Indulgence After Duty

After being exhausted from the morning shift, a good friend invited me to have a taste of fro-yo. I value goodwill tremendously so I gladly grabbed his invitation. It's a blessing!
I didn't know about Sour Sally until we came across a colorful kiosk at Wrisma Atria.
This yogurt chain can really attract your attention because of its fanciful display named Sally, whose persona  can really woo yogurt fans. The chewy toppings blend with the frosty yogurt with great panache.

A Sour yet Sweet Sally!

Thanks Joe!

Sour Sally

There is a girl named Sally
all bright-eyed and merry.
Even when the dark and dreary.....
Sally's always up and cheery.

You're so sweet!

The color reminds me of St. Patricks day.

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To my dear friends Rodella and Cris,  may your blessings multiply and exceed the number of Shamrocks that grow. God bless!
Kiss little JT for me.
Happy St. Patrick's day!

Photo credit: Cris

Bestfriend ko si Shawie!

Another Nightingale

In journey of life, two things are sure: Birth and Death. Two more things are almost sure: A nurse to receive us at birth and a nurse to assist us at death.                       -Favourite Prayers-

5:00 AM - Starts my morning shift. Coffee for brekky despite the gastritis.

7:00 AM - After one hour travel, endorsement begins.

8:00 AM to 3:00 PM - The tales of a morning staff nurse! Same goes for the afternoon and night shifts.

You know what else would follow if I were to tell you more.

Some branded us a professional maid. Worst, others treat us poorly like the latter.

I really don't mind at all!

At the end of the day, I see a smiling face on a sufferer's bed.
I am covered with patience. My jewels are my touch and love, which know no fear.
My words can reduce fear of images of pain and suffering brought about by the stigma of incurable diseases.
I am haloed with a strong faith when in face to face with death.

Sometimes temper flares me when things become frustrating. It's actually normal!
Sometimes laziness can be so unbearable but I always try to choose to serve with diligence.
Sometimes I'm being haunted with fear but I know the guarantee of God's protection is not just a fairy tale.

I'm hoping to grow more in goodness and grace and leave off all fault-finding and self seeking.

God bless the nurse

It's such a hectic day, With little time to stop and pray.

For life's been anything but busy, Since a nurse You called me to be.

Running around doing tasks, Helping patients from morn to dusk.

Cleaning, feeding and comforting, All these things that patients need.

As I go to bed each night, Lord filled my heart with Your light.

That I may be true to my vocation, And that You'll always be my guide.
-Favourite Prayers-

My Ward 9 Family

Let me share with you my favorite prayer!

NURSES' PASSION OF CHRIST

Let me direct your attention to a horrible scene

That has all the aspects of a feverish dream

One Friday, on Calvary like a hospital ward

Three men were dying, among them Our Lord

It was the worse case of neglect that was ever recorded

These patients, whose pains Pontius Pilate had ordered

On three hard beds in a shape of a cross

Without pillows of blanket, no nurse would endorse

Now the one in the centre our own attention should claim

Jesus of Nazareth the chart gives His name

Some cardiac condition examiners find -

Excessive love for all mankind

Now you who are nurses, just listen to this:

Unsterilized nails pierced His feet and wrists

And what about this for a cruel medication

Vinegar and gall for His alleviation

And His back was swollen from the blows men dealt

But no soothing ointment to lessen a welt

No cold compress were applied to His eyes....

The world's greatest Lover just hangs there and dies

Not a grain of morphine or a tourniquet set

As Mary's Boy is bleeding to death

The chart then concludes as further we see

The sad Man from Nazareth dies about three.

Now don't blame the Jews for this frightful neglect

Our sins did it then, our sins do it yet.

This treatment of Christ demands reparation.

It falls on, nurses of this generation

Whenever you see anyone in pain,

Just make believe it is Cavalry again.

And do for that patient what you wish they had done

For the man in the centre who was Mary's Son

It will thrill His angles; it will please Him too

Just keep at it until your life is through

And when after your death your soul goes on high

He will cap you again in His Home in the sky.

-Favourite Prayers-

Our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the disasters in Japan.
And may the regions situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire always be free from danger.

