Trying to ask a girl out !

From the title , you know what it means . Me trying to ask a girl out . I was walking through Yew Tee Point ( a shopping mall near my house )to go back home . That was when a hot blonde caught my attention ! I was starstruck by her looks . The first thing that ran through my mind was to get to know this girl , maybe go out with her one day for a drink . She was working at a yogurt shop called Yoguru .

So at home , i was planning of ways to get her . The only logical way i was thinking of , was to go to the store , order something and try talking to her . I decided to execute my plan . I was nervous and sweaty when i went there for the first time . I decided to ask her how much the drink was and the total if i were get that and a cup of yogurt just to get to talk to her , as i thought just ordering something and walking away after that would be boring . And after paying the cash , i walked away without even smiling .

Me being a shy person , i always had anxiety when it came to talking to girls . This situation was no different . The next day , i decided to get a haircut , a shave and buy clothes in order to look good and be presentable . From what i read , girls like guys who dress well . I spent about $100 on 3 shirts . I did not mind spending this much to get a girl !

On another day , i walked past the shop and saw her . I decided to run home and change as fast as i could as i thought that the shop was about to close . I did not know the closing time then . By the time i reached the shop , i was sweating like a waterfall . I ordered what i needed and before i left , i said an awkward " goodnight " to her . Again , since i was nervous , i did not even smile at her .

For the next few days , i kept walking by the shop to see if she was there . At times she was actually there , but i could not sum up my courage to actually come to the point straight . Then , a lightbulb popped over my head ! I decided to write a letter to her instead !

I went online and found a good looking vintage texture . I spent hours writing and re writing the letter . This was the end result :

And the day came for me to give her the letter . After ordering my usual stuff , i asked her a few questions like if she was local and still schooling . She gave me one word replies . The one question that was running through me head was " why is she giving me one word replies ? " . She gave me my change and went back to prepare the store for closing . Without hesitation , i took out my letter and got her attention . I told her that " i wrote a letter for you " . Her immediate reaction was " What ! " and " Why ? " . In other words , she seemed surprised at why a guy who has been coming back to the shop repeatedly wants to give her a letter . I told her to keep the letter . 

Before leaving , or more like " wanting to get the hell out of the place as soon as i could " , i told her " sorry if this is awkward " . I left the place never to look back again . 

Even till this day when i walk past the place , i rarely look at the shop in fear of making eye contact with her as i am afraid it might be awkward . 

Personally , i think this whole plan failed as i did not make her feel comfortable . I did not even bother to smile or even say hi to her . Even the " goodnight " was said in an awkward and rushing manner .  Nevertheless , i don't want to worry too much about it as it was my first time even trying to ask a girl out . 

If i had the chance to meet her again , i would just be straight forward and apologize to her first for making her feel uncomfortable . Next , i would tell her what my plan was , which was to just go out with her for a drink , or coffee . 

This is my experience on trying to ask a girl out ! 

My Motorcycle Accident !

If you read my " NS Part 1 " post , you would have noticed that i mentioned " motorcycle accident " there . I got into a motorcycle accident on the 1st of January 2016 . I might beat around the bush before leading to how i got into an accident .

On the 31st of December 2015 , I headed off to Gardens by the bay to capture the fireworks . I left my house around 10.30 , and i reached Gardens by the Bay around 11.30 . The place was PACKED !
The car park was full . I waited for about 20 mins after deciding to go somewhere else . I decided to go to the taxi stand there to capture the fireworks .

The wait to enter the car park

Managed to go to the taxi stand and capture the fireworks 

After capturing fireworks , i headed back to Choa Chu Kang to pick up my friend . The crowd at MBS was insane ! People were packed like sardines ! I managed to get back to CCK in about 1 1/2 hours . After picking up my friend , we went to Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak to eat . We chilled for a while before sending him home .

I had to pick up my dad around 4am after he had finished his night shift at Admilarity station .

After sending him home , i got a text from my cousin asking me to pick him up around Orchard . 

I told myself why not as i wanted to go around exploring places . 

