I got into the test car. He buckled his seatbeat and waved to instruct me to turn out. When I looked at him, it was a her. Wearing the standard attire that any tester would wear.
I drove slowly around the circuit, creeping through the different courses and struggling to park my vehicle. All she did was smile and looked as if she was a normal passenger waiting to get to her destination.
As we exited the centre and into the public road, she started writing something on her clipboard. Small and indistinct writing. After completing the test route, we were back again. As I turned right into the centre, I accidently striked the side kerb.
Then, she looked at me, and showed me the paper she was holding.
YOU FAILED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was a dream, but gave me a shock of my life. It just happened the day before I am going to take my TP. What an interesting life I got. What to do?
And it so happened that the last practical lesson I got before my practical test, the instructor taught me so much that I though I have wasted all my time and money for the rest of the preparation lessons that all said nothing. How to pass like that sia?
When my instructor passed me the wet tissue, he said "This will be the last wet towel you are going to get from BBDC." When I heard it, the image of me topping up my account and registering for additional lessons just flashed past my head.
Here goes my money.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Chi-Kun-Gun-Ya
Yes, the cousin of Dengue has had hitted our headline. A disease, also propagated by the Aedes Mosquitoes, that has already infected 10 people. No death yet and all are isolated course. Don't worry, it is not air-borne. The symptoms are also similar to that of Dengue hameoharrge fever. I wonder what's next to hit us. SARS, Bird Flu, Mad Cow Disease, Nipah Virus,... Are we waiting for the most lethal pandemic to cause our extinction. Who cares? Don't think will happen in my lifetime.
Speaking of pandemic, another form has hit us. And this time, globally. The credit crunch. Those that know nuts of finance can suddenly comment, "eh, the don't know what index fell below 3,000 points leh. Die liao, we going into recession." It is amazing how people can follow news without knowing what exactly is happening. Of course we cannot always blame them, if all the pages of the newspaper are on these stuffs, what else can they read.
Yes, the STI index fell below 3,00o points on Monday. But luckily, it has rallied together with many stocks in Asian countries. And also, many agreed that US is in a recession. Does it have an implication on us, especially CNY is around the corner. In my opinion, not so for those risk-free ventures that do not trust the volatility of the free-market. Returns of their assets are not tied along with the market forces and rollar-coaster rides of stocks. But banks will also not be so generous to provide high interest rate. And for investors, they just cannot liquidate their assest at this point of time.
With these signs, it is natrually that many are not willing to spend during CNY, especially with a sky-high inflation rate. And when spending and consumerism drops, the economy drops together and it is up to somebody to think of rising the confidence level of consumers.
One trend that I realised the newspaper like to use is to lump cases together. For instance, the 5 lorries involved in 2 seaparate accidents along Pionner Road actually drew link to the accident that happened today, This might be a nice WIT project that LTA can do to review the passengers carried by commercial vehicles.
Another phenomenon noted is many lonely eldery dying without anyone realisation. Imagine dying without anyone knowing and bothering. It is like you never existed. This is very sad for people who have worked half their life for their family, company and their loved ones. With the greying of the population, the number of such incidents is such to increase and it is what town councils and RCs can do to provide and engage these senior citizes. With such growing needs and helps for these senior citizens, the dollar will start to stretch as we progress.
Drive-Thru ATM, if you want to try, try the SPC @ Upper ECP. Sounds amazing. LOL.
For those who likes to further your education and stand out as a leader, SMU has introduced a one-year acclerated MBA programme, at a cost of slightly less than half a hundred thousands. Seemed like a master will be a norm 20 years down the road.
Speaking of leadership, it ponders me whether it is intrinsic or extrinsic. When some mentioned I am learning leadership skills, it makes me think whether can it be taught or is it a talent. If it is so, does that means some are borne to be workers for the rest of their life and not be able to climb up the social ladder. This sounds scary.
Then I will see leadership trainings useless such people are borned to be leaders.