A Million Little Things

Aside from the love of my family, there are certain things I am truly thankful for.

I've got a huge, grateful heart to those who disposed their kindness and thoughtfulness to me.

Yes, it's always sweet and kind to say 'Thank you'.

In Random:

• Couple's watch - a pre-valentine gift from Archie. Not a very expensive signature watch, nonetheless, I love it!
• Snowman statuette - A wonderful Chrissie present from my daughter and my sister Annelyn.They were like Santa Clause who mysteriously hid their pressie from us. They played a  good connivance
• Our picture done by my sister Richelle. She can be the sweetest! I love her! 
• Aeropostale shirt from my sister in law Kareen. She has been too generous not only to me but most specially to Dayne and Archie.  
• A Crucifix and a Didache book - Extremely beautiful despidida gift from my best-friend Norren.  She's a great blessing to me! 
• A designer bag from Tita Mila.
• Tita Merla and Tita Eva for their kindness and generosity while I was in college.  
• Hollister shirt - Jho sent four shirts for me and Archie all the way from California. She's a goddes! She's a mom of three and that makes me so proud of her.
• In December, I was greatly surprised by a Christmas message via Royal Mail from one of my closest friends in college. I remember confiding my problems to her. She Ria-lly never tolerated my wrongful conduct.
•  Green purse - A Dhel-ightful pressie from a 2007 radiant bride. Another generous friend from Ireland who gave this to me during her 2007 wedding. Now, she'll be a mom of two. I pray for her safe delivery. 
• A DKNY bag from Rey - a generous friend from college I had not seen in years! I tried to keep it away from dust for almost eight years. :) 
• A blouse from Ate Sharon Medina. I love it!
• A comfy blouse from Melissa Dy. I wore it during the last Sunday mass and I find really comfortable. I also look petite on it. 
• A native bracelet from my cousin Manoleth.  
• Charles and Keith discount card handed by Jemily. I love it!
• A great deal from Ricky. The notebook I've been using for almost seven years finally bid goodbye so I had to replace it. We're so lucky that Ricky gave us a great deal. God is so good! There are always available angels around. 
• A blue frame from Ate Mercury and Kuya Jerry. I put the picture of the Mother I  love most! 
• A notebook - Just another Parkway's gesture. I find it useful for my blog drafts, grocery list, recipe list and budget list of expenses. 
• Parker pen from a former nurse manager Mr. Singh.
• A mini cat - She's my little Mila, Joe's lovable Persian cat.
• A cute coin purse from a sweet husband. I love this white purse with Little Twin Star design in front. Kiki and Lala are so adorable.
• HK shirts from Ate Me-ann, Kuya Efren and Ate Carina. They are so kind.
• A hand over top from Cherrylyn Co. It doesn't fit me anymore but I still keep it with me. I can pass it over to Dayne. 
• Books from previous patients. I treasure them!
• A mirror from a Chinese colleague Ms. Looi. She tendered her resignation recently. I'll surely miss her transparency. 

 Forgive me if in case I missed anyone!

I'm so blessed!

As the cliche goes, the best things in life are free. But in this place full of desires for mundanely possession and power, there are great things that we ought to be truly thankful for:

 Smiles, compassion, bed time stories, Sunday breakfasts, honesty, friends, hugs, support, kindness, a walk on a beach, growing, belief, glimpsing a sunrise, holding a new born baby, comfort, shooting stars, listening to the wisdom of our elders, seeing a butterfly, calling a sibling, breathing deeply, looking into the eyes of our beloved, singing happy birthday, gratitude, passion, coloring with a child, the flickering of fireflies, listening to awaken us to dawn, hope, standing up for something good, caring, sunsets, sharing a poem, good memories, learning something, forgiveness, lovely dreams, laughter, tenderness, love songs, decency, a pat on the back, sharing a special treat, sleeping in a soft bed, family, acceptance, accomplishment, sitting by a fire in winter, finding a seashell, dedication to a cause, moonlight, compassion, finding animals in the clouds, listening to the questions of a child, clear water, forgiveness, family dinners, bubble baths, children's recitals, flowers, love making, fancy chocolates, silence, snow angels, starfish, dancing, devotion, making a difference, God. - Credit to Goodness Graciousness by Jennifer Jones.

