Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Cold Yet Friendly: Day 1 Doing My Industriial Attachment

Before i started my Industrial Attachment, a lot of people asked me, "Where will you be working?"

My normal response will be, "The Sun."

"Where is it ah?" would always be the following question after the prior one. And sometimes, i would reply,

"Oh, if you look up in the sky... see that big, glaring ball of fire?"
"I can't show you the place now... it's outside there."
"There, you don't know ah?"
(pointing finger towards the sky)

After all that, i would tell them that the office is somewhere along the Federal Highway, near PJ Newtown (Or is it Old town)?

Anyway, today's the first day of Industrial Attachment for me and other hopefuls known as my classmates and PR, BC and AD students of the same in-take. As a requirement for our courses, we will be taking one semester off to be an intern in a company around PJ/KL area and slightly away from there (even in Australia!)

I can't just penned down how i exactly feel about my first day. But i was so anxious that i can't sleep properly on Saturday night. Yes, i was restless on bed both Sunday and Saturday night. But i manage to get out of bed early yesterday and got there early.

I waited in the office for awhile till the HR person came and approached me, asking me to fill in a form. Then i was introduced by Damien, one of the staff members there, around the office. I got to know the faces of the people of the bylines of the paper and even a couple of my seniors from the university. The people here are friendly and helpful. Even one of the top brass sat with me and explain how the content is being arranged and prepped for the paper the next day.

After that, i was left to do my own thing. Let's just say i was left to read the newspapers there almost the whole afternoon. The situation was a glass half full since i got to do read the pamplet on the Da Vinci Code and get Homegroup meeting reports done. But later in the afternoon, i was told to do a press release by Sharon, one of the journalist there. After awhile of writing and re-writing the press release and knowing the other writers there, i managed to finish keep the report below 110 words. And i was shocked to find out that the press release was no practice and will be out on Friday. I was dumbfounded.

And since i didn't move around much, i realised the office was freezing cold! (Ironic, since the office is called The Sun) And the staff advised me to get a jacket. Being naturally insulated from heat, i even though of getting a jacket for myself.

Overall, i enjoyed my first day of getting to know the staff there, the departments, the works and hands on experience on writing a press release!

I immediately crashed on my bed once i got home after dinner. The whole day took a lot from me, what more with out doing myself at Captain Ball and deprived sleep. Anyway, this is just the beginning. 1 day down, 99 (give or take) more to go!


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Failed Surprise, Successful Gag.

Sometimes, somethings need proper planning. Some just require the right vict... target and proper timing. Let me explain to you what happened yesterday at Homegroup meeting at Oliver's house.

Yesterday was Sui Li's 20th birthday. So, Angeline planned to give her a surprise. We wanted to show her her birthday cake (with 2 big candles and 1 small one. I thought it's just her 20th bithday?) when i drive her to the Haze Corner after Homegroup meeting. But although we manage to execute the plan, she didn't seem surprised at all.

Perhaps it was because we were all acting awkward and weird all of a sudden during the meeting? Was it because Julius distracted her when Kevan and Angeline came into the house? Or was it because we were whispering among each other about the plan. Apparently, Sui Li said i was the one who let the cat out of the hat. She heard the TV audio over the phone when i came pick her up. *sigh*

Anyway, all is not lost! During yesterday's meeting, while we were watching the documentary about The Da Vinci Code (yet another one) on DVD, lethargic Alwin felt asleep. Seeing the opportunity, we all decided to pull a prank on him. So, we switched off TV and all the lights, and hid in Julius' and Fergarsen's room. Alwin then, was left in the dark (pun not intended).

After a few attempts calling his handphone, we decided to call Oliver's house phone. We plan to inform him that we are all now at mamak, and waiting for him. And he did woke up, walked to the house phone and answered the call. It seemed like he was not very jolly, waking up all alone in the dark. We tend came out of the room, comforting him as he showed his "muka-tak-syok."
I guess when you put minds together, we can pull off a lot of things. And this just proves that our Homegroup is united. (somehow, this sentence is SO wrong!)

