Bradby 2011- The Shield that was never Royal's

The Royal sports complex was the epicentre of school's rugby today with the Bradby 2nd leg to be played in the evening. Having a front row seat was beyond exciting because its far removed from the congestion experienced in the standing tiers on the other side of the ground. Incidentally, the Bradby was my first match of the season (after this it will be the last) as a live spectator. Previous Royal matches had to be sacrificed due to study commitments with classes falling on weekends.

In a nutshell, nothing went Royal's way which to many was quite hard to handle. Here is a team that beat Trinity in Kandy 2 weeks ago when branded as 'under dogs', not to mention getting off to a flying start from the kickoff. Early in the game Royal fluffed 2 penalty kicks (both within kicking range), which to me was not a good sign. The game plan would be to apply early pressure on the rival team and increase the 8 point lead from the 1st leg. Instead, all I saw was Trinity calling the shots and Royal being more reactive as opposed to playing offensive. Even in offensive play after the 3rd or 4th phase Royal was unable to maintain possession of the ball which stalled momentum considerably. Credit is due to Trinity forwards who kept the Royal forwards in check all the time without giving them any room to break through their defenses. To me, the Trinity captain stood out both in attack and defense; he was able to draw at least 2 defenders every time when engaging the Royal defense. This enabled Trinity to capitalise greatly in having extra men to run the ball. Royal's game plan of playing with their forwards hardly worked in their favour because each time the forwards went for hits they were running into brick walls.

The Trinity three-quarters were a scintillating lot with amazing running displays; every time the backs made a move they were able to punch holes in the Royal defense. Trinity backs had powerful running displays, and were resolute in their defense as well. In the entire match, I would have seen the Royal backs work their line not more than 10 times. And there were moments when the backs had no clue what to do after getting the ball. Better yet, the Royal forwards walk up to line-outs and jump for the ball (and mind you, its something not even the All Black do) without being able to reclaim it. Losing to Trinity in Colombo gives an impression that Royal's victory up in Kandy was a stroke of luck- like Royal were the 'lucky' team that day. The 40-5 margin speaks volumes of how much Trinity has worked towards winning the Bradby after the 32-25 loss 2 weeks prior to this.

I fear the Royal team needs to re-think its strategy in many ways. In all honesty, it was a heart breaking day to be a Royal supporter, but this all part and parcel of life. I hope others won't be too critical in their evaluation of today's match- after all they are still school boys. I refuse to single out any Royal player for not being up to par, since rugby is a team game, and both victory and defeat needs to be absorbed by every player of the team equally. I hope the Royal team will take this defeat constructively and move on, because the league title is still within reach- maybe all is not lost, not yet anyway.

On the brighter side (apart from having to see Royal lose), the stands were packed with people not to mention the female supporters of both schools. Its nice to see ladies coming to watch a rugby match!! I need to get me one of them ladies' (like they are displayed in shops and are up for sale)- LOL! Also, I get a complimentary souvenir since I happened to be a past editor of the Bradby souvenir, not to forget my name being included in it as well. I suppose for me its a consolation end of the day. Hats off to Trinity because they were worthy winners today and I'm sure the entire team is above cloud 9 at this moment.

6 Months After...

Well, for starters the title of this post can very well be used for a movie. It would resonate a romantic/comedic chord with people who hear it. It has been ages sine my last post, and blogging became a victim of pressure faced through work and professional studies. Looking ahead, I'm happy to get back to blogging and write my thoughts of a virtual diary. One interesting thing I noticed is that my number of followers have grown to 7!! I think a round of applause and a pat on the back should do it for me.

Today, I sat for an exam after 2 years since leaving uni, that too, my first professional exam. Exams of this nature are quite perplexing because you can't gauge your status before doing the paper. Back in uni before sitting for final exams I would always know where I stood, and how much I needed to score to get an A or A-. I hate to say it but not having carry marks gives you a certain level of uncertainty and insecurity. Surprisingly, I didn't feel an intense level of pressure as I used to when sitting for uni exams. Maybe it was because I didn't have a much content to memorize since the exam was based on a case.

I did feel slightly nauseous as always before sitting for exams; its something that I have been unsuccessful in overcoming. While getting ready to leave home I felt as if time had drifted back to Malaysia. All the routines I used to do back then are still vividly encapsulated within me. It's abnormally satisfying to recall certain moments of your life that made life worth living. Sitting for exams in Malaysia reinforced a belief that I could excel academically, while previously I couldn't. It was my main driver and motivator through uni, no doubt about that!!

