Recently...

The recent events in the region has affected us more or less...
So many lives / persons lost, missing, uncontactable...
To the family members of a victim,
"Lost", "missing" and "uncontactable" has little difference in meaning...
They will be feeling sad, anxious, disappointed, dis-heartened, grief-ed...
It was heart-wrenching to watch the latest news on TV, in the comfort of our living rooms...

Today is New Year's Day Eve.
Somehow the mood is different, not as joyous as previous years.
Even when I greeted the Uncle giving out the free newspapers,
He managed a forced smile and wished me back.
Guess this time, it has affected more than just the countries involved,
But also the neighbouring countries as well.

To all my faithful readers,
Have a blessed year ahead.

Crystals, jade and stones

Driving lesson yesterday morning.
I was sending sms(es) for help.
I know that I have to undergo the same assessment as on Monday.
A well-meaning colleague actually suggested that I pick up a stone along the way,
And placed it in my pocket for the test.
I chosed a piece of jade jewellery that morning.
Jade is supposed to have calming effect on the wearer...
But I am still nervous, my stomach is all cramped up.
My palms are all sweaty, and my legs are like jelly.
Anyway, what happens next is like a blur...
I remembered doing all the circuit courses...
This time I can parallel-park the car straight, without corrective action!
The instructor is "happy" with my performance.
Read: He didn't say anything...

Next we went on the road.
I have a minor hiccup at one of the bends, but I managed to recover from it.
The instructor again did not say anything.
Read: Maybe he is too shocked.

Later, he asked me to pull over along the side of the road.
When we have stopped, he started asking sternly,
"Do you know what you have done?"
I was shocked.
Did I make a mistake so serious that he had to ask me to stop the car and "lecture" me?
I shake my head sideways vigourously, and broke into cold sweat.
"You finished the assessment already." 8-
"Okay lah. Got minor mistakes here and there,"
He continued. "Your driving quite steady what."
And he proceeded to go through my mistakes one by one.
Guess what! I passed the assessment, with 14 points.
(Passing mark is not more 18 points.)

I think the jade really works!
Gotta remember to wear the same piece of jewellery for the TP test!

In the spirit of the holidays,
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Bundles of joy and nerves

Last Friday.
Went to the hospital to visit a colleague's newborn baby.
The new father is so proud of his bundle of joy.
Everybody couldn't keep their eyes off the baby...
Soooo cute!
Somehow, feels peaceful and happy to see a new life-form join us in this universe.
Motherly instincts kicks in.
That little life-form feels like dough in your hands.
They keep asking me to carry him. (That's right, it's a boy!)
I keep saying, no!
Man! A klutz like me may drop the baby...
Better not take the chance.

Driving lesson today.
I was a bundle of nerves...
I "performed" all sorts of tricks,
Mount kerbs, strike poles, stall engine...
... Just couldn't concentrate at all.
I FAIL THE TEST!
Luckily this is not the traffic police test.
Oooh! I am so angry at myself...
This is actually my standard, considering the nervousness during the actual test.
* Take a deep breath.*
I shall do better on Thursday.
I have to do better on Thursday.
I WILL do better on Thursday!
Promise!

~~~ One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.
~~~ Helen Keller

Durian Session

First, let's talk about my driving lessons... Wahaha!!
Yup, Monday afternoon, and the sun is d*mn hot.
Read: Not a drop of rain.
Time for my lesson. Guess what?
I can't find my car!!
Ok, nobody stole it, but it wasn't parked at the usual place where it is supposed to be.
So, if it wasn't here, then it should be in the spare lot,
My "ex-colleague" instructor told me.
But I can't find it!
*Panic!*
Think I got the whole school helping me to locate my car.
Eventually they found it, parked somewhere amongst the other cars.
Phew! I was melting in the sun.
The kind instructor, who helped me locate my car,
Switched on the engine, just so that I could get some air-con.
So I sat in the car, waiting for my instructor for the day.
Finally he entered the car, and guess what?
He was the "Check Blind spot" guy, and he can't locate the car either!
He started complaining that the cars are parked like rojak...
Hmm... Very funny. :-

It was a review lesson for me,
Basically doing all the things I did before and test routes.
I did ok, I think. No need to repeat the lesson.

Dad was in a good mood too.
As we were walking back from the market, he suggested getting a durian.
I am not a big fan of durians...
But I don't mind them either.
Juz to accompany my dad, I strike a bargain with him.
Buy one fruit, and I will juz have one seed.
The rest are his.
Durians are kinda like a banned drug...
Doctor orders: No durians for Dad!
It has become such a delicacy for him.
It's his favourite.
I just went along for the ride. 0:-)

Random Thoughts

It suddenly hit me this morning that there are going to be more people
Who will be out of job soon.
Yes I was talking about 2 certain broadcasting companies merger.
Some of the familiar faces are retrenched.
As I was on the MRT on my way to work,
I suddenly realised that I belong to the "elite" 95%.
(Note: Unemployment rate for Singapore has risen from 3% in year 2000 to 5% in year 2003.)
I shuddered at the thought.
My appraisal this year didn't go very well,
At least I get to keep my job.
It is just that Boss have no doubts on my capabilities,
But he wants me to take on more responsibilities...
If only I was given a chance...

Anyway, festive hols are around the corner.
H*ll, just wanna enjoy myself.

Good news!

Alright, the good news is,
I passed the Final Theory test. :-)
Finally~~~ the results came by post.
Dad was more excited than I am.
He called me immediately after checking the letterbox,
"Oui! You got a letter from the traffic police! Want me to open it for you?"
I expect to pass anyway, and the results kept me smiling the whole morning.

Monday afternoon.
Yup, driving lesson.
Thought I try another timeslot,
To get accustom to other traffic conditions.
Alas, it was a circuit subject, vertical parking.
(No sweat! Or is it becos of the air-con in the car?)
Instructor: The check blind spot guy.
It was drizzling the whole afternoon.
Ok, I KNOW where the wiper switch is,
But not too sure about the headlight switch though. Kidding!!!
Wahahahaha!!
Anyway, didn't get to use the headlights at all.
Think I have improved a bit...
Managed NOT to stall engine, until I have to stop on the slope.
No problem, pull handbrake,
Then get the biting point... Clik-a-clok!
Engine stalled! Haiz!
So malu! :-P

Very happy because I cleared two subjects within one lesson.
But I am not a very fast learner.
I have heard stories of people being able to complete the whole course within 25 lessons!
I am now at lesson 26, and still have a few more subjects to go...