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.