Xeyli’s Newest Ramblings of Nonsense

What happened

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:52:28 -1000

*** Note: if you get emotional over the loss of family (pets are family!), you might not want to read this.***

What happened with Puka. it's been a week, and it's still really hard to think about. She was so young still... not a very full life, but I know we gave her a much better (and longer) life than she would've gotten out in the streets, or with the Crazy cat lady.

When we got Puka, she had all kinds of diseases and after several different medicines, including a stinky sulfur dip, she got through it. I think this experience had weakened her immune system.

about a month ago, she was acting very lethargic... very unlike her active kitten self. This was not long after Cassie and Britt came to visit us. We took her to the vet, and we gave her antibiotics. she didn't show any improvement, so the next week they switched the antibiotics and the vet said she might have toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease which felines are the main hosts. the most likely way she got it was transmission from her mother while a fetus. that wouldn't surprise me, since she had all kinds of problems anyway. Toxoplasmosis causes flu-like symptoms (she had a fever), muscle aches (which would explain the lethargy), and in animals with weaker immune systems, it can cause eye damage or worse.

So, for a month, we took Puka to the vet once a week. mid-month, her eyes got cloudy and we had noticed they were always dilated. this made it even more likely to be toxoplasmosis. we kept up the antibiotics and also eyedrops.

Puka seemed to be getting better. she was more active (not at the level as before, but she was walking around and greeting us at the door like before) and was eating and drinking more. then... a day before her fourth vet visit, she seemed to stop eating and reverted back to the whole lethargic thing. she was still drinking water, but not getting any real food. Mike tried to force feed her before taking her to the vet, but didn't succeed.

the vet said Puka seemed to get through the toxoplasmosis okay; her eyes weren't cloudy anymore and her eyes were also not as dilated as before. her sinuses were all clogged up (she was breathing heavily through a stuffed up nose) and her eyes started to get a little goopy. the vet said she got a secondary bacterial infection, and in her weakened state, she wasn't doing so well. the vet recommended feeding her soft foods, like baby food and kitten milk.

I got home that night with the baby food and kitten milk, but when I saw her... I couldn't stop crying. she looked so weak and she was crying in a painful way. I sat with her and Maile and Blair came over to keep me company before Mike could get home from work. I force fed her some of the baby food. she kept wanting to sleep and I would feed her in intervals. slowly, it seemed like she was getting back some energy (it started getting a little more difficult to feed her 'cuz she would squirm and bat her paws to get free).

Mike got home and Maile and Blair left. we fed her a little more and gave her some water. I fell asleep for a few hours and during that time Mike fed her again.

around 3am, Mike began to give Puka her antibiotics. this is when it got really rough... as Mike finished feeding her the medicine, Puka started to go into a seizure. all I could do is watch. Mike put her down on the floor and let her convulse, and then she stopped breathing for a bit... but Mike rubbed her down and she started breathing again.

after that... Puka was all disoriented... trying to walk away, hobbling and not going in any particular direction. I started crying and getting a bit hysterical. I couldn't take seeing her in so much pain anymore. Mike tried keeping her still, but she still kept trying to move away.

I called the VCA in Waimalu and I explained to them the situation, and then told them we wanted to put down our kitty. I didn't want to, but I also didn't want to see her suffering anymore. It really reminded me of what we went through with Kinky. it didn't seem like it was serious until the very last couple of days. everything just accelerated exponentially, and all we could do was comfort her and make her last moments easier on her.

We got back from the VCA around 4:30am. I told Mike to throw away every cat thing in the house. Toxoplasmosis can be passed through feces, so the first things to go were the litter boxes.

we still have her toys around, scratch post (she never did use that thing), food dishes... we'll probably keep the scratch post, but I'm pretty sure everything else is going into the trash.

I really didn't want to have to go through this again... so soon... that was the risk we took with adopting from a lady who catches feral cats from who knows where and then medicates them herself and says "it's all good."

We'll adopt another kitten, but not sure when. or from where. everytime I go to the Humane Society, they are all out of kittens. now I'm wary of adopting from foster homes... maybe it's just this one lady that seemed to not really pay much attention to whether the kittens she brings in have lots of diseases or not.

Puka was such a pretty kitty. her colors were so unique. I really miss her cute self.

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Tings on Tuesday - 7/1/2008

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:41:45 -1000

Wow... July already. Damn, time is going by fast.

Loathing:

people! and their horrible driving!! Just last week, a 54-year-old man was killed when he was clipped by another vehicle in a merge (the driver of the other vehicle apparently didn't see him, but at the same time the 54-year-old man didn't slow down when his lane was merging into the other lane). I was almost hit by someone switching into my lane because I just happened to be in their blind spot and they didn't bother looking. Come on people... this is elementary driving rules.
not having a weekend. I have to admit, it was exciting and all, but I was so exhausted after the whole thing. There wasn't any real time to relax this weekend.
Puka likes Mike more than me.
Mike throwing shit around when he's mad. Yeah, for those who know Mike but don't know him THAT well... you don't see his angry side. He starts swearing non-stop and will throw things. it's not fun.

