Caesar & Vasco....

It is such a joy to have Caesar and Vasco in our lives. I was just watching some tele after dinner and I realised that Caesar (for 5 years) and Vasco (for 3 years) have been with us throughout our entire lives together. I can still remember the day Tasha brought Caesar home. The memories of that day are still very fresh in my mind. He was a ball of fur. I have seen many pups growing up. I must say, Caesar was the best of them all. He was very well behaved. He is 5 years old (35 human years). Vasco will be 3 years old (21 human years) this October. It is sad to note that dogs do not live as long as humans do. I just hope and pray that both Caesar and Vasco will live their lives to the fullest. I pray that the both of them will remain healthy.

Here are some of their pictures taken recently:-

Caesar watching tv

Vasco eating (he is known as the 'sappadu raman of the house')

Caesar & Vasco....

Every now and then, Caesar and Vasco have this wrestling sessions. It is so cute to see them going at each other. Tasha and I were watching tele this morning and playing with the boys. Suddenly Caesar got into a minor rage and started going at Vasco. He started his 'cari pasal' mode.

Do watch the video below:

Weekend....

It is a strange feeling when you look forward to the weekend. But when the weekend comes, you're like thinking, damn, it is Monday in a day or two. Then you lose all focus of the weekend. Anyway, this weekend was rather quiet. Woke up early this morning, ran some errands, took Vasco to the vet and Caesar to the groomers. Then, got back. Tasha cooked lunch. Lovely lunch I must say - chicken curry, rice, carrots and cauliflowers. In fact, once I got back upon running my errands, I slept for a while. It has been like eternity since I ever had a good afternoon nap, and boy was it good. Woke up and 6.00pm and had lunch. Yup - lunch was at 6.00pm. Then, Xavier called me for a game of pool. We were supposed to go for a bowling session in Sunway Pyramid - but it didn't work out. We had vouchers for some games - but sadly, it didn't work out. Anyway, I headed to IOI Mall - Brewball to play some pool. I must say, Brewball has one of the best tables in town. Well maintained and excellence service by the staff. We played for a good 2 hours - 8 ball. We hope to be having another round of 9 ball soon. It was a well contested match: Devan - 10 vs Xavier - 8.

After the games, I got back, had another round of the rice and chicken curry. Bought some ice-cream back. Tasha and I have this love affair with the McDonald's Cornetto Sundae. Good stuff ya'll. Try it - chocolate though, not the strawberry one. After dinner, had ice-cream and then watched some tele. I wanted to catch the ManUtd v Spurs game, but I doubt I'll be able to stay awake. I need to be up in the morning tomorrow as Tasha and I are driving Appa and Amma to Slim River - one of my dad's episcopal visits. They're driving to the Petronas here in Sg.Besi and then, I'm driving them to S.River. It will be a nice trip for sure as it will be the first time Appa will be going back to his place of birth and his 'kampung' as a Bishop. After the service, I'll be driving them straight to Melaka. Shobs and Balla are in Melaka, so they'll be dropping us off at KL on their way back.

Once we get back, it will already be time to get ready for a new week ahead. Wish you all a pleasant weekend and more to come next week.

I hope to take some picture in Slim River and I'll post it once I get back.

God bless you all.

Good Weekend....

What a weekend it was? The weekend started for me on Friday. Tasha picked me up from work, came back, did some shopping, packed up the boys and we left for Melaka. We were initially worried about the traffic (as Monday as a PH), but thankfully, the traffic was very smooth. We got to Melaka in an hour and 20 mins. Amma was waiting for us, had a warm shower and slept. Woke up the next morning, had breakfast, watched tele and just chilled at home. Appa and Amma went for a picnic with the Senior Citizens Club of CCM - so Tasha and I had lunch and pretty much just lazed at home. It was nice to just be at home. In the afternoon, we headed to Jln Bunga Raya for some cendol and rojak. This shop that we went to brings special memory to Tasha - when she was a kid, her grandma used to take her to this shop for rojak and cendol after their grocery shopping every other Saturday. To our suprise, the old uncle who is managing the shop is still there with his wife. According to Tasha, the taste has not changed - ever! So, it was good - I had longan with ice-cream - nice. Anyway, after that, we headed to buy some fruits and wash the car and then headed back home.

We visited Tasha's auntie (Uncle, Hans & Natasha) in Bukit Katil and then headed home after the 2nd half of the Man Utd v Arsenal game - were we lucky, I'm very sure we were. Although we did play well in the second half, but the way the goals came in for us, I have to thank God for his blessings :) Anyway, we retired right after the game as we were going to Kluang on Sunday. We woke up at 6.30am, got ready and headed to Kluang. Tasha and I slept at the back while Appa and Amma drove. We got to Kluang at 9am, dropped Appa at St. Luke's and then we (Amma, Tasha and I) headed to the Kluang town for some old school breakfast. Seriously very good. There is this chinese coffee shop in Kluang which serves the best baked bread with butter and kaya and coffee. After bfast, we went to church. Right after church service, we left - Appa was conducting the confirmation for some 10 candidates. I drove us back to Melaka - once we got back, we bought some lunch from Selvams.

