I Likey!

In the past couple of months, I somehow managed to go through two cellular phones. Both gave up and died on me.


It was nice to be out of reach for a couple of days, but then people would chew on me about being incommunicado. All right, all right, time to shop for a new phone.


I have always been a Nokia user, so I shopped around for a new phone. Hhmmm, the 6300 model looks good - nice, clean lines and it looks sturdy - and then I noticed that most of the employees' phone in the office is that exact model. Okay, scrap that.


Then, I stumbled upon the 6500. I likey! The classic and not the slide; the bronze and not the black. Problem is, it's not in stock. What to do? So after verifying that no dealer has any stock of it, and since I vowed not to compromise anymore, I decided to wait for the stocks to arrive; but then again, I REALLY need that phone.


A brilliant idea hit me then. I walked into a cellphone store in Greenhills and asked for the cheapest phone they have. I got a basic phone at PhP1,600.00. Brand new, no frills. I likey!

My Little Christmas Tree

Since my parents got a Christmas tree, I am the default person to set it up during Christmas. Year after year, I would set up the tree. Even when I started college, when I go home for the Christmas break, I would find the tree waiting for me to set it up.

The tree grew dilapidated as the years pass, soon, we stopped putting up the tree or any Christmas decorations all together. My mom asked me to stop putting up the tree since I would come back to Manila and leave the tree still set up. Mama is left with the task of keeping the ornaments and the tree. I guess keeping the tree is not as fun as setting it up.

With each passing year, I find Christmas becoming more and more tedious, with all the traffic, the shopping, the expense, and inconveniences. I have become a scrooge. Although from time to time, I would toy with the idea of getting a tree and put it up together with some Christmas decors; but the thought of having to put away what I set up is no great incentive to follow through on my thoughts.

This year, my bosses' mom gave me a Christmas gift. What do you know? I think it was perfect. A tree the comes complete with ornaments, and best of all, I can keep it in a snap of a finger. My little Christmas tree is now set up - over the door to the bedroom.

What do you know? I have my Christmas tree! =)

3 Strikes and We're Out!

Tact (n) 1. skill in dealing with others, especially in delicate situations. 2. intuitive perception of the right thing to do or say. That was the definition of the word tact by the Pocket Oxford Dictionary.

Last Sunday, after attending the engagement party luncheon of our cousin, Olive and I went to visit a friend of my Mom's who just came out from the hospital. There was a brief feeling of weirdness as we visited "auntie" by ourselves. The usual scenario is that Mom would be there.

The following are some of the conversations we have during the visit:

Strike 1:
Auntie turned to me and asked "Well, are you?" (this is the polite way of the Chinese to ask whether you're pregnant or not)
Me: Me? I'm not the one who got married!
Auntie: Yes, yes, I know. So, are you?
Me: No, of course not!
Auntie: Why not?
Me, in thought balloon: Why is she being so mean?
Then it dawned upon me that she is asking if I am to follow Olive's footsteps and get married! Geez!

Chat some more.

Strike 2:
Auntie: Wait, let me just call my daughter in Davao.
Auntie calls and when her daughter came on line, she passed the phone to me!
Me, in thought balloon: Huh?

So, I talked to her daughter for a while, then when she asked about Olive, I passed the phone to Olive. Hehehe, I'm just as bad.

More small talk with Auntie while Olive's on the phone with the daughter.

Strike 3:
Auntie to me: You have such nice teeth (finally! something nice!), are those for real?

We ended our visit shortly after that.

Advise from Dad on Being Single

When I was talking to my Dad a couple of weeks back, he was telling me about what he wanted me to do with my life. He gave me plenty of advise, but I was quite amused when he said:

"My dear daughter, I sincerely do not think that you should get married at all."

Huh? Is that Dad talking? Then came the reason:

"Because if you get married at this point in your life, you will just be a caregiver!"

Funny, isn't he?

Getting Rid of Stress

Stress is not good for me, or anyone for that matter, because it may be a huge factor in triggering a recurrence. So, I am reducing the stress factors in my life.

