| Start: | Jun 21, '08 05:00a |
| End: | Jun 29, '08 10:00p |
Jumat, Juni 20, 2008
Kamis, Juni 19, 2008
FORZA AZZURRI
"Sudah menyiapkan sapu tangan?" Aku sempat tertegun dengan sapaan ringan dari HLU, Selasa pagi itu. Namun saat kulihat ekspresi muka si redaktur pelaksana yang dihiasi senyum jail, segera kusadari makna sapaan itu.
Sapaan tengil ini mengawali serangkaian psy war a la rekan-rekan kantor menjelang pertandingan penentuan hidup mati di Grup C, Rabu dinihari. Bahkan siangnya saat rapat redaksi, topik sapu tangan ikut menyeruak. "Ga cukup itu, Astari perlu borong handuk," seru rekan lain.
Maklum, nyaris semua gibol di kantor tak ada yang suka pada Azzurri. Suasana makin seru, karena sejak awal mereka tahu kalau hanya aku dan sang wakil pemred yang maniak timnas Italia ( kami berdua juga fans berat AC Milan).
Nah, ledekan yang menghina dina Azzuri sudah mulai bergaung saat masa penulisan Edisi Khusus Euro 2008. Aku kebagian jatah menulis profil tim-tim Grup Neraka itu. Aku bilang akan mengawali profil Italia dengan kiprah pemain Milanisti. "Wah bakal nggak berimbang tuh karena ada yang punya kepentingan personal dengan Italia," seru IAA, salah satu gibol.
Gibol pendukung berat Juventus tapi anti Italia ini akhirnya menggantikanku menulis karena aku harus menulis laporan khusus anti rokok ( 8 halaman) di edisi yang sama. Ya sudah, batal deh niatku mendukung Italia lewat tulisan. Tapi genderang perang tak berimbang ini sudah ditabuh. Dan hanya berbunyi keras menjelang dan sesudah pertandingan di Grup C, yang kami tonton bersama di kantor.
Meski hanya sorangan wae ( karena PTH, wakil pemred sedang cuti), aku pantang menyerah dengan psy war para gibol. Tangkisanku selalu berisi kalimat dan seruan dukungan untuk Italia. Bahkan saat Italia kalah memalukan 0-3 dari Tim Oranye pun, aku tetap keukeuh dengan pembelaan buat Italia.
Argumentasi klasik fans berat Italia juga selalu kuungkap: "Yang namanya calon juara itu selalu berdarah-darah dulu di awal. Lihat saja, Italia bakal lolos sampai final." Tak ayal serangan makin gencar mengarah padaku. Malah, rekan gibol di lantai 1 juga tahu soal ini. Sehingga saat mereka lewat di lantai 2, tak lupa ikut 'menyapaku' .
Seperti ketika DHN sang wakil dirut mendatangi kubikalku dengan muka serius. Ternyata hanya untuk bilang:"Katanya kamu sedang sensitif dengan angka tiga,". Gubraks, aku hanya bisa nyengir kuda. Maklumlah, hari itu angka tiga dengan aneka plesetannya menjadi topik hangat di lantai dua.
"Buatkan kopi tiga cangkir. Tolong dong belikan mie tiga bungkus. Bonus tiga kali lipat niy," menjadi contoh kecil seruan-seruan jahil setiap kali ada aku di ruangan. Sepertinya ledekan buat Italia selama pertandingan belum cukup bagi mereka. Dan ledekan tiga ini biasanya kubalas dengan teriakan singkat: Hidup Italia.
Kupingku makin tebal saat peluang Italia nyaris tertutup karena hanya mampu seri 1-1 dengan Rumania yang bukan tim unggulan. Analisa kematian Italia berdengung keras di sekitar kubikalku ( sengaja dilakukan biar aku ikut mendengar). Dengan santai aku ikut komentar, "Hehehehe, puas-puasin saja menertawakan Italia, sebelum nanti kalian semua bakal menangis melihat Italia mengulang sejarah final Piala Dunia 2006 mengandaskan Prancis. Mereka bakal lolos ke perempat final." Sudah pasti komentarku ini hanya menambah semangat mereka menistakan Italia. hahahaha.