Now back to Sri Lanka. Traveling a long way to the exam venue is not something I relish. Its to do a lot with taking 10 minutes to reach CAC in uni. Oh well... I suppose you can't have it all. En route to the exam my bus driver violated traffic rules and got a ticket as well. Yes folks, this only happens in Lanka!! I almost forgot- before leaving home it started to rain, and that reminded me of how people could make it to CAC from the hostels without getting wet. In a way, today was rather nostalgic with sprinkles of pre-exam jitters. The SLECC seemed quite a good venue to host an exam, but not so grand as the CAC, and halfway through the exam there was a power cut. And you have another 'only in Sri Lanka' moment (drum roll please)!! My right hand still hurts from all the writing because its just been so long since I wrote that much.

I have done 2 subjects and got another 2 to go which are only assignment submissions due in September. My only hope is I make through these two subjects since my exam record is still intact without any failures.

So...here's looking to get back to blogging then.

Self-absorbing Bus Rides & Elusiveness of Time

Last week was quite eventful and not to mention very remorseful to me. One incident being a friend's brother dying in a high speed car crash while driving at 170 kmph along with 5 others on a windy road. This happened while going down south, and I'm told the driver and everyone else were under the influence of alcohol. Ripping at such lightening speeds the driver missed a turn and rammed right into a coconut tree which snapped in two on impact, and after that the car landed in a stream nearby. It had taken area residents about 45 min to get all the people out of the car; by looking at photos of the car it was totally smashed. The car was a brand new Benz S350 owned by the driver who happened to have a rich businessman dad. It was a sad state of affairs, but every action has its own equal and opposite reaction.

Last Saturday while having a small bite to eat near a road side shop before classes I noticed a couple under a shady tree having a carefree time. The shop I was in is near the beach situated on Marine Drive -a stretch of coastal road connecting a few important areas of Colombo, and famous for reckless driving- with a satisfactory view of the sea. If you cross the railway tracks the beach is only a few feet away. While munching on my snacks I observed (something I do very well) the behaviour and body language of the couple coming to a conclusion that both were in their own world oblivious to everything around them. At the same time I wondered what could they be talking about for such a long time?? And how do you sustain such a scenario? I guess I would never understand it until I'm in that situation too. The more I think relationship's are not for me, the more external factors seem to reinforce that theory!!

On a physical note, my right wrist is giving me some serious pain due to some strained veins. I have nothing else but to thank my office computer and mouse for this. I wonder if there are other factors to this also?! Basically, I cant rest my hand on a flat surface because the veins running near my wrist start to pain. The pain travels up my arm a little and dies away naturally, but the initial pain is somewhat unbearable. It's also the same when I write something. Under doctor's orders I've been told to wear a wrist guard accompanied by a gel I have to apply before wearing it. I just hope it gets better soon since my gym sessions are affected by this; not going to gym is a precaution I'm taking because the risks and consequences will be greater if there's an injury.

Going in the bus is quite enjoyable in the sense that you get to think and ponder about different things. I wish I had a car but since don't its better to enjoy what I already have. Plus, you get to see a wide cross-section of society in the many buses. I just look and observe at the various people in the bus and what they do; to me it's interesting in a quirky way.

So... there you are, at the moment I'm into observing people. Weird right?!?

When its too late to make things right...

Its been awhile since I saw this screen, but I thought I should post something since I have some free time. Working 5 days a week and going for classes in the weekends are really sapping all of my energy, and not to mention time. I hardly do anything else than go to classes. Note to self- don't enroll for 4 subjects next time because it will really screw you. I don't mean that in a bad or detrimental way; its just that time management goes out the window. I honestly don't even have time for myself let alone others!! I underestimated about assignments for CIM, and it seems much harder. But I suppose that will make you work even harder to meet those standards and in the process have better exposure.

Things at home are quite not what I want it to be. Dad is losing control of my brother who although going to be 22 this year hardly acts his age. To make things worse mum does all the work and excuses him from almost all chores- some which I did at a very young age. Responsibility is something very lacking in him, and God knows how he will fix it. Whenever I ask him about something related to the house all he says is "I don't know". So, there is no point in asking him about anything!! On the other side, he's religious and can focus on anything if he wants to, but lacks practicality. I blame both my parents for how he has been brought up. Period.

Have you know a person studying for an exam not knowing when the exam will be held?!? Your guess is as good as mine..

