Shell Life (Part 9: May,June,July, Aug 2006: Bangalore, India Trip)

Being in a complex project (yet simple application) had contributed to my enormous trip to partner's office based in Bangalore, India. Can't recall the exact traveling dates to Bangalore between May till August - my nicely kept boarding pass would be able to help me with that :)

My initial thought on business trip had been a good one - staying & relaxing in a decent hotel, finding and tasting the best local food, wandering and getting lost in a unknown city after office hour and during weekend, experiencing and learning the culture and language differences, feeling and touching the phase of intellectual and economic development; all had been well-dreamt in the Utopia of mine, until I experienced mine with my project, so-called a challenging, exciting, and dynamic IT-CRM project, supporting the delivery of the streamlined process in a B2B business world.

Working through late nights and weekends (the precious off hours & days that I could do wonder in a foreign city) had never been called for a stop by anyone in the project team, be it the working team at the bottom of the team hierarchy (like me) to the leaders at the top of our reverse triangle hierarchy, as delivery has been put as the highest priority on each of our shoulder. Knowing the root cause of having numerous late nights and weekend did not stop all the interested governing parties sending their best spokeperson to manipulate the decision to their favor, while it became the best political-playground in maneuvering the deliverables quality to the advantage of each party.

One of the worst experience was the 19-day non-stop working-marathon over 2 weekends and late nights, took place in 3 different countries, from India, to Malaysia, to Singapore and back to Malaysia. This long-run journey really pushed me to the limit - wonder what would happen if I didn't insist to have a break on my third weekend.

Work-life-balance has been my dream every since my first job as marketer in the telecommunication industry. Being in the renown oil based company would have helped in fulfilling my dream, especially when it is being 'embraced' by management. However, with a project that managed by third party contractors plus delivered by outsourcing partners had thrown me back to the reality. Nothing is more important than delivering to the need of the project, no matter how work-life-balance is being stressed at different working level.

Nonetheless, the project had broaden my view and widen my eyesight to the whole new working-politics (30:70 in ratio) world. And though I did stay in one of those expensive hotel during the stay in Bangalore - rank after London & New York, I hardly had chance to explore and enjoy the great ambience, except coming back in late night for late "supper" and to catch some sleep before the start of another crazy day. Not to mention about having a relaxing bath in the big bath-tab provided.

Unstoppable Long-Distance-Shots... 无法抵挡的远射

It was the fascinating long-distance-shots that brought Germany to celebrate their FIFA bronze, contributed by their young midfielder, Schweinsteiger Bastian who had amazed the world while putting Portuguese Top Goalkeeper Ricardo in great pain.

The undefeatable swerving shots from middle-left of the pitch crowned Schweinsteiger the Man of the Match who had successfully injected the 'Cardiotonic' into Germany's blood, turning the match in German's favor 11 minutes after 2nd half of the match. The cheering crowd had their emotion being aroused into another level when Schweinsteiger powerful free kick lead-to an 'own-goal' by Portuguese midfielder, Petit, marking a regretful stain to Portugal defencing form. Left wing would have been Schweinsteiger lucky field when his 3rd attempt from the far-left-end of the middle pitch (the 2nd 'own-goal' was resulted from his strong free-kick from left-middle-pitch), perfectly soared toward the far-right-corner of the net, giving Ricardo no chance of safe.

Nuno Gomes' header goal from a great cross by Figo at the very last 4 minutes of the match that flew through Kahn's arms had brought the match with 2-goals margin in favor to Germany. Despite with good ball possession, the Portuguese who had made the games even in 1st half had not been capitalizing their possession and strength much, which opened up the scoring opportunity to German from distance. The selfishness in Klose who aimed for Golden Boots had cause in lost of few goalscoring opportunities when his teammates were in better place. Nonetheless, sitting at the top of the scoring chart with 5 goals in hands, Klose should be close to his dream of Golden Boots unless the French player, Henry pierce through Italian's defence wall twice.

