ARGH!!!

It's bloody 0340 and I'm still awake. The reason being an insanely itchy scalp which annoyingly decided to pay me a visit just when I wanted to sleep. Tossed and turned...and scratched for what seemed ages before finally giving up.

So I went outside and took an antihistamine in hopes that it would help. Then I sat myself in front of my com and searched the net for possible causes and treatments for it.

Well, I actually already pretty much knew the causes already but just to double check. Seems like I could have developed a case of psoriasis of the scalp, or it could be ringworm, or a different presentation of eczema (which is supposedly pronounced 'eks-mah' over here). Worst case scenario would be head lice - which I'm definitely sure I don't have.
The most likely cause would be winter itch, with winter being all cold and dry after all. But it's been dry all the while I've been here so why only recently?

Whatever.

So I read up on some possible treatments which included topical steroids for the scalp (eczema treatment) and I wondered how was I supposed to get it on my scalp with all the hair around. Tea Tree Oil apparently helps with the itch as well. Then there was one which said to "massage warm olive oil into your scalp, leave for 10 mins, then wash as normal". That raised an eyebrow.

So anyway, I decided to just wash my head, hoping that that would somehow help somewhat. Then after washing I decided to try an experiment - I used my 'Dry, Scaly and Itchy skin cream' on the dry, (?scaly?) and itchy parts of my scalp. Whether or not it actually got to my scalp remains unknown though. The irony of it? Immediately after applying the cream I had to scratch my head again.

Now it's better. The itch isn't really gone, more like really dulled so it's loads more bearable. I can say I was so close to doing the olive oil thingy and just apologising to Leng Hui when she gets back (since the olive oil is hers). Man I'm so gonna go get me a bottle of anti-itch shampoo later today...assuming I'm awake at all later today.

*grumble grumble*

...

So Leng Hui has gone home for 2 weeks. And I've been under the weather lately. Not sure if it's just the cold weather or because I really am coming down with something but I've been tired out and sleeping like a bear lately...not to mention an upset stomach too.

You really don't appreciate what you have until you lose it. An all too well-known phrase yet taken for granted. Yes, I colonize the hall cuz my room is...well let's say it isn't all to comfortable for studying. So the living room becomes the place where I do most things. And Leng Hui stays in her room most of the time, studying, cooking porridge on the phone and whatnots.

I suppose I take some comfort in the fact that there is someone else in the house with me, who I can talk to and well, basically interact with even though the main time we see each other is during dinner and breakfast...and sometimes lunch at the hospital (which is not really surprising since we come home at around 5+ normally).
To cut a long(er) story short, I am feeling the loss of her presence here. Somehow the place feels the same yet different....and no, in case any of you are wondering I don't have that kind of feelings towards her.

I suppose this comes about from growing up in a family with a sibling. Although everyone has different schedules, we all come home eventually, even if it's late at night. It's no secret that I don't exactly have a good relationship with my brother but...I guess the best way to put it is that I draw some comfort from having someone else around me in the house, even if it is my brother.

I must say that this is the 1st time I'm really feeling that I'm overseas - alone and fending for myself...I wanna go home - to my family, my pets, my friends...the food :)
and the piano.
It's not all that bad I guess, there's still some people I know here. Not all of them have gone home.

~That which does not kill you makes you stronger~