After lunch, bathed the boys - Tasha bathed Caesar and I bathed Vasco. Fed them and then we slept for a while. Only woke up at about 8pm at night, got ready and left for KL. at about 9.30pm. It was a smooth drive back. Got in to KL by 11pm. Bought some burgers back and now I'm just resting. About to go and sleep in a bit. Tasha is already sleeping. In fact, I wanted to go and shoot some pool with Xav, but he isn't keeping too well, so we'll go tomorrow morning (I hope).

Very eventful weekend - Celtic won, Man Utd won and we had a very relaxed weekend in Melaka and Kluang.

Stray Dogs....

Tasha & I were going back home after dinner sometime last week in Equine Park sometime last week and we were greeted by a very cute Lab looking black colour stray. She was blocking the road as were about the leave the restaurant. So, what we did was we drove back to where she came from and we were pleasantly greeted by 2 small pups and 2 other strays as well. They were all sitting together and keeping themselves warm. A very sad site for an animal lover - I tell you. Anyway, we headed to buy some dog biscuits for them and ever since we have been feeding them at the shop lots that they normally chill out in.

However, today was kinda strange. When we went to feed the fellers, we only saw one of them. He was just sitting there alone - looking sad and cold (it has been raining here for the past 2 weeks, especially at night). So, what I did was, the usual, trying to call all of them - no one came. I got a bit worried - then this feller was walking away as I was pouring out the food on the old newspapers which were already there (I guess there were others feeding them too). Then, he gave 2 loud barks. As soon as he barked, all the dogs whom I had been feeding all this while, came running - including the 2 small pups. It was so cute - all of them just ran around our car and up into the shop lot. In fact when Spots (the dog that was sitting there alone) called out to his homies to come and feast, one of the small pups was about to run across the road - an oncoming car was about to hit him - but he took a step back and avoided the car. Amazing aren't they - they are so smart isn't? I was truly touched by how Spots called out to all of them to come and eat. Poor fellers were so hungry.

This post is to tell everyone - dogs are precious beings. Do not abuse them, do not throw them out of your house once you get bored of them, do not give them up if you have a child at home and most importantly - PLEASE, for heavens sake, if you are not in a position to care for them, do not ever and I mean, ever take them into your homes in the first place. It is very cruel to care for them for a while and then just give them up later. To those who have pets of your own, please neuter or spay your dogs and cats. It is already depressing enough to see so many of them without loving homes.

To all my dear strays (dogs and cats) - this is my prayer for you - may you be kept very safe from all danger and may you be fed sufficiently.

Take care everyone and have a good weekend!

DOGATHON IS BACK!

Yes, Dogathon is back and this time celebrating its 13th anniversary. Tasha and I have never missed it. It is held in Bukit Ekspo in UPM every year. This event is organised by the vet students of UPM and jointly sponsored by many brands. It will be fun filled day for you and your fur kids. The details are below:-

Date: 16th August 2009 (Sunday)
Venue: Bukit Ekspo, UPM
Time: 6.30am - 2.00pm
Theme: Carnivale Canine

For more details click on the paw below:
See you all there!

Car Keys....

A friend of mine sent me this - it is worth sharing!

PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT. Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in yourhouse, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound untileither you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:

It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

Do You Believe It?

A friend of mine sent me the article below. It really got me thinking? It may do the same to you. Read it. Very interesting:-

A girl went to her friend’s house and she ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone.

She wasn't afraid because it was a small COMMUNITY and she lived only a few blocks away.

As she walked along under the bike trail Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger.

When she reached the alley, which was a shortcut to her house, she decided to take it.

However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her.

She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection.

Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped round her, she felt as though someone was walking with her.

When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely.

The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there.

Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep.

Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station.

She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story.

The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a line-up to see if she could identify him.

She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before.

When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed.

The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her.

She asked if they would ask the man one question.

Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her.

When the policeman asked him, he answered, 'Because she wasn't alone.

She had two tall men walking on either side of her.

Amazingly, whether you believe or not, you're not alone. People will not stand up for God.

PS: God is always there in your heart and loves you no matter what:

'If you deny me in front of your friends, I shall deny you in front of my Father'

Weekend....

What a weekend it was? Yes, it was Easter.

This is how the entire weekend went for me. I went back to Melaka on Fri. Reached Melaka at 10.30am, attended Good Friday service at 12.00noon with Tasha - Appa and Amma were already in church by 11.30am.

Appa at the Good Friday Service

Christ Church Melaka Altar - Good Friday

Service finished at about 2.30pm, got back home and we had one of the best vegetarian lunches I have ever had in my life. Amma prepared the best dishes in the world ya'll. Upon returning home, I went to the back of the house and cut some banana leaves. Tasha helped me wash em' and then we were all ready for lunch.

