cos I'm the one who waits for you...

I'm happy to report that we're well and good. Yup, well and good. No significant or major disruptions on the path so far, and just as well - I can't see the "Construction Works Up Ahead 200m" sign. And for once, that's a good thing. A very good thing.

Do you ever wonder how some individuals in this world can achieve so much, compared to us joes? The likes of sports and the intellectual arena have each seen their fair share of geniuses come and go. Who wouldn't be familiar with Carl Lewis, Michael Schumacher, David Beckham et al, or immediately recognize that famous brooding face and white tuft that's Einstein's? Yes these people are the trailblazers and the personalities that many attempt to emulate. Yet sometimes I wonder: what drives these people to such great heights, and push themselves further than any other person? I believe the answer lies in their love for their vocation and the deep passion that lies burning within them, which enables them to push themselves harder and further. They all share that burning desire: to be the best in their field - and sometimes, have a bit of fun along the way.

Why do I bore you with this? Let's just say I'm having some sort of personal dilemma. Currently, I'm a student taking a diploma for Aerospace Electronics. The diploma promises excellent job prospects, a comparatively high salary and above all, fun in the sky. Sounds good, doesn't it? I mean, anyone would kill for such a job that gives you all that and more - unless you're Britney Spears and flashing your hoo-ha is all you want to do, then forget it.

However, here's exactly where the problem lies. One year ago when I was filling in my choices for diplomas, I had a deep interest in aircraft. It was probably because I had just graduated from secondary school, and my CCA was the Air element of NCC, which probably had me figured for a diploma in that. But as time passed by in the year, I began to have doubts.

Doubts that stemmed from my sudden, explosive interest in all things automotive.

Now before you brand me as an airheaded, screw-loose, rednecked petrolhead, I daresay my taste for car is not boy-racerish. Uh-uh. I do like Japanese pocket rockets, yes - but just for the cars' engineering. The designs and stickers and decals are all rubbish. In the same breath I'd like to say that I much prefer European sports models and American ones to them. More class, more style, more finery and elegance.

Especially Aston Martin. Ooh aah.

Well, all that aside, I sometimes now ask myself: is getting a diploma in AE going to define my life, or am I going to find something to define my life by. And I think I might, just might, find solace in competitive race-car driving. It's probably a primeval urge to have the need for speed, but right now, I could really ring up Schumacher and ask him to bring me to the Nürbürgring to have a couple of laps in the F2003. My desire to race competitively is that strong.

Competitive racing is not as low class as most of you might think it is. Race car drivers are every bit as fit as professional athletes like soccer players. They train every day to improve their reflexes and strength, because the stresses of manhandling a 1-tonne vehicle around the racetrack for more than an hour isn't child's play at all. Then there is the car itself, which most of the time is a marvel of engineering. The engine management system, the engine itself, suspension, steering, tyres, the type of material the vehicle's made out of are all wonderful marvels of engineering. It is no exaggeration to say that a race vehicle is a culmination of all the advances mankind has made in machining and materials manufacturing, not to mention metallurgy and composites creation.

And then there's the team behind the car, but that's another story.

The race begins.