Apalagi saat kubilang, Italia memang seringkali tidak tampil bagus di babak awal sehingga acap terseok-seok. Tapi paduan semangat bertanding dan Dewi Fortuna, biasanya menolong Gli Azzurri. Dan jika sudah lolos, mereka bisa terus melaju hingga final. Makanya tropi Euro kali ini milik Italia, setelah 40 tahun berlalu. Para gibol hanya bisa geleng kepala melihat kepedean-ku itu.
Toh, mereka akhirnya harus mengakui kalo Italia memang begitu. Kemenangan 2-0 atas Prancis menjadi bukti karakter khas Italia. Masih ada tiga pertandingan yang harus dituntaskan untuk menggenggam tropi. Spanyol harus dikandaskan lebih dulu. Kemudian Belanda ( jika Orange menang dari tim Beruang Merah). Jika ini terjadi, saatnya revenge!!!
Dan di final, Gli Azzurri mungkin akan ketemu dengan Portugal ( jika menang dari Jerman) atau Turki ( jika menang dari Kroasia).
Sayang, aku harus meninggalkan arena psy war Euro 2008. Mulai Sabtu nanti hingga penghujung Euro, aku cuti untuk sebuah perjalanan spiritual. Lupakan Euro 2008, fokus fokus fokus.
Sapaan tengil ini mengawali serangkaian psy war a la rekan-rekan kantor menjelang pertandingan penentuan hidup mati di Grup C, Rabu dinihari. Bahkan siangnya saat rapat redaksi, topik sapu tangan ikut menyeruak. "Ga cukup itu, Astari perlu borong handuk," seru rekan lain.
Maklum, nyaris semua gibol di kantor tak ada yang suka pada Azzurri. Suasana makin seru, karena sejak awal mereka tahu kalau hanya aku dan sang wakil pemred yang maniak timnas Italia ( kami berdua juga fans berat AC Milan).
Nah, ledekan yang menghina dina Azzuri sudah mulai bergaung saat masa penulisan Edisi Khusus Euro 2008. Aku kebagian jatah menulis profil tim-tim Grup Neraka itu. Aku bilang akan mengawali profil Italia dengan kiprah pemain Milanisti. "Wah bakal nggak berimbang tuh karena ada yang punya kepentingan personal dengan Italia," seru IAA, salah satu gibol.
Gibol pendukung berat Juventus tapi anti Italia ini akhirnya menggantikanku menulis karena aku harus menulis laporan khusus anti rokok ( 8 halaman) di edisi yang sama. Ya sudah, batal deh niatku mendukung Italia lewat tulisan. Tapi genderang perang tak berimbang ini sudah ditabuh. Dan hanya berbunyi keras menjelang dan sesudah pertandingan di Grup C, yang kami tonton bersama di kantor.
Meski hanya sorangan wae ( karena PTH, wakil pemred sedang cuti), aku pantang menyerah dengan psy war para gibol. Tangkisanku selalu berisi kalimat dan seruan dukungan untuk Italia. Bahkan saat Italia kalah memalukan 0-3 dari Tim Oranye pun, aku tetap keukeuh dengan pembelaan buat Italia.
Argumentasi klasik fans berat Italia juga selalu kuungkap: "Yang namanya calon juara itu selalu berdarah-darah dulu di awal. Lihat saja, Italia bakal lolos sampai final." Tak ayal serangan makin gencar mengarah padaku. Malah, rekan gibol di lantai 1 juga tahu soal ini. Sehingga saat mereka lewat di lantai 2, tak lupa ikut 'menyapaku' .
Seperti ketika DHN sang wakil dirut mendatangi kubikalku dengan muka serius. Ternyata hanya untuk bilang:"Katanya kamu sedang sensitif dengan angka tiga,". Gubraks, aku hanya bisa nyengir kuda. Maklumlah, hari itu angka tiga dengan aneka plesetannya menjadi topik hangat di lantai dua.
"Buatkan kopi tiga cangkir. Tolong dong belikan mie tiga bungkus. Bonus tiga kali lipat niy," menjadi contoh kecil seruan-seruan jahil setiap kali ada aku di ruangan. Sepertinya ledekan buat Italia selama pertandingan belum cukup bagi mereka. Dan ledekan tiga ini biasanya kubalas dengan teriakan singkat: Hidup Italia.