The menu for the day is as follows:-
(a) Par-boiled rice
(b) Dhal curry
(c) Fried spinach
(d) Spicy egg-plant (this is among the only 2 vegetables in the world that I don't eat)
(e) Potato sambal
(f) Pappadams
(g) Venthaya curry
(h) Pudina paste (my mum's recipe)
(i) Pudina pickles (the new one I bought from Balaji KL)

Yummy!

What a meal? After the meal, I just sat in front of the tele and chilled. After that Amma fried some yam for tea. After tea, Tasha headed to her Auntie's place to spend the night. I was at home, watching tele and then Shobs and Balla got home. I only slept at about 3am. Anyway, on Saturday, I promised Amma to help her with the laptop. Amma is learning to check her emails and to type and print reports. In fact, this is more of a refresher course. She knows all of this, but this is just a refresher, so that she is once again familiar with all of this. After that I headed to pick Tasha up from her Aunt's place, cos we had a photo shoot for our family picture at the Church at 5.30pm. Picked her up and then rushed home to bathe and got ready. And then we headed to the Church. After the photo shoot, we got home, had dinner, and then headed to Jonker Walk for a walk and some dessert.

Amma came along with us (Balla, Shobs, Tasha and me). We walked along Jonker and then made a pit stop at Ringo's. He was so glad to see us. It has been such a long time, since we last went to Ringo's. Anyway, we bought a bucket of Tiger (yup, it was already 12 by then). Having my first beer in 40 days was weird. It took me a good 2 hours to finish it. Shobs kept asking me, "why are you taking such a long time to finish it?" Anyway, after all of them had finished their drinks, we took a slow walk back home.

Upon getting back, we rested and then watched some tele. Amma slept as she had to wake up early the next morning. We woke up on Sunday and headed straight to Church. Upon getting to Church, Appa asked me if I was giving a special item - I had not planned to, so I told him no. But then while, I was sitting in the pew, I felt that I should give thanks to the Lord for all his blessings - and then I told Appa that I will be giving an item. I sang this song, 'From Heaven You Came Helpless Babe'. This song is a song which describes the true definition of Christ' life - born, lived and crucified for all of us. Wasn't very satisfied with it, but everyone else seemed to be happy about it - strange! Then again, I am a perfectionist - I am hardly satisfied with my performance all the time.

After Church, got back home and headed to the Hotel to sort the arrangements out. Anyway, spoke to the Maketing and Sales person and sorted out most of the details. There are some minor details that have to be dealt with - will be doing so when we go back on the 25th. But the place has been booked and 70% of the details have been confirmed. We have also confirmed the date of our food tasting. We hope everything will go on well. We hope and pray all plans hereafter will be by His grace and mercy. He has been with us all this while and I know He will continue to be with us.

After that got back home and had lunch. All the bridemaids were at home as the tailor auntie was home. She was measuring and designing their dresses. One of the page boys was also at home. I helped her design his outfit. I hope it will all turn out well. I rested, while Tasha sorted the outfits for the bridesmaids. Then, I woke up to some tele. After that I got ready to leave. Visited Tasha's parents (Unc Krishnasamy & Auntie Lalitha - not forgetting Geeta and Suhasini) and then visited her Aunt (Aunt Rani, Hans, Natasha & Thatha). After that we headed back to KL. Just got bac - it took me a good 1 hour and 15 mins to get back. It was raining for a while, but then it stopped after Nilai.

All in all a wonderful weekend. Now, back to work. I just hope work does not prove to be too much this week. In fact, even if it is, 'whats new?'

Cheers everyone. Have a great week ahead.

God bless.

Good Friday....

I have to thank my dear sis, Shobs for the article below. She keeps sending me loads of good articles. In fact, she has been doing so, ever since Lent started for us some 37 days ago. By the way, for those of you who are not aware, I have decided to give up alcohol and red meat for the entire 40 days. I am so proud of myself that I have successfully done so. This is a special time of reflection and of course abstinence. I am glad to have fulfilled the entire month and more without the 2 most desirable things in my life. Anyway, it is Good Friday tomorrow. I can't wait to get home. Amma, will be cooking a spread of vegetarian food. I told her I want to have lunch on banana leaves. So, I can't wait for the awesome lunch that awaits me tomorrow after Good Friday service at Christ Church Melaka.

We will be leaving for Melaka at 7.30am. Then to service at 11.30am and then back home for the lunch. I will only break fast at 12 midnight on Easter Eve - Saturday. More when I return. Hope to take some nice pictures of the food and hopefully the service as well. More when I return.

To all those who will be driving back to your respective hometowns, be safe on the road. Wishing each and everyone of you a Blessed Easter.

God Bless.

I'll leave you with the wonderful reflection on Good Friday - once again, thanks Shobs. I'd better say it, if not she will be so pissed off. Huh E63..... - she knows why.

GOOD FRIDAY -
THIS SOMBRE DAY
WHEN CHRISTIANS MOURN
A 2,000 YEAR OLD DEATH.