Speaking of pandemic, another form has hit us. And this time, globally. The credit crunch. Those that know nuts of finance can suddenly comment, "eh, the don't know what index fell below 3,000 points leh. Die liao, we going into recession." It is amazing how people can follow news without knowing what exactly is happening. Of course we cannot always blame them, if all the pages of the newspaper are on these stuffs, what else can they read.
Yes, the STI index fell below 3,00o points on Monday. But luckily, it has rallied together with many stocks in Asian countries. And also, many agreed that US is in a recession. Does it have an implication on us, especially CNY is around the corner. In my opinion, not so for those risk-free ventures that do not trust the volatility of the free-market. Returns of their assets are not tied along with the market forces and rollar-coaster rides of stocks. But banks will also not be so generous to provide high interest rate. And for investors, they just cannot liquidate their assest at this point of time.
With these signs, it is natrually that many are not willing to spend during CNY, especially with a sky-high inflation rate. And when spending and consumerism drops, the economy drops together and it is up to somebody to think of rising the confidence level of consumers.
One trend that I realised the newspaper like to use is to lump cases together. For instance, the 5 lorries involved in 2 seaparate accidents along Pionner Road actually drew link to the accident that happened today, This might be a nice WIT project that LTA can do to review the passengers carried by commercial vehicles.
Another phenomenon noted is many lonely eldery dying without anyone realisation. Imagine dying without anyone knowing and bothering. It is like you never existed. This is very sad for people who have worked half their life for their family, company and their loved ones. With the greying of the population, the number of such incidents is such to increase and it is what town councils and RCs can do to provide and engage these senior citizes. With such growing needs and helps for these senior citizens, the dollar will start to stretch as we progress.
Drive-Thru ATM, if you want to try, try the SPC @ Upper ECP. Sounds amazing. LOL.
For those who likes to further your education and stand out as a leader, SMU has introduced a one-year acclerated MBA programme, at a cost of slightly less than half a hundred thousands. Seemed like a master will be a norm 20 years down the road.
Speaking of leadership, it ponders me whether it is intrinsic or extrinsic. When some mentioned I am learning leadership skills, it makes me think whether can it be taught or is it a talent. If it is so, does that means some are borne to be workers for the rest of their life and not be able to climb up the social ladder. This sounds scary.
Then I will see leadership trainings useless such people are borned to be leaders.
A random mind with some random thoughts
Don't worry Zi Cheng, will give you a feel of how I felt that night when I meet up with you, as usual at XWM.
Whenever I look at the calendar, I take notice of the date, the month and the day to count the number of days left to weekends. But recently, the year just caught my eyes. The year 2008. Why? I kept asking myself. Yes, I am out of National Service. Yes, I have finished my Secondary and Pre-University educations and awaiting for my 'enlistment' into varsaity.
Then I thought, this is the time when my life is no longer fixed to a pre-arranged route that I must take in order to succeed or able to retire in peace. Though getting a degree is a 'must have' for Singaporeans, but the degree that I am going to get is going to decide (some might agree partially) my career. Can you believe it, I need to choose at the age of 21, what I will be doing for the later 20 to 30 years of life. The dream of getting a nice and decent car, enough money to get a comfortable house and to put up a nice wedding arrangement are going to be based on this small little decision where I choose my university course.
After completing my A Levels, I have thought of entering the decisive force. But after 2 years of experiencing it, I told myself, that was enough and definately not my cup of tea.
I also thought of moulding the future of minds. Until I just realised that the current batches are ill-disciplined and most of them a hopeless batch of people.
Now, I am contemplating of the force for the nation. After blogging, just see that it looks like a combination of what is above. But is it what I would like to do for half of me breathing. Do not know whether I would like to think and decide about it. Looking at dead corpse, working 12 hours shift, handling stress,.... Maybe I should KIV this till maybe after CNY.
Degree ---> Job?
Tough choice? Maybe we should be thinking and deciding it soon, my friends.
