MasyaAllah it's the last day of the year and my previous post was back on the first day of the year. Alhamdulillah, I am alive by His will. Not the best of years I've had to be honest, but alhamdulillah, we move brother.

It's been nearly a year I have gotten married. Good to leave behind the stress of wedding planning and move ahead with the new challenges as newlyweds. Alhamdulillah for my lovely wife. I have not been the best as a husband to her. I do realise at times how I am 'slacking', and do what I can to snap out of it. With His mercy, we accomplished our travel goals of riding to Thailand and hiking at Nepal (more like my own goals to bring her along haha).

It's a bad year in terms of my job. I had some screw ups which led me to the lowest of lows. There were unbearable days but I pulled through them thankfully. Just as I thought last year that I was progressing well in my career, things really took a 180 degrees turn. I can't lie to myself. I envy those who work and have plenty to look forward to at work or at least find their work bearable enough. A career change is imminent. Ya Rabb, you know what's best for me. You're the Al Alim. Open the doors of rizq in ways only You can make it happen. You're the Al Fattah. May I set the right intentions in finding rizq and be blessed with a career that is khair for me. Amin 

Life goes on. Some people have to go to make way for the new. Such is life. I cherish my time with my family more now that I am living at my in-laws'. I have more friends who are married now, as well as more weddings to attend next year. May I be reminded of how ephemeral this dunya is and seek to attain His pleasure in all that I do. Laugh less, live more, selawat always, and to love dearly.

If you see goodness in Allah, there is goodness in this dunya. I am nothing without your guidance Ya Rabb. I belong to you ya Allah. May I carry out all my amanah well and be in remembrance of You. 

 Salam brothers and sisters.

Oh wow it's been a really long time since I last posted. First of all, may 2023 be a prosperous year to you. I thought I'd write in yesterday but I couldn't find a good time to do it.

Let's quickly recap the year, or rather, continue from where I last posted.

Looks like a lot of my life revolves around work huh. The sad reality of a working adult now. Upon returning to Singapore from my job training at the headquarters, I was posted to M*cron 10NX for a couple of months before moving to GF7H. They're both in Woodlands btw. Very thankful for that. Love the accessibility. I love the musollah at GF. I love praying at Masjid Assyafaah when I was at Micron and now love it even more at Masjid Yusof Ishak.

Ok I will not bore you much with work stuff. I've learned a lot working on the same high energy tool repeatedly. It's nice to see myself develop as an engineer too. Long way to go though before I feel truly competent. There were tough days working until 9pm consistently. I had a month with 60 hours of OT. My goodness. Followed up with my first customer-vendor acceptance meeting, which was a source of endless stress and worry organizing the data and attending to their queries. It's not a one man show thankfully. Just a matter of time till I need to be on standby and I really don't know what to feel about that. It's just mad that I can be activated on my off hours. I need to sacrifice holidays too like how long weekends just seem inexistent cos I may need to work. How to go on a riding trip to Malaysia like this.

In other news, my bachelor days are numbered. A new chapter awaits. I dont think it had fully dawned on me on what is about to come. I'll just process whatever that lingers in my mind ya. It is with a heavy heart that I part ways with Bukit Batok and Masjid Ar Raudhah. I am so attached to them, you have no idea. Life has to go on ya akhi. 

Take life in small steps while being forward-planning. That's all. I look forward to more adventures with my other half this month and in our lifetime. May He make it easy for us as we take on a new responsibility. 

 Assalamualaikum brothers and sisters

May this post find you in the very best of health. Amin. We are now in the midst of Ramadan and the second quarter of the year. I guess I have more or less adapted back to my routine here in Singapore.

Who knew that I'd spend 7 weeks in the States this year. That was a much needed trip, a pseudo grad trip and escapade from home after two years of lockdown. 

All in all, I take comfort in how the dunya is temporary and everything will eventually pass; the good and the bad. Allah is my creator and He alone I worship. I submit to you ya Allah.

From the lowest of lows last year spending days and nights completing my FYP, feeling helpless and crying at the staircase, questioning why my job application for my desired job was rejected, truly we plan and You plan, and He is the best of planners. 

