The Year It Was 2007

Taken from Postsecret.com

It's a few more hours before this year ends. After i'm done typing this entry, i would be resting for awhile before i head down to church for the watch night service.

Looking back at 2007, there are a few highlights; happenings in my life. And here they are in no particular order:

1.Getting involved with UTAR activities
Besides being involved in the Christian Fellowship since i entered UTAR, i've been involved in other activities, events and societies as well.

This year, i was in the Talent Night Committee as well as The UTAR Ball Night Committee, holding my post in the recruitment department. Spent many late hours in the campus with friends while we prepared for the event. Many fun memories were built through those practices, perparations and late night supper.


2.Bass guitar
Like many other bassists i know, i finally got one myself - a bass guitar. Got it from my friend Ryo for about RM500+. Named Jazzabell, she served me well, but didn't get to jam a lot when i broke my arm.

But will try my best to jam with her as often as possible in church. Thinking of joining a band. Any band out there in need of a bassist?


3.Shifted
Nothing big, but i shifted to a bigger room, and i have my own TV in my room. I can stay here the whole day!


4.broken my arm

One of the turning point of my life. After being knocked by a little-speed-demon while going out of dinner, i entered the hospital through an ambulance for the first time in my life.

The broken right humerus left me disabled and incapable of performing many daily tasks, but i learnt to appreciate not only how important both my hands, but gave me a chance to use my left hand more often. But not really ambidextrous yet.

Also, i discovered that this pain in my right arm reminds me that i'm alive.

5.Mr & Mrs Yap

It was an honour to be part of Justin's and Sher-Mayne's wedding by being one of the groomsmen. The wedding was fantastic and was like out of a fairy tale.

To the both of them, will they have many, many great adventurous years ahead of them!

6.Thesis
Yup, i've finally written my very own thesis. Entitled "The Perception of College/University Undergraduates Towards The New Content of theSun Newspaper", i did it as part of my course, and i'm proud i chose that topic. Though, if i were given a chance to improve it, i would do it better.

Nonetheless, you reap what you sow - and i'm content with what Dr Carmen, my supervisor graded me.


7.Graduated

Crazy Jrians, when we were freshmen

Finally, after three years in pursuing the course, and five years in UTAR (inclusive of the Two Missing Years), i'm finally out of that place with a degree in Journalism.

Not only did i gain a whole bunch of friends, but with them, many fun experiences and memories with these group of crazy people. Everything from the lame jokes we shared and mamak sessions we had to the many hours spent together getting a last-minute assignment done. It seemed like yesterday when it all happened. And today, most of us contribute to the statistic of those 'graping' in the country's workforce.

Happy days.


Crazy Jrians as seniors


8.Hosting a Party
Posted an entry about this HERE. But below are some photos taken on that night.








9.Lessons
It's either you learn it the easy way, or the hard way. This is what i personally believe. And for me, i get through life learning things the hard way, and many a times, these things could be avoided if i had choose the right thing. But we humans are anything but perfect, fallen from ordinary.

Yeah, many lessons i learnt costed me a lot, but i would steer away from repeating them in the future, i hope.


"I've faced my demons
Wrestling these angels to the ground
And all that I could find
Was a thin line between
All the saints and villains
it was crossed in my own mind

Someday I'm gonna find it
Wish I knew what I was looking for
Inside the disarray (inside the disarray)
I woke up this morning
Don’t know where I’m going
But it’s alright
I wouldn't have it any other way"

Excerpt from Lifehouse's Disarray

In the end, even if i failed to find myself by this year, there is always next year. I may wake up every morning with the ache in my arm - but at least i get to see the next day. Afterall, self-discovery is a life-learning process.

Let's welcome 2008 with an postive mindset and open arms.

Another one from Postsecret.com

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Staring Blankly (Go): Going There Again.

There's just too little time left before the new year arrives.

I had some time to ponder about things that have happened in the past. Things i could have avoided and things i should have done. Played the scenario one time too many, and i wonder if it would turn out the way i'm pleased with.