Whenever I look at the calendar, I take notice of the date, the month and the day to count the number of days left to weekends. But recently, the year just caught my eyes. The year 2008. Why? I kept asking myself. Yes, I am out of National Service. Yes, I have finished my Secondary and Pre-University educations and awaiting for my 'enlistment' into varsaity.
Then I thought, this is the time when my life is no longer fixed to a pre-arranged route that I must take in order to succeed or able to retire in peace. Though getting a degree is a 'must have' for Singaporeans, but the degree that I am going to get is going to decide (some might agree partially) my career. Can you believe it, I need to choose at the age of 21, what I will be doing for the later 20 to 30 years of life. The dream of getting a nice and decent car, enough money to get a comfortable house and to put up a nice wedding arrangement are going to be based on this small little decision where I choose my university course.
After completing my A Levels, I have thought of entering the decisive force. But after 2 years of experiencing it, I told myself, that was enough and definately not my cup of tea.
I also thought of moulding the future of minds. Until I just realised that the current batches are ill-disciplined and most of them a hopeless batch of people.
Now, I am contemplating of the force for the nation. After blogging, just see that it looks like a combination of what is above. But is it what I would like to do for half of me breathing. Do not know whether I would like to think and decide about it. Looking at dead corpse, working 12 hours shift, handling stress,.... Maybe I should KIV this till maybe after CNY.
Degree ---> Job?
Tough choice? Maybe we should be thinking and deciding it soon, my friends.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Dilemma
A new year, but definately not a new and good start. Have to settle the stuffs left from last year. The worries, concerns and decisions that have to be made for this year to go smoothly.
Today, I have quite an adventurous day, and also a really eye-opening experience. The morning portion was abit boring, the usual staff works PLUS faciliation. Can you imagine a rankless person helping to assist a faciliation class with seniors that are almost twice your age. But well, things gone to be done.
At lunch, it was quite a demoralising and depressing session. The phrase 'you are still working as long as you are with your boss' is totally truth today. Everything from his mouth were organizational replies to public's queries. The more he said, the more I thought that what is the point of getting it. For the money? Will I be happy with the job? Do I want to waste the first four years of my life doing something I cannot and do not like and then move on? These are the questions that I have to face and come to a conclusion soon, before more damage can be done. I do hope that I can really sit down with someone to sort out my thoughts on these and get it done ASAP. --> Highest priority in my to-do list for the year!!!
Luckily, the day ended at a high point. He brought me to the festival and explained and showed me the operation. To me, it was such a large-scale opearation and the atmosphere was tense. I was totally intimidated by the crowd, and the 'high' emotion that they are experiencing. Thereafter, we walked along the dark streets and saw something that I have not seen in my entire life.
After the whole thing, I really felt that small portion of the island is definately not Sinagapore. Questions start to pop up in my head. Am I apt for the job? Can I be trained for the job? Hopefully these answers will come to me soon.
Today, I have quite an adventurous day, and also a really eye-opening experience. The morning portion was abit boring, the usual staff works PLUS faciliation. Can you imagine a rankless person helping to assist a faciliation class with seniors that are almost twice your age. But well, things gone to be done.
At lunch, it was quite a demoralising and depressing session. The phrase 'you are still working as long as you are with your boss' is totally truth today. Everything from his mouth were organizational replies to public's queries. The more he said, the more I thought that what is the point of getting it. For the money? Will I be happy with the job? Do I want to waste the first four years of my life doing something I cannot and do not like and then move on? These are the questions that I have to face and come to a conclusion soon, before more damage can be done. I do hope that I can really sit down with someone to sort out my thoughts on these and get it done ASAP. --> Highest priority in my to-do list for the year!!!
Luckily, the day ended at a high point. He brought me to the festival and explained and showed me the operation. To me, it was such a large-scale opearation and the atmosphere was tense. I was totally intimidated by the crowd, and the 'high' emotion that they are experiencing. Thereafter, we walked along the dark streets and saw something that I have not seen in my entire life.
