city2surf

when there's a will, there's a way

After living in Sydney for almost 10 years, I finally became one of the 80,000 citysurfers this year. 

Running has never been on my tick-off list, what more a 14 km run.

When our company decided to sponsor the run this year, I thought if I don't do it now, I don't know when's the next time I'd come this close to being part of this event.

I signed up without hesitation, and thought I'll worry about the training later. Lol.

Everything has to start somewhere else it will never happen isn't it?

While most people at work were already 'secretly' training during lunch, I was falling behind.

Blame it on winter. Haha.

It involves a lot of mental and psychological strengths to just get myself to change into sports attire and go for a run.  

Since it requires so much 'mental and psychological' efforts from my side, it makes more sense if I'm doing it for a cause than to be training and running blindly.

Perhaps, I'll be more disciplined with the training if it's for a cause? Hehe.

I decided to raise fund for CanTeen - to help teenagers who have been affected by cancer in one way or another. 

Thanks to my fellow supporters, I managed to raise $612.25 on the night before the run!

It did make a difference.

On the day of the run, I arrived 15 mins before the start time. 

Had to use the toilet before the run.

With an event of 80,000 participants, I was 'surprised and not surprised' by the fact that the queue for the toilet was less than 10 mins, there was no queue-cutting scene, there was sufficient toilet paper and water in the portable toilet unit, and it didn't stink as I thought it would.

I was 'surprised' because the organiser and 80,000 participants managed and behaved well above expectations.

'Not surprised' because this is what you can expect from the people here.

The crowd was at a standstill before the start.

At 9.05 am, it started moving slowly towards the starting line. 

Along the way leading to the starting line, there were jumpers and sweaters laying around on the ground.

I thought what's wrong with these people.

Did they all forget their jumpers?

Did they leave their jumpers behind and were gonna come back to pick them up after the race?

It's not one or two, it was more than 20!

Up to a point, there were a couple of huge plastic bags filled with clothing.

Massive task for the lost-and-found crew - I thought. Lol.

After moving slowly with the crowd for at least 15 mins, there's finally enough room for people to start jogging. 

But it was still pretty tight. You could easily trip on someone's long legs from behind.

The crowd dispersed after about 1 km into the run.
That's when I started noticing people in costumes.
There were superheroes, frogs, bees, bunnies, people who dress like old grannies, people in tutu dress, etc.
They were having so much fun dancing and jumping around with music blasting in the background.

Wonderwomen!

Couldn't help but to stop and take photos of these Wonderwomen. 

Couple in mix-match stoking and a daddy taking his toddler for a fun-stroll.

This guy in football jersey, with handbag and umbrella. 

Apart from cool and funny people, there were also weird people.
Like this guy with handbag and umbrella.
Looks like he's on his way to get some groceries.

Nova FM cheer zone

There were live bands and music stations scattered throughout the 14 km.
People blasting music from the balcony of their home.
Kids setting up mini fundraising stalls outside of their homes - selling cupcakes, energy drinks, and bottled water.
People helping to spray water on runners, from a hose outside of their home.
People from around the neighbourhood bring their kids to be part of the supporting-crowd.
People having BBQ in the lawn of their house with beers while cheering on the runners.

one of the last photos taken before finishing the run - reluctantly

14 km was over in a blink of an eye. 

I wished it was longer. Haha.

my 1st ever medal from running.

My target was to complete the 14 km in under 2 hours.
Clocked in at 1 hr 48 mins - including 118 mins of running, time spent taking photos, grabbing and gulping litres of drinks, applying sunblock (4 times), distributing sunblock, etc etc.
Most of my colleagues did it within 90 mins.

I later found out that it's common for people to donate their unwanted clothing at the starting line.
The jumpers on the road were 'act of charity'. Not that people were forgetful. Haha.
My colleague donated a bag of clothing too.

These are some of the thoughtful plans/services provided:

Free public transport for the day for all City2surf participants to ease traffic congestion.

Free sunblock and vaseline at the emergency booths throughout the run.

Sufficient toilets - cleaned and replenished frequently.

Gear drop service which transports participants' belongings to the finish village.

All you need to carry with you are mobile phone, an ATM card, and house key.

Don't even need earphones for music as there were music and live bands in the background throughout the run.

Something they should improve on is to come up with ways to minimise the number of cups used.