Up to now, i could not really understand (or least see) my purpose; what i really want. What is my purpose being me? It seems like i'm just moving with the path life paved for me. But can i get out of it and make my own way?

I accept the fact that whatever God does, He has His reason(s), and it is for our own benefit. We may not be able to comprehend His plan for us, but it's for our own good. Yes, i can't see it, yet.

Sometimes, i wonder if i can turn back, and look for him. And will He be there too?


Jack: I've been flying a lot. That golden pass that they gave us, I've been using it. Every Friday night I fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo, or Singapore, or Sydney. And I get off and I have a drink, and then I fly home.

Kate: Why?

Jack: Because I want it to crash, Kate. I don't care about anybody else on board. Every little bump we hit, or turbulence, I actually close my eyes and I pray that I can get back."

Kate: This is not going to change.

Jack: No, I am sick of lying. We made a mistake.

Kate: I have to go. He's going to be wondering where I am.

Jack: We were not supposed to leave.

Kate: Yes we were. Bye, Jack.

Jack: We have to go back, Kate!

Taken from Lost, (Through the Looking Glass, Part 2)

But nonetheless, regardless of circumstances, i must move forward in order to evolve and grow.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Pictures of Me Tag.

A photo tag from Megan. Here are the damages:


*Last picture taken of yourself.

*taken by?
Yen Yen

*When was it taken?
Towards the end of November this year.


*A picture of you with your friends


*When was it taken?
In June or July 2007.

*Who are they?
My classmates - 1st row (l-r): Nicolette, Chiew Mei, Hoi Yen, Lily, Eu Wah, Chin Han and I-Ling
Back row (l-r): Alex, Soo Yee, Chee Been, Me, Yen Yen, Pek Mei, Grace and Wing Hooi.


*A picture of you in a fitting room
None, i don't camwhore myself, whatmore in a fitting room.

*Where was it?
Nowhere.

*A picture of you with Christmas tree or Christmas deco

*Where was it?
My house at my Christmas/Farewell Party.


*A picture of you doing peace sign
I don't do the peace sign.

*A picture of you in B&W


*A picture of you in school uniform ( if graduated, get it from your report card)
None

*A picture of you doing weird things

*what were you doing?
I was behind the lecture hall; posing like a hot babe-magnet in the middle of Online Journalism lecture, while other groups were presenting their assignments.

*A picture of you wearing pink
Pink isn't my colour at all!

*A picture of you wearing black


*A picture of you wearing orange


*A picture of you wearing red


Who should i tag? I personally believe people shouldn't go through what i did, beside the fact most of my friends don't put up pictures. Thus, i end the blog here. If you want to do this tag, do tell me, ok?

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Dashing Through (The Rain).

Reindeers, Santa Claus and gifts in shining wraps and a fancy ribbon.

I'm not the kind of person who really 'commercially' celebrate Christmas on December 25. This year, i spent my Christmas staying at home, watching TV, surfing the Internet, resting and had dinner with my family in the night.

Though, i did hosted and attended a dinner party before Christmas. Happy days.

Well, what i've got so far for Christmas was a shirt, a box of cookies, a t-shirt, a book thong (it's a bookmark. Seriously), (another) bookmark, a candle and a bar of chocolate. And not forgetting a bunch of Christmas SMS greetings. But no Christmas cards. Perhaps many are environmentally-friendly citizens who can afford to see another tree manufactured into a cheap-Hallmark greeting card!

But still, the celebration is done in honour of the show's main star, Jesus Christ - The Greatest Gift of all Gifts. The one who came down to earth and die for sinners like us. Let us not forget about that.

Well, hope you all had a blast during Christmas. And i bet there are those at sitting at flood relief centres singing 'I'm dreaming of a (dry) Christmas' at this time of the year.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Hosting and Partying!

It was the first time ever - me hosting a party.

Never really had a reason to, but since i've graduated (yes - unofficial, i'm out of UTAR!) with my classmates, it would only be fitting to have a farewell/Christmas party before everyone go their separate ways.