After the whole thing, I really felt that small portion of the island is definately not Sinagapore. Questions start to pop up in my head. Am I apt for the job? Can I be trained for the job? Hopefully these answers will come to me soon.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Next Phase of Life...
PSLE that determines your streaming into Special, Express & Normal is long over.
O Level that differentiates you to JC and Poly is gone.
A Level that provides you the 'passport' to enter varsity has been obtained.
NS that hinders your education has been broken.
So what is next?
This choice in going to which course will be a headache for people, like me, who does not have a single idea of what he will become in the future.
A simple family, a comfortable house, a nice car and a stable income.
Every jobs can provide this? And do you like it?
Government, be it uniformed or teaching? Finance industry? Banking industry? Research works? Where can I go?
This is a big headache, especially because I do not want to start thinking about it.
Who can tell me which route to take?
O Level that differentiates you to JC and Poly is gone.
A Level that provides you the 'passport' to enter varsity has been obtained.
NS that hinders your education has been broken.
So what is next?
This choice in going to which course will be a headache for people, like me, who does not have a single idea of what he will become in the future.
A simple family, a comfortable house, a nice car and a stable income.
Every jobs can provide this? And do you like it?
Government, be it uniformed or teaching? Finance industry? Banking industry? Research works? Where can I go?
This is a big headache, especially because I do not want to start thinking about it.
Who can tell me which route to take?
Monday, November 5, 2007
Choices
Recently has been clouded by an aura of sorrow and despair. Many people around me have succumbed to doubting their own abilities. Just thinking, but out of the blue, all these suddenly come back?
All of our are furnished with choices and opportunities in life. We are gifted with thoughts and self-conscious. But why aren't we using them? Why some turns to alcoholic, cigarette, drugs to numb their senses to escapre reality. It's because we are not prepared for reality, or simply we do not know reality.
Many said that education in Singapore is sheltering kids from the outside world, the real world. I beg to differ. Decisions have to been made to proceed to the next level of education, who does not choose which universities courses to go to, who does not choose whether to enter JC or poly and who does not choose which subject combinations after their secondary two examinations. All these choices impart on the reality we create ten to twenty years down the road.
For instance, the choice of stuyding medicine is opened to all. We can choose to be a doctor if we start preparing during secondary school and JC and make it a reality. But why some said they are not provided this choice. It is because they have not prepared for this reality of being a doctor. If preparation was made and this long-term goal was perceived, this reality will not be a big hurdle for anyone.
Anything that is considered in everyday's life can be used to numb us and distract our focus to pursue this ideal reality that we want. In today's world, we are living in a comfort zone that we do not want to move out from. If from young every decisions you made are from your parents or from 'someone' high up, you will worry when you really decide and turn to people for help and advice. I say, take the challenge and take the risk. It is your life. Whatever you do, you are responsibile for it and it is your decision that paints your life story.
A picture of distorted lines with no feelings or a picture of abstract arts? Is only differ whether training and planning are inside this process.
In my perspective, only moving from our comfort zone and add abit of planning, then we can truly move out from sorrow and despair and find the motivation and drive to succeed in life and find a better tomorrow.
All of our are furnished with choices and opportunities in life. We are gifted with thoughts and self-conscious. But why aren't we using them? Why some turns to alcoholic, cigarette, drugs to numb their senses to escapre reality. It's because we are not prepared for reality, or simply we do not know reality.
Many said that education in Singapore is sheltering kids from the outside world, the real world. I beg to differ. Decisions have to been made to proceed to the next level of education, who does not choose which universities courses to go to, who does not choose whether to enter JC or poly and who does not choose which subject combinations after their secondary two examinations. All these choices impart on the reality we create ten to twenty years down the road.
For instance, the choice of stuyding medicine is opened to all. We can choose to be a doctor if we start preparing during secondary school and JC and make it a reality. But why some said they are not provided this choice. It is because they have not prepared for this reality of being a doctor. If preparation was made and this long-term goal was perceived, this reality will not be a big hurdle for anyone.