HE DIED, SOME SAY,
TO APPEASE A VENGEFUL GOD,
DEMANDING A ONE-TIME
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
FOR HUMAN SIN,
BOTH PAST AND YET TO COME.
IT WAS, THEY INSIST,
THE ONLY WAY
WE COULD BE SAVED.

OTHERS ASK
IS THIS THE SAME GOD
WHO SAID "THOU SHALL NOT KILL"
NOW OFFERING HIS SON
AS A SACRIFICIAL LAMB
TO BE SLAIN
FOR OUR SALVATION?

YET OTHERS SAY
HE DIED BECAUSE
HE LOVED TOO MUCH -
LOVED THE OUTCAST,
THE SINNER, THE SICK,
THE POOR, THE OPPRESSED.

AS HE HUNG THERE
BLEEDING, DYING,
SOME HEARD HIM SAY:
"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM.
THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO."
IS THIS WHAT MADE
THAT BAD DAY GOOD?

WHATEVER WE DO, HE HAD SAID,
WE DO TO HIM.
AND WE ARE CALLED
TO FOLLOW IN THIS WAY.
THUS, IF WE IGNORE ANOTHER'S PAIN
WE SURELY CRUCIFY HIM AGAIN.

IT WAS INDEED A BAD FRIDAY,
MADE GOOD BECAUSE
IT SHOWS THE WAY TO OUR SALVATION -
SALVATION AS LIBERATION.
LIBERATION
FROM OPPRESSION TO JUSTICE,
FROM WAR TO PEACE,
FROM HATE TO LOVE.
AND THIS
IS TRULY RESURRECTION.

Weekend....

Saturday, 4th April 2009

Damn, was it tiring yesterday. Well, yesterday was our photo shoot 'day'. Indeed, it was a whole day affair. I went for the thing hoping it would finish by evening, well I thought wrong. Some of the other people who went for this told me that it would finish in 5-6 hours. Hello...... it took an entire day for us. We had 2 indoor shots, then 1 outdoor shot, then 5 indoor shots, another outdoor shot and then 2 more indoor costume shots indoor. Yes, you will be pleased to know that we changed costumes for every shot. Yup, very tiring. But, when we think of it, Tasha and I enjoyed it thoroughly. We went for it feeling rather stressed and sleepy - but eventually, it turned out really well. Now, I just can't wait for the pictures to be printed out in those huge albums and the posters. We will be fixing an appointment with the people at the studio to choose our pictures. I hope to sort it out by this week, so that the pictures can be printed out soon.

Anyway, for all those of you who are planning to get married, please ask us for the contact. This place GTC in Jalan Ipoh is the best. The people are very warm, very helpful - no one is fussy. We were very choosy when it came to costume changes, when it came to Tasha's make up and hairdo - but they were very accomodative of our requests.

Yeah, talking about the photo shoot, it started at about 10.30am and we only finished at 10.15pm. Yup 12 long hours. I have to say, although it was really tiring, we enjoyed the experience going through the whole 9 yards.

Sunday, 5th April 2009

Today was a quiet day. Woke up at about 8am, went to buy breakfast, get a hair cut, wash the car and bought some groceries from Jusco. Upon coming back, had breakfast, chilled with Tasha. Watched tele, then bathed both Caesar and Vasco. Continued watching tele, then came up to have a bath. Strangely, I have not had lunch - oh yes, Tasha made red bean dessert. So I guess that will be tea and to a certain extent dinner as well. We are only planning to have some toast for dinner. Going to take the boys out for a walk later. Upon returning home, plan to have our dinner and then to watch the Man Utd game. This is a game we have to win. Anything lesser than a win, will just bid our title aspirations good bye - it is not so much a bid to win it - we've won it many many times. It is to keep the Championship with us for yet another season. We can win it and we shall.

More tomorrow, I hope. I hope to be able to write about our victory tomorrow.

God bless. Glory Glory Man Utd!

New Week....

It has been a rather interesting start to the new week for me. I have been subject to a lot of work (what is new?) and of course some mind boggling and brainstorming efforts. I have to say that I truly enjoy finding ways and means to make a boring subject interesting. It is easy to merely present an item to a group of people - but it is very challenging to ensure that this group of people are constanly paying attention to your subject. I have found my calling in the endeavour above. I find it exciting to see different characters of people and - all of whom react way differently to each other in the grasping of information.

This is our first week of the ISO 27001 Awareness campaign. We (AO) are in the midst of acquiring the certification of ISMS - Information Security Mgt Systems. We are very fortunate to be the main distributors of this knowledge to the entire centre - particularly to Managed Serviced Desk. We have been undergoing the appropriate trainings and in fact we are still going to be undergoing more trainings to ensure that we are fully equipped with the knowledge needed to pass on this awareness briefings.

Today is Tuesday - Futsal Day 1 - with the IBMers. I can't wait for futsal later tonight. It has truly been a very hectic week and I am up for any rejuvenation. It should be a good 1 hour of futsal. After which I will be taking the boys out for a walk with Tasha and then it is dinner time. I might have to come back into the office later tonight to finish up some work - call & ticket monitorings.

