Random Thoughts of a Lioness: March 2005

Ramblings of a sick lion..

Hmmm, it has been a while since I manage to squeeze time to write! Well, things are kinda hectic at work..and constantly rolling my eyes everytime CW opens her mouth to say something silly is taking a toll on me.

Am still not well. Been to the doctor not once, not twice but THREE times! Yet, the cough is still with me. The good thing about it is Buster is treating me like a princess - I don't have to cook (not that I cook THAT often), I get to sleep by ten, and he rubs Vicks on my back without being asked! *Yeah, yeah, I know some of you prolly say "Hey my boyfriend/lover/spouse/sugar daddy (?!) does that everyday!". But this is my rare treat, so be happy for me ok?*

If only the doctor can give me a week off work!

The people in the office have been giving me soooo many advice on how to cure my endless coughing. Some say take lime or lemon. Some suggest honey. Oh, and of course honey lemon. But wait, NSL said lemon or lime is not good. Just take honey. Ubat Batuk Cap Ibu & Anak. No, some say the Kelapa Laut one is better. Take Fisherman's Friend. Try Strepsil. I tried them all. Trust me.

*Oh btw, did anyone else know that there is a cough drop product called Streps..and it is not Strepsil? Comot just told me about it yesterday. It is in a box instead of those packs and it is trademarked as Streps. I've been conned all these while!*

By the way, this lioness had her mane cropped last weekend! After days of complaining about split ends..I just decided to visit the neighbourhod saloon and had it chopped off. Easier to manage, faster to dry, doesn't give me the witch-like look in the morning!! And makes me appear so much younger *bats eyelashes*.

lion3ss feels: sick

It's time to leave!

Yay..it's finally 1700 hours!

Can go home now. You guys should too!

Have a great weekend.

I have so many things to vent, yet I can't seem to write 'em down.

Am in such a terrible mood this morning. I blame it on:

The appraisal sitting with CW.
Good news : She agreed that I did a rather good job the whole year round.
Bad news : I might be here a little bit longer.
Worse news : Almost all my partners-in-crime are moving out. ARRRGH! *pulls hair*

Health
Bad news : Am coughing so badly and having a sniffles.
Good news : Managed to get rid of sore throat.
Better news : It is the weekend tomorrow.

The weather
Bad news : The haze is still rather bad.
Worse news : It doesn't look like it's gonna get better anytime soon.

Sigh.. hope the day gets better.

lion3ss feels : Crappy

Me against the music

OK. Since binx has nicely asked, here it is:

1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer?

Riiiight...I think I am a dodo when it comes to this. All I know is I have (only) about 56 songs in my computer at home...I don't own a laptop and I can't download music into this office computer of mine. I have been surviving on my Discman and radio.

2. The CD you last bought?

Grammy Nominee 2005

Best of Anuar Zain & Dayang Nurfaizah.

3. What was the last song you sang to before reading this message?

Everything's so blurry, and everyone's so fake. And everybody's empty, and everything is so messed up.
~ Blurry - Puddle of Mud ~.

4. Write down five songs that you often sing to or that mean a lot to you.

Five would not do justice to the songs I love to sing and that means a lot to me!! But since it says five..let me try:

1. I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder
The first song I actually memorised. Whenever I hear the song now, it'll never fail to transport me back in time - Me..at 4 1/2, singing my heart out with Abang as my fan.

2. Numb - Linkin Park
Described my exact feeling at the time it came out.

3. I Can't Smile Without You - Barry Manillow
Very catchy tune. I fell in love with the song from the first moment I heard it. Lyrics are so simple, yet means a lot.

4. Valentine - Jim Brickman featuring Martina McBride
The melody is just so haunting! And since I secretly wish I could play the piano like him. *Errr..I mean I wish I could play the piano ..period!*

5. Patience - Guns n Roses
The first song Buster has ever dedicated to me. Since he was already in UK that time, he wrote the lyrics in a snail mail. I had to run to NKN's room and borrow her GnR collection.

And here I am cheating :

5.1. Menyemai Cinta Bersamamu - Nora
Lovely song. Lovely voice. Lovely music. Unforgettable memories.

5.2. All My Life - KCi & Jojo
The song I danced with Buster for the first time. Summer 1998.

5.3. Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Lauryn Hill version
I like the orginal version, but when I heard this..I just fell in love with it!