I reached Spize around 5.30 am . The place was filled with drunk people . I really hated it . Now , the part leading to my accident . I was going to send him to the Grand Hyatt Hotel which was a few blocks away , as my other cousins had booked a room there . As i was approaching a junction , a car turned right infront of me ! All i remember was braking and boom ! The next moment , i was lying face down and all i could hear was the motorcycle revving . 

I got up immediately trying to fit what had happened into my mind together . The driver , a japanese worker , got out and all he said was sorry ! I took down his details and he soon left the place . A police car just happened to pass by . Two police officers got out. The most useless police officers . All they asked was whether i needed an ambulance . After i said no , off they went !

I called my dad to tell him what had happened . He told me to call for a tow truck . I managed to find a service through google and got in contact with him .

The junction where the accident took place . That is the police car i was talking about . I was going straight in the direction of the car and the other guy was turning right from the opposite side . He did not wait for me and turned out immediately .

The car which collided into me

The bike was damaged so bad that i could not even start it 

A screenshot i took of the exact location minutes after i got back up on my feet 

I was not injured badly as i was wearing jeans ,  riding jacket and full face helmet . If it weren't for those , i would have be injured severely . I got some minor road rashes on my knees , knuckles and left ankle . I left knee hurt for about a week . As for my cousin , he sustained minor road rashes . We flagged a cab and he got off at the hotel . I went home and my parents rushed me to NUH A&E . Fortunately , i did not have and fractures . I got treated for my road rashes . We had our breakfast and went to Shun Li Industrial Park , as there was where i rented the bike from . 

Just to let you know , that is the only place where 2B holders can rent bikes from . I have rented bikes from there about 2 times . Coming back to the point , the owner there helped me file a accident report and my parents had to pay $2000 for the bike and lawyer . It will take about 14 months for the case to be settled . Hopefully , the case can be settled and my parents are able to get claim back the money . 

I am fortunate to have not sustained major injuries . As i am typing this post , i have fully recovered from my injuries . I just cannot wait to get back to riding . My Apologies for not coming straight to the point .

As the saying goes , " you are not a real biker till you come off your bike "

NS Part 3

Continued from part 2  ,

Every morning , all of us would have to fall under the shelter , which is right beside our block , with our water bottles . We would have our water parade and go for our morning walk . We would either walk 2 or 3 rounds either around the running track or NSTI . By the way , NSTI is just beside CDA .
Then , we would go for our breakfast at the canteen . Our food is catered by a company called Sodexo , which sucks really really bad . I have to put up with the shitty food for almost a month !
Anyway , after our breakfast , we would fall in back into the same place we had our water parade , and return to our bunks for our bunk cleaning . We would be given about 30 mins to clean our bunk and tidy our beds . After that , we would have our bunk inspection and change into our attire for the next lesson .

The week before POP , we have our medical lessons . It compromised of theory lessons and practical lessons . For 2 days straight in a row , we had theory lessons in an air conditioned room for half of the day ! Most of us fell asleep . Then , we were taught how to do a CPR , tie the different bandages etc. On the last day , we had our theory and practical test . It was really hard but all of us managed to pass it .

And finally , on my 4th ( last ) , we had many foot drills and POP rehearsals . Unfortunately for us PES Cs , we werent allowed to do any marching . We only had to forge in with the POP marching squad after they had made one round . So while waiting for the POP marching squad to finish rehearsing , we could just chill and talk . Also on the last night before our POP , the whole Alpha company had something called OC night , where we could organize games , play and ask questions to the instructors . This lasted all the way till 12 midnight . After going back to our bunks ,
we could either sleep or talk to our instructors who came to our bunks . They usually shared stories about their life in NS and ghost stories . The lights out on that night was around 3 am .

After OC night. Most of us spend the time taking pictures with their instructors and friends 

On our POP day ( 28 January 2016  ) , we had our " rehearsals " and then went to our bunks around 5 to change up . For our actual POP , we didn't even do the whole forging in thing as we had to stick to the wet weather plan as it was raining . All we had to do was to stand at the top level of the hall till the ceremony was over . Then , we went and met our parents , had our dinner and spend quality time with them . We were given about 2 hours . After returning to our bunks , the instructors gave us drinks and chips . On that night as well , the lights out time was really late .