Anything that is considered in everyday's life can be used to numb us and distract our focus to pursue this ideal reality that we want. In today's world, we are living in a comfort zone that we do not want to move out from. If from young every decisions you made are from your parents or from 'someone' high up, you will worry when you really decide and turn to people for help and advice. I say, take the challenge and take the risk. It is your life. Whatever you do, you are responsibile for it and it is your decision that paints your life story.
A picture of distorted lines with no feelings or a picture of abstract arts? Is only differ whether training and planning are inside this process.
In my perspective, only moving from our comfort zone and add abit of planning, then we can truly move out from sorrow and despair and find the motivation and drive to succeed in life and find a better tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
A Simple Life
Ok. This post is created in reply to somone horrible life. Let me be clear. My target audience for this post is on those that are interested in knowing my definition of this subject. Those that are not, please fuck off.
Everyone hopes to have a simple life, it is especially common to hear people hear this phrase out when they are stressed out. Be it during their tests, examinations, presentations and soon for us, ranking results. On the journey towards success and greater height, we question on our roots for these rewards, and doubts our direction on why do we need to take such a tough route when there is a simple one. But what is an ideal 'simple life' and does it really means heaven to everyone?
Do we consider the lifes of farmers to be simple. Yes, they do not need to work commercially. All they need is to farm, rear animals as well as enjoy music and dance with their family. They are sufficient and have their needs met. Is this the life that people considered simple? A life that is 'unstressless'. To some, the answer is yes. That is why some gave up their citizenship and migrated to greener pasture elsewhere. But, in my opinion, one thing they should consider in this proposal is whether do you think you will be happy.
What is the link here? Shouldn't a simple life be a happy life? To me, no. Why? Let me just share my experience as a person that has a relatively simple life, a life of a farmer placed in context of an urbanised built-up. I am self-sufficient in some organisation now. Free food, free lounging, free clothing and freedom of movement and time, only occassional bout of stress. But my life in this organisation is totally cut out from my own personal life, but do not intersect each other if represented in a venn diagram. To me, a self-sufficient life where you no need to worry about your needs is considered a simple life. Like what I have been through for the past one year. But am I happy? Am I happy just making sure that I am still alive to witness the next day? No, one thing that me, having a simple life, does not possess is a goal in life, a purpose in life.
Name me one animal that has a simple life, Dodo bird. It does have a simple life on the little island of Mauritius. They do not need to worry about their food, as seen from the fat and clumsy pictures of these birds. They do not need to worry about predators, and hence do not need to develop any escaping mechanism to aid their evasion from predators. With these simple life they have, they are easily wiped out and now, as we know, they are extinct.
I do not meant that a simple life will die early. Or farmers being extinct. We, humans, thrive to these days because we never stop improving ourselves. We always trive to be the best. This is the primitive instinct that everyone has: drive to compete and succeed. And this brings back the point on why we are always asking for a simple life while fighting for a good life. It is this cognitive property that drives this contradiction.
Hence, does that means that we will never enjoy a simple life. I will not give an absoulte answer. But it can only be enjoyed if you are able to live a life of being stagnant.
Rollar coasters and other entertainment gadgets in Disneyland and theme parks. These places are able to generate revenues because of our inert abilitiy to want to try something exciting. This brings us achievements that we are able to accomplish something. Hence, it is natural that everyone will want to build up a good record of achievements for himself so as to better survive in this urbanised environment. In the midst of doing so, we tend to resist these and solidify it as obstacles. Same principle as Le Chatelier's Principle in Chemistry.
But we all need to understand our purpose of achieveing this and a clear goal in mind. No point doing things for the sake of others or going through the motion. With a clear vision of your future life, we can work backward in formulating the techniques and goals you will achieve. With this personal workplan, one will not complain of being stressed out as this serves as a source of motivation that drives you to achive it as it leads to a big goal in life, the ideal life.
To some, an ideal life might meant a life that I done many good deeds, earned alot of money or simply have alot of wives. In the process of doing so, there is bound to be obstacles and challenges. With a strong vision and purpose in life, these obstacles and challenges will not hinder much in your attempt to reach the ultimate scenerio that you envisioned.