I think when your the elder son parents seem to put more effort into training you in things they think are important. I remember running errands for mum since the time I was about 6 years old; that's because I was the other guy after dad. I didn't complain about it (maybe sometimes when I realised my brother was doing nothing) too much and instead did what I was told. In retrospect I liked being given responsibility because for some reason it made me feel good. I don't know if its in my genetics or not, but its a part of me. When it comes to the second son I think parents take it a bit easy. This is very relative depending on each family.

As a result of this some important things are still done by my parents and myself. I've tried to explain to him so many times but it has failed. He suddenly turns aggressive and verbally lashes out at people. He can't take criticism properly and always has something to say as an excuse; even recalling trivial incidents of the past which are quite insignificant to support his arguments. Obviously, it causes a lot of stress to both mum and dad because assurance of completing a task assigned to my brother is hardly ever guaranteed. I'm not saying I'm perfect, but at least I get the job done.

Halfway through school he changed tremendously and even changed his set of friends. Now, he is left with only a handful of people. There is this tendency where he can't tolerate people and their different behaviours. As a consequence, he would not associate such people even those who have been his school friends for a long time. People have said my brother and I are worlds apart. I admit, its very true. It has come to an extent where people known to both of us have asked me "what's wrong with your bro?" People in this list include mutual friends, uncles, aunties and other acquaintances.

To be very frank we don't even have a relationship that other siblings have with each other. Most of the time we end up fighting over some useless issue and get worked up over nothing. At times I'm a little envious of people who have good relationships with their brothers and sisters. Hey, I'm human after all ok!! To be really honest... we hardly ever talk to each other though living under the same roof. Sad as it may sound its the truth and I can't ignore it.

I've tried to reach out to him so many times and have failed in each attempt. Now, I don't want to try anymore. If it was a machine things would have ended much better, but how will it turn out for my brother?!?

Collage Thoughts

There I was on a Friday evening after work with some colleagues around a table having a few drinks (in my case it was non-alcoholic). Work is starting to grow on me and the team is opening up to me gradually. I like this bunch of people, who are very informal even in formal settings. I might have to rethink my office policy on keeping things plainly official; because most things in life are shades of grey. The best in all of this is the bonding you get with your team, and its a good thing mine is quite small. My team is a total of 13 people (nothing unlucky about it) out of which 7 were accounted for around the table, which constitutes a majority.

I heard stories about how things were done about 5 years earlier, the hardships they went through, what's going wrong at office now, and so much more. But I must say this, though on the outside these chaps may not look suave, posh or even classy, they all have good hearts and intentions. It was evident from the way they spoke. I feel like I've found a team who will stick it out through thick and thin- come what may!! And I in turn plan not to disappoint and live up to expectations.

It seems that all of my friends are getting hitched one after the other like a chain of dominoes. Just a few weeks back I spoke to a friend who returned from abroad in order to start back home. During the conversation I joked about how he should get married soon; lo and behold he's getting engaged this Sunday. A string of others are planning to follow suit very soon. When I heard the news I was very happy for the chap who said "I was not expecting to get married either, but everything seemed to fit". I wonder how you arrive at the correct "fit"?

Its funny because first thing I told him after hearing the engagement was- "you bastard!!" It was slightly rhetorical and mostly a great deal of astonishment and slight shock. I mean, it was like a bolt of lightening- good think it doesn't strike the same place twice!! Finding someone is definitely a blessing, and for those who have I say "well done". Not to sound pessimistic, but this thought always comes to my mind- 'would I find that person who's the correct fit'? To start with, I don't even want to even start thinking about this because it has too many variables. At the moment, its best that I focus solely on my career, but even that's easier said than done.

Going down memory lane, my last highly emotional moment occurred at KL Sentral before coming home for good. I still remember that day to a great deal. Its like I wished to stall time much as I pleased, and like that was so realistic. By the end of it, I rushed to the washroom to wash my face because it was not going to act according to my rational thought process. Plus, I didn't want people to see me with near teary eyes, which looks weird on any man. Since that day I have grown slightly wiser in my approach; promising that I would never allow myself to end up in a situation such as this ever again.

I'm mature enough to understand that behind every action or occurrence there lies a fundamental reason or rationale. Its just that at times everything is so blurred that you can hardly see anything clearly.

I have so much to write, and why on earth is the time flying so fast!!

To my friend Z- I wish you a happy and beautiful married life, and may Allah bless you!!