A Ticket to Final Awarded by Referee... 由裁判赠送的决赛权

Until now, almost 10 hours after the match, I still couldn't believe that France had advanced to Final with a debatable penalty given by the South American Referee. One forward went to the ground eyeing to goal under one defender's challenge, both fell on the penalty box concurrently, both with their legs extended for the ball and for the fall, one forward being smart enough to 'run towards' the defender and being 'tackled', one referee with his eyes 'witnessing' the moment from his angle, one foul given to the defender, one penalty awarded to the forward... and, one goal being made by one Midfielder who claimed his last World Cup this season. What a moment of 'hurrah' or 'damn' that promised the seat to 2006 World Cup Final, don't think this would impress most of the fans.

Both team played the games very well, with Portugal holding better position in ball possession and goalscoring chances. Great defence wall by French was challenged few times by Portuguese, however, with no luck on Portugal side, all the attempts ended with great sigh of disappointment. France on the other end, leveraging on their magnificent international appearance and experiences, played in their own style, with their impeccable defensing moves, dispossessing Portugal's goalscoring opportunities that could lead the games to extra time. It is undoubtful that few shot attempts by French that had nearly shaken Portuguese defensing form, had again pronounced the players scoring ability. A even game by both team, which shouldn't be destined by a penalty.

Portugal's destiny was almost defined 12-minute before to game, when their captain, their symbol - Figo, headed over with the goal, resulting from Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range-fine-free-kick. Continuous challenge was forced by Portuguese from their 2 wings and crosses as time ticked away to complete the 90min games, had only pressured French to strengthen and hold out with their defence force. No single luck was granted to this small country despite their thrilling performance at World Cup stage.

There is one thing about football match at this kick-out round - winner or loser, enjoying the good fortune as hero or leaving as villain where you could either come back to shine on the stage 4 years later, or bit the international field a big goodbye like Figo, in vain.

Italy Advanced to FIFA Final... 意大利夺得决赛权!!

下半场的加时赛，最后的两分钟，两个妙传，两个不同角度的进球，一位后卫，一位候补前锋，一个失守的龙门，一场拥有上亿见证人的赛事，捍卫了意大利每十二年进入世界杯决赛圈的命运。

早晨3点钟的闹钟声准时地把我叫醒，让我没有错过这场精彩的赛事。双方顽强的踢法，即攻又守，球员们都把持着标准体育精神，完成了90分钟的正场奔跑--特别是意大利队，在加时赛才更换球员。赛前被看好德国队，持着高大的体魄，强攻死守，抹杀了好几个敌队的角球，硬梆梆地阻挡了来势汹汹的意大利队。反观意大利队，身材比起德国要矮上一个人头，可在拥有超高控球、传球技术下，无惧于德国主场气氛的欺压，漂亮地制造了一个又一个的进球机会。必须强调的是，双方的守门员，并没有摸黑世界级最佳守门员的头衔，成功地拦截了好几个险球。

正时赛双方的表现已充分体现出他们杀进四强的实力。虽然意大利队在下半场的表现有所保留，其刚厚的守卫墙却让德国队无从下手，无奈地让球赛进入加时赛。意大利教练看来是吸取了阿根廷对垒德国的教训，并没有在正时赛更换任何球员，适当的观察力及战略上的揣摩，让意大利球员准确地把握时机，在进入加时赛后，把攻守技能发挥的淋漓尽致。

在加时赛进入了最后3分钟，当世人--观众（全世界哦）也好，球员也罢，都以为点球将是决定性的关键时，意大利抢回了一个被德国解救了的角球，经过了Pirlo 的妙传，由后卫球员Grosso以左脚踢出了决定性的一球，闪过了世界最佳守门员的防卫，往龙门的一角滚过进去。惊吓中的德国很快地接回了控球权，飞奔地攻向意大利的龙门，却被意大利漂亮地拦截住，超快地反攻让德国的后卫军没能反应过来，在赛前最后一秒由候补前锋--Del Piero在队友Gilardino 的反传下漂亮地又踢进偏离龙门的角球，巩固了意大利进入决赛的事实！

