31 December 2009

2009 in Review

I missed doing my annual review last year. I think annual reviews are important to help one reflect on his achievements, and notable events. We'll then be able to move on and be better the next year. Since no one at the office is really doing anything worthwhile anyway, here's what I remember most from 2009:
  • Beijing: This working trip really opened my eyes to the idea of living outside Malaysia. Before this I've only had overseas vacations, but never to live or work. Though it was only 3 months, it did spark some nomadic tendencies of me moving to some faraway land to start anew...
  • Work promotion: I remember when I first joined this company, my boss at that time told me that on average, it takes 2 years to move to the next level. It took me 2.9 years and I wasn't really happy with that. But hey, it did arrive and I got a pay raise from that so I'm still thankful nonetheless.
  • Broke up: We had a strong 2+ years together, but I decided I had to be the bad guy before I really became the bad guy. (Heh, it's only something both of us would understand.) The biggest lesson I learned from this is to never be complacent. I'm now enjoying singledom and meeting people again.
  • BodyJam: What should have taken 2 months took almost 2 years instead. But it was good - questions of unfairness aside, it did help me become harder, better, faster, stronger. Beforehand, getting an International BodyJam Certificate seemed an enviable goal. Now, it's just another step in the Everest scheme of things. Came so far, got much more to go.
  • Cardio Fit: As always, I keep improving. I now have the confidence to say that my latest release could actually qualify as one of the weaker BodyJam releases. Call me out for a demo! Unfortunately, my stage charisma is nowhere near Gandalf 'G' Archer's.
  • Family: Relations with Dad has improved this year. I believe he has softened with age, which does help smooth disagreements over. At the back of my heart though, I've begun wondering how life would be when he's gone? Relations with Mom has stayed positive throughout 2009. And she reads my blog so I'll refrain from commenting any further. Hi Mom!
  • Ballroom: Took up basic ballroom latin classes to expose myself to partner dancing. I enjoyed it! There's a different feel to it compared to freestyle hip-hop. More importantly, it showed me how important it is to work closely with your dance partner. The lead cannot look impressive without his follower, and the follower can never do impressive tricks without the lead's support.
  • Bangkok: My 2nd trip to Bangkok this year in November was really enjoyable. Besides the free entrance to the Asia Fitness Convention, I really felt comfortable moving about in a foreign country alone. My nomadic tendencies were honed from a lonesome childhood, and now they've made me strong enough to really survive elsewhere by my self.
  • Lecturing: I've had an ambition to be a lecturer since college. And I finally got that opportunity this year! I'm just about to complete my first semester there and I can say that I really enjoyed myself. Unfortunately, I'll be turning down any lecturing offers next semester. Notes preparation and assignment marking does take its toll on my weekends. Actually, it usually eclipses my entire weekend! So while I've identified lecturing as a possible retirement career, it is not possible to fit it in my life right now without sacrificing my social life.
  • Friends: While I'm surrounded by many sincere, good friends, I realized that I'm not really close to any of them. Once again, I'm like a nomad ready to move on.

I believe 2010 will be another exciting year for me! For better or for worse. I hope 2009 has been good to you too. Happy New Year!

21 December 2009

145 Years Later

If you haven't caught Avatar in the cinema, don't miss it! I watched it in 3-D and it passed my Entertainment Rating* with a perfect score of 0!

Anyway, the most memorable scene for me has nothing to do with the war battles, alien lifeform, or eye-popping 3D. It was a short scene less than 5 seconds:

Sam Worthington's character, who is wheelchair-bound, was temporarily out of his avatar. He had been spending the whole day in his alternate character and had a short window to rest and recover.

In that scene, Sam was quickly wheeling himself away when Sigourney Weaver's character (the lead scientist), quickly pulled him back to his meal. She chastised him and made sure he ate, while both smiled sheepishly.

But why was Sam smiling sheepishly? What was he embarassed about? And then I saw it. In his other hand, he was holding.... *suspense*...... a Tenga Deep Throat! Though it was unlabeled, I knew what it was because I have one :$

In a nutshell, James Cameron managed to sneak in a scene to explore how soldiers of the future would satisfy their sexual needs. And also to show that Sam's character is a normal hot-blooded male who would prioritize a quick wank over eating.

James Cameron, I give you a standing O.

On a related note, would Tenga really still exist 145 years in the future (Avatar is set in year 2154)? Would it become standard issue equipment for men flying on deep space missions?

P.S. I did a rough Google search and I might be the first one to actually blog about this observation. Digg me up! :P

* Entertainment Rating: The number of times I check my watch, out of boredom. The lower the better!