5.4. Jerat - Harvey Malaiholo
Form 4. Trying hard to understand add maths. The song made it bearable.

5.5 Barely Breathing - Duncan Sheik
MSM Cheras. A Level. Marvellous years.

5. Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and why?

Hmmm..I think I'll be nice. I'll just pass it to Leez since she asked. But anyone else is game to try it out. Please do.

Lion3ss Single License: Almost expired!

The past one week went verrrry slowly at first, but became better (and busier). Since Buster ditched me for his tour around zoos, harbours and beaches..I decided to do things here too!

NKN sleeps over to keep me company at home. We talk (and gossip) non-stop, and can watch all the girly shows on TV without having the boys changing the channel!

Watched Sound of Music last Wednesday with Jiji and the kids. As us ladies enjoyed ourselves, Amir slept the whole second scene away. *Yup Buster - that was how your ticket was spent!* But boy, were they good! I wish I can sing half as good as them!

I managed to get a sore throat and flu yesterday. No thanks to those people who smoked non-stop at the foyer! But no, it didn't stop me from hitting those tennis balls with the girls last night.

Oh, it definitely won't stop me from singing my heart out at tonight's Force of Nature concert!

I guess it was not too bad of a week after all.

But am I looking forward for Buster's return tomorrow night?

You betcha!

lion3ss feels : Single and lovin' it!

A Daughter's Dedication

Whenever my spirits are down
And endless troubles make me frown
There you are, watching and smiling
Never stop encouraging
Telling me to try harder, keep pushing still
Like ants, preservering to make a mole hill.

You give me the freedom I want
Never once saying 'You can't'
But at the same time keeping me at bay
Teaching me how to weigh
The good and the bad
The happy and the sad.

You made me realise what life brings
And how to appreciate the littlest of things
You told me that each cloud has its silver lining
Just like your smile that never wears thin!

And now that I'm older I see more clearly
The love and the care that you've given me
A love that's given without boundary
Although not shown to the world,
I know it's there, and it'll stay for eternity.

So Happy Birthday my dearest Dad
I pray to Allah that you are blessed
May this day fill you with gratefulness,
And all happiness and loveliness.

My one and only Aboh, you will forever be,
And I'll be your little girl as long as you want me!

lion3ss feels : LOVED

It's just another manic Monday..

Office is so quiet today. Good. Am not really feeling up to false smiles and laughing at stupid jokes.

Went out for dinner with SL last night. He figured since Kimmy ditched him to go holidaying with her mom, and Buster away in Sydney - we single folks can keep each other company over pancakes! After a whole day of volunteered *NOT voluntary* babysitting (I'd call it suicide mission actually!), it was verrry welcomed.

But guess what? I got stuck in the darn elevator for ten whole minutes! The door didn't want to open, and I keep going from B1 to G and back again. Got panicked. Phone had no signal. Called for help, and this conversation took place:

L : Help, the doors won't open.

Them : Cik, cakaplah kuat sikit. Kita tak dengar.

L : SAYA STUCK DALAM LIFT APM 2358. PINTU TAKNAK BUKAK!

Them : Ooooh, ingat apa tadi.

L : Can you please get me out from here?

T : Kejap Cik..

Five minutes passed..

L : Hello, I am still in here.

T : Tapi system says lift tu oklah Cik..

L : Saya tak kisahlah sistem kata apa. Please let me out.

T : Hold on. Nanti kita call technician. He is still rectifying another lift.

L : You mean dari tadi you tak cakap technician?!!

Another few minutes...

T : Hmm..Cik, cuba check Cik tekan tak open button?

L : WTF?! Dah, sayang. I won't be in this lift for ten minutes just for kicks, you know.

Another 3 minutes..

T : Kejap cik, technician baru nak pegi.

Door suddenly opens...

L : Hey, the door opened! OK, I'm out. Thanks.

T : Huh? Dah bukak. *whispers whispers* Kita tak buat apa apa Cik. Ajaib tu. Cik tak tekan kut tadi..(fading sounds of laughter)

*SHEESH! Some people!*

Mujo the food after that paid off. Oh, and the company too. And having dear NKN sleeping over was a wonderful treat.

Note to self : Don't ever take that lift again. Ever.

School holiday is coming, but why am I not feeling like a kid?

