83. HIV test

Alhamdulillah, we did our HIV test yesterday at Klinik Kesihatan Kelana Jaya (non-reactive for us)! For some bride-to-be's, here are some tips for you:

1. If you're submitting your marriage forms to JAIS, the borang ujian saringan HIV is available at the clinic. If you're submitting your marriage forms to JAWI, please download the Borang Ujian Saringan HIV from http://www.jawi.gov.my/borang/borang_hiv.pdf Make sure you print 3 copies for yourself, 3 copies for your partner.
2. As soon as your enter, turn right to "Kemasukan Pesakit Luar", counter 1, where you have to queue. No need to take a number. State that you're there to take the Ujian Saringan HIV for akad nikah; they will give you an additional form to fill in.
3. Submit all your filled in forms; the person behind the counter will pass you a number and tell you to wait for your name to be called.
4. Once your name has been called, collect the forms from the counter 1; they will tell you to proceed to the injections/tests area, where you place your documents in a document box next to the door.
5. Wait for your names to be called. 
6. When they call your name, go into the ward and have your HIV test taken. NO, it's not a big needle or syringe or whatever. They'll do an alcohol swab on the area, prick a needle into one of your fingers, then they'll swab blood from your finger into a test swatch thing (looks like a pregnancy test kit).
7. According to the guy who took my blood test, the test response takes very fast - around 15 minutes - but waiting for the doctor to sign the test might take up to an additional half an hour.
8. Wait for your name to be called out and receive your test results!

I was surprised that there wasn't even any charge for us (was expected to pay RM 1 per person). It was very fast and efficient (around 1 hour for everything). There's an open car park around the area for RM 3 per entry, so no worries about parking.

No need to take full day leave, half day will do. Come either morning session (not sure of the time) or noon session (2 pm - 4 pm). No appointments accepted, walk-ins only. This was my experience at government clinic, and a very pleasant and efficient one. Please note that the test is valid for up to 6 months only :)

Best of luck, future brides! This tips/advice is only for Klinik Kesihatan Kelana Jaya, am not sure about the procedures from other clinics.

82. One Step Closer!

Alhamdulillah, me and my fiance collected our Sijil Kursus Pra Perkahwinan (pre-wedding course certificate). It's a small feat but it's one thing less to worry about.

Honestly, there's still a long way to go. Since we have to complete the HIV test (it's valid for six months only), I thought I could get all the applications out of the way... but one person is telling me this, another is telling me that. It's too complicating...

Scenario:

Me and my fiance are living and working in KL.

Our akad nikah (solemnization/"I Do's") takes place in Putrajaya.

The lady on the phone told us that we could book the jurunikah (the guy who officiates the ceremony) from KL, no problem.

But when I met the lady to collect the pre-wedding course cert, she informed me that it would be easier to get the jurunikah from Putrajaya.

The problem is, if there are any complications, I will definitely have to take a day off work (or half day) as Putrajaya is quite a distance from my current house.

Add to that, when I called the clinic to make a booking for the HIV test, the receptionist informed me I had t otake HIV approval papers from JAKIM (the Islamic regulatory gov agency that controls all marriage application) BEFORE coming to the clinic. I prefer to do everything one shot. So, do I take from JAKIM KL? Putrajaya? 

Oh. And some other lady said I shouldn't do it too early -__- Then how the hell else do I book the jurunikah. Grrrrr. WAIIII MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT WAI YOU MAKE IT SOO CONFUSING TO GET MARRIED.

81. Saturday with Seqoci's 1st Anniversary Tea Party

I received an invite to help emcee and help the launch of Seqoci's 1st Anniversary Tea Party on Saturday, 31st May at Royale Bintang Curve. I agreed to it because Tassa, a friend from a workplace had invited me, and another ex-colleague, Adeline, would be there. So I thought it would be super fun to work again with these ladies!

Adeline, Tassa and me!

(I don't really have any individual shots at the moment, Tassa is probably editing it cause I look like such a berk lol). It was a very intimate and casual event, with less than 40 pax. The guests comprised of winners of some Seqoci contests, Seqoci fans and Seqoci vendors.

(Sorry Suzy! Tak jumpa on IG, nanti I cari you  - picture from Seqoci IG)

Everyone was really attentive to Suzy, Seqoci's make-up artists for models photoshoot, as she demonstrated a day look and a night look on participants. I learned a lot about using base make up for the face, the differences between pressed, loose and compact powder. A trick to keeping make-up stay on is to use ice on your face before placing your foundation. Suzy was very helpful on the shades to use for Asian skin tone. Will definitely KIV her for my wedding make-up!

CandySofea giving tutorial on Adeline- taken by me

Another talented lady who spoke for the day was CandySofea; This model-cum-youtuber was very sweet in demonstrating different and creative ways to play with the hijab style of tudung. She even dressed up Adeline, who was a volunteer to try on a hijab style. You can check out her instagram at http://instagram.com/candysofea

Asides from the interesting tutorials, Seqoci had a special preview and sales for the guests, including Maysaa, Raqtive, Sooka Scarf, Kyla Ruiz, Nade el Luna and other brands, just to name a few.

We took home an awesome goodie bag containing:

•  A black slip skirt from Maysaa
• A black chiffon shawl from Miasweetopia
• Yasin and tasbih courtesy of Telekung Kareful
• RM 100 Seqoci voucher

All the brands are available under Seqoci, of course. Thanks Seqoci for organizing such a great event! It was a really great event to meet so many sweet and talented girls, some from Bangi, Ampang etc. I had a blast emceeing the event, and it helped my communication skills immensely.

And ohhh yeah! Some shots with big boss, Danny! This is the talented bunch behind Seqoci (minus Nana, who's sick). Visit http://www.seqoci.com for the latest and trendiest Muslimah apparels! 

http://www.seqoci.com