Sunday, May 16, 2021

My First Dose of Vaccine!

 Here's one for the books! I got vaccinated yesterday! 

So when KJ announced that there was going to be a first come first serve vaccination program for the AstraZeneca vaccine, my friends and I were ever ready to sign up. It was at 12pm on May 2nd 2021, a Sunday. So naturally, I overslept. I woke up 12:15 to lots of messages in the various friend groupchats I have about how they didn't manage to get it or they couldn't click on the link. At that point I gave up without even trying. I mean... I missed the 12pm opening and I assumed the slots would have been taken up quick. But my friends told me to just give it a shot (haha) and I somehow managed to book a slot! I made sure to make it on a Saturday because if I had any side effects, the Sunday could cushion me before going to work. 

Here's how it went!

PARKING

1. I'm lucky that Zaim booked the same slot as I did. Same day, same time, same location. So I had a teman. He picked me up and off we went to WTC. Our appointment was at 9:30 and we drove there so we had to find parking. Good thing it wasn't too bad to find a spot. But any later than that, susah sikit to find parking methinks. My best bet is that you have someone send you. Or Grab your way there. We were there in the basement parking, lining up at about 9:18am. Macam lambat sikit lah.

POINT OF ENTRY

2. But since we parked, we entered from the basement. I've seen how you would enter if someone dropped you off so I'm not sure how that works. Upon entering, you have to scan QR, take your temp and show your appointment to the guard there. 

QUEUE AT YOUR STATION



3. Then you line up at your station. So important that you know what station you've been assigned to. It'll guide you all the way 'til the end. Both Zaim and I were Station 2 so we lined up at the designated area. 

4. Wait 'til they call you in. Tip: Really no point you go any earlier than your time. Because you won't even be allowed to come in to the waiting area (at point 3). You'll have to wait outside. Save yourself the trouble and come maybe half an hour je before your appointment.

HOLDING ROOM


5. Go up to the holding room. It's 2 floors up. You'll have to scan another time and take your temp again. Find your station, wait for them to give you your forms (2 of the same kind, you fill up both) and three tickets of your angka giliran (what is this in English??). Fill it up but DON'T SIGN IT. You'll only have to sign when you meet the doctor later for your consultation.

My experience here was that after Zaim's number was called, I was about 17 numbers later than him but the monitor/screen was stuck so the lady had to manually call out our numbers. It's relatively quite fast though! 

Important note: Bring your own pen. I didn't. But again, I was lucky that Zaim did so I borrowed his je huhu

REGISTRATION ROOM

6. After your number gets called, you walk into another room where you wait to be registered. My cute experience was when I sat down for the girl to register me, she looked up and asked "Anak Cikgu Mazliza ya?" haha I swear I get recognised more for being my mum's daughter than anything else. She graduated in 2015 and told me how close she was with my mum. So I took a photo of her and sent it over to Mama. Haha so sweet of her to say hi! 

I *think* you have to scan another time here but the person there will let you know how to go on about it. Once she's registered you, you'll be directed to your doctor for the consultation. 

DOCTOR'S CONSULTATION

7. My doctor was a young girl, only 25! I know this because she also had to sign my form along with her IC. And she was very helpful. She gave a brief on the vaccine and side effects. I just told her I had eczema and that was my only concern. She also has eczema so she said all's fine and the vaccine shouldn't effect that at all. She then signed my form and told me I could go into the next room.

VACCINE SHOT TIMEEEEE

8. There were seats in the next room but no one was there! So one of the volunteers just brought me into a room. IT WAS VACCINE SHOT TIMEEEE! Tbh I wasn't prepared for this. I thought it'd be a bit of a wait. Macam tak sempat to prepare myself. 

