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.