There is so much to be grateful for. 
If you tried to count God's blessings, you could never take them all in: He is truly most forgiving and most merciful
(16:18)

Stay humble and know that Allah is always watching. Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim. I have so much uncertainties this year and tend to be doubtful. Truly my Lord knows best. May He grant goodness in all that we do, and patience when 
May the remaining Ramadan be full of barakah and may you gain His forgiveness.

Peace be upon you brothers and sisters. The time has come for a reflection on the past year. Alhamdulillah, I have plenty to be grateful for in the past 6 months. Within 6 months into the working world, I have already changed job once. Who knew I'd actually really end up as an engineer. Thankful that I found a suitable role which is not desk-bound and is dominantly hands-on work. Even more thankful that I made the jump from SME -> MNC. I wouldn't think that my current salary is possible for someone with third class honours. Truly Allah is the ar-Razzaq and al-Fattah. Imposter syndrome is real but I guess I will get better over time. lillahi ta'ala brother. One step at a time. Ayuh, semangat.

On another note, it's the reality of life that we're only here temporarily. A grieving year for my mum who lost her brother and mother in a span of months. I saw how my mum tirelessly took care of my late grandmother until her last breath. May I do the same for my parents as it is my amanah to care for them. That said, we are also pleased to welcome new family members in my maternal family. 2 of my cousins got married and another cousin is blessed with a newborn daughter. In another month, my brother will be tying the knot. That's another sister-in-law for me yay. Actually I look forward to him moving out more cos I get to take over his room and have a room of my own, away from traffic noise Allahuuuu ngak sabar ya 

Am I really turning 27 in 2022? Part of me is relieved that my schooling days are over. It may seem daunting to prepare for the big ticket purchases from 2022 onwards such as wedding, housing and so on. I got this. Rome wasn't built in a day my friends. 

All in all, I had so much uncertainties in the first half of the year as I transitioned to a working adult. I truly have a lot to be grateful for alhamdulillah. I have been blessed with a best friend and companion in the second half of the year. May we keep striving to attain His Mercy as we tread closer towards marriage, insyaAllah.

Last but not least, treasure everyone around you cos you never know if it's going to be the last time you'll see that person. To Allah we come from and to Him we shall return.

اللهم صلي على سيدنا محمد 

This is it. The remark I have been anticipating for four years. I am officially a graduate of NTU! *throws confetti*

You have no idea how in my last semester, I was doubting if I could even graduate. There were times when I could not see myself graduating. What if I fail a module in my supposedly last semester? Worse still, what if I fail my FYP? This black and white result slip gives so much assurance I desperately needed. 

Needless to say, final year of uni is indeed the toughest. Amplified by the covid-19 situation. From facing around four rejections from Profs during FYP selection, feeling clueless when writing the FYP and smoking through the presentation, I swear I would never want to relive being a final year student again. What I do miss is the daily routine as a final year student. For three days a week, I started my day with a 4km morning run before proceeding to school or attending online lecture. I went to school every day despite not having any tutorials or anything to attend. Idk, I just never liked being 'stuck' at home for the whole day and I can hardly be productive at home. The day ends with a Isyak congregation prayers at Masjid Pusara Aman before I finally head home to rest. I must say I terribly miss Masjid Pusara Aman and the night rides home. Therapeutic indeed.

It's mid-June now, which means that it has been one and a half months of unemployment. Still thankful that my freelance delivery rider job allows me to have an inflow of money for the time being. Excited for new beginnings ahead no matter how daunting it seems. I hope by Eid Al Adha, I will be employed.  May Allah guide me to the path that is best for me. 

حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ 

the very last hour as an undergrad!

making the best out of funemployment to spend quality time with this precious girl 💕

a pic to keep forever; w the BFF VanOSE96

one for the memories. last time I am in school on a weekend for academic purposes

 Today is a memorable day. I passed my Class 3 TP driving test on the first try!!!!!! Alhamdulillah! Ya Allah I can't be more grateful that you allowed this to happen. What a ride it has been. Let me take you to the start. As a word of caution, it is going to be a lengthy post and a little dry as I share my class 3 journey and driving test experience.