Just got back from the terrible jungle beneath a.k.a the shopping mall during sale time. It is a miracle I survived - especially in Vincci. Totally forgot about the sale and while I was picking up a shoe, I was joined by a mob of kiasu shoppers who would take a shoe out of your hand the moment they see hesitation!

Decided to forgo footwear. Got birthday cards for Aboh and Yong. Got enough stamps to last me for the year.. *Err, not that I write that much anyway* Passed through La Senza and drooled over nightwears. Went into the supermarket to get instant soup. Stopped by G2000 to check out suits. By the time I was ready to return to the office, the shopping crowd just got bigger. Stupid me, I forgot that this scene is so very familiar because:

1) It's Friday

2) It's lunch time

2) It's the Mega Sale Carnival

3) It is after all, a shopping mall *duh!*

Imagine going through this same scene next week, only that it'll happen EVERY DAY. When we get to see school kids running loose, and teenagers trying to act older than their age *sheesh*. The only silver lining to this is that driving to work will be a breeze.

Talking about holidays, those brats are not the only lucky ones. Buster will leave tonight on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Land Down Under. No doubt he'll be in training, but the idea of being anywhere but here is so, so tempting. Unfortunately, office duties *yuck* and financial restraint *ever yuck-ier* stopped me from tagging along *sigh*. Thank goodness it'll be just for a week. I shouldn't complain really. At least he leaves me the most 4 times a year, and a maximum of 3 weeks each time. Abang leaves IJ every other week, EllyB is practically living alone and Elisa is missing her hubby everyday. I should count my lucky stars and stop whining everytime he goes away. *hangs head in shame*

Well, it's Friday and I should be more alive than this. Oooh, ooh, good news - CW just approved my leave for next Friday..and okay-ed the idea of me going on a longer one in April *Yeah, yeah I know it's still far, but just be happy for me, ok?*

Wonderful weekend, folks!

Hmm..interesting..

You Are a Life Blogger!

Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary.
If it happens, you blog it. And (try to) make it as entertaining as possible.

What kind of blogger are you?

A mournful Sunday..

From the first time I laid eyes on her that day, I was smitten. Those beautiful light brown eyes just won me over..

I took her into my life, and the lives of the people who are dear to me. She became part of the family..although not related by blood.

She brightened everyone's day, greeting us when we reach home, listening when we're in the dumps.

Oh, but how she hated the thunderstorm, always running in to seek solace and comfort on the brown sofa near the door!

She taught the little ones about responsibility and loyalty, and for that, I am really glad.

She started being sick last October, she was feverish and had started losing her hair. When we came back from Terengganu, we saw her lying down with swollen feet and infected skin. The doctor said she would be better off admitted, and monitored for a week or two.

No expenses were spared. We did tests for AIDS, leukemia, cancer - the works. They couldn't find anything except that her immune system is attacking her own body. We left her to recover for 3 weeks.

She came back healthier than before, but not quite the same. She took longer naps and no longer have the zest for life as before. It was sad looking at her that way, but we wished for her to get better.

A month after, she fell sick again. Same symptoms, same condition. This time she was admitted for 2 weeks, and they found out that she is suffering from a rare disease. Apparently, it happens to one in a thousand. The only way was to give her steroids to build her immunity.

As the months pass by, the disease has spread into her blood system. We became a regular at the hospital. 'Systemic Lupos' the doctor told us. More drugs, higher dosage of steroids. And everytime the dose increases, it shortens her life span. She no longer goes out with us, and even walking around at home wears her out easily. The only time we get to see her active is when we talk to her.

Last week, even before her prescription finished she fell sick again. The drugs are not working anymore. Next step is to use a stronger one.

I couldn't do that to her. What kind of life is she living depending on drugs. It fills my eyes to see her sick all the time. It shatters my heart to know that she'll never be herself anymore. And the agony she goes through.

Plus, I am not always there. It was different when I was still living there, but now I only see her 2-3 days a week. Having people looking after her is one thing, but knowing we can't do anything to make her pain go away is another.

I had to make a decision - to agree with the expert's suggestion.

You'd think you're strong enough, as you've lost your furry bundles of joy in front of you a couple of times. But nothing could prepare you for the pain of making the decision to put your cat to sleep.

Rest in peace Socks. I am so, so sorry.

Food, glorious food!

