Monday minor mishap

It was a cold Monday morning when I got up with a void feeling as I had sleepless night due to my flu infection. A heavy heart and cold feeling made me feel that I got up on the wrong side of the bed. Yet I made my way to work with a strong determination to fight off the odds of Monday, ONLY to be trampled down before I could reach out the battle ground.

As I sashay slowly through the morning traffic brawl, I could still feel my senses were weighed down in forty winks, I guess. Yet, I was vigilant of the cars ahead of me since it was a wet day. Out of the blue, I was jolted with a loud thump at the rear of my car. I was bewildered for a moment wondering where in the hell did the loud bang came from. It took me awhile to convalesce myself out of shock. Before I knew what was happening, I was quick to lift up the handbrake and get out of the car only to give an intense stare to the abysmal driver with a hand gesture indicating my exasperation. How else do you expect me to treat the guy who actually gave me a rude awakening on an already gloomy Monday? Oh gosh! What do I do now?

I could sense vaguely from his face expression that he was feeling guilty as he made the turn into my lane absurdly and rammed into the rear of my car out of control. I was calmed down when his apologetic looks convince me to move out of the busy road to give way for others and settle the issue. However, I am not so naïve to trust any stranger especially when they see a woman behind the wheels; they will try to take us for a ride. Hell no! I am no such women to give in easily and raise a white flag. Yet, this is my first accident on road without my dad being with me (Technically it was my second accident but first time in the sense I was left all alone to fend myself here. The first one, dad was sitting right beside me and yet I could ram into car! Ha-ha).

The first thing I did when I moved to the side of the road, I jumped out of the car to see the intensity of damage incurred. My heart sunk when I saw the bump and scratches my car had. The bumper needs a makeover including the reverse sensor. However, I saw a good thing in the obscurity. My headlamps had a close shave but survived the aftermath. Thank god. When I turn around to see the guy’s car, Myvi, I should consider myself lucky since his damage was beyond my expectation. His left-side front bonnet was badly dented and the damage goes beyond superficial level. That’s pretty bad but it was his blunder and his mad-rush to work cost him a big hole in his pocket. I felt bad for him though. Then we both exchanged our contacts and details only to know his wife is working in Sime Darby HQ. What a coincident?

We both are first timers on having to deal with road accident and were totally unsure to go ahead make a report and claim from his insurance or we settle out of law. My damage would cost about MYR 1k++ but his could easily cost him more than MYR 2k. Since we both were bamboozled as to what we should do, I made a call to my dad to get his opinion and as always dad will be a savior for his daughter’s predicament, he made a dash to the site of accident in less than 30 minutes. Finally we agreed to lodge a police report and claim from the guy’s insurance since he was on the wrong. There you go a day of hassle with the redundant procedures and the lackadaisical of the enforcement officers. Phew by the time it was all settled, I was totally jaded.

The good thing about me is I never panicked in such circumstances and remain my poise at all time. I must say the guy whom hit my car was a nice chap and I was lucky enough to get correct contact information. However this will not be the scenario most of the time. Most of the time, the contact details furnished by other drivers can be false and alas we end up paying for the damage from our very own pockets. So we should stop being nice, trusting person when we are shoved into such a situation.

At least, now I know what I should do if I’m unintentionally pushed into such mishap in future. First of all, move our vehicles to the side of the road to alleviate roadway congestion. Don’t panic but remain poise and try to secure as much information about the vehicle and the driver involved in the accident –license plate number, vehicle description (make-model-color), driver’s & vehicle owner’s name, address, phone number, identification card number and if possible the insurance information. Do not forget to lodge police report and take a snapshot of the damage of vehicle. A lesson learnt the hard way but a good experience for me.

My Health Screening

After much procrastination, I finally feel compelled to get myself a thorough medical check-up. My last health check-up was in 2008. I should be getting a medical check-up once in two years but you know, I was just too paranoid of the cold hospital atmosphere, test results, and the smell of medicines. So a week ago, I made appointment with the executive health screening centre at Sime Darby Medical Centre (SDMC) and finally I am getting it done after much persuasion by mom and in case before my body decides to surprise me. This will be my first attempt to a healthy living style effort.