First, I got rid of the biggest stress of my life – my job at MPFC! Hooray! Good riddance. I also got rid of having to work with the most evil person I know in my life.

On the new job, the stress level is okay. Hell, compared to the previous job, this job is calming! People here have respect for and are decent to each other. No underhanded tactics just to get ahead or just to look good for the moment with the higher ups. Breathing is a lot easier and there’s no more elephant sitting on my chest when I wake up each morning.

I now work in Makati. I commute to and from work, a tricycle ride from home to the MRT station; then the MRT; and finally, another jeep ride to the office. To unwind, I would walk from the office to the MRT station on my way home (it’s too hot to walk from the station to the office in the morning), then, the MRT ride, and another tricycle ride (by this time, I am too tired to walk home from the MRT station – I have so many excuses, no?).

After dinner and washing up, I would relax, by listening to my neighbors sing – Haha! Kidding! I would either watch compiled TV series on DVD or bake (when there are orders), or both.

Weekends would be spent on cleaning house, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and an occasional meet up with friends. Quite domesticated, am I not?

Mental note to me: I should incorporate in watching movie – it’s been one of my tricks in de-stressing.

On the Flip Side

October 25, 2007

Three years ago today was when I did a self-breast exam and palpated the tumor on my left breast. Since then I went through the rigors of a cancer patient. Today, I am a survivor, lucky enough to be living each day as they come and appreciating life even when it sucks. I have bounced back from the sickness. I’d like to declare that I have licked it, but to do so would be foolish and presumptuous. It is enough that I can declare at this moment that I am healthy, with no signs of recurrence. I am happy with that.

In 2006, my Dad was diagnosed to have cancer too. He underwent surgery but did not have chemotherapy or radiation. He underwent hormone treatment, but did not respond to it, so we tried another drug. Thankfully, he responded; but the side effects of the drug put quite a toll on him. He can hardly eat and he has a hard time moving about, a far cry from the vibrant man living a full life.

I was the patient and now, I am on the other side – I am the relative of a cancer patient. I hate to imagine what the rest of the family went through and is going through (especially Mom), first with me, and now with my Dad. The emotional impact and the stress must be overwhelming. At the risk of sounding selfish and stupid, I think it was easier when I was the patient; the stress was much easier to cope with then.

Cancer of any kind is one sickness that I would not wish upon even the worst of my enemies.

Habla Español?

I had Spanish classes in high school and in college, but somehow language has never been my forte, so I quickly forget.

I am into watching mini series or tv series nowadays. Of late, I was into Boston Legal. For the first season, I had the first twelve episodes, and then nothing. It seemed like it's not complete, so I searched the net and found that there are indeed 17 episodes in the first season. Oh, boy.

I was finally able to get a copy on the remaining episodes, and when I played it, all the characters are speaking in Spanish! Shoot! I hate that! I wish I could understand Spanish but sad to say: no hablo Español. Did I get that right?

The Joys of Baking

When I was a kid, I used to spend some weekends baking with Mom. Being the older girl, I was the one Mom dragged into helping her with baking while little sister Olive's out playing with friends and neighbors. Sometimes, I think it was unfair; but most of the times, I liked it.

Heck, I liked baking more than cooking. Given a choice, I'll slave over a hot oven than a hot wok.

It used to be on weekends Olive and I would unwind by going to the malls and drool over all those stuff that we covet (both little and so much). Nowadays, I usually find myself just spending the weekend at home, doing housework, surfing the net, watching DVDs, etc.

A couple of weeks back, I decided to break out the electric oven (read: big oven toaster or a micro oven) I won during one of the Christmas parties a few years ago. I looked for recipes in the internet and armed with a list of ingredients, I went to the grocery to get them. My first project: brownies or cookies - something uncomplicated.