Have a wonderful Ash Wednesday morning!

 Let's try to avoid complaining about trivial things. Remember those that we oftentimes take for granted. Be happy! Be thankful and be contented even with the littlest things!

A True Bliss

Archie and I disregarded seeing a movie in lieu of having freshly brewed coffee, fresh from the oven pies, baguette bread, glorious lunch and a good talk. Yes, having a conversation with him is the most attractive option to me when I am free from hospice induced stress. Obviously, it doesn't give me that 'now and again' feeling. It's seemingly prime and pleasing as always. Being with him is such a pure bliss!

Every time we go to work, we always pass by a small inexpensive country cafe along the side of a mall near the MRT station. The religious songs they usually play, if not, the golden oldies from the 60's are truly entertaining and inviting. The few photographs of their passé pastries and savories are also quite impressive.

Here are some of their savories. They also offer a wide variety of cakes, mixed drinks and gourmet coffee.

 Sit back, relax, and enjoy your cuppa in our little cozy cafe, situated at the corner of White Sands Shopping Centre. With the interior rendered in natural wood, the soothing shades of brown brings about a calming effect on the tired mind. Drift away into a world of your own and instead, let your senses be seduced by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the scent of freshly baked pies.

Choose from a wide array of delectable country-styled pies and savouries. But one should definitely not miss out on the chicken pie, our house specialty. Bite into one and you will know why it sells out really fast. So come on down and give yourself a little treat!

Chicken Pie - Cottage Pie's signature pie. Petite-sized pies with a heavenly taste. Good things definitely comes in small package!

Chicken Sausage Roll - Equally tempting chicken sausage roll made with mince chicken meat. A tasty treat anytime!

Beef Stew Pie - Chunks of succulent and tender stewed beef encrusted within flaky layers of golden pastry.

Pepper Steak Pie - A pie filled with hearty pieces of aromatic pepper steak and fresh garden vegetables.

Chicken Ham & Egg Pie - Rise and shine with our chicken ham and eggs pie. Excellent to start the day with.

Chicken Mushroom Pie - Chunky chicken, mushroom and mixed vegetables cook in a creamy sauce. 

We ask, and we know we shall receive!

I so love these statuettes.

Share the L-O-V-E!

As usual, I brought my personal photographer!

I so love the wooden interior!

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.
St. Augustine said that there are three levels of meaning to the bread we ask for: (1) all those things that meet the wants of this life; (2) the Sacrament of the Body of Christ, which we may daily receive; and (3) our spiritual Food, the Bread of Life, who is Jesus.

Oh, How I love thee!

"A picture says a thousand words."

 And then lunch at Ikea Tampines.

Bring home a taste of Sweden! - Ikea Food

What a sweet pressie for a mom like me!

Easy as a pie!

I'm truly blessed!

Happy International Woman's Day to all ladies, moms and grannies. Loads of hugs and kisses!

Stay pretty and healthy! 

God bless!

Joe's Lovable Mila

The life of a stray cat is uncertain - some may struggle to find food to survive, the vulnerable may be abused, and many become accident victims. Others are fortunate enough to be adopted by caring people, but the fact remains that there are not enough homes for most of them. - D. Moss

I just found myself purchasing a book about cats. It might be a unique present for Joe. I want him to be happy in my own little yet sincere way!

Amazing photograph by Bian Huibin

Their survival instinct is something that is truly admirable.

You sexy little thing!

Yearning for L-O-V-E......Oh,  poor little creature!

 A colleague asked me to visit him and take pictures of his Persian cat named Mila. 

At first, I was quite hesitant because I really don't like cats. I mean, I basically grew up having dogs and cats at home but I've learned not to become fond of them, perhaps because I was bitten by them several times when I was young and I had to experience the agony of anti-rabies vaccine. I've also tried the local traditional remedy known as 'tawak'.

