of mine. But I know, no matter how I tried to deny it, I have to say goodbye and end this dangerous affair. 2006 will be the beginning of the end of my long courtship with the loyal but a dangerous friend, the cigarette.
I was introduced to the cigarette by a friend of mine and also out of my own curiosity I guess. Everyone else were doing it and the people on TV looked very cool when they are smoking…. that was what I thought at that time. Just try once, just wanted to know how it tastes and feels like. I came home feeling sick, sweating as if I am a human water tap and my head feels like splitting into half. My mom thought I was having a fever. I didn’t tell her of course. I slept all through the night and swore I would not take another puff of that terrible thing. Well, my resolution went out the window the next day.
I have always wanted to stop but my will were not strong enough and saying ‘Tak Nak’ was a problem. I always succumbed no matter how hard I try. 3 months without smoking were the longest time I had gone without a ciggie but all the effort went down the drain with “Alaa….just a little puff . Trust me, u won’t go back to smoking”……and I went home with a box of Dunhill I bought on the way home.
Some people tried stopping when the girlfriend asked them and yes, I am one of those but I end ed up lying to her. I did not smoke in front of her but I was like a locomotive behind her. I was actually having a secret affair with my cigarettes. After every date, I would stop by at one of the kedai kopi and bought the loose cigarettes sold for about 25 cents each. The first puff felt liked peeing after an hour of holding it. Well, she found out later about my “affair” and lectured me about lying and being honest to each other which I totally agreed. So I start ed smoking in front of her after that.
My dad is not a smoker and he hates smokers but the funny thing is my two other brothers and I are. He knows that we smoke but we have never ever smoked in front of him. My dad ha s this amazing nose and he would know immediately if someone has been smoking in the toilet or outside the house. He might not know who but he would lecture and membebel about the danger of smoking, the diseases and a whole lot of other things until he was sure all of us heard it. But as we grew older and one of my brothers is married with a son now, he cut down on the lecture but he will always slip in a few more if he got the chance. The most frequent would be “Cuba simpan duit pake ngisap rokok for benda lain. Apa faedah nya merokok…sama cam nunok (membakar) duit jak”...
I know that smoking is dangerous for my health. Lung cancer is the most famous and common disease among smokers but the sensation that I get from smoking just can’t be substituted. It started with trying to be cool and part of the group and it turn to be an important part of me. And every time I tr ied to stop, my weight will go up which obviously something I don’t want to happen. I am not conscious about my weight but I constantly have to nibble on something just to not think about smoking. Arghhh…..so I start ed smoking again for that reason…I don’t want to gain weight. Aiyoo…the things I do just to smoke again.
This time around though, I am going to try my best to stop. It is not because Sherie wants me to, although she would love it, if she knew . It is just because I want to stop and the fact that the price of cigarettes is killing me. When I started smoking, it was about RM3.20 per box but now it is RM7.00. I smoke about 4 boxes per week which means I have to fork out RM28.00 per week and RM112.00 per month. That is a lot of money, don’t you think? To me it is…….dang…it is like an Air Asia ticket flight from KL to Kuching to KL. So I decided to stop because of that particular reason….use the money to see my love ones back home or kill myself with it? I think any fool can think of the best option kan?
No more standing on the apartment balcony looking outside and wondering about my future with a cigarette between my mouth. No more smoking when I am sleepy. No more that must-smoke after meal rules and of course…..no more company when I am doing the “big business”. It has been almost a month now and I am still going strong though I suddenly found out that my sleeping problem came up at almost the same time I stop smoking. I don’t know if there is any connection….hmmmm. Anyways, I just hope it will be successful this time around and stay away from that delightful, mesmerizing…..snap out of it…..that foul smelling, killing machine….oh how I miss…..arghh…..good for nothing, making holes in my shirt and baju melayu (kretek Gudang Garam done a lot of that to me before)……cigarettes.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
My He(Rio
I was still recuperating from last week lost to City and as expected, I wouldn’t get any sympathy from anyone….even from Sherie. It was a tough week to endure…..well it has been a tough 2006 to be honest with United struggling with form since the New Year. Trying to erase the lost from your memory was kinda hard as sms and e-mails were sent from all my “caring” friends. One sms stuck on my mind though…….” Don’t worry pok….u won’t have to be sad for too long about this…ur losing to Liverpool next and u will definitely forget about this week ..hahahaha”. Cruel…but I accepted it like a man…. By thinking of a better and crueler comeback later.
Yeah…Liverpool is coming to town. And from the looks of it, Liverpool is the overwhelming favorite to win the game. How dare….predicting a Liverpool win at Old Trafford. It hurts a lot watching pundits were favoring Liverpool and United looked too shaky and not at par with Liverpool. Even the papers were predicting United will loose the game. Liverpool performances of late where they have collected 34 points out of a possible 36 were highlighted and Liverpool’s qualities in the midfield marshaled by Stevie G are a class above United’s current midfield. The poor performance so far by United since the turn of the year also contributed to the odds of a Liverpool win. I feel gutted cos to be honest and fair, if we are to base our prediction on team and individual performance it does seems like a United win would be unlikely. But then again, team performance will go out of the window in a Liverpool-United clash….
I would have loved to watch the game outside with bigger crowd and a livelier ambience but considering the next day is a working day, I went to watch the game at Sherie’s house with her dad. Usually before I come over, I would ask first if there were anything that they wanted and that night was Lay’s Sour Cream and Onion Chips which I happily obliged. Sherie made me a nice cup of sarsi syrup drink and then she went upstairs. Watching Marcus Bent head that goal to deny Chelsea another win was ecstasy and how I just wished Ambrose’s shot ended in the net and watched the Blues turn red for the day…but 2 points dropped at The Bridge is always good news.
As expected in games between the big four, plays will be mostly in the midfield and this one was no exception. It was obvious that Liverpool were controlling the game and winning the midfield battle while the patched up United midfield looked to struggle and keep losing the ball. Despite of all the possession Liverpool had in the first half, there were no decent shot at goal and Van der Saar was merely a spectator picking up occasional long shots by the Liverpool forward spearheaded by Cisse and Crouch. On the United front, Rooney and Ruud were non existence for the entire half as not even a decent opportunity was presented to them. When the whistle were blown for half time, Liverpool looked like a more likely winner.
Liverpool started the 2nd half like they ended the 1st half. United have brought in Saha for O’Shea who joined Scholes, Smith and Park on the injured list with Ronaldo still serving his 3 match ban. Saha moved upfront to partner Ruud while Rooney dropped back behind the two. Somehow, the changes made had a great impact on United as they played better and started to create chances. Rooney was getting more of the ball and United’s engine room looked more of a threat with Giggs defence tearing runs. But It was still a 0-0 game and Liverpool almost claimed that all important goal if not for the heroic clearance by Rio. The ball was on the way in from a Sissoko shot, who was celebrating his birthday, if not for Rio’s determine and accurate clearance although the danger was not over yet. Kewell’s shot from Rio’s Ferdinand was saved brilliantly by Van der Sar but the shot was parried to Cisse. With goal opened wide for him to just tapped in the ball, he kick the ball over the bar and the chance was gone. I was holding my breath for that one minute sequence of almost a goal situation and luckily Cisse decided to make a fool of himself. Maybe the hair had something to do with his bearing that night. Whatever is the reason……it is still 0-0. United created a few more chances with a Giggs’s crossed turn to shot that almost dismantle the goal post and Rooney’s shot from outside the box that miss the far post by inches although I think Reina would have dealt with it.
The match was going for a draw when United new addition to the squad, Frenchman Patrice Evra was brought down by Finnan just outside the box in the 90th minute of the match. Giggs took the free kick responsibility and floated in a perfect ball into the box. To the surprise of all watching the game, Ferdinand was left unchallenged with a powerful header which Reina could only helped into the net. The stadium erupted, the United players were all over the hero of the night and I was up on my feet and screaming in front of my future father in law…but I didn’t care cos he was actually doing the same exact thing. All the pressure and nerves were release with that scream…….while Liverpool players were hanging their head and Liverpool fans cursing Cisse for not scoring from close range.
United were lucky to win….. United fans all over the world can walk with pride with their heads held high for another season. A lucky goal, a disputed free kick, a bias referee and all sorts of reasons were given by Liverpool fans…..but a win is a win and another season of Liverpool having their tails between the legs. Maybe there is a transition of power in English football but that night belong to United and it showed everyone that United will not give in that easy. You want my place, come show and fight for it…..
As for the friend who sent me the sms……. I sms him immediately after the match…….“ You were right…I forgot totally about last week match…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”
Review :
Hero of The Match : Rio Ferdinand. Not because of the goal he scored but also his defending was top class that night. If Sven has any doubt or still thinks he’s lazy, I think Mr. Sven needs a new pair of glasses
Zero of the Match : Cisse no doubt. Liverpool could have won the match but he screwed the chance. And also for that ridiculous hairstyle.
Moment of the Match : Rio’s clearing the ball just before it crossed the line. Determination and also skill and a bit of luck I guess.
Team Performance : Manchester United 6/10
Liverpool 7/10
Although United won, I do have to admit that Liverpool controlled the game and United only came into the game in the last 25 minutes.
What If : Sissoko’s shot was not cleared?
1. Papers the next day will print “Birthday Boy Scored”, “United blown by Birthday Boy”
2. Cisse would not be practicing to score from 6 yards out now as ordered by Benitez
3. I will be the one receiving sms and e-mails kutuking me till next season match
4. Aida will be replying e-mails with more enthusiast, Jac will be having a better day and Hood would have love to talk about last nite game with the significant other……
Yeah…Liverpool is coming to town. And from the looks of it, Liverpool is the overwhelming favorite to win the game. How dare….predicting a Liverpool win at Old Trafford. It hurts a lot watching pundits were favoring Liverpool and United looked too shaky and not at par with Liverpool. Even the papers were predicting United will loose the game. Liverpool performances of late where they have collected 34 points out of a possible 36 were highlighted and Liverpool’s qualities in the midfield marshaled by Stevie G are a class above United’s current midfield. The poor performance so far by United since the turn of the year also contributed to the odds of a Liverpool win. I feel gutted cos to be honest and fair, if we are to base our prediction on team and individual performance it does seems like a United win would be unlikely. But then again, team performance will go out of the window in a Liverpool-United clash….
I would have loved to watch the game outside with bigger crowd and a livelier ambience but considering the next day is a working day, I went to watch the game at Sherie’s house with her dad. Usually before I come over, I would ask first if there were anything that they wanted and that night was Lay’s Sour Cream and Onion Chips which I happily obliged. Sherie made me a nice cup of sarsi syrup drink and then she went upstairs. Watching Marcus Bent head that goal to deny Chelsea another win was ecstasy and how I just wished Ambrose’s shot ended in the net and watched the Blues turn red for the day…but 2 points dropped at The Bridge is always good news.
As expected in games between the big four, plays will be mostly in the midfield and this one was no exception. It was obvious that Liverpool were controlling the game and winning the midfield battle while the patched up United midfield looked to struggle and keep losing the ball. Despite of all the possession Liverpool had in the first half, there were no decent shot at goal and Van der Saar was merely a spectator picking up occasional long shots by the Liverpool forward spearheaded by Cisse and Crouch. On the United front, Rooney and Ruud were non existence for the entire half as not even a decent opportunity was presented to them. When the whistle were blown for half time, Liverpool looked like a more likely winner.
Liverpool started the 2nd half like they ended the 1st half. United have brought in Saha for O’Shea who joined Scholes, Smith and Park on the injured list with Ronaldo still serving his 3 match ban. Saha moved upfront to partner Ruud while Rooney dropped back behind the two. Somehow, the changes made had a great impact on United as they played better and started to create chances. Rooney was getting more of the ball and United’s engine room looked more of a threat with Giggs defence tearing runs. But It was still a 0-0 game and Liverpool almost claimed that all important goal if not for the heroic clearance by Rio. The ball was on the way in from a Sissoko shot, who was celebrating his birthday, if not for Rio’s determine and accurate clearance although the danger was not over yet. Kewell’s shot from Rio’s Ferdinand was saved brilliantly by Van der Sar but the shot was parried to Cisse. With goal opened wide for him to just tapped in the ball, he kick the ball over the bar and the chance was gone. I was holding my breath for that one minute sequence of almost a goal situation and luckily Cisse decided to make a fool of himself. Maybe the hair had something to do with his bearing that night. Whatever is the reason……it is still 0-0. United created a few more chances with a Giggs’s crossed turn to shot that almost dismantle the goal post and Rooney’s shot from outside the box that miss the far post by inches although I think Reina would have dealt with it.
The match was going for a draw when United new addition to the squad, Frenchman Patrice Evra was brought down by Finnan just outside the box in the 90th minute of the match. Giggs took the free kick responsibility and floated in a perfect ball into the box. To the surprise of all watching the game, Ferdinand was left unchallenged with a powerful header which Reina could only helped into the net. The stadium erupted, the United players were all over the hero of the night and I was up on my feet and screaming in front of my future father in law…but I didn’t care cos he was actually doing the same exact thing. All the pressure and nerves were release with that scream…….while Liverpool players were hanging their head and Liverpool fans cursing Cisse for not scoring from close range.
United were lucky to win….. United fans all over the world can walk with pride with their heads held high for another season. A lucky goal, a disputed free kick, a bias referee and all sorts of reasons were given by Liverpool fans…..but a win is a win and another season of Liverpool having their tails between the legs. Maybe there is a transition of power in English football but that night belong to United and it showed everyone that United will not give in that easy. You want my place, come show and fight for it…..
As for the friend who sent me the sms……. I sms him immediately after the match…….“ You were right…I forgot totally about last week match…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”
Review :
Hero of The Match : Rio Ferdinand. Not because of the goal he scored but also his defending was top class that night. If Sven has any doubt or still thinks he’s lazy, I think Mr. Sven needs a new pair of glasses
Zero of the Match : Cisse no doubt. Liverpool could have won the match but he screwed the chance. And also for that ridiculous hairstyle.
Moment of the Match : Rio’s clearing the ball just before it crossed the line. Determination and also skill and a bit of luck I guess.
Team Performance : Manchester United 6/10
Liverpool 7/10
Although United won, I do have to admit that Liverpool controlled the game and United only came into the game in the last 25 minutes.
What If : Sissoko’s shot was not cleared?
1. Papers the next day will print “Birthday Boy Scored”, “United blown by Birthday Boy”
2. Cisse would not be practicing to score from 6 yards out now as ordered by Benitez
3. I will be the one receiving sms and e-mails kutuking me till next season match
4. Aida will be replying e-mails with more enthusiast, Jac will be having a better day and Hood would have love to talk about last nite game with the significant other……
Friday, January 20, 2006
The End of A Fairy Tale
It was The Theatre of Dreams and to the part timers of Burton Albion it was a dream they never thought will come true. After that famous draw at The Pirelli Stadium that can only accommodate about 6,000 fans a fort night ago, playing against one of the best team in the land at Old Trafford that can accommodate about 67,000 plus fans must have caused sleepless nights for the Burton players. Although the fairy tale ending that the players and fans might have wished before the game alongside the neutrals of the match did not materialize, it will always be the highlight of their football career…and oh……also the souvenir jerseys they got from their famous opponent.
Five goals were scored and watching that game, we have to be delighted with the future and prospect for the young players on show for United. Giuseppe Rossi is only 18 years old but the future look bright for the young Italian. His name actually have been on United fans’ lips since he can’t stop scoring goals with the reserves team and to be honest, Sir Alex must had seen something special about the boy that persuaded him to sign Rossi from Parma when he was only 16 years old. The game turn to a Rossi show when he scored two goals and created two others. His first goal was a beautifully headed goal from Silvestre pint point cross and the other one a sweet strike outside the box at the last minute of the game. His delightful flick for Richardson to race on and scored and also that beautifully place chip to release Giggs had everyone forgetting the absence of one named Rooney for the night. His was the star of the night and with Saha looking more disappointing and frustrating in front of the goal, Rossi had pushed himself up the pecking order. We can bet we will see more of him in the second half of the season after his performance last night that left Burton’s defence without any answers to contain him.
Gerard Pique was signed from Barcelona when he was also 16 years old and for the record, he is actually a day younger from Rossi. Although he has not yet got his chance to make his debut in the league with United, it wouldn’t be long before he breaks through. For a young defender, his ability to read the game and also the confidence he showed with the ball I am very sure Silvestre will have to make way for him soon. Bardsley again showed why Sir Alex was prepared to let Phillip Neville go to Everton when he have a liable and talented player on the right back to deputize the older Neville when he needs a rest. The overall verdict, United future look a bit brighter after last night FA Cup game.
The only missing element about last night game was an Ole goal. Every fans in the world were hoping he would and somehow the United players were also pushing for it too seeing from the constant distribution of the ball to the right late in the game. He was pushed to the front after to accompany Saha when Fergie brought in Guggs, Neville and Rio who actually played as a midfield player when United were 3 goals ahead. It was a pity not seeing Ole score but I am sure he will score again in the near future. Ole played a full 90 minutes and played on the right and his crossing was superb. A beautiful cross late in the first half was missed by Saha and Rossi but with that we can actually welcome our babyface assassin back. With Ronaldo being banned for 3 games after that red card at City, maybe Ole will get his chance although I don’t think he will be in the starting eleven in this weekend huge and important clash against the Scousers. He might be on the bench and maybe will be thrown into action later in the match.