The hospital itself was a house of award-winning class, complete sophisticated medical systems, cutting-edge technologies and experienced doctors. I was obliged to go health screening at SDMC not simply because as a Sime Darby staff but I believed in the outstanding healthcare services. Through the experiences of other colleagues, I was told as soon as we walk through the doors, you are no longer a patient. They treat us as a whole person beyond just looking after our illness and after-care. I guess it will not be a mistake once we choose SDMC as our loyal healthcare provider although it can be quite pricey.

As I walk into the reception lounge, I handed in my GL letter and was asked to take a seat. The waiting can be painful at times but I was assured it won’t take that long. Besides, filling up personal information and getting my consent for additional test, my height, weight measurements and eyesight were taken. Then, it all began with blood and urine samples drawn. I was led from one room to another, each for various type of test stated in our health screening programme. All in all, the entire check-up took me about half a day.

At the end of the check-up, the nurse told me that I can collect my results the following day which surprised me. It was quite efficient and I get to pick a consultant to explain my results. I had no idea of all the doctors listed in their list but I chose Dr Ashoka Menon who is a distinguished consultant. The most daunting part of the check-up is the results. A lot of questions went through my head of what will be my state of health. It made me slightly nervous as I have not done any check-up in the span of 3 years!

After what seemed like an eternity, I was called in to see Dr Ashoka who did some check-up on my nervous system and sat down to explain the outcome of my medical check-up. He gave me a clean bill of health although my hemoglobin level is slightly lower than the required range. It was normal for women like me whom menstruate and prescribed me some iron pills for it.

Wow. So glad and relieved that I did it before I reach my thirties and vow to exercise health screening once in every 2 years. And I have since been more conscious and informed about my diet.

J'aime le Be Delicious

I have always wanted a signature perfume that epitomizes my personality as modern women today. One that reflects a modern feast for the senses. Like most people today, I love perfume. I believe that people who love perfume tend also to love food and art more than the average person. Perfume lovers adore a story, too, and see their lives as movies in which they’re the star. And it’s freaking true. It’s just my hunch and not a convincing fashion statement. What makes me adore perfume?

It is so simple. I love perfume like all beautiful things around me that twirl me into a rapturous delight. It is more about chemistry, fashion and also a finishing touch to my personality. Moreover, I believe that the more one is attuned to smells in one’s surroundings, the more one can appreciate simple pleasures.

And here we go! DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is what I was looking for in a perfume a very long time. Indeed, it is!  Now I have found it. What a refreshing and pleasant relief it turned out to be for me.

It is designed to fill in a sleek metal and glass apple bottle, this juicy fragrance combines the scent of apple with a sophisticated blend of exotic flowers and sensual woods. Like the city that inspired it, Be Delicious celebrates individuality with refreshing spirit. I must confess that the very first time I tested this on myself at the perfumery; I was mesmerized by its magic on my mood.  After going round testing on Salvatore, Coach Poppy etc, I was enthralled by Fresh Blossom that I decided to go for.

For me, Fresh Blossom accentuates the floral sensation with sweet lacings of fruity notes, true to its name. The subtle sweet pink color of the perfume oil itself is fresh, dewy with a hint of beautiful floral accents creating some lightness yet distinct. I must say DKNY did a great job in blending up citrus and lovely pink blossoms to give a signature scent with truly reflects femininity. 

J'aime le parfum – I love perfume

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in town

There is really nothing that can get us enough of the royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Don’t you think so? Yes, the charm, amiable, humility, grace, compassion and the natural flair they execute are just more than enough to sweep us off our feet. I am definitely one person whom adored the British Royalties for their regal personality and exuberance. The late Lady Diana Spencer (aka Princess of Wales) is a great exemplary. Perhaps that could be the reason behind my admiration for the young Duke and Duchess of Cambridge whom resembles the lovely persona. Just like everybody else, I seem pretty excited at their visit here as I can’t wait to see Prince William and wife Catherine in the person. 