Loving:

the end result of the busy weekend. We did our Swap Meet Sale on Sunday (and preparations on Saturday), and we raised a good deal of money for our Concert Fund. Next project: Ala Moana Center Stage performance, with possible t-shirt sales and/or donations.
Doctor Who. It's coming to the end of the season, which is sad, but it's pretty damn exciting. Quite a bit of suspense... can't wait to see what happens in the season finale!
Captain Jack Harkness in the Doctor Who two-part season finale! Need I say more?
Bayfest on Sunday. Everclear and LiVE coming to perform. I'm not a huge Everclear fan, but I used to be a huge LiVE fan. Not as much now, but the one concert in Houma, Louisiana is still fresh in my memory as one of the best concerts I've seen. There's gonna be quite the photo opp.... and Mandy might be able to get backstage passes. not sure yet, but still hoping to get it :)
designing the Hawaii Gagaku Society 40th Anniversary t-shirt.

Designproposed

We're going to be placing an order very soon. Anyone out there want to order one? They will be sold for $12. The front left chest image is my dad's signature drawing, what he uses when he writes to friends and family.
not sticking to a strict diet, yet keeping weight regulated. I couldn't stick to the 11 Day Diet while working the Swap Meet... it was just soooo crazy. I'm still keeping the complex carbs to a minimum.

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Things on Tuesday - 6/10/08

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:48:51 -1000

Stupids:

still sucking at finances. I have to get on it and start saving more, while paying off debt at the same time.
not having enough time in the day. Some days are empty of activities, and then there are other days where every activity is shoved into a short amount of time like a bunch of clowns in a car. Or maybe it's like the train attendant in Japan, with his shoving stick.
not being able to eat pasta. I've been on the 11 Day Diet again, and currently on Day 8. I miss pasta and marinara sauce.
boss visits. The president and vice president of the company are visiting next week to perform interviews for the now-vacant Assistant Project Manager position. Those will be long days for me.
fucking up on the Rock Band contest. bah. I'm mostly over it, but I still feel bad for messing up.

Fun Times:

being on Day 8 of the 11 Day Diet - it is all veggie day. I love veggies. And Day 8 means only 3 more to go!
Father's Day dinner will be catered Buca di Beppo. I'll be off the diet by then, and I'll have some pasta, yay.
salsa. It would be better with chips, but salsa is an allowed condiment, so I have been eating my veggies with salsa.
having a fairly smart and tolerant kitty. Puka knows her name, which is good. She plays along with Pistol Kitty (since she's not big enough for Shotgun Kitty yet). Although I'm having difficulty typing this entry due to her curiosity of everything that moves and/or makes noise.
finding my iPod connector so I can add new playlists to my iPod. I also added more music to it (recently came across a CD folder), so new playlists are nice.
new season of Venture Bros. has started!

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One more

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:23:56 -1000

I forgot about this video. I had to upload it to MySpace because it's too large for Vox.

Puka chasing the mouse cursor

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Puka pic update

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:58:04 -1000

Here's more uploaded pics of the kitty:

Puka attacking daddy

Puka - sulfur bath #4

Puka - Quick Phone shot

Puka playing with daddy

Puka - I'm busy watching TV!

Puka - chewing on daddy's finger

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Tings on Tuesday - 6/3/08

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:19:24 -1000

I Loathe:

hot weather. especially with the sun shining bright... that's the worst. Currently, it's in the mid-80s, but at least it's cloudy.
waking up late. I'm trying very hard to get to work on time, but it's not working out.
unpredictable traffic. This does not help the waking up late thing. This morning, there was a 5-car accident that backed up traffic for a good 12 miles, and that traffic lingers for a quite a while. What normally takes me 20 minutes to get to work took me 1 hour. It's been worse.
gas prices. My car is a 1997, so I use premium gas, which the cheapest I've seen today was $4.189/gal. Just last week was the first time I had seen the price of gas change IN THE SAME DAY. This is madness.
bills. They never end!
feeling stuck/trapped.

I Love:

Rock Band parties! I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. I actually have evidence of a party this time.