If each participant used 10 cups, there'll be 800,000 paper cups disposed in one event. 

Feel like crying for the earth. :(

Nevertheless, kudos and many thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and relevant authorities for the success of this event.

City2surf is not just a mini-marathon. 

It encourages people to run for a cause.
It brings people together - runners, families, supporters, volunteers, party-goers.
It turns the otherwise busy and congested streets into a party zone.

It makes an ordinary Sunday healthy and meaningful.

I got home with a medal, jelly legs, sore muscles, blisters under my feet, and blood stain on my sock.

The S Health app shows 31,746 steps, 26.04 km, and 1265 kcal burnt.

Was expecting sunburn but I wasn't even tanned. The free woolies sunblock at the emergency booths work wonders!

I kinda understood now, the true purpose of marathon.

Not much for the medal and social media attention.

It's more about the satisfaction and sense of achievement at the end of the run.

The feeling of completing an impossible task. 

Of breaking and pushing through the limits.

flu season

if only there is one less selfish person

I've always heard stories from colleagues about how often they fall sick because their kids fall sick because someone from their daycare/school was sick.

One even told me that someone from school passed the virus to his boys, who then passed the virus to him, who then shared it with his team at work. One by one, the team members fell sick. My first thought was 'you shouldn't even have come in when you're sick', let alone spreading viruses to a quarter of the people at work.

Just a week or two ago, a friend's daughter contracted the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) which started from someone from the next class. And who knows where this 'someone' contracted the disease from. Why did the parents even send him/her to school knowing that he/she is carrying and has the potential of spreading some kind of viruses?

A friend told me she's having sorethroat and headache, but she stressed that her nose isn't runny so she doesn't think it was caused by virus. She thinks the sorethroat and headache were developed from her body internally. Sorethroat and headache are flu-like symptoms to start with. It's unlikely that it's not a viral infection (in my 'non-medical-background' opinion).

This is only one of the many times that she fell sick with sorethroat, headache, flu or fever symptoms. Sigh. Either she has weak antibody. Or she is surrounded by virus-carriers all the time. Or she is negligent to the causes of flu-transmittal. Or all the above.

Each time my toddler niece is sick, my sister will keep her away from the two nephews (or vice versa) to avoid spreading the virus to them. Virus could be passed on by just touching the same toys, sharing the same food/drinks, or coming in contact with saliva/mucus. Even during healthy times, saliva-passing should be kept minimal.

I know of a friend who falls sick every month. It's not just her, it seems like her colleagues fall sick frequently too. This is an obvious sign that the viruses are spread amongst themselves. Sick people should just stay home for a day or two or five!

Sigh.

The most recent conversation I had on viruses:

A: I can't eat ice-cream as my cough will get worse.
D: It's good. So you can officially take a sick leave tomorrow.
A: No. I'll still go to work.
Me: *zzzz*
A: I haven't taken any sick leave before.
Me: What?! But you've been sick so frequently. From memory, you have flu every now and then. You never taken a day off at all?! *wth?*
D: Wahlao.......you'll spread to other people leh.
Me: (exactly what I thought)
A: Hahaha. Ya I think so. I was coughing for a week and this morning my boss started coughing too. Hehe.
Me: (It's not funny, Hello???) Why don't you ever take a day off?
A: I'm doing them good. Giving them free flu vaccination. So they can fight greater viruses next time. 
Me: *it's getting too ridiculous, I don't even want to discuss it any further*
D: It's not just your colleague you're harming lor. Think about their kids, their family.
Me: Just take a day off and rest at home.
A: It's boring at home. That's why I'll still go to work regardless. 

I gave up trying to convince people like this.

People who think sick leave exists only for the sake of sick people.
People who think taking or not taking sick leave is solely for their own good.
People who have no consideration for other people in terms of spreading illnesses.
People who think viruses never spread.
People who think it's not their fault if other people contracted the virus from them.

The harder I try to 'educate' them, it only makes me seem like a paranoid and un-compassionate person.

No amount of brainwashing or nagging is comparable to self-awareness.
In the end of the day, only they can change their own mindset.
It's scary to know that there are plenty of 'unaware' people like this around me.
Haven't even taken into consideration, the ones who aren't around me.

Everyone needs to be considerate and educated about how not to spread diseases/viruses to innocent healthy people.
People don't need to fall sick just because you are sick.
Stay home, recover.
Spare the virus from spreading to others.
Or at least wear a mask, cover up when sneezing/coughing, sanitise.

