No longer a P plate driver

After passing my driving test on my 5th attempt on 21 April 2008, I am no longer a P plate driver today! Well, to be honest, I've driven a grand total of 5 times including today...and I've always had someone with me.

The first three times, Simon accompanied me, and all I remember was him telling me, "Slow down, use your brakes."...and also a pesky mosquito that bit me all over my face and arms. And my hub thought I was nervous and imagining things. Well, fortunately (and unfortunately) I had those huge swells to show him.

The last two times, my driving instructor was with me. This morning, i went all the way south to the airport and on my way back home, I even bought nasi lemak for our helper, my driving instructor and myself!

Today, Jill woke and her cousin woke up later than usual and had to be fed. This also clashed with the timing to pick Jon up. So I told my MIL that I will go pick Jon up and buy noodles for his lunch while she feeds the toddler Mabel and Jill.

I wanted to go buy noodles first then go pick Jon up, so that will cut down Jon's time in the car with me (MIL's car doesn't have child seat and he may tend to sit at the edge of the seat or stand up. But that would mean more cars at the nursery. So I decided to go pick Jon up first to avoid double parking and negotiating the small lane.

I was mighty pleased with myself and Jon's teach Ms Mida congratulated me on driving (she didn't know it was my first time driving alone + picking Jon up). But when we reached a shop in our estate to buy the noodles, it was closed. As Jon insisted on having noodles and we didn't boil soup today (was planning to make tang hoon soup with meat balls), I decided to drive to the next estate.

I made two rounds so I can park near the coffee shop. It was just before 12pm and they've sold out! It is a popular noodles shop. So I had to go to the nearby food court to buy noodles. I found a lot right in front of the food court and parked nicely. But a Toyota Hilux (pick up) parked super close to me and I knew I would have problems coming out.

After buying Jon's noodles, it was the lunch time crowd. I prayed that no one would want my lot (it was the corner lot). As I reversed, I turned a little too early and my back right wheel hit the curb a little. I said never mind, I will go in again. This time, a suave looking guy (well, he had these huge sunglasses) accompanied by his girlfriend could see I was in a tight spot. I went into the lot again, and many cars passed by behind me. I was hoping that they would drive by, which they did. This guy was still there. He was waiting for all the cars to go by so he could help direct me out of the lot.

With his help, I reversed out straight and then turned. Phew, I did it in the second try! and I made it home with Jon and the noodles. And what was Jon doing all these time? Taking this out of the glove compartment! haha!

Feeling all empowered as I bought lunch and picked my son up! I will go and drive more...practice makes perfect.