Just Laugh At Yourself (a.k.a. OF Pressure, Fruits and Cups)

The second half of 2006 is going to begin soon. How did you leave your mark in the previous half?

"Am I that strong to carry on
Have i changed your life
Have i changed my world
Could you save me?

And all of your ways, all you dream
Falls on me, it falls on me
And you beautiful sky, the light you breath
Falls on me it, falls on me."

Taken from Fuel's Fall On Me

I've been under pressure this few days lah. Work has been hazardous to me sanity. It's not that i hate what i'm doing now, but it's what happened recently.

I went to cover an award giving ceremony in Putrajaya an evening this week. Not only was it a grand event at night with a deputy minister giving a speech, but to my horror, i was the only journalist there! The besides the inside press people was my pix-man, Saiful and me. When i thought things couldn't be any worse, they had me to attend the press conference, with me being the only one asking the question. Having enough info, i just wanted to interview a representative of the winning team, not the minister. But it was insisted that the press conference was held to show face.

I immediately got out of the room once the press conference ended to call one of the assistant news editor. I panicked, and told her that the story should be in the main paper. Thank goodness Cindy manage to make sense out of the fuzzy situation and got me to calm down. She told me that should situation has made me felt uneasy and overwhelmed. So, she told me to just think about the story of the event properly and tell it to the head editor, Boon Siew the next morning. Plus, i had another assignment the next day.

I calmed myself down, took a long drive back home and thought of what happened that evening. I do recall Boon Siew and Jacquline (another assistant editor) telling me to look for the main focus/interest in any story. If you were to write something, ask yourself this question, "So what?" By keeping in view of this question, you can properly put a proper prespective on the story not only to make it interest, but also important to the readers. And do be wary, as people try their best to approach the press for free publicity on the paper.

Yesterday afternoon, upon arriving at work from my morning assignment in Bukit Kiara, there was this free medical check up in the office. The doctors checked our blood pressure and urine sample to see how health we are. He also explained that it's good to keep ourselves as health as possible.

And what could trigger the increase in BP? Stressful workload? Unhealthy lifestyle? The pretty nurse helping out the doctor? Yes, yes and err... yes.

I did go for the test and was advice to drink more water, cut down on meat and take more fruits. He also asked me if i'm stressed, since i had an unhealthy blood pressure ratio. I told him i lack sleep and had a lot in mind. He concluded i was a borderline case. But i have to change my lifestyle to be what i feared all this while: being an OMNIVOUR!

It's better to be stressed out while looking calm than being a calm person with an stressed up look. You'll understand better from this fictional conversation below:

Anon: Are you ok ah?

Bernard: Why?

Anon: You looked stress lah?

Coco: Yeah lah, Bernard, you look stressed up?

Bernard: Yeah meh?

Anon: Yup!

Bernard: Look, i may look stressed, but i'm not inside.

Coco: Sure or not?

Anon: You don't look un-stressed to me.

Bernard: Really!

Dingo: Yo, Bernard! Eh, why you so tensed wan?

Bernard: *$&@(#!~

Dingo: Confirmed lah!

Coco: Yeah... he's stressed out.

Bernard: *argh* (jumps off the office located on the fourth floor)

Perhaps during the check up, i had little sleep the previous night, got up early in the morning and had to worry about my Putrajaya assignment. And i've got more cups from the Putrajaya assignment. I guess once my industrial training is done, would have accumilated enough ceramic cups to hold a party without the need of plastic cups!

Having today off is good, since i can just laze around at home with out worrying about deadlines, though i still have to complete my articles in hand ASAP. But i just want to chill and be alone for now.

But i'm currently in a dilemma. I'm sure one of you reader have been in. One where you ask God,

"Why do i feel like this?!"
"If there is no way for us to be together, why am i feeling like this for her?"

It's eating me from within. I just want to know what's God's plan for me? What's to learn from it? Perhaps i should really try my best to listen to His voice and understand what He has prepared for me. Perhaps fully leaving everything to His plan is what i should do, and just don't take myself too seriously.

"I know my future's in Your hands
All of my hope and dreams and plans
You give me strength to live
And faith to succeed
I believe in You
Because You believe in me"

Chorus of My Future

Love & Peace!~


BC?

Week 1 after 22.

Today will be like tomorrow; i'll be staying in the office doing press releases. Not out attending a launch or an event, but chilling out (literately) in the office with jeans and a t-shirt.

Oh, and today's also Edwin Yap's birthday. And today last week was my birthday.

I'm not a person who is just full of myself (I bet some of you are just laughing at this statement), wanting everyone to look at me and seeking fervorously for attention. I just want to be who i am. Perhaps is the idea of turning old that i'm not really fond. Or maybe the fact that people around my age who either grew up with me or studied with me are moving on with their lives. Me? I'm still here.


So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

When i read this passage a few days back, this really did striked me. Not only was it the scripture for last Monday's devotion (the irony!), but perhaps it's God's prompting to me to not worry about my age. An indication that no matter how old i am, i shouldn't worry. What should i be more concerned about should be my daily walk with God.

