The weather was terrible, raining for 2 consecutive days which thus hampered our spirits in our first ever boat handling session. Went through the practical session first on Saturday. It was all chaotic, not knowing what to expect especially since we have close to zero knowledge of the course. What I heard previously from friends was that the theory is a killer, killing almost 50% of the people on their first attempt. But practical wise, I only heard about the rubbish bin, talking about how many people failed because of that. On first thought, I was thinking how the hell could you have failed because of that stupid bin? Now I know the reason – because there are quite a few procedure that is related to that particular bin that makes it not just a rubbish bin, but also acting up as a bailer, fire bucket as well as the place to find the boat’s license (YES! Boat license! I wonder why people keep their license there in the first place!!)

So yes, conducted my first speed drive on the sea, maneuvering with a boat without power steering. And its actually quite difficult to move in a straight line without that power steer! It somehow brings me back to JC days where I made total use of memory to remember how a cox/rudder works in order to steer the boat’s direction. How I wish I could just position myself at the back to control the engine directly instead of using the wheels. So yes, without the power steering mechanism, it took me more effort to even turn the wheels especially when its wet.

First task of the day – rescuing a life buoy ‘man-over-board’ (MOB). Quite easy.. Just remember not to aim directly at the buoy so that the bow does not hit the person’s head. But when wind and current comes by, woohoo, everything is based entirely on judgement. How the hell could a person with maybe one hour of driving experience by able to based the ‘rescue operation’ based on ‘judgement’?? Huh are you kidding me? Luckily I have my own type of canoe experience to judgement wind and current beforehand. But how would another without such prior experience be able to do that?

Next, berthing and unberthing. Same theory as taking a driving test, requires the need to remember the moves of steering. It is a skill set, using practice to grasp the essence of the whole procedure. Still, when wind, current and WAVES comes into play, it either makes the whole situation easier or it totally ruin everything. And this is the part which I am more afraid of after hearing horror stories from my friends. No banging into the pontoon, no under berthing is allowed, as if every move must be calculated and inch PERFECT! Yes, it must be perfect up to the inches and centimeter. I guess I would have to think of a strategic plan before taking the practical exams so as to make it inch perfect. Would need to take a look at the distance and approach angles which could make or break the exams.

Finally, learning knots to secure the boats onto the pontoon. How am I not surprised they used a 2 and a half hitch to get it secured. Like what tent pitching is all about, it require ease of pitching as well as un-pitching together with stability and strength. Just what the 2 and a half hitch knot is able to do. And also the knot that I love the most back in camping days.

All in all, the whole thing ended in approximately 2 and half hours. First experiences, boating knowledge, skill-sets and enjoyment. And continuing on to pursue the endless lessons in life.

*Theory experience still to come*

My dream – buying and sitting in a yacht, watching sunrise and sunset across the beautiful horizon and waking up to sea-view during the weekends

Pai kia girl who slapped mum also boasted she stole her $10k gems to buy LV wallet

Perfect response. Kids these days, they don’t respect anybody in life. Thinking that they are the highest authoritative figure in their own life. Thinking no one else could influence their lives. But at such mere age, do they think they really have the knowledge of life to control life themselves? Seriously, teenage years can be the more rebellious years of our lives, but has anyone thought about why this is so? Is it a phenomenon of ‘monkey see monkey do’? Or is it just a social phenomenon that just can’t be understood?

To some extent i believe that everyone has their own rebellious nature inside them. But towards parents, the mere sense of respect should still be there. They are your parents afterall. And like it or not, your house is always the best shelter and the people who cares for you the most is still your family members, people whom you have blood relations with.

The thing that I am most worried about is finally solved. It just shows that every problem has its own solutions, and it is just a matter of time before it clears itself out.

It means so much doesn’t it?

Oh yea, he is awesome in the movie. Cute, witty and acted really well in his role.

1) not much papers publish on my topic
2) I’ve written what I think I’m supposed to write
3) I’m a believer of quality over quantity

Been looking through my drafts and trying very hard to squeeze out every bit of information that can be juiced from the results. The phenomenon of reading 10 journal articles in order to write 1 sentence is taking a toll on my already tired mind. But somehow, i’m still amazed how much work is actually been put forward in order to publish a journal article. Especially so for authors writing review articles, I respect you guys totally!

I’m still glad that I am writing the manuscript right now. Yup, it forces me to read up on my research and prepare myself for the upcoming presentation.

~ shall try to blog everyday from now on in order to achieve my initial aim of setting up a blog – improving on my english writing ability. My vocab still sucks though…. Further… Moreover…. In addition….Furthermore…. Besides…. ermmmmm, help me thesaurus!!

I believe that if I am a teacher, I will choose to teach mathematics and physical education over biology. Did a primary 5 paper 2 maths paper yesterday and that relinquish the good old days where I spend hours on my study table decoding the mathematics sums. It is the only thing that will keep me at the table w/o nodding off. Just maybe hate the brain/energy drain right after that when you feel like you can’t think anymore. But still the passion never dies…

Peers have already moved on in life with some finding what they really want in life while I’m still stuck in my own world deciding the route I want to walk for the rest of my life.

Some have moved a step further, into engagements and marriage. I really do feel happy for them, finding their happiness and starting out their own small little family. But thinking back, I’ve also realized how much we have aged within the past few years, how much we have learnt and matured through these years, ready to embrace the next challenge life has plan for them.

Some have moved a step back, deciding to take a clearer view at their future before committing. I admire their courage, to go against the odds to find the things they really want in life. Once found, I believed they would move on in life without the brakes on. And I really do hope they find what they want, not what the society wants them to be.

I still have to reinforce some viewpoints that I’ve came across these few months
- Money is not everything in this world, happiness is.
- Always be responsible for your own actions – physically and mentally.
- Don’t treat marriage as a joke – especially if you have to be responsible to your kids.
- Beggars can’t be choosers.
- Only you can help yourself out of the slum.
- Consider your own resources before venturing out for others.
- Live a happier life. And I really need to stick by this.
- Complain less and just do it. Life’s never fair, stomach it. Only you can help yourself out of the slum.
- No expectations = Less disappointments.
- Lastly, 靠自己.

Things are going on well. Might have been hit hard en route these 7 months of studies. Learning to cope as much as possible. One lesson which I have learnt in these 7 months – u juz need to think for every moment about

what is going to happen next,
what to plan,
what to do,
how to do,
what do i need to read,
what I need,
what are the things to take notice about,
what if it fails,
how to troubleshoot the problems,
what did i do wrong,
is this correct,
what dilution should i use,
how to save money,
how can i bash my way through,
is there enough materials to complete my expt

Seems like an endless list of questions in my brain. And yes that is what is going on every moment of my life. The only solace comes when I have my TVB treats to take me of reality. How I enjoy them….

On a sidenote, happy chinese birthday to me.. Officially 25 yrs old counting by the chinese calendar. I’m waiting to see if the fortune teller prediction will come through. When will my 貴人 appear??

Lesson learnt today – when you are suay/unlucky, then just too bad, I can’t protect you…