This is just 'domestic' flu we're talking about.
I can't imagine if they have swine flu, bird flu, or ebola.
Would they still think it's okay for them to walk freely in public spaces?

#bestchristmasever

it's not anything but the company that matters.

I always dread going to Melbourne due to various reasons - the harsh weather, the hook-turns, the unfamiliarity, etc. It's about time I pay Melbourne a visit as it has been 2 years since my last trip there for Miss Petite's wedding.

One day, out of a random conversation, I told Miss Petite that I shall pay her a visit if she's around during xmas. After months of thinking, she decided to stay in town for xmas.

So I immediately got my tickets booked (1.5 month before the trip) at about $200 via Jetstar. A pretty decent price for a festive season (in my opinion). The most expensive Melbourne tickets I've paid before were $400 return (plus $70 for missing the flight back because we went to Miss Marple's for scones and couldn't get to the airport in time). Lol.

This xmas was one of the most memorable things that happened in 2015.
People say when you're happy, time passes quickly. It sure does.
I needed a couple of days to recollect my memories as I lost track of time over the xmas weekend. Hehe.

On Christmas day...

Brunch by Miss Petite and husband.

Coconut chia seed pudding with blueberry, strawberry, and roasted almond by Miss Petite

It's my first time trying chia seed pudding. 

A simple combination, beautifully presented, and healthy too.

Though I'm not a fan of almond, coconut, and strawberry, they kinda compliment one another that the ingredients don't stand out on their own. They mixed well.
It's probably the healthiest food for the rest of the weekend. Haha.

Next is the savoury crepe.

It's so juicy and yummy!!!

Crepe in the making

Traditional crepe with egg, spinach, ham. and cheese by Petite's Husband.

And then, we had some matcha shortbread cookies by Miss Petite.

Irresistibly tasty with slight hint of bitterness. 

Recipe here >>> Matcha Shortbread Cookies by Miss Petite

After that, off we packed and went to the Chua's.

The huge and overly-friendly Miss Zoe

First thing at the Chua's is always to get pass the Zoe Test.

She welcomes literally anyone to her house and loves jumping at people, it's kinda scary considering she's at the height of my thighs and she weighs 20 kg.

Her tail is like a whip and it hurts if she happens to step on you. The weight on each foot is probably 5 kg?

Her face is bigger than Miss Petite's! Lol.

They say 'she's huge but she doesn't know she's huge'. Hence, she thinks it's okay to jump on people.

She's like the desperate friend at school who everyone avoids. Haha.

She tends to get emo after being ignored by people. 

Poor girl. 

After all, she just wanted to be friends. 

After freaking out a few times, I got used to her friendliness and appreciated her presence. 

Kinda miss her now.

We spent the whole afternoon sipping wine and helping Ann out with the cooking and preparation.

2 bottles down before dinner time.

Table setting designed by Ann

Menu for the night - took 3 days to prepare the food.
All thanks to Ann, the head chef.

The entrée

The mains and sides.
#bestturkeyever

The dinner was so scrumptious that everyone over-ate and had no room for dessert.

We took a break for present-exchange while allowing digestion.

3 out of 10 presents involved whiskey glasses - what an alcoholic bunch of people (in a good way I mean). 

It simply means they know each other too well.

I'd say all the presents are pretty practical, useful, and thoughtful. Bought with much thought and consideration.

Warm xmas tree

After present-exchange, back to more food, followed by dessert.

Raspberry and cream ice-cream with chocolate truffle-coated popcorn, and
freeze dried and fresh raspberries by Miss Petite's husband.
All ingredients from Burch and Purchese except fresh berries.

There were much leftovers so we had the same feast for dinner the next day.

Not forgetting wine, wine, wine, and more wine.

Thanks to Ann for all her effort despite suffering from sore wrists. Rest well and hope they get better and better.

Thanks for the wine too. My next trip over, I shall bring some Sydney wines along.

And the feasting continues...Belle's Hot Chicken

Belle's was the last meal before heading back to Sydney.

I guess I gained 2 kilos in 4 days - compensating for the losses I had over the past couple of months. 

Out of this trip I found that...

- Melb can be warm despite it's uncooperative weather.

- No matter what you do and where you are, it's the company that matters.

- What used to be bad could become good, and vice versa.