More later tonight - I hope.

Talent Time....

After the final day of training today, came home after doing some call and ticket monitoring, not forgetting some coaching - had dinner and headed to catch a movie. It has been a very long time since I managed to catch a movie on a week day. Ever since I have been doing this new hours (lovely hours of 9am-6pm) - I have never been able to find the time to do anything else. Although my hours are from 9-6, at times, I am bogged down with a lot of work, so I get home late. Anyway, today being a Friday and all, I just left the office at about 8pm. Managed to catch the 9.30pm show at Almanda Putrajaya.

To those of you who have not watched the Malaysian movie by Yasmin Ahmad entitled 'Talentime' - watch it. You will not regret it. I witnessed some very good songs. In fact all these songs were written by our Malaysian songwriters. I mean, really now, where are these people. These people should be writing more songs and selling like nobody's business. I do hope this movie gets a lot of good rating. It is a movie which tells the truth of everything that is going on around us - especially in this Malaysian context. I have to admit though that the ending was rather abrupt, but I truly enjoyed the story line, the dynamics of mixed marriages and the conflicts we face in our society.

I do hope Yasmin Ahmad will direct and produce more of such movies - I have been a huge fan of this amazing lady's works - Sepet and Gubra *well, the 2 I have watched). I missed Mukhsin and Muallaf - must try to find them. But honestly, loved it to bits - Talentime. I went to the cinema thinking of watching 12 Rounds - but when I saw the advert of this movie being a Yasmin Ahmad production, I did not think twice. She has never disappointed me.

So, do try to catch the movie if you can.

That's all for now. More tomorrow.

By the way, I have some very interesting story to tell you about Vasco - my dear Beagle. He had created some havoc in the house. Details on my next entry - with pictures.

Good night everyone.

Soft Skill Training....

For the past 2 days, we (Devika & I) have been conducting Soft Skill Training for a bulk of the agents from the MSD. It has truly been a very good experience to both the trainees and the trainers. We have managed to learn from the experiences and issues faced by all the agents. We have managed to impart a lot of knowledge and skills that we have compiled based on our own experiences and research. I have to say that our 1st day of training was very good. We have managed to get a lot of good feedback from our attendees. It was very nice to know that everyone enjoyed the session we conducted yesterday. We do hope that it is the same today as well.

More later.

!@#$%^&*

I've been bogged down with work at the office - Soft Skill Training, so I am catching up on my call and ticket monitorings. So, I wanted to do the monitorings when I get back home. The things is all the calls and scorecards are residing on the shared drive and I am able to access it from home. But the thing is now, I am unable to access the USD system from home. Darn it! There is always something that is wrong. I hope I can sort this out by tomorrow cos' this is driving me nuts. I have so much to do and I hope to be able to finish everything on time. I have to submit our Bi-weekly Report this Friday and all monitorings have to be done by then.

Have to get this sorted out with IT tomorrow.

Anyway, got back only at 8.30pm today - oh yes, I got to work at 8.30am. Yup, tell me about it. Good 12 hours at work. But, strangely enough, I am enjoying the challenge of delivery and the constant brain tickling that I have to endure in order to create, modify and review the many documents and reports for analytical and theoretical purposes. I have to admit, it is tiring (for the brains), but it rejuvenates me in a way that is unique.

We have the Soft Skill Training to conduct tomorrow. I will be doing it with my Manager, Devika. I do hope and pray that we will be able to deliver the best training and guidance to all the attendees. We have a big class tomorrow, 11 and 11 on Friday as well. So, I hope and pray everything goes well.

Good night everyone and sleep well.

Tuesday....

It was a rather busy day at work today. We've managed to finalise the Soft Skill Module - it is to be rolled out by mid day tomorrow. Just some minor adjustments to be done on the cosmetics of the document and of course to add in some animations and some pictures as well. Once this is rolled out, it will be something really cool, because this was something that was purely worked on by the Quality Unit. It will be our 'baby'. I just hope and pray that this module manages to cover all the areas that are lacking in some of the Agents on our Managed Service Desk. Anyway, that was work today.

After work, Xav, Nav and I headed to the Cyberjaya Community Club for futsal. We play every Wednesdays with the IBM guys and gals. It is an hour of good exercise. Although, it is challenging when you play with girls, because we have to be very careful when we kick or contact. But I am enjoying the fact that for one to play well here, you have to be purely 'clean' as a player. No tackles or even body contacts are allowed - which is good. So any 'steals' made have to 100% on the ball. This is a good exercise of ensuring you do not even touch the opposition players. Anyway, that was futsal at CCC. After futsal, got back home, had my bath, had dinner and then Tasha and I drove into SK Old Town to buy some fruits. Had some durians and, oh yes, I almost forgot, I bought these 'cincau' jellies. I love them - I cut them into small cubes and make my drink every 2 days (purely so that I won't get bored of it). A very cooling and refreshing drink.