Contrary to me who don't like pets, my sister Richelle adores them. She looks like the motherly type to them. She adopts stray animals (commonly dogs and cats) and providing decent home for them makes her truly happy. She would even sleep with them (always been the subject of our argument!), feed them (with her bare hands!), kiss them (oh, she's not even afraid of rabies!) and bathe them (that's quite tolerable).  
But honestly, I envy the way she would mingle and talk to them.

Muning's humble little shelter with my sister Richelle who seemed to have that strange magnet to animals.

And another thing, I'm a certified novice! I don't think I could even render a good shot.
 ....Until one day I've got the chance to meet Mila, the lovable cat!

Come closer Mila!

My first encounter with Mila was agreeably fine although she became quite apprehensive and coward of me when I took my first shot using a synchronized quick flash. I didn't know that cats are too sensitive to light to the extent that it might cause them having serious vision troubles. Anyway, Mila knows how regretfully sorry I was, (lucky I didn't step her slender tail or else....!).

Nonetheless, she still welcomed a stranger like me with the greatest excitement, evidenced by her continuous flirty wiggling tail as she tried to slide her body against my legs. Oh, she is so domesticated, graceful and submissive!

I'm just starting to appreciate her.

Meet lovable Mila!

According to Joe, he would oftentimes chase her around, giving her marshy thumps.

Mila values vanity. Like ladies, she also has her own early morning beauty regimen.

I wish I could write as mysterious as a cat.  -Edgar Allan Poe-

Oh Mila not that catnap stare, please give me those beautiful expressive looks!

And meet her Daddy Joe!

No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch.  -LoeDworken-

Yes, I'll see you again, lovable Mila!

Saw Syndrome

As a child, I remember looking at the huge framed picture hanging on the wall of our living room. A long hair guy with beard and mustache always seemed to be looking at me from one angle to another, even from afar!
'He's looking at me again as if I committed a mischievous act', I would often whisper to myself.... He really freaked me out!
We always pray with our eyes close. I mean, this is the general practice to reach the divine, right? But I couldn't help it! I'd still open my eyes and look at the picture again just like a paranormal hunter. 'There he is again, looking at me as if I'm not meditating enough'. He really gave me that feeling of paranoia.
That guy to me was known Jesus!
But why do I feel so close to this stranger? I would often ponder.

Every time I'm in a bad situation, I'd run to him.
Every time I'm being reprimanded, I'd talk to him.

As I grew up, that stranger became so endearing. I'm so blessed to know the other side of Him!

Yesterday morning, I took care of a patient with known case of coronary artery disease under a well known cardio-thoracic surgeon who also implements his own strict standards.
The patient's Trop-T was elevated so one of the doctors prescribed subcutaneous Fraxiparine. My colleague helped me to google it because we're not quite familiar on how does fraxiparine work with Trop-T elevations to cardiac patients. Bingo! we found the exact answer we wanted!

My morning shift went smoothly until in the afternoon when this cardio-thoracic doctor came and did his routine rounds. I sneaked into the patient's room and took a quick glance at the patient's case file. Unknowingly, he felt being interrupted and disturbed (despite my excuse) so he suddenly begun raising his voice at me but I just remained calm. He then asked several questions regarding the patient. I was just so lucky to have read the patient's medical history even before he  came. He even complimented me but he kept on questioning me why I disturbed him.
And just as I thought it was all over, I assumed wrongly! He told me to let my nurse manager see him at his office. (together with me perhaps as I heard from a colleague)
And so we did. I tried to keep my composure although I felt a bit nervous. This doctor blew the simple issue out of proportion!...and then, I remembered the guy on the wall! I prayed!
As far as I'm concerned, I didn't jeopardise the patient's equality on reaping the benefits of proper nursing care so why should I even be afraid of him? What I did wasn't even condemnable!

In his office, I was waiting for him to shout at me but he didn't. I told him the actual reason why I was there. He felt that what I did was beyond propriety.
He reminded me not to disturb him when he is doing his rounds as he tries to focus on personalised patient care (as both of us perhaps, he even added mentioning my name written on my name tag) and then he dealt on certain issues not concerning me anymore.
I felt that God groped with me at that very particular place, at that very particular moment!