Anyway, we went to Haze Corner and had supper and cake! Boy, was the apple crumble cake superb! With only six of us there and four slices of cake of various favour, we had more to munch on.

I learnt a few lessons from this:

1. A good plan should be executed with proper planning, perfect timing and good communication.

2. When pulling a prank over the phone, make sure you are aware of your surrounding.

3. Documentaries can really put people to sleep.

4. Don't simply wave at Kancils that looks like Kevan's, or any cars of your friends for that matter. I almost embarassed myself (again) by signalling at a total stranger driving through, thinking it was Kevan. But it wasn't as bad as what i did in Sg Long; signalling and stalling another Kenari while Sui Li's was behind me on the other side of the road! But nothing can top up what happened to Sui Li on Wednesday.

For more details on yesterday's event, visit:

Oliver's blog
Sui Li's blog


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

False Start.

Yesterday, Alwin, Angeline and Sui Li started they're classes for the semester. It's more of an experience for Sui Li, as it's her first semester as a UTAR Student in PJ. Must remind myself she's now a sophomore now in UTAR, a junior to me by a semester.

Oliver started his 3-hour examination paper at 6 pm this evening. As dumb as it sounds, it's to be in-sync with the students in UK.

Kevan started his first day of work on Monday and seems to be alright, for now.

Justin left the part-time job in church a few weeks back. And having time in his hands, he's spending it with his love ones and finding another job as well.

Me? I'll be working in The Sun from next Monday onwards as part of my industrial attachment. Therefore, technically, i'm still on a holiday. And so are my classmates, and others doing their industrial attachments as well. But time does move fast. Too fast that you're too caught up with events and things to do that you just can't sit down and just stare blankly at the wall. I think i haven't been spending my holidays wisely.

Came back from dinner with the other CF members who are involved with the Mega Event and also those from the Sg Long CF. It was laughters after laughters while we ate. I guess to restore relationships and build one, it takes small steps. One by one.

Before that, was in PC block listening and playing to the songs written and composed by the Bernard from English Language course. While playing the guitar, Jaime spotted me and called out to me. Wasn't that shocked to see her, but didn't expected it to be so soon. I wonder if she still thinks i'm angry at what she's done. And i wonder if she realised that i once had a crush on her. But we aren't so close compared to a couple of years back.

But it doesn't really matter now. That's all in the past. Relationships, i believe, shouldn't end badly. Amendments should be made, then restart.



After watching The Da Vinci Code tomorrow in Mid-Valley, Justin, Oliver, Kevan and i would be having a feast at Chilli's in Mid-Vallety to celebrate Justin's long over-dued 21st birthday. I'm glad Kevan can come!~


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Sunday, May 21, 2006

You Lose Some, You Gain Some! ( v 1.0)

I've been for my CF Retreat during the week. Took a lot of me, since i slept little and drove from Port Dickson and back. I bet you readers are wondering what i've been up to the pass whole week, since this blog has not been updated yet.

Anyway, here are the things i lose during the week:


The Beach

Besides planning and relaxing, one would go to Port Dickson for the beaches. Unfortunately, i didn't manage to spend much of my time there. Thank goodness Gilbert, Lai Seng and i were there once we arrived at the campsite.

Both Lai Seng and i caught a few small crabs, many tiny hermit crabs and a small fish and stuff them in the bottle. All are presumed dead, since we left the bottle in the room when we headed back to KL. *ouch*


The Water

To my horror, the water running out of the kitchen sink is milky-coloured! Perhaps my dad forgot to pay the bill. But the other taps are ok... just the kicthen sink. I wonder why....


The TV (Part 1)

While turning on the TV yesterday morning to watch some cartoons, i couldn't watch any. The bill for the satelite TV subscription have not been paid yet. Looks like another bill not paid! Or is it?


My Dignity

While sharing with my Homegroup members about cherish childhood memories, i bluttered out one which i now really, really regret saying. You wouldn't know how dumb are the things you do with family/friends till you think about them.