I should be more mature; not only mentally but spiritually as well. Being young might be fun, but one day, everyone will grow up. It wouldn't be as instant as a 3-minute instant noodle, but like a pearl processed layer by layer for many, many days until a firm, shiny pearl is form. Like Rome isn't build in a day, our character and faith takes time to build. And with time and experience, we'll mature as a better person; as an adult.

But time and time again, i should remind myself to have faith like a child.


Read your Bible pray everyday
pray everyday
pray everyday
Read your Bible pray everyday
And you'll grow, grow, grow.


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Updates from theSun.

Yesterday was an interesting date, and date being the prominent spotlight.

20th June 2006 (or using the house-style here, it's June 20) written in numbers as 20062006. Interesting enough, it's a double wammy! But if you put the time in as well, it spices things up! 8:o6 pm translated into 20:06, and you'll get 20:06, 20/06/2006!

TRIPLE UMPH!

But then again, they are just a rare combination of numbers that can only be seen at certain times. Perhaps the next interesting combo would come around on July 20, 2007 at sharp 8:07pm.

So, what were you doing when time stuck at the triple 2006? Frankly, i was still in the office writing on the article about the 60 maternity leave thingy. If you have no idea what i'm talking about, BUY a newspaper (BM or English) and you'll get the gist of the story.

I was at the launch of the SHE (no relations to the Taiwanese pop sensation): A Tribute to Malaysian Women in Hilton, KL Sentral. I can tell you this, the food there is awesome! Plus, i got to actually see a chocolate fountain upclose. Chocolate-fondue, dipping marshmallows and fruits into hot, sweet smelling dark chocolate is indeed a pleasure. Even the press release kena chocolate sauce! Yummy! Anyway, the coffee-table book is about prominent women in various fields in Malaysia that made Malaysia... well, Malaysia!

I've been going to many places now as i entered the fourth week of my internship. Know those, places-that-are-there-but-you-don't-bother-till-you-need-to-get-there places? Been there (READ: Prince Hotel and Swedish Marque).

And it's nice to see your articles writen (including press releases) being published in the paper. It brings tears in your eyes, two kinds of tears; the one knowing you're acknowledge and worth getting your byline and the other is having your story butchered and recomposed again.

But so far, i can say i'm doing fine here. I'll be going off later with my senior, Giam to Putrajaya and see how to report a Post-Cabinet press conference. I pray i can become a better writer with God's strength, courage and wisdom.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

To Father's everywhere.

A Happy Father's Day to all fathers, husbands, and to jerks who have no idea about protective sex.( Not to destory the celebration; just stating the truth.)

Well, even though it's a Sunday, i had to go to work today and covered two stories in AmpCorp Mall and 1 Utama. I'm not really complaining since i get to take the day off on Friday and had time to attend Angelina and Chong's wedding yesterday in PJ. It was good to see them married, in addition to seeing friends from different faculties present. Plus, had family buffet dinner after that.

Plus, i watched two movies on Friday. Got to watch the hilarious family comedy, R.V. and later with Tan Jo-Anne and Sui Li, the animation CARS.

And it's weird, that we (especially guys) are not really open to how we express out love and care to our fathers. I believe it's an Asian thing that proclaims showing feelings is a sign of weakness. Anyway, to everyone, watch the video clip below. ENJOY:





Love & Peace!~


BC?

Time Slipping By

Goodness!~

I've not been updating my blog for more than a week. Drowned by assignments and deadlines, i barely had time to not only visit other blogs, but to read blogs or surf other websites. Fortunately to say, i still have a life (or whatever it was before this!)

I've been many places around KL for press conferences. Was in Swedish Marque to cover the debut of the new Volve C70 in Malaysia. The new 2-in-1 car. Will be writing the release for it soon. And was around places like Shangri-La hotel, Angkasapuri, Zouk KL, Pusat Sains Malaysia, which is placed behind (surprise, surprise!) Pusat Seni Malaysia and so on.

The stress in producing good reports and being on time is there, but i do enjoy it! Yesterday, i had to look for some statements made by the Perak Mufti and compiled them for the next day. I had to surf many websites to get correct information and sources, then sent them to my colleague. Sure enough, it was editted and published in today's paper. So, don't be surprise if one fine night, while i'm dining on my tosai with telur mata and teh ais that i get grabbed into a black van with "I LOVE PERAK" signage and never to be seen again.

Kena scolding from supervisors and colleagues now and then, but there're constructive ones.

Will be going to KL Tower later in the afternoon. Will try to get the information needed for Revival Springs. And i'll be leading the Homegroup tomorrow since Iggy's in Carey Island.

Though time is slipping away, my life isn't.


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Movies I've watched (v 2.0)

For the past couple of weeks, i've watched four movies. Some good, some bad and others plain hilarious!

I'll just try summing the movie up and stating my own opinion.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3

What's it about:

After staying behind and training operatives for awhile, Ethan Hunt is back with the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) to hunt down a ruthless arms dealer about the whereabouts of a deadly weapon called The Rabbits Foot. As always, his life and colleagues are at stake. But now, he's married and his wife's in danger as well!




