$150 poorer, and more to come

I was lucky to have a problem-free cat for almost 6 years. Thinking that she will be very well-protected if kept locked up in the house, I've never given her any flea control medication. Now it seems she may have some skin reaction to flea bites. Well, I did let her out for a while out in the backyard recently, sniffing out a whole new world.

Lumps and more lumps had begun to form under and around her neck. I was hoping they were pimples, but really, cats dont get pimples...or do they? Then my housemate suggested they might be cists. Thankfully the vet said it's just some blah blah dermatitis, so 1.5 weeks meds will do the trick.

However, the vet highly recommended that the poor cat gets a dental surgery. She's got a tooth that's completely covered by the gum, a cist on the gum, and to top it all up, gingivitis. The bill will cost me $500. I choked. I only recently went overseas to get my wisdom tooth removed because I wasn't willing to spend that same amount of money on my tooth!

Sigh what shall I do? She's also got a heart murmur, which I've known for a year now. The vet so kindly let me hear her V8 supercar turbo "psssst" sounds through the stethoscope. Oh great.

Those good ol' days

I feel helpless not being able to help my housemate construct essay-worthy sentences or input real life situations for her to use as examples.

Just fabricate your story, I hear myself say. In a flash, memories of uni days flood through my memory. Times of when I had to make up test results for lab reports, summarise paragraphs where I had no idea what it really was about, and copy a line of code to get the program to work.

Ahhh the good old uni days. I do miss those crazy carefree casual times. But I dont miss it enough to go back to uni. Earning the moolah trumps it big time.

Fun and games

I am still lingering in holiday mood. Work hours seemed painfully slow. The punchlist is getting longer. My itchy fingers are tempted to click the strikethrough function on some of the bulleted items, but it cant be done if it’s not completed, can it? My colleague jokingly made a comment yesterday that I’m having too much fun at work, that I’m not feeling the pressure. Well I certainly hope it was a joke.

I’m happy to announce that I’ve just booked my next holiday in October. Who can pass on Jetstar’s cheap airfare deals to Malaysia? Not me! They’re going for $78 plus taxes! I’m now on a prowl for cheap airfares to Adelaide right after this trip to visit my brother and a few friends over there.

I’m on a roll. And somewhere in between new years, I might sneak in a Japan trip.

Winter's here

I'm back down under. And as I've been warned, the cold chill has arrived earlier than expected. I do, however, prefer to live in a country with four seasons than in one where it's just constantly hot and humid. That also means having an overflowing wardrobe to cater for every one of those seasons. But I like. Colourful knitted scarves wrapped around my neck. Knee-length high heel boots matched with a slim-lined skirt. A couple of singlets under my top for extra warmth and that favourite fashion layered look. The occasional beanie on my head, only on bad hair days.

Ouch my nose hurts. I'm wrapped up in a heavy-lined jacket, eucalyptus tissues in arm's reach, warm water in my thermos, and the heater beside me. It is day 5 of a flu, and I'm not getting any better. I feel like going home.

But I love thai food!

tom yum kung
thai fish cakes
pad thai
lots of other fried stuff

Yes those meals must be the culprits leading up to the viral infection in the throat. Not one, not two, not three, but many ulcers loomed in the darkness of the tube that serves as a gateway to my hungry tummy.

I'm no longer on soft foods. It's liquid diet for now. Rats.

My progress

I have not left the house in 4 days. My recovery has taken a backwards flip on friday when I threw up my dinner. Either I completely swallowed that takeaway keoy teow noodles wholely that caused some sort of indigestion, or it was just too oily for my poor tummy to handle after 3 full days of plain meals.

I really need a miraculous healing extraordinary recovery divine intervention right now.

It's done!

It's day two, and I'm already bored. I dont really want to go out either because I'm sighting a lop-sided swollen cheek and really sleepy-looking eyes. I'm sure those colourful pills have some sort of drowsiness effect in them. I would have very much prefered to be high than to be drowsy, as in high on drugs. lol

Up until yesterday morning, I was whining and whinging to everyone and anyone I met - fearing the worst that might happen to me on the chair. Memories of one episode of "My Family" came to mind, where Ben Harper, the dentist, had a dead patient on his chair, to no fault of his own. Oh yes I was that bad, requesting a triple dose of anaesthetics which surprisingly the dentist did administer and with extra care, gently updating me on how much anaesthetics had been injected into my gums.