It will be a very tiring day tomorrow, cos' I need to get in at about 8.30am (in order for me to finish up all my work) so that I can leave the office at 7pm. I have futsal with the Subang boys at 8pm. So I hope to get in early. I've got some calls and tickets to monitor and of course, I need to finish up the presentation slides. I also need to ensure that the Weekly PAR Audits are completed and submitted to me.

That's all for now. More tomorrow.

Good night everyone.

1st Day Of The Week....

Yup it is a Monday. Being a Monday, I expected the day to go really slowly, but in fact, it went rather fast. I guess it was because I was pre-occupied with the Soft Skill Presentation that I am preparing for the training this Thursday and Friday. Anyway, today upon coming back from work at 6.30pm, bought Caesar & Vasco's food, sent my clothes to the laundry and got back. Took the boys out for a walk, got back, had a quick shower and headed to Universiti Hospital in PJ to visit one of our close family friends who is admitted. Auntie Saro suffered a mild stroke sometime last week. Appa and Amma asked me to go and visit. So, I went and visited her and spent some time with her. Get well soon Auntie Saro.

Upon visiting her, went to Restaurant PJ Baru. This used to be my hangout when I was staying in Sec.14, PJ. I was here almost every weekend - having dinner and drinking the night away. But, ever since I moved to Equine Park, I have never found the time to go eat here. It was so nice and warm that the Auntie Ah So remembers me. She asked me, "what ah boy ah, so long no see leh?" It was such a nice gesture. Hardly do we have such warmth these days. So, we spoke and Auntie gave me a good discount on the dishes I had - very good food though. I have to promote it - very good food.

After that, went to PBB for a while as Tasha had to do some banking and then we returned back to Equine. Just finished some office work and I am off to bed now.

More tomorrow.

Good night.

Uncle Krishnan's 60th

Happy Birthday Uncle Krishnan!

May God bless you with the best of health and many more years to come!

It was a pleasant evening with good food and great company. It was held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Country Club. A very nice venue for the occasion.

Thank you Uncle Krishnan, Auntie, Devika Akka, Rohan Annan and Vikhram for the invitation. It was an honour to share this beautiful day with Uncle and all of you.

Weekend....

This weekend was spent doing nothing, but just resting. Woke up at 9am, washed my car, washed the front porch of the house and did some cleaning in the hall and dining area, then had my coffee while I watched some tele. Called the caricature artist to confirm the collection details and then, went to the supermarket to buy some groceries - Tasha was cooking today. Had lunch - chicken fingers sambal, some 'kailan' and some fried fish cakes. I just love having Sunday lunches at home. The things is I am so tired of eating out - any opportunity to eat at home is good. After lunch, watched some tele and then came up to rest and of course to blog a lil'. Now, I am going to get ready to go to Unc Krishnan's birthday party.

More when I return ok. I might be meeting Shobs for supper.

We'll see how it goes. More later.

Manchester United....

I have to somewhat agree with Dams when he sent me this message, right after the 2-0 defeat to the Cottagers, and I quote: "....This weekend might just turn out to be great, hehehe". Well, 'great' is an understatement. What the hell was going on in the entire first half of the game? Firstly, the starting line up was wrong - I have always believed that Tevez should have started with Rooney. The entire game would have been different. This is a very painful lesson for the Devils to endure. Losing 2 games in a row - and losing with the victors creating history in their respective successes. Damn this phase! I hate this part of the season - but this is something every team will have to endure. What is important is how a team, wakes up from a double beating that it had to endure within a period of freakin' 7 days. I have a lot of faith in this team - this Manchester United team. It reminds me so much of the team that won the unprecedented TREBLE in 1997. So, to the faithful Devils, do not fret. The best is yet to come. We are feeling the way we are feeling right now, simply because we are not used to losing ever before. Well, we have lost - but never have we lost 2 games running with an average of 2.5 goals to 0. Take it easy - we will bounce back.

In fact, this weekend was rather quiet. Woke up in the morning, spent some time with Vikhram as he was still awake from his mini going-away party last night. Then Tasha woke up and we chilled for a while in the hall watching tv. Surfed the Net for a while and then left to send a picture to a caricature artist to draw a potrait of Unc Krishnan (Vikhram's dad). Well, as most of you know, it is Unc Krishnan's 60th birthday tomorrow. So, this is one of the gifts that Devika and Vikhram are giving him. Upon sending it, went to Devika's house to sort out the presentation slide with Navin. Once that was done, I got back for dinner. Tasha cooked dhal curry, with spicy long beans, pappadums and some pickles. Yup, a good home cooked vegetarian meal. It was yummy - all of that was washed down with 2 big glasses of iced cincau. Yummy - very nice. It was sad that after such a sumptous meal, I had the honour of watching my dear team getting whipped in London. But, it was fine, as I said we will bounce back and bounce back with a vengeance we shall.

More tomorrow after the party. I really hope to post a few pictures as well.

Good night everyone.

Blessings...Blessings...Blessings...

