About Driving and the Dutch

For the last few days, Malaysian road users have been giving me the 'experience' of a lifetime in driving. Banished to the road with only the car as company, I have to act as a chauffeur for my siblings and an office boy for my parents. Thus, it is inevitable that I will stumble upon drivers of various, how should I put it, attitudes.

One thing about taxi drivers, they are either going excruciatingly slow trying to catch the attention of potential suckers (Erm, I mean customers) while being totally unaware that they are slowly down traffic behind them, or they are happily ignoring the gasp of other motorists when they suddenly cut into your lane to try to reach their destination ASAP.

It is amazing how traffic jams can easily influence people's emotions' on the road. Sometimes, even though you have the right of way, other kiasu drivers will swerve into your lane without a second thought just because they can't wait for another 5 seconds. If you challenge them, all you get is mouthful of 'f**k you!' and a middle finger. Yes, it happened to me so many times that just this afternoon, I got so pissed and returned the van driver the gesture. Luckily, none of my siblings were there. Immediately after that, I was like 'Damn, this isn't like me..I shud control myself better..'.

At least they are still kind drivers out there who give way to you when you have been waiting at the intersection hoping to turn to the other side for ages. These are the drivers other people should learn from. It isn't that hard to give in once in a while right? After all, we can't just always think of ourselves.

Lol, this is how the Dutch test their people in driving?? I have to say, this is a difficult question.

On a different issue, I am really undecided on where to study. Should I go to ANU, which is located at the Putrajaya-like city of Canberra, or should I go to the University of Melbourne? Should I take actuarial studies or not? It is too tough for me? So many questions, but no answers..

Good luck Zyoung, I hope you will do well in Melbourne. I will definitely miss having you around.

Why Am I So Uptight?

I know promised myself that I will update my blog more regularly, but er, because of unforeseen circumstances, I find myself breaking my vow. What is this, my second post of the year? Zzzz...

Anyway, the last few days I have been feeling really uptight, and easily upset by whatever uncomfortable situation I am in. Seriously, I don't think I am usually like this. Even right now, I am feeling a little ill at ease. I am also easily irritated by some people. The thing is, I am not very sure what's causing this. Could it be the prospect of leaving home and studying aboard? Or is it the feeling of being burdened by the choices I am going to make?

Right now, even my own computer is against me. When I try to *ahem* load the game (yes, I play Sudden Attack), the computer just go blank and a blue screen with the word 'ERROR" strewed across it appear. The best part is that it only happens to me. I have tried it many times with the same result, whereas my bro successfully launched the game in his first attempt, much to my frustration!!

Admittedly, I am pretty worried about fitting-in when I leave for Australia to study. I have to be 100% independent, living on my own, but that's not what is worrying me the most. I am probably socially awkward. Maybe many people don't realize it, but sometimes I find socializing challeging. I generally avoid social activities, and I am uncomfortable in meeting new people. I mean, what the heck am I suppose to say?? So, I know going aboard means meeting new people and making new friends, and honestly, I am a little nervous about that. Don't get me wrong, I am excited about university, because it means new life and a fresh start.

Just yesterday, I checked online and I have received an offer from the University of Melbourne to do a Bachelor of Commerce in their Parkville campus. This is my first offer, and I will wait for the ANU offer before I decide. Man, I am pretty undecided over this. Anyway, am I the only E3 who is going to Aus to study? It seems that everyone else is staying is staying put in Malaysia.

Just Pure Randomness

As most of us are painfully aware, school started this week.

I feel kinda weird not doing anything. Just watching my siblings go off to their respective schools when usually I am the first to cabut, even going to Taylor's last year, is plain odd. I probably never really fully comprehend that this is the year I will leave home and study at uni. Time really flies. I admit, I am afraid of going to uni. First of all, I don't even know whether I want to study engineering or actuarial science. Since the day I applied, I have not decided yet.

In my ongoing effort to prepare myself for uni, I have decided to pick up cooking. Yes, as an avid fan of the noble activity of eating, I am sad to say I am a tad useless in whipping up dishes. Since December 2009, I have tried my hand in preparing simple dishes such as fried rice, fried noodles, chicken rice, vege soup etc. The basic skills in preparing the 'raw materials' such as cleaning prawns, chopping chicken, cutting garlic/ginger/onion etc also I have mastered in the last few weeks. What I lack now is the passion to cook. You definitely won't find me working as a chef in the future.

On a different matter, I am appalled to know that many of my friends didn't do so well in their pre-uni studies last year. Though I am of course disappointed for you guys, I suppose the end result reflects the true amount of work you put into your studies. To accomplish anything, genuine hard work and sacrifice (less TV, less Facebook, less socializing) are two elements needed. If you think you didn't do well, remember, change in your lifestyle is necessary.

Since I have no major commitments this month, this leaves me with a lot of time for personal reflection. What I like, which friends do I really treasure, what am I not good at, who am I not treating well etc.

It's 2010

Happy New Year everyone!!

It's my first post of the new year. At this time last year, I was 'languishing' in National Service. It's been a long time since then, although it felt just like only a few months back. Time sure flies.

So, new year means new resolutions right? Lol, I can't even remember what were my 2009 resolutions. Anyway, here are some of my main resolutions of 2010:

1. Finish reading at least one book (fiction/non-fiction) a month

2. Exercise/work out 6 times per week (inclusive of 50 push-ups everyday)

3. Do well in my first semester in uni

4. Learn to cook/prepare more 'sophisticated' dishes (rather than fried rice, chicken rice, potato salad etc)

5. Take part in at least one marathon (of course not the real marathon, the 10 km leg is enough)

This blogger would like to wish everyone a blessed new year. Here's hoping that 2010 will be a year of happiness, peace and fulfillment.