Kupingku makin tebal saat peluang Italia nyaris tertutup karena hanya mampu seri 1-1 dengan Rumania yang bukan tim unggulan. Analisa kematian Italia berdengung keras di sekitar kubikalku ( sengaja dilakukan biar aku ikut mendengar). Dengan santai aku ikut komentar, "Hehehehe, puas-puasin saja menertawakan Italia, sebelum nanti kalian semua bakal menangis melihat Italia mengulang sejarah final Piala Dunia 2006 mengandaskan Prancis. Mereka bakal lolos ke perempat final." Sudah pasti komentarku ini hanya menambah semangat mereka menistakan Italia. hahahaha.
Apalagi saat kubilang, Italia memang seringkali tidak tampil bagus di babak awal sehingga acap terseok-seok. Tapi paduan semangat bertanding dan Dewi Fortuna, biasanya menolong Gli Azzurri. Dan jika sudah lolos, mereka bisa terus melaju hingga final. Makanya tropi Euro kali ini milik Italia, setelah 40 tahun berlalu. Para gibol hanya bisa geleng kepala melihat kepedean-ku itu.
Toh, mereka akhirnya harus mengakui kalo Italia memang begitu. Kemenangan 2-0 atas Prancis menjadi bukti karakter khas Italia. Masih ada tiga pertandingan yang harus dituntaskan untuk menggenggam tropi. Spanyol harus dikandaskan lebih dulu. Kemudian Belanda ( jika Orange menang dari tim Beruang Merah). Jika ini terjadi, saatnya revenge!!!
Dan di final, Gli Azzurri mungkin akan ketemu dengan Portugal ( jika menang dari Jerman) atau Turki ( jika menang dari Kroasia).
Sayang, aku harus meninggalkan arena psy war Euro 2008. Mulai Sabtu nanti hingga penghujung Euro, aku cuti untuk sebuah perjalanan spiritual. Lupakan Euro 2008, fokus fokus fokus.
Selasa, Juni 17, 2008
Never-say-die spirit of Turkey
I'm a die hard fans of Italy. But so far in Euro 2008, my fave game is Turkey vs Czech Rep. I do think it was one of the most dramatic finales ever witnessed in a UEFA European Championship match.
I almost turned off my TV when Czech lead with 2 goals in minutes 62. The Jaroslav Plasil's goal banishing my hope for Turkey victory. But I keep telling to myself, c'mon give some minutes for Turkey. They have show the never say die spirit, it might get reward later.
My patience was paid off in 75th minutes. Arda Turan's strike, from a deflected Hamit Altıntop cross, set off the frantic finale.Turkey 1, Czech 2. My hope sparked again. I watch the game deliriously.
Then, the two minutes drama begins. Nihat Kahveci (the captain's team) score the equaliser goal in 87th minutes. His goal happened because of Petr Cech's blunder whose mishandling of Hamit's cross handed. In the 89th minutes, Nihat made second goal and punished Čech again with a glorious winner.
Just to heighten the late drama, during 4 minutes added time, Tuncay Şanlı, a forward who had more shots on goal than any other player, take a part as goalkeeper following the dismissal of Volkan Demirel who punch a Czech player ( i can't see the player name). In the 94th minutes final whistle was blown. Turkey beat the Czechs 3-2 and qualify for a quarter-final in Vienna against Croatia.
Though The Czech's supporter might think to have had victory stolen from their team, the final analysis and statistics showed opposite side. After all, Turkey finished up with more ball possession (57 to 43 per cent), more corners (six against two), more shots (on and off target – 8/5 and 16/14) and the best runners and passers. Arda covered the most ground - 11,34 km - and was also the best passer (86 per cent completed).
Still, the most astonishing performance of Turkey is a team's never-say-die spirit. Sadly, I dont see it in Italy's team this year. Hiks..hiks.
I almost turned off my TV when Czech lead with 2 goals in minutes 62. The Jaroslav Plasil's goal banishing my hope for Turkey victory. But I keep telling to myself, c'mon give some minutes for Turkey. They have show the never say die spirit, it might get reward later.
My patience was paid off in 75th minutes. Arda Turan's strike, from a deflected Hamit Altıntop cross, set off the frantic finale.Turkey 1, Czech 2. My hope sparked again. I watch the game deliriously.
Then, the two minutes drama begins. Nihat Kahveci (the captain's team) score the equaliser goal in 87th minutes. His goal happened because of Petr Cech's blunder whose mishandling of Hamit's cross handed. In the 89th minutes, Nihat made second goal and punished Čech again with a glorious winner.