With the convincing win against Burton and almost half of the first team are rested for this weekend match against Liverpool, we will expect nothing less than a win with the automatic place in next season Champions’ League is at stake. We just have to wait which red will be on top this weekend…..n for my ego and heart sake, let it be the Manchester Red….
Five goals were scored and watching that game, we have to be delighted with the future and prospect for the young players on show for United. Giuseppe Rossi is only 18 years old but the future look bright for the young Italian. His name actually have been on United fans’ lips since he can’t stop scoring goals with the reserves team and to be honest, Sir Alex must had seen something special about the boy that persuaded him to sign Rossi from Parma when he was only 16 years old. The game turn to a Rossi show when he scored two goals and created two others. His first goal was a beautifully headed goal from Silvestre pint point cross and the other one a sweet strike outside the box at the last minute of the game. His delightful flick for Richardson to race on and scored and also that beautifully place chip to release Giggs had everyone forgetting the absence of one named Rooney for the night. His was the star of the night and with Saha looking more disappointing and frustrating in front of the goal, Rossi had pushed himself up the pecking order. We can bet we will see more of him in the second half of the season after his performance last night that left Burton’s defence without any answers to contain him.
Gerard Pique was signed from Barcelona when he was also 16 years old and for the record, he is actually a day younger from Rossi. Although he has not yet got his chance to make his debut in the league with United, it wouldn’t be long before he breaks through. For a young defender, his ability to read the game and also the confidence he showed with the ball I am very sure Silvestre will have to make way for him soon. Bardsley again showed why Sir Alex was prepared to let Phillip Neville go to Everton when he have a liable and talented player on the right back to deputize the older Neville when he needs a rest. The overall verdict, United future look a bit brighter after last night FA Cup game.
The only missing element about last night game was an Ole goal. Every fans in the world were hoping he would and somehow the United players were also pushing for it too seeing from the constant distribution of the ball to the right late in the game. He was pushed to the front after to accompany Saha when Fergie brought in Guggs, Neville and Rio who actually played as a midfield player when United were 3 goals ahead. It was a pity not seeing Ole score but I am sure he will score again in the near future. Ole played a full 90 minutes and played on the right and his crossing was superb. A beautiful cross late in the first half was missed by Saha and Rossi but with that we can actually welcome our babyface assassin back. With Ronaldo being banned for 3 games after that red card at City, maybe Ole will get his chance although I don’t think he will be in the starting eleven in this weekend huge and important clash against the Scousers. He might be on the bench and maybe will be thrown into action later in the match.
With the convincing win against Burton and almost half of the first team are rested for this weekend match against Liverpool, we will expect nothing less than a win with the automatic place in next season Champions’ League is at stake. We just have to wait which red will be on top this weekend…..n for my ego and heart sake, let it be the Manchester Red….
White Rose.....Red Rose
I received an sms from a friend back home yesterday and it sounded like this (after a bit of adjustments)…….
“A sparrow was in love with a white rose. One fine day, the sparrow found the courage to confess his love to the white rose. The white rose who doesn’t have the same feelings told the sparrow that she will only love him if she turns red, knowing that this is impossible. The sparrow did the unthinkable. He tares his body and slowly spreads his blood on the white rose which turns her red. The rose was touched and fell in love with the sparrow but the sparrow was no more. This is true love......”
Is it true love? Does anyone even know the real meaning of true love? Did the sparrow actually showed the real meaning of true love…..to make sacrifices for your love and not expecting anything back? Or did the sparrow just proved that love is a dangerous thing that makes people do stupid things without realizing the consequences?
I personally don’t know what the meaning of true love is. The meaning of true love changes with every relationship we have…but one thing has always been the same. Love is a strange thing…..when u find that special someone, it is either sometimes you just want to kiss and hug them all the time but there are some times when you just want to shut them up and strangle them….but deep down inside, you just can’t imagine your life without them beside you……
As Jerry McGuire famously said line………………… “YOU COMPLETE ME”
“A sparrow was in love with a white rose. One fine day, the sparrow found the courage to confess his love to the white rose. The white rose who doesn’t have the same feelings told the sparrow that she will only love him if she turns red, knowing that this is impossible. The sparrow did the unthinkable. He tares his body and slowly spreads his blood on the white rose which turns her red. The rose was touched and fell in love with the sparrow but the sparrow was no more. This is true love......”
Is it true love? Does anyone even know the real meaning of true love? Did the sparrow actually showed the real meaning of true love…..to make sacrifices for your love and not expecting anything back? Or did the sparrow just proved that love is a dangerous thing that makes people do stupid things without realizing the consequences?
I personally don’t know what the meaning of true love is. The meaning of true love changes with every relationship we have…but one thing has always been the same. Love is a strange thing…..when u find that special someone, it is either sometimes you just want to kiss and hug them all the time but there are some times when you just want to shut them up and strangle them….but deep down inside, you just can’t imagine your life without them beside you……
As Jerry McGuire famously said line………………… “YOU COMPLETE ME”
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Inhale If You Dare
It came unannounced. I didn’t see it coming and I was not ready for it. I almost fainted as a result of it. It was my fault anyways because I should have not talked to him when he was too close. It was a fatal mistake on my part and I have to inhale the consequence. He was already beside me when he opened his mouth to answer my question…….everything was a blur after that because I was trying my very best not to breath for the next 1 or 2 minutes.
It was nasty. That was the epitome of bad breath. I wasn’t even concentrating on what he was saying because my brain just stopped. I have a sudden urged to elbow him and knock him out. I swear if he continued talking for another minute I would just collapsed. No way am I gonna take the risk to inhale the contaminated air from this man.
Did he forget to brush his teeth? Was he in a rush that he just though he skips brushing his teeth or is it just not in his daily routine to brush his teeth when he wakes up in the morning? How could he stand not brushing his teeth? Whatever the reason is, I just couldn’t be bothered because something has to be done. I have to talk to this bad breath man every single day and I don’t think I can stop breathing every time he talks…or can I?
What should I do? Should I be straight forward and maybe a bit rude and tell him to his face? Should I take the indirect approach like offering him sweets or chewing gum every time we have to discuss? Arghhh…. A dilemma. Well, I have to think of something because here comes the man with the rubbish truck breath!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was nasty. That was the epitome of bad breath. I wasn’t even concentrating on what he was saying because my brain just stopped. I have a sudden urged to elbow him and knock him out. I swear if he continued talking for another minute I would just collapsed. No way am I gonna take the risk to inhale the contaminated air from this man.
Did he forget to brush his teeth? Was he in a rush that he just though he skips brushing his teeth or is it just not in his daily routine to brush his teeth when he wakes up in the morning? How could he stand not brushing his teeth? Whatever the reason is, I just couldn’t be bothered because something has to be done. I have to talk to this bad breath man every single day and I don’t think I can stop breathing every time he talks…or can I?
What should I do? Should I be straight forward and maybe a bit rude and tell him to his face? Should I take the indirect approach like offering him sweets or chewing gum every time we have to discuss? Arghhh…. A dilemma. Well, I have to think of something because here comes the man with the rubbish truck breath!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Good Night....Sweet Dreams
I slept around 5.30am today and woke about 3 hours later. That has been the ritual for me this last month. Sometimes I didn’t sleep at all. I am having trouble sleeping they call it insomnia. Gone are the days where I can just sleep after 5 minutes I put my head on the pillow.Oh….how do I miss those days. Now, I can’t even force myself to sleep no matter what I do.
I tried counting sheeps but after the 1000 times jumping over the fence, the sheep got tired but I wasn’t. Jessica Alba took over from the sheep but man...the thought of Jessica Alba jumping over a fence..... Well, I don’t think any guy would even want to go to sleep with that image in his head. In the end, I would end up staring at the ceiling in the dark trying to figure out the best way for me to go to sleep. I would hit my pillow to make it much comfy. I would change my sleeping position and even going to the extreme of changing my “sleeping uniform”.
The funny thing is I have never felt sleepy during the day. Not a single bone in my body ache for a nice fluffy pillow and a drowning Dreamland mattress. I don’t have any problems waking up in the morning. It will be 8am sharp. No problem. A few weeks ago I was afraid that I would not be able to keep my eyes opened till the end of the day but somehow keeping it closed was more of a problem. The first few days when my sleeping problem haunted me, I was rushing back from work just to try getting some sleep before Maghrib. Instead of sleeping, I end up watching cartoons or Chinese drama that would be showing on TV. After that, I just quit and fill that time by working out at the gym and also my futsal game.
Am I too tired? Am I stressed? Am I thinking too much? Those are the reasons that I have heard that might cause insomnia but I don’t think I am experiencing any of that. I wish it was one of those so I don’t have to figure out what and why I am not sleeping. I just miss sleeping and maybe a dream or two or even now a nightmare will do. It is so frustrating not being able to give ur body and mind a deserved rest after a hectic day at the office. Something is wrong but I just don’t know what the problem is.
Not being able to sleep, in an empty dark apartment without any satellite TV is not fun…trust me. After failing to go to sleep, trying to think of a fun and best way to let the time pass that early in the morning is a task on its own. Reading a book, watching DVDs, listening to the radio, singing to the song on the radio, entering sms contest on the radio….all of that I have tried for the past month. Sometimes…well almost every night I would just amuse myself by interviewing myself….sounds nuts I know but when u are still awake at 4.30am and not knowing what else to do, it is fun imagining urself as the Oscar winner for Best Director, scored the winning goal that won United the Champions’ League and sometimes as the new man in Jessica Alba’s life…..and the list goes on and on and on…like the Energizer batteries.
Despite of all that crazy fun, I still want my sleep. I still want that pillow face when u wake up in the morning. I still want that sensational smell when u open ur mouth for the first time in the morning. I still want to complete the continent of Africa on my pillow. Jokes aside, I miss waking up fresh and rested after a good night sleep. It has been a long time since I can say I had a good night sleep and had a truly rested body. I am still feeling ok now and I hope for my own health sake, I can get back my sleeping routine.
Till then, I have to come up with new questions and also new characters for my “The Early Morning Show With The Red Raven……Huak…Huak…..”
I tried counting sheeps but after the 1000 times jumping over the fence, the sheep got tired but I wasn’t. Jessica Alba took over from the sheep but man...the thought of Jessica Alba jumping over a fence..... Well, I don’t think any guy would even want to go to sleep with that image in his head. In the end, I would end up staring at the ceiling in the dark trying to figure out the best way for me to go to sleep. I would hit my pillow to make it much comfy. I would change my sleeping position and even going to the extreme of changing my “sleeping uniform”.
The funny thing is I have never felt sleepy during the day. Not a single bone in my body ache for a nice fluffy pillow and a drowning Dreamland mattress. I don’t have any problems waking up in the morning. It will be 8am sharp. No problem. A few weeks ago I was afraid that I would not be able to keep my eyes opened till the end of the day but somehow keeping it closed was more of a problem. The first few days when my sleeping problem haunted me, I was rushing back from work just to try getting some sleep before Maghrib. Instead of sleeping, I end up watching cartoons or Chinese drama that would be showing on TV. After that, I just quit and fill that time by working out at the gym and also my futsal game.
Am I too tired? Am I stressed? Am I thinking too much? Those are the reasons that I have heard that might cause insomnia but I don’t think I am experiencing any of that. I wish it was one of those so I don’t have to figure out what and why I am not sleeping. I just miss sleeping and maybe a dream or two or even now a nightmare will do. It is so frustrating not being able to give ur body and mind a deserved rest after a hectic day at the office. Something is wrong but I just don’t know what the problem is.
Not being able to sleep, in an empty dark apartment without any satellite TV is not fun…trust me. After failing to go to sleep, trying to think of a fun and best way to let the time pass that early in the morning is a task on its own. Reading a book, watching DVDs, listening to the radio, singing to the song on the radio, entering sms contest on the radio….all of that I have tried for the past month. Sometimes…well almost every night I would just amuse myself by interviewing myself….sounds nuts I know but when u are still awake at 4.30am and not knowing what else to do, it is fun imagining urself as the Oscar winner for Best Director, scored the winning goal that won United the Champions’ League and sometimes as the new man in Jessica Alba’s life…..and the list goes on and on and on…like the Energizer batteries.
Despite of all that crazy fun, I still want my sleep. I still want that pillow face when u wake up in the morning. I still want that sensational smell when u open ur mouth for the first time in the morning. I still want to complete the continent of Africa on my pillow. Jokes aside, I miss waking up fresh and rested after a good night sleep. It has been a long time since I can say I had a good night sleep and had a truly rested body. I am still feeling ok now and I hope for my own health sake, I can get back my sleeping routine.
Till then, I have to come up with new questions and also new characters for my “The Early Morning Show With The Red Raven……Huak…Huak…..”
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Happily Ever After
It has always been an age old debate. Does age matter in a relationship? Most of us will say it d oesnt but when confronted by the sight of that odd couple, we would cringed and wonder why and what are the reasons? Money, power, status or is it really true love? I can bet true love would not be a popular answer but histories all over the world seem to support it. Anna Nicole Smith does not really help the cause with her antics.
I had my own fair share of stares and constants whispering before. I was in a relationship with an older woman. She was 10 years older than me. She was a divorcee with 4 young daughters. The eldest was 10 years younger than me, twins who were entering their teenage years and the youngest was 10 years old when I met her. We were a couple for a good 3 years before it all ended.
In any relationship, there will always be obstacles and challenges that you might have to face but being in a relationship that society deemed to be wrong not just in Malaysia but everywhere else in the world was something else. At first it was hard as going for movies or having a dinner outside were a challenge for us as we have to ignore staring eyes watching our every move and being judge d on the way we acted. Try as you might to be comfortable but when you just feel every single pair of eyes were fixed on you, it was a struggle. You thought after awhile it would stop but it never did and t became impossible to ignore. It became stressful and we usually opt for takeaways and vcds or dvds.
Other than trying to avoid the public scrutinizing us, convincing your family especially parents were not a smooth ride as well.When I told my parents, well, my mother actually that I was going out with a divorcee with 4 kids, she was taken aback but she accepted it and told me that I am mature enough to make my own decision….at first. But I guess family pressure and my father 's constant “advise”, she decided that I should be guided in making my decision. Parents know best and my grandma supported my parents ' “advise”. To be honest, I am not mad at them for not accepting the relationship. It was just sad that I was never given a chance to prove to them that I am matured enough to make my own decisions. But being the eldest and also a Muslim son, I am always taught that anything that is not blessed by your parents or older members of the family, it is advisable not to proceed further…which I followed.
Friends being part of the society and also human being were not that fond of our relationship. We were never in each other friends ' circle. We tried to fit into each others social life but it was impossible because there were too many sarcasms and awkward moments. My friends would be pushing me to leave her for someone younger with a brighter future and start a family of my own, not a ready made family. Her friends would be telling her that I was actually going for her money, her house and some even accused me of using her to get to her daughters. That also contributed to our already conflicted relationship. I don’t trust her friends and she doesnt trust mine. Our friends would find ways to introduce us to someone new which at first was funny but down the road jealousy took controlled. Trust was not there anymore and it was hard convincing each other that going out with friends were just an innocent night out or a social event.
We knew it was never going to be easy but we tried our best to make it happen. Making a relationship work by itself was hard enough. Trusting each other was hard enough. Trying to solve conflicts within was hard enough. Just ignore all those talks and stares, some people might say. Trust me, you can’t especially when family comes into the picture. We went our separate ways. It was hard for both of us but we do have to admit that we have to be fair to each other needs and future. Somehow, I think it was a blessing in disguised for us. She met a guy soon after that, who is also a divorcee with 2 kids and are now engaged to be married. I found myself a terrific and lovely lady who I thanked Allah SWT for letting our paths crossed.
Until the day when we are ready to accept love unconditionally, age will always be an issue to us. I learn that the hard way but I cherish the time we had. I had closed that book a long time ago and now I am opening a new book in my life. This time I wish it will end with…………………………
Happily Ever After
I had my own fair share of stares and constants whispering before. I was in a relationship with an older woman. She was 10 years older than me. She was a divorcee with 4 young daughters. The eldest was 10 years younger than me, twins who were entering their teenage years and the youngest was 10 years old when I met her. We were a couple for a good 3 years before it all ended.
In any relationship, there will always be obstacles and challenges that you might have to face but being in a relationship that society deemed to be wrong not just in Malaysia but everywhere else in the world was something else. At first it was hard as going for movies or having a dinner outside were a challenge for us as we have to ignore staring eyes watching our every move and being judge d on the way we acted. Try as you might to be comfortable but when you just feel every single pair of eyes were fixed on you, it was a struggle. You thought after awhile it would stop but it never did and t became impossible to ignore. It became stressful and we usually opt for takeaways and vcds or dvds.
Other than trying to avoid the public scrutinizing us, convincing your family especially parents were not a smooth ride as well.When I told my parents, well, my mother actually that I was going out with a divorcee with 4 kids, she was taken aback but she accepted it and told me that I am mature enough to make my own decision….at first. But I guess family pressure and my father 's constant “advise”, she decided that I should be guided in making my decision. Parents know best and my grandma supported my parents ' “advise”. To be honest, I am not mad at them for not accepting the relationship. It was just sad that I was never given a chance to prove to them that I am matured enough to make my own decisions. But being the eldest and also a Muslim son, I am always taught that anything that is not blessed by your parents or older members of the family, it is advisable not to proceed further…which I followed.