After about ten fifteen minutes, numbness had set in and it was time to pull out that damn wisdom tooth that had caused me so much grief that I lost 2 kgs in a week due to a gum infection. I now advise friends to pray for one if they really want to lose weight. har har

The whole procedure wasn't too bad at all. In fact, it was much smoother than what I had anticipated, though I had to put up with the ultra talkative dentist intending to calm me down with his stories, which after a while turned into gibberish talk. Before long, the tooth was cut in two, removed, stitched up, and cleaned.

Mum is being very creative with her meals. Today's menu was fish noodles, yesterday's was fish porridge. I wonder what's for dinner.

Talking about revival

Like wow! It certainly has been a long time since I visited you. Shall I revive you? I'll think about it.

Can't wait

After stints of scuba diving and skiing holidays, it is soon time to retreat to Melbourne where the phantom roams and the opera house sings.

The Swear Jar

What do you gain when you swear? Probably only the look-good and feel-good vibe. Most people are unaware how this behaviour influences others around them, especially young children.

I find myself amongst men of various backgrounds and skill sets due to the nature of my work. Everytime that “f” word is said in the office, the sound waves goes flying across the room, causing great pain in yours truly’s ear drums.

Hence, the Swear Jar is birthed. A coin donation is required everytime the unnecessary word is uttered. Proceeds go to buying milk and biscuits supply.

I’m not mean. I insist.

I'm moving...again

Cardboard boxes fill the lounge room.
There's no room to move.
I'm nowhere near finished packing.
There isn't much time.
The apartment is starting to stink.
There's no point in cleaning now.
The cat is getting annoyed.
There's poo to clean from the bathtub.
The zits are popping out.
There's too much stress at home and at work.

Brownie points for those of you who can guess the correct number of times I have moved.

On the prowl

It has been a while since I last ventured out of my apartment on a Friday night. The weeks had been long, nights cold and windy, eyes sleepy and tired.

Friday gone was spent with colleagues I havent seen in months. Dinner was of excellent quality, followed by a gig by Jack Jones. I didn't have a clue as to who he was, or which band he performs in, but I was surely impressed by his guitar-strumming-slapping skills and vocals, singing some of his own songs and other pieces by the likes of Jimi Hendrix.

On the wall in the lounge area were framed posters signed by artists like Missy Higgins and Sarah Blasko while on tour. Looks like this hotel is the place to be to catch some of these famous singers up close and personal, and on a casual sitting.

I like.

Lemsip

Having discovered this flavoured drink some time ago, I had, until recently, been religiously taking this medication at the first signs of getting the flu, and continually until the nose stops running away. I had only thoughts of wonders and miracles for Lemsip, which comes in lemon, blackcurrant and various other tempting flavours in a powdered mix that you have with hot water.

My recent flu bout was a killer, confining me to the depths of my bed. I was feverish too, and naturally I felt I was living in the North Pole. My 6year-old oil-fin heater had a broken switch, something that I'd thought I'll "operate" on when I have the time. Thankfully my previous flatmate left her radiant heater behind, but that wasn't enough to heat up the whole room. So I pinched my flatmate's fan heater. She was in Chicago, and still is. I'm sure she doesn't mind.

I got worse when the bug hit me at full strength. A caring friend called to ask what drugs I was popping, and after a simple diagnosis (she's a pharmacist-to-be, you see) reckons I should throw Lemsip out the window and get something stronger for the flu, which I did when I finally mustered enough strength to change out of my pyjamas and walk to the chemist.

So when you have the flu, have yourself a box of codral and two nasal sprays - one of which is a medicated spray that helps to reduce swollen nasal membranes and helps you breathe, the other is a nasal moisturiser. Oh, the relief! That big bottle of multi vitamins was upon mum's insistence. Oh, and not forgetting tissues that are infused with eucalyptus oil. They are a must. They're gentle on the nose, ensuring you don't look like Rudolph during your sneezy moments.

Lemsip is officially out of my drug consumption list. It's trash.

With child-like expressions

I had taken countless photos in front of the iconic structure, but never ever been inside because it costs money to place your feet on its carpets. I attended Michael Buble's concert held in front of the building, but didn't consider the option for an indoor event because it costs extra to experience music at its best. And when I was offered a free ticket to see the orchestra inside the Sydney Opera House, I was over the moon. Yes I get excited about little things like that!

So this is where the Australian Idol finals is held every year, I chuckled to myself. Looking around and above me, I saw the unique overhead deco and impressive lighting that made the chamber look oh-so-magnificent.


Ahhh it was certainly a night to remember. A night where we had to gulp down our latte in five minutes, walk a few extra kilometres in the cold to our car because we didn't want to pay premium parking prices, and took numerous photos of the harbour bridge as though we were first timers in the area.