POP !

And finally on my last day as a recruit , we had to pack everything from our lockers into bags and clean the whole damn bunk . From moping to cleaning the windows . It lasted from 7 all the way till 11 i guess . Around 11.30 , we had to fall in into the hall for our last briefing . And finally , we booked out around 12 ( 29 January 2016 ) . That was my last book out as a recruit . All of us had to report back on monday for our vocations . I got into a clerk vocation . From the 1st all the way till the 10th , i am having my clerk course ,

Currently , as this post is being typed , i am enjoying the long weekend due to chinese new year . The 10th of Feb will be my last day of the course . And on wednesday , i will know where i will be posted to and report to the place for my work . Will keep you guys updated .

NS Part 2

Continued from part 1

A proper post this time . Like what i was saying earlier in the first part . I got enlisted into SCDF on the 7th of Jan 2016 . Going into detail , i was told to report to CMPB at 8.30 am . I took a cab there with my parents . After arriving there , i was told by a representative there to wait for some personnel from CDA ( Civil Defence Academy ) to pick me up . After having breakfast and waiting for at least 3 hours , another guy , who later became my friend , and I were brought into a room to take the oath . Soon , the personnel arrived to pick me and my friend .  I bid farewell to my parents and we were directed to a lorry . My friend and I sat at the back of the lorry and waited for our journey into becoming a NSF .

I can't remember his name but he was 22 years old . We talked about games , school and many more . After an hour , we arrived in CDA . We were brought into a room where i clearly remember someone telling us to enjoy the last moments of our civilian lives . Later , a NSF helped me with admin stuff , like signing papers etc . Soon , i was given my uniform and brought into my bunk .

To my surprise , many in the bunk were really kind . Not like what i expected . Majority of them were malays . There were a few chinese , skihs and indians . Most of them had A levels and degrees . They were kind enough to teach me the basic stuff , and i learnt them quickly .

The view from my bunk . The muslim cemetery was just opposite us !

I can't remember much after that . The next few weeks were filled with footdrills , learning how the rescue equipments work. As PES Cs , we are not allowed to do any physical activities and use any of the rescue equiptments . I was disappointed as i expected to learn more and do more physical training ..

Chilling out at night . Usually after our dinner or last training , we are given about 1 or 2 hours to bath , iron or use our phones .  Lights our are usually around 10 and last movements are around 10.15 .

Anyway , after 1 week of confinement , we were allowed to book out on the 2nd week ( 15th January 2016 ) . The book out time was always around 5.30 PM . You don't have to bring home every single thing ! Only necessary stuff . We were told to always have our caps on . To be honest , i couldnt give a crap about that rule . Getting cab at Jalan Bahar is a pain in the ass . It is considered a quiet place as it is filled with the various cemeteries . Personally , i went riding there many times at night , it was really creepy . Anyway , for all of my 3 book outs that i had , i shared a cab with my friend .

We were to book in on Sunday by 8.30 . For the 2 book ins that i had , we had to unpack everything from our bags after falling in , for our spot checks . It was a pain in the ass .

Continued in the next part ...

NS part 1

I got enlisted into the Civil Defence Academy on the 8th on January 2015, compared to the rest , who were enlisted on the 2nd . Reason being , i got into a motorcycle accident on the first of Jan , and was on MC till the 7th . I was pretty nervous at first , thinking about my bunk mates , the training . From what i read and heard , majority of the people in CD are malays , and there are some who will act like " gangsters " . However when i went there , i got a surprise . Most of the people there were really kind to me . Almost all of them helped me out .................  continued on next part . I made this post in a rush .

Getting my 2B license

Hi there . Its been months since i last posted something over here . I managed to pass my 3A traffic police test back in May . All my hard work had paid off . I got the easy route which was just driving around bukit gombak . Passed with 4 points :)

Anyway , around april , my dad forced me to sign up to get a class 2b license. Initially , i was reluctant . But i had no choice but to go ahead . I went to counter as usual to sign up . They gave me 2 booklets . The highway code 1 book and a motorcycle riding book . I was exempted from taking my basic theory test as i already had my 3a license .

