Spending Alarmingly

Finally, I have successfully installed the car alarm system on my Partner. After a failed attempt yday which wasted my 3hrs + $50, I braved for a 2nd attempt and sent it to another workshop (owned by an EVC member) and getting along a common friend to help.

The original van did come with a remote control key and has a central lock system. However, it does not have a security alarm. Moreover, there is this 'Immobilzer' which is supposed to be an enhanced security feature (meaning the every set of van keys comes with a unique microchip) which allows only the original keys to start the engine. However, this design has given us van owners a great headache as we are unable to duplicate our own set of keys as these duplicated keys are useless without the original microchips.

Altogether, I was charged $180 for the installation (compared to the $85 yday). It comes with 2 remote controls + a motion sensor (supposedly to be better as they r made in Singapore instead of China). This is the flipside of european vans. The electrical wiring system is super complicated that most outside workshops do not have the expertise to do it. Even if they do, they might not entertain u for tat small amt of money earned. Its not worth their manpower. Fortunately this EVC friend (graduated from poly) is very well versed in electrical circuits and designs tat he managed to overcome the hurdles faced by the technicians yday. And an electrical engineer like me know nuts abt these wiring systems (wat a shame).

I was so busy this weekend that i only managed to spare a 20 min time slot at the Dharma Camp. But i feel so proud and happy for my fellow snrs, seeing them helping out in various ways in the camp. I saw Ms Foo as the photographer and Kenny (lam) helping out in the logistic. I also learnt that Zhihao and Puwen came down to give talks on diff traditions of buddhism. Great. I feel there s nothing wrong with snrs joining the society's activities - no such thing as too old or out-of-place as long as we have our own roles and areas to help out. Unless we jus wanna go there to have fun and hee haa our time, then perhaps something is terribly wrong.

I vividly see that BS is no longer one of my top priorities in life, as I have moved on with other social grps and activities.