A Year in the Life

Somehow, I still can't fathom that only a year ago, I was getting ready for graduation. I had zero idea what was next, and yet, I've had one of the most important years of my life. In 12 months, I've worked at three different television stations, lived in three different cities and made one giant decision. Honestly, I can say I wouldn't change any of it.

After graduating last year, I had an incredible summer in Columbia. My friend Kevin likes to call it our summer of fun-employment and that's exactly what it was. About four of my best friends and I just bro-ed out all summer. We played lots and lots of tennis, some golf here and there, watched tennis, golf, USA soccer and the NBA playoffs - of course all this while also working at KOMU and sending off job applications. That summer in Columbia will be one of those things I'm think about when I'm 45 and talking about the good ole days. One of the best highlights of that summer was of finishing a night of tennis and learning I had a niece! I drove home the next day.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to wrap up that summer - a cruise to Mexico with Amanda's family. It's so funny to think now that I almost didn't go on the cruise. What was I thinking?

Right after getting back from the vacation, like magic, I started getting some bites on job stuff. After a month or so of looking and a couple of interviews later, I started working as a freelance sports reporter and news producer for KTEN. While I only worked in Texoma for about two months, I think it really developed my understanding of local tv news. Not only did I make some good friends, but I was lucky enough to cover the first college football game at Cowboys Stadium and also the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl (both dreams of mine).

Then came the big break. A year ago, I never could have imagined this is where I would be. I mean, how could I? All my life, I've said reporting sports is what I'd love to do, and here it was, the chance of a lifetime. Saying all this now, doesn't quite tell the whole story though.
Of all the interviews, I was easily the most nervous during my one with ESS. Funny enough, I thought the opportunity was gone. Then, I got the phone call from Sharon and was ecstatic. Still, moving to the other side of the world? It wasn't the easiest decision, but it's been one of the best I've ever made.

Pretty much since day one here, I've had a hard time believing that this is actually my life. I'm getting to live my dream each and everyday, and I'm looking forward to it only getting better and better.

It's been a fairytale year from me, and I know none of it would be possible without the support I get from Amanda, my family and friends. Everyday, I think about the fortunate things that have happened for me, but also the kindness people have shown to make those things happen. Thank you to all of you for your love and support.

There's a year in the life, here's looking forward to the next one.

Michael

Busing Penang Bro-Style

FRIDAY MORNING (48 minutes before the flight)

6:12 AM - I call Alex, no answer. I'm pretty nervous.

6:13 AM - Alex calls, "Man, I'm so sorry, my alarm didn't go off. I'm getting ready right now, I'll be there."

6:18 AM - (Me)"It's okay, I've checked you in. You just have to be here by 6:45 latest.)

6:35 AM - Alex walks through terminal doors. It's time to book it to our plane. Oh boy, we get there right in time. Talk about starting a vacation on the clock haha.

Going to Penang, Malaysia with my buddy Alex was fantastic! He's traveled quite a bit, and it helped me quite a bit to go with him, seeing as this was my first real trip in SE Asia.

DAY 1

After our exciting start, the rest of the day was just about going with the flow. We started by hanging out on the beach. After, we went down to Georgetown, the more colonial section of Penang. There were lots of beautiful temples down here and cool colonial buildings as well. After a nice lunch in Little India, we hung out in a very cool shop house full of beautiful glass work. For dinner, we ate at a Lebanese restaurant with excellent hummus. We then walked around the night market for a bit. We wrapped up the night by getting massages (I'd never gone for anything like that).

DAY 2

Our first day was pretty tiring (5 AM wakeup, didn't go to bed til 1 AM), so we took it easy in the morning. Despite waking up pretty late, this was my favorite day. That's because we saw the one thing on top of my list, Kek Lok Si. This Buddhist temple in Penang is the biggest in southeast Asia. It was stunning. There's no other way to put it. I couldn't believe how much detail was in every structure, every piece of art. Plus, the temple is situated high on a hill, so that allowed for beautiful views of Penang. The Kuan Yin statue may have been the highlight for me. It was massive, but not only that, the columns around it were stellar. Each had such fine artistry on it.

After our trip to Kek Lok Si, we hopped on a bus and just decided to pick something out. We ended up going into a mall to look for something, and stayed there to eat dinner at a Chinese place in the mall. We then saw "Iron Man 2" for a whopping $3 US! I couldn't believe how cheap it was to see it. I know, it seems weird to go all the way to another country and then watch a movie, but Alex's point was correct - we're on holiday, if you want to do something, do it. I really enjoyed the movie and it was a great way to wrap up the day.

DAY 3

Well, with only one more day in Penang, we wanted to get in our three remaining sites - the Tropical Spice Garden, the Snake Temple and the Penang Bridge. We went three for three.

The spice garden was beautiful. Lots of beautiful flowers and nice paths, however, I didn't really smell too many spices. I guess I just thought it'd be easier to get the smell of the ginger, basil, etc.

The Snake Temple was the only disappointment for the trip. After a long bus ride (made worse by the fact that we missed our stop and had to walk all the way back on a heavy trafficked road) we finally got to the temple. I am very scared of snakes, have been since I was a kid. Turns out, there was nothing to be afraid of here though. The only snakes they had inside the temple were in this little tree basket thing, and they looked fake! The signs said they were real, but none of them moved. On the bright side, on the way there we drove by the Penang Bridge (very impressive).

So, again we took the bus, not really knowing where we were headed. As we were passing Georgetown, I saw a restaurant someone had suggested to us called QE-II, and what a suggestion it was! This was the best place to really just relax. As you might know, I fashion myself as a pizza aficionado.
I love to try pizza wherever I go. On the way in, we saw them making a pizza in a wood-fire grill and it looked so good. Decision made. We first ordered a pizza with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes-a bit more fancy pants than normal for me, but well worth it. I loved it more and more with each delicious bite. It was definitely the best pizza I've had in SE Asia (to be fair though, haven't had too many in Singapore). After mauling the first one, we got a second, but this time we ordered the four cheese one. I think I liked the first one a bit more, but Alex preferred the second. It really doesn't matter, both were great.

To top it all off though, Alex ordered a dessert called profiteroles. All I can say is that after the first bite, I literally almost fell off the chair. I've never had anything like that! It was easily one of the best desserts I've ever had.

We finished the night off by going to the night market once again. I picked up two soccer jerseys that I thought were cool (World Cup is almost here!). The next morning, we headed back to Singapore.

It was truly a great bro-cation. The only problem, I'm already wondering, what's next?

Michael