I went for my riding theory lessons 1.01 and 1.02 . They were the same as my final theory lessons       -_-  . Next was my riding theory practices . Since it was my holidays as well , i kept going for practices 2 to 3 weeks a week . Some of the questions needed reference to the booklets . But the rest were common sense . Not to forget , i started going for my practical lessons !

I wasn't sure where to go for my practical lessons as i did not know where the motorcycle office was . I was really nervous as well . Once i got my number tag , elbow and knee guards on , it was time to go :) The first lesson was simply teaching us how to get on a bike and put the bike on its main stand . It was soo hard for me to get the bike on its main stand that i was demoralized .

The Bike used by BBDC for 2B leaners 

 Next , moving on to the 2nd lesson . I think we learnt how to control the clutch and the throttle . It was hard for me initially . But over time , i managed to get the feeling . I just didnt know why , after some time , i lost intrest in wanting to ride a bike . I started going for lessons with a week or so gap .


After my father talked to me about it , i started to resume lessons .

Stages 2 - 3 were on turning and riding on the circuit . Not much of a problem there . The problems came where we were introduced to the e brake . I actually wondered how i managed to pass that stage as i was really terrible at it . I kept closing the throttle early in fear of overshooting .

This fear showed to be a big problem later on in stages 5. The worst thing happened not once , but twice ! I skid and fell from the bike as i braked too hard ! This happened on 2 different lessons . I remember repeating that lesson more than once due to the e brake ! I had some scrapes on my skin but that was about it .

I kept trying again and again and manged to clear that stage ! Overall , i think i attempted the e brake about 10 times .

Stages 5 .01 and 5.02 were "evaluation" stages , where you would be brought to do everything you have learnt since day 1 . I think it was 5.02 where you had to get less than 12 points . That was my worst ! I attempted the lesson FIVE times before passing . I made silly mistakes like wobbling , not checking blindspot properly and stopping near a car .

Somewhere around June, i went for my riding theory test and passed . I booked my evaluation for the test somewhere around April i think .

Anyway coming back . Before heading to stage 6 you need to obtain your pdl and attend 3 defensive theory lessons . I booked a slot on saturday morning for PPL 1.01 ( defensive riding theory ) which was on 7.30 . After that i went on the computer and there was a slot right after that for 1.02 . I happened to check on the computer and found a slot for 1.03 ! It was my lucky day . i spent about 4 hours in BBDC to complete my PPL .

Now going to 6.01 which was on the road :) I think there are only night slots available for this . I took this lesson with 5 other guys . 4 whom which were repeating 3 times ! and the other one was his first time like me . We were briefed on where we were going and how to position ourselves on the road . We then took a raincoat each and off we went to our bikes . Turning left after at the exit and into the filter lane after the temple . It was thrilling to ramp the bike up to 60 km/hr !! Plus the wind blowing in your face :)

We rode around bukit gombak , most of which i had already been while going for my car lessons .
I managed to pass the lesson .

Now going to 7.01 . We went through the test route on this lesson . Same thing , after the temple , into the filter lane . But now , we have to keep right after coming out and go straight for our u turn . My u turn was terrible as i kept dropping my leg . Sadly , i had to retake this lesson . After 2 Self Practices , i went back for my lesson and managed to pass :)

8.01 was my last lesson . This was like our mock TP . Do everything and get less than 18 points . I was glad i did not drop my leg and fall down . But i got 18 points :(

I managed to get a TP date on the 9th of October 2015 . I have booked Self practices every 2 weeks . And a road revision and circuit revision a couple of days before my test .

Overall , i found riding to be really really fun . I love it more than driving a car . I am planning to get a bike in sha allah :) after passing my TP . Do read about my class 2b tp here

The practical lessons i have attended so far 

In terms of gear , through carousell , i managed to find some good quality gears . I got a Puma riding gloves for just 40 bucks . The retail price was around 120 ! Also , i managed to get a full face helmet for 70 bucks . That cost around 150 !