I filmed myself taking the shot. I'm not going to lie, it was PAINFUL! All my friends who had gone before me said it was painless and that they "didn't even feel the needle". What bull!! I could totally feel the needle in! At first, it was just the general pain of an injection but it was in there for some time, babes. Longer than I'd like lah ya. Painful to the point of me going "Wow, that was quite painful!" to the doctor hahaha. He said "hahaha ok done done". Ya, you'd better be done!!! He then covered it with wool and tape but I saw some people getting a plaster. Not that that's important but yknow.

DON'T FORGET TO SCAN THE BARCODE!!!

OBSERVATION ROOM

9. You're then directed to the observation room downstairs. Again, you follow your station number. Gave my forms to the lady and you sit down for 15 mins to see if you have any immediate reaction. Once done, they'll call you and you have to sit at another section where they tell you to click on a link on your app to record your symptoms. 

10. Here's where the delay for us started. The link was completely unclickable. So we had to wait... and wait. Some people managed and left immediately. But because ours wasn't working, we had to wait for the lady to call us one by one to manually enable the link for us. Part ni kecoh sikit because everyone was so unorganised. This was an unforeseen situation so no one expected it. But I think it worked out not long after because friends who went after didn't complain of such delay anymore.

11. Once you click on the link and see the "Do you have any symptoms?" to which you click either "Yes" or "No", you're free to leave! 

DONE!


12. We took the compulsory souvenir photo haha. Again, good thing I had Zaim with me so it was easy to have him take my photo. But we did take a photo for someone who went alone. #KitaJagaKita and all that.

___

So there's that! Overall, the process was smooth sailing and quick 'cept for the last bit. People were so nice and helpful. Made for a pleasant experience! Though it took about 2 hours, it didn't actually *feel* long. If I didn't face the two technical difficulties, it could have cut it an hour short, I'm sure. I haven't heard anyone complain about the process yet other than a bit of the waiting outside if you're there early. Other than that, it was all good! Props to the organisers.

Alhamdulillah it's coming close to 36 hours and I'm feeling fine. No major side effects. I know people had fevers and headaches but I don't have anything so far. Except for the sore arm. SO sore that I can't have any pressure on it or move my left arm around too much. My sleep last night was bit annoying cause I'm so used to sleeping on my left side that it was so awkward to sleep on my right instead. But it's such a small thing to be bothered about that I'm thankful nevertheless. Who knows?? I could develop a fever later in the night but let's not wish for that amin amin aminnn. 

Hope everyone gets the vaccine! It's a step closer to just ending this pandemic. With cases on the rise these days, it's so scary to think that it's already so seeped in our communities that we really can't and won't know who has it anymore. You could be doing all fine and dandy but could be positive. It's the death rate that has been worrying. Sigh. Hope everyone's keeping safe. May Allah protect us all from this pandemic.

Please also say a prayer for our brothers and sisters in Palestine who have been going through an immeasurable level of tragedy, trauma and horror pain. May Allah bestow peace and justice to the oppressed and fallen Palestinians. May families who were torn apart be granted and reunited in Jannah. The power of prayer and recently, the power of social media! The more we talk about it, the better it is for them who have no means to do so. May we all be protected, Ya Allah. 

Take care, everyone. Hope the above has helped a bit in preparing for your vaccination. InsyaAllah all will go well! The faster we get this done, the faster you can travel again!!! Remember hanging out without wearing masks???? Dream.

xx

Sunday, May 2, 2021

March/April Updates

 IT'S BEEN A MINUTE!!

(wow I was supposed to post this late April but it's.... May already. Anyway)

Sigh. The other day I actually forgot I run a blog. That's how bad it's been. My 14 year old blogging enthusiast self would've been so annoyed. Truth is I've just been too busy with work. And Ramadhan makes it just a tad more tiring to get things done. I'm just half asleep at work most days. Alhamdulillah this puasa month has been going well for my family and I. It just always needs a bit of getting used to with waking up for sahur and then dozing off only to wake up again for work. I've said this a million times and I'll say it a million more, but last year's Ramadhan was just next level great. Didn't have to run to meetings here and there (disrupted prayer times and just... tiring) and didn't have to subject myself to strict working hours. Good thing I live not too far from the office so going back on time for buka is not too bad. 