Behind the heading, my colleauges would probably understand why.
Mr. Bo Sanchez inspired me through his book 'Didache'. Thanks to him.

Always be in awe of His perpetual faithfulness!

Not Just a Stock in Bed

Loads of laundry, a tiring chore, just managed to finish.
Cooking, already done by Archie. We can always have 'Pinangat' (short lingo for 'pangatlong init') for dinner.
Organizing clothes, done.
Sweeping the floor, done.
Overseas phone call to family, done.
Morning habit, done.

The nature of being idle makes me think of writing. Yes, I'm a boundless enthusiast!  And yes, it's true, that even if I'm the only ardent reader of what I write, I will never get tired of doing so!
If unable to, my dermatitis would kill me! And so, I need to spare myself from that! It's better than any other skin ointment! Thus, writing is essential!
And I don't want to be futile, lying on bed all day, contemplating and planning for my future, our future! At least, I've refrained from worrying about what the future holds. I've learned to submit it all up to God! Surely, He will help us respond even to the toughest spots of our lives!..So why spend time being skeptical about the future? Don't let worries assault us in any way! This is what our father would tell us whenever he sees us worrying. Oh, he's our own version of Patrick Madrid!
I always adore his teachings! He makes the scriptures simpler for us to digest easily.
Well, I'm not here to discuss about Biblical passages, I'm not good at that and most probably will never be! I'm just a humble listener, trying my utmost to become a good follower of Christ.

But lemme be a little bit nostalgic....
Let me rekindle the time when we had our first vacation trip as a family to a nice neighboring Asian place.

When my daughter was still studying at St. Mary's Quezon City, she obtained number of special recognitions in English and Science (contrary to what she was doing during her Nursery days at Veterans Hospital Day Care Center whereas she spent the entire day sleeping at one corner and will only get up when I am about to fetch her after my duty).
She's very intelligent and hardworking. She definitely owes herself an exceptional credit for trying so hard to study. Definitely, not 'mana dito, mana doon'!


She merely continued  to excel in school but we always reiterate to her that actions and attitude towards her fellows are more important than attaining scholarly grades (talking about me being almost always bullied at school during my elementary days. But the bullying died down during my fifth grade as I opted to be transferred to a public school. It wasn't at all a good idea to have left a friend behind! Well, children oftentimes don't know what they are doing! Anyway,it's over and I don't even want to linger on it).

Perhaps as a child, she is more focused on competition so she studies really hard. She would always run to her Lolo Danny for Mathematical issues, to Lola Anne when it comes to Home Economics, to her Lola Jony when it comes to Medicine issues, to her Lolo Meo for hugs and kisses (as the latter is bedbound) and to us for internet troubleshooting and so on. She is truly surrounded by LOVE, though my siblings and Archie's siblings always spoil her!
Every grading period that she is in the top five list, she gets her trophy  - A barbie doll trophy! Just imagine how many barbie dolls she has! They became the fondest collection of her.

Last year, we promised her that we'd bring her to Enchanted Kingdom. She barely knew that her Father and I have already planned to bring her at HK Disneyland. She deserved it anyway.
When we told her about our plan, apparently she appeared not impressed at all as though she's thinking perhaps that our pockets will be badly wounded. She can be mature and understanding in some circumstances.
But her mood changed so fast. Traces of excitement and joy suddenly became visible on her face. She even told me to buy her a cheap jacket just in case she'll need it and so I did.

It was indeed a trip of a lifetime!

Special thanks to Archie's relatives for taking time to tour us despite their very hectic schedule.

Bring bottled water as walking will make you really thirsty.

Book tickets online as I find it cheaper than purchasing it at the site.

Always bring extra shirt for your kids as walking can be very perspiring.

Always wear a smile to have a decent memento.

Having a family picture is always a must.

Having a wacky shot may be lovely too!

Always bring umbrella or something to cover your head as sometimes weather can be so unpredictable.

I so love her!

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard -

....And so another story was made! Thank God, I didn't remain just a stock, ornamenting the bed. 

I can't afford that!

Have a great time ahead!