Do check out my other experiences :

Class 2 tp

Class 2a tp

Class 2a lessons

Class 4 

Class 3/3A lessons

Class 5

I shared my TP experience for both class 3A and 3 in the post below.

class 3

MY BBDC EXPERIENCE PART 1

MY BBDC EXPERIENCE

Update April 2020. Most of the information here is still valid. Except for the PDL, which has to be applied via the SPF website. The waiting times for TP test dates are faster. Moreover, i think that bookings can be made through the BBDC app on your smartphones.

This is my experience so far at Bukit Batok Driving Center . I am currently waiting for my traffic police test . I signed up at BBDC around december of 2014 . It was no problem getting there for me as i only live at yew tee . Furthermore , the walking distance from bukit gombak mrt to BBDC is not that far . There is a shuttle bus service that brings you to BBDC from bukit gombak mrt . It is literally just outside the mrt station . Moreover , there are bus services from woodlands , jurong ( i think ) and choa chu kang bus interchange that alights you right outside BBDC .

The walking point from the mrt to BBDC . It is not that far . The places to look out for are the petrol station ( BBDC is just beside it ) , chinese temple ( BBDC is just beside it as well ) and the HomeTeam NS .

The waiting area for the shuttle bus . The bus comes at a 5-10 minute interval . Usually people would be waiting around the circled area . 

                                        If you wanna walk there . Just follow the train tracks .

 Cross at the traffic light here as there is no traffic light infront of BBDC . You can jaywalk if you want to

                                                               Walk past the petrol station

And you have arrived here . Enter by the left . The bus that you take alights on the right . There is also a bus stop right outside BBDC that brings you to CCK and Woodlands and also Clementi .

 Signing Up And First Lessons

I signed up around december like i said earlier . The counter is just infront of the entrance . I walked up to the lady at the counter and told her i wanted to sign up for car . She asked me manual or auto . I picked auto . I later wanted to change to manual but it was too late . Got a queue number and waited for my turn . I created an account , you need to create an account in order to book lessons , and my mum helped to pay the fees . The payment can only be done by nets or cashcard . And you have to top up around $100 using the machine near the entrance to start for your lessons . A small pack will be given to you which will include a small water bottle , 3 books . Those 3 books will be needed ( depending on yourself ) for future lessons . The books are : Highway code 1 and 2 and practical training handbook . Now you are ready for your lessons .

The first thing you should be looking forward for is to pass your basic theory test . As once you have passed your BTT , you are able to obtain your Provisional Driving License (must be applied through the SPF website) from which you can start your practical lessons . In order to sit for your BTT , you must go through Basic Theory Lessons 1.01 and 1.02 and your Basic Theory Evaluation ( which is like a mock test ) . I booked my basic theory lessons at one shot . I think it came up to around $35 . I might be wrong . Both of the lessons are just a summary of your highway code 1 . Once you have gone through the lessons , you are able to sit for your BTT .

 Another room i used for practice session as the usual room 7 was full .

Start by booking some practice sessions . They are $3.21 each ( as of 15/9/2015 ) . Proceed to room 7 ( which is where they usually hold the practice sessions , i doubt it would change ) on level 3 , pick a computer and you are good to go . The highway code 1 is split into 4 booklets . Each booklets consist of around 50 questions if i remember . Some questions might be repeated . Keep practicing till you are confident enough to sit for your evaluation . Once you are done with your evaluation , you are able to book for your BTT . I am not sure if this still applies for BTT , but the waiting time to book your BTT is about one month . I sat for my BTE around december , but had to wait for 2 months to book my BTT due to my school and slots being unavailable . Book the earliest slot that you are able to go as this will affect how long you would take to obtain your license .