Friends being part of the society and also human being were not that fond of our relationship. We were never in each other friends ' circle. We tried to fit into each others social life but it was impossible because there were too many sarcasms and awkward moments. My friends would be pushing me to leave her for someone younger with a brighter future and start a family of my own, not a ready made family. Her friends would be telling her that I was actually going for her money, her house and some even accused me of using her to get to her daughters. That also contributed to our already conflicted relationship. I don’t trust her friends and she doesnt trust mine. Our friends would find ways to introduce us to someone new which at first was funny but down the road jealousy took controlled. Trust was not there anymore and it was hard convincing each other that going out with friends were just an innocent night out or a social event.
We knew it was never going to be easy but we tried our best to make it happen. Making a relationship work by itself was hard enough. Trusting each other was hard enough. Trying to solve conflicts within was hard enough. Just ignore all those talks and stares, some people might say. Trust me, you can’t especially when family comes into the picture. We went our separate ways. It was hard for both of us but we do have to admit that we have to be fair to each other needs and future. Somehow, I think it was a blessing in disguised for us. She met a guy soon after that, who is also a divorcee with 2 kids and are now engaged to be married. I found myself a terrific and lovely lady who I thanked Allah SWT for letting our paths crossed.
Until the day when we are ready to accept love unconditionally, age will always be an issue to us. I learn that the hard way but I cherish the time we had. I had closed that book a long time ago and now I am opening a new book in my life. This time I wish it will end with…………………………
Happily Ever After
Monday, January 09, 2006
David 1 Goliath 0
The giant scoreboard showed that 0-0 was the final result. No, I am not talking about a Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester United at Highbury. It was a 3rd round FA Cup game between Burton Albion and Manchester United at the Pirelli Stadium. Burton what? Yes, not just for non-football fan but to football enthusiast Burton Albion is not a name familiar to many of us.
Burton Albion came into the limelight when they booked their 3rd round FA Cup clash with United after beating fellow non-leaguers Burscough back in December. Burton is managed byNigel Clough, the son of the legendary Forest manager, Brian Clough. When Burton won the game, the odds where against them and everyone was predicting a landslide win for Manchester United, one of the top team in the world. A team of teachers, policemen, postmen or a local bartender who plays football part time does not really match up to professional players who earned £40,000-50,000 a week. Well, the end result of the game just proved to everyone that passion and determination can win u match anytime.
Looking at the United team sheet, it was more like a reserved team were being put out on the field. Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Saha were the only first team regulars while youngsters were filling up the rested players with the likes of Gerard Pique and Phil Bardsley in the defence, Ritchie Jones in the midfield and Giuseppe Rossi upfront. The absent of Neville mean Ole Gunnar Solksjaer who started his first game after almost 2 ½ season out with a serious knee injuries was the captain for the day. Although the team were a pale comparison of the regular squad but there were enough quality in the team to win the match and book United place in the 4th round but obviously Burton had other ideas.
From the kick off, Burton looked more like the team that can win the match. Brown and Pique were having torrid times trying to hold off Gilroy and Harrad who were terrorizing with their runs. United looked more like a conference league team than Burton. Ole was ineffective in almost the entire game when he was on and obviously he was still far away of being match fit. Jones was not the creative play maker needed to break down a tight and discipline Burton defence. Saha and Rossi were struggling to get a pass to do any damage. The condition of the pitch made it even harder for United to play their usual passing game and they have to opt for long balls to get any move going but that should not be a reason for a group of professionals to play badly. At the end of the first half, it was a moral victory for a Burton side who could have gone 2 goals up if not for the clearance on the line by Bardsley who worked his socks off for the team.
I was expecting a different performance by United after some “hair-drying” reminders from the gaffer. United started the half by trying to imposed themselves on the pitch with their passing but again on a sub-standard pitch, it was a hard objective to accomplish. Burton continued their pressing and with the minutes ticking away, the team grew more in confidence. United were chasing and struggling to keep up with the pace of the game as the ball failed to reach the final third of the field. An hour of the game passed when the gaffer realized he needed his big names to up the tempo or get humiliated. Out came Rossi and Ole and in came the 2Rs….Rooney and Ronaldo. Within the 1st minute of their introduction, United were almost one up but Saha threw the chance away with a miss kick. Burton were suddenly chasing and United were having it their way. As the time ticked away, Burton were having 10 men inside their half with Deeney have to save shots by Rooney and Saha and were also reduced to counter attacks. But with United pouring themselves upfront to get that all important goal there were times when United were left wanting at the back. Pique, Brown and Bardsley did a fantastic job in holding off the attacks.
Chances after chances came United way but all were in vain. United were lucky when a handball appeal on Pique was waived off for a foul on him and a deflected shot by Gilfroy did not have the power to guide it past Howard. The best chance for a winner for United came in the injury time when Ritchie Jones was denied by Burton’s keeper Deeney trailing legs when it was on its way in. That would be a cruel blow to a memorable and spirited performance by the non-leaguers. When the whistle was blown to mark the end of the game, the stadium exploded into cheers. Nigel was congratulated and smiling, the team were hugging each other and the fans were crying. Even United fans in the stadium were applauding their opponent but at the same time feeling disappointed and frustrated with the showing of their stars.
It was a game nobody would expect any different scenario. United strolling through another easy victory over a conference league team and it should be a damage limitation exercise for Burton. After 90 minutes of an exciting and pulsating football game, the scoreboard and the reaction of the stadium showed a different ending. It was the same last year with Exeter City although they stumbled in the replay when United pull out all the big guns. It might be the same case for Burton at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks but today it is Burton’s day. Today passion and spirit overcome big money. It may be a draw but for a team like Burton, it was the pinnacle for some of the players that they will tell to their children and grandchildren… the day a postman stop Wayne Rooney from scoring a goal.
Will the fairy tale continue for Burton Albion or will Goliath triumph in the 2nd battle? Neutrals and fairy tale lovers would definitely welcome a Burton win at The Theatre of Dreams but with the likes of Nistelrooy, Scholes, Giggs and a determined Rooney coming into the team, I personally don’t think it will be another upset. United will once again adopt their passing game and that would be hard for Burton to handle. I predict a win for United maybe a 2-0 or 3-0 win but Burton should be proud of their achievement and build on their new found confidence and also the shared profit they will get from the replay at Old Trafford.
Burton Albion came into the limelight when they booked their 3rd round FA Cup clash with United after beating fellow non-leaguers Burscough back in December. Burton is managed byNigel Clough, the son of the legendary Forest manager, Brian Clough. When Burton won the game, the odds where against them and everyone was predicting a landslide win for Manchester United, one of the top team in the world. A team of teachers, policemen, postmen or a local bartender who plays football part time does not really match up to professional players who earned £40,000-50,000 a week. Well, the end result of the game just proved to everyone that passion and determination can win u match anytime.
Looking at the United team sheet, it was more like a reserved team were being put out on the field. Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Saha were the only first team regulars while youngsters were filling up the rested players with the likes of Gerard Pique and Phil Bardsley in the defence, Ritchie Jones in the midfield and Giuseppe Rossi upfront. The absent of Neville mean Ole Gunnar Solksjaer who started his first game after almost 2 ½ season out with a serious knee injuries was the captain for the day. Although the team were a pale comparison of the regular squad but there were enough quality in the team to win the match and book United place in the 4th round but obviously Burton had other ideas.
From the kick off, Burton looked more like the team that can win the match. Brown and Pique were having torrid times trying to hold off Gilroy and Harrad who were terrorizing with their runs. United looked more like a conference league team than Burton. Ole was ineffective in almost the entire game when he was on and obviously he was still far away of being match fit. Jones was not the creative play maker needed to break down a tight and discipline Burton defence. Saha and Rossi were struggling to get a pass to do any damage. The condition of the pitch made it even harder for United to play their usual passing game and they have to opt for long balls to get any move going but that should not be a reason for a group of professionals to play badly. At the end of the first half, it was a moral victory for a Burton side who could have gone 2 goals up if not for the clearance on the line by Bardsley who worked his socks off for the team.
I was expecting a different performance by United after some “hair-drying” reminders from the gaffer. United started the half by trying to imposed themselves on the pitch with their passing but again on a sub-standard pitch, it was a hard objective to accomplish. Burton continued their pressing and with the minutes ticking away, the team grew more in confidence. United were chasing and struggling to keep up with the pace of the game as the ball failed to reach the final third of the field. An hour of the game passed when the gaffer realized he needed his big names to up the tempo or get humiliated. Out came Rossi and Ole and in came the 2Rs….Rooney and Ronaldo. Within the 1st minute of their introduction, United were almost one up but Saha threw the chance away with a miss kick. Burton were suddenly chasing and United were having it their way. As the time ticked away, Burton were having 10 men inside their half with Deeney have to save shots by Rooney and Saha and were also reduced to counter attacks. But with United pouring themselves upfront to get that all important goal there were times when United were left wanting at the back. Pique, Brown and Bardsley did a fantastic job in holding off the attacks.
Chances after chances came United way but all were in vain. United were lucky when a handball appeal on Pique was waived off for a foul on him and a deflected shot by Gilfroy did not have the power to guide it past Howard. The best chance for a winner for United came in the injury time when Ritchie Jones was denied by Burton’s keeper Deeney trailing legs when it was on its way in. That would be a cruel blow to a memorable and spirited performance by the non-leaguers. When the whistle was blown to mark the end of the game, the stadium exploded into cheers. Nigel was congratulated and smiling, the team were hugging each other and the fans were crying. Even United fans in the stadium were applauding their opponent but at the same time feeling disappointed and frustrated with the showing of their stars.
It was a game nobody would expect any different scenario. United strolling through another easy victory over a conference league team and it should be a damage limitation exercise for Burton. After 90 minutes of an exciting and pulsating football game, the scoreboard and the reaction of the stadium showed a different ending. It was the same last year with Exeter City although they stumbled in the replay when United pull out all the big guns. It might be the same case for Burton at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks but today it is Burton’s day. Today passion and spirit overcome big money. It may be a draw but for a team like Burton, it was the pinnacle for some of the players that they will tell to their children and grandchildren… the day a postman stop Wayne Rooney from scoring a goal.
Will the fairy tale continue for Burton Albion or will Goliath triumph in the 2nd battle? Neutrals and fairy tale lovers would definitely welcome a Burton win at The Theatre of Dreams but with the likes of Nistelrooy, Scholes, Giggs and a determined Rooney coming into the team, I personally don’t think it will be another upset. United will once again adopt their passing game and that would be hard for Burton to handle. I predict a win for United maybe a 2-0 or 3-0 win but Burton should be proud of their achievement and build on their new found confidence and also the shared profit they will get from the replay at Old Trafford.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Adik
An sms greeted my morning yesterday. It was from a close friend back home, Rose. It was quite a surprise as I would not expect her to sms me that early. She sent the sms at about 6 am. I was in tears after I finish reading it. Her daughter, Shaqirah Aqilah had just passed away because of lung infection. She was supposed to be 2 years old on the 14th of January. I saw her last during the Hari Raya when I went to Rose’s house
I was sad and confused. I thought it was supposed to be a simple tonsil operation. What happened? What went wrong? Later that day, rose and her hubby told me what happened. Rose just couldn’t stop crying while Saiful was trying to be strong but from the sound of her voice, he was just devastated.
Adik had her tonsil operation last week on the 28th. I remembered cos Rose sms me to tell me that it was a success. I was glad cos her operation was postponed twice before.The news yesterday was a shock to me because I never thought that anything would go wrong but kita hanya mencuba but Allah S.W.T. yang menentukan.
Rose told me that there were no signs that anything was wrong after the operation. The doctors only realize her lung was infected a day after. It was too late because the infection was spreading fast. Antibiotic was given but it was not working. On Sunday, her right lung collapsed. The doctors tried to instill some hopes dengan menebuk both her lungs. She was breathing with the help of the machine by then. Rose and family just can’t bear to see Adik suffering and they decided to stop the machine and she was gone.
I hope I would never have to make the same decision as Rose and her hubby did. A decision to let go of ur child because u can’t bear to see her suffer. Watching her little body trying to fight and stay alive. I am gonna stop here because….. I don’t know what else to say.
Semoga roh Adik dicucuri rahmat oleh Allah S.W.T. dan semoga Adik ditempatkan di kalangan golongan orang-orang yang beriman. Amin.
To Rose and Saiful, I hope u guys will be strong and terima semua ini sebagai qada’ and qadar daripada Allah S.W.T. Dia menjemput Adik awal untuk bersama-Nya sebab Dia menyayangi Adik.
I was sad and confused. I thought it was supposed to be a simple tonsil operation. What happened? What went wrong? Later that day, rose and her hubby told me what happened. Rose just couldn’t stop crying while Saiful was trying to be strong but from the sound of her voice, he was just devastated.
Adik had her tonsil operation last week on the 28th. I remembered cos Rose sms me to tell me that it was a success. I was glad cos her operation was postponed twice before.The news yesterday was a shock to me because I never thought that anything would go wrong but kita hanya mencuba but Allah S.W.T. yang menentukan.
Rose told me that there were no signs that anything was wrong after the operation. The doctors only realize her lung was infected a day after. It was too late because the infection was spreading fast. Antibiotic was given but it was not working. On Sunday, her right lung collapsed. The doctors tried to instill some hopes dengan menebuk both her lungs. She was breathing with the help of the machine by then. Rose and family just can’t bear to see Adik suffering and they decided to stop the machine and she was gone.
I hope I would never have to make the same decision as Rose and her hubby did. A decision to let go of ur child because u can’t bear to see her suffer. Watching her little body trying to fight and stay alive. I am gonna stop here because….. I don’t know what else to say.
Semoga roh Adik dicucuri rahmat oleh Allah S.W.T. dan semoga Adik ditempatkan di kalangan golongan orang-orang yang beriman. Amin.
To Rose and Saiful, I hope u guys will be strong and terima semua ini sebagai qada’ and qadar daripada Allah S.W.T. Dia menjemput Adik awal untuk bersama-Nya sebab Dia menyayangi Adik.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
The Morning After
I am sleepy. I only got about 4 hours of sleep before waking up at 8am for work. I am trying to cut down on my caffeine but today, I just have to forget about it because I am in dire need of a black coffee. After 4 days of holidays, I don’t want to start the first day of work in the New Year will a puffy red eye and non productive day. It is not my fault but all this happen because the papers gave the wrong information.
According to the papers yesterday, at 3.55am today, one of the much awaited and biggest match of the season should be played, well for me it is. It was Manchester United Vs Arsenal at Highbury. As I don’t have Astro at my place and I have and a must for me to watch this game, I just have to go to one of the mamak around town to catch it. I mean, if it is United against Sunderland, I wouldn’t even bother to wake up and watch the game even if I do own Astro. Well, I would actually wake up and watch that game if I own Astro…hehehehe. Let me make it a little bit clearer. I would not wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, and drive around Damansara at 3.45am till 4.45am to watch that game. Arsenal V United, missing that match was like having a date with Maya Karin and u stood her up because of work commitment.
So at 3.30am, I woke up after I forced myself to sleep at around 1am. I went straight to the window in my room to check if the kedai mamak kat depan my apartment were open. To my relief, it was and I quickly went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. No way I was taking a bath at 3.30am so powder and a bit of cheap perfume will do. I thought of wearing my bermuda shorts but I thought better of it. I decided to wear my jeans and my baju melayu.
At first I thought of walking je but it was 3.45am I am in no mood of walking, so I drove. There were three mamak that was still open. I decided to stop at the mamak that set up a big screen. There were a few other people and I took a strategic seat, just two tables from the screen. I was happy cos I can watch the game without distraction and also in comfort. I ordered myself a teh tarik and also roti canai. It was 3.50 and the game was about to start in about 5-10 minutes time. The screen was still showing the movie “Jeepers Creepers 2”. I guess they were just waiting for the game to start before they change the channel, I thought in my head. So I just sat and watched the movie with about 5-6 other guys. My order came and I checked my watch. Hmmm… it was 3.55am but they have yet to change the channel to ESPN. Maybe they will change it at 4.00am so I drank my teh tarik and enjoyed my roti canai. Both are hot and my whole body was thanking me for adding some heat.
10 minutes passed but I am still watching Jeepers Creepers 2 and the other patrons were enjoying the movie. I am getting restless. At the same time, I saw the waiters were cleaning up. Tables were folded, chairs were stacked up and the food was being cleared. Hey, what is going on? Dang, are they closing shop already? Just when the game was starting, they decided it was time to closed shop. Arghh….so I finished up my order and paid. I am getting out of here and look for another place. So like a mad man, at 4.15am, I was driving from Taman Tun to Uptown for the next 30 minutes looking for a mamak that opened and hopefully showing the game. To my frustration, none was. WWE was showing at one mamak while one was showing a Spanish telenovela. Arghhhh…they were not showing the game. I am gonna miss the game. So in frustration and despair I drove back to my apartment. It was almost 5am. I am tired, sleepy and feeling gloomy. I went to sleep straight away but before I doze off, I am still thinking of the reasons why they were not showing the game. The game being postponed or were the satellite connection not working were some of the reasons. I guess I will have to wait for later to know the reasons and also the result.
