floppy boot disk
 

do i really need to use the floppy every time i want to load slackware?

No, you can install LILO as boot loader on your hard-drive and you won't need a floppy disk.

i did install lilo.. it did it automatically for me

Did you installed it to MBR?
Run as root: liloconfig
Choose the options again and install it to the MBR.
I don't remember now, but maybe you have to choose expert mode to get that option.