Forward to 2 months later , i booked 2 practice sessions before my actual test as a warmup . I proceeded to level 2 for my BTT . The test room is right infront of the stairs . Remember to bring your IC , as without your IC , they will not let you sit for the test . I came out after about 5 mins . I immediately got a qeue number from the machine outside the test room to obtain my PDL . You have to obtain your PDL from the traffic police counter which is beside the test room . You have to pay $25 in nets or cash . Your PDL is just a small piece of paper . I recommend to laminate it .

A slip of paper that you will be given when you go for your BTT and FTT . You will have to use the password given to log in .

 These were the practice sessions i had before my BTE . There were some times where i cancelled my lessons as i woke up late or simply left my house late

 I took my BTT on 9/3/15

My laminated PDL

Update 2020 !

You do not need to apply the PDL via the Traffic Police counter. Now, it has to be applied via the SPF website.

You can now start you practical lessons !

 Practical Lessons

Now before you start for your practical lessons , i suggest that you start aiming to finish your Final Theory Test . The requirements to sit for the FTT is same as the BTT . You need to sit for two Final Theory Lessons , Final theory evaluation before you can sit for the test . Try to aim to finish your evaluation and test while you are within stages 2 - 4 . The reason being , there is a 1 -  2 month gap to book for your final theory test after your evaluation and another 1 - 2 month gap to book for your practical ( traffic police ) test after your FTT . 

There is a total of 5 stages you need to complete before you can sit for your traffic police test . Each stage is split into 10 or 11 subjects . So for stage 1 , there is 1.01 , 1.02 etc . If you are a fast learner , your instructor might finish 2 or even 3 subjects in one lesson . 

I booked my first practical lesson around march . With the help of my parents , i managed to finish all 5 stages within the end of march . That also depends on the amount of time and money you have .

Remember to bring your IC and PDL for your practical lessons at ALL times . Once you are at BBDC for your practical lesson , head to the machine near the entrance and scan your IC . A slip will be printed out stating your car number . Head outside and find your car .

                                                                       Inside the car

On my first lesson , i covered the basics of driving , accelerating and braking . I was very nervous initially . However by the 2nd lesson , i was already driving on the road . That gave me some confidence . I kept going for lessons the following weeks . Usually 2 lessons per week . 

At the end of stage one , i was allowed to go for the driving simulator . You need to attend this to sit for your traffic police test . It was only about 15 minutes . 

taken from ( drivingsg.blogspot.com )

Over the subsequent weeks , i covered the various areas of driving . I gained more confidence and experience overtime .

 My practical lessons

 Final Theory Test 

Now not forgetting about your final theory test . Simultaneously while taking my practical lessons , i went for my final theory practice and evaluation . In contrast , the final theory practice had 11 booklets . Basically it is the highway code 2 book split into 11 booklets plus only about 5 questions from your basic theory test . Most of it was common sense for me . I did not even bother reading the highway code 2 book . As i kept going for the practice , i remembered the answers . I booked my final theory evaluation on the 26th of march 2015 . After that , i went to book for my final theory test . To my horror , the earliest test date available was in may ! I am planning to get my license by may / june and i did not want to delay it . I booked the earliest slot available . Also , almost everyday , i kept checking the dates to see if someone had cancelled their slot . And as sure enough , someone cancelled their FTT slot on the 14 of April . Immediately i cancelled my current slot and booked the april slot . I was so delighted ! 

On my FTT day , i booked 3 practice slots before the actual test , just to make sure i was prepared . My test was at 3.15 . I went in and came on within 5 mins . Now , all i had to do was to book for my practical test . From what i was told from most instructors , the waiting period was 2 months . I managed to find a test date the very next month , which was May . 

Like i said earlier , if you have started your final theory lessons and evaluation earlier , you still have 1 - 2 months to complete the stages you have left , assuming you have been attending your practical lessons . 

As of now ( 15/4/15 ) , i am waiting for my practical test . I have planned to book a practice lesson every 2 weeks to refresh . 

To be continued .....

Update. I managed to pass my TP in 2015. Do read my other experiences.

Class 2 tp

Class 2a tp

Class 2a lessons

Class 2b lessons

Class 2b tp

Class 4 

Class 5

I shared TP experience for both class 3A and 3 in the post below.

class 3