My alarm woke me up at 8am. I was contemplating of skipping work or maybe just apply for a half day leave cos I was sleepy and tired. 15 minutes after that I just forced myself up and took a cold shower, well, I don’t think I had a hot shower for ages. I got ready for work and when I was already inside the car, I realized that I forgotten to bring my socks along. Arghhh…so I have to go up to the 17th floor, opened the locked door and get the socks.
It was already 9am and as always, I will be listening to the news at 104.9fm. After the usual bad news about accidents and everything else comes the sports news. “Birmingham beat high flyers Wigan 2-0 to ease the relegation battle. Other EPL results are …………..”. Well, the Arsenal and United result must be the last one, I thought. “With Arsenal waiting for United tomorrow morning, Chelsea are 14 points ahead of their closest rival”
Guess, I’ll be having teh tarik and roti canai again at 4am again tomorrow.
According to the papers yesterday, at 3.55am today, one of the much awaited and biggest match of the season should be played, well for me it is. It was Manchester United Vs Arsenal at Highbury. As I don’t have Astro at my place and I have and a must for me to watch this game, I just have to go to one of the mamak around town to catch it. I mean, if it is United against Sunderland, I wouldn’t even bother to wake up and watch the game even if I do own Astro. Well, I would actually wake up and watch that game if I own Astro…hehehehe. Let me make it a little bit clearer. I would not wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, and drive around Damansara at 3.45am till 4.45am to watch that game. Arsenal V United, missing that match was like having a date with Maya Karin and u stood her up because of work commitment.
So at 3.30am, I woke up after I forced myself to sleep at around 1am. I went straight to the window in my room to check if the kedai mamak kat depan my apartment were open. To my relief, it was and I quickly went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. No way I was taking a bath at 3.30am so powder and a bit of cheap perfume will do. I thought of wearing my bermuda shorts but I thought better of it. I decided to wear my jeans and my baju melayu.
At first I thought of walking je but it was 3.45am I am in no mood of walking, so I drove. There were three mamak that was still open. I decided to stop at the mamak that set up a big screen. There were a few other people and I took a strategic seat, just two tables from the screen. I was happy cos I can watch the game without distraction and also in comfort. I ordered myself a teh tarik and also roti canai. It was 3.50 and the game was about to start in about 5-10 minutes time. The screen was still showing the movie “Jeepers Creepers 2”. I guess they were just waiting for the game to start before they change the channel, I thought in my head. So I just sat and watched the movie with about 5-6 other guys. My order came and I checked my watch. Hmmm… it was 3.55am but they have yet to change the channel to ESPN. Maybe they will change it at 4.00am so I drank my teh tarik and enjoyed my roti canai. Both are hot and my whole body was thanking me for adding some heat.
10 minutes passed but I am still watching Jeepers Creepers 2 and the other patrons were enjoying the movie. I am getting restless. At the same time, I saw the waiters were cleaning up. Tables were folded, chairs were stacked up and the food was being cleared. Hey, what is going on? Dang, are they closing shop already? Just when the game was starting, they decided it was time to closed shop. Arghh….so I finished up my order and paid. I am getting out of here and look for another place. So like a mad man, at 4.15am, I was driving from Taman Tun to Uptown for the next 30 minutes looking for a mamak that opened and hopefully showing the game. To my frustration, none was. WWE was showing at one mamak while one was showing a Spanish telenovela. Arghhhh…they were not showing the game. I am gonna miss the game. So in frustration and despair I drove back to my apartment. It was almost 5am. I am tired, sleepy and feeling gloomy. I went to sleep straight away but before I doze off, I am still thinking of the reasons why they were not showing the game. The game being postponed or were the satellite connection not working were some of the reasons. I guess I will have to wait for later to know the reasons and also the result.
My alarm woke me up at 8am. I was contemplating of skipping work or maybe just apply for a half day leave cos I was sleepy and tired. 15 minutes after that I just forced myself up and took a cold shower, well, I don’t think I had a hot shower for ages. I got ready for work and when I was already inside the car, I realized that I forgotten to bring my socks along. Arghhh…so I have to go up to the 17th floor, opened the locked door and get the socks.
It was already 9am and as always, I will be listening to the news at 104.9fm. After the usual bad news about accidents and everything else comes the sports news. “Birmingham beat high flyers Wigan 2-0 to ease the relegation battle. Other EPL results are …………..”. Well, the Arsenal and United result must be the last one, I thought. “With Arsenal waiting for United tomorrow morning, Chelsea are 14 points ahead of their closest rival”
Guess, I’ll be having teh tarik and roti canai again at 4am again tomorrow.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
2006
It is the eve of the new year 2006. Rather than looking back, i want to look into the future..my hopes and dreams for 2006. The good times, the bad times and the so so times that was 2005 will pass in about 8 hours time.Nothing i can do to change whatever that had happen but it will be part of my life to make me a much better human being.
The first thing that i hope for 2006 is finding a better and more secure job. Something that will give me more satisfaction, excitement and also abviously a much better pay. I dont want to go to work with a heavy heart every morning and dreading what the day is gonna bring to me.
I also hope that at the same time next year,there will be a Mrs. Red Raven in my life. I found The One for me and i hope what we have both planned will come true. I cant wait to end my single life and start a new one with her. I have to admit it will not be easy but i wouldnt want to start it with anyone else but her.
I hope that all my family and friends will also be blessed and all their dreams will come true. My life is blessed with beautiful and lovely people and seeing them happy and smilling will always completes my day. I pray that my parents health are improve, i wish my sisters will be successfull in their work and studies, i wish my brothers will finally land a better job for themselves, i wish my friends will be successful and find whatever they are looking for...fame, fortune,partner maybe.....
I also hope that United will once again find their greatness and overhaul Chelsea. If Fergie's future is in doubt i hope we will get a new coach in the form of Capello which honestly is not a bad candidate with his credential and experience. I hope we will finish as champion (and secretly wish Chelsea will falter in the second half of the season) and win the FA cup and also the League cup too....
I hope i can pursue my studies...in a field that i choose myself and i know i am gonna love. What it is, only a few people know. Hopefully, in maybe 3 or 4 years time, i can pursue a career in a field i know i will be at home.
I also hope that i can improve on my writing skills and at the same time improve my English diction. I hope my sherie will not have to correct me all the time and i can finally talk in English with more confidence. I also hope that i can eliminate most of my spelling and gramar mistakes in my writing.
I also hope i can control my temper. Although i do think i have improve but i hope i can just say bye to it all together and maybe communicate my frustration and dissapointment in a more civilize and matured way.
I hope i can improve on my communication and socializing skills. I hope i can try to be a bit more friendly and more approachable so i can make more new friends in this not so new place for me now.
I hope i will improve myseld as a human being, as a son, as a brother,as a boyfriend, as a friend and as a Muslim. Something that should not be done when it comes to new year only but i guess each and everyday of our life.
And finally, i hope that each one of you will be bless and may the next year of your life will bring happiness, success and all good things just come and knock your door....AMIN
p/s: for sherie....you have made 2005 a year i will always remember. you came into my life and just shine it. the rest of the year is a blur since the day i met u.
Song of The Year (English) - Believe Me(Fort Minor)
Song Of The Year (Malay) - Elegi Sepi(Azharina)
Movie of the Year (English) - Harry Potter 4 - The Goblet of Fire
Movie of The Year (Malay)- Baik Punya Cilok
Album of The Year (English) - The Emancipation of Mimi (Mariah Carey)
Album of The Year (Malay) - Yang Tercinta (Mawi)
News of The Year (World) - The Paskitan Quake
News of The Year (Local) - Datin Sri Endon's passed away
Sports Moment of the Year (World)- Liverpool come back to win the European Champions' League
Sports Moment of the Year (Local) - Selangor winning every single thing
Entertainment News of the Year (World) - Pitt - Aniston divorce or Pitt - Jolie dating
Entertainment News of the Year (Local) - Yusry - Erra announce marriage in trouble
Artist of the Year (World) - Mariah Carey
Artist of The Year (Local) - Mawi
The first thing that i hope for 2006 is finding a better and more secure job. Something that will give me more satisfaction, excitement and also abviously a much better pay. I dont want to go to work with a heavy heart every morning and dreading what the day is gonna bring to me.
I also hope that at the same time next year,there will be a Mrs. Red Raven in my life. I found The One for me and i hope what we have both planned will come true. I cant wait to end my single life and start a new one with her. I have to admit it will not be easy but i wouldnt want to start it with anyone else but her.
I hope that all my family and friends will also be blessed and all their dreams will come true. My life is blessed with beautiful and lovely people and seeing them happy and smilling will always completes my day. I pray that my parents health are improve, i wish my sisters will be successfull in their work and studies, i wish my brothers will finally land a better job for themselves, i wish my friends will be successful and find whatever they are looking for...fame, fortune,partner maybe.....
I also hope that United will once again find their greatness and overhaul Chelsea. If Fergie's future is in doubt i hope we will get a new coach in the form of Capello which honestly is not a bad candidate with his credential and experience. I hope we will finish as champion (and secretly wish Chelsea will falter in the second half of the season) and win the FA cup and also the League cup too....
I hope i can pursue my studies...in a field that i choose myself and i know i am gonna love. What it is, only a few people know. Hopefully, in maybe 3 or 4 years time, i can pursue a career in a field i know i will be at home.
I also hope that i can improve on my writing skills and at the same time improve my English diction. I hope my sherie will not have to correct me all the time and i can finally talk in English with more confidence. I also hope that i can eliminate most of my spelling and gramar mistakes in my writing.
I also hope i can control my temper. Although i do think i have improve but i hope i can just say bye to it all together and maybe communicate my frustration and dissapointment in a more civilize and matured way.
I hope i can improve on my communication and socializing skills. I hope i can try to be a bit more friendly and more approachable so i can make more new friends in this not so new place for me now.
I hope i will improve myseld as a human being, as a son, as a brother,as a boyfriend, as a friend and as a Muslim. Something that should not be done when it comes to new year only but i guess each and everyday of our life.
And finally, i hope that each one of you will be bless and may the next year of your life will bring happiness, success and all good things just come and knock your door....AMIN
p/s: for sherie....you have made 2005 a year i will always remember. you came into my life and just shine it. the rest of the year is a blur since the day i met u.
Song of The Year (English) - Believe Me(Fort Minor)
Song Of The Year (Malay) - Elegi Sepi(Azharina)
Movie of the Year (English) - Harry Potter 4 - The Goblet of Fire
Movie of The Year (Malay)- Baik Punya Cilok
Album of The Year (English) - The Emancipation of Mimi (Mariah Carey)
Album of The Year (Malay) - Yang Tercinta (Mawi)
News of The Year (World) - The Paskitan Quake
News of The Year (Local) - Datin Sri Endon's passed away
Sports Moment of the Year (World)- Liverpool come back to win the European Champions' League
Sports Moment of the Year (Local) - Selangor winning every single thing
Entertainment News of the Year (World) - Pitt - Aniston divorce or Pitt - Jolie dating
Entertainment News of the Year (Local) - Yusry - Erra announce marriage in trouble
Artist of the Year (World) - Mariah Carey
Artist of The Year (Local) - Mawi
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Gayat
I am afraid of heights. Dalam bahasa melayu, I ni gayat. How bad is it? Ask Sherie. I just shrieked like a girl when it comes to height. I would just forget that I am a guy and I should be macho and cool about it. I am not cos heights just frightens me. I would break into cold sweat. My face will automatically turn white. Jadi pucat semacam. Although I do try to get over it but so far, I still can’t
I went on a ride at the Euro Fun Fair at One Utama recently. Well, honestly it was not my idea because I would rather be throwing darts at balloons, sitting down playing bingo or catching plastic ducks and hope I win more than just a plastic rose flower. It was my dear Sherie’s idea to go on “The Vector” because it looked fun. She said that she doesn’t mind us not going on the ride but I know she wants to go up and I wouldn’t let her go alone. I could see that her eyes were looking at “The Vector” and you could just see how she really wanted to go on it. For her, the adrenaline rush that she gets from being thrown up in the air with only straps holding you to ur seat is fun. Not my idea of fun. What if the straps were loose? What if the machine suddenly rosak and we are hanging for our dear life? Arghhh……I was sweating and having a nervous attack but I said “Takpe lah…kita naik lah. Maybe it would be fun”….
She was getting excited and I was getting intoxicated with the idea of being thrown up in the air. I was whiter than Mr White at that time. When they strapped me up and I was hanging in the air, I was saying “Ya Allah” non-stop. We were about maybe 60 to 70 feet in the air and then the machine just flipped. The seat was also flipping. I was hanging for for dear life and I was quiet. I was very quiet. I was closing my eyes and I was sweating…cold sweat. It was flipping violently and Sherie was actually shouting with joy. With delight. How? Why? I was holding on and hoping I wouldn’t be thrown 100 feet away and die and she was screaming and laughing. She was happy and enjoying it.
Those 15 minutes was something I would not want to endure again in the near future. I just want to make sure that my feet are always on the ground and never should it be hanging 70 feet on the air. I had a nightmare that night. I was screaming and woke up from my sleep and I was wet from my sweat. Does that make me any less a man? I don’t know but I hope one day I will get over my fear of heights..maybe joining Fear Factor would help? Well, I don’t know but that evening I was actually on a flight back to Kuching……
I went on a ride at the Euro Fun Fair at One Utama recently. Well, honestly it was not my idea because I would rather be throwing darts at balloons, sitting down playing bingo or catching plastic ducks and hope I win more than just a plastic rose flower. It was my dear Sherie’s idea to go on “The Vector” because it looked fun. She said that she doesn’t mind us not going on the ride but I know she wants to go up and I wouldn’t let her go alone. I could see that her eyes were looking at “The Vector” and you could just see how she really wanted to go on it. For her, the adrenaline rush that she gets from being thrown up in the air with only straps holding you to ur seat is fun. Not my idea of fun. What if the straps were loose? What if the machine suddenly rosak and we are hanging for our dear life? Arghhh……I was sweating and having a nervous attack but I said “Takpe lah…kita naik lah. Maybe it would be fun”….
She was getting excited and I was getting intoxicated with the idea of being thrown up in the air. I was whiter than Mr White at that time. When they strapped me up and I was hanging in the air, I was saying “Ya Allah” non-stop. We were about maybe 60 to 70 feet in the air and then the machine just flipped. The seat was also flipping. I was hanging for for dear life and I was quiet. I was very quiet. I was closing my eyes and I was sweating…cold sweat. It was flipping violently and Sherie was actually shouting with joy. With delight. How? Why? I was holding on and hoping I wouldn’t be thrown 100 feet away and die and she was screaming and laughing. She was happy and enjoying it.
Those 15 minutes was something I would not want to endure again in the near future. I just want to make sure that my feet are always on the ground and never should it be hanging 70 feet on the air. I had a nightmare that night. I was screaming and woke up from my sleep and I was wet from my sweat. Does that make me any less a man? I don’t know but I hope one day I will get over my fear of heights..maybe joining Fear Factor would help? Well, I don’t know but that evening I was actually on a flight back to Kuching……
World Cup 2014 - Fantasy Or Reality?
The other night I was watching Scoreboard Extended on TV3. The topic was “Piala Dunia 2014- Fantasi atau Realiti?”. I am not sure if a lot of people know but it seems like FAM has targetted World Cup 2014 as the year where a Malaysian team will be part of the 32 elite teams. Meaning that Malaysia will be pitting their skills and game against the mighty Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany, France or other football power house. But like the topic that was discussed…is it a fantasy or a reality?
Can we in maybe 6 years time (deduct two years for qualifying round) prepare a team capable of reaching the final 32 teams? Less than a month ago we lost to Vietnam in the semi-final of the Sea Games. To qualify, we have to be among the top 5 nation in Asia which include Japan, South Korea, Arab Saudi, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait and with Australia joining the Asian Football Federation. We are not even the best in our South East Asia region and we are talking of reaching the World Cup in 2014.
Unless in that six years time we found a Rooney, a Ronaldinho, a Ronaldo or a Cech somewhere in our proud Malaysia, I don’t see this becoming a reality. Don’t accuse me of not believing in the “Malaysia Boleh” slogan but we do have to make sure what we dream of are at par with our ability and mentality. Right now, with the current state of our football, I don’t see any reason why we should be dreaming of reaching the 2014 World Cup or even the Asia Cup.
I do want to see Malaysia in the World Cup one day, don’t get me wrong. Even countries like Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana and even Trinidad & Tobago are gonna be playing in the World Cup this summer 2006 with their sudden emergence as a football nation. Malaysia will hopefully one day qualify but the road leading to the World Cup is long and bumpy. It has been a long period since Malaysia has given us anything to shout about. We are still basking in the memories of Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, Ghani Minhat, Soh Chin Aun and many more football legends in our country during the 70’s and early 80’s but what can we be proud of now? We have not won any major competition for over a decade with the gold medal in the SEA Games 1989 serving as the last proud moment in Malaysian football history. We have endured more humiliation with losing to minnow football countries like the Philippines and Myanmar in the SEA Games and also trashed by a Hong Kong team.
It is not just FAM responsibilities to guide Malaysia there but we as Malaysian should come together and also be part of that journey. FAM can plan and strategize to get a Malaysian team into the World Cup but without us helping, none of those plans and strategies will be effective as proven so far. I don’t think I am in a position to criticize FAM or any of the state FA but I think they should be more focus on the future of football rather than what we have now.