- It's great to know there's a 2nd home in Australia, 10 hours drive or 1 hour flight away.

- Common interests play a big role in bringing people close together.

- Being in the same stage of life makes it easier to connect with people. It explains why sometimes, you may not be able to click with people you've known for years but able to click with strangers you just met. 

- I learned some new terminologies: Flambé, Chimichurri, and Chimichanga.

- Friends are the closest 'family' when families aren't around.

For who-knows-how-long, I've been telling Miss Petite that I shall visit Melb 'soon' but it didn't happen - not for once. I finally fulfilled my 'promises'. Haha. 

Thanks for having me over, giving me a cozy bedroom - new carpet, nicely-made bed, and even towel! Not forgetting Miss Michie who always welcomes us at the entrance, so awwwwwwww.

My second bedroom in Australia

This is by far the #bestchristmasever as agreed by all of us.
What a tremendous closure to 2015.
I'm truly blessed.

1st day of summer 2015

 summer, please be kind and mild

Summer. You're too hot!!
Not sexy hot.
Not spicy hot.
I mean temperature hot!

Freaking 30deg at 9pm?!

This is the second time in my 8.5 years in Sydney that I'm 'enjoying' the luxury of aircond in my room.

The first was 36deg 2 weeks ago.

The aircond is too luxurious but my flatmate needs it cos she's fainting.
Now I'm wrapped up in my winter blanket on the first night of summer - like I got the seasons mixed up.
Poklangggg!

I start to doubt the usefulness of having centralised aircond.
People survived without it anyway.
If only I could dismantle it. Hehe.
Just bear with the fan will do.

I'm not very pleased with your hotness, summer.
Please don't go overboard, else my electricity bill's gonna sky-rocket!!!

melbourne cup

horses, stay safe

It's the race which stops a nation at 3 pm on every first Tuesday of November.
It's a public holiday in Victoria only.

In other states, we simply declare our own half-day off by stopping work from 2.30 pm to watch the race, followed by drinks till the end of office hour. We'll also have sweepstake at work - $2 for 1 horse, $5 for 3 horses - where horses are randomly picked from a pool.

This year, it's no different in the new company. Our British boss asked what do we normally do on Melbourne Cup day. Someone who also came from my old company replied we generally stop work from after lunch, have some drinks, watch the race, and continue drinking for the rest of the day.

The boss said Ok, let's do it!

What an easy-going boss. Lol.

3 horses died in the last 2 years of Melbourne Cup. 1 had heart attack and 2 were put to sleep because they broke a leg. Horses need all 4 legs to 'live'. If any is broken, they're better off dead than alive.

In my opinion, horses should be running freely in the woods.
They aren't born to be whipped.
They aren't born to go through trainings.
They aren't born to be transported in a confined space.
They aren't born to run in races and be the subject of gamble.

Hence, I'm not a fan of this race or any other things which involve animals kept in captivity and go through vigorous training - zoo, circus, water park, races, animal shows, etc.

For the first time in 4 months, the admin and I are on the same page.
We're more concern of the welfare of the horses than the half-day off, free lunch, drinks, bets, and adrenaline rush.
We excuse ourselves from the sweepstake and hope no horses die this year.

Each time after the race, the owners of the winning horse will be seen cheering, congratulating each other, and popping a champagne. First 10 horses will win some kind prize money.

What do the horses get?
A spa retreat?
A mane-cut and treatment?
A day off from track?
A bigger stable?
A sense of achievement and pride?

Nothing.

If I were a horse, I'd rather be left to starve in the woods than to be given hay, a stable, and beautiful shoes - things I wasn't born to need.

Put yourself in the horses' shoes...

impromptu 526 km Part #2

happiness out of little things

Day 2 of the impromptu 526 km.

The morning started off with Reggie watching the Wallabies vs England in the rugby world cup at 6am, in the dark and with a muted tv. I wouldn't have mind the tv noise, really.

Occasionally in my dreams I could hear a female shouting Bummer!, Good Job!, some random cursings, and some wicked laughters. Haha. Reggie being reggie. 

The Wallabies won the game. Yay! Though I know nuts about rugby. Aussie Aussie Aussie!

And then at 8am she got out of her bed and started chanting "Wakey wakey"... such a familiar wake-up call. Lol. 

She then went to make simple lunch of bread+tuna - the usual hiking food.