Just to heighten the late drama, during 4 minutes added time, Tuncay Şanlı, a forward who had more shots on goal than any other player, take a part as goalkeeper following the dismissal of Volkan Demirel who punch a Czech player ( i can't see the player name). In the 94th minutes final whistle was blown. Turkey beat the Czechs 3-2 and qualify for a quarter-final in Vienna against Croatia.
Though The Czech's supporter might think to have had victory stolen from their team, the final analysis and statistics showed opposite side. After all, Turkey finished up with more ball possession (57 to 43 per cent), more corners (six against two), more shots (on and off target – 8/5 and 16/14) and the best runners and passers. Arda covered the most ground - 11,34 km - and was also the best passer (86 per cent completed).
Still, the most astonishing performance of Turkey is a team's never-say-die spirit. Sadly, I dont see it in Italy's team this year. Hiks..hiks.
Kamis, Juni 05, 2008
The Gift of Being SINGLE*
Too often people want what they want, or think they want at the moment, which is usually "happiness" right now. The irony of their impatience is that only by learning to wait, and by willingness to accept the bad with the good do we usually attain those things that are truly worthwhile. I have a blessing which is sometimes seen as a curse. I am blessed with the gift of being single.
For most of us twenty-something young professionals, it seems the world has already come up with its own set of expectations on how we should live life. The world expects us to finish school in our early twenties, get a job, find the love of our lives by the time we reach our mid-twenties, marry and have kids. But the thing is, not everyone sees their dreams come true in the same way. In this article, I shall try to endeavor to change the way the world looks at being single.
The Art of Contentment. For most of us, being single will be more of a phase than a final destination. This is the best place to practice the art of **contentment. Someday, I'm sure most of us will fall in love and get married. But the thing is, love will always be tested. Someone more handsome, more charming, richer, funnier, sweeter would come along. If you have not practiced the art of contentment as a single person, chances are you would be tempted to want that and not cherish your chosen one. Practicing the Art of Contentment as a single person means that you take what life gives you, good or bad, you're willing to see it through. It means you don't walk away every time things get tough because it builds in you patience, perseverance, understanding and a hundred different virtues that people in a hurry will never have. Being single means you would find how it feels to be alone thus, allowing you to cherish every moment you spend with your chosen one. The art of contentment means you wouldn't mind if life had to make you wait for so long to find the love of your life, because you know that the waiting would only make the finding much sweeter.
A Time to Know Yourself Better. Being single is a time of your life when you can get to know yourself better. You can pursue different interests and passions without having to ask another person's approval. It is a phase when you can keep focus on other things, discover your potentials and talents, and see yourself become more than what you expect to be. Allow yourself to surprise you. Stop wasting precious energy trying to figure out why you're still romantically unattached. It's all in the mind. Take the time to go see your friends, spend time with your family, do charity work and you will realize that you are not, and never for one moment, was alone. Try to get to know yourself first before you try to get to know other people. To be truly loved means to be known and accepted for who you are. How do you expect other people to know you and to love you, when you don't know who and what you really are?
A Choice between Good and Best. Sometimes the dilemmas we face are not between what is absolutely bad and absolutely good. Sometimes, it's between good and best. Treat this stage of your life as a phase to evaluate who is good for you and who is best for you. Sometimes, you won't hear music, or feel magic to know who's best for you. The heart just knows and it doesn't need any romantically charged scenario to decide on the matter. Trust in your heart, and trust that time will eventually lead you to, not to the perfect partner, but to the most suitable partner for you. Being single is a phase of life that we need to be thankful for, because being single means our hearts have yet to choose the best one for us.
Almost a Non-committal. Jane Austen once wrote, that it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man (or in our times a woman), in possession of a good fortune is in search of a spouse (just to be politically correct). Well, that was what the old school wanted us to believe in. Married life is a path most of us would take, however, it is not the only path there is. Relieve yourself of the pressure and stop making every single, straight guy friend a prospect. You have no business "entrapping" them and asking (which is more like "putting a gun in the head") them of their exclusive attention, if you're not ready for commitment yourself. Sometimes, when you spend too much time trying to find a boyfriend, you normally end us marrying the first loser who comes to your door.
