MyVI's first weekend drive

So I have made a new purchase in my life. A new Perodua Myvi. Have purchased the 1.3 EZi Premium type that comes with ABS and airbags. Colour is silver, and had some tinting done for heat and safety, and finally changed to slightly wider Michellin tyres. Was thinking of getting a new car for sometime, and last year I was aiming for a 1.5L car, like the Toyota Vios or Honda City. But thinking about the cost of fuel and the car model (those babies are easily RM90K on the road), I settled for a more humble car instead. So here she is, my new silver Myvi...

Honk honk! Buy number, buy number!

Only collected the car on Saturday afternoon. 2 weeks lead time from booking payment, so it was pretty fast. Salesman was accomodating and friendly, loan was approved easily... It was quite a hassle free purchase. I forgot to ask for number plate sandbalsting, and so did the salesman. And it was at this fateful moment, that I did the unthinkable. I made my first scratch on my brand new car, by dropping the car keys on the driver side door handle.

Honk honk! I made an ouchie!

I spent about 15 seconds, spaced out at the idiocy of self inflicting the first scar on my new car. Then I proceeded on with my life ^.^

Today I went to Columbia Asia in Shah Alam to visit my grandmother. She has had some tough health problems, and it came to a point she needed round the clock care. So my family made a decision to have her taken care of by professionals. My uncle found this centre, and my grandmother has been here for some weeks now. So off I went in my newly scarred Myvi to Shah Alam.

Columbia Asia's main entrance

I have been here once before, so I didn't get lost driving to the centre. Ain't Jack incredible? ^.^

Grandma is very alert. Body is getting thinner though. But she's much better than when we were trying to care for her ourselves. Nurses report that she eats normally, and she's able to sleep. Both things were a rarity when she was with any of our family. The good turn comes at a steep price though. Suffice to say that with my humble salary, I am not able to support the monthly fees required to have her in the centre, not even half of it. Cost of healthcare is at such a high rate here in Malaysia. Even if you'd like to lead a quiet and simple life, make no mistake, you need at least RM1M stored up to be safe. Depending on Malaysia's inflation rates, this could be a much higher number in the future. Grandma has done the prudent thing and made savings for herself. But with the need for care of this standard and attention, one wonders if long life is that great.

The centre itself is no Hollywood styled retreat. It is actually very simplistic, but it has a clean, bright and comfortable feeling. If you've been to some of those old folks or nursing homes housed in bungalows, you may understand what I'm getting at. Most are overcrowded, dimly lit and there is a sense of heaviness as soon as you step into the place. Columbia Asia is styled like hospital wards, with nursing stations on each floor. The staff are friendly, and they give you a sense of security that your loved one will be in responsible hands. The food is simple, the tables and chairs are still normal plastic/wood, and they only have normal non-Astro TV. Not that my grandma watches TV anymore. anyway. Yet this comes at a high price indeed.

I am really glad she's comfortable and is well looked after, don't doubt me on that. But as I stroke her head and hold her hand, I thank God that my own parents are still able bodied and sound of mind. Some day, when the unforunate time comes where I am unable to fend for my own needs, I hope that the resources built in my youth are sufficient to see me through.

Simple and sweet accomodations, but high in price

I drive home from Columbia Asia, with mixed feelings. May the road forward and the final destination at the finish be clear and smooth. Amen to that