Before I entered uni, I had planned to pass Class 2A, Class 2 and Class 3 in my 4 years as an undergraduate. Passed my 2A in 2018. Passed my Class 2 in 2019 and now Class 3 in 2020. 

I registered for driving as a private learner initially, thinking that I am a fast learner and my road experience as a rider makes it easier for me to pick up driving. However, I did not have any contacts for a private driving instructor (PDI) who teaches class 3 @ BBDC. From my google search online, the PDIs I can find can only speak Mandarin. Without wasting anymore time and sourcing for PDI by camping at Esso BBDC, I decided that learning in school has their own advantages too despite it being known to be costly. 

It was somewhere post-CNY. I had cleared my FTT as a private learner before making the switch to a student learner. I block booked my practical lessons in June as I would have been done with internship by then. Alas, COVID-19 led to circuitbreaker measures which saw the closure of BBDC. Thankfully, BBDC refunded their customers for cancelled lessons and tests. When phase 2 started, BBDC resumed its business. It was somewhere around last week of June if I were to recall correctly. I could still go for 7 lessons as booked earlier and need to book other lessons which are only available in September. I didn't want to camp on the website to book for last minute cancelled prac lessons so I decided that I should just cancel my remaining June lessons and block book my lessons again in September/October.

Yup, from clearing my lessons during summer break to attending lessons during the semester. I was wondering if I made the right move there as I had to balance my time between school and driving. Most of my lesssons were booked on the first slot for the day, which is 0730-0910. I will proceed to school once I'm done with driving. 

Driving Lessons

I remember struggling with steering control for the first few lessons. First 3 to be honest. Like erm one instructor insists on hand-over-hand. Another one taught me push and pull method. Bro...which one la. I was told that hand-over-hand is better when it comes to low speed control to maneuver the courses later on. Anyway, I grew up without the privilege of observing a dad who drives unlike my peers who told me that they didn't struggle with steering control cos they have been observing their parents driving since young. I knew I had to do sth to get that practice outside of lessons. I found the perfect solution to this problem.  

FITNESS CORNER STEERING WHEEL!!!!! The solution I needed. Thankfully, this equipment is found at the void deck just next block. I came up with a systematic approach to steering control. Left turn means I release grip from my left hand, grip with my right hand and cross the right hand over to the left and cross my left hand over to the right to continue turning the wheel. The opposite for right turn. I practiced this almost daily for 1-2 minutes and damnnnnn it truly made a huge difference in my steering control. I had no problems with steering control from then on.

There was a lesson which I struggled with making sharp left turns as my steering control was still bad. I only stayed in the circuit to do left turns bro can you fucking imagine how boring it was. It was made worse when the instructor who took me is a real condescending ass. I passed that lesson. It was the only lesson I did not clear 2 lessons at one go. I swear I was traumatised from that driving lesson and I came to school really down. When I got this instructor again a few lessons after, I was reminded of the previous lesson with him and did quite badly on the road. I stalled in the middle of a traffic junction sia wtf kena whackkk by him. He took me again when I was nearing the end of the syllabus and I have improved so much. His last few words to me were "You can definitely drive. You are not bad but not too good either if I can be honest with you." 

Looking back, if not for his strict teaching, I doubt I will put in much effort to master the hand over hand technique which is now ingrained in me. You have to learn some things the hard way I guess. Just like how it was in my boy period at station lol. I learnt from my other instructors in my group that he is the fiercest of the lot and he is known to make female students cry due to his scoldings. Damnnnnnn. His instructor number is 6655 and you'll see later in my training history.

On the other hand, I had 3 other instructors from my group who taught me regularly. One of them always plays the radio during lessons. The only one tbh. The most lepakkkkk. I got him for my second revision lesson, yesterday, one day before test day, and his tips for vertical parking made me more confident in vertical parking. He likes to crack jokes on fat people too lol like "Jaga2 pedestrian gemuk ni. Kalau langgar habis kemek kereta kita." sialaaaaaaaaa nak ketawa je sia bila dengar HAHHAHAHA. 