We should concentrate on the young generation of our country. We should make sure that the next generations of Malaysia’s footballer have a strong basic football skills and knowledge. These basic skills should not be taught to them when they are 14 or 15 years old but we should start from a tender age of maybe 6 or 7 years old when it is easier for them to absorb this information. If we teach them when they are teenagers, they have already created their own habit of playing and it is hard for them to accommodate skills that are basic. Some players are born with talents but if we do not help to sharpen their skills, the talent would just be a talent. From age group competition, coaches should identify players and the selected players should be put in a football academy to be set up in each state. Right now, the only sport school I know, correct me if I am wrong, is Bukit Jalil Sports School. In my opinion, we need more sports school or in this case football academies so we have a much wider pool of players to select from.
We do have age group competition and also Piala Presiden but we do have to understand that the players will only meet maybe a month before the competition and train together. After the competition, all of the players will go back to their respective school and will be coach by teachers who might not have any qualification to teach football. It would be better if we can keep group them into an academy where qualified coaches will coach them in all aspect of football. At the same time, this academy will also help to instill discipline so they can be a better professional. At the same time, the academy can make sure the boys are eating healthy to build their physical strength and body built.
Setting up the academies will definitely need a lot of money, but if MPPJ are willing to invest RM15 million into their M-League team, why can we persuade other major companies around the country to be major sponsors. At the moment, the focus of state FAs and also clubs in Malaysia are in the wrong direction. Instead of joining forces to develop Malaysian football, their major focuses are winning the league and the Malaysia Cup, which to me are short term success. Instead of parading new young players, these teams are proud to announce the recruitment of players from Indonesia, Ghana, South Africa or European countries who are not even good enough to make the grade in their own league. Maybe the foreign players to develop the young players in the team but so far, what have we achieve with foreign players in our league? The quality of football in our country has not improved and I dare say, is even lower than before.
Parents should also play an active part to help in the development of football for the future. In Malaysia especially, a career in sports in general is not a very popular choice for parents who would rather see their children to grow up as doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. With the introduction of football academies where the focus would not only be preparing their children to be professional footballers but also making sure their children education are on top of the list too. With this in mind, even if they do not succeed in making football as their career, they can also pursue their academic excellence. Being a professional footballer should not stop anyone to be a scholar too as proven by world class players and coaches around the world.
To achieve a dream of reaching the World Cup, all parties should be working together. Each one of us Malaysian should also contribute, directly or indirectly towards achieving that dream. We have to be patient to see the fruit of the investment. We should set a realistic target for our long term program. We should first be the best in South East Asia by winning the Sea Games gold and the Tiger Cup, and then to qualify and also win the Asia Cup. We need to establish our self and also maintain that performance before we can dream of qualifying and playing in the World Cup. And like I said, the key to this success is everybody needs to work together as a team without political or self interest which now ruining our football quality now. We need to be patient and also allow time to be on our side.
Maybe one day, we will see Malaysia in the World Cup. For the time being, the side of Malaysia winning the gold medal in the Sea Games or the Asian Games would be enough for us football fans.
Can we in maybe 6 years time (deduct two years for qualifying round) prepare a team capable of reaching the final 32 teams? Less than a month ago we lost to Vietnam in the semi-final of the Sea Games. To qualify, we have to be among the top 5 nation in Asia which include Japan, South Korea, Arab Saudi, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait and with Australia joining the Asian Football Federation. We are not even the best in our South East Asia region and we are talking of reaching the World Cup in 2014.
Unless in that six years time we found a Rooney, a Ronaldinho, a Ronaldo or a Cech somewhere in our proud Malaysia, I don’t see this becoming a reality. Don’t accuse me of not believing in the “Malaysia Boleh” slogan but we do have to make sure what we dream of are at par with our ability and mentality. Right now, with the current state of our football, I don’t see any reason why we should be dreaming of reaching the 2014 World Cup or even the Asia Cup.
I do want to see Malaysia in the World Cup one day, don’t get me wrong. Even countries like Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana and even Trinidad & Tobago are gonna be playing in the World Cup this summer 2006 with their sudden emergence as a football nation. Malaysia will hopefully one day qualify but the road leading to the World Cup is long and bumpy. It has been a long period since Malaysia has given us anything to shout about. We are still basking in the memories of Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, Ghani Minhat, Soh Chin Aun and many more football legends in our country during the 70’s and early 80’s but what can we be proud of now? We have not won any major competition for over a decade with the gold medal in the SEA Games 1989 serving as the last proud moment in Malaysian football history. We have endured more humiliation with losing to minnow football countries like the Philippines and Myanmar in the SEA Games and also trashed by a Hong Kong team.
It is not just FAM responsibilities to guide Malaysia there but we as Malaysian should come together and also be part of that journey. FAM can plan and strategize to get a Malaysian team into the World Cup but without us helping, none of those plans and strategies will be effective as proven so far. I don’t think I am in a position to criticize FAM or any of the state FA but I think they should be more focus on the future of football rather than what we have now.
We should concentrate on the young generation of our country. We should make sure that the next generations of Malaysia’s footballer have a strong basic football skills and knowledge. These basic skills should not be taught to them when they are 14 or 15 years old but we should start from a tender age of maybe 6 or 7 years old when it is easier for them to absorb this information. If we teach them when they are teenagers, they have already created their own habit of playing and it is hard for them to accommodate skills that are basic. Some players are born with talents but if we do not help to sharpen their skills, the talent would just be a talent. From age group competition, coaches should identify players and the selected players should be put in a football academy to be set up in each state. Right now, the only sport school I know, correct me if I am wrong, is Bukit Jalil Sports School. In my opinion, we need more sports school or in this case football academies so we have a much wider pool of players to select from.
We do have age group competition and also Piala Presiden but we do have to understand that the players will only meet maybe a month before the competition and train together. After the competition, all of the players will go back to their respective school and will be coach by teachers who might not have any qualification to teach football. It would be better if we can keep group them into an academy where qualified coaches will coach them in all aspect of football. At the same time, this academy will also help to instill discipline so they can be a better professional. At the same time, the academy can make sure the boys are eating healthy to build their physical strength and body built.
Setting up the academies will definitely need a lot of money, but if MPPJ are willing to invest RM15 million into their M-League team, why can we persuade other major companies around the country to be major sponsors. At the moment, the focus of state FAs and also clubs in Malaysia are in the wrong direction. Instead of joining forces to develop Malaysian football, their major focuses are winning the league and the Malaysia Cup, which to me are short term success. Instead of parading new young players, these teams are proud to announce the recruitment of players from Indonesia, Ghana, South Africa or European countries who are not even good enough to make the grade in their own league. Maybe the foreign players to develop the young players in the team but so far, what have we achieve with foreign players in our league? The quality of football in our country has not improved and I dare say, is even lower than before.
Parents should also play an active part to help in the development of football for the future. In Malaysia especially, a career in sports in general is not a very popular choice for parents who would rather see their children to grow up as doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. With the introduction of football academies where the focus would not only be preparing their children to be professional footballers but also making sure their children education are on top of the list too. With this in mind, even if they do not succeed in making football as their career, they can also pursue their academic excellence. Being a professional footballer should not stop anyone to be a scholar too as proven by world class players and coaches around the world.
To achieve a dream of reaching the World Cup, all parties should be working together. Each one of us Malaysian should also contribute, directly or indirectly towards achieving that dream. We have to be patient to see the fruit of the investment. We should set a realistic target for our long term program. We should first be the best in South East Asia by winning the Sea Games gold and the Tiger Cup, and then to qualify and also win the Asia Cup. We need to establish our self and also maintain that performance before we can dream of qualifying and playing in the World Cup. And like I said, the key to this success is everybody needs to work together as a team without political or self interest which now ruining our football quality now. We need to be patient and also allow time to be on our side.
Maybe one day, we will see Malaysia in the World Cup. For the time being, the side of Malaysia winning the gold medal in the Sea Games or the Asian Games would be enough for us football fans.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Put More Effort
How do u satisfy people? Boring betul lah ngan my work. As if I can force people to come and pay. I mean, I called this people sometimes sampai 5 times, to ask them to come and pay but kalau dia tak nak, should I be blamed for NOT PUTTING MORE EFFORT, the exact word my boss said to me. How? Should I go knock on their doors like an Ah Long? Should I track them down at the office and ask them to pay infront of their colleagues? Should I follow them home and harass them and their family for not paying their monthly membership fee? What I know is for the time being, I HAVE TO PUT MORE EFFORT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Mirror
When we look into the mirror, have we ever stop and look at our self? Do you only see the physical side only? Need to loose some weight? That white spot on your hair? That decreasing hair line? That extra inch on your belly? Too much love handle? The bags under your eyes?
Do you analyze your inner self? The sin you have done that day? Did you stab anyone at the back today? Did you lie to anyone? Did you hurt someone feelings today? Are you proud of the person that is looking back at you?
Now, we always forget to stop and look at our self. We never took time to see who and what we have become. We might look at the mirror every day but what we see is not what we should see. When we see our self, we see that we need to exercise a bit more because we are putting that extra pound. We don’t see the need to exercise more on our empathy and love for human beings. We just see what we need to improve on the outside but we don’t see what we need to improve inside.
We become sad when we see our hair is decreasing but we are not sad when our moral values are decreasing. We become obsess on putting more muscles on our body or to tone our self but we are not obsess on putting more muscles on our knowledge and Iman towards Allah. We sit for hours thinking the best dye for our hair but we never sit and think on how we can be a better human being.
We see what we want to see but we never realize what is beyond that. We want things to be perfect around us but are you perfect for the things around you? We want to be appreciated by everyone but do we appreciate others? We think we deserve a lot more but have we done anything deserving?
We look in the mirror every day but are we actually looking what we are suppose to see? Maybe we should start looking now………..
Do you analyze your inner self? The sin you have done that day? Did you stab anyone at the back today? Did you lie to anyone? Did you hurt someone feelings today? Are you proud of the person that is looking back at you?
Now, we always forget to stop and look at our self. We never took time to see who and what we have become. We might look at the mirror every day but what we see is not what we should see. When we see our self, we see that we need to exercise a bit more because we are putting that extra pound. We don’t see the need to exercise more on our empathy and love for human beings. We just see what we need to improve on the outside but we don’t see what we need to improve inside.
We become sad when we see our hair is decreasing but we are not sad when our moral values are decreasing. We become obsess on putting more muscles on our body or to tone our self but we are not obsess on putting more muscles on our knowledge and Iman towards Allah. We sit for hours thinking the best dye for our hair but we never sit and think on how we can be a better human being.
We see what we want to see but we never realize what is beyond that. We want things to be perfect around us but are you perfect for the things around you? We want to be appreciated by everyone but do we appreciate others? We think we deserve a lot more but have we done anything deserving?
We look in the mirror every day but are we actually looking what we are suppose to see? Maybe we should start looking now………..
Monday, December 19, 2005
SWK 101
Anyone planning to go to Sarawak any time soon? Maybe I can help with some of the local malay language. Beware that some of the words may sound the same but the meanings are totally different. Hopefully this will be of some help....and remember, to sound more Sarawakian, sebutan R tu kena tekan kan sikit…hehehehehe. This is just a few that I have compiled and honestly, there are a lot more. So if there is any Sarawakian words u want to know…just ask me.
A
Aok – Ya
Agak - Jumpa
Angol – Pening/Mual
Akhir – Lewat/Lambat
Acap – Banjir/Air naik
Ambik – Ambil,
Ngambik - Menjemput someone from somewhere
Asuk – Anjing
Anok – Marah
Abas – Lawat
Ngabas – Melawat
Api - Lampu
B
Bicu – Lipstick/Gincu
Burit – Punggung
Berolah – Nakal
Bengkeng – Degil
Bulu Mangsu – Bulu Kening
Berlagu – Menyanyi
Bujat – Buat perangai
Belon – Kapal terbang
Berayan – Meletak sesuka hati
Babo – orang yang selalu lupa atau nyanyuk
C
Congek – “bintang air mata”/suka menangis
Camne – Macam mana
Ceridak - Pengotor
D
Dango – Barang permainan
Berdango – bermain
Dolok – Dulu
E
Embak – Bawa
Engkah - Letak
G
Gago – Sibuk
Gurin – Baring
Gambong – Sama cam Bujat
Gerak – Bangunkan dari tidur
I
Inang – Pelihara seperti ikan, kucing, etc.
J
Juak – Juga
Jaik – Hodoh
Jenaka – Funny/ Lawak
Jerak – Tak akan buat lagi
Jeluak - Bosan
K
Kepak – Letih
Kedong- Alang-alang
Kemeh – Kencing
Kedak – Macam
Kenjar – Gatal
Kejeron- Busy Body
Kenak – Why
Kitak – Kau
Kamek – Aku
Kelakar - Cakap
L
Lawa – Sombong, Berlagak
Lewat – Tak kan lah
M
Maok – Mahu
Manok – Ayam
Motor - kereta
N
Nangga – Menonton/melihat
Ngerepak – Meleter
Ngabor - Berselerak
O
Olah - Perangai
P
Pusak – Kucing
Paloi – Bodoh
Polah – Buat
Molah – Membuat
Padah- Beritahu
Madah – memberitahu
Paluk – Pukul
Padu – Begitu
Pangkak – Langgar
Palak - Kepala
R
Raon – Ronda-ronda/Jalan-jalan
(Sik) Rajin – Tak suka/ Tak berkenan
Rindok – Suka
Ranggat – Kasar. Loud
Renah – Duduk diam,
Rami - Ramai
S
Somet – Misai
Siney – Mana
Sitok – Sini
Sia – Sana
Sik – Tak/Tidak
Sekoh –
Sidak – Mereka
Sak ati – benci/ tak suka
Sukati – actually singkatan for suka hati
Susu – Buad dada
T
Tandak – Tari
Bertandak - Menari
Tangga – Lihat
Tengah – Sedang
Tauk – Tahu
Taboh – Pukul
Tunok - Bakar
A
Aok – Ya
Agak - Jumpa
Angol – Pening/Mual
Akhir – Lewat/Lambat
Acap – Banjir/Air naik
Ambik – Ambil,
Ngambik - Menjemput someone from somewhere
Asuk – Anjing
Anok – Marah
Abas – Lawat
Ngabas – Melawat
Api - Lampu
B
Bicu – Lipstick/Gincu
Burit – Punggung
Berolah – Nakal
Bengkeng – Degil
Bulu Mangsu – Bulu Kening
Berlagu – Menyanyi
Bujat – Buat perangai
Belon – Kapal terbang
Berayan – Meletak sesuka hati
Babo – orang yang selalu lupa atau nyanyuk
C
Congek – “bintang air mata”/suka menangis
Camne – Macam mana
Ceridak - Pengotor
D
Dango – Barang permainan
Berdango – bermain
Dolok – Dulu
E
Embak – Bawa
Engkah - Letak
G
Gago – Sibuk
Gurin – Baring
Gambong – Sama cam Bujat
Gerak – Bangunkan dari tidur
I
Inang – Pelihara seperti ikan, kucing, etc.
J
Juak – Juga
Jaik – Hodoh
Jenaka – Funny/ Lawak
Jerak – Tak akan buat lagi
Jeluak - Bosan
K
Kepak – Letih
Kedong- Alang-alang
Kemeh – Kencing
Kedak – Macam
Kenjar – Gatal
Kejeron- Busy Body
Kenak – Why
Kitak – Kau
Kamek – Aku
Kelakar - Cakap
L
Lawa – Sombong, Berlagak
Lewat – Tak kan lah
M
Maok – Mahu
Manok – Ayam
Motor - kereta
N
Nangga – Menonton/melihat
Ngerepak – Meleter
Ngabor - Berselerak
O
Olah - Perangai
P
Pusak – Kucing
Paloi – Bodoh
Polah – Buat
Molah – Membuat
Padah- Beritahu
Madah – memberitahu
Paluk – Pukul
Padu – Begitu
Pangkak – Langgar
Palak - Kepala
R
Raon – Ronda-ronda/Jalan-jalan
(Sik) Rajin – Tak suka/ Tak berkenan
Rindok – Suka
Ranggat – Kasar. Loud
Renah – Duduk diam,
Rami - Ramai
S
Somet – Misai
Siney – Mana
Sitok – Sini
Sia – Sana
Sik – Tak/Tidak
Sekoh –
Sidak – Mereka
Sak ati – benci/ tak suka
Sukati – actually singkatan for suka hati
Susu – Buad dada
T
Tandak – Tari
Bertandak - Menari
Tangga – Lihat
Tengah – Sedang
Tauk – Tahu
Taboh – Pukul
Tunok - Bakar
Paling Cantik???
Watching 8TV’s Malaysia’s Most Beautiful really makes me wonder one thing. What makes a woman beautiful? “Pada rupanya kah, pada jiwa nya kah, pada iman nya kah?”and from that show, I would definitely not find an answer for that elusive question.
When I tengok the show, cam malu je cos the title of the show really that define the true meaning. Apa sebenar nya motive that show? If the producers’ nak Malaysian to see that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess I am just blind lah kot cos so far, I can’t see what make this woman beautiful? Contestants who are mulut laser, confrontational, mengada, bitchy, proud of her “assets”, malu makan kat kedai mamak???Again, what is the motive? Oohh…to find the most beautiful woman in Malaysia. And the juries have to find one out of these lots? I pity the judges.