I've seen friends doing stupid stuff and yet laughing till their sides hurt. I've done stupid stuff with my friends, buddies and family yet laughed till out sides hurt. But what i told them on Friday is no different than throwing your pride, face and dignity down the drain without a thought. *sigh*


My Time (Part 1)

My... I've spent too much time watching TV and not being productive. And the semester will reopen this Monday. I guess time does fly when you're having fun... and doing nothing?


Fortunately, there are silver lining in every cloud. Here is the list of what i gain throughout the week:


My PDA

Yeah! After being categorised as MIA for more than two month, my HP iPaq h1940 is back! I'm glad that the mp3s are still in there though i wish i had more memory space for more mp3s and connectivity to my computer.

Live should be more organised now with this baby!


The TV (Part 2)

Apparently, when i switched it on yesterday, the channels were available once again. Bill paid for!


BLEACH!

Watched up to episode 64 during the retreat! Kudos to Kubo Tite for carefully thinking of a strong plot for the whole Soul Society Arc. Not to mention the fight scenes, character development and humor added into it! Can't wait to watch more!


Knowledge

I've learnt a lot during the retreat. It maybe a repetition, but it's good to remind yourself about servant-leadership and commitment once in awhile.

Going to His Santuary of Glory's youth service was an eye-openner as well. Enjoyed my Saturday afternoon there yesterday!


Brothers and sisters

And it's good to see old friends and new faces during the retreat! As the song goes, "O how good it is, when brethrens dwell together; dwell together in unity!"


Solitude Time

Quiet time with God and wanting to receive God's message for you. That's what i learned during this retreat, which i'll practice more often in the near future. Boy, the info that come's abundant! But do remember at the same time, an idle mind is the devil's workshop. Be careful and discreet about your thoughts.


Internet

Now, my blogging from my room. That's cool!



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Enjoy the Day, Mothers.


"Fathers, be good to your daugthers
Daugthers will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too"

Excerpt from Daughters, John Mayer

Wishing all mothers everywhere, whether you're reading this blog, computer illiterate or are going to be one in the future a Happy Mother's Day!

As they say, a mother's work is never done. The hardship they go through, and things they they've done for us. I believe they should be appreciated, cherished and loved for all they have given to us.

Speaking of which, we should also appreciate other family members. Siblings, parents, grandparents, and those in your family trees and not forgetting your friends. You'll never know when they'll walk out of our lives, and you might never see them again.

Sometimes, a mother's smile is what one would
want to see. Her smile can lighten up one's heart and bring comfort during the storm.

"Far away, far away, our thoughts are ceaseless
For those days of when we laughed innocently together
Please, please stop the time
And carve your silhouette onto my chest
If, if it's allowed
It's okay even if I sacrificed everything
For that smiling face once more...
Once more..."

English translation of part of Cool Joke's Undo. Third OP for Fullmetal Alchemist




Love & Peace!~


BC?

Just Ban It?!

A couple of days back, i read on the newspaper that The Phillipines is going to ban The Da Vinci Code movie that will be out next week. You can check out about the info here.

Last week, Oliver, Alwin Hoo, Angeline, Sui Li and i went to this talk in PJEFC about the talk refuting the facts stated about the movie, or rather the novel written by Dan Brown. The forum, chaired by these three people of status (At times like these i wish i can find my notebook, which seems to be hidding in some place i don't know!)

Anyway, they stated a lot of fact in the story that distort history and facts from the Bible. And as i listen to them explaining about the sources for the novel, it reliability of the information and things stated in the novel, it makes perfect sense. The Da Vinci Code is no more than a conspiracy theory novel. And i hope you all know, the novel is listed under "Fiction", thus making it fictional and not real!

We came out satisfied lah. Except for Oliver, whose night was ruinned before the talk when his part of his car when into the manhole. Alwin who read the novel before was cool with the fact, and made research about it.

Apparently, even before the novel was written, there were all kinds theories that rebuke the Bible and Christianity. Check the Internet, and you'll discover that this is an age old thing going on. People accusing Christianity of wrong motives, misconducts and hearesy; such accusation as been going on for awhile.