When I was at the aisle that displayed the baking needs, I was so overwhelmed with the choices. After almost ten painful minutes of walking back and forth that aisle trying to decide what brand, how big, and how many to buy, I finally simplified everything and got one of those pre-mixed packs! *LOL*

I followed the instructions at the back of the box, and voila! I have brownies. I gave some to Olive and Jerome, and they loved it. Jerome called them non-stop brownies, for when he started popping one (I cut them into bite size pieces) into his mouth, he can't stop; sort of like Pringles, but just brownies.

Next projects: Chocolate Chip Cookies and brownies, with real ingredients that I have to put together this time. ;-)

Fat Migration

Olive and I used to kid each other that when one of us is getting thin, the other would be getting fat; as if the fat cells in us are just going from one body to another. True enough, if she gains weight, I would lose some and vice versa.

When Olive got married and move out, in a matter of 2 weeks, I gained weight! Hhmm...could it be because the fat has nowhere to go? I told Olive this and she confessed that she might have gained some weight, too.

I guess the commute from Quezon City to Pasig City is just a tad too much for the fat cells; and so they stay put.

Mr. QT's Assistant

Last Monday, I had a hard time waking up - for I know it is going to be the start of another five days of work.

After a couple of snoozes, I stood up, showered, and picked up my friend who will be hitching a ride with me to Manila. As usual, I passed through Tomas Morato. It was there when I noticed this heavily tinted black Expedition crawling along, as if looking for a good place to have breakfast. I overtook the Expedition.

The light changed to red when I reached the Morato-Roces intersection, so I stopped. The black Expedition came up alongside and stopped too. Nothing weird - until the windows of the Expedition rolled down, and I saw a high powered rifle with a silencer stick out of the window! How I knew it to be high powered, I don't know, I just know it is.

Next thing I knew, the rifle was directed towards our car and then TSUB! TSUB! two shots were fired. In slow motion, I saw the rifle being aimed at me, and then I felt both shots piercing my chest and lodging in my heart. I heard my friend screaming. I saw the windshield shatter, I saw the spray of my blood, I saw the Expedition speeding away. I felt immense pain in my chest and then my eyes rolled and I felt no more.

I opened my eyes, checked for holes in my chest, and upon finding none, I stood up, showered, and went to work. Goodness.

What a vivid dream! It's like a scene from Quentin Tarantino's movie. I could be his assistant!

Oh, by the way, I haven't met any black Expeditions along the way since. ;-)

Pseudo Submarine

Last weekend should herald the start of rainy season here in the Philippines. It has been raining everyday since last Saturday. Five more days of rain, and it would be "official."

Last night, I detoured to Greenhills to pick up Olive. I was there around 6:55 PM, coming from field work, I was able to get to Greenhills early. By 7:10, Olive and I were on our way home. Rain started to drop around 6:45; by 7:20, I cannot see past 2 feet in front of me, the rain was pouring as if a bucket (a VERY big one at that) opened the heavens and was tipped over the city.

Boyd is a '92 Civic Hatchback, with 13" rim tires, lower than most cars since it is "sporty." Well, Boyd proved his ability at swimming last night, wading through flood waters, threatening at one point to quit, but with a little sweet talk (and lots of prayers), we were able to make it home all right. Whew!

Timog (street? avenue?) was the dividing line, we were three blocks from home and yet cannot cross flood waters that would be half the height of Boyd. Boyd is a swimmer, almost but not quite a submarine yet.

There was a point that I parked in a mall in Quezon Avenue, deciding to have dinner while going to wait for the flood waters to go down a bit. What do you know? The only eating place in the compound is Chowking! Of all the luck. I tried (really I did!), but I can't bring myself to order. Olive took pity on me, and after going to the little girls' room, we decided to try our luck again. We retraced our route, and were lucky enough to get to another restaurant a block away, where we finally had our dinner...anywhere but Chowking! Hehehe.

I started out at 6PM and finally got home at 10 PM in my psudo-submarine. Go, Boyd!