The party had the usual routine - food, small talks, and gossips. But we also had the 'JR Awards' ceremony, which was a way of appreciating our classmates with a series of categories in both the wall of fame and shame.

I was nomitated for many positive categories and won three awards, including 'the-one-with-the-funniest-jokes' and 'the-one-with-the-best-temper'. I also nominated myself for the 'messiest-person' in the wall of shame. But the night's winner was Chin Han, who won a total of six awards. And it's an oxymoron that he won both 'the-most-responsible-person' and 'the-one-who-does-not-fulfill-one's-promise'.

Gift exchange times was great too. I think many enjoyed their gifts, ranged between RM10-20. Chee Been and i got each other's gift: He a t-shirt while i got a tin of Famous Amos cookies!

And i believe Pek Mei was not too thrilled about her gift.

Here we are with our gifts we received.

There were a lot of leftovers. Like Joo, who wasn't feeling well at that time, pointed out - the pizza, fried chicken, two types of potato salads, sandwiches and fried beehoon are the main dishes. But there wasn't many heavy eaters around to finish them.

And we didn't get to play my newly-purchased Taboo. *sigh*

But all in all, we enjoyed ourselves. Will post up more photos later.

On Sunday, i was Mrs Tan's party with Pek Mei, Alex and Woon. Our Broadcasting Journalism lecturer/tutor invited us, and i still can't believe that i woke up late for it!

Fortunately, like my party, there were lots of food when both Pek Mei and i arrived. The party comprised mostly of Mrs Tan's relatives. One of them joked about us UTAR graduates (yes, graduates!) helping lower the average age of all the guest at the party! But we still managed to have a ball eating turkey and pizza (again) while talking about everything about studies and exams to work and our future plans.

We left the place about 1 plus, but not without a gift from Mrs Tan and her family.

And i believe Pek Mei might not too thrilled about her gift.


In the end, i learnt that organizing or/and hosting a party is no easy task. Thus, many appreciation to any of you who have either organized a party or open your house to other.

But hey, isn't this the season to be jolly? Falalalala lalalala

Blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Staring Blankly Cuatro: Questions Unanswered

"The world isn't perfect, and the law is incomplete. Equivalent Exchange doesn't encompass everything that goes on here. But I still choose to believe in its principle: that all things do come at a price. That there's an ebb, and a flow, a cycle. That the pain we went through did have a reward and that anyone who's determined and perseveres will get something of value in return, even if it's not what they expected."

—Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist

There is a box in one corner of my head. It sits there, collecting dust in the dark as i just stare at it from afar. It's almost full, containing a tonne of questions left unanswered. But i wonder if i should open the box now.

I may know the answers to these questions. I might dislike it or perhaps its unexpected. It's a fear for me - a darkness that creeps up into my soul. Maybe all i needed was closure.

A good friend told me, the best thing to do is to ask the one who knows - He who knows everything. I swore i almost broke to tears when i heard that over lunch that Sunday.

Till now, the box is left untouched.

But if i can't open that box, neither can i open her letter. Then, i might not be able to see him before the year ends. Or can i face Him.


I know that I'll move on, I tell myself
I'll find me something better
I'll let go and just forget her

She was no good for me
Deep down I know that's the way it has to be so
How come I still can't open this letter
I can't forget her...

Taken from The Letter by James Morrison

Love & Peace!~

BC?

The Rojak Series #15

With a lot going on this month, perhaps this would be my last TRS for the year. So, let it roll:

1.Unbalanced Sleeping Hours
With the exams going on, i've either been sleeping too little hours a night/day, or too long a night.

Well, even now, this has been affecting my internal clock, and i can't seem to sleep during regular hours. Should readjust myself after tomorrow's paper, which will be my last.


2.Congratulations, Mr & Mrs Yap
Yes. Both Justin and Sher-Mayne were married last Saturday, and i was the groomsman, along with Edwin, while Kevan was the best man.