There are movies that were ban in Malaysia, like Blade: Trinity, Kill Bill Vol.1, Underworld, Prince of Egypt, etc. You can check the list here from IMDB.com. And the reason The Da Vinci Code movie is not ban is simply because it's just a movie. Plus, if the movie was ban, it sort of implies that the chuch can't explain or defeat itself from confused movie patron. Plus, in another light, it's a way to evangelise to friends while telling them fact from fiction.

Anyway, God isn't afraid that this small, insignificant story can pull His people away from Him. And the most important thing is to be really rooted in the Bible, and not be swayed by what the world says.

Anyway, i'll be watching the movie! Do contact me if you are interested, ok?


Love & Peace!~


BC?


Saturday, May 13, 2006

In Half An Hour's TIme.

Supernatural is coming on in half an hour's time. And i'm trying to type as much as i can now lah. John Reuben is pushing me to write... so i'm writing now as i'm chatting with him and Tan Jo-Anne via MSN.

Anyway, had a hilarious yet deep talk with Stephen in his mom's shop. Talking to him doesn't always means talking nonsense and trivival stuff, though he's full of it. But i get inspired talking to him, getting to know how his youth is getting on, experiences he has and testimonies he witness. It just makes me wanna do more for my youth and the CF. I truely believe, with God by our side, this two can grow spiritually and numerically.



Watched Bleach with Justin till 3 on Friday morning. Watched it till episode 48, and we managed to slip in episode 3 and 4 or Prison Break in the process. Boy, it's a smart show. But i'm trying not be hooked to too many TV shows. Anyway, i'm still behind Kevan, Oliver and Sui Li! Must watch more Bleach! The fight scene are intensed!






I guess that's all for now. I'll be writing more before Monday. By then, i'll be in Port Dickson for my CF retreat till Thursday! And now, for Supernatural! Then, must sleep early and get up early for church service tomorrow. Will be playing bass for service. And most possibly be playing Captain Ball!







Sometimes, you just want the people you hate to just drop into pits and never see them again. But we should be kind and forgive one another, like how Jesus Christ did for us. (Eph 4:32)










Love & Peace!~


BC?

Thursday, May 11, 2006

What's up?

Besides the ceiling, dark-rainy clouds and the birds in the sky, life during the holidays have been slow. Though, there are a few things that did happened, one of them being me having Internet access now!

It was no false start when i said i had internet access last week and have only been updating my blog now. Apparently, there was a misunderstanding between the telephone company and my dad's credit card company, thus implying my dad has not paid the bill yet. But now that's all behind, and i'm now surfing the net once again!

As slow as it maybe, there are events that happened during the past week and this week. Perhaps i'll create another Rojak Series to explain those events, notably the talk about The Da Vinci Code, my brother going for the camp and Alex's birthday party.

For now, i'm trying to enjoy my holidays slowly, like Petrina.

"We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow (Take it slow oh oh ohh)
This time we'll take it slow (Take it slow oh oh ohh)
This time we'll take it slow"

Taken from John Legend's Ordinary People


Anyway, i just got this clip below from a friend, showing how a Perodua Kelisa should be properly treated;




Looking at that car, i wish that dude would just hand me the car. No matter how crappy that car maybe, it's still a car. And for a university student like me, having a car is a luxury, no matter the size or design. But what that guy said about the car makers and profit is worth pondering.

Anyway, that's one Kelisa wasted, i shed a tear for it. I'm sure readers reading this blog will too. And fixing any car with four sticks of dynamites and a match would level the car sky high, all the way up there!


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Thursday, May 04, 2006

010203040506 and many numbers to come!

I believe you have received forwarded e-mails or smses regarding this event.

On 4th May 2006, at 1:02:03 am, the time and date will be

01:02:03:04/05/06

And it happens once in 100 years!

What were you doing then?

Me? I was stuck to the computer, playing Zelda: The Minish Cap.

Did anyone expect apocalyse or perhaps a computer glitch to happen?




Love & Peace!~


BC?