How Sweet

I have seen enough of broken marriages and relationships turning sour that it kind of puts me off the idea of being committed. I live in Asia, more specifically, in the Philippines - here, it is weird if you are my age and is still single. People constantly ask and speculate as to why you are still single at this point in life. You'd get questions and opinions of all kinds - ranging from "maybe you're too picky" to "Are you gay?" Seriously! I am such a cynic, or perhaps that is just my excuse for still being single.

Personally, I can't picture myself being married, more so now after I got sick.

Last Friday, I witnessed the other side of marriage, the joyful side, that is. I saw how a couple can miss one another so, I saw that one of the strongest foundation of a couple's relationship is friendship. I never thought I will ever witness that kind of sweetness from a couple who is married for almost 25 years. 25 years and they act like they're still dating. Wow.

So, to those who are getting married and who are married, I think that if you don't forget your friendship, and top that with unconditional love, you pretty much have it made.

The Office Bitch

People are bugging me about writing an entry. Well, it indeed has been a month since I last posted. How time flies, even if you are miserable.

Well, I finally finished the transcription that was given to me six months ago...heeheehee...hurrah!

I have been enjoying my badminton games. I can play longer now without tiring easily. Another hurrah!

On the downside, work just sucks. I nearly got fired because of office politics, but that's all water under the bridge. I was accused of being slack in my job. ME???? NOT WORKING???? All those who know me can say that I could be accused of being a workaholic but never a slacker. All those who have worked with me can vouch that I can and do work that is assigned me and then some, sometimes more than some; but NOT working??? Are we talking of the same person?

Anyway, the real deal is coming to light. I have proven my detractor wrong (the bitch!); and that all the things that I am claiming are indeed true. Thing is, the bitch still has the upper hand, being part of the ExCom and the saddest part of all, having the President's ear. Hmmmm....

Last Friday, I finally blew my top and had a shouting match with the bitch. Actually, I just had to raise my voice over hers so that I could be heard. Sometimes, I really wonder what am I doing in that company, talking to dysfunctional people.

This morning, the bitch got into the office after I did, and she was greeting me oh so sweetly, making small talk. I answered oh so sweetly but inwardly, I was cringing and gagging. My boss, the COO, told me to improve my people skills. She told me to act like a salesman, especially with my "best friend," the office bitch.

Yeah, right. In the meantime, I will "improve" my people skills and continue working, until I can find another job, or until my Plan B takes off.

Yep, I survived cancer, I can survive the office bitch. She's just a walk in the park.

Tradition

It used to be that I look forward to the long break during holy week each year for some out of town trips, be it domestic or international.

Then, for the past ten years or so, I used to spend my holy week in Cavite with Gigi. I would drive to Cavite City on Maundy Thursday, spend the night having a couple of drinks with Francis, Gigi's cousin; and then on Good Friday, Gigi and I would drive to Tagaytay, hang out at Josephine's, and then drive back to Cavite. I would be on my way back to Manila on Black Saturday.

This "tradition" stopped when Gigi moved to the US around three or four years ago; but I would still go to Tagaytay on Good Friday, this time with Olive, hanging out at Bag of Beans.

Two years ago, I stayed home due to my treatment. Last year, for the life of me, I can't recall what I did. This year, I went to Tagaytay again, with some friends from badminton. We stuffed ourselves silly at breakfast at Bag of Beans (where else?); then we headed for Caleruega, a retreat house where our friend, who is a priest, conducts the retreat programs.

Caleruega has become a destination place in Batangas, and I am not surprised. The place is simply beautiful. You can spend the night there and have your share of peace and quite while breathing on clean mountain air. If you want to commune with nature without having to go far, or if you want some spiritual nourishment, this is the place to go.

Today's trip was fun and easy-going. It was not too taxing, just enough to get you primed for a good night's sleep.

Happy easter folks!

My MRI Experience

So I went in for my bilateral breast MRI on Friday, March 16, 2007. I got to the hospital around 5:40 (I was told to be there by 5:45 for my 6pm appointment). As per instructions, I brought a copy of my medical history with me, plus two sets of previous mammogram films. I filled up the forms handed me, and then sat down to wait for my name to be called.