What i personally think:

Action, explosions, suspenses and more action all the way! Directed by J.J. Abram, you would see familiar scenes (like adrenaline injection scene and missions) from Alias, a series he directed starring Jenniffer Garner. If you're looking for storyline, try steering clear from this. But with the actions scenes and conspiracy in it, the movie and i were okay with each other!


THE DA VINCI CODE



Sophie: I can't believe BlurChu? actually figured out where the tomb was before you, Professor!
Robert: Shut up, and keep walking!


What's it about:

A museum curator was killed, and left a dying message (bloody anagram on body and position). Symbolisist expert, Robert Langdon was called to the scene. Together with Sophie Nevue, granddaughter of the curator, they follow a trail of cryptic clues and puzzles left by Leonardo Da Vinci that could shatter the foundation of Christinity; with the police and a fallen albino monk behind them.

What i personally think:

Based on the contriversal novel of the same name by Dan Brown, it failed to live up to the expectation (at least to those who read the novel.) I think it was just average... mixing facts and fiction and distorting history, it was an okay conspiracy, thriller, adventure movie. There was one part where only the other CF members, Oliver and i laughed, and the other audiences didn't have a clue what happened. And i guessed where the tomb was before Robert Langdon did through the movie. And i didn't know The Teacher was him... till it was revealed.

Like my friends said, "Don't support Dan Brown. Support Malaysian made products instead. Buy the pirated DVD of the movie!" As much of a joke it seem, i should have take her word for it.


OVER THE HEDGE



"WOW! It's so... BIG!"


What's it about:
* I missed the starting part a little. So, i'm just guessing through.

A bunch of animals led by Verne the tortoise awake from hibernation to collect food, only to realised they are now part of a urban housing area. Along comes RJ, a fox who tells them how to collect food from the humans... Or is he?

What i personally think:

One word; HILARIOUS! This animation is definately a family movie underline the themes of trust and ohana... i mean, family! With witty and funny lines in the movie, it should be watched with friends. And i find the young hedgehogs really adorable.

Watched it with Oliver and Tracy, and didn't regret a single sen of it!


X-MEN: THE LAST STAND


"HEAR ME ROAR!~"



What's it about:

A pharmacuetical company has discovered a cure for mutants. Fearing that it would turn mutants into normal homosapiens, Magneto and The Brotherhood of Mutants decided to rage war to destory the cure. While a resurrected comrade turned foe, the X-men must choose the their stand in this war; to protect humans or join with the destruction.


What i personally think:

If you're a fan of actions and comics, this final installment will either excite you, or make you sick. But be warned that many favourite mutants will either be killed or be "cured" throughout the movie. Enjoyed Kelsey Grammar's portrayal of Henry McCoy a.k.a. Beast, and felt Kitty Pride a.k.a. Shadowcat should have been more developed in the second movie.

Do watch till after the credits for a surprising scene (an easter egg which many missed!)


Will not watch THE OMEN, might not watch CARS, might watch SUPERMAN RETURNS and will definately watch PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: DEAD MAN"S CHEST! (Didn't know how to spell "Carribean" till i watched the first movie recently. And i wonder if they'll directly translate the title as "Dada Orang Mati?!")



Love & Peace!~


BC?

All the horrors!

Until now, nothing evil has roses up, yet.

Today's supposed to be an ominous day, the day of the Antichrist arises and wreck havoc among mankind. But it's confirmed as the date of the release of THE OMEN, a remake of the 1976 movie.

Today being the sixth day of the sixth month of the year 06, it would nicely fit the hand of a horror movie. What more with the tsunami and 9/11 events.

Anyway, today's the first time i was really late for work. But matters turn for the worse when i was assigned for an assignment at Angkasapuri for a press statement by a minister a couple of hours before it began. And i was in a pair of jeans! Fortunately, the editor wasn't mad and i had a spare change of clothes in my car.

Anyway, i'm now sitting in the office, waiting for time pass and rain to settle. I'm staying back a little longer, since i was late today. My reported typed and handed in, and i'm listening to mp3s on my PDA. At least i can now blog today.


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Quiet Afternoon.

Compared to the hectic week i had last week, today's kinda slow.

I'm not on an assignment today, though i had to complete the report on the launch of Pepsi Gold in Zouk KL last Thursday. But it wasn't as dull as a plain sheet of paper.

At least today, i finally got access into the Internet here in my office, got to send e-mails to my e-pals, read the paper, did Sudoku (which i made a small blunder while doing 2/3 of it) and get to know a few more colleagues here.

I'm enjoying myself here. Besides casual clothing and able to keep my long hair, i enjoy the company here and my passion; wiriting. I think i'm not good enough to own my own byline, but i'll keep trying. I'll do my best!

And now i'm just blogging away. I think i'll go back soon.

As hectic it was with the heavy rain, Time's Up Conference and assignments last week, i believe there'll be more to come tomorrow.


More will be posted up on what happened the pass few weeks.


Love & Peace!~


BC?