It is not always that we don't look forward to weekends. To be honest, I wasn't. I still have so much of unfinished work that I will be carrying back over the weekend. Although, I wouldn't be able to finish up everything on time, but the mere thought of having so much to complete makes me wish that the weekend wasn't here yet. But, I have promised myself, no work over the weekend - I guess I'll have to make an exception this week.

Keep Climbing The Ladder Boys....

I have been hearing a lot of good news. Thank God for all the blessings he showers upon us every day. Today, my dear brother Remyjit Singh (Remy) called me to say that he has been promoted to the position of a Project Manager (Transition). Damn! Very happy for you Pau! I knew it was coming. I knew all along it was coming - but I just didn't know when. I also heard that Kamalakannan Veerapathran (Kamal) was also promoted to the position of a Project Manager (IM). Damn you two! I am so happy for the both of you. It is so nice that my dear brothers are doing well. Very proud of the both of you. May God continue to bless the both of you in your respective careers and your future undertakings. My prayers are always with the both of you.

Talking about promotions, I have not thanked God enough for His grace in promoting me in February 2009. I am currently attached to the Quality Unit of AO. This is a department which is very much one of the main support units of the Service Desk Operations Department. It is headed by Ms. Devika Rani (The General) our Manager and it hails 2 very important Majors (I'd like to call them that) - Sr. Navindran Karunakaran (Navin) and Sr. (to be) Xavier Tee Chin Tze (Xavier a.k.a. Puchi Fellers). The both of them have been very helpful in assisting me with a lot of training and adapting -thank you very much Navin Sare' and Xav Macha - I don't know what I would have done without the both of you. So, once again gentlemen, "THANK YOU VERY MUCH FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!" I must not forget our dear Manager, Devika - without whom I would never have even been considered for this position. It is a very good position, because I am able to bring about changes in the Service Desk as far as Quality is concern. There are many areas that need a lot of improvement and I am just glad to be able to help - somewhat.

This entry goes out to everyone who has been blessed since the beginning of the year. I know everyone may have a story to tell. So, if you do, feel free to drop me a note. I will be glad to publish it. We are only giving thanks to God for all His blessings and what better way than to put it in a form which is readable by everyone. Please do not ever think that this is a form of showing off, but in fact a means to thank God. There are many ways of doing so - prayer, praising and testimony (THIS IS A TESTIMONY!).

God bless you all!

Have a blast of a weekend!

8 Ball Pool....

I am huge fan of pool, not 8 Ball Pool though - I prefer 9 Ball. But a lot of people at the office prefer playing 8 Ball Pool, so I have no choice. This is a game which I think a lot of people underestimate. The game of 8 Ball Pool is actually not as simple as it may appear to be - especially when one watches another play. Until and unless he/she plays the game, will one understand the complexities of the game. To a certain extent, I feel although it can prove to be less technical if compared with 9 Ball Pool, it has its own twisted rules (I'd like to call it twisted). There have been a lot of arguments over the rules - i.e. which rules are correct, who is right and so on. Therefore, I have taken upon myself to research the updated World Standardised Rules of the Game of 8 Ball Pool.

So, here goes:-

OBJECT OF THE GAME

Eight-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes). The player pocketing either group first, and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.

CALL SHOT

In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is never necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent. The opening break is not a “called shot.” Any player performing a break shot in 8-Ball may continue to shoot so long as any object ball is legally pocketed on the break.

RACKING THE BALLS
The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of the
triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot, a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner.

ORDER OF BREAK
Winner of the lag has the option to break. The winner of each game breaks in the next. The following are common options that may be designated by tournament officials in advance:
(a) Players alternate break.

(b) Loser breaks.

(c) Player trailing in game count breaks the next game.

LEGAL BREAK SHOT
(Defined) To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind the head string) must either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. When the breaker fails to make a legal break, it is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) having the balls re-racked and having the option of shooting the opening break or allowing the offending player to re-break.

SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK

If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball: see rule 4.8), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open. Please Note: The incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string and causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object ball.

OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF TABLE ON THE BREAK

If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string and shooting.

8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK

If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.

OPEN TABLE

(Defined) The table is "open" when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any solid or stripe first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, it is a foul and no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; the incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.

CHOICE OF GROUP

The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only one or both groups, because the table is always open immediately after the break shot. The choice of group is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.If the groups have been determined and the player mistakenly shoots at and pockets a ball of the group, the opponent must call a foul on him before he takes his next shot. If he fails to do so, the player automatically takes over the group of balls (solids or stripes) at which he has been shooting during this inning.

LEGAL SHOT

(Defined) On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail. Please Note: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting the object ball; however, after contact with the object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cue ball or any numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.

“SAFETY” SHOT

For tactical reasons, a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue a turn at the table by declaring “safety” in advance. A safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, the shooter must declare a “safety” to the opponent. It is the shooter’s responsibility to make the opponent aware of the intended safety shot. If this is not done, and one of the shooter’s object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.

