Giant Nebulizer

I had been (and still is) having trouble with my cough. I have the dry, heaving kind; the one the leaves you clutching your sides because your ribcage hurts after a coughing spell; the one that leaves your throat raw; the one that wakes you up at night; the one that leaves you weak.

Last Wednesday, I decided to go work already (from the fear of developing bedsores, besides, my bed could need a break from me). I spend the day "floating" around the office, trying to do as much work as I can manage, nodding off from time to time.

Wednesday night, I fetched one of my girlfriends and we went to City Lifestyles to pamper ourselves with a massage. Included in the massage is the free use of the wet floors. Hacking and coughing, I feared for a minute that they won't let me in because I was sick. But then again, this is the Philippines, so I got in.

We decided to use the steam room over the sauna or jacuzzi, we even asked the attendant to pour some eucalyptus scented water into whatever contraption that was in there to make the room smell minty. Well, well, well. We were in there for 15 minutes and what do you know, I just coughed twice, and just single barks at that! I realized that what I had at my disposal (at that time) was a giant nebulizer! With the eucalyptus scent, my nasal passageways as well as my bronchial tubes cleared up. What a treat!

My friend, who is a doctor, also noticed this. She asked what meds I have and told me to take antihistamine as well, for I may have developed symptoms similar to allergies with my cough, that's why it's dry and non productive, no matter how much expectorant I had.

I still cough like a mad dog from time to time, but the episodes are now further apart. Maybe I should have another go at that wonderful "nebulizer."

Slow Recovery

Since Thursday last week, I have been out of commission due to the flu.

Flu? I had my flu shots last year, and I believe I'm still a few days shy to a year, and I GOT flu? I'm going to sue that drug company that made that flu vaccine!

Then, a friend pointed out to me that maybe I got the flu because it is of a DIFFERENT strain. Oh. Yeah. Right. There goes my dream of being rich!

Kidding aside, I stayed home since Thursday, trying to get well as soon as possible. By Saturday I was fine. No fever, no bone-aching tiredness, nothing! I elected to stay home still so that I can fully recover. Sunday, I woke up feeling lethargic. Uh-oh. Then I started to cough. Uuuh-Oooh... then the ball started to roll. Sunday night, I was running a slight fever again, sleep was a bit hard to come by with my intermittent hacking and coughing.

Yesterday morning, I woke up feeling good. So, I dressed up and left for the office. When I got to the office, I was feeling tired already! By lunch time, I was already out of it, getting sleepy and lethargic once again. After eating lunch, I went home and slept till 6!

This morning, I woke up (late!) still feeling lethargic and with a headache, so I decided to just stay home...and probably watch Grey's Anatomy.

When Oportunities Knock

How is it that when I was actively searching for a job, there seems to be none?

Now that I am content (or so I try to convince myself) with my lot, it seems that jobs are being offered left and right, enough to make my head spin and stay up half the night trying to figure things out.

Two weeks ago, I was asked if I'd be interested in Canada. Last week, I was directed by Gigi to check out the job openings at a certain international organization, destination could be anywhere in the world. Last night, I was asked if I'd be interested in working for one of the biggest retail chain in the country.

The first job would offer better compensation and the chance to live overseas. Depending on the post I'll get, the second one could mean a chance to travel the world (or to parts of it anyway). The last one would also mean better compensation. Well, they all mean better compensation.

So, what's holding me back?

Well, the first offer would have me migrating to Canada, a country that would not be my first choice of destination (no offense to the people living in Canada) as I have this thing against COLD. And then there is also the fact that after asking me, the information stopped there. I was not able to get any more information about the "recruitment," so it could just be a fly by night company out to dupe people.

The second offer could open the world to me, it will mean leaving everybody and everything I know behind. Something I am not totally sure if I want to or can do.

The lastest offer is just better remuneration. Commuting time will be tripled, if not quadrupled. Working hours will be the same if not longer. Stress level will definitely be way up there. Extra curriculars (badmintons, dinners, movies) will be back to zero levels. For a time, things will be interesting, and then when all becomes routine, will it all be worth it?

Of the three, the third is the most practical for me; but then there's this reservation: have I still got what it takes to get there?

If I stay right where I am now, I would have the chance to develop my skills as a Medical Transcriber, something I want to do. I would have more freedom to do what I want, when I want.

Since I got cancer, my perspective have changed, so did my priorities. Living a full life is now more important to me than anything else. So the choices I make must be in harmony with that. What to do? What to do?

Stories from CDO

The weekend was fun.

I discovered that Max can easily terrorize her neighbor playmate, Shane. Shane was screaming and running for his dear life, hiding behind his nanny's back, while Max was gleefully laughing chasing Shane into a corner of the restaurant, thoroughly enjoying herself. Max's objective: to give Shane a bear hug, one that leaves him gasping for breath and hurting. When Max realized the futility of the exercise, she went around telling the guests that Shanie is hiding from her. When asked why, she quipped: He does not like me. Although, when I asked her again yesterday why Shane was hiding from her, her answer turned into "I don't know."

Last Sunday, Mom told me that she saw Max in a sort of pillow fight with the other kids and it looked like Max is having the time of her life. She can give as much as she received. Mom can't quite describe the whole scenario she witnessed but she did say that even though Max was the youngest in the bunch, she did give the older kids something to think about twice when it comes to bullying her.

Well, at least, even at this early age, Max can fend for herself. We just have to make sure that she doesn't turn into the schoolyard bully.