The other insturctor is the one who felt like it wasn't strictly a instructor-student setting. He is friendly and was the only one who asked me about my future plans and also shared about his life. I look forward to getting him as my instructor as we will always chat during lessons and the positive vibes made me more confident of my driving. Thankful that I got him on my first revision lesson just 2 days ago. For that lesson, I mounted the damn kerb twice when I am coming out of the lot from vertical parking and he made sure that I practice until I turn out at the right time. 

TP Test

I book my test today in mid-October after I cleared my evaluation lesson. There was a 3 weeks gap. It could have been shorter but there was only 8.15am test slot available for the earliest day possible that I can book. TP test during peak hour? No fucking way man. I've had enough of peak hour driving thanks to my session 1 practical lessons. 1015 test time it is then.

I reached at 9 and even though warm up was originally at 0915, I only waited around 5 mins before I was brought to my test car for warm up. Car number 1. Wow feeling2 special cos car number 1 ape jeeee. No idea who the warm up instructor is but he was very cheerful and definitely made me feel less nervous for my test. My warm-up went fucking smoothly like seriously everything was PERFECT. I wished it was my actual test and I could've just been done with it if my warmup was the test lol. 

Done with warmup and proceeded to level 2 to wait for the tester to bring us to the test car. My test time is stated as 1015 but I was already back in my test car at 1000. I was not nervous until when it comes to vertical parking. I had to make 2 CORRECTIONS!!! I swear I was really confident of my vertical parking and got it right in one try during warmup. I really drilled it in the past 2 revision lessons but sadly I needed to make corrections during the actual test. Scary af bro. Usually during lessons, the instructor will guide us for corrections but this time it's all on me. I was rather close to striking the kerb after the first correction. I then visualised the birds eye view so as to 'see' better and ensure that the rear left wheel will go in perfectly. Thankfully, it managed to go in perfectly and I managed to do one of my straightest vertical parking despite the corrections. Alhamdulillah ya Allah thank you so much. 

Other courses went perfectly fine, except for engaging the wrong gear when straightening the car for parallel parking. I wanted to reverse but accidentally entered gear 4 HAISSS. I was shocked when the car moved forward. Luckily it was only in a split second. Could've striked front kerb if I wasn't careful. I got demerit points for moving off in wrong gear. Parallel parking went smoothly and out we go to the road. That was when I realised that the tester did not test on ebrake. Oh no. Will he test the ebrake outside? Idk but I kept that in mind so that I am always prepared for it. Turns out I was not tested on ebrake. 

Tester took me to Bukit Batok Rd test route, which was the exact route my warmup instructor had brought me. Coincidence or planned? Interesting. U turn was smooth. Lane changing to the left was done easily as it wasn't peak hour traffic unlike my other lessons @ Teck Whye Lane uturn which is always congested. 

Had to make a lane change to the right so as to make a right turn at the next junction. Andddd there was a pretty fast car at lane 1. I was already at lane 2 and rushed the lange change to lane 1. In front of me was another car also lane changing to make a right turn. I ended up being too close to the front car. Most of my points were from this abrupt lane change + failure to keep a safety distance + improper blindspot checks. Tester mentioned my mistakes instantly and I acknowledged it. I did not let myself be affected by it as I was nearing the end of the test. Later on, I approached 2 traffic light junctons which was green but turned amber when I'm around 3 seconds before reaching the stop line. Thankfully, I was alert and already anticipated the light change. I managed to stop behind the stop line for both traffic junctions. Alhamdulillah. 

Went up to the tester room to review my results. 16 points. I passed! Only Allah knows how happy I was. They updated my license within a few minutes and I'm free to go, as a newly qualified driver :))  I wanted to find my instructors to share the news with them but it was still lesson time so they weren't available. Oh well. That sucks. 

I wrote in to customer service to thank my instructors so that they will receive better bonuses, apparently. It is done. I can resume my morning runs on weekdays now.

Summary

22 lessons + 1 auto car lesson + 2 revision lessons + 1 TP test

~$2.1k 

That's the end of my 5 year BBDC journey. Such a sweet ending. Alhamdulillah. Let's end this semester well in sya Allah. May Allah grant me strength to perservere to the end of finals. 

Labels: BBDC, BBDC Class 3, BBDC Class 3 Driving, Class 3 driving, Class 3 TP Test