It is imperative that a proper reflection and though of your life to be done. It is never too late to do this as we have control over our life at any point of time. Is a matter of determination and motivation in wanting to achieve this dream that drives us forward. Humans are emotional creatures. We works toward an ideal life and desire for a simple life.
Everyone hopes to have a simple life, it is especially common to hear people hear this phrase out when they are stressed out. Be it during their tests, examinations, presentations and soon for us, ranking results. On the journey towards success and greater height, we question on our roots for these rewards, and doubts our direction on why do we need to take such a tough route when there is a simple one. But what is an ideal 'simple life' and does it really means heaven to everyone?
Do we consider the lifes of farmers to be simple. Yes, they do not need to work commercially. All they need is to farm, rear animals as well as enjoy music and dance with their family. They are sufficient and have their needs met. Is this the life that people considered simple? A life that is 'unstressless'. To some, the answer is yes. That is why some gave up their citizenship and migrated to greener pasture elsewhere. But, in my opinion, one thing they should consider in this proposal is whether do you think you will be happy.
What is the link here? Shouldn't a simple life be a happy life? To me, no. Why? Let me just share my experience as a person that has a relatively simple life, a life of a farmer placed in context of an urbanised built-up. I am self-sufficient in some organisation now. Free food, free lounging, free clothing and freedom of movement and time, only occassional bout of stress. But my life in this organisation is totally cut out from my own personal life, but do not intersect each other if represented in a venn diagram. To me, a self-sufficient life where you no need to worry about your needs is considered a simple life. Like what I have been through for the past one year. But am I happy? Am I happy just making sure that I am still alive to witness the next day? No, one thing that me, having a simple life, does not possess is a goal in life, a purpose in life.
Name me one animal that has a simple life, Dodo bird. It does have a simple life on the little island of Mauritius. They do not need to worry about their food, as seen from the fat and clumsy pictures of these birds. They do not need to worry about predators, and hence do not need to develop any escaping mechanism to aid their evasion from predators. With these simple life they have, they are easily wiped out and now, as we know, they are extinct.
I do not meant that a simple life will die early. Or farmers being extinct. We, humans, thrive to these days because we never stop improving ourselves. We always trive to be the best. This is the primitive instinct that everyone has: drive to compete and succeed. And this brings back the point on why we are always asking for a simple life while fighting for a good life. It is this cognitive property that drives this contradiction.
Hence, does that means that we will never enjoy a simple life. I will not give an absoulte answer. But it can only be enjoyed if you are able to live a life of being stagnant.
Rollar coasters and other entertainment gadgets in Disneyland and theme parks. These places are able to generate revenues because of our inert abilitiy to want to try something exciting. This brings us achievements that we are able to accomplish something. Hence, it is natural that everyone will want to build up a good record of achievements for himself so as to better survive in this urbanised environment. In the midst of doing so, we tend to resist these and solidify it as obstacles. Same principle as Le Chatelier's Principle in Chemistry.
But we all need to understand our purpose of achieveing this and a clear goal in mind. No point doing things for the sake of others or going through the motion. With a clear vision of your future life, we can work backward in formulating the techniques and goals you will achieve. With this personal workplan, one will not complain of being stressed out as this serves as a source of motivation that drives you to achive it as it leads to a big goal in life, the ideal life.
To some, an ideal life might meant a life that I done many good deeds, earned alot of money or simply have alot of wives. In the process of doing so, there is bound to be obstacles and challenges. With a strong vision and purpose in life, these obstacles and challenges will not hinder much in your attempt to reach the ultimate scenerio that you envisioned.
It is imperative that a proper reflection and though of your life to be done. It is never too late to do this as we have control over our life at any point of time. Is a matter of determination and motivation in wanting to achieve this dream that drives us forward. Humans are emotional creatures. We works toward an ideal life and desire for a simple life.
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