After weeks of intense eagerness, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine Middleton have arrived in Malaysia on the 13th of September, 2012 for their inaugural 3-day trip. William and Kate flew in from Singapore as part of the Britain’s royal couple’s Southeast Asia Pacific tour in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Their arrival were welcomed with hordes of Malaysians who were excited to catch a glimpse of the two as they waved their way to the exit only to be whisked away by a limousine to Putrajaya where a luncheon was hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife for the royal couple. 

The couple has a tight schedule on their hands after just concluding their visit to Singapore which will see them through Solomon Islands and Tuvalu stops after Malaysia. Catherine affectionately known as Kate amongst her admirers all over the world delivered her first speech as she settles into her duty as being part of the British monarchy. Her heartwarming speech at the Hospis Malaysia brought a glimpse of hope to the young patients and cheered them up. 

I was overwhelmed when I first knew that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be at KLCC Park for a private tea party and do a walkway around the park to meet the public today (September, the 14th) as it was something I have look forward for a very long time. Unfortunately I can’t due to my call of duty as I have my ad-hoc performance plan meeting at office. Even though it was a huge disappointment for me, yet it will definitely be a memorable event for us, fellow Malaysians, a memory that will be etched in our hearts for decades to come. 

The royal couple will be making their next stop at Sabah, the Land below the Wind. It was an honor for us to feel proud to have them visit our country as one of their destination for their royal visit.
All in all, we are delighted to have the royal couple visit our country and experience the presence of Duke and Duchess in our land.

In the Wake of 9/11, A Time to Reminisce

It’s hard to believe that 11 years has passed since that dreadful day that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent American citizens and awakened many of us to the vulnerability of a country. While some of us watched the devastation unfold with our loved ones from our living room television, there were many that were faced with the reality of their loved ones tragically killed. The nightmare continues as many more lose family members daily who continue to fight for the rest to feel safe in their nation.

God Bless all of those who were directly affected by the terrorist acts on September 11th and for those who have given their lives for the country, you are the true heroes!

September 11th, 2001 lingers in my memory as a day of heartache. Glued to my television set, watching the nightmare unfold, I felt sorrow well up in me. Islamic extremists had reminded America just how dangerous radical religion could be. The hijackers had destroyed the Twin Towers and wounded the Pentagon, killing countless innocent people. All I prayed for was for the healing of those who lost their loved ones.

I grieved not only for the lives lost, but for the horrors that were bound to take place after that dreadful day. I was worried that the West would blindly chastise law-abiding Muslims together with Islamic extremists, and that oppression of Muslims would soon follow. I also feared that the Americans might go beyond indispensable justice in its pursuit of those responsible for this horrible sin. Retaliation was something we all could foresee in near future. In some way we might be in the face of a war. With a heavy heart, I feared that many innocent people would perish in the fighting like what has happen to those victims of circumstance. Ten years after the tragedy, it seems that we are possibly inept of distinguishing Islamic fanaticism from Islam as a whole, spreading fear in their wake. The world looks darker to me now than it did on September 10th, 2001.


Even after 11 years after the attack, still the pain lingers in everyone’s heart. At the crack of the dawn, all of us would be left with delusion of aghast memories coupled with enormous human suffering. The tragedy of September 11th was followed by an era of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, weakened civil liberties, and human rights violations in the name of "security." Still, the past 11 years have brought glimmers of hope as well. On September 11th, people came together and united in the face of horror.

Looking back, I take comfort in the resilience of the people, knowing that there will always be those who face chaos with courage. I know that in times of horror, there will always be people who set aside their differences and help others. There are many voices for human rights, and many people who have condemned extremism without succumbing to blind fury and xenophobia. Many look back on September 11th with a spirit of humility. As a nation, we are more mindful of religious extremism now and awareness of a threat in the best possible way to prevent in the wake of a racial catastrophe.

As we walk into the eleventh anniversary of September 11th, we can take look of what has passed since 2001. There is always a better way to look at things and spread the awareness against the threat of radicalism through knowledge, coordination, and justice. We must understand that war and blind wrath will not extinguish extremism, and may actually inflame it. We can go forward reflecting on ways to prevent religious extremism and create a more just and peaceful world.