Looks pathetic but couldn't have asked for more. 

And then she excitedly told me, 'Look what I bought! Crunchy peanut butter! When i saw it I was like "it's Clarisse's favourite, I have to get this".'

My favourite?? Okayyy.

It's not my favourite actually. Hahaha. Just that I can't think of what else to go with the pathetic strawberry jam toast other than peanut butter - it's a supplement, not a favourite. Nevertheless, being a careless person she is - someone who can misplace 3 earphones in one month, I appreciate the fact that she noticed the peanut butter after seated next to me in the office for the last 1.5 years. 

Whether it's garlic butter, peanut butter or almond butter, it doesn't matter. Just by knowing that someone remembers little things about you, that is a kind of happiness.

peanut butter, with love

Being engineers, we were taught to always travel with a first aid kit whenever out and about.

So before we left, she asked if I've got a first aid kit.

I said Err...no? I only have band-aids. That's my first aid kit. Haha.

She said Oh ya same...Hahaha. I have band-aids and wet tissue. 

Two hopeless ladies. Lol.

And then, off we go to face the day's challenges.

On our way to the Green Camp

The said "hard" walk

Hot hot hot. 35 degrees.

Even sunblock melts under the sun. 

It was a steep hike.
It was tough going up due to the lack of stamina and hard going down due to the slippery loose stones.

Seconds before/after I fell into the gap
 right next to my left foot.
Obstacles on my left, right, down, and above.

Everytime I go on a hike, I either faint, dehydrate or fall. It's a curse. Haha.

This time, it was a fall.

It was so painful that I thought I've sprained my ankle or fractured some bones.

And Miss Reggie was just sitting on some high rocks recording my fall while saying, 'Hahaha. Clarisse is struggling to get herself up, and still holding on to her fan.' 

Zzz.

Thankfully, the ankle was tough and the bones were strong. Just some bruises and scratches.

So much for joking about the first aid kit right.

Some random bugs also stung my ass while I was resting. Bugger.

First, I thought it's just this...

Then, there was more intense pain elsewhere...
And I found this.

Also on the hand...

We went on to do a few minor hikes.
And a medium difficulty - Governor's Walk.

View from the summit of the Governor's Walk

On the way out, the engineer has to stop for a photo of this rail overbridge with some 'impressive' crash beams/columns. Ahhhh.....give me a break.

The hopeless co-driver taking a selfie.

Random shot of me.

  

The Sawn Rocks

Final spot of the day - Sawn Rocks.

Amazing rock formation.

Baa baa white sheep crossing the road.

We drove for at least 160 km (return) today.
Bumped into kangaroos, sheep, and lizard along the way. 

Gotta depart early tomorrow and get into Sydney before the traffic builds up on Pacific Highway.

That's all from Mount Kaputar National Park for now.

There are camp sites around the national park with hot shower, drinking water, and bbq facilities. If I could find some camping companions, I shall be back.

All in all, it's a beautiful place with half the crowd you'll see in Blue Mountains and the Royal National Park. 

The plain fields are so huge, it seems boundary-less which reminds me of Tibet. 

Travelling with random people isn't all that bad. Perhaps because our personalities kinda compliment each other?

It all started with me trying to keep her companied. But I guess in the end, we were each other's company in the otherwise lonely long weekend.

More than 1200 km covered in 3D2N.
Thanks for the impromptu 526 km.

impromptu 526 km Part #1

if it makes someone's day, why not?

The usual question to be asked on Fridays is What's the plan for the weekend?

Being a long weekend, it's even more unavoidable. My answer was No Plan for the whole of Friday morning. 

Until my ex-colleague/friend text me at 10am asking if I had something planned for the weekend. I said No wassup?

She proposed a 500 km, 6 hours drive northwest of NSW for a FEW hikes in the Mount Kaputar National Park. 

Ok. Maybe I shouldn't have asked after all. Hahaha. I'm not really in the mood to be on-the-go. Just felt like hibernating indoor for 3 days.

She couldn't find anyone to go with her and really wanna make use of the long weekend to go as far as possible. Blue Mountain's for normal weekend she said.

T_T

Oh my. I'm not good at rejecting offers. And it's disappointing to get rejected, I try not to.

I waited for a couple of hours for anyone to come up with other plans so that I can 'reject' the hiking plan more appropriately. Unfortunately, haha, it seems like I don't have that many friends with that little plans to occupy me for a weekend.