Take your time, the world will wait. Being married doesn't guarantee that it will make your life happy. It doesn't guarantee anything at all. Sometimes, it only brings two miserable people together only to make their life even more miserable. Without the right intention, the emotional maturity, financial security and of course, unwavering love, you're better off unattached. Living Life.
Don't put your life on hold for Mr. Right but don't let it waste away with Mr. Wrong. Life is about things that you do and happen to you everyday. It's not about the things that could have happened but never did, or things that you think would happen in the future. Live life now. Live it to the fullest and stop beating yourself up, trying to be perfect on a Saturday night date. Allow life to surprise you with it's most wonderful blessings.
*By Mariel Calalo, Youngblood Article from Inquirer.com
For most of us twenty-something young professionals, it seems the world has already come up with its own set of expectations on how we should live life. The world expects us to finish school in our early twenties, get a job, find the love of our lives by the time we reach our mid-twenties, marry and have kids. But the thing is, not everyone sees their dreams come true in the same way. In this article, I shall try to endeavor to change the way the world looks at being single.
The Art of Contentment. For most of us, being single will be more of a phase than a final destination. This is the best place to practice the art of **contentment. Someday, I'm sure most of us will fall in love and get married. But the thing is, love will always be tested. Someone more handsome, more charming, richer, funnier, sweeter would come along. If you have not practiced the art of contentment as a single person, chances are you would be tempted to want that and not cherish your chosen one. Practicing the Art of Contentment as a single person means that you take what life gives you, good or bad, you're willing to see it through. It means you don't walk away every time things get tough because it builds in you patience, perseverance, understanding and a hundred different virtues that people in a hurry will never have. Being single means you would find how it feels to be alone thus, allowing you to cherish every moment you spend with your chosen one. The art of contentment means you wouldn't mind if life had to make you wait for so long to find the love of your life, because you know that the waiting would only make the finding much sweeter.
A Time to Know Yourself Better. Being single is a time of your life when you can get to know yourself better. You can pursue different interests and passions without having to ask another person's approval. It is a phase when you can keep focus on other things, discover your potentials and talents, and see yourself become more than what you expect to be. Allow yourself to surprise you. Stop wasting precious energy trying to figure out why you're still romantically unattached. It's all in the mind. Take the time to go see your friends, spend time with your family, do charity work and you will realize that you are not, and never for one moment, was alone. Try to get to know yourself first before you try to get to know other people. To be truly loved means to be known and accepted for who you are. How do you expect other people to know you and to love you, when you don't know who and what you really are?
A Choice between Good and Best. Sometimes the dilemmas we face are not between what is absolutely bad and absolutely good. Sometimes, it's between good and best. Treat this stage of your life as a phase to evaluate who is good for you and who is best for you. Sometimes, you won't hear music, or feel magic to know who's best for you. The heart just knows and it doesn't need any romantically charged scenario to decide on the matter. Trust in your heart, and trust that time will eventually lead you to, not to the perfect partner, but to the most suitable partner for you. Being single is a phase of life that we need to be thankful for, because being single means our hearts have yet to choose the best one for us.
Almost a Non-committal. Jane Austen once wrote, that it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man (or in our times a woman), in possession of a good fortune is in search of a spouse (just to be politically correct). Well, that was what the old school wanted us to believe in. Married life is a path most of us would take, however, it is not the only path there is. Relieve yourself of the pressure and stop making every single, straight guy friend a prospect. You have no business "entrapping" them and asking (which is more like "putting a gun in the head") them of their exclusive attention, if you're not ready for commitment yourself. Sometimes, when you spend too much time trying to find a boyfriend, you normally end us marrying the first loser who comes to your door.
Take your time, the world will wait. Being married doesn't guarantee that it will make your life happy. It doesn't guarantee anything at all. Sometimes, it only brings two miserable people together only to make their life even more miserable. Without the right intention, the emotional maturity, financial security and of course, unwavering love, you're better off unattached. Living Life.
Don't put your life on hold for Mr. Right but don't let it waste away with Mr. Wrong. Life is about things that you do and happen to you everyday. It's not about the things that could have happened but never did, or things that you think would happen in the future. Live life now. Live it to the fullest and stop beating yourself up, trying to be perfect on a Saturday night date. Allow life to surprise you with it's most wonderful blessings.
*By Mariel Calalo, Youngblood Article from Inquirer.com
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