拥有主场优势的德国队，无法突破巴西前优秀球员比利（Pele)的预言及看好，败北后挥泪离场，无缘实现第四次夺杯的希望。继德国步入巴西的后尘，上届决赛比拼的两只球队都在八强及四强遇上各自的克星后，证实了一物克一物的说法，也确定了在球场上没有永远的赢家，只有顽强拼搏的队伍才足以生存、立足。

FIFA Semi-Final = EURO Cup 世界杯半决赛=欧洲杯

Was so into soccer for the past few weeks - for the once-in-4-year football season. Am not so much fancy about soccer, but will allow myself to be in the fever, at least for the major one like EURO and World Cup - happen with 2 years interval (4 years for EURO, 4 years for World Cup; both interleave in between for 2 years gaps).

Chasing after each and every single match was part of my target every day since June 9, but was not able to accomplish such mission with my 'busy schedule' of work - can't live as zombie for long too... ^_< Selectively, I have to skip most of the 3 o'clock (morning, local time 9pm) matches, except when I was in India (with better time difference of 3 1/2 hours), during weekend, when good teams were playing or skipped earlier match for some rest before continue with 3am match.

Am quite disappointed when Argentina was sent back after quarter-final with Germany, the host of 2006 FIFA World Cup. With such a good skill in ball controlling, passing and juggling, I still can't accept the fact that Germany has won the match over Argentina with PSO (Penalty Shoot Out), where Argentina is (or was) really good at (and they are supposed to be the Pro!). The early substitution of their first choice players (forward & midfielder) cost them dear when Germany stroke back with 1 goal to even up the scores. Even with some 'noobie' like me who know so little about football strategies would know that this could be the most costly mistake by the Argentina coach.

I was in India during the GER-ARG match, catching my flight back to KL on the same night. Managed to watch the first 90mins games, missed the extra time 30min games (where I had used to travel to airport), continued the match with PSO at the airport, with a bunch of German supporters - feel abit lonely until I heard the same 'yes' from another whiteman when Argentine manage to score the PSO. We both pointed at each other with the word "Argentina?" coming out from our lips concurrently, both posted with great smile after knowing that we were not alone, but with big 'sigh' and 'aiks' after Germany's 4th goal that advanced them to semi-final.

Brazil, the defending champion, bit world cup a big goodbye when they were defeated, the 2nd time, by France. A curse or being jinxed, Brazilians were struggling throughout the match with French tough defense team. French had played well - have to admit that they catch up the momentum a bit slower in this World Cup, where they were not performing in the very first 2 matches. With the most 'old' (or experienced, a better word, I guess) players in team, they destroyed the hope of Brazilian of winning the sixth World Cup.

With the 2 South American teams being sent home, World Cup 2006 semi-final has now become the all-European games with France against Portugal in Munich, and Germany meeting Italy in Dortmund, on 5 & 6 July respectively (local time, 9pm). Feel like watching EURO Cup without having any team from the rest of the world playing at this stage.

Updates: 近况报告

好久没有写blog了，是懒惰还是忙碌，自己也无法分辨。忙碌是真的，但忙里偷闲总不难吧，就是想给自己找个藉口，好好地‘懒散’一下下 - 但这一下下也一下下了几个月了吧 :P