In the first place, how did they choose this woman? Kalau Malaysian Idol, Akademi Fantasia or even Audition, u kena ada bakat menyanyi, well, even if a little for some, but at least u have that as one of the most important criterias kan? ability to dance would be an advantage, well again for some. Rancangan “Mencari Cinta” yang agak popular sedikit masa dahulu pun u know the criterias….the guy must be desperately in need of getting married…well, it is one of the criteria kan. At least you know what the purpose is. To woo the girl of your dream (well she is the only one in the show) and get her to fall in love with you and then get married…which along the way u will be one of the famous couples in Malaysia and also ur wedding sponsored..not a bad deal. What other reality show do we have here in Malaysia… Fear Factor Malaysia which is a poor cousin of the Fear Factor over at AXN, still have some motives and criterias….the criteria for the contestants is u must be willing to eat maggots, bitten by kala jengkings, hanging for ur life on a rope and being thrown into the sea just for RM10,000……so u see where I am going here……how did they choose this woman. What makes them Malaysia’s Most Beautiful?? What did they do that make them beautiful in the eyes of the juries??? I am confused.
I know that they want to make to get high rating for the show. That is why all the cat fights and laser talking and whatever is shown on tv but do we have to portray our supposedly Most Beautiful Malaysian like this. These women were supposed to be the cream of crops, best of the best and pride and joy of Malaysia. What if, by chance, a foreigner was to watch this show…what would they think? What kind of image do they have for our Malaysian women?
I don’t have any objection on airing Reality TV shows but please, do u think Malaysia need a show like this? A show which suppose to show the beautiful side of a women, inside and outside, but so far I have yet to really understand and identify the beauty of the contestants. Maybe I am blind and ignorant of what a beautiful woman should be but I can honestly choose another 20 or more women to replace the contestants. Women who know what beauty means inside and outside and they don’t even realize how beautiful they are. Women who appreciate life and beauty around them and forget to appreciate their own beauty.
Until then, don’t forget “Malaysia’s Most Beautiful” at 9.30pm on 8TV every Thursday to find out what is beautiful in the eye of the juries……….
When I tengok the show, cam malu je cos the title of the show really that define the true meaning. Apa sebenar nya motive that show? If the producers’ nak Malaysian to see that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess I am just blind lah kot cos so far, I can’t see what make this woman beautiful? Contestants who are mulut laser, confrontational, mengada, bitchy, proud of her “assets”, malu makan kat kedai mamak???Again, what is the motive? Oohh…to find the most beautiful woman in Malaysia. And the juries have to find one out of these lots? I pity the judges.
In the first place, how did they choose this woman? Kalau Malaysian Idol, Akademi Fantasia or even Audition, u kena ada bakat menyanyi, well, even if a little for some, but at least u have that as one of the most important criterias kan? ability to dance would be an advantage, well again for some. Rancangan “Mencari Cinta” yang agak popular sedikit masa dahulu pun u know the criterias….the guy must be desperately in need of getting married…well, it is one of the criteria kan. At least you know what the purpose is. To woo the girl of your dream (well she is the only one in the show) and get her to fall in love with you and then get married…which along the way u will be one of the famous couples in Malaysia and also ur wedding sponsored..not a bad deal. What other reality show do we have here in Malaysia… Fear Factor Malaysia which is a poor cousin of the Fear Factor over at AXN, still have some motives and criterias….the criteria for the contestants is u must be willing to eat maggots, bitten by kala jengkings, hanging for ur life on a rope and being thrown into the sea just for RM10,000……so u see where I am going here……how did they choose this woman. What makes them Malaysia’s Most Beautiful?? What did they do that make them beautiful in the eyes of the juries??? I am confused.
I know that they want to make to get high rating for the show. That is why all the cat fights and laser talking and whatever is shown on tv but do we have to portray our supposedly Most Beautiful Malaysian like this. These women were supposed to be the cream of crops, best of the best and pride and joy of Malaysia. What if, by chance, a foreigner was to watch this show…what would they think? What kind of image do they have for our Malaysian women?
I don’t have any objection on airing Reality TV shows but please, do u think Malaysia need a show like this? A show which suppose to show the beautiful side of a women, inside and outside, but so far I have yet to really understand and identify the beauty of the contestants. Maybe I am blind and ignorant of what a beautiful woman should be but I can honestly choose another 20 or more women to replace the contestants. Women who know what beauty means inside and outside and they don’t even realize how beautiful they are. Women who appreciate life and beauty around them and forget to appreciate their own beauty.
Until then, don’t forget “Malaysia’s Most Beautiful” at 9.30pm on 8TV every Thursday to find out what is beautiful in the eye of the juries……….
Friday, December 16, 2005
Sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel like crap. It has been a long time since i sakit.I think dah almost 5 months. No flu, no demam, no cough, no nothing. That is until last night.I was looking forward to watching "Aeon Flux" with Sherie at 9.20pm. Dah book ticket but nasib baik belum beli lagi. I did not feel the best the whole day but i tot maybe because tired lah, after 3 days in a row of working out and futsal. When i came home, after Magrib tot to rest and sleep for awhile before picking up Sherie at 8.15pm but while trying to sleep, i feel a sudden rush of cold. Sejuk giler..i was shivering..rasa cam my whole body is covered by ice...i sms Sherie telling her i feel sick and might not be ok to watch the movie. She called me and at that time my head rasa cam kena pukul with a hammer, my body covered by ice, my eyes were cellotaped together, my legs were tied with iron balls and my perut was used for drums....she said she nak bring me to the clinic but i said no cos i dont feel i can walk or go anywhere. She said she will come over and buy me some food.
She came and brought pills and nasi ayam.With the first bite, i was on the way to the toilet a few seconds after that.I was vomiting like heck...every thing came out even the milo i drank for my breakfast. sorry to gross u out but dang. She start to scold me for not eating properly, for skipping my breakfast,lunch and dinner. She suspected that i kena gastric but i dont know. She went home after making sure i was ok. I cant even walk her to the door to see her out. That's how crappy i felt.
After she went back i slept. Woke up around 2.30 and sms my boss. Told her i wouldn't be able to go to work.I felt a bit better when i woke up (woke a few time to say hi to intro my arse and the toilet boil)Sherie sms me saying she wants me to take me to the clinic. I still dont know what is wrong with me and i was hoping the doctor would be able to. I still dont know what is wrong but at least i feel much better after takng the dozens of medicines from the doctor. If i am kinda merepek in here, i think it is because of the effect from the medicines...
I am recovering...and i have to go buy food now before sherie shout at me cos not eating again..she just sms me and it simplu say " Yang...please dont get me started again"...and trust me, i dont want to get her started again cos she will not stop ok....
She came and brought pills and nasi ayam.With the first bite, i was on the way to the toilet a few seconds after that.I was vomiting like heck...every thing came out even the milo i drank for my breakfast. sorry to gross u out but dang. She start to scold me for not eating properly, for skipping my breakfast,lunch and dinner. She suspected that i kena gastric but i dont know. She went home after making sure i was ok. I cant even walk her to the door to see her out. That's how crappy i felt.
After she went back i slept. Woke up around 2.30 and sms my boss. Told her i wouldn't be able to go to work.I felt a bit better when i woke up (woke a few time to say hi to intro my arse and the toilet boil)Sherie sms me saying she wants me to take me to the clinic. I still dont know what is wrong with me and i was hoping the doctor would be able to. I still dont know what is wrong but at least i feel much better after takng the dozens of medicines from the doctor. If i am kinda merepek in here, i think it is because of the effect from the medicines...
I am recovering...and i have to go buy food now before sherie shout at me cos not eating again..she just sms me and it simplu say " Yang...please dont get me started again"...and trust me, i dont want to get her started again cos she will not stop ok....
Tiru Lagi
| Your 2005 Song Is |
 Beverly Hills by Weezer "My automobile is a piece of crap My fashion sense is a little whack And my friends are just as screwy as me" You breezed through 2005 in your own funky style! |
| Your Porn Star Name Is... |
 |
| The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic |
 Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few. But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky. Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski |
| You Have a Melancholic Temperament |
 Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything. You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life. You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you. Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace. You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life. Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times. At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you. You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others. You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult. |
Monday, December 12, 2005
Down And Out
Out of the Champions League. After a glorious run of 9 consecutive years of going through the group stages and into the final 16, United have failed to make it 10 this year. The lost against Benfica at the Stadium of Light not just booted United out of the European Cup but also doomed United to the bottom of the league. Not even a UEFA cup place which were vacated by Lille, although the have the same points, who have a better head to head record than United. A nightmare end to United European challenge this year. Making it worst, all English team, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Glasgow Rangers…yes…Rangers of the Scottish League who are now, if I am not mistaken 5th in their domestic league are through.
I stayed up to watch that match. I just don’t want to miss a chance to see the boys destroy Benfica just like Best did in the 1966 quarter final and also the 1968 final. 6 minutes gone, Scholes scored although he looks uncertain and surprised when he bundled in the newly appointed Captain Neville cross. We are at that point through and it looks like it was gonna be a rout and Best memories of those two nights when he announced his emergence as a new football hero and legend. But 10 minutes after that dream start, a header from Giovanni just dash those memories away and Beto’s deflected shot in the 34th minutes just destroyed the hearts of everyone associated with United. As a fan, a sense of anxiety and frustration was creeping inside of me when the time was ticking away closer to the end of the match. I was hoping for a miracle from Rooney, Ronaldo, Ruud and honestly even from Richardson when he came in as a late substitute. Anyone at all. Villareal did us a favour by winning the other match. We just need one goal and whoever scored that goal would have been elevated to “OLE” status. But that elusive and all important goal just wouldn’t come. I bet Ruud would trade 10 of his European goals for one that night. Rooney wouldn’t mind giving up his magnificent hatrick debut against Fenerbache for that one goal. Benfica’s time wasting tactics were horrible with their players just falling down at will, theatrically, with any contact or a dash of a wind from any United players. Frustration and anxiety surrounded the players can be felt by me as a fan. Nothing was working not even with almost 80% of the possession of the ball in the 2nd half. And to make it worst, not even a decent shot on goal except for that Ronaldo half pass half shot moment, when honestly he should have squared it to Scholes to tap in.
When the referee blew the whistle to end the match, United players’ head dropped, hands on their hips and some looking at the sky, maybe to ask forgiveness from Best for the way they played and end their European journey this season. Scoring only 3 goals in 6 matches and 4 matches without a goal. That’s how United performed in this year Champions League against Villareal and Lille who are debutants and also Benfinca. When the draw were made back in August, it looked like United were gonna strolled through the group stage and relishing another successful assault on the big prize. None of the teams in the group have the European pedigree and experience like United, well, other than Benfica back in the 60’s when Eusibio reign proud. Come December, Villareal topped the group and United looking from the bottom of group and wondering what went wrong.
Out of the Champions League meaning an estimated income of 15 million are gone. Fergie’s future as the gaffer is in doubts and there are speculations that he will not be the one running the show in the new season. Less money are in the kitty bag to buy new and big name player needed to boost the team in the January transfer market and also the lure of European matches are not there anymore to attract players especially with the World Cup is just around the corner. The fall of once a great club will be hoarding the papers all around the world. Those are just some of the consequences of missing the boat and going out a little too early for a team like United.
A quick fix is needed for the current United team. Fergie have come out and said United don’t need Ballack because they have to concentrate on certain areas of the field that need strengthening. But where in particular do we need streghtening when Chelsea have two for each position in their team.
The defenses honestly in my view need someone more assured than Silvestre and Ferdinand need to discover his form. Gerard Pique who is waiting for his chance to break into the first team is great for the future but again, he need more playing time and experience to make his mark. Maybe this highly rated center back should be given a chance now rather than later because Silvestre is not really performing now.
In the midfield, although Smith is getting better with his role as the midfield engine and the all action man, he does not have the charisma and edge like Keano. Keano was born for that role, Smith have to learn it. We may not find another Keano (closest to a Keano was Chelsea’s Essien) but we do need someone to control and deliver in that midfield. Scholes and Giggs had been loyal and great players, but we do need buffing up in that department to challenge Chelsea in the league and also to be competitive in the European game. Ronaldo, Fletcher, Park, Richardson are for the future but again, they just lack experience. We need someone who can lead and gel the young players together. Ronaldo sometimes overdo his trick and he ending up confusing himself or even his teammates. Maybe with maturity, his vision and overall view of the game will change and for United sake, I hope he mature soon.
I don’t see any problems in the attacking department. We have Ruud, Rooney who is only 20, Saha who is coming back after a terrible start to his United career and also Rossi, the young Italian who promise a lot in the future. The lack of goals going in is more to the service provided to them were non-existence.
The most important thing that needed beefing up is the temperament of the squad as a whole. The ability to chase the game and also to close out the opponent. For the past two season, United lost that edge and that ablity to just push up and change their gear when needed. The game against Portsmouth is the only game so far this season that United won with more than a goal advantage. Maybe Fergie have mellowed down with age but senior players in the squad like Giggsy, Scholesy and Neville should take that responsibility on the field and push the team young team. United of the past would not hang their head and give up the game even when there are 3-0 down. Remember the Spurs game, when we were down 3-0 at the Lane after the first half and came out top with a 5-3 win? That was the game that symbolize United. The determination to win and not giving up until the last minute is our game. Remember that 2 amazing goal in the 3 minute injury time during the final of the 99 European cup? Can this new generation of United players give us the same belief that the United team of the past gave us?
Sad it may be, United fans are not looking for any European games for the first time after 9 years after Christmas. United are still in the domestic cups and also still challenging for the league. The only good thing we can find from losing out on the European nights are we can actually concentrate on wrestling the premier league from Chelsea. More rest time and also more focus. I just hope and pray and I know, United will rise from the season which seem like everything just doesn’t seem to go our way. From one lost to one tragedy to one controversy but one thing I am sure, true United fan will always be behind the club and will always support United.
I stayed up to watch that match. I just don’t want to miss a chance to see the boys destroy Benfica just like Best did in the 1966 quarter final and also the 1968 final. 6 minutes gone, Scholes scored although he looks uncertain and surprised when he bundled in the newly appointed Captain Neville cross. We are at that point through and it looks like it was gonna be a rout and Best memories of those two nights when he announced his emergence as a new football hero and legend. But 10 minutes after that dream start, a header from Giovanni just dash those memories away and Beto’s deflected shot in the 34th minutes just destroyed the hearts of everyone associated with United. As a fan, a sense of anxiety and frustration was creeping inside of me when the time was ticking away closer to the end of the match. I was hoping for a miracle from Rooney, Ronaldo, Ruud and honestly even from Richardson when he came in as a late substitute. Anyone at all. Villareal did us a favour by winning the other match. We just need one goal and whoever scored that goal would have been elevated to “OLE” status. But that elusive and all important goal just wouldn’t come. I bet Ruud would trade 10 of his European goals for one that night. Rooney wouldn’t mind giving up his magnificent hatrick debut against Fenerbache for that one goal. Benfica’s time wasting tactics were horrible with their players just falling down at will, theatrically, with any contact or a dash of a wind from any United players. Frustration and anxiety surrounded the players can be felt by me as a fan. Nothing was working not even with almost 80% of the possession of the ball in the 2nd half. And to make it worst, not even a decent shot on goal except for that Ronaldo half pass half shot moment, when honestly he should have squared it to Scholes to tap in.
When the referee blew the whistle to end the match, United players’ head dropped, hands on their hips and some looking at the sky, maybe to ask forgiveness from Best for the way they played and end their European journey this season. Scoring only 3 goals in 6 matches and 4 matches without a goal. That’s how United performed in this year Champions League against Villareal and Lille who are debutants and also Benfinca. When the draw were made back in August, it looked like United were gonna strolled through the group stage and relishing another successful assault on the big prize. None of the teams in the group have the European pedigree and experience like United, well, other than Benfica back in the 60’s when Eusibio reign proud. Come December, Villareal topped the group and United looking from the bottom of group and wondering what went wrong.
Out of the Champions League meaning an estimated income of 15 million are gone. Fergie’s future as the gaffer is in doubts and there are speculations that he will not be the one running the show in the new season. Less money are in the kitty bag to buy new and big name player needed to boost the team in the January transfer market and also the lure of European matches are not there anymore to attract players especially with the World Cup is just around the corner. The fall of once a great club will be hoarding the papers all around the world. Those are just some of the consequences of missing the boat and going out a little too early for a team like United.
A quick fix is needed for the current United team. Fergie have come out and said United don’t need Ballack because they have to concentrate on certain areas of the field that need strengthening. But where in particular do we need streghtening when Chelsea have two for each position in their team.
The defenses honestly in my view need someone more assured than Silvestre and Ferdinand need to discover his form. Gerard Pique who is waiting for his chance to break into the first team is great for the future but again, he need more playing time and experience to make his mark. Maybe this highly rated center back should be given a chance now rather than later because Silvestre is not really performing now.
