Thursday, July 30, 2009

Mistakes
Mistakes are often made. Either unknowingly or intentionally, we try to understand why we did what we did. I have a past that not many know of. It’s hard to move on knowing we deeply hurt the ones we used to be close to. I guess living by the moment, confidently thinking nobody would find out, living in denial was just too good a feeling to have to stop.

Some kind and caring souls, who could see right through us, would always remind us what we’re doing is wrong and the need for repentance. Why didn’t I listen? Why didn’t I learn? Now I wished I listened, and not even started. To lie or to deceive, is one thing, but to hurt and doing it on purpose for own self interest is both cruel and unforgivable.

2006-2007 was a 2 year period that I wish I was never the person I was. How childish and inconsiderate was I? How ungrateful and selfish was I? How stupid and such a bastard was I? Nothing can change the past, but only to look towards a cleaner and fruitful future. I fell, and now I need to pick myself up and associate myself with all things which are good and have a line drawn. I wish there was a line or 2 that never crossed, but it has. It’s been more than a year since I’ve been repenting, living a cleaner life, a life of morals and ethics. But you would never believe I’m capable of such change. You can’t help it, as I’ve cut you so deep, as you’re still bleeding till now, because of me.

No amount of heart felt apologies can undo the wrongs, and we all know that no two rights can correct one wrong. I’m sorry to you my once friend. To have done the mistakes I have, and to cause you so much pain and disappointment. Years down the line, you would still be as sore and hateful towards me. And you are right, I have hurt so badly. It has affected you for all this while, and it’s all because of me. To think that I’m capable of such actions and even thought, it worries me that I have turned into something I once hated so much. I can’t understand why and how it happened, but it did.

You were kind, warm, gentle and a good friend. You never failed to help when I was in need. You trusted me, and you believed me. You were always the better friend than I could ever be to anyone else. You cared and you always know what was best. You are much more of a man than I can ever be. I’m sorry.


posted by John @ 1:13 PM 3 comments

Wednesday, July 22, 2009


The day Man Utd came to town

What makes Man Utd? Good players who form a team that plays entertaining football, and is accustomed to winning. They are the current English Champions and winner of numerous of trophies.


Enough Said!



I’ve been their fan since 1994! My first memory of watching MU play is when Eric “The Man” Cantona stepped onto the field whilst folding his Jersey collar upwards. They played entertaining football, to watch the crowd scream and cheer their team on; I knew there was something special about that team. I continued to watch their games and 15 years down the line, I’ve been supporting this team through all the good and bad times.


So the time finally came for me to watch them in person. I went for the training session on Friday (17th July 2009) with Steven, Faizal and a few more. MU were scheduled to come out at 5:30pm. We arrived at about 4pm to get good seats. I somehow knew I was not going to make it for the following day’s match in which Man Utd were to play our Malaysian team. It was Mark and Melissa’s wedding, which I couldn’t miss, thus I really needed to make the best out of it.


The lads that lasted all these years in the team since 1994 would be Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. Needless to say, I was in delirium when I saw them walk out onto the field. First it was Scholes who first walked out of the tunnel and stepped on the field. The crowd at the opposite side of the field saw him first, and made the rest of the stadium excited by their screams.

Scholesy!


Then came out Nani and Giggs. Followed by the rest who were coming out of the tunnel, by this time, the trumpets were blaring, the girls screaming, kids looking like sugar overdosed and grown up men tearing in joy!



The boys are out! The rest seen coming out of the tunnel



They then made a few laps around the field to warm up before their training session began.


Rio leading the pack...



The boys then made their way to the end of a field and did some stretches.



Monkeying Around...



You would think professional footballers would not train as such, but it's back to basics. Playing monkey for these fellas is a little harders as it's one touch football and there's 2 guys in the circle. When you're as sharp and quick as them, the "monkeys" keep changing. Entertaining to watch :-)

They then combined to form 2 teams and played a competitive game using half a field. It was really good to watch them really into it. Anything goes apparently, as we watched Scholes still miss timing his tackles, Rooney pushing and shoving away, Owen getting rid of the ball fast, Anderson holding onto the ball longer, Rio holding his challengers at arms length. Soon after, it was time to wrap up. The boys then did another few round laps around the field.



The team acknowledging the crowd as they warm down.


All in all, it was really nice to have watched them in the flesh. Amazing athletes and display of talent. Rooney was the clear favourite of the crowd, and not suprisingly, Owen came a close second to the cheers of the crowd.

As faith would have it, Man Utd then scheduled a rematch with Malaysia on Monday. So since i didnt get to watch Saturday's match, Thilak, Theva and Leonard accepted my invitation to watch the match, courtesy of Man Utd's cancellation of their Indonesian tour. Valerie Michael helped us get tickets (Thanks Val!), and she brought along 3 girlfriends (Odelia, Rupa and Vanessa) to watch the game as well. So the 8 of us sat together and watched the English Champions on that glorious day for Malaysian Red Devil fans....


The above ticket which I didnt use for the game on saturday. The below is the rematch ticket which I did use.

Needless to say, I'm already planning for a trip to Old Trafford to watch Man Utd play in the Theather of Dreams! *grin*

posted by John @ 8:54 PM 4 comments