Tyres Change - Part Deux

I got my car tyres changed for the 2nd time in about 4 years after 107,204 km. Manufactured under the same parent company, Falken, the 2nd set purchased has its origins in Thailand; unlike the previous set, which was from Japan. Prior to purchasing my current set of tyres, I had read extensively about the model, the ZIEX ZE-912. Like any other products, opinions were divided. And the fact that the tyres come from the land of tom yam had its credibility questions endlessly. However, a few things swayed me to the decision to get it as a replacement for my rapidly worn out DIGNEO DN-614. First, the price. At $90 per piece, inclusive of GST, I feel that at this current economic climate, the price has got to be very competitive as compared to other makes. Secondly, no matter where the tyres are made from, it is still a Falken. They have a reputation to uphold and as such, would not want to compromise on its quality, no matter whichever country they are made in. And lastly, the value for money which I perceive I will derive from the purchase ($90 per piece for about 45,000 km as compared to $200 per piece for 65,000 km of some other brands).

As it can be seen, my set of tyres are totally worn out. There was thus a pressing issue of safety. Nevertheless, the DIGNEO tyres have served my family well. We managed to squeeze every bit of possible kilometers from it and even till yesterday, they performed admirably. I will miss them. Unfortunately, the company has stopped manufacturing the DIGNEO series; replacing it with the ZIEX series.

The real test perhaps comes after the first 10,000 km mark. But for the 2 days that I have had them, they have done well as expected of new tyres. Till then, we'll see.......

Amazing Aqil Part 1

I went swimming with my wife and two children yesterday. It was another day at the SAF Yacht Club (Changi), thanks to my sister and brother-in-law. We were having lots of laughs as usual when I spotted a pair of floaties belonging to Aqil, my son, placed by the side of the pool. I was shocked because Aqil was wearing them all the while, before that, when in the pool, which is deeper than his height. I began to scan for him frantically around the pool. Thinking the worst, I swam to his floaties and what greeted me was pure disbelief. Aqil was threading water like a dog. He was actually swimming using his own improvised style. What happened next blew me away....

You see, Aqil had never been able to swim without his floaties. Whenever he goes into the pool, my wife and I will insist that he puts them on because, being such a hyperactive boy, he may not be able to know his boundaries and thus may land into trouble. Furthermore, he only attended only 2 swimming lessons before this.

So when he showed me that he could swim the length of the pool, I was shocked. My jaw dropped instantaneously. My wife showed her quiet pleasure and gave me an approving nod. And throughout the rest of the session, he was swimming the length and width of the pool without the floaties!

Prior to this, my wife brought my children on a visit to her friend's condominium home for a swim. She had remarked then to my children how clever her friend's daughter was for being able to swim without any flotation device, despite being younger than Aqil. I guess that must have spurred him on.

What this episode has shown me is that Aqil is a very determined boy who is fearless(as of this moment). Given the right guidance and platform to perform, I am sure he will be able to achieve great things for himself and the people around him. He does not fret when he can't do something at first; he will just do it........his way. :-)