The week that wasnt to be

I don't remember the last time I have been this ill. Yes, I know I've been down with the flu countless times since March, but nothing as bad as this bout. This time, I had the whole package - sneezy nose, fever, headaches, and joint pains. I would periodically let out screams of pain, frequently crumple up eucalyptus-laced tissues, and occassionally miss my meals. I've been basically spending hours and hours in bed, while life passes by.

Sipping my favourite soy chai latte, I gaze out to sea. Waves are crushing against the rocks, letting out a mighty roar. Eagles soaring up above, wings outstretched. The sky is cloudless, pastel blue. In one corner of the restaurant is a flower stand filled with bird of paradise and gerberas. There is something mysterious about the whole flower arrangement, but the sound of jazzy Michael Buble sweeps me away into a whole new dimension. Champagne in my glass is bubble-sizzling away. Scented candles in the middle of the table are melting gracefully. The chocolate fountain is alive with sticks of fresh strawberries waiting to be dipped. Mini quiches and custard egg tarts look glorious, the smell of pastry is just heavenly.

The drugs are making me delusional.

Oh gravity!

I'm allowed to be rebellious every now and then, especially when it feels like the weight of the world is sitting on my shoulders. No, wait. That is an understatement. More like pressing down on my body and ain't letting go until I'm six feet under. I heave a BIG sigh of relief, yet I suspect you may have to return to complete your unfinished business. Until then,

• I have the utmost respect for you because you always have all the almighty answers with a quick snap of the fingers.
• I do hate it when you call for me just when I am about to go home.
• I love your humour, I really do, but sometimes I can't make out if you really are in a playful mood.
• I stopped offering my share of lunch when all you care is working to your bones.

And so, I survived the last few weeks of occasional torture and misery, oh and not forgetting to mention the frequent snort attacks without being confined to the comforts of my bed.

I do not know how I will fare next week with your absence. Perhaps I will be happier, the joys of freedom unknown. Maybe it won't be a smooth ride without you, as I am now known as the next YOU in female form with the same expectations and infinite wisdom to solve anything and everything. Oh help.

What can I say?

I'm still busy....with nothing when I have the time to do many things.

I had a checklist of house chores to do today, and I barely did any of them. Instead, I spent the whole day watching Supernatural on dvd and packing boxes of lunch in the freezer.

I had a momentary fear that my blog had been quarantined for being out of action for too long. Don't worry, rebootz, it's still here.

I am about to embark on a new journey. A whole new investment.

I took a long while trying to find where I had parked my car after last night's Hillsong rally. It was 9 degrees, and seriously not funny when you are walking alone.

Why am I even doing this?

Reading blogs on a Friday night and passing off an invite to watch Ocean's Thirteen may make me seem like an uneventful socialite. I don't mind, really. At some point in time, I need to crash and burn. Oh wait, I think I do that every week anyway.

I don't usually do this, but since I got tagged and I'm home alone, here goes.

Name one person who made you smile last night.
Ray. He wanted to visit Toys'Rus and was uber excited about the Shrek figurines/soft toys and musical toys. For your record, he's in his late forties.

What were you doing at 8.00am this morning?
Sitting in a freaking cold coater room while typing on my laptop.

What were you doing 30minutes ago?
Eating instant noodles while watching Better Homes & Gardens.

What was something that happened to you in 2006?
I broke up with my boyfriend of almost 5 years.

What was the last thing you said aloud?
Speed up and overtake Jeffo! Flash the high beam!

How many different things did you drink today?
Let's see - cappucino, apple&strawberry juice, water, pumpkin&garlic soup - so that makes 4.

What colour is your hairbrush?
Green.

What was the last thing you paid for?
A Hungry Jacks Whopper burger last night for $3.95, and I got the ice cream for free.

Where were you last night?
At Hungry Jacks, then Barbeques Galore, Toys'Rus, then back to the motel in Penrith.

What colour is your front door?
White.

Where do you keep your change?
In my purse.

What is the weather like today?
Slight chill in the morning, heard it was about 5 degrees at 6am, bright and sunny in the arvo, all better than last week's miserable weather.

What is the best ice cream flavour?
Cookies and cream

What is something you are excited about?
Music.

Do you want to cut your hair?
No I don't. I get a professional hairdresser to do it.

Are you over the age of 25?
Eeeks what kind of question is that? And why is it on the list?

Do you talk a lot?
Only with people I'm familiar and comfortable with.

Do you watch the O.C.?
Hell no. Never.