Why not make her weekend less lonely? That makes two less lonely people in the world. Hehe. If I were in her situation, it'll really make my day if someone would just say Yes to my random last min crazy plan.

So in the arvo, I replied Okay to the 500 km, 6 hours, and couple of hikes. Whatever this leads me to, come what may. I told her I'm very UNFIT - the last time I trained for a hike was May 2014 - I don't have a walking stick and hiking shoes.

She ensured me that I'll be fine, sneakers are fine and the "hard" rating is meant for old people to take note, young people should be ok. 

Well, we'll see if I faint tomorrow. 

She then said she's gonna try book the motel for 3D2N. 

I was like What??!?! 3D2N?? Not 2D1N?? Don't even know what situation I'm putting myself in before agreeing to it. 

Gosh. There go my laundry, tax return, house-vacuuming, toilet and kitchen cleaning, white rice in the fridge since Monday, snuggling in bed for the entire morning...and so many more.

The accommodation was booked in less than 10 mins - the efficiency of a senior engineer with some lack of patience. Haha. 

Next, is the car. She said we can use her car for the trip cos it now has 4 new tyres! (Yay!) AND no radio (Not yay). Hahaha.

I said that's ok, we can enjoy the sounds from the new tyres. Lol! Bringing me to Holland, really.

I was so unsure about this very impromptu trip - planned and booked in 10 mins at 17 hours prior to departure. Only left with a couple of yours to pack and buy the necessities for the hikes. Plus, I haven't been on a trip with her before, tho we've known each other for 5 years or so. She could be quite opinionated, maybe that's a plus since I prefer not to make decisions.

526 km,  6 hours 6 mins.
It took us 7 hours with 2 stopovers.

Not a bad drive after all. It was hard trying to
keep myself awake the whole time though.

I thought of offering to take over the driving task only to find that it's a Manual car. Lol. The last time I operate a manual car was 13 years ago for my driving rest. Sorry, all I can do is to be a responsible co-driver - stay awake and navigate.

Indeed a motel.

My hiking companion.

Rest for now.
Tomorrow will be a challenge. *fingers crossed*

driving test

everyone - the good and bad - plays a part in your success

Finally got my Australian Driver's Licence - after 8.5 years here.

I've put off the idea of obtaining a Licence for soooo long because:

1. There was no need for one.

2. The public transport is pretty convenient.

3. I don't have a car, why need a licence?

4. Licence was not compulsory for work.

5. Car is a liability, not an asset.

6. I hate the idea of sitting for tests.

Earlier this year, I went for a job interview - whereby 'driver's licence' was one of the requirements for the job. In order to be competent for the job, I took the theory exam prior to the interview to show that I'm 'close' to getting a license. LOL. I didn't end up getting the job though. 

However, my current 'new' job requires frequent site visits. 

I think sooner or later, my colleagues will hate to partner me to site visits as I can't share the driving responsibility. 

At some point, I have to stop being the female-engineer-who-doesn't-drive-herself-to-site-visits. Feels like a hopeless spoilt brat.

And since I've taken the theory exam, I might as well get the licence done. Driving Test is just a tiny fraction of all the challenges and changes that I've been through in 2015. Just face it and bring it on!

Few days before the exam, I went on a 2-hours driving lesson with an ahpek instructor - just to get some exam tips from him.

He's such an old school chap who raises his voice and puts blame whenever he can. 

You failed! 

You gonna fail!

Fail! You exceeded the speed limit!

Fail! Why did you stop unnecessarily?!

Fail! Too fast! If the examiner feels scared, you fail!

Fail! You didn't check the blind spot.

Fail!

Fail!

Fail!

Honestly, I haven't FAILED so much in my life until I met him.

What a traumatic 2-hours. 

After the lesson, I felt so lost and my brain went blank. 

The FAILED voices kept playing in my ears. Wtf.

Before an exam, the last thing you wanna hear is your teacher telling you that you're gonna Fail, Fail, Fail and Fail... =_="

The following day, I tried driving to work. Felt like a rookie on the road.

The ahpek's voice still lingered in my ears.

I became unsure of when and where I should check the blind spots, when to check for cars, when to start signalling, etc...

The ahpek has been yelling Fail! so frequently that I'm so used to him telling me if I fail or not, I lost the ability to decide for myself and became so fearful of failing. zZZzzZz

Sure enough, despite the 'Sure Pass' muffin from VV, I failed the test. 