The people who died in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 should not be forgotten. The courage of the fire personnel’s should never be forgotten. Nor should their sacrifices, as many perished on September 11th and others live on with the agony. September 11th impacted all Americans, and worldwide regardless of race, gender, or religion, and all of us must remember and draw wisdom from that day. As we remember those families who were touched with the loss of loved ones on that terrible day, let us also remember than we can do nothing more for the dead. We must concentrate our efforts on those still living. The legacy of 9/11 hasn't been particularly helpful for them. The damage done to the collective American psyche seems incalculable.

A quiet weekday

As I drove in to my office vicinity this morning, I was feeling rather austere since I can sense the quiet and still air with only sounds of birds chirping. What’s ahead for me will be a week of hushed ambiance with only a handful of us working here. However, I had my agenda planned out well to fit for the week. Besides my principle project on my schedule which is topping the priority directory, I was assigned to do DNA profiling for a subset of samples shipped into our lab 2 weeks ago to verify its distinctiveness as an air of doubt was clouding us in our recent data analysis performed.
When I finish a project in hand, I find it slightly tricky to right away get started on something new. My mind simply needs a break to refresh and slowly absorb to the new task seamlessly. So after spending days prepping for my next pipeline, I was a bit sluggish getting into the office. Rather than thinking of judgment calls, I spent the morning preoccupied with something that I do not find so straightforward: legal memorandum of understanding (MoU). Especially those part of research information that may be exploited by the service provider. Time to ponder on the nitty-gritty details of confidentiality as we are fast pacing into the crucial element of the work.
Do you see the headache I can get into? Well, I poured myself with some white coffee and made myself comfortable in my chair ready to draw out my framework. The mere thought of the exciting outcome from this project to benefit our plantation counterpart, it drew a smile on my face and a satisfying joy to my heart. As a scientist, nothing is more precious than bringing goodness to mankind.
On a more pleasant note, I made plan for a little celebration in conjunction with my aunt birthday. I am thinking of making her happy as every year is a milestone for her (since she is a cancer patient and in healing stage). The love and inspiration to drive her to make a living that she wanted to.

This will be my aunt’s second birthday which I think I had celebrated for her (the first during her chemo treatment period). I really am looking forward to it.

My long weekend

Speaking of my long weekend, I had no plans on hand since it will be a mad rush travelling out of KL. Coming on guys, it is Eid celebration and our fellow Muslims will be busy packing off to their kampong’s! And I don’t want to vie with them on roads just to spend the long weekends.

I rather spend the weekends getting up late, relaxing, and going for a drive around the city, window shopping and nature hunting. It is also time for family bonding as I enjoy the company of my lovely mom, happy-go-lucky aunt and her naughty little girl.

I only have leave for another day and I am back to work. So I am trying to enjoy my available morning together while we can. It’s those lovely times such as a morning talk with mom that make me look forward to the tomorrow's of my life. Tuesday here I come.

A sluggish day

Today was a rather monotonous day. But I never mind the run-of-the-mill kind of day. All simply because the coming up Eid-ul-Fitr celebration and our Muslim friends are busy packing off to their hometowns. Back in offices, the ambiance is rather stark, quiet and lackluster. It was more of a festivity feel at workplace. The Eid themed songs were filling up the air and by noon, the office was left with non Muslims since our Muslim colleagues was granted half day off to make way for their ‘Balik Kampung’ travel plans.

However halfway through the late noon, my only boss in office gave us a green light to leave early as the traffic congestion will be at its peak today. The exodus of the urbanites will see almost a quiet KL for a couple of days at least. I was glad I could go home earlier and relieve myself from traffic mania (I was tormented by it for the past 2 days). I am glad for next 4 days of Raya break I will enjoy the tranquility of KL.

To end my note, I would like to convey to my fellow Muslim friends and colleagues a very blissful Eid-ul-Fitr with their loved ones and wishing them a safe journey back to their hometowns. May this festival brings them lots of happiness, love and peace. Salam Aidilfitri folks!