Last time, I didn't really have a chance to take many pictures.
making people feel happy.

happy birthday mary cake

We made a little birthday party for Mary (joint with the Rock Band party), and she was happy.
narcoleptic kitty. Puka is so active, running around and attacking everything that moves, so when she gets tired... she just passes out.

passed out, arms in the air

it's funny.
feeling like I'm accomplishing something. The Hawaii Gagaku Society is having their 40th anniversary this year, and the 40th anniversary concert is in August. We have special guests coming from Japan, the Nihon Gagaku-kai (Japan Gagaku Society). Each time they come here, they always pay for all their expenses. This time, we are trying to raise funds to help pay for their transportation and entertainment. I'm in charge of the Swap Meet Sale, which is our first big fund raiser project. With that said, if anyone (in Hawai'i) has items they wish to donate to us, let me know and I'll gladly pick it up from you (so long as it isn't too bulky).
having a clean house. It won't last for long, because we're lazy and we tend to leave things lying around... but it's nice when it is clean.
my new Kyocera ceramic santoku knife. it works really nicely. I haven't had a sharp knife in a long time.
vegetables. especially when they are grilled with Korean barbecue sauce.
sleeping.

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Tuesday - 5/27/08

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:56:49 -1000

Boo!

missing Towel Day.
motion sickness.
not having enough time on vacation to Maui.
Puka's eye infection healed... only for the other eye to start looking infected.

Yay!

getting some pretty nice pictures from Maui. to be posted later, when I have more time.
actually having some real work to do.
spending an entire weekend with Mike (and he didn't go to work).
spicy poke and rice for lunch.
one more step closer to getting Puka all healed and de-parasited. vet visit today, hopefully get her tapeworm meds (she's gotten a lot bigger since the last time I took her to the vet).

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Puka Update

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:56:54 -1000

For those of you who like seeing pictures of cute little kitties, here you go.

Being cute is tiring

Assisting mom in updating Vox

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I KNEW it had to be a mistake

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:51:07 -1000

We're going to Maui this weekend, and these were plans that we had before we got a kitten that needs medication. I had talked with my old boss, who is also a former vet tech, and she offered to petsit at any time, so I asked if she could watch Puka when we were on Maui. She said no problem.

Of course I should've guessed that she wouldn't be on the island. It's a long weekend, which usually means her and her family goes on a trip somewhere. I thought it was too good to be true when she said she could do it.

Now... I am calling different places to see if there's someone who can watch Puka for the weekend.... this sucks.

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Belated Things on Tuesday - 5/14/08

nobody@vox.com(Xeyli) — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:15:43 -1000

I completely forgot about posting.

Boo!:

parasites. they are cramping our style here. my friend's kids want to see Puka, but I won't let them until she gets closer to being parasite-free. I let adults see her, but make sure to keep a bottle of Wet Ones handy, just to be on the safe side.
not having inspiration. I haven't opened up my sketch book in a month, maybe more. I haven't been inspired to do anything. I don't like this. I want to be able to pick up and draw whatever. it doesn't happen.
haven't been to the gym in over a week. since getting Puka, I've been bringing her to work, keeping he company and making sure she's doing okay. plus, I have to give her eye ointment twice a day (although we've been slacking a little on this, but I keep up as best I can). I miss going to the gym. I'm gonna start up next week for sure, when I start leaving Puka at home.
gas prices.
cost of living in Hawai'i.
constant reminders that I will never get to live anywhere but here. Pearl Harbor is celebrating its 100th anniversary. It is now being considered somewhat of a "national treasure" and so they will be doing upgrades and such... so it just reminds me of how stable Pearl Harbor is, compared to Puget Sound or San Diego. I'll never get to move.
unresponsive property managers and maintenance crew. Last week, I went to the restroom, and one of the toilets was clogged. I went to use the other one, and a lady came in and flushed the clogged toilet... causing it to overflow. The water started spilling all over the floor and I had to lift up one leg to avoid it. yuck. I called the property manager to get the maintenance guy out to fix it. I had to LEAVE A VOICE MAIL FOR HER. and you know what? I don't think they have mopped the floor yet. I think it air-dried and they didn't clean up the floor, because there are still little bits of toilet paper near the drain on the floor. double yuck.

Yay!:

kitty getting bigger and keeping very active. Puka naps a lot, like all cats, but she runs around and pounces her toys and our feet and crumpled pieces of paper... she's a lot of fun.
getting my teeth cleaned by the oral hygienist. I love the feeling of freshly cleaned teeth.
Indian food. I took my mom and brother (his birthday is May 12) to Maharani for dinner on Sunday night. Luckily we got there early enough to avoid standing in line (they don't take reservations). I forgot to take pictures... oh well, I guess I'll just have to go again!
word games. I like word games.
my boss. he's a really laid back guy who understands that, when there isn't any work going on, there isn't any work going on.
getting ready for parties. we're having a going away party for my boss on Friday night, at the assistant manager's house. Saturday, there's a party out in Hawai'i Kai. We also have a Rock Band Party for the end of the month.
sleeping in. I slept 'til 11:30 on Sunday. it was nice.
spending money AND helping someone at the same time. we've decided to use part of our stimulus package to buy my boss' television. it's a big screen tv and he's selling it for less than what he paid for it, even though he's only had it for about 5 months. I was hoping to get it for a little less than that, but I think he's a little cheap and doesn't realize used items don't hold their value like they should. oh well.. it's helping him out.

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