最近老是在不断地反省，为什么在这么一个讲究、在乎员工[生活-工作平衡]的公司上班，我还是无法在工作及我的生活找到平衡点呢？以为换换工作环境，就会找回享受生活的时间，让自己喘息，蓄势待发。可为什么偏偏只要有我加入的project，就得花好长的工作时间在好紧凑的期限来收拾残局呢？看来不像是工作环境的问题嘛，好像是所谓的[命水]，有点邪哦。小姨告诉我说，最可怜的并不是我本身，而是跟我合作的伙伴，因为我的[命水]的关系，也把他们扯入了这个旋涡。觉得有点可悲，也有点可笑，要是真的是[命水]的话，我也得认了吧。看来不能让跟我一起合作的同事知道吧，否则有谁要跟一个[克星]一起做苦命工呢 ^_^

依照现在project进展及期限看来，短期内是没有办法有好日子过。不停地往印度飞（忘了多少次了 - 每次都忘了更新blog :P)，却无缘享受整个旅程 - 太紧凑了，匆匆忙忙地，总是匆匆地来，匆匆地走 - 好想套用徐志摩在《再别康桥》中一段诗句： 悄悄（匆匆）的我走了，正如我悄悄（匆匆）的来；我挥一挥衣袖（拉一拉行李），不带走一片云彩（只带走一片空白）。唉，真是无福消受啊。早前买的相机好像也英雄无用武之地嘛。

看来得多多‘拜拜/祷告’，希望[衰]的快去，[好]的快来！祝福我吧！

What In A World...

In the ever-changing world of now
Living through an evolution of its own
In pursuing the wide-ranging needs
Keeping oneself distance from simplicity
Earning a life with status as eternity

Slaughtering the environment as deem as it could be
Eavesdropping, coarse cursing
Extreme thoughts, obscene conduct
Mighty the eagerness, tiny the sympathy
Isolating the hearts from being communicating
Nurturing the power of materialistic
Giving the space to worship technology

Dozens of hearts are falling
Over the shadow of lavishness
Every minute if you are counting
Sinking in the swamp of egoistic

Hide away the sincerity
Enlarging the pride and priggish
Firing the minority
Eliminating the sound of liberty
Entrusting the authorities
Legitimate the act of killing

Tearless, our nature is roaring
Helpless, the prey is revenging
Exclaiming their soundless protest
Summoning the disaster and diseases
Arousing the global warming
Manipulating the evolution over the mankind
End of the day does it imply

Thus far damage only we applied
Offering goodness should we all now subscribe
Over the time will the cosmos be revived

因为，所以。Because...

人家说幸福是要努力争取的
我努力过了吗？ 没有
因为我选择等候。。。

人家说喜欢就该大声的说出来
我说过了吗？没有
因为我选择矜持。。。

人家说缘分是上天给的，机会是创造出来的
我创造过了吗？ 没有
因为我选择逃避。。。

人家说世事无常，命运弄人
世事真的无常吗？是的
因为我得学会面对

人家说生命是短暂的
生命真的短暂吗？是的
因为我得学会珍惜

人家说人生好比舞台，每个人都是自己的导演
我主导过我的人生舞台了吗？不知道
因为我还在摸索生命的意义

人家说人间只是个修行道场，虚拟不实
人间真的虚幻吗？不知道
因为我还在寻找真理

因为等候，所以只能期待
因为矜持，所以才会错过
因为逃避，所以无法面对
因为无常，所以变化莫测
因为短暂，所以刻骨铭心
因为舞台，所以积极演出
因为虚幻，所以假以乱真

所以我拥抱单身，选择与寂寞为友
所以我面对命运，锻炼自己更勇敢
所以我学会知足，学着感恩每一天
所以我站在舞台，舞出更精彩人生
所以我处身红尘，继续修行悟真理

后记：
因感触而写出的小品，记一位刚过世的同事 – Karen.M，享年46岁。事情发生得突然，让我无所适从。在感慨世事无常的同时，基督同事安慰我说她已到天国界，回归主 – 是值得欣慰的事情，因为她无须在人世间受苦受难。死，或重于泰山，或轻于鹅毛，留下的亲友总是最痛苦的，失去至爱所承受的难过会否因时间的洗礼而康复呢？会否会因此更勇敢的活下去呢？