Like a boxer being prepped for a big fight, I was weighed in. They calculated the contrast dye that will be used (based on my weight); and then I was to wait again. It is always the waiting time that makes one antsy, makes one anxious, makes one panic.

So, I distracted myself by reading the papers. After half an hour, I was starting to be bored. It was when I realised how calm I was. There is no queasiness in my stomach, no dizziness, no shortness of breath. And then I thought about the payment, and suddenly I got all three. Heeheehee.

I was finally called at 7:00 ( I was scheduled for 6:00). I got into the hospital gown and paused for a little bit, waiting for the panic attack to set in. I waited, and waited, and waited. No panic attack. I think I might just be a tad disappointed there.

Then, the nurse came in to give me an IV line. When she found out that I was post treatment (chemotherapy), she took one look at my veins and told me to wait while she fetch her colleague, someone more experienced than she in lining for IV. I said okay, grateful that my arm won't be feeling like a lace after.

The "expert" nurse came in and started to look for a vein in my arm. The tourniquet worked quite fine and the nurse was slapping my arm like crazy, trying to coax a vein to show itself. Finally, one reluctant vein appeared (my arm was getting sore at this point). The nurse made a go and voila! no blood backflow. Thus started the embroidery-like action of looking for the elusive vein. After some time, the nurse finally took out the needle and decided that that spot is not going to be it.

Next, we moved the tourniquet to my forearm near the wrist and the slapping of my hand started. A few minutes passed and finally a vein. In went the needle and voila! still no backflow! Shit! In and out, in and out, in and out went the needle, my hand was starting to numb at this point. I was so ready for them to line my IV on my operated side when aha! finally! the needle found its target! I feel so proud that my right arm is feeling like a Spanish lace newly tatted! Ouch, ouch, ouch.

So, I went into the MRI room, still feeling very calm. I was instructed then to lie on my stomach and was told not to move during the test. I asked how long this was going to last and was told that it would take 30 to 45 minutes. That long?

Before I climbed onto the table, I noticed that maximum weight that can be on top of the machine is 300 pounds. Well, that's a bit reassuring, at least the machine won't bog down with my weight (maybe that's another reason why they weigh me in?) Then I noticed that there were two cup-like depressions where I am supposed to lie on. Oh. I have to put my "girls" into those? Cool! At least they won't get squashed!

After a barrage of instructions, they finally hooked up the dye and let it flow. Wow, oooh, oooh, that was cold! I can feel it creeping up my arm. After they made sure that I was okay, the nurses/technicians finally began to slide me into the machine. And so it began.

Even with the earplugs (which really hurt when the nurses inserted them into my ears) the sounds inside the tunnel during the procedure was quite loud; and comes in different levels. It went bong, bong, bong, and then ding, ding, ding, and then a whole lot of other sounds. To entertain myself and to keep me calm, I closed my eyes when the table was pushed into the tunnel; when the different sounds came on, I pictured myself in a video game, going levels higher and higher and higher. I was the Mario sister. Toink, toink, toink, toink, toink.

Next thing I knew, there was this muffled sound informing me that "hmmmmpppupu pupupenmmpo...will be done soon." Okay, at least I got that last part. So, I closed my eyes again and it was then I realized that I must have dozed off. Heeheehee.

I was finally done, and when I checked the clock, I was shocked to see that it was already past 8 pm! Wow. How time flies! Did I have fun? Weird.

I finally got the results last Friday, March 23. Olive went with me to the hospital for moral support. I was a bit nervous on my way to the hospital, but when I got there, an odd calm overcame my jitters. I gave my receipt and sat down with Olive in the waiting area and waited for my name to be called.

I got my films and results a couple of minutes later. I signed for it, acknowledging that I have received the films and the results. I sat down, took a deep breath and began to read. Yada yada yada yada yada yada. Conclusion: No malignancy or recurrence seen.

Okay, that's good. Let's go home, Olive. And I skipped and hopped (in my mind) with a grin that nearly split my face all the way to the car. Spanish lace was worth it, after all.