Do you know anyone named Steven?
Yes, my uncle's name is Steven.

Do you make up your own words?
Tengo says yes.

Are you typically a jealous person?
Not usually, but when I do I keep it a secret and deal with it later.

Name a friend whose name starts with the letter "A".
Angela Saik.

Name a friend whose name starts with the letter "K".
Kim Kheng.

Who's the 1st person on your received call list?
A guy from the Melbourne Post Office Money Order Enquiry Department. I hope they reimburse my money from the money order I've lost.

What did the last text message you received say?
Do you want to watch Ocean's Thirteen tonight?

Do you chew on your straws?
No, but when I'm bored I subconsciously do.

Do you have a bath?
No I have a shower. I don't use the bath tub for a bath because Chloe sometimes pees in it when I forget to clean her litter tray.

Where is the next place you're going?
To the bathroom to have a shower.

Who is the rudest person in your life?
Havent met anyone who is that rude yet, but there is a receptionist at the motel I stay who is rather moody.

What is the last thing you ate?
Instant noodles with tuna, and crumbed calamari.

Is marriage in your future?
Yes.

What is the best movie you've seen in the past two weeks?
I haven't had time to watch any movie.

Is there anyone you like right now?
The person I like most has a name that starts with the letter "J".

When was the last time you did the dishes?
Wednesday night.

Are you currently depressed?
No.

Did you cry today?
No.

Why did you answer and post this?
Because I read my brother's blog and got tagged, and I want to do something different tonight.

The latest news

Time flies extremely quickly when you are busy. At times you wonder where the time's disappeared too, other times you wonder if the time you had was spent wisely. Miraculously I have found time to write, only because I'm on a sickie today. As much as my boss is reluctant to let me recover at home due to the amount of work on my desk, I'm sure the other people in the office do not appreciate my germs. Somehow I feel sorta bad because I'm kinda using these two days to recover before I go on holidays for the long weekend. My poor colleagues have to work on Monday being a public holiday. I suppose even if I wasn't going on a holiday, I would most certainly take them off anyway.

Here's a quick little update:

>> For easter we celebrated with a film-like production, complete with popcorn chicks (erm, I was one of them) and fairy floss. The story evolved around the time when Jesus was arrested, and it was made into a journalist-type genre with the omission of Christian jargons, making it easy to understand. Well done, Creative Arts Team!

>> The week after, we had our annual Ignite youth conference. And boy, did that take off!

>> I have a new housemate. She's from the Philippines. Ironically, she lives in western sydney and is renting at my place to work in wollongong for my company during the weekdays. I, on the other hand, am working and staying in western sydney to work and the only time I see her is for a split second on Wednesday nights when I come back midweek before rushing off to church. But I know this much, that she's a Christian, loves playing with my cat and is an absolute gem! I thank God everytime a new person moves in because they have been the bestest housemates one can ever dream of. Some horror stories with stranger housemates have made me reconsider time and time again whether to continue letting random people stay next door. But I am glad that God is always looking after me!

>> What is it with the month of May? I thought August babies were plentiful, but it seems that May isn't too far away from that statistic. 21st birthday parties were in abundance last month, and they sure rocked!

>> I have misplaced a money order this week that was meant to pay my rent. Surely it can't just disappear, it must be around somewhere. I have asked for a week's extension. Please stop playing hide and seek with me.

>> Spiritual attacks. What are they? And do you know when it happens? Sometimes you're not aware of it, but they are real. Something someone shared last week at small group discussion made me realised that. Last Sunday I was rostered on to play keyboard for worship. But the moment I stood on stage, something was wrong. My mind was wandering. Stupid thoughts raced through my mind. I started slipping and hitting the wrong keys. I lost my focus and confidence. My smile disappeared. It was a spiritual battle. I had to conquer it, not only with my own strength but with God's as well. After the service, I made a quick and quiet exit, reaching home to find myself even more miserable than before. I didn't feel like going for the evening service, but somehow I felt the urge to go anyway. I gave in and went, and the senior pastor preached a word on strongholds - such a spot-on thing! 2Corinthians 10:4 says "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds". Psalms 141:3 (and with my own editing) says "Set a guard over my thoughts, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my mind."

>> I am on my way to QLD this time tomorrow! Yey! One day left to rid myself of this awful snorty nose!

From 18 to 30m

Having to work tomorrow on a Saturday totally goes against my mission in life of not doing so. But then again, I worked on Sunday just a few weeks ago, so what's the big deal? Just because. And I can.

And what's the main driver? The Great Barrier Reef.