Ahpek was right after all. Hahahha.

So what happened?

All good, except ONE fail item.

When turning right, the right front wheel accidentally went on the solid white line-marking.

Sweat.

The examiners should make a compilation of the Dumbest Ways to Fail a Driving Test - to show how they decide to fail people in the most ridiculous ways.

Did he fail me because crossing the line during exam means I'll forever be crossing lines?

If I didn't cross that solid line, I would have passed.

But does that mean I won't cross any solid line EVER in the future?

There ought to be better ways to test driving skills.

'Skills' are just a small contributing factor to road safety. 

What about the patience, the kindness, the generosity, the calmness, which would also impact the driver and other road users?

Anyways, the following week, I passed the test on second try. 

I thought I did worse than the first time. LOL.

- 2 mins into the test, I was speeding up to cross the lights when they turned yellow suddenly. I made a sudden stop, in time before the first white line. I thought I hear ahpek's voice screaming Fail! I immediately apologised to the officer. He replied, 'That's okay'. I'd prefer him to be nasty cos the nicer he is, the scarier it seems.

- When moving into a kerb side before a 3-point-turn, I went too close to the kerb and scratched the tyre rim. LOL! The officer looked funny. And I thought, Damn..fail again?!

- When I was about to overtake a bus, suddenly it has its signal on, it was too late to give way so I went straight ahead. Fail again???

After the test, I was already thinking of when, how, and where I should take the 3rd test. 

When he announced the results to me...

Officer: Please sign here. Congratulations, it's a pass today.

Me: Sorry? Pass? Really???

Officer: Yeah.

Me: Oh. I thought I did worse than last week.

Officer: Nah, it was a nice ride. You did well.

Me: Oh okay. Thanks. Still can't believe it.

Finally, mission accomplished.

Driver Knowledge Test - $43
Leaner's Licence - $24
2-hours lesson - $90
Driving Test #1 - $54
Borrow Ahpek's car for Test#1 - $120
Driving Test #2 - $54
Borrow Arl's car for Test#2 - $40
10-years licence - $324
TOTAL = $749!!! 

Didn't feel as broke until I saw this figure.

Thanks ahpek for your fail-lessons, arl for borrowing me your car and taking half day off, vv for letting me hijack your room for a night before the tests, the officer who insisted that the ride was 'nice' despite the jolt and 'excitement' I gave him, and Ching who was gonna swap shifts to send me to the 3rd test - which is no longer required now that I've passed the 2nd.

So many conditions put together, for this to happen - the miracle of Causes and Conditions.

Next, it's time for other more important 'tests'.....

spring 2015

no matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow

first day of Spring 2015

I was 'commanded' to get out of the office comfort space for site visits.

From risking our lives standing behind steel barriers on 110 km/h highway, to walking on main streets of dodgy suburbs where we were told to be more aware of the people walking near/around us due to the high crime rate, to open bush lands where there could be snakes enjoying their last moments of hibernation.

Apart from the fact that I didn't like to be forced into doing things I don't agree to (as I don't think my presence on site today is necessary) and the reports that I have to prepare from the site visits, I enjoyed the day out. 

One of the perks of being an engineer, is to be able to get some sunshine, be with nature, and discover hidden beauties in no-man's-land - and get paid for it.

I shouldn't be complaining really.

green green grass on the other side of the world

somewhere in Campbelltown

One of the many reasons why I love and appreciate this country more and more each day is that you don't have to be on holidays, in Hunter Valley or Tibet to snap a panoramic photo like this.

Nature is out there for us to explore.

We shouldn't confine our eyes and minds to just the things we've seen and experienced over and over again.

This links back to my thoughts of late that we sometimes fail to notice how much we're attached to the comfort zone we're in that we forgot that there are so much more to life than the 'shelter' we're in.

There are so much more to Sydney than the suburbs we landed on when we first arrived in Sydney.
There are so much more to Australia than Sydney and its Eastern beaches.
There are so much more to what we think we know about ourselves and life in general.

2015 - a year which I experienced the most changes and stepped out of my comfort zone numerous times.

New job, new work environment, new friends, new neighbourhood, moving from east to northwest of Sydney, finally enrolled for a driving test, and so on.

4 months left of 2015. What's next?