It couldn't be a more perfect day, with the fine weather and what i believe to be the most heart-warming wedding. If there was a wedding where most of the men (read: Justin, Kevan and myself) tried their best to hold back and swallow their tears, this would be it.

Oh, and dinner was superb. Heard that the wine was excellent, which led to some undesired commotions at the dining hall. And the cupcakes were good.

The happy couple are currently on their honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia. Looking forward to meeting up with them soon.

And i hope to get the pictures from Sher-Mayne soon.


3.Small Battles Won
For the two subjects i took this semester, i manage to score the highest marks in Online Journalism in my class (and perhaps in the whole lecture as well) and for the group assignment for Broadcasting Journalism too! I feel like i'm on top of the world.

I know i'm an above average student; thus, this is really fulfilling for me. I don't care if i can achieve an A for the subject - as long as i did well for my assignments, that's enough for me. Plus, with all the stress and troubles that came along with it, i did enjoy doing the assignments!

Now, i hope the B+ for my thesis is maintained... i reap what i sow.


4.Farewell, Crazy Jrianz
After studying together for the past three years, it's sad to have to say goodbye to my dear classmates; who went through good and bad times together and shared many pleasant memories with.

After the last paper on Thursday (what i'm sitting for tomorrow is the paper that i'm resitting due to the accident in April), Nic gave us a potrait picture of the class, and bottles with messages from (most of) the classmates.

Up to today, i've read through half of the messages. And in a nutshell, they call me nice, funny, fun to be with, gentlemen, among other things.

Cool. And this leads me to the next point....


5.Up-coming Party
I'll be hosting a farewell/Christmas party for my classmates this Tuesday at my house. This might be the last time i'll be seeing them.

There would be food, games and gift exchange. Hopefully, it would turn out well.


6.Back to the Bass-line
Yup, it's my first time playing the bass guitar in church after the accident, not to mention my first time playing in the new premise.

But it could be my last time playing bass guitar... this year. Looking forward to playing bass in the future, and i have a lot of practice to catch up on.


7.Movies
This month, i've watched two movies. Star Dust, and later I Am Legend. Watched the later with Alex, Joanne Lee and Pek Mei after Online Journalism's paper.

I would say Star Dust is an interesting love story, which managed to tie a lot of holes stated in the beginning. And if you aren't keen of seeing Robert DeNiro being queer and soft, avoid this movie at all cost. But in a nutshell, it was worth my every sens spent.

And the same would be said about I Am Legend, though Joanne Lee didn't really like it. From what i read online, the movie and original novel has a totally different ending, given the scenario and the timeline. Thus, turning the original, tragic novel-ending into a heroic, hopeful ending for the movie.

Will try watching Children of Men, which stars Clive Owen and Michael Caine, as recommended by Joanne Lee.


8.Coming to an end
Yup, we're heading about two weeks plus towards the end of the year. What have you done? What have i done?

I just hope i can find him before the year ends.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Christmas Tag.

I got tagged by Jolene Koh, and i'm just continuing the tradition.

Rules:
Each player of this game writes about his/her Christmas wishes. People who get tagged need to visit your blog to find out more, and then write about the same topic in their blogs. Player must state the rules clearly, and pass this on by tagging the same number of people. To tag someone, leave a comment in his/her blog and tell them that they have been tagged. Number of blogger to tag: up to you.

Now, my personal wish list for Christmas.

1) A new, lighter and powerful notebook
2) The Black Sony Walkman MP3 player
3) New pair of cool spectacles
4) A new car (!)
5) To lose weight in the next six months (again)
6) Snow in Malaysia (now, to get all those rain coming here recently to freeze up)
7) To get my muse back
8) World Peace?

I’m tagging:
-Cheong Keen
-Dewgem
-YiHueih
-Megan
-John Rueben
-Sui Li
-Pek Mei
-Alex Hooi

Oh... just realized that we're coming close to the new year and closer to Christmas. Not to mention Justin & SherMayne's wedding in less than 24 hours time. Time does fly really fast!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Uncertainities and Mistakes

I learnt a few valuable lessons recently. That pride comes before a downfall and we should not be too comfortable wherever we are.