P.S. When Olive found out the cost to have breast MRI mammogram, she said she would rather get her girls squashed! I agree.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger? Chop it off before it does any damage!

To keep myself entertained and being bored, I am doing some transcription for I Can Serve. These transcriptions were given to me last October. It’s been five months and I still haven’t finished them. Somehow, things always get in the way – work, social life, play time, movie time, me time, all the time, etc. Yeah, right.

I promised to get this out of the way by the end of this month (that was what I also promised myself last January, and then again in February, *ROTL*), or at the latest, by Holy Week. So, here I am, trying to speed things up, when my trigger finger got in the way.

Darn! (plus all other invectives in English, Pilipino, Chinese, and all!) and another darn! (again, plus all other invectives in English, Pilipino, Chinese, and all!)

With the electricity fluctuation happening everyday, it became my habit (got it from transcription) to save the opened document every now and then. Well, let’s just say I (stupidly) overwrote a finished document with a fresh one. Ouch! Darn! (plus all other invectives in English, Pilipino, Chinese, and all!)

With all the swearing (in thought balloons) I’m directing at me, there are still two things to appreciate on the upside. One, it woke me up (I was nearly at the point of nodding off to sleep), and two, the transcribed file I overwrote is the shortest one in the lot.

Okay, enough of the foul language to me and let me go back to my transcription; but before I do that, one last hurrah: Darn! (plus all other invectives in English, Pilipino, Chinese, and all!)

Claustrophobia

I'm feeling quite lost and have been pretty lethargic for a few weeks now. I don't know what to do, what to focus on. Am I having a *GASP!* mid-life crisis?! Even my colleague noticed this. He said that it seems I am just going through the motions and seemed listless, as if I lost the passion for life. Of course I denied this, saying that I'm just feeling a bit tired lately.

I find it hard to get out of bed in the mornings, and yet I cannot sleep early at night. I find myself craving for sweets - a sure sign that something's bothering me. I find myself sitting in my work station in the office, staring into my computer and yet I do not know what work to do. My brain's lethargic. I don't even want to decide on things as simple as picking a place for dinner.

The usual pick-me-ups doesn't seem to do the trick. I'm restless; very, very restless. Then it hit me today - this started to build up when my oncologist told me to get a bilateral breast MRI. I maybe just a teensy weensy bit antsy about my scheduled MRI. Yeah, I think I'm just worried, as I tend to be claustrophobic. These are sure signs when I am worried about something - I can't sleep, I feel tired, I get cranky, and I eat (a lot!).

I'll update you on my MRI experience next. It is scheduled for tonight at 6. This should be quite an experience.

"Presidential Stalker"

Have you ever been "stalked" in your life? Perceived or otherwise? For those who have experienced this, it is NOT funny at all.

I have been noticing that in the last 8 years or so, I have been constantly crossing paths with a certain personality. Lately, it has been escalating. Sometimes, our paths would cross up to three times in a week! Really, it is getting to be a drag.

When Manila Midtown Hotel was still standing, we have crossed paths a couple of times. I was even thinking how vulnerable this personality was and how lax the security people were around her. Then, as the years passed, our paths would begin to cross more and more. I really have no interest in her, and yet, I constantly find myself within a few feet away. Am I being stalked here? For even on the roads of Metro Manila, she would somehow manage to be on the exact same road where I am at the moment. I would find my car being stopped.

Perhaps one of these days, I should confront her and ask her what she really wants from me. Why is she following me around? Does it make her so happy to see me that she would go to the lengths of blocking my car on the road?

Seriously! (as they would say in Grey's Anatomy)

Just the past three months alone, our paths have crossed 5, maybe even more, times; and stopping my car all these times. Last Saturday, on my way to meet a friend in Mall of Asia, I was yet again stopped in the streets - all because she has to go.

Madam President (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), please go "stalk" someone else. I have been inconvenienced time and time again.

Power Struggle?