SCORING

A player is entitled to continue shooting until failing to legally pocket a ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed all of his group of balls, he shoots to pocket the 8-ball.

FOUL PENALTY

Opposing player gets cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table (does not have to be behind the headstring except on opening break). This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls which would put an opponent at a disadvantage. With “cue ball in hand,” the player may use a hand or any part of a cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball. When placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot. (Also see Rule 3.39.)

COMBINATION SHOTS

Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8-ball can’t be used as a first ball in the combination unless it is the shooter’s only remaining legal object ball on the table. Otherwise, should such contact occur on the 8-ball, it is a foul.

ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS

An object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when (1) that object ball is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed, or (2) the called ball did not go in the designated pocket, or (3) a safety is called prior to the shot. Illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed and are scored in favor of the shooter controlling that specific group of balls, solids or stripes.

OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE

If any object ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8-ball, which is a loss of game. Any jumped object balls are not re-spotted.

JUMP AND MASSÉ SHOT FOUL

While “cue ball fouls only” is the rule of play when a match is not presided over by a referee, a player should be aware that it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or massé the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge).

PLAYING THE 8-BALL

When the 8-ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped from the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand. Note: A combination shot can never be used to legally pocket the 8-ball, except when the 8-ball is the first ball contacted in the shot sequence.

LOSS OF GAME

A player loses the game by committing any of the following infractions:
1. Fouls when pocketing the 8-ball (exception: see 8-Ball Pocketed On The Break).

2. Pockets the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.

3. Jumps the 8-ball off the table at any time.

4. Pockets the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.

5. Pockets the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball.

Note:

All infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be deemed that no infraction occurred.

STALEMATED GAME

If, after 3 consecutive turns at the table by each player (6 turns total), the referee judges that attempting to pocket or move an object ball will result in loss of game, the balls will be re-racked with the original breaker of the stalemated game breaking again. The stalemate rule may be applied regard-less of the number of balls on the table. Please Note: Three consecutive fouls by one player in 8-ball is not a loss of game.

So my dear gentlemen, as we prepare ourselves for the tournaments both within and outside the company, please do ensure that all rules set by the organisers are in accordance with the rules above. If they are not, then, why bother even participating in these competitions in the first place.

So, hope to see all of you in the pool houses soon. I don't know about you guys, but I am heading to Asia Cafe this weekend ;) - 2nd floor by the way.

Glossary:

WORLD STANDARDIZED RULES: 8-BALL

Exercise....

Ever since I started this new job, I have been able to spend a good deal on exercise. This is something I was so passionate about, but sadly, I couldn't find the time to do so. With the new timing I'm on - Malaysian hours, thank God, I am now able to exercise. Lately, I have been playing futsal (twice a week) and tennis (once a week). To be honest with all of you, I have never felt better. As mentioned before, sports or being actively involved in sporting activities is something I simply could not live without. But due to work commitments, I was unable to participate in any. Although, somehow I did initiate some late night futsal sessions at Cyberjaya after work - i.e. 1.00am.

I have been playing futsal for the past month and I have to say that it has been so exciting. As I mentioned earlier, I play twice a week. Tuesdays in Cyberjaya, with the IBM guys and on Wednesdays in Subang with Nav's friends. I enjoy the sessions with both groups. Firstly, it is a very good workout and secondly, it is a good means of networking. I have met many new friends through this endeavour. On Thursdays, I play tennis with Nav and Nick (speaking of Nick, "when are you going to join us for tennis again ah?"). We (Xav and myself) have been playing tennis for the past 1 month. It has been years since I played, but it is nice to refresh. Although, I have never been a good tennis player, it is a good workout - running around the court and making Xav do the same ;) I have always been a futsal player - even that, I am still coming to terms with the 1 hour non stop sessions we have these days. I still remember, playing with my dear CSC boys for 2 hours - with only a 15 mins break in between. Those were the days la. But I will love to get back the stamina I had - not too long ago.

Just had futsal a while ago. It was a good session. Hope to be able to continue this very good workout routine - weekly. Damn....its getting late. So long everyone, I am going to retire for the day, more tomorrow. Damn, I have so much of work to finish tomorrow.

Wish me luck - I will be glad to leave at 9pm - if I am lucky (btw, I start at 9am). Sigh.

Good night people.

Back To Work....

Everyone hates Mondays...

Who doesn't? It has been a slow day, but there is much to be completed. I hope the plans that have been laid out work out to complete the abovesaid tasks works to its respective completion. I have been struggling to keep up with all my deadlines as I have been very busily involved with trainings. The thing is if I have training sessions during the week days, I have a shorter time to complete my tasks. With the final training over for ISO 9001:2008, I can now concentrate on my work and focus on completing all the necessary.

Lunch today was different. Went with Xav to Jusco in SK to send his router for repair - so we decided to have lunch in Teppanyaki. For a change, it was good - instead of the normal Penang House or NewTown Cafe or Dengkil, etc. It was nice.

Will be blogging more tonight.

Cheers everyone... and have a great (second-half of a) day ahead!