So how's everyone been!! Hope you're all ok and surviving. It's so unfortunate to see that cases have been on the rise again, despite our best initial efforts. I say "our" "best" "initial" "efforts" because they were OUR efforts. Can't believe this country had two days of ZERO cases. That's insane to even think about now kan? I think we were 2.8k cases yesterday. No signs of going down anytime soon especially with the bazaar Ramadhan, relaxing of SOP's, offices full fledged, RAYA coming soon. Sigh. This'll be the second Raya in our lives being semi-quarantined. I say 'semi-quarantined' because it's not official that we're in another lockdown or another MCO. I'm okay with Raya in KL but it's my grandparents I'm most concerned about. It must be so depressing to be home and not doing anything for a whole year and a half now. We have some family in Penang too but it's not the same to have just half the fun. Especially during Raya, a time my grandparents look forward to the most. I hope anyone and everyone reading this can keep my grandparents in your prayers. For their well-being and just overall happiness.

_____

My Colleagues

We all went to a new site in one car (got stopped at a roadblock and was asked why so many people in a car). Got really car sick cause I was sat at the back. Stopped by at this Arab place at Glenmarie where I went to actually vomit. I think I should stick to being the driver or be at least in the passenger seat. Can't do anything past that.

This was said site but on a different occasion. Exciting! I think this would be my first time on a project that is literally still not built yet. We're usually called for projects that are already constructed. 

Malaysia has all these fancy things outdoors but it's like they forget it's boiling out and no one does strolls and leisure walks so these things are good between the hours of 5pm - 7pm. 

Sempat lagi mid Zoom sesh.

My parking skills are top notch. And this is the company car!!! Thisclose to losing out tbh lol


I got the free whole chicken promo on Nando's (if you're not already on the app, you should!) so I was waiting for a bunch of my colleagues to be free so we can use it. But never could get a good time where all of us were in so I asked these two (HUGE eaters) and I asked "You sure? It's a whole chicken for just us 3" "No problem". Not only did we take that whole chicken but we ordered a whole lot more!! I only had a tiny piece of 1/4 chicken for myself but they devoured everything else. Wiped clean! Berbaloi.

Dao has become a staple in the office. On some days when we need desserts, we'd order delivery and the whole office makan sekali for tea. Yum.


Finally!! Brought these girls to makan Korean food that I've been talking about since about a year ago. Anytime with these girls is a fun time. Though I wished we had hung out longer. Reminder: Next time go to a place that opens 'til late. And maybe not go on a Thursday lol.

Was asked to go to Jalan Maarof for some survey and brought these two with me (or rather, they volunteered...) and we naturally stopped by Nirwana for lunch. This was the second day of Ramadhan I think and I couldn't fast lol 

_____

Iman's Birthday (She's 22!!)

FATTY CRAB FOR DINNNERRRRRR for a very special 22 year old

My baby sister is 22 this year!!!! Her only request to makan was to have Fatty Crab and banoffee pie as her birthday cake. So cute. So we had it ala Shell Out and Mama even bought the plastic table wrap so as to not dirty the table cloth underneath. FATTY CRAB IS STILL one of my favourite places to makan. I just am so put off by their long line so I hardly go but I'll make it a point to persevere one of these days and makan there. Siapa nak ikut, text me.



She is such a cutie. How is she 22!!!!


For her birthday, we all got her Airpods. There's a video of her opening the present and being super surprised by the gift because she thought it'd be chocolates hahaha.



Saja putting this here because she is such a cutie. She bought the top specifically for this birthday outing with her friends!!!!!! Insert crying emoji. Love you, Manman <3 

_____



Few days later we celebrated our dear Mama's birthday at Jibby Chow. We loooove Jibby Chow, it's such a great place to grab Chinese food. Unfortunately they don't serve their fantastic dim sum's during dinner meals so I do recommend you go for lunch. But all else is super sedap anyway. Their roasted duck especially! Highly recommend.

