January 10th, 2025
It finally snowed properly today, and I was so happy. I know you’re probably tired of hearing me talk about snow, but I can’t help it. The thought of squeezing freshly fallen snow still excites me every single time.
“I’m going to play with snow after work!” I declared, full of optimism, despite my busy schedule.
Ilham, ever the realist, said, “The snow will probably melt by 4 PM.”
I pouted at the bleak possibility but carried on, determined to catch the snow while it lasted.
This morning, I worked from home because Ilham had booked a mobile vet service for Cino, who was way behind on his vaccination schedule. I’d been nagging him about it for months, but he kept delaying until today. His solution? A supposedly stress-free mobile vet service. I was skeptical but willing to give it a try.
The appointment was set for 12 PM, but at 11:30 AM, the doorbell rang. The vet had arrived early. Ilham greeted him while I quickly wrapped up my 1:1 session with a colleague.
The vet, a middle-aged man carrying several bags, thoughtfully put on shoe covers before stepping into the house. It was such a rare gesture! Most workers, like plumbers or inspectors, just stomp around in their shoes, leaving me cringing.
Just as I was about to close my laptop, I heard a commotion. Ilham was chasing Cino around the house, trying to catch him for the vet. The chase led to the balcony, where our stressed little tiger was cornered. Poor Cino wasn’t having it. I rushed out to help, only to find Ilham nursing a fresh scratch on his neck.
“Get the liquid snack!” I instructed Ilham, as I carefully picked up Cino. He hates being pressed onto surfaces, but I’ve learned that hugging him tightly against my chest calms him down. I remembered doing the same thing on New Year’s Eve when he was startled by fireworks. It worked like magic then, and it worked again now.
While I held Cino, Ilham offered the liquid snack in his palm. Cino devoured it eagerly, completely distracted. And just like that, the vet quickly administered the vaccine. Cino didn’t even flinch! He was too busy licking the snack!
The vet noted from Cino’s vaccination book that he should have had this done back in October. Because of the delay, we’ll need a follow-up shot in a month. I couldn’t help but side-eye Ilham, who had been the one postponing it. I know Cino is an indoor cat and his risk of catching diseases is low, but as responsible cat owners, keeping his vaccines up to date is the least we can do.
After the vet left, I told Ilham, “Next time, I should carry Cino before the vet arrives.” Cino was clearly stressed from the chaotic chase, and I regretted not stepping in earlier to help Ilham handle him. But the vet came too early, and the timing was off. Lesson learned for next time.
Once Cino was calm again, I went back to work and wrapped up by 5 PM. I looked out the window, and while the snowfall had stopped, I could see some of the snow melting. Panicking slightly, I told Ilham, “We need to leave now!” I wanted to walk to the lake near our home to see if the ice had formed on the surface.
We quickly bundled up, grabbing gloves for making snowballs. But the moment I stepped out of our apartment building, I was greeted by rain; actual rain. The once fluffy snow had turned into dangerous, slushy mush.
I frowned at Ilham and sighed, “I missed it again.”
First, I was chasing Cino around the house. Then, I was chasing snowflakes outside. And in the end, it felt like the day slipped through my fingers. But at least we got Cino vaccinated, which is something to celebrate. Even if the snow got away, the little victory counts.
Nisadyr 