Yipee!!!!! Secrets of creative tension.

I once read a book which mentioned on creative tension. Let me explain what is creative tension with my experiences.

I had envisioned sometime in my future that I would like to drive a car instead of taking the public transport or walking.

Till this afternoon (Aug 29), I did not have a driving license to drive a car. Thus, there was a disparity between the present and the future which created a mental tension, propelling me towards getting my car license.

Being endowed with a brain to study hard so I could get my head Permantly Damaged (re-arrangement of Ph.D.) but not with abilities for driving, I had to overcome my limitations by practising more.

To cut the whole story short, I finally got my driver license today! I can rent a car to drive myself around in USA. I am no longer a "prisoner" of bad public transport.

For those interested to know the juicy part, read on further.

I have to thank Delores Henson, my lab technician who has the guts to teach me on the roads. She is 61 year old. She kept insisting to bring me to the highway (expressway) which terrified me since I am no speed demon. I want to get comfortable with driving first before heading out there. Getting my license is just the beginning, driving safely is the end.

Special thanks to Ao Yang who "squeezed out" time from her busy schedule to teach me too.

I am grateful to Gregory Simon, my colleague who took me to Glen Burnie Motor Vehicle Administration for my test today.

We left work at 1pm for my 2.30pm appointment but he mistakenly took a longer way which left me with 30 minutes to practise with his car. I tried to do parallel parking with dismal result. Both of us had a rough idea where I stood for my test. However, since I had made an appointment, I decided to go for it, thinking if I failed, I could always try again. Skipping the test without trying would make me a complete failure.

Learning from my mistake with my application of learner's permit where I was rejected outright in the queue, I brought along my passport, social security card, working visa, bank statement and a void cheque, just in case some nasty and unhappy personnel was behind the desk.

Instead, I was just asked for my learner's permit and was sent to process my test application. The personnel serving me even wished me good luck.

I had to relief myself and calm me down before taking the test. The tester was reasonable and said I could ask questions if in doubt.

The first task was the turn about which I performed under 1 min 20 seconds (3-minute limit).

The second task was backing up (reversing) in a straight direction which was alright since the road was level.

The last task was the parallel parking which has a 3-minute limit too and the wheels must be within 12 inches from the kerb. In the midst of parking, I asked, "Can the wheels touched the kerb?" while the clock was ticking. I managed to clock 1 min 47 seconds and the wheels were way within 12 inches.

After this, he instructed me to drive out of the test circuit and told me I could collect my license on the spot. I was elated. My heart was pounding hard during the entire circuit. He also asked if I worked at Hopkins since I forgot to take down my badge.

When I recounted this to Vladimir who also got his license recently after a second attempt, he joked that he should have worn his badge too during his first attempt. His twist was that I got my license with my Ph.D. on the Hopkins badge. I rolled my eyes (implying, "Whatever"). I can sleep well tonight.

8 short minutes

Last Friday (8/24), I arranged for a driving practise to prepare for my driving test on this Wednesday.

The instructor called me at 8.52am to inform me that he had arrived. I told him that I was on my way to meet him. He was early since we fixed it at 9am.

When I reached my building lobby, I did not see his car so I waited till 9am before calling him. I found it strange that he should take 8 minutes to reach here wherever he was unless he was at a wrong place.

"Hello Mr. A, this is Paul. May I know where are you at?" I asked.

He replied, "Paul... bus ... back up ... crash... Re-schedule..." I could only picked up these words as he had a heavy accent.

Feeling a bit disappointed, I proceeded towards the Johns Hopkins shuttle and noticed there were more shuttles than usual. Sandwiched between two shuttles, there was a car. Its hood was crushed badly by the rear of the front shuttle. I realized the car belonged to my driving instructor. A good thing that no one was injured.

I felt bad that his livelihood was affected and was also reminded that life is fragile. Within a short span of 8 minutes, an accident happened. This episode served as a reminder to treasure each moment fully.

Getting my acts together

It has been 12 days since I last posted.

I am feeling lethargic lately and tend to procrastinate.

Need to gather myself together and focus on important things instead of letting precious time slips by.

Artscape 2007

I had been procrastinating with this post for three weeks since Artscape 2007 was held from July 20 - 22.

This annual event features the arts and crafts of artists. I was interested in the works of other photographers, trying to learn some tips from them.

There were outdoor performances, street theater and a section dedicated to children.

I was able to get onto a Ferris wheel, sponsored by McDonald's. Personally, I liked the shot of the Ferris wheel in motion.

More Artscape 2007 pictures here.

A love story by a male author?

As I was browsing for a new book to read, my eyes rested on the title "Dear John" written by a male author.

I found it odd that a guy would write about romance, so I decided to read it. I have always associated romance with female authors and the front cover has a picture of a man and a woman in embrace. I know I am stereotyping.

I was hooked after reading the first chapter and I could identify with some parts of the plot. Instead of describing the love making process between the lead characters (as in some romance novels), the author simply wrote in one sentence. The plot unraveled at the right pace and the ending was heart wrenching.

I had recommended this book to Heiny and would like to get feedback on whether males write romance differently from females.

Good morning, Baltimore

"Good morning, Baltimore" is the opening song of the movie musical, Hairspray. There is even a karaoke version of this song in YouTube.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this remake of the 1988 movie which was about misfit and racial segregation set in 1962 Baltimore. The tunes were catchy and sounded really 60's. I always commented that I am a old man trapped in a young man's body since I love the oldies. (Well, I cannot help it since I lived in a large family of uncles and aunts who listened to the latest hits then when I was very young). This is one superb movie soundtrack I will want to get my hand on. The dances were great too. I wish I could dance like that as my body is very rigid or I feel very conscious of myself dancing in public.

Finally, I can come out with a song that has Baltimore in it. I can usually sing a song from a word out of a conversation. Haha... People who know me knows I am a crazy guy who loves to sing.

Pre-42nd National Day celebration on Aug 3

I finally got to meet fellow Singaporeans at the Singapore Embassy since I arrived in USA 1.5 years ago; the occasion being celebration of Singapore's 42nd independence day.

Located in Washington D.C., I had to take JHU shuttle, MARC train and Metro, followed by walking to reach my destination. With so much hassle, it strengthened my resolve to get my driving license soon.

Since I had some time to spare, I visited the National Postal Museum which was located just outside the Union Station. There was no way I would be walking around in a long-sleeve shirt with temperatures soaring above 90 degree Fahrenheit.

Inside the museum, I saw some rare collection, the various modes of transportation to mail to the remotest parts of the country like Alaska or Grand Canyon. I also got to know some of the famous people and their achievements as they were commemorated on stamps. One way of learning a country's culture is through stamps.

After that, I proceeded to the embassy where I had a bottle of Singapore-brewed beer, Tiger to reminiscence things Singapore. Spring rolls were served as appetizers which tasted delicious but I felt left out because most of them came with family members. I was not the gregarious guy I thought I am.

As I went out to sit on a pinic table, I saw a familiar face. The stranger also found me familiar but we could not pinpoint where we could have met. We thought we were in the same unit in army but then his wife came over and asked if we were in the same polytechnic. That was when I realized he was my classmate but in a different clique.

We lost touch since then but met at a faraway place from home. We caught up while having Singapore dishes (chicken curry, fried tofu, fried beef). I had a great pigout where the cream from the cream puffs just burst in your mouth upon biting them. Yummy...

To end this post, I wish my country, a happy 42nd National Day!