In the midfield, although Smith is getting better with his role as the midfield engine and the all action man, he does not have the charisma and edge like Keano. Keano was born for that role, Smith have to learn it. We may not find another Keano (closest to a Keano was Chelsea’s Essien) but we do need someone to control and deliver in that midfield. Scholes and Giggs had been loyal and great players, but we do need buffing up in that department to challenge Chelsea in the league and also to be competitive in the European game. Ronaldo, Fletcher, Park, Richardson are for the future but again, they just lack experience. We need someone who can lead and gel the young players together. Ronaldo sometimes overdo his trick and he ending up confusing himself or even his teammates. Maybe with maturity, his vision and overall view of the game will change and for United sake, I hope he mature soon.
I don’t see any problems in the attacking department. We have Ruud, Rooney who is only 20, Saha who is coming back after a terrible start to his United career and also Rossi, the young Italian who promise a lot in the future. The lack of goals going in is more to the service provided to them were non-existence.
The most important thing that needed beefing up is the temperament of the squad as a whole. The ability to chase the game and also to close out the opponent. For the past two season, United lost that edge and that ablity to just push up and change their gear when needed. The game against Portsmouth is the only game so far this season that United won with more than a goal advantage. Maybe Fergie have mellowed down with age but senior players in the squad like Giggsy, Scholesy and Neville should take that responsibility on the field and push the team young team. United of the past would not hang their head and give up the game even when there are 3-0 down. Remember the Spurs game, when we were down 3-0 at the Lane after the first half and came out top with a 5-3 win? That was the game that symbolize United. The determination to win and not giving up until the last minute is our game. Remember that 2 amazing goal in the 3 minute injury time during the final of the 99 European cup? Can this new generation of United players give us the same belief that the United team of the past gave us?
Sad it may be, United fans are not looking for any European games for the first time after 9 years after Christmas. United are still in the domestic cups and also still challenging for the league. The only good thing we can find from losing out on the European nights are we can actually concentrate on wrestling the premier league from Chelsea. More rest time and also more focus. I just hope and pray and I know, United will rise from the season which seem like everything just doesn’t seem to go our way. From one lost to one tragedy to one controversy but one thing I am sure, true United fan will always be behind the club and will always support United.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Buta Tarikh
Last Saturday, I watched a DVD I borrowed from Sherie. The movie title is “Must Love Dogs”. John Cusack and Diane Lane starred. It is basically about a woman who got divorced for 8 months and having a hard time getting over it. She have a big family, I think she have like 2 sisters and 2 brothers and a dad who were all trying to fix her up with a man and get over her divorce. But somehow she just finds it’s hard to actually be part of the dating game again after years of marriage. With her sisters’ help, she actually answered “the lonely hearts” ads and end up answering her own dad’s ads. Her sisters, not giving up, actually created an account in the internet for her and that’s where all the excitement begins.
While I was watching this movie, I was thinking and counting how many times I had actually gone out on blind dates set up by family and friends. And of course, dates set up by myself with the chat friends in the countless chat rooms and also partner matching love looking sites on the net. I guess it is easier now for us than our moms or dads before us to find a date. We have a wider range of choices and also the technologies advancement have helped us a lot in finding that one true love…but that one I leave for discussion another time cos rite now, it is about blind dates…haahahaha…
I don’t think I am the only who have experience of being set up for blind dates, mostly by my dear close friends. I mean, I know that they have my best interest in their heart but usually...well most of the time, I would find that their “interest” are not that interesting or not interested in me. They just don’t want me to be alone especially when attending dinner parties, weddings, get together, etc…basically they don’t want me to say no to every invitations just because I don’t have anyone to go with. Some of my friends even set me up because they just want to know my sexual preferences (and for the last time Kak Dayang, I am not gay. Don’t worry ok). And of course, they just don’t want me to be in the bujang lapuk statistics…….
Like I said, I had experienced being set up for dates by family and friends. Some I choose to cherish some I choose to erase it out from my memories. The moment u heard one of ur aunties or friends said “I have someone I want to introduce to you. I think she is just perfect for you”….a big “Oh No!” suddenly appears in ur head. And they would continue…” she is smart, polite, nice young lady. U should try and meet her. This is her number or if you want, I can arrange something for you, maybe a small gathering so u guys can meet up. Ok? U can thank me later. Trust me, u r gonna love her”……and for the record, I have not thanked anyone yet…..it is not like I don’t appreciate what they do but man….blind dates are hard
I like to categorize my blind dates into 3. The first one would be FFD (Family Friend’s Daughter). I would hear this girl’s name almost everyday for almost a week. “ Anak Mak Cik Midah kau tu, Nurul, baru je graduate and balik kat sini. Mak ingat nak invite them for dinner. U have plans tak this weekend?” my mom would say. I know what she is doing but would u say “I have plans. I want to go out and meet my friends and watch some football”…just to get away but u know no matter how u want to avoid it; u MUST meet anak Mak Cik Midah. Usually dates like this have the criteria below:
a) Daughter of a family friend
b) Usually wears tudung
c) Just graduated
d) Usually about 5-6 years younger
e) Close friends when we are kids
f) Introduce again during Hari Raya or some family gathering i.e. cousin’s wedding, doa selamat
g) Mom will call me to her room and ask me to meet the girl.
The second category I think I called it FWC (Friends’ Who Care) category. The usual introduction to this would be “I have a colleague, Milah is her name. She is such a sweet young girl. Smart and have a good sense of humor too. I just can’t believe it when she told me that she is single. I mean being pretty and all. I don’t know why, but I just think she is perfect for you. You are gonna love her.” And on and on and on…..by the end of the day I would have the girl’s number and at nite I would receive an sms reminding me to call MILAH…..which u obediently obliged. The criterias are:
a) Friend’s colleague or x-school or uni mate
b) Hair usually coloured
c) Working
d) Usually the same age
e) Never met her but she is suppose to be perfect for me
f) By word of mouth or at a party or some gathering
g) Friend will call or sms your phone before the date, during the date and after the date
The last category I would like to call WWW (World Wide Web). Yups, from the internet. Chat rooms and countless friendship or relationship website that connects you to people u would never meet. People all around the world, across the ocean, across the nation……the wonderful world of internet and technologies. This one is obviously by ur own hard work..it is u know...trying to make ur profile or u nick name (abg_misai_single, nani_lonely_gal, etc) sounds good and of cos to get some attention. The usual introduction usually a/s/l (chat rooms) or “Hi! Just wanted to drop by and say hi.” (message to ur account). The criterias would be:
a) Don’t know
b) Depends on the avatar or when the pix was taken
c) Working maybe, though the occupation column does sounds a bit strange ( Dreamer/ Dapur Officer)
d) Ermm….one day it is 18 but maybe tomorrow it can be 25, depending on who she talk to
e) I just hope the one in the pix is her cos damn she is hot
f) Depends on how frequent are u on the net and surf through
g) u keep it a secret
I guess most of my friends would have a similar list. Being a 30 year old man and always alone, i had my fair share of blind dates. I didn't come up with the categories and criterias above from just 3 blind dates...i think for the past 2 years, i had almost 2 blind dates set up in a month by friends, family and urs truly from the net. I certainly don't want to be alone and at one point, well, earlier this year, i actually was contemplating of asking my mom to look for a wife. I was tired of all the dating process, the getting to know part, etc....i just want to just forget about it....well...that was the plan
I have been through a lot of dating process, blind dates or whatever dates u can think of, but I guess the main thing is meeting the right person, at the right time and also with the right intention. It doesn’t matter who set u up or where u meet, the main thing is when the right person comes, u just know it. I found mine, just when i thought i would end up alone.
Put too much expetaction, u might be dissapointed. Accept what comes your way and love it for what it is, not what u expect and want it to be.....
p/s: before i terlupa...Cher scored 5 goals in last nite game, and sadly 3 goals were scored when i was the goalie....wa wa wa....
While I was watching this movie, I was thinking and counting how many times I had actually gone out on blind dates set up by family and friends. And of course, dates set up by myself with the chat friends in the countless chat rooms and also partner matching love looking sites on the net. I guess it is easier now for us than our moms or dads before us to find a date. We have a wider range of choices and also the technologies advancement have helped us a lot in finding that one true love…but that one I leave for discussion another time cos rite now, it is about blind dates…haahahaha…
I don’t think I am the only who have experience of being set up for blind dates, mostly by my dear close friends. I mean, I know that they have my best interest in their heart but usually...well most of the time, I would find that their “interest” are not that interesting or not interested in me. They just don’t want me to be alone especially when attending dinner parties, weddings, get together, etc…basically they don’t want me to say no to every invitations just because I don’t have anyone to go with. Some of my friends even set me up because they just want to know my sexual preferences (and for the last time Kak Dayang, I am not gay. Don’t worry ok). And of course, they just don’t want me to be in the bujang lapuk statistics…….
Like I said, I had experienced being set up for dates by family and friends. Some I choose to cherish some I choose to erase it out from my memories. The moment u heard one of ur aunties or friends said “I have someone I want to introduce to you. I think she is just perfect for you”….a big “Oh No!” suddenly appears in ur head. And they would continue…” she is smart, polite, nice young lady. U should try and meet her. This is her number or if you want, I can arrange something for you, maybe a small gathering so u guys can meet up. Ok? U can thank me later. Trust me, u r gonna love her”……and for the record, I have not thanked anyone yet…..it is not like I don’t appreciate what they do but man….blind dates are hard
I like to categorize my blind dates into 3. The first one would be FFD (Family Friend’s Daughter). I would hear this girl’s name almost everyday for almost a week. “ Anak Mak Cik Midah kau tu, Nurul, baru je graduate and balik kat sini. Mak ingat nak invite them for dinner. U have plans tak this weekend?” my mom would say. I know what she is doing but would u say “I have plans. I want to go out and meet my friends and watch some football”…just to get away but u know no matter how u want to avoid it; u MUST meet anak Mak Cik Midah. Usually dates like this have the criteria below:
a) Daughter of a family friend
b) Usually wears tudung
c) Just graduated
d) Usually about 5-6 years younger
e) Close friends when we are kids
f) Introduce again during Hari Raya or some family gathering i.e. cousin’s wedding, doa selamat
g) Mom will call me to her room and ask me to meet the girl.
The second category I think I called it FWC (Friends’ Who Care) category. The usual introduction to this would be “I have a colleague, Milah is her name. She is such a sweet young girl. Smart and have a good sense of humor too. I just can’t believe it when she told me that she is single. I mean being pretty and all. I don’t know why, but I just think she is perfect for you. You are gonna love her.” And on and on and on…..by the end of the day I would have the girl’s number and at nite I would receive an sms reminding me to call MILAH…..which u obediently obliged. The criterias are:
a) Friend’s colleague or x-school or uni mate
b) Hair usually coloured
c) Working
d) Usually the same age
e) Never met her but she is suppose to be perfect for me
f) By word of mouth or at a party or some gathering
g) Friend will call or sms your phone before the date, during the date and after the date
The last category I would like to call WWW (World Wide Web). Yups, from the internet. Chat rooms and countless friendship or relationship website that connects you to people u would never meet. People all around the world, across the ocean, across the nation……the wonderful world of internet and technologies. This one is obviously by ur own hard work..it is u know...trying to make ur profile or u nick name (abg_misai_single, nani_lonely_gal, etc) sounds good and of cos to get some attention. The usual introduction usually a/s/l (chat rooms) or “Hi! Just wanted to drop by and say hi.” (message to ur account). The criterias would be:
a) Don’t know
b) Depends on the avatar or when the pix was taken
c) Working maybe, though the occupation column does sounds a bit strange ( Dreamer/ Dapur Officer)
d) Ermm….one day it is 18 but maybe tomorrow it can be 25, depending on who she talk to
e) I just hope the one in the pix is her cos damn she is hot
f) Depends on how frequent are u on the net and surf through
g) u keep it a secret
I guess most of my friends would have a similar list. Being a 30 year old man and always alone, i had my fair share of blind dates. I didn't come up with the categories and criterias above from just 3 blind dates...i think for the past 2 years, i had almost 2 blind dates set up in a month by friends, family and urs truly from the net. I certainly don't want to be alone and at one point, well, earlier this year, i actually was contemplating of asking my mom to look for a wife. I was tired of all the dating process, the getting to know part, etc....i just want to just forget about it....well...that was the plan
I have been through a lot of dating process, blind dates or whatever dates u can think of, but I guess the main thing is meeting the right person, at the right time and also with the right intention. It doesn’t matter who set u up or where u meet, the main thing is when the right person comes, u just know it. I found mine, just when i thought i would end up alone.
Put too much expetaction, u might be dissapointed. Accept what comes your way and love it for what it is, not what u expect and want it to be.....
p/s: before i terlupa...Cher scored 5 goals in last nite game, and sadly 3 goals were scored when i was the goalie....wa wa wa....
Monday, December 05, 2005
All Aboard!!!!!
I was on board SS Seccom last Friday. It was a fun and thrilling ride. The passengers look elegant, beautiful, fun and lively. The entertainment was excellent, top class I must say. The food was good, not Raju’s good but it was fulfilling.
Actually I was not on board of some Titanic like ship or anything but I was attending my girlfriend’s annual dinner and the theme was “ Sun, Sea and SC”… don’t ask me what it means but basically it is about the beach I was told. It was held at Shangri La in KL. As it is a Friday and it is in KL, so kena lah rush to beat the traffic, so I ask my boss to release me a bit early. So I left around 5.50pm cos I am gonna met my girlfriend around 6.15pm. kena rush sebab some roads in KL are gonna be closed for the ASEAN Summit rehearsal. And knowing Hartamas, it is already jam by the time I leave.
When I drive masuk to SC I saw my Sherie’s car was in front of me. I parked beside her and ask her to wait cos I have to change to my “Beach” attire for the dinner. Honestly I was uncomfortable going to a dinner in a big hotel with obviously have air conditioners…..with SHORTS!!!!!! It is not like I shaved my sexy and manly legs u know.Yes, I was into the beach theme. I am wearing shorts to an annual dinner at Shangri La. But I ignore it and got change, like Superman, in the car….making sure I have my undies inside rather than outside like Mr. Kent. Considering I don’t have super speed like him, I got through the whole changing process reasonably fast. And off we go (Sherie is driving cos she thinks she can do it better, and trust me she can)
The traffic was bad. Well, bila lah masanya traffic in KL is ok kan especially on Friday. I’m not gonna tell you what jalan yang jam giler cos I don’t know but what I am sure it is jam giler. I think we were stuck in it for about an hour maybe. So on the way to the hotel, I just amuse myself by singing to the songs playing on the radio (I don’t dare to touch the radio cos 1st rule in my girlfriend’s car “Don’t touch the radio!!!! No one else is allowed to touch it except for me”) and create my own lyrics to the songs. And it irritates the hell out of my girlfriend especially when I dance to the tune…”Stop embarrassing me ok….people in the other car can see you”….but deep down inside she likes my dancing skills…hahahahaha…
Sampai hotel, we parked and making sure where we parked (cos I tend to mix up the location u know). At the lobby I was hoping to find someone else wearing shorts. The though of I am the only one, will not do good for my confidence. Sherie and I masuk ke lobi hotel and my eyes are still trying to search for that one guy wearing shorts but to my despair, no one in plain sight is actually wearing shorts….ARGHHHH!!!! When we came down to the waiting area, I was panicking. The guest were actually dress nicely. The men were wearing suits…….and LONG pants…oh no… I am in deep S#i#!!! Trying to run away would be no good now. “ Jom sayang, we register” said Sherie. I was walking like a zombie, my stomach was turning and I feel funny. Did she heard or read wrongly about the attire for the dinner?
But then, I saw them. I saw people wearing beach wear….I saw men in shorts, in sandals…wohoo….yes…yes…yes…I am not the only one. Hahahhaha…. I was actually
looking at the wrong crowd. There were another function on the same level and I was spared the blushes….fuh…what a relief. Everyone was talking and laughing, and me too, inside. When we registered they gave us a coupon to take a picture, the background was a beach I think with the sea, pokok kelapak ( as Marsha AF3 would have said), a ball, etc. took the picture and mingle around (well she did, I was just following her). After awhile we were called to come in and we’ve got one of the best table in the house ( good choice Erina). Honestly it sounds corny and not original and I am still thinking, if we are on a beach, why are we actually in a ship? Maybe I am too detail. I think there were about 50-60 tables in the hall so I assume there were about 500-600 people. Quite a big turnout. The backdrop for the stage was clever, it was the front of the ship, that “I am the King of the world” moment.
Suddenly that Titanic song by Celine Dion played. What is the name of the song….”My Heart Will Go On”…I think. Oh my kambing, it was so corny but hey, I am on a ship, “king of the world” backdrop…I just follow the flow u know…hehehehehe. The screen were actually playing clips from the movie and I am still trying to figure out if I am on beach or on a ship but again I chose to ignore it. The MC came out, it was Dee (from Jangan Ketawa fame) and she/he was wearing something that make she/he looks like Big Bird.
It was the usual boring speeches. After that, the prize giving ceremony I think for the in house sports. Habis je, comes my favourite part…….eating..hehehehe…dinner is served. Like I said, the food was good, not mind blowing head bursting good but it was ok. The nasi goreng could have been goreng better but overall I think my favourite on that nite was the chicken. I don’t know ayam masak apa, but it was good.
The MC, Dee, was a hit. I think I just refer Dee as SHE from now on. She made the nite fun, lively, tak kering gusi and she just don’t care. Her jokes were over the top, laser giler the mulut. But she was funny, very funny. I don’t know how many times did she change clothes but man…again…she was hilarious.