Found this photo of Mama in my room. She still looks like this. With the few exceptions of some lines on her face, she really looks the same. I love her so much and am always grateful for her. In my doa always, Mama, love you with all my heart. You make our world go round every single day. 

_____

Zati & Marissa 


Homegirl with her vaccine card or wudeva. Can't wait to get mine soon insyaAllah!!!

Love my babes, since college sampai sorang ni dah kahwin dah na. 


Had brunch with these two at Dough & Dolce and am pleasantly surprised to know the food was really good! I had their duck spaghetti and it was so so so good. I can't wait to go again after Ramadhan. Again... siapa nak pergi, text me.

_____

Outtakes with Tania & Iman


Tried this really cute hat at COS and was so close to buying but it wasn't a priority at that time (... it's still not a priority) so I didn't. But one of these days, I'm going to go get it lah. Been thinking about it for far too long. So cute no???

Tania wanted to get new shoes cause she's outworn her current sandals and we came across this. I was also going to get it but I had to get the smallest size which they didn't have in stock. Am still on the lookout for my next go-to. 

At Mercato because Mama pesan beli leak for dinner. I bought the important things like toilet roll, sponges, broccoli and stain removers. Tania bought snacks. 

Y'all probably already know this but Tania and I, whenever the opportunity rises to go to KL, we almost ALWAYS go to La Bodega. Always. It's like a no brainer. We have their tapas and with the basket of bread that we'd ask to refill 2-3 times. So goood. From left to right, fried calamari, sausages in sweet, spicy tomato sauce, diced chicken cooked in olive oil, garlic and fried chilli, and mushroom with gravy. The chicken isn't even on the menu anymore but you can still order it! Again........ text me.


My sisters picking me up from work. They're thrilled.

_____

With Friends








_____

Lax. Retreat




For a more detailed review of the place, you should check out Tania's '@taniatries' account on Instagram. My review is that it's super pretty, comfortable and it's so thoughtful in its service. Lets you choose your music and your massage scents. Loved the experience and that it's an all female establishment. So if you wear the tudung, you can feel comfortable in taking it off during your service without having to worry of male customers. 

_____


My sweetest dearest Mak Tok was here for a short while for her check up at IJN. I took the day off from work to accompany her there. This is her waiting to get her blood pressure test. She was coughing a bit so she was taking out her meds to eat and I was helping her out with all that and just part of me got so sedih to see her like that. She's lost a lot of weight since Pak Tok had his stroke as he's taking care of him all the time. This was her first check up in KL without him because we told him to stay put in Penang although he really wanted to come. But we didn't want to risk it for him. May Allah always always protect the both of them, my heart and soul, and may they always be blessed with good and improving health, rezeki and happiness. I'm so bummed that we won't be able to celebrate Raya in Penang again this year. It's their favourite time of the year because we would all go back. I'm just really worried that they'd be really lonely and sad. Mak Tok said to Mama that when she told him that "the kids aren't coming for Raya", he just kept quiet and cried. I'm crying typing this out. Really so unfair that we've allowed Covid to be this bad. How is it getting worst and worst. I feel so bad for all the parents and grandparents around the country who have to spend Raya without the whole family back. Hope everyone reading this just have them in your prayers, would love that very much.



We're in our last 10 days of Ramadhan so bit late but selamat berpuasa to everyone. Hope we take this time to beribadah and to berdoa all that we want. InsyaAllah it'll be granted soon. Praying for peace, love and lots of rezeki for everyone I love. 

Don't forget your prayers and make lots and lots of doa. Allah hears you loud and clear so pray for anything and everything, friends! 

Stay indoors, stay safe and take care! See you in my next post.

xx