I have been at my new job for almost 4 months now. Things have been hectic. The project I’m involved in is top priority…or so the management says. Humor me, indulge me, while I gripe. I have promised myself that I will not post negative things in my blog, but I have to let this out, otherwise, I might explode.

For the past 2 weeks, I’m really pissed. I have been griping to my sister, to my friends, and even to my sister’s boyfriend. (Wow!) Not exempted are some colleagues. The scenario has started playing around 5 months ago, maybe even earlier. Things have escalated and here we are, 4 months since I joined, and still nowhere to go, same place as where everything was 5 months ago.

This is the first time since I started working that I cannot get a firm footing on my work. This is one company that I cannot understand if it wants to take off or not. I am starting to look bad and lazy, not being able to accomplish anything. I have voiced this out to the COO of the food group in our meeting last Friday; I said that I am getting tired of all this hullabahoo. If only we can have the cooperation of all departments involved, without the constant bickerings and these departments trying to look good by making others look bad, things could have been accomplished way before the set deadlines. People acknowledge the urgency of the project and yet they do not have the SENSE of urgency. Come to think of it, I wonderif they have any sense at all.

As it is, because of the “power struggle” of certain links in the chain, I unwillingly became their pawn in their game. I have to don a lot of hats just to keep things afloat. I became their messenger, their ambassador of goodwill, their purchaser, their accountant, and a lot more. I am the “catch basin” of the odd jobs that needs to be done, so anything not accomplished reflects on me. I am getting tired of all these. I am beginning to question the wisdom of my choice in joining this company.

A lot of issues have to be resolved, not at management level, but at the executive level. Issues that were left alone, and continued to be unaddressed because feelings are being “spared.” Now, two of us in the team are suffering because of the apathy of some executives; and we are caught in the midst of all of it.

I am trying to be level-headed in all these going-ons, but I am really, really, really, really pissed and tired! I dread coming to work, not because I do not like my work (I do!), but because I know that another day will pass and I will still not accomplish anything significant. I have been reporting to work with a heavy heart, and I don’t like this at all. I am beginning to wonder how much bull I can take, and until when.

I promised I’ll give this thing a year, and so I shall. Let’s see if things will look better by April.

I Do

Actually, I don't. It's my sister, Olive, who's doing the "I Do." My baby sister is getting married! Well, not a baby anymore, actually.

I could not be any happier for her. With Jerome, I know they will have a beautiful life together.

Right now, Olive's kind of apprehensive of talking me to death about her wedding preparations; but I assured her that I am more than happy to listen. If it gets to the point of becoming all yada-yada, then I'll just shut out her voice and go to sleep. Hehehe - that, I have a special talent for.

I have yet to lift a finger in helping out with the wedding preparations; for I'd rather Olive do it herself. Plus what bride-to-be needs the added stress of unsolicited advice, the suggestions not asked for, all coming from the kind souls (I call them very opinionated people) surrounding the couple, etc.? Although Olive knows that all she has to do is just ask for my help and I will gladly help.

I'm sure the circus is going to go into full gear as the wedding day approaches. It will be hell and it will be fun.

Congratulations to Olive and Jerome!

For her wedding preparation chronicles, log on to http://ulebbride.blogspot.com

...and January 5 Makes Two

I turned two last January 5. It's been two years since I had my operation. What better way to celebrate than to get a "passing" mark on the last of my check-up series.

In December, my labs came back fine. Even my liver function is slowly returning to normal. Last January 3, I got my mammies grammed in Cagayan de Oro. The following day, I went to see my onco-surgeon and he was quite happy with my mammogram results. Best part of the check-up yet was I found the long lost films of my original mammogram! I was looking for them for a year and it turned out that my doctor had them in his car all this time. Funny.

Dad went with me to the hospital for the mammogram. Since it took quite some time before I came back out from the room (the technician had to make sure she got good shots), Papa was quite worried. He did not say so, but you can sense it. When I went back for the results that afternoon, Papa was quite elated and heaved a huge sigh of relief when I told him that the results came back fine.

How time flies!