There were also the SC Idol…wohooo…..and the winner is actually base on votes by the guests. Cool. I never heard of it before cos most of the singings contest I join and saw semuanya ada so call professional judges. This is very creative and cool. A bit like those sms voting singing contest but this one is poor version of it. The committee dah letak kan this voting paper on the table and each person on the table get to vote for their favourite or who they think deserve to win. On our table, it was more like “Mawi World” kinda vote. Hahahaha……Fa is one one of the contestants, so even before she start singing, well, even before the dinner start pun the Xs’ were only in one row….Farah’s column….hahahahaha…Sherie took the responsibility to vote for Fa for everyone. Considering that they are not professional singers, all of the contestants did very well and talented indeed. Fa sang “ Hatiku telah Dilukai” by Kris Dayanti very well although I do think that she did not have enough practice on that song (I am just assuming). I think if she have more practice, she would be more comfortable with the song. She sang well but a bit shaky on some parts. She got second but she was great that nite. Tiada pengalah malam itu. I don’t know the other two contestants name but one of the guys sang “Azura” by Jamal Abdillah who eventually won though I do think he kinda screams a bit when singing and the other guy sang an M. Nasir song. Good showmanship but lack on the song delivery. But like I said before, considering they don’t do it full time, they did great.
Like any other annual dinner, the Lucky Draws are the highlite. I have never been lucky with lucky draws before, I never won anything. It changes last year when I won the washing machine during my last annual dinner with my old company. But somehow my luck change since than. I thought I use up my luck this year when I won the Bingo game masa the Euro Fun Fair at One Utama the other day. I hope my luck terlekat lah kat Sherie. She said she never won anything during any annual dinner. And what do u know; she actually won a portable DVD player that nite (now it is in my room..hehehe) and our table also won the lucky table. Wow….Zureen also won herself a watch masa lucky draw. So, our table that nite was quite lucky.
The nite ends with a splendid show by Jac Victor, the 1st Malaysian Idol. She was amazing. Her voice. I am having goosebumps now just thinking of her voice. She sang 4 songs that nite. “Jangan Tinggal Daku”, “When I Fall in Love”, “Di Bawah Pohon Asmara” and of course that song….”Gemilang”. Her mic control, her voice control, she just wow each and everyone of the guest. Amazing is not the word to describe her voice. I thought the most embarrassing moment that nite was over when I thought I was the only one wearing shorts but I was wrong. I was actually persuaded…well…diugut to go up to Jac and give her a flower…man….that was embarrassing enough…she actually ask me to sing a line from Gemilang before she wants to accept the flower….ARGGHHHH…so I sang…. The only thing in my head at that time was my friends are laughing their arse off at the table….luckily I am dark..kalau tidak..i think everyone can see how red my face was. Just because of a dvd player…oh god….
I had fun that nite. I think I never had gone to an annual dinner and actually just sit and enjoy the show. I was always in the committee and to enjoy would be out of the question. It was a nice experience actually to just sit back, laugh, eat, do stupid and embarrassing thing. Overall, a nite of fun, excellent entertainment…oopppss…..i almost forgot, there was a magic show by a guy name Aslam Roy or Asam Boy..i am not sure…but I guess u guys got an idea what I think of the show…forgettable... moving on…extra marks for the MC who was great, ok food…
ALL ABOARD SS SECCOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually I was not on board of some Titanic like ship or anything but I was attending my girlfriend’s annual dinner and the theme was “ Sun, Sea and SC”… don’t ask me what it means but basically it is about the beach I was told. It was held at Shangri La in KL. As it is a Friday and it is in KL, so kena lah rush to beat the traffic, so I ask my boss to release me a bit early. So I left around 5.50pm cos I am gonna met my girlfriend around 6.15pm. kena rush sebab some roads in KL are gonna be closed for the ASEAN Summit rehearsal. And knowing Hartamas, it is already jam by the time I leave.
When I drive masuk to SC I saw my Sherie’s car was in front of me. I parked beside her and ask her to wait cos I have to change to my “Beach” attire for the dinner. Honestly I was uncomfortable going to a dinner in a big hotel with obviously have air conditioners…..with SHORTS!!!!!! It is not like I shaved my sexy and manly legs u know.Yes, I was into the beach theme. I am wearing shorts to an annual dinner at Shangri La. But I ignore it and got change, like Superman, in the car….making sure I have my undies inside rather than outside like Mr. Kent. Considering I don’t have super speed like him, I got through the whole changing process reasonably fast. And off we go (Sherie is driving cos she thinks she can do it better, and trust me she can)
The traffic was bad. Well, bila lah masanya traffic in KL is ok kan especially on Friday. I’m not gonna tell you what jalan yang jam giler cos I don’t know but what I am sure it is jam giler. I think we were stuck in it for about an hour maybe. So on the way to the hotel, I just amuse myself by singing to the songs playing on the radio (I don’t dare to touch the radio cos 1st rule in my girlfriend’s car “Don’t touch the radio!!!! No one else is allowed to touch it except for me”) and create my own lyrics to the songs. And it irritates the hell out of my girlfriend especially when I dance to the tune…”Stop embarrassing me ok….people in the other car can see you”….but deep down inside she likes my dancing skills…hahahahaha…
Sampai hotel, we parked and making sure where we parked (cos I tend to mix up the location u know). At the lobby I was hoping to find someone else wearing shorts. The though of I am the only one, will not do good for my confidence. Sherie and I masuk ke lobi hotel and my eyes are still trying to search for that one guy wearing shorts but to my despair, no one in plain sight is actually wearing shorts….ARGHHHH!!!! When we came down to the waiting area, I was panicking. The guest were actually dress nicely. The men were wearing suits…….and LONG pants…oh no… I am in deep S#i#!!! Trying to run away would be no good now. “ Jom sayang, we register” said Sherie. I was walking like a zombie, my stomach was turning and I feel funny. Did she heard or read wrongly about the attire for the dinner?
But then, I saw them. I saw people wearing beach wear….I saw men in shorts, in sandals…wohoo….yes…yes…yes…I am not the only one. Hahahhaha…. I was actually
looking at the wrong crowd. There were another function on the same level and I was spared the blushes….fuh…what a relief. Everyone was talking and laughing, and me too, inside. When we registered they gave us a coupon to take a picture, the background was a beach I think with the sea, pokok kelapak ( as Marsha AF3 would have said), a ball, etc. took the picture and mingle around (well she did, I was just following her). After awhile we were called to come in and we’ve got one of the best table in the house ( good choice Erina). Honestly it sounds corny and not original and I am still thinking, if we are on a beach, why are we actually in a ship? Maybe I am too detail. I think there were about 50-60 tables in the hall so I assume there were about 500-600 people. Quite a big turnout. The backdrop for the stage was clever, it was the front of the ship, that “I am the King of the world” moment.
Suddenly that Titanic song by Celine Dion played. What is the name of the song….”My Heart Will Go On”…I think. Oh my kambing, it was so corny but hey, I am on a ship, “king of the world” backdrop…I just follow the flow u know…hehehehehe. The screen were actually playing clips from the movie and I am still trying to figure out if I am on beach or on a ship but again I chose to ignore it. The MC came out, it was Dee (from Jangan Ketawa fame) and she/he was wearing something that make she/he looks like Big Bird.
It was the usual boring speeches. After that, the prize giving ceremony I think for the in house sports. Habis je, comes my favourite part…….eating..hehehehe…dinner is served. Like I said, the food was good, not mind blowing head bursting good but it was ok. The nasi goreng could have been goreng better but overall I think my favourite on that nite was the chicken. I don’t know ayam masak apa, but it was good.
The MC, Dee, was a hit. I think I just refer Dee as SHE from now on. She made the nite fun, lively, tak kering gusi and she just don’t care. Her jokes were over the top, laser giler the mulut. But she was funny, very funny. I don’t know how many times did she change clothes but man…again…she was hilarious.
There were also the SC Idol…wohooo…..and the winner is actually base on votes by the guests. Cool. I never heard of it before cos most of the singings contest I join and saw semuanya ada so call professional judges. This is very creative and cool. A bit like those sms voting singing contest but this one is poor version of it. The committee dah letak kan this voting paper on the table and each person on the table get to vote for their favourite or who they think deserve to win. On our table, it was more like “Mawi World” kinda vote. Hahahaha……Fa is one one of the contestants, so even before she start singing, well, even before the dinner start pun the Xs’ were only in one row….Farah’s column….hahahahaha…Sherie took the responsibility to vote for Fa for everyone. Considering that they are not professional singers, all of the contestants did very well and talented indeed. Fa sang “ Hatiku telah Dilukai” by Kris Dayanti very well although I do think that she did not have enough practice on that song (I am just assuming). I think if she have more practice, she would be more comfortable with the song. She sang well but a bit shaky on some parts. She got second but she was great that nite. Tiada pengalah malam itu. I don’t know the other two contestants name but one of the guys sang “Azura” by Jamal Abdillah who eventually won though I do think he kinda screams a bit when singing and the other guy sang an M. Nasir song. Good showmanship but lack on the song delivery. But like I said before, considering they don’t do it full time, they did great.
Like any other annual dinner, the Lucky Draws are the highlite. I have never been lucky with lucky draws before, I never won anything. It changes last year when I won the washing machine during my last annual dinner with my old company. But somehow my luck change since than. I thought I use up my luck this year when I won the Bingo game masa the Euro Fun Fair at One Utama the other day. I hope my luck terlekat lah kat Sherie. She said she never won anything during any annual dinner. And what do u know; she actually won a portable DVD player that nite (now it is in my room..hehehe) and our table also won the lucky table. Wow….Zureen also won herself a watch masa lucky draw. So, our table that nite was quite lucky.
The nite ends with a splendid show by Jac Victor, the 1st Malaysian Idol. She was amazing. Her voice. I am having goosebumps now just thinking of her voice. She sang 4 songs that nite. “Jangan Tinggal Daku”, “When I Fall in Love”, “Di Bawah Pohon Asmara” and of course that song….”Gemilang”. Her mic control, her voice control, she just wow each and everyone of the guest. Amazing is not the word to describe her voice. I thought the most embarrassing moment that nite was over when I thought I was the only one wearing shorts but I was wrong. I was actually persuaded…well…diugut to go up to Jac and give her a flower…man….that was embarrassing enough…she actually ask me to sing a line from Gemilang before she wants to accept the flower….ARGGHHHH…so I sang…. The only thing in my head at that time was my friends are laughing their arse off at the table….luckily I am dark..kalau tidak..i think everyone can see how red my face was. Just because of a dvd player…oh god….
I had fun that nite. I think I never had gone to an annual dinner and actually just sit and enjoy the show. I was always in the committee and to enjoy would be out of the question. It was a nice experience actually to just sit back, laugh, eat, do stupid and embarrassing thing. Overall, a nite of fun, excellent entertainment…oopppss…..i almost forgot, there was a magic show by a guy name Aslam Roy or Asam Boy..i am not sure…but I guess u guys got an idea what I think of the show…forgettable... moving on…extra marks for the MC who was great, ok food…
ALL ABOARD SS SECCOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Which One Is It?
What can a guy do to make his lady happy? If anyone knows the answer, please do tell us clueless men. It seems like nothing that we do makes it ok. Let see a few situations.
1. When a woman is angry or upset, should a man try to pujuk her or leave her alone? When a man try to pujuk, the woman might say just leave her alone and she will be ok later. How long is later? What if a mean decide to leave her alone, would that makes her even more upset cos the guy just don’t care enough to even pujuk. Which one is it?
2. When a woman wants something, does she say it directly and to the point to the man or does she just keeps quiet, gives clues or hints and hope the man understand? If he buys something that she wants, a man might be accuse of not being creative and needed a woman to tell him what she wants. If he buys something that she might not want or he misread the clues and hints that takes the CSI team to solve, he might be accuse of not listening and not understanding what her needs are. Which one is it?
3. When a man goes for his games; football, tennis, badminton, etc; is he expected to bring her or not? If he brings her along, she might be complaining about being bored, her skin is gonna be dark cos of the sun or he smells bad after the game while driving home? If he does not bring her along, she would be suspicious, accusing of another woman is there, accused of forgetting her when he is with his buddies and he does not want her around with his friends. Which one is it?
4. When a woman asked a man opinion on her new shoes or clothes that look hideous and overly expensive, what kind of opinion does she wants? Should he answer honestly and then been accused of not appreciating her initiative to look beautiful for him and a man who seems to be out of style. Or should he lie and tell her what a wonderful choice and ignore the eyes, the giggles and the whisper around them when he brings her out? Which one is it?
5. When a man brings a woman for a date, what does she expect? The usual boring dinner and movie routine, a planned weekend where they both know where they are going, who are they gonna meet or what they are going to do? Or does she expect the guy to be creative, a put more initiative, a bit more spontaneous, go and do what they feel like doing at that particular time? Choose the first one he might be accuse of being boring no fun kind of guy or choose the latter and get accuse maybe of catching her off guard, not ready or she is not wearing the right attire. Which one is it?
6. When a man gives a woman gifts, does the price matter or the thought that counts? If the price of the gift is cheap would she still be happy to accept it because the thought that counts or the price of the gift must be expensive and it doesn’t matter if he suffers a great deal just to get the gift? Which one is it?
7. When on a date, does it matter where a man brings a woman? Does it matter if it is a kedai mamak or at a fancy restaurant? Any place will do as long as they can share their feelings and time together? Or does it have to be a place where she wants to go, where she feels comfortable and surrounded by the things that she love? Which one is it?
I think i just stop here. Advise us clueless and help men........please
1. When a woman is angry or upset, should a man try to pujuk her or leave her alone? When a man try to pujuk, the woman might say just leave her alone and she will be ok later. How long is later? What if a mean decide to leave her alone, would that makes her even more upset cos the guy just don’t care enough to even pujuk. Which one is it?
2. When a woman wants something, does she say it directly and to the point to the man or does she just keeps quiet, gives clues or hints and hope the man understand? If he buys something that she wants, a man might be accuse of not being creative and needed a woman to tell him what she wants. If he buys something that she might not want or he misread the clues and hints that takes the CSI team to solve, he might be accuse of not listening and not understanding what her needs are. Which one is it?
3. When a man goes for his games; football, tennis, badminton, etc; is he expected to bring her or not? If he brings her along, she might be complaining about being bored, her skin is gonna be dark cos of the sun or he smells bad after the game while driving home? If he does not bring her along, she would be suspicious, accusing of another woman is there, accused of forgetting her when he is with his buddies and he does not want her around with his friends. Which one is it?
4. When a woman asked a man opinion on her new shoes or clothes that look hideous and overly expensive, what kind of opinion does she wants? Should he answer honestly and then been accused of not appreciating her initiative to look beautiful for him and a man who seems to be out of style. Or should he lie and tell her what a wonderful choice and ignore the eyes, the giggles and the whisper around them when he brings her out? Which one is it?
5. When a man brings a woman for a date, what does she expect? The usual boring dinner and movie routine, a planned weekend where they both know where they are going, who are they gonna meet or what they are going to do? Or does she expect the guy to be creative, a put more initiative, a bit more spontaneous, go and do what they feel like doing at that particular time? Choose the first one he might be accuse of being boring no fun kind of guy or choose the latter and get accuse maybe of catching her off guard, not ready or she is not wearing the right attire. Which one is it?
6. When a man gives a woman gifts, does the price matter or the thought that counts? If the price of the gift is cheap would she still be happy to accept it because the thought that counts or the price of the gift must be expensive and it doesn’t matter if he suffers a great deal just to get the gift? Which one is it?
7. When on a date, does it matter where a man brings a woman? Does it matter if it is a kedai mamak or at a fancy restaurant? Any place will do as long as they can share their feelings and time together? Or does it have to be a place where she wants to go, where she feels comfortable and surrounded by the things that she love? Which one is it?
I think i just stop here. Advise us clueless and help men........please
20LE
Will Ole ever gonna play again in a United shirt? He has been out with injuries for almost 3 years now. The Baby Face Assassin is still a firm favourite to the United faithful. He was an unknown when he sign from Molde, a Norwegian club to United in the 96-97 season and by the end of the season, he was the top scorer for the team with 19 goals.
I still remember when he first came in. I can't remember against who but i was like. who is this? and my sis was like, he's cute? Who is he? I was still trying to figure this guy out but it seem like it is just not me. The other team defenders were also busy figuring his age and name cos they seem to not been able to stop him that season.
He might not be the first choice striker and he always claim that he does not mind the “super sub” tag that has been associated with him. He was always the third choice strikers but being a true professional he never complaint and with a talent like him, he could be the first choice in the team sheet every week but he stayed on.
Who can ever forget his 4 goals in 12 minutes when he came in as a sub with United leading 4-1. And the historic and maybe the most important goal he scored in his career so far ; that injury time goal that help United to lift the European Cup for the second time in United history. His goals help United to one of the greatest and glorious season ever for the United team, winning the Premier League, FA cup and also the European Cup.
He have scored 115 times for United since he joined United. The knee injury is still haunting him and he comeback to the team always been hampered. He have not given up and he has promise to all United fan he is gonna come back from this horrible injury and score goals for United again. And we United fans will of course pray and welcome him back.
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