Adious...

Here's the parting shot of my desk...

And the view I'll miss (it's just to the right of my desk above)...

Fondly remembered...21 July 2006.

Fast Fingers

This guy, Cambry, can play Rachmaninoff's piece with such ease from memory. Gee, he plays faster than I can type! Besides, I've never seen a black guy play classical music before. He's simply fascinating. Can't imagine how much hard work he's put into to master a Rachmaninoff's. And I wonder if he's big like the master - 12-freaking-inches, handspan I'm talking about people...hands...

An Inspiration

This guy, Matt Harding, is such an inspiration. He's been to places that we only talk about. Check out his travelblog here www.wherethehellismatt.com

Surprise Surprise!

"Your own personal storyline takes a few surprising turns. Amazingly, they turn out to be exactly what you need - although you could never have predicted them. The universe knows how to deliver a plot twist." Astrology.com, 8 July 2006

Funny I thought that this appeared in the papers on my astrological sign today...pretty much sums up my current situ.

It's true...I've surprised myself of late. I've thrown in the towel at work about 3 weeks ago without another in waiting. Never done this before and never known such bravery.

Then, equally as surprising, an opportunity came up to work in Shanghai. Thanks to my CEO who's been respectful of my decision to leave his agency yet kind enough to also throw options my way to keep me employed. Never thought I'd have such an opportunity to explore 'expat life' for real. In the past, this was only a mere topic of discussions with friends about the "what ifs". Never took it seriously because I never thought possible. But if it does work out, it'll be an experience of a lifetime to live a different life. *fingers crossed*

So yeah, not many surprises but enough to move and shake my life up. And only a month back, I never thought any of these were possible. As Astrology.com says, "The universe knows how to deliver a plot twist." Indeed.

World Cup 2006 Today

I enjoy sports. I like football. I love the World Cup. Every 4 years, all the best gather to compete, new talents to be discovered, cuties emerge (yup for women football fans, a real treat!), entertained by goals, a wonderful time for bonding with family and friends, even when support for teams differs. Having the WC in a European country means many of us can watch the matches live albeit late into the night at the expense of slumber in contrast from last WC in Korea/Japan when matches were held in the day while we were at work. I'm happy for this WC.

I think and I feel...

- Brazil's jersey introduced the 'Mandarin' collar design
- Italy has the nicest jersey - blue with gold numbers and name.
- Even the strikingly intimidating orange Dutch jersey couldn't take them past 2nd round.
- I wonder if Ronadinho was the inspiration for the absolutely, lovable "Donkey"character in "Shrek". He's so cute.
- Jurgen Klinsmann is more attractive now than when he was playing for his country *yummy* Taut shirts or polo-t, both works!
- Klose impressed me with his fine headers, goal-scoring abilities and down-to-earth personality.
- The Azzuris are such pro-divers. It's soccer, dudes...not the ice skating rink. And why do they look perpetually oily?
- This WC confirms my dislike for Cristiano Ronaldo and what I've thought all along - an individualistic player and a show-off. And I'm not the only one, even Alan Shearer shares my views. Check out www.ihateronaldo.com
- English team is overrated despite their global EPL following. Quite a disappointment actually.
- The Africans are pretty good at soccer!
- The Korean team is a determined bunch with an equally determined and supportive red sea of loud fans.
- Argentinian's passes were the most impeccable.
- The Socceroos forgot to leave their rugby skills at home. It's soccer they should be playing.
- Le Bleus proved critics wrong that age is against them. Well, they are in the finals.
- I was hoping for a Germany-Argentina final. Turned out, they met in the Quarter-finals and Germany won on home ground.
- Great to see a refreshed German team with the right mix of youth and experience. A stark difference from last WC.
- If Switzerland could qualify for the WC...there just might be a teeny weeny chance that Singapore could too. Certainly not by 2010. Hah.
- David Beckham's the free-kick specialist while Thierry Henry is the off-side specialist.
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are similarly young, talented and bad-tempered.
- Luiz Felipe Scolari provided the most side-line entertainment. The most animated, grandfatherly coach.
- Messi, Lennon and Podolski are my favourite young players this WC and I can't wait till the next WC to see them play.
- Proud that Singapore's referee Shamsul Maidin was voted as the top referee on ESPN's referee list
- Here's my final prediction: WC Champion - France, 1st runner-up - Italy and 3rd placing - Germany.