Aaaah, the bliss of having wonderful, scrumptious meals without having to fork out anything. Not a twinge of guilt, just pleasure as you sink your teeth into each morsel of food. *drooling*

The past three days have been filled with eating, bowling, presents, eating, meeting friends and..err.. eating. So much for my wish to have a quiet dinner with Buster on my birthday! On Monday, Woody, SL and Kimmy took me out for dinner. We had sushi *plenty of it!* and out of guilt for pigging out - we went on to bowl. Not quite an easy feat when you are full to the max and still wearing you office attire!

Note to self 280205 : Need to skip lunch tomorrow.

1st of March came by quietly, with Gemini being the first person to text me her wishes. *By the way, thanks. Otherwise Buster wouldn't even realised it was twelve!* Although I was dying to go on leave that day, Crazy Woman was panicking since she hasn't done her reading for the BIG meeting and insisted that I'd be in the office. Thank God it wasn't us who had to submit a paper this time! Mrs Chip took me out for lunch and a session of gossip *but or course!*

Note to self LUNCH010305 : Not to eat chicken again for the next one month. Oh, and no carb tonight.

Came back about 1945 and realised that the in-law brigade took over the dinner plans. Nan Jatt, the big towkey even got a cake on top of dinner. No surprise that the kids took over the celebration from then on. Lil Nanum even told everyone at the restaurant it was HER birthday*grin* . And errmm..I believe the choc cake was 'sprayed' when they try to blow the trick candle *euwww*. Food was excellent - had rounds and rounds of it!

Note to self EVENING010305 : Go running tomorrow. And skip lunch (again).

By the way, I did not skip lunch..again. Accompanied EllyB to tapau. (I mean, how could I say no to an expecting mom?!) No, i wasn't her idea. No, she did not twist my arm. Yes, I am guilty for eating the beef bowl all by myself. *hangs head in shame*

Last night, Buster decided to take me out since our earlier plan were overidden. He planned to take me for crabs, but an hour before I had a change of hearts. I wanted Indian cuisine instead. Buster got all exasperated, and asked me to make up my mind in 5 minutes. He said he had 'mentally' prepared himself for seafood *rolls eyes*. But it got rather fishy since he made several trips to the toilet with his phone.

Note to self PREDINNER 020305 : Buster is acting suspicious. Need to check his phone for evidence.

We reached the old Subang airport about 2030 hours. And since we couldn't find parking, I proposed to go to another restaurant. He said no, he made bookings. Then walking into the place, I saw them. Kerry and Anne. And a table for 8. It was a surprise dinner! Buster planned this with them about 2 weeks ago. Only that they had to change the plan to a day later. A few minutes later, NKN appeared. Zane came half an hour after. The only people missing were Aefy and hubby - they couldn't make it since they couldn't get a last minute sitter for Sarah. *frown*

It was a great dinner. Endless stream of veggie and seafood, and the ever-so-delicious sweet and sour crab, eaten with those yummy fried buns. Heaven! And of course, the wonderful company..the people that have been in my life through everything. What else can a girl ask for?

Oh, when we reached home, a bowl of Mak Munik's Assam Laksa was waiting for me on the table. How can I resist?

Note to self POSTLASKSA 020305 : Never, ever imply to the helpers you 'rugi' not having dinner when you're eating outside.

Today, the department is throwing lunch for SeM, Imma and myself. More food..more sweets. Weekend - Abang and T plan for dinner PLUS 4 weddings to attend. Diet? Huh, what diet? *crumples the diet plan resolution* Thank goodness birthdays only come once a year.

And thank God TZ and Oys insist on having that tennis session this evening.

Note to self 030305 : Do not overeat during lunch. Start running again tomorrow. Buy that aerobics video. FORBID Buster to dangle sinful food in front of me. For God's sake - have some self control, woman!

What? Lunch is ready?

Pandan chicken you say?

Oh, and cream caramel?

*runs off to the pantry*

God help me.

Random Thoughts of a Lioness

About Me

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Ramblings of a sick lion..

Friday, March 25, 2005

It's time to leave!

I have so many things to vent, yet I can't seem to write 'em down.

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Me against the music

Friday, March 18, 2005

Lion3ss Single License: Almost expired!

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

A Daughter's Dedication

Monday, March 14, 2005

It's just another manic Monday..

Friday, March 11, 2005

School holiday is coming, but why am I not feeling like a kid?

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Hmm..interesting..

Monday, March 07, 2005

A mournful Sunday..

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Food, glorious food!