I did a very big blunder yesterday and a very careless mistake which could cost dearly, not only to me, but to others around me. Seriously, the whole issue has been weighing down on me these pass few days, and the recent incident added more burden than it already is.

And why shouldn't we be too comfortable in our own zone/situation? From my experience, this could go away as simple as it comes. And that's when we lose control and panic. In a way, i'm going through this situation.

Talking about comfort zone, this forward came into my inbox not too long ago. Entitled Comfort Zone, it caught my attention, and i would like to share it with you readers;

About 10 years ago, I started a job as a trainer for a
Telemarketing agency. In one of my first classes the head
trainer told a very motivating story that I would like to
share with you.

He began by drawing a diagram of a stick man standing in the
middle of a circle. To make it more interesting, he drew things
like a house, a car, and a few friends inside the circle.

He asked the question "Can anyone tell me what this is?" In a
long silence, one guy decided to throw out "the world?" The
trainer said "That's close, this is your Comfort Zone. Inside
your circle you have all the things that are important to you.
Your home, your family, your friends, and your job. People feel
that inside this circle they are safe from any danger or conflict.

"Can anyone tell me what happens when you step out of this circle?"
A strong silence came over the room. The same eager guy abruptly
announced "You are afraid". Another guy said "You make mistakes".
The silence continued and the trainer smiled and said "When you
make mistakes what can the result be?" The first guy shouts "You
learn something."

"Exactly, you are learning." The trainer turned to the board and
drew an arrow pointing from the stick man directly to the outside
of the circle. He proceeded to say "When you leave your Comfort
Zone you put yourself out there, in front of the world to be in
a situations that you are not comfortable with. The end result is
that you have learned something that you did not already know,
you expand your knowledge to become a better person." He turned
again to the board and drew a bigger circle around the original
circle, and added a few new things like more friends, a bigger
house etc.

"The moral of the story is that if you stay inside your Comfort
Zone you will never be able to expand your horizons and learn.
When you step out of your Comfort Zone you will eventually make
your circle bigger, to challenge your mind and grow to be stronger,
and all in all a better person."

However it is, our future is uncertain. Whatever goof-up i did, a price has to be paid, even if it's a heavy one. But i suppose i'm responsible for it. Thus, it make sense if i paid it.

And this is from a person who does not have anything to look forward to everytime the sun rises.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

A Prayer: All in All

A prayer... for those who will be sitting for exams soon.
Examination period is coming soon. And books and notes will be opened and dust will be flying - a lot. And the tonnes of midnight oil burning would definitely contribute to the increase in petrol next year.

A prayer... for those who are in the midst of completing their final year project
Especially those in my batch, classmates and various courses alike. The clock is ticking as the day of evaluation and marking draws closer than you can say 'literature review'.

A prayer... for those who are ill and unwell
The flu is making its way around those who are revising and not. Stress and many, many tasks to accomplish may be among the factors why one would fall sick now. Oh, not forgetting the others who stay up burning the oil.

A prayer... for those who are moving on to the next step in life
Not only the ones who (hopefully) would graduate from the university, but to those who have finish taking SPM and PMR examination. What is your next step? Do you have a plan? Can you relax now? Three among the multitude of questions going through one's head now.

A prayer... for those who are under spiritual attack
When there's too much pressure in life, one's spiritual life is at stake... and the Devil would conviently take this opportunity to mess one's life. Do beware and prayer-ful.

A prayer... for those who believes there's no hope as the sun shines on tomorrow
And when one feels messed up and everything doesn't go one's way, a sense of hopelessness arise. A lie from the Devil, keeping us away from what God has promised His children - a life of great abundance.

A prayer... for those who are weary
Refer to the statements above (read: redundancy). This would refer to me. But if you feel like you belong here